Chapter 6: All Aboard, to Adventure!

“The Coronet Mountain Line?” Shirou asked as he pulled on his new traveling clothes. “I suppose I never really thought about the train and how it’d work.” He shrugged on his jacket and sat down to pull on his boots. “It’s not a bullet train, then?”

“Nor a subway, as you tend to think about. The Sinnoh Line was founded five hundred years ago by the Warden Ingo,” Yagi said as he did push-ups. “It connects most of Sinnoh together, and the southern spur connects across the Orrean desert to Johto and Kanto.” He stopped the push-ups as Shirou rose. “It’s not as fast as flying, but it’ll get us to Sandgem town without stops.”

Shirou looked in the mirror, taking in his outfit. A blue and white long-sleeved t-shirt under a dark brown all-weather jacket, over a pair of sturdy trousers. Shirou had accessorized his outfit with a pokeball belt, and a red scarf, along with a sturdy backpack and a pair of comfortable, waterproof boots.

Behind him, Shirou saw Illya open the door. Blinking, he spun, hoping absently that the mirror had been playing tricks on him. But…

“Illya. You’re wearing pink.”

“And? I’m allowed to not be wearing purple or white!” Illya snapped back, frowning, “Besides, pink is the color of the fairy type here, and I can pull it off as long it’s not that hot pink trash.” Illya’s outfit was characterized in contrasts; a pink and black pleated skirt and a pink shirt under a puffy black jacket. She’d finsished her look with pink-and-black leggings, and a black backpack adorned with the pink fairy symbol.

“No dye?”

“... I’m not going to even begin to think about dying my hair. Mama would kill me, and much more importantly, my hair is similar to hers, so I don’t want to change it too much,” Illya explained, frowning as she played with the braid that Cynthia and Carolina had insisted she learn. “Doing this is a pain, but it does mean I don’t have to cut it and it’ll stay largely out of the way while we travel.”

Shirou nodded. “It does look nice.”

Illya smiled back at him, before she looked over Shirou’s outfit. “Alright, is there a reason you’re dressed like a stereotypical Shonen hero?”

“Because I picked it out for him~” Ritsuka chirped, glaring at Shirou a little, “The idiot was just going to throw a jacket over his normal long sleeved shirt and then throw a backpack on that. No sense of style at all, your brother.”

“Well, thank you for that. Now he looks like he’s going to gather a gaggle of women, and then fail to court any of them.”

Yagi tilted his head. “I don’t get it.”

“How?” Ritsuka blinked, utter bafflement seeping into the air almost palpably. “You were literally watching that shounen anime with all of us. How did you fail to comprehend that those girls were throwing themselves at the protagonist.”

“They were just friends!”

“Well, I suspect this one’s going to have a childhood friend show up eventually,” Illya muttered. “Shirou–”

“Look, I get what you’re suggesting, but I’m not that attractive,” Shirou deadpanned. “Also, if girls were acting like that around me, I’d stay out of it until and unless they actually confessed.”

Illya hummed slightly. “Okay… makes sense.”

“Good boy!” His currently female Wyrmeon chirped, perching on his head precariously and giving him a pat, “Remember that harems are a lie, and that polyamory is a thing.”

“Hai hai Ritsuka-chan. I know not to believe anime when it comes to relationship advice,” Shirou replied dutifully.

Continuing to snipe and joke back and forth, both kids entered the main room with their Pokemon to find the Professor setting up an old camera. “Ah, you’re all ready! Come in, and get in position.”

With only token grumbling from Illya and a fond exasperated sigh from Shirou, the kids and their pokemon dutifully got into position, Pokemon in front and children in the back, smiling brightly and much more importantly; naturally. A journey was no small thing, and though the Emiya children had not been in this world long, they understood the significance of this tradition they were embarking on.

“Perfect!” Carolina said. “Say ‘Adventure!” As she took a smatter of pictures, she sighed, thinking aloud. “I might need to make this a regular thing. Cynthia can’t sponsor any trainers herself; conflict of interest. But there’s nothing saying I can’t.”

Illya tilted her head. “Don’t some of the other champions sponsor trainers?”

“There’s some politics involved,” Carolina admitted as she packed up her camera, before heading over to the sitting room. “So, do you want me to walk you to the train station, or do you want to take your first steps on your own?”

“If you wouldn’t mind,” Shirou began, looking to his sister and receiving nod to continue, “we’d like to take our first steps alone.” And as soon as he finished the sentence, he and Illya bowed deeply. “Thank you, for all you’ve done for us, and what you’ll continue to do for us.”

Carolina nodded, then stepped forward, pulling the Emiya siblings into a hug. “Don’t you ever forget that my home is open to you two. You’ve been wonderful guests, and I suspect I’ll see both of you in the Lilly of Valley conference.” She let them go, then put one hand on each of their shoulders. “Illya, keep your brother from running off into trouble. Shirou, keep your sister from picking a fight with someone too strong for her. Understood?”

“Got it!” Boy and girl chirped as they waved goodbye. “Shirou and I will give you a call when we settle for the night, okay!” Illya continued, before turning and running out the door towards the station, a wide smile on her face.

Shriou nodded. “I should go catch up.” He murmured, shrugging his backpack on. “Goodbye, professor.” He darted out after his sister, feet pounding on the dirt and the pavement.

Twenty minutes later, the two children arrived at the station, darting into the building and approaching the ticket counter. Illya headed up, lifting her new trainer badge. “Picking up tickets for Emiya?”

The man nodded, tapping at his computer. “Two tickets, Coronet Spine line, Celestica to Sandgem… battling car?” He looked up. “Sure that’s smart for new trainers?”

Illya and Shirou both nodded, “We’ve both got final stage Pokemon and have been training for at least a few months now on our own. Even if we lose, it’ll be valuable experience.” Shirou explained patiently, one of the pokeballs on his belt wiggling in response, “That and Ritsuka- my final stage, would kill me if we didn’t.” He continued with fond exasperation, patting the wiggling Pokeball.

“Matilda- my Sylveon, is the same.” Illya admitted, taking the tickets and giving a tiny bow, “Thank you sir!”

“You’re very welcome miss.” The man nodded, waving them aside, “Good luck!”

A few minutes later, the Emiya siblings watched as the train, painted white with gold accents, pulled into the station, a dozen dars pulled behind it. Conductors in dark navy uniforms stepped off, saluting smartly as passengers climbed off. “Thank you for riding with us! Please come again!” One cried.

Illya tugged on Shirou’s elbow. “The cars with the Pokeball over the doors are the battle cars. Let’s head on over!”

As soon as the car opened to new passengers, Shirou and Illya scrambled aboard. One of the conductors eyed their presented tickets and cards. “Spectating only in cars ten through twelve, please. Car nine is available for your level.”

Shirou and Illya nodded gratefully as they made their way to the mentioned cars, Shirou politely muttering apologies and guiding his sister through the mess that was a mass transit train. Entering car nine, the siblings blinked as they looked it over.

The double-decker car had two half-rows of seats within an expanded room, looking down on a small court lined with more seats. The chairs were scattered with a few children, a couple of older teens, and a few knots of people. In the middle, a man in a ball cap was standing across from a young girl in pigtails. One had a small blue-yellow feline in front of him, while the girl had a pink rotund pokemon.

“Happiny, pound!”

“Shinx, dodge and use thundershock!”

Illya looked at the seats along the ground as the two trainers traded attacks. “Let’s take a low seat. I want to participate, and I don’t think I can from above.”

Shirou nodded, heading over to a small cluster of empty chairs, stowing their bags under the seats and sitting back to watch the battle. As it ended, the bell above sounded as the girl collected her winnings, a few coins, from her opponent. The intercom sounded. “Ladies, gentlemen, and others; please take your seats as the train gets moving. It will be six hours until we arrive at Eternea City. Passengers may move about once we get up to speed. Thank you!”

Shirou and Illya kept to their seats as the car got moving, but as soon as the second bell sounded, Illya stood and walked over to the terminal near the battle court. She hummed as she put her hands on her hips. “So… which of you want the first fight?”

Between the two wiggles, Illya chuckled. “Ah, Fubuki. You want a shot?” She unclipped the ball from her belt, releasing the Snorunt into the room.

Fubuki peered up at her. “If you would, please. I still need to perfect freeze-dry while I’m still a pure ice-type.”

“Got it. Cheer for me, okay little brother?” Illya chirped, before quickly requesting a battle fitting for her level, that of a zero badge trainer with only three month’s experience. Within a few moments, a buzzer on her phone rang and she eagerly made her way to the battlefield.

The trainer across from her was a young man in a green jacket, grinning at her. “Hey there! Let’s have a good battle, okay!” He pulled out his Pokeball. “No stakes?”

“Sounds good to me. We’re just starting out, no need to take every battle with the severity of a league sanctioned one!” Illya cried back, nodding at her second Pokemon, “One on One or Two on Two? Or would you prefer a double battle?”

The man shook his head. “One-on-one, please.” He held up his ball. “Have your Pokemon chosen?”

Illya gestured to Fubuki, “Yeah, I’ll be relying on Fubuki here today.”

“Got it.” He flicked his wrist. “Go, Fluttershy!” A Finneon materialized from the ball, flailing towards the ground before a skein of water formed around her, keeping her off the ground and letting her ‘swim’ in midair.

“Fubuki, I’ll be relying on you.” Illya stated, the aforementioned Snorunt running onto the field with a cry. Within moments, a barrier shimmered into being around the field, almost unnoticeable to the naked eye. Illya’s eyes widened minutely for a moment, before they settled. She’d heard that the League Barriers were a combination of magic and technology, but seeing it was believing. These were wonderfully powerful barriers.

“Fluttershy, use Water Gun!” The little fish chirped, sticking her head out of the bubble to blast a super-soaker’s worth of water at Fubuki with force.The Snorunt, without being ordered by her trainer, dodged the blast partially, receiving a glancing blow as Illya cried,

“Counter with Freeze-Dry!”

Forming the prerequisite shards of glacial ice around her, the ice type hurled them at the water type, a cry of satisfaction leaving her mouth as they struck, snap-freezing her opponent’s bubble and exposing the pokemon to frigid temperatures for a few moments. Illya watched with approval. “Good job!”

“Wait, what!” The boy wailed as the bubble shattered, letting his shivering Pokemon hit the floor. “That’s… oh shit. Flutters, can you–”

“Finn–” The fish flopped weakly before shaking its head from the ground.

A flicker of concern crossed the Einzbern’s face and she marched over to the boy and his fish, rummaging around in her backpack and pulling out a potion, “Sorry, I didn’t realize that she’d gotten it down that much. Here, for Fluttershy.”

“Thanks.” He sighed. “Well, we’re taking this loss, I suppose. Your starter’s pretty strong.” He called over his shoulder ruefully as he returned his Pokemon, turning and heading back to his seat. Frowning, Illya watched him go, before sighing and returning to her seat.

“You did the right thing, nee-san,” Shirou consoled as he gave Yagi headpats, the usually training Riolu currently on his enforced day off, something that Shirou made sure all his Pokemon took, and they ensured he took in turn.

“Maybe, but that wasn’t much of a challenge,” Illya muttered.

“Maybe I could help.” Both siblings looked up to see a young man in a black jacket, blond hair slicked back and a wide smile on his face. “I think these kids might be a little too weak for you. Wanna have a match?”

Illya’s eyes narrowed, looking mildly annoyed at the disrespect her opponent was receiving, “He wasn’t weak. His Pokemon was well trained; she simply did not have the experience that I’ve had with Fubuki and Matilda.” Illya tensed almost imperceptibly as she felt out the boy’s body language. Something was not right about this.

“Maybe,” the boy shrugged. “But that just means they’re not on our level.” He cocked one eyebrow. “What do you say?”

“Hmmm, why not. It’ll be nice to cut loose.” Illya mused faely with a glint in her eyes, nodding at Shirou. “Do you have someone you could do a tag battle with? World Tournament Rules.”

“Actually… I do,” the boy grinned. “He’s a little stronger, though. I’ll go put in for the match.” He turned and walked to the console, keying in the contest. “Ready when you are. Come on bro, we’re doing a Tag Battle!”

A taller boy stood up, walking over to join his brother on one side of the battle court. Shirou stood up, Yagi sliding off his lap to hit the ground. “Shirou… these two feel… slimy.” His gaze narrowed. “I suspect they’re not as they seem.”

“Illya noticed. I did too. We’ll play their game for now, and spring a trap once the time is right.” Shirou stated softly, eyes flinty. He’d learned about predatory trainers and the like, but he hadn’t expected to see them on a battle train of all places. Warden Ingo would be… furious, to put it mildly, based on what Shirou had read about him; and what Sakura had told him.

Stepping onto the defender’s corner, Shirou nodded to his sister as the stadium’s barriers lit up. “How does Four on Four sound? Two per trainer.” He called, hiding his contempt for the pair of… slimy teens.

“Sounds good to me.” The older boy spoke up. “Go, Staravia!” The ball whirled forward releasing the bulky fighting bird to hover in midair.

“Pawniard, get out there!” The red and black soldier pokemon hit the floor with a clang.

“Yagi/Fubuki, go!” The Emiya siblings cried, the Snorunt emerging from her ball with a battlecry, and Yagi stepping onto the field with a grunt of contempt. At an unspoken signal, Shirou continued, “Lead with a quick attack towards Pawniard!” He tapped his palms as he gave the order, Yagi nodding at the sign language.

“Support with Icy Wind!” Illya added, twitching her eyes towards the Staravia.

“Counter the quick attack with–” The younger of the two brothers gaped as Yagi slammed into his Pokemon with a pair of open palms glowing blue. “Wait, what? That’s force palm!” He yelled as his Pokemon was sent tumbling.

As the Staravia banked to attack, it was forced to evade as a blast of ice flew through the air. The wave of frost also hit the Pawniad as it spread. The little soldier shuddered, then came upright, blades shining silver as it dashed forward, pouncing on Fubuki.

“Take it.” Illya stated simply, a protect shimmering into place over her partner to deflect away the steel-type move, “Ice Shard on Staravia.”

“Don’t let Pawniard roam free,” Shirou added to Yagi, the little jackal blurring into position behind the surprised pokemon and sending him flying with a well placed Force Palm, “Detect.” Yagi’s eyes flashed and he dodged the air-cutter sent at him by the Staravia.

“Stronger than I expected!” The older brother said, a note of joy entering his voice. “Come on, Staravia! Use tailwind, give us a boost! Then follow it up with heat wave!”

Illya’s estimation of the older brother rose, “Snowscape, follow up with Icy Wind again.”

As the tailwind took effect, Fubuki cried into the sky, and snow began to inexplicably dance around the battlefield. As she finished the set-up, the blast of fiery energy collided with her, causing her to cry out in pain from the fire.

“Pawniard-”

“Yagi, Aura Sphere.” Shirou barked, sharp eyes easily tracking the figures of Illya and his pokemon through the snow, “End it.” Though injured heavily by the powerful fire-type move, the brave jackal complied, aura collecting in his paws.

“No, don’t-” The sphere of blue energy slammed into the tiny soldier, sending him sprawling, Before Yagi could celebrate, the Staravia flew down, wings smacking him over and over in a barrage of wing attacks. Yagi collapsed, even as Fubuki hosed down the Staravia with Ice Shard.

Fubuki fell back, continuing to fire as the Staravia opened its mouth, red energy sweeping across her just as she sent one last ice spike into the Staravia’s breast.

“Good run, kids.” The older brother admitted as he withdrew his downed bird. “With your starters down, I think that’s my win.” He tossed out his second ball, a lanky dog growling as it manifested beside his brother’s Mankey. “But I don’t think you can handle Houndoom. Hand over your Pokeballs, it’s our win.”

Illya simply raised her eyebrows, and Shirou snorted, pulling his second ball off his belt, “Ritsuka, grace the skies.”

“Matilda, dance upon the earth.” Illya called in tandem, a pair of pokeballs releasing the siblings actual starters and current aces, the Dragon and Faery alighting on the ground and regarding their opponents for a moment, before utterly dismissing one utterly.

“...what?” The younger brother squeaked. “Those… Eevees?”

The older brother started, before his eyes narrowed. “...someone’s been relying on daddy’s pockets, huh?” He frowned. “That’s an even bigger ransom–” His words cut off as cries and gasps came from the watching crowd, one blue-clad figure darting from her spot to head for the doors.

“So, you weren’t looking to just fleece us. You’re Pokenappers.” Illya surmised.

“Hey, if you get into a fight without setting the stakes, it leaves you open. Call it a learning experience.” The elder brother chuckled. “Still, I don’t think two pre-evolved pets can handle Houndoom. Play Rough!” He barked.

“Oh, but I did set the stakes, silly.” Illya giggled, “Matilda, show that fool what playing rough actually looks like. Hyper Voice.”

“Ritsuka, get the Mankey off the field.” Shirou barked, his starter blurring into the mankey at speed, the quick attack knocking the monkey off his feet and into the skies. Risuka spun, both wings smashing the little fighting-type into the barriers in a one-hit KO. As he landed, the Houndoom hit him with a pink paws, throwing him back, just before a wide blast of pink energy hit the hound in turn.

“The hell– oh, Pixilate. Wait, Sylveon don’t learn- shit.” The elder brother realized as his second Pokemon was torn apart from both sides. “...a loss. Shit.” He reached into his jacket for another Pokeball, before a sharp whistle cut through the air.

“Match canceled! All trainers, recall your Pokemon!” A conductor strode into the car, shadowed by the blue-clad girl. “You there, was this match a tag battle, four on four?” He looked at Shirou, brow raised.

“Yes, however, I would recommend asking one of the other passengers sir. My account would likely be considered biased.” Shirou demured, nodding towards Illya’s earlier opponent.

“Yeah, these guys were set up for a tag-team.” The boy nodded. “But then the older boy pulled out two Expert-Level mons.” The older brother flinched.

“Really? In car nine?” The man eyed the two brothers. “Present your trainer ID, please.”

“Ah– hey, can we talk about this?” The older brother asked as the conductor drew closer. “Maybe work something out?”

“There are serious allegations being leveled– and no, I don’t want that Stardust you’re flashing.” The conductor countered. “ID, please.” The older brother sighed, presenting his ID… only to flinch as the man drew a portable scanner from his coat. “...your brother’s ID is fine, Mr. Nichols. Yours, however, is counterfeit.” One gloved hand shot out, blocking the elder brother from casting out another ball. “None of that.”

“Ah, Conductor?” Illya interjected, walking up to the League Official, smiling dangerously at the pair of petty criminals he was already dressing down, “I do remember setting the stakes for this battle quite clearly. I told this gentleman right here,” She nodded at the younger brother, “That I requested World Tournament Rules. Given that we’d all be folded under the Junior League at this time, I would prefer if I received my fair compensation. As the challenged, I have the right to set the wager, after all.”

“You do, though the match may just get scrubbed.” The conductor replied. “We need to review the cameras…” He paused as his scanner chirped. “And… these two may have some outstanding warrants.” He sent out a Gallade, who proceeded to restrain the two brothers. “What were you thinking of?” He eyed the two young men.

“Standard forfeit for losing in a PWT Junior match. About ten thousand yen, or one hundred unovan dollars.” Shirou stated, eyes flinty, “A pittance for a professional trainer, but meant to discourage trainers from incessantly challenging rising stars among the professional circuit.” He paused, “We aren’t claiming to be PWT competitors. We specifically chose that ruleset because we felt something was fishy about the challenge, and my Riolu was uneasy around the challenger.”

“We didn’t agree to that!” The younger brother yelled.

“In a situation with no agreed stakes, there are no stakes.” The girl from before stepped forward, eyeing the two crooks with disdain. “Unlike what your brother would insist. Illyasviel von Einzbern-Emiya requested tourney rules, and you didn’t disagree, instead going ahead to set the match.”

“...ugh.” The older brother groaned. “And who are you, you little know-it-all?”

The girl grinned, closing and zipping up her dark blue hoodie to reveal a teal pentagon mark. “Diaya Isabella, Diamond clanswoman, at your service.” She pulled down her hood, revealing her neck-length wavy blue hair. “Nice to meet you.”

“... A pleasure.” Illya nodded, “Though you are technically incorrect. In accordance to the International Supreme Court’s Decision in Oak versus International Council, in the case where a league trainer sets a condition to lure in a criminal, they are entitled to a portion of the set stakes paid out by the International Council.”

“I’ll put that on record.” The conductor sighed. “If you’ll excuse me, we need to go secure these two before they do something stupid.” He trotted out of the car, the two crooks held by his partner.

Isabella nodded, before spinning to look at the two siblings. “Now, I wasn’t expecting this much excitement already, but I’m glad I got to meet you two so early!” She grinned. “Hey-o, I’m going to be spying on you for the next few months!”

“Our minder from the clans, then? I’d imagine you’re only being so upfront because Lady Akari put in good word for us?” Illya asked idly, receiving a rapid nod in confirmation, “I appreciate it. If you wish, you are welcome to travel with us directly. Shirou and I wouldn’t mind the company of a clanswoman; especially not one closely related to one of the legendary wardens.”

“Glad you’re being reasonable!” Isabella replied, before her face fell a bit. “Also, I dunno where Donovan is planning on intercepting you two, so if you see a man with a puce jacket and a stick a quarter-meter up his ass, that’s him.”

“Oh, you mean him? He’s been spying on us rather poorly for a couple of weeks now.” Shirou grunted, eyes twitching in remembered annoyance, “He tried to watch you while you were sleeping once, nee-san. I educated him on why that was a bad idea.”

“...wait, really?” Isabella’s mouth dropped open. “Oh hell, that’s… we were supposed to watch you on your journey. I was going to meet up with you two in Sandgem! Did he go directly from the first meeting to Celestica? And where is he now?”

Shirou jerked one finger over his shoulder. “He got on the passenger cars when we all boarded. I’ve been talking with him on my runs, and trading food for info about the clans.”

“You bribed him?”

“No. But he gets chatty over sushi.” Shirou shrugged.

“He hasn’t shared anything classified.” Illya chimed in, amusement dancing in her eyes, “Besides, he makes good conversation regarding magecraft, or as you refer to it, magic.”

“Okay.” Isabella acknowledged. “So… I think it’s traditional for us to battle now, but your Pokemon are tired and two of them are fainted. We can do that after a nap and some healing, or wait until Sandgem.”

“Tag battle with Shirou and I versus you and Donovan?” Illya suggested, mischief and fire dancing in her eyes, Matilda issuing a challenge in tandem with her brother.

“After a rest.” Shirou shot back. “And if we can convince Donovan to join us. Come on, we need to heal up.”

“Enthusiasm is good! Just don’t go too far.” The diamond clan girl nodded. “Come on, I’ve got some good seats.”

The Emiya siblings shrugged and followed the clanswoman, chatting with each other in an attempt to get to know the woman who’d be ‘spying’ on them for the duration of their journey. Both already understood the necessity of such thing politically, and both clans had likely sent observers that would explicitly respect the sibling’s privacy to a point. And as they settled in, they couldn’t help but wonder who else they might pick up as their journey continued.