The Pokémon journey begins in Galar

Every Pokémon has its own story. Those who seek out a Trainer on their own and ask to travel together often carry a particularly special one. But since neither Marie nor Yuri asked, Cottonee didn't say anything. Some bonds simply take time.

Just like how Silky never mentioned her favorite Pokémon was Yi-chan.

Relationships whether between people or between people and Pokémon are built gradually, one moment at a time.

With Cottonee now part of their little group, the girls hit the road once more alongside their Pokémon.

The route set by the League for Gym Challengers was often full of Trainers hoping to hone their skills. Some were adults, some kids. Some just loved battling, others dreamed of one day standing on the main stage themselves.

And yet, after walking nearly half a day, not a single Trainer had approached them for a battle. Probably because Marie's Barù was just too intimidating to deal with.

Cottonee seemed quite at home here, happily hopping about and humming a strange little tune, clearly in a good mood.

Originally, they'd hoped to catch a Vulpix or Growlithe here, but instead, they ended up with a Grass-type.

They hadn't yet decided who Cottonee would travel with officially. Since the two girls were journeying together for now, the little one could take her time before choosing. After a few days on the road, she'd probably make up her mind.

Marie glanced sideways at Yuri, who was skipping along beside Cottonee like they were already best friends. Their personalities really did seem to click.

Cottonee's talents weren't bad either. Upon checking, Marie found out she had both Poison Powder and Sleep Powder moves that could only be inherited from her parents, not learned naturally. That meant this one had some serious potential.

Once evolved, she'd make a great counter to special attackers. Just... hopefully they wouldn't run into someone with the Contrary or Competitive Ability.

Thinking of Cottonee, Marie was reminded of a similar Pokémon: Hoppip. Though she hadn't seen any around here, she remembered reading that they could sometimes be found in the Wild Area.

She looked up at a passing Rookidee flying overhead. Marie had been hoping to find one of those for herself. Its evolution, Corviknight, had a dual Steel/Flying typing, was fast, had great resistances, and most importantly was smart and gentle.

With a Corviknight, she wouldn't have to rely on Galar Taxi anymore. Barù, with his tiny arms and big head, wasn't exactly built for carrying people. He could fly fast, sure, but at best, he could maybe carry one person in his arms.

And honestly, being princess-carried by her own Pokémon in front of everyone? Marie wasn't sure her pride could take that.

"Ahh... Marie-chan, how about we take a break here? I'm starving."

"Sure, let's rest for a bit."

Marie looked around and led them to a nearby tree, where they sat in the shade.

"Ahhh... My feet are killing me. How far is it to the mine again? We've been walking since yesterday..."

"No need to rush. There's no point in forcing yourself. Besides, even if you reached Turffield now, you wouldn't beat the Gym Leader. What you really need to do is train along the way."

To be honest, Yuri's current team wasn't in great shape. Her Sobble was pure Water-type and weak against Grass. Her Skwovet didn't have much firepower. And Cottonee's powder moves wouldn't land properly yet, not to mention she lacked solid offensive skills.

Sure, Gym Leaders were supposed to go a little easy on new challengers, but that only went so far. If Yuri rushed in now, she'd definitely get taught a harsh lesson.

"You're right! Time for some serious training!"

Yuri suddenly lit up with determination. She gathered her three small Pokémon and started scouting for a good training spot. Marie quickly called after her.

"Don't go too far! We'll be spending the night here. We should be able to reach the mine by tomorrow noon."

"Got it! Thanks, Marie-chan! I'm off to train~"

Watching Yuri jog a short distance away to start her training plans, Marie turned to her own Pokémon and said,

"Barù, while you're practicing Agility with Dragon Dance, keep an eye on Yuri and the others too, will you?"

"Roh? (You want me to use Dragon Dance near them? You sure about that?)"

"Ah... Good point. Never mind, you just focus on your own training. I'll keep watch later."

"Rohoho~ (Haha, will do!)"

As Barù flew off a little farther away, Marie turned to Yi-chan.

"Yi-chan, your Toxic has really improved. Once we get the chance, I'll take you to Sonia's lab to analyze the composition. For now, just keep working on precision. You should be able to sneak it onto your opponent without them even noticing."

"Yiii~ (Okay... but to be honest, I still don't really like that move. I'm scared I'll accidentally poison you again.)"

Yi-chan's voice was low and reluctant. She had a bit of a complex about poison-based moves.

Marie crouched down and stroked Yi-chan's head gently.

"That was ages ago. You've got way more control now."

"Yii... (Only because you made me learn Toxic. I didn't have a choice...)"

For once, Yi-chan sounded a little sulky. Even Silky, standing nearby, was stunned. It was the first time she'd seen Yi-chan act so... cute.

Yi-chan had evolved rather casually. Back when she was still an Eevee, she hadn't shown any particular preference among the eight possible evolutions. But since Marie's team mostly used Dark-types, that influence nudged her toward becoming an Umbreon.

But Umbreon's body was... toxic.

During her evolution, Yi-chan got too emotional. She failed to control her newly transformed body, and Marie got mildly poisoned as a result.

The poison hadn't been strong and didn't harm Marie too much, but Yi-chan was never able to forgive herself. She'd hurt the person she loved most and that guilt stuck with her.

Marie hadn't quite been able to let go of it either. Yi-chan's talents should've been something to take pride in, not something to loathe. Avoidance might've seemed easier, but the only real path forward was to face it.

Umbreon's poisonous nature wasn't going away. And if Yi-chan couldn't accept that part of herself, then Marie would have to help her come to terms with it.

Not just as a Trainer, or a family member, but also as the one who had been hurt.

Marie had tried a few things. Eventually, she decided to confront the issue directly.

Umbreon could learn Toxic. So after getting Yi-chan's consent, she taught it to her. A move designed to chip away at opponents in battle.

Yi-chan understood her own feelings and Marie's. Marie had never once hidden her intentions. She wanted Yi-chan to confront her own heart. To stop rejecting herself. To heal.

There had been some bumps in the road, but in the end, Yi-chan forgave herself. It had taken time. Children often fixate on things, after all. At one point, Marie even wondered if she should study Pokémon psychology, despite how niche the field was.

In the end, Yi-chan did move on from her past mistake. Still, she couldn't help but grumble about Toxic now and then. Especially when Marie was around.

Partly out of habit, and partly because... it gave her an excuse to be spoiled.

Marie cupped Yi-chan's head gently, her thumbs brushing across her soft cheeks. Yi-chan turned away slightly, just as Marie leaned down and kissed her on the forehead, nuzzling her cheek against Yi-chan's fur.

Then she buried her entire face in the fluff and began to snuggle.

And promptly got pushed away by Yi-chan's paws.

"Yii! (I'm going to train! Get off me!)"

"Wait, what?!"

Silky had been watching the whole scene play out. Her image of the stoic, mysterious Yi-chan shattered and rebuilt itself in an instant. She didn't even notice Marie calling her name.

All she could think about now was how she really wanted to evolve into Gardevoir. Because then... maybe Yi-chan would show her that side too.