The town of Lumeris was small, but to the kids who grew up there it felt like the center of the universe. Beyond its cobblestone streets lay endless forests, rivers that glittered like silver, and mountains that scraped the clouds. Everyone knew those wild lands were filled with Monstra—creatures of every shape and size, both adorable and terrifying.
For as long as he could remember, Kairo Veyren had dreamed of walking those lands with a partner at his side. Every poster on his bedroom wall showed Monstra champions: men and women locked in battles so fierce entire arenas shook with energy.
Today, he wasn't just dreaming. Today, he would begin.
The Gathering
Kairo sprinted through town, nearly knocking over a fruit cart. "Sorry!" he yelled, ignoring the shopkeeper's curses as he dashed past. His heart felt like it would explode.
The Professor's Lab loomed ahead, a sleek tower of glass and stone with a shining silver emblem of a Monstra paw at its peak. This wasn't just a building—it was a rite of passage. Every year, a handful of chosen kids received their starter Monstra here.
The plaza outside was buzzing. Kids his age crowded the steps, their voices mixing with the chirps and roars of wild Monstra perched on rooftops or darting between shadows. Even the air smelled alive.
And of course, standing dead center like he owned the world was Ryn Korran. His rival since childhood. Blond, smug, sharp-tongued. His jacket was too clean, his smirk too wide.
"Well, well," Ryn called, loud enough for the crowd to hear. "Look who finally rolled out of bed. Don't trip on your shoelaces, Kairo—you might embarrass yourself before you even get a Monstra."
Laughter rippled through the kids.
Kairo forced a grin. "Better late than never. Besides, I only need one shot to beat you."
The rivalry wasn't just for show. Kairo wanted to win—badly.
The Choice
Inside, the Lab hummed with glowing capsules, each containing the swirling essence of a Monstra. Professor Aelra stood at the center, her lab coat lined with holo-pads and data strips. She carried herself with calm authority, but her eyes shone with excitement.
"Welcome, future trainers," she said, her voice carrying weight. "The journey you begin today will test not only your strength, but your heart. The Monstra you choose will not obey you because you command it—they will follow because you earn it. Remember this."
With a gesture, three capsules slid forward on a platform. They hissed open one by one.
Flamute: A fiery red salamander with a flickering flame along its spine. It hopped eagerly, sparks trailing from its claws.
Aquix: A sleek blue otter with webbed paws and mischievous eyes. A small whirl of water circled around its tail like it was playing with it.
Leafin: A plump green rabbit with tiny vines curling from its ears. It chewed on a leaf calmly, but its eyes glowed with quiet intelligence.
The room went silent.
Professor Aelra smiled. "Your partner awaits."
Rivalry Ignites
Ryn didn't hesitate. "Flamute. The strongest." He scooped the salamander into his arms. Flamute chirped happily, fire flaring.
Kairo felt his throat tighten. He looked at the other two. Aquix tilted its head, almost daring him. Leafin chewed, staring with patience, like it already knew more than it let on.
His chest buzzed. Without thinking, he stepped forward. "Aquix. You're mine."
The otter leapt into his arms with surprising weight. The moment their skin touched, a spark ran through his body—like their hearts had synced. Aquix chirped, water splashing playfully across his face.
The bond was instant.
Ryn smirked. "Cute. Let's see if it can swim when the fire's this hot."
He stepped onto the training field outside before anyone could stop him.
First Battle
The crowd gathered in a circle. Kairo's pulse hammered as he placed Aquix on the grass. The otter crouched, tail flicking, eyes sharp. Across from them, Flamute growled, fire crackling down its back.
Professor Aelra folded her arms. "First battles are not about victory—they are about connection. Begin."
"Flamute—Ember!" Ryn shouted. The salamander spat a cluster of fireballs, sparks hissing as they raced toward Aquix.
"Move!" Kairo yelled, almost tripping on his own words. Aquix darted left, rolling nimbly. Steam rose as one fireball struck the ground.
Kairo's instincts screamed. "Counter with Water Splash!"
Aquix spun, its tail cloaked in swirling water, and slammed it down. A wave shot forward, crashing into Flamute. Steam exploded as fire met water. The crowd gasped, eyes wide.
Flamute staggered, flames sputtering. Ryn's smirk faltered.
"Don't you dare lose! Flamute, Scratch!"
The salamander lunged.
Kairo's mind raced. His voice steadied. "Aquix—catch it!"
The otter leapt, grabbed Flamute midair, and twisted, slamming it to the ground with a splash of water. The field erupted with cheers.
Flamute wheezed, faint smoke curling from its body.
Professor Aelra raised her hand. "Enough! Winner—Kairo and Aquix."
The crowd roared. Kairo dropped to his knees, scooping Aquix into his arms. "You're amazing," he whispered, laughing breathlessly.
Aquix chirped happily, spraying him with water again.
Ryn's fists clenched, his smirk gone. "Don't get used to it. That was luck. Next time—I'll crush you."
Kairo met his glare. "Next time, I'll be even stronger."
The Road Ahead
The sun dipped lower, casting the town in orange light. Kids dispersed, still buzzing about the battle.
Kairo stood at the edge of the field, staring beyond the rooftops toward the horizon. The forests, the rivers, the mountains… all of it was waiting.
Aquix perched on his shoulder, tail dripping water, eyes shining with the same hunger Kairo felt.
This wasn't just a battle. This was the beginning of something bigger.
And together, they were going to take on the world of Monstra.