Kalos – Forest near Lumiose City
Elias moved through the forest at an unhurried pace, boots pressing lightly into the leaf-strewn trail. Morning light broke through the high canopy in scattered beams, turning patches of moss into gold. The air was cool and fresh, carrying the faint sweetness of wildflowers and the occasional cry of hidden Pokémon deeper in the woods.
His black jacket hung loose over his lean frame, hood resting against the back of his neck. Dark brown hair caught the sunlight here and there, his green eyes scanning ahead—sharp, alert, calculating. At his belt, the dragon-patterned Poké Ball rested like a quiet promise, a reminder of the decision that had brought him across the sea to Kalos.
This is my world now, he thought. And I'll shape it—one deliberate step at a time.
Inside that Poké Ball, his partner waited. Deino. Small, blind, untested—but full of potential. Elias could already see its future: the awkward, head-butting hatchling one day becoming a Hydreigon with the power to tear through champions. Dragon Rage, Dark Pulse, Hyper Beam—devastation in every move. For now, Tackle, Dragon Breath, Bite, and Focus Energy would have to do.
He found a clearing not far from the path, wide enough for training. With a press of the button, a flash of red light spilled into the air, and Deino appeared, sniffing at the scents carried on the wind. It gave a low growl, swiveling its head toward the faintest sound. Elias felt the thread of connection between them tighten.
"Let's get to work," he said quietly, pointing toward a sun-warmed boulder. "Dragon Breath—straight and clean."
Deino roared and released a shimmering wave of blue-white energy. The blast struck the rock with a crackling hiss, leaving a charred mark across its surface. Elias gave a small nod. "Good. Now—Bite, the crack on the left."
The little dragon lunged, jaws snapping down. The stone splintered under the force. Elias kept his voice calm but precise, guiding through repetitions—Dragon Breath for power, Bite for control, Tackle for mobility, Focus Energy to sharpen Deino's senses. He used the forest itself as a training ground, weaving commands between tree trunks, uneven roots, and patches of shadow.
The hours passed unnoticed. By the time the sun climbed high, sweat dampened Elias's collar and Deino's sides rose and fell with heavy breaths. Satisfied for now, Elias crouched to build a small fire. From his bag's deep storage, he pulled a pot, a handful of fresh Oran Berries, and some dried herbs. He mashed the berries into a paste, mixing in the herbs before setting the pot over the flames. The scent of sweet fruit and sharp greenery soon filled the air.
He knew this wouldn't be enough in the long run—Deino needed protein, better nutrients, meat, supplements. Things that cost money. That meant battles.
When the meal was ready, Elias called Deino closer. The dragon sniffed, nudging the bowl before eating in determined mouthfuls. Elias sat nearby, eyes on the flames. "Eat up. You'll need it for what's coming," he murmured, almost to himself.
When the food was gone, he doused the fire, packed his gear, and followed the trail until the forest broke open onto Route 4. Ahead, a modest Pokémon Center sat under the afternoon sun, its red roof glowing like a beacon.
Inside, the air was cool and faintly antiseptic. Nurse Joy worked behind the counter, her Audino assisting a trainer with a scratched-up Bunnelby. A few others lounged on the benches, speaking in low tones. Elias stepped up and slid Deino's Poké Ball across the counter.
"Just a check-up," he said.
Nurse Joy scanned the Ball and smiled. "Your Deino's in excellent condition. You've been taking good care of it."
Elias only gave a faint nod. "Thanks." He turned to go—only to have a voice call out.
"Hey! You with the Deino!"
He stopped. A boy, maybe fourteen, stood there with a messy mop of blond hair and an energy that practically buzzed off him. "That's a rare Pokémon! Battle me!"
Elias raised an eyebrow. "What's the wager?"
The kid puffed up. "Fifty credits! I just got my Fennekin from Professor Sycamore. I'll win easy."
Elias almost smiled—almost. "Outside, then."
They stepped into the small battle court behind the Center. A few onlookers trailed after, curious.
The boy tossed his Ball, and a bright-eyed Fennekin landed lightly on its paws, tail flicking. Elias released Deino, whose low growl rolled across the dirt.
"Fennekin, Ember!" the boy shouted.
"Focus Energy," Elias countered calmly. Deino braced, its breathing steady.
The flame came fast. "Dodge—Dragon Breath," Elias called. Deino sidestepped on instinct and unleashed a shimmering blast that hit Fennekin square, knocking it back a pace.
The boy's grin faltered. "Scratch!"
"Bite."
Deino's jaws clamped down hard, earning a yelp. "Dragon Breath—finish it."
The second blast sent the Fennekin sprawling, unable to continue. The match was over in less than a minute.
The boy recalled his Pokémon, cheeks flushed. "You're… really good," he admitted, handing over the credits.
Elias pocketed the money with a nod. "Good effort." And that was all.
Back inside, he claimed a quiet corner. Fifty credits wasn't much, but it was a start toward the supplies he wanted. Bigger opportunities would come—maybe even a meeting with Sycamore,
Through the windows, Lumiose's skyline shimmered in the distance. Not yet, he told himself. Deino needed more strength, and his plan needed sharper edges.
Elias leaned back, eyes half-closed, listening to the low murmur of trainers trading stories. Kalos was full of challenges and ambition. And he intended to carve a place for himself in it—one calculated step at a time.