The morning sun climbed steadily, chasing away the last clinging shadows of dawn. Light filtered through drifting clouds, casting the farmland in a soft golden hue. Ashwin wiped a bit of sweat from his brow as he made his way toward the eastern edge of his newly claimed land. The dew-soaked grass glistened underfoot, cool against his worn boots. Behind him, the soft buzzing of Combee's wings accompanied him like a gentle hum of reassurance.
Despite the emptiness of his surroundings, Ashwin didn't feel alone.
[Passive Buff Activated: Calm Presence – Pokémon within short range feel safe and less threatened.]
He hadn't known what to expect when he woke up in this world — this reality that blended the beauty of nature with the wonder of Pokémon. But every minute that passed, he could feel something settle in his chest. Not fear. Not urgency.
Belonging.
The flower-filled field behind him gradually gave way to more rugged terrain. The grass thinned into patches. Small rocks, shrubs, and hardy weeds dotted the ground, and the incline gently sloped upward. As Ashwin climbed, the sound of distant water — a brook or stream — trickled through the air like nature's lullaby.
[Zone Registered: East Hillside — Classification: Rocky Grassland.][Environmental Assessment: Mixed terrain. Ideal for forage-type Pokémon and grazing partners.]
A faint smile touched Ashwin's lips.
The wind changed direction, bringing with it a scent — sharp, herbaceous, and faintly sweet. He slowed his pace and crouched beside a tangle of wild plants nestled between rocks. Short sprigs of a familiar-looking herb caught his eye.
"…Sitrus sprouts?" he muttered, brushing his fingers across the small leaves. They gave off a slightly tangy scent, vibrant with life.
[Item Detected: Sitrus Sprout – Immature stage.][Note: Transplantation viable. Can accelerate growth with companion Pokémon support.]
Ashwin gently covered the roots back up. "No need to disturb you yet. Grow strong."
Just as he stood again, a sharp sound made him freeze.
Thump…
Then again. Thump. Crunch. Snort.
It wasn't threatening, not immediately. But it was close — and it was big.
Ashwin turned his head, eyes scanning the slope.
Then he saw it.
Emerging from behind a jagged outcrop was a Pokémon — no taller than his waist, but solidly built and covered in earthy brown fur with mossy green patches along its back. A pair of small curved horns sat atop its head, and leafy tufts grew around its neck like a living scarf.
The Pokémon stared at Ashwin.
Neither moved.
[Wild Pokémon Detected: Skiddo – Mount Pokémon.][Temperament: Stable.][Affinity: Neutral — No signs of hostility.][Foraging Behavior: Searching for herbs and light foliage.]
Ashwin held his breath. Skiddo were strong, sturdy partners — the kind of Pokémon that could carry a person or plow a field without complaint. Back in his old world, he'd seen them once on a nature show. In this world, it stood before him, real and alive.
Cautiously, Ashwin bent down and plucked a few minty leaves from the sprigs nearby. He held them out, slow and low, keeping his movements non-threatening.
The Skiddo's nostrils flared. It took a step forward.
Then another.
And another.
Its head dipped as it sniffed the offering. Then, with a flick of its tongue, it pulled the greens from his palm and began chewing — audibly content.
[Affinity Increased: +3][Passive Bond Established.][Current Companions: 2/3 for Bonus Quest – Partner of the Fields.]
Ashwin didn't move. A strange joy bloomed in his chest.
"You're a peaceful one," he whispered. "Looking for your patch of earth too, huh?"
The Skiddo gave a soft snort and moved closer, brushing past him gently as it began munching on a thicker patch of clover nearby.
Behind them, Combee hovered in a wide arc before settling gently on a large yellow flower, wings vibrating in quiet rhythm.
[Pokémon Behavior Synchronized — Calm Habitat Detected.][Passive Buff Bonus: Regeneration Speed Increased for Nearby Grass and Bug Pokémon.]
Ashwin took a seat on a flat rock, breathing deep.
This wasn't like catching a Pokémon in the traditional sense. There were no battles, no Poké Balls yet. It was about building trust. Creating an environment where Pokémon felt safe enough to stay on their own.
And somehow, that felt far more powerful.
He scanned the hillside.
Birds chirped from the trees above, and further along the slope he could see small berry bushes, gnarled but healthy. There was even a single tree — short and sturdy, but promising shade and fruit in time.
This land wasn't just good. It was perfect.
"This will be your zone," Ashwin said to the Skiddo. "You can graze, relax… maybe help till some soil once we get to that point."
The Skiddo snorted again and plopped down in the grass with surprising calm.
[Zone Update: East Hillside – Skiddo Habitat Established.][New Bonus: Skiddo will deter minor invasive Pokémon species from disturbing crops in the area.]
"Atta boy," Ashwin smiled. "Guess you're my first farmhand."
As he stood, the breeze shifted again — this time, from the direction of the forest. Far off, smoke curled lazily into the sky. A town — likely Willowbrook — sat nestled just past the hills.
[New Quest Available: Build First Impression – Town of Willowbrook.][Optional Objective: Deliver Fresh Produce or Pokémon-Aided Herbal Tonic.][Reward: Access to Town Bulletin Board + Reputation System Unlock.]
Ashwin turned toward his companions. The Combee landed softly on his shoulder. The Skiddo followed behind as he made his way down the hill.
Step by step, his world was taking shape.
Not with loud declarations. But with roots. Soil. Bonds.