Daniel flew high above the forests of Nahir, the wind rushing past him as Corviknight's powerful wings cut through the morning air. The sun had just begun to rise, casting a golden glow over the treetops, and the vast expanse of the forest stretched out beneath him. It had been a little over a week since the first group of villagers had visited the forest, and since then, things had started to change—for the better.
Nahir had begun to grow more accustomed to the presence of Pokémon. At first, the villagers had been wary, unsure of how to interact with these strange creatures. But as the days passed, many began to form bonds with the Pokémon they encountered, slowly understanding the creatures that lived alongside them. A few individuals had even managed to bond deeply enough with Pokémon to become partners.
Every morning, Daniel would send Corviknight to the village to transport villagers to the forest. The majestic bird had become a familiar sight in the skies above Nahir, its dark feathers shimmering as it soared through the air. While many villagers could walk or ride horses to the forest for free, more and more had begun to pay a few extra coins to enjoy the quick and scenic journey by Corviknight. Daniel didn't mind charging them; after all, it took effort and time, and the extra income allowed him to continue building resources that he knew he'd eventually need.
Along with transportation, Daniel had started selling specialty items from his cabin. He offered special food for the Pokémon—food that enhanced their growth and well-being in ways that normal food could not. It was carefully crafted using berries and ingredients from the Pokémon world. He also sold Pokéballs to those who had bonded with a Pokémon, although he limited each sale to one Pokéball per Pokemon.
These Pokéballs were made so that the Pokémon could choose to come in or out, they couldn't be trapped inside like they could in the games of his pervious life. Because of this, you couldn't capture a Pokémon but had to develop a relationship with it so that it willingly joined you.
Now, as he flew toward the town, Daniel's mind drifted back to a conversation he'd had had with Eamon. That discussion had changed everything he thought he knew about this world. To Daniel's surprise, monsters like goblins, orcs, ogres, and even other mythical creatures existed. Eamon had spoken of these beings with caution, explaining that they roamed certain parts of the land and posed a threat to villages like Nahir. In addition to these creatures, there were other races like elves and dwarves, as well as the extremely rare presence of mages. For example, in the entire kingdom, only one mage was known to exist, and they served directly under the King himself. It was a lot to take in.
As Corviknight began its descent toward Nahir, Daniel refocused on the task at hand. He was heading to the town today to purchase more scrolls from a traveling merchant. He had heard that the merchant carried a variety of supplies, and Daniel had grown fond of using the scrolls to document the Pokémon and their abilities. He planned to continue expanding the collection in the library.
Corviknight touched down in the town square, its talons gripping the cobblestone with a soft thud. The villagers, now accustomed to his arrival, waved and greeted him warmly.
"Morning, Daniel!" someone called from the crowd.
"Good morning," Daniel replied, smiling as he dismounted from Corviknight. "Is the merchant still in town?"
"Just arrived yesterday," another villager said. "He's set up shop by the east gate."
Daniel nodded and patted Corviknight, thanking it for the smooth flight. As he began walking toward the east gate, his path was interrupted by a young girl no older than ten. She ran up to him, her face bright with excitement, while a small, blue Pokémon waddled along behind her.
The Pokémon had a smooth, rounded shell on its back, short, stubby limbs, and a small, rounded tail. Its wide, innocent eyes gazed up at Daniel, blinking curiously.
The Pokémon was a Squirtle. It was a Water-type Pokémon, known for its ability to spray water from its mouth with incredible force.
"Hey there," Daniel said, crouching down to meet the girl at eye level. "And who might you be?"
"My name's Elizabeth!" she said proudly. "And this is Squirtle!" She pointed down at the Pokémon, who gave a small, cheerful cry in response.
"Squirtle, huh?" Daniel said, smiling at the Pokémon. "Looks like you two are already getting along."
Elizabeth nodded eagerly. "Yeah, we found each other in the two days ago. We've been best friends ever since! But… there's one problem." Her face fell slightly, and she fidgeted nervously. "I want to teach Squirtle how to fight, but I don't know how. Can you help me?"
Daniel's expression softened. "Do your parents know you're trying to start fights at your age?"
Elizabeth hesitated, then shook her head. "I don't have any parents. They… they died when I was really little. One of the councilmen looks after me, but he doesn't know how to teach Pokémon to fight."
Daniel's heart clenched at her words. "I'm sorry to hear that, Elizabeth." He thought for a moment before continuing. "I can help you, but I'd need to talk to the councilman who looks after you first. I want to make sure he's okay with you learning how to battle."
Elizabeth's face brightened. "Sure! I'll take you to him. His name is Terrowin. He's really nice!"
With Squirtle waddling along behind them, Elizabeth led Daniel through the streets of Nahir to a small house near the center of town. They knocked, and after a few moments, the door opened to reveal an older man with graying hair and kind, weary eyes.
"Ah, Daniel," Terrowin greeted, recognizing him immediately. "What brings you here?"
Daniel explained the situation, telling Terrowin about Elizabeth's desire to train Squirtle and how she had come to him for help.
Terrowin listened patiently, nodding as Daniel spoke. When Daniel finished, the councilman let out a heavy sigh. "Elizabeth has always been a spirited girl," he said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Her parents died when she was just a baby, so I've raised her as best as I could. But I'm not as young as I used to be, and I don't have the energy to keep up with her anymore."
Terrowin paused, then looked at Daniel with a thoughtful expression. "In fact, I've been looking for someone like you Daniel. I'm growing too old to care for Elizabeth the way she needs. She's strong-willed, and she's clearly bonded with that Squirtle. Perhaps it's best she learned from someone who understands Pokémon, now that they're becoming so integrated into our daily lives. What do you think?"
Daniel blinked in surprise, not expecting the sudden proposal. "You're asking me to look after her?"
Terrowin nodded. "I've seen the way the people trust you, and you've done so much for us already. I know it's a big responsibility, and a bit sudden, but Elizabeth needs someone who can help her grow, and it seems Squirtle has chosen her as a partner. I believe she would thrive under your guidance."
Daniel looked down at Elizabeth, who stared up at him with eyes that seemed just as shocked as he was. Her Squirtle stood by her side, mirroring it's her look.
He took a deep breath, realizing the weight of the decision before him. It wasn't just about training a Pokémon; it was about guiding a young girl who had lost so much. But as he looked at her, he felt a sense of responsibility stir within him.
"I'll do it," Daniel said at last, smiling gently at Elizabeth. "I'll help you train Squirtle, and I'll look after you. But you'll have to work hard, okay? Being by my side and training Pokémon isn't easy."
Elizabeth's face lit up with joy, and she threw her arms around Daniel in a tight hug. "Thank you! I promise I'll work really, really hard!"
Daniel chuckled and patted her head. "Alright then, don't you have anything to say to Terrowin here." Suddenly as if it clicked in her head, Elizabeth's head snapped around as she met the elderly man's gaze.
Her eyes started to tear up before she slowly walked up to him . "You can't come with us? I'm sure Mr. Daniel wouldn't mind." Terrowin shook his head with a smile, his hand gently resting on her head. "My bodie isn't what it used to be dear. I can't come with you but you can feel free to visit anytime, got that?"
With a sniffle she buried her head into his chest as his arms wrapped around her. Squirtle, sensing its partners distress, waddled up to Elizabeth. Leaning forward, he wrapped its tiny arms around her leg, attempting to comfort the crying girl.