~CHAPTER 2~
"Chuchu, use Iron Tail!" The Mouse Pokémon nodded before jumping into air, her tail glowing a metallic-gray before slicing and dicing the boulder that was blocking the way. "There, that should do it!" The trainer said before turning to the villagers. "The road's clear now, everyone!"
"Thank you kindly, Lapis." The village elder said as the villagers helped clear the rubble away. "It usually would take all of us a week or so to move that huge chunk of rock."
"It's no big deal. We're just happy to help, right Chuchu?" Lapis turned to her Pikachu who nodded. "Anyways, I better get back. I promised Mozu to help her with Shiki." The elder nodded and the trainer sprinted down the path to the village.
It has been over a month since that day when she stumbled upon this strange new land and met Mozu. After the revelation of her being in an entirely new world, Lapis had almost sunk into a panic attack when Mozu suggested that she follow her to the village where she lives so she could explain in detail. With no other choice, Lapis agreed. Long story short, the whole village was in an uproar when Mozu came back with Lapis and Chuchu in tow since they also saw the glowing light.
After Mozu assured everyone she is not a threat or an enemy, Lapis launched into a detailed story of how she got there and another detailed explanation of what Chuchu is. To say the least, the villagers were both in awe and fear of her. It had took both Mozu and Lapis two weeks to get the villagers to relax in Chuchu's presence alone before she slowly brought out her other team members, which didn't take long thankfully.
It had shocked her when she learnt that this land did not have Pokémon in it, and that everything is so... old. She could guess as old as the Village of Dragons back in Unova, which could explain why the villagers were so scared of Chuchu, since they had never seen a Pokémon before. But it didn't seem that way as there had been rumours going around the village way before she came to this land that strange animals had been sighted across Hoshido and maybe in Nohr.
She concluded Nohr is another country or kingdom, and that she had learned from Mozu that Hoshido and Nohr had been at each other's neck for centuries. She had sighed tirelessly at that; to her luck, she has to appear just when tensions between the two kingdoms are at its highest. It's almost as bad as being in between the fight of Groudon and Kyogre.
Right now, the villagers were living peacefully with her and her Pokémon since they had been helping out around the village like clearing landslides, preventing a flood, and even getting them through a drought.
"Hey, Mozu!" Lapis called out to the farm girl who is crouching in front of a fawn-like creature with a pink upper body that has a yellow patterned rim and a light-beige underbelly. Chuchu then walked over to the equine Pokémon and started to chat with it. "How's it going with Shiki?"
"Great, Shiki's leg muscles are developing quite well. Though, I'm still not good at commanding her in battle but I think I got the hang of it." Mozu said as she stood up. "Thank you again, Lapis, for teaching me. I hope it's not a bother."
Lapis shook her head, "Nonsense, it's nothing. I like teaching people. And besides, it should be me thanking you. If it weren't for you, I might be wandering around lost and afraid. Or worse, get attacked by those Faceless monsters I keep hearing about."
Mozu laughed at the mock-scared face the peachette pulled at the thought of facing a Faceless before the other girl joined in. Their laughter was cut short, however, when a large dragonfly-like creature came flying down, shouting "Gon! Gon! Fly gon!"
"Draco, what's wrong!" Lapis asked as she tried to calm the Mystic Pokémon down. She had never seen her Flygon acted so scared before unless... "Did you see something, boy?" The Flygon nodded. "Fly me up. I have to see what it is!" Not wasting time, Draco swooped up his trainer and flew over the area he had been scouting before pointing a claw down at something. "What is it?"
What she saw turned her blood cold; a large horde of Faceless is coming towards the village.
"Draco, full speed! We have to warn the village!" The Mystic Pokémon didn't have to be told twice as he zoomed across the sky in full speed.
~XXXX~
Meanwhile, in another part, a small group of four people were traveling down another road. The seeming leader of the group is a young female with long straight black hair that has a butterfly hair clip pinned on the side and red eyes, wearing silver armour and a blue cape. Strapped to her side is the legendary Yato. Her name is Corrine, a princess who was born into the Hoshido Royal Family but was raised in Nohr. A few days ago, she had declared she won't fight for either side as she loved both families equally so she was branded a traitor by both kingdoms and had fled the lands.
Now with her butler, Jakob, her mentor, Gunter, and Azura, a princess who was in a similar situation as her, she's traveling to Fort Jinya to convince Hoshido to join in her quest to fight the true evil.
"Azura, how far is it to Fort Jinya?" Corrine asked the blue-haired songstress.
"It's not much further. It's just on the other side of that hill there." Azura pointed.
"But it'll be nightfall when we arrive." Jakob pointed out. "Wouldn't it be best to rest up in the Astral Realm tonight before continuing further?"
"I agree with Jakob, princess." Gunter spoke as he hastened his steed to keep in pace with hers while ignoring the smug look on the butler. "If we were to request an audience at night, they'll think we have set up an ambush or something."
Corrine nodded, "Alright, we'll rest once the sun sets but could we stop by a village instead? It's been a while since I had slept in an inn instead of my private chambers. Not that I'm complaining but I've been cooped up in the castle all this time, I hadn't had the time to relish in other stuff."
Gunter nodded with a smile, knowing full well of the princess's feeling. He should since he had been with her since she was five.
"Very well, there should be a village nearby. We can stop there to restock."
Corrine cheered a bit but was cut off when they saw a large group of villagers gathering ahead of them. "What's going on?"
The village elder, who noticed them, walked towards them, "A horde of Faceless, miss. They're coming towards our village so we were told to run as far away as possible until it's safe."
"Faceless?! Why would they come here?!" Corrine exclaimed.
"We don't know. To cause havoc, I bet." The village elder said and was about to add more when he was cut off by a woman. "Momo, what's wrong?"
"Have you seen Mozu and Lapis?! I can't find them anywhere!" The woman exclaimed.
The elder shook his head, "No, the last I've seen them was when they were evacuating the others..." That's when he realized that they could have stayed behind to give everyone time to run if the Faceless were to arrive. "No, they couldn't have..."
"Oh the gods! They can't take on the Faceless! Even if they have their Pokémon with them, they could get hurt or worse!" The woman then started crying. "Oh, my poor dears..."
Corrine, while confused when the woman said 'Pokémon', couldn't stand by when a village is in trouble, "Can you point out where your village is?"
"Corrine?" Azura called as the village elder gave her the directions.
"I'm saving those two. Even if it's too late, I could at least avenge them." With that, the princess rode towards the village with her group behind. The villagers gave a small prayer for their safe return.
When they arrived, the village was already in ruin. The houses were in shambles, the fields were ravaged, even the stables that house the livestock were destroyed. Corrine could see Faceless everywhere, crushing more houses to the ground while looking around aimlessly like a bunch of undead.
"How horrible." Azura whispered. "If the villagers weren't warned, they could all be..."
"I know, so it was a good thing whoever warned them beforehand had got everyone out of here." Corrine said as she got down from her horse and unsheathed her Yato. "Now we just need to find the two and bring these monsters down. To arms, everyone!"
~XXXX~
In another part of the village, Mozu and Lapis were hiding in the forest while looking out for any Faceless. Mozu, who had found an abandoned naginata in one of the houses, gripped the weapon tightly in fear.
"It's a good thing we got everyone out of here. Those things are relentless." Lapis said.
"And they're tough. Not even Shiki's Double Kick did much to them, and she can break down rocks." Mozu said before turning to her. "How is Chuchu? She has been firing Thunderbolts at them for quite a while now."
"She's pretty much at her limit but she can still fight." Lapis turned to her exhausted Pikachu who nodded her consent. "Even still, we're clearly outnumbered." Lapis then scooted down when a Faceless turned to their direction before lumbering away. "...Mozu, I need you to go out and find help."
"Wait, what about you?! I can't leave you here with them!" Mozu argued.
"I'm not alone, remember? Don't worry, my team and I will buy you time." Lapis said with a grin as she reached for her Pokéballs. "I'm counting on you." With that, she and Chuchu quickly dashed out into the open, ignoring Mozu's calls, and threw out two Pokeballs. "Mana, Rose, come on out!"
The balls opened up to reveal blobs of light, revealing a huge purple centipede-like creature and a green bipedal creature. "Sco lipede!" "Rose rade!"
"Mana, Steamroller! Rose, Petal Blizzard! Chuchu, Thunderbolt!"
The Megapede Pokémon nodded and tucked herself into a large ball before spinning in high speed with the tips of her antennae glowing white, and charged towards the Faceless who could do nothing but get bulldozed by the giant centipede. Those that were lucky enough to avoid getting steamrolled were then either cut by Rose's petal storm or electrocuted by Chuchu's thunder. "Alright! Keep it up!"
Mozu, who stayed where she was with Shiki, watched as her friend bravely fought the Faceless head on. She had always admired the other girl's strength, how she would always find a solution to every dark hour, how she would help others without a purpose or a reward in return, how she could still smile even in such dire situations.
"Come on, Shiki!" Mozu called to her Deerling. "We can't let Lapis's efforts go to waste!"
"Deer!"
The two turned ran across the entire forest to reach the other side, only to run into another Faceless. Mozu screamed in fear while Shiki stood in front of her partner protectively before jumping into the air and delivering a strong kick down onto the Faceless's head, causing it to moan in pain.
"Nice Jump Kick, Shiki." Mozu praised before crying out again when the Faceless, mad as ever, raised its fist and was about to clobber the two when it was cleaved in half. "Huh?"
As the two pieces of the corpse dissipated into the wind, Mozu could see a young woman, maybe a year or two older than her, standing behind where the Faceless was before.
"Are you OK?" She asked. Mozu nodded. "That's a relief. Are you one of the villagers here?"
"Y-Yes, that's right. Did you come to save us?" Mozu asked before realizing something. "That's right! You have to help her!"
"Her? You mean the other villager?" The woman asked. "Where is she?"
"S-She's on the other side of this forest! She stayed behind to buy time so I could go find help! Please, you have to save her!" Mozu pleaded.
The woman nodded, "Alright, lead the way! Gunter, you go ahead with Mozu! Azura and Jakob, with me!" It was then Mozu noticed the other three companions before she escorted the group to where Lapis is fighting.
"Please be okay..." Mozu whispered. When they got to the other side, the farm girl found her friend who was commanding her Flygon to unleash another barrage of Dragon Pulses. "Lapis, I found help!"
The peachette turned when she heard her name and smiled at Mozu but didn't notice the Faceless behind her.
"Look out!" Corrine cried out as she was about to rush in but stopped when a giant centipede charged into the Faceless, stabbing its glowing green horns into its flesh before sending it flying into the air, which was then slammed back down by a scaly green tail-like energy
"Thanks for the save, Mana." Lapis said as she petted the Megapede Pokémon before turning to her dragon. "You too, Draco!"
"W-What are those... creatures?" Jakob said, not believing his eyes at the strange animals that are eradicating the Faceless. "Princess, could they be the rumoured strange animals we'd been hearing about?"
"I think so, Jakob. But for now, let's get rid of this Faceless." Corrine said as she readied her Yato before charging into battle with her butler and Great Knight in tow. Azura stood behind since she's not fighting material but could sing to raise morale. The naginata she's holding is to defend herself since unlike Corrine who had been honing her battle skills, Azura spent most of her time cooped in the castle singing so she doesn't know how to fight yet.
Which is why she immediately found herself cornered by four Faceless. She berated herself for straying too far from Corrine and the others when two of the Faceless were bulldozed by the giant centipede while the other two were electrocuted by the discharge of the yellow mouse who immediately shot out balls of electricity at the remaining Faceless from its tail. To think such a small creature could be so strong.
"Are you alright?" Azura turned to the girl wearing the strange clothing before nodding.
"I'm fine, thanks." She replied.
Lapis nodded before they followed the others to where the Boss, a much bigger Faceless, is standing in front of the house where the village elder lives. It beats its chest as it roared out a war cry before charging at them when they got close. Gunter blocked the charge with his shield, grunting at the force behind it while Corrine and Jakob came by with blades dancing in the air along with Draco who fired a light blue beam from his mouth. Mozu then commanded her equine Pokémon to do a Double Kick while Lapis ordered her Mouse Pokémon to do an Iron Tail.
With a pair of hooves and a steel tail slammed directly at its face (?), it stepped back in pain, allowing them to deal the finishing blow.
"Now, Mozu!" Lapis shouted as the farm girl dashed forward with her naginata ready.
"You reap what you sow!" She shouted before plunging her weapon into its chest, straight to its heart. The Faceless groaned before dissipating into nothing. Mozu sighed in relief before collapsing onto the ground in exhaustion. Lapis was already by her side, along with Shiki and her Pokémon. "That went well..."
Lapis smiled, "It sure did..."
~XXXX~
After making sure that there were no other Faceless left, Lapis and Mozu ushered everyone back to the village. The villagers were thankful to them for risking their lives to save the village, though the girls did get an earful and a tearful yet bone-crushing hug from Mozu's mother. However, there lies another problem...
"So what are we going to do about this?" Lapis asked as she looked over the ruined village. "There's no way we can build everything back to the way it was. I don't even think we have the resources to build one stable."
"And the crops were devastated from the attack as well. How are we to survive the month?" Mozu added.
The village elder sighed, "We'll have to make do then. Harvest as much as we can, and pray for the gods' blessings."
Lapis and Mozu were unsure about that but what other choices do they have? It's not like building material and food are going to drop from the sky.
"Um, if it's okay with you..." Corrine spoke up. "I can help you with those."
The elder turned to her with a raised brow, "Oh, how?"
In just a second, a portal opened up from behind her, spilling all sorts of resources like wood, stone, bags of rice, daikon, and peaches. "We have plenty of resources to spare so use as much as you like."
To say the least, the villagers and Mozu were dumbfounded. The only one not is Lapis who had seen stranger things than that. "Why do I have a feeling parallel universe is a thing here?"
After saying much thank you to Corrine, the villagers then got to work. By nightfall, almost half of the village is rebuilt, thanks to the cooperation of both Pokémon and people. Now we see the villagers holding a festival-like party to thank their heroes, much to their embarrassment. While the villagers and Mozu party the night away, Corrine took the chance to ask Lapis about her strange pets.
"Oh, you mean my Pokémon?" The girl asked. She had just returned her team back to their Pokéballs, except Chuchu who laid herself on her lap while being petted.
"Is that what you called them?" Azura asked as they sat by the side away from the campfire where a dancing circle is held.
"It's what everyone called them back where I'm from." The peachette said. She then explained her situation from the storm to the cave to how she met Mozu.
"Wow, and that all happened in just a few seconds?" Corrine said. "Talk about life-changing."
"Tell me about it. To think, it all started because Chuchu heard that song." Lapis said.
"What song?" Jakob asked as he took a bite off an apple.
Lapis then nervously scratched her cheek, trying to remember the verses. "Um, I think it goes something like this." She then started humming the tune with her eyes closed so she didn't see the surprise in both Azura's and Corrine's eyes. Lost in the tune, she didn't realize she started singing. "You are the ocean's gray waves, destined to seek... Life beyond the shore just out of reach. Yet the waters ever change, flowing like time. The path is yours to climb. You are the ocean's gray waves."
She only snapped back to reality when she heard clapping, only to see when she opened her eyes everyone stopped whatever they were doing to listen to her singing. She blushed a deep-red in embarrassment.
"Oh Lapis dear, why didn't you tell us you have such a gorgeous voice?" One village woman praised.
"Yeah, if we had known, we could have nominated you the festival's singer." One man suggested.
"P-Please don't! I get stage fright easily!" Lapis stammered as she tried to avert the idea away. Corrine and Azura turned to the other, eyes conveying a silent message before they turned back to the trainer who was literally steaming in the head. "This is why I never sing in public..."
Azura giggled, "I think you have a lovely voice. I should know, I'm a songstress."
Lapis perked up, "Really? Wow, I've seen bards before but not a songstress."
"Her songs are quite something. They'll perk you back into action in no time." Corrine said. "Anyways, could you tell us more about... Pokémon?"
Lapis nodded and launched into another lengthy lecture of the basics of Pokémon, everything from the 18 types, abilities, battle capabilities, etc. She even showed them a National Pokédex that was an encyclopaedia for the different species she encountered, though she had to stop both Gunter and Jakob from cutting the device to pieces when it first spoke. To say the least, it was overwhelming for them. To think that there was a whole new different world than theirs that has creatures so mysterious yet fascinating at the same time.
"That's... a lot to take in." Corrine muttered, already feeling the sensation of her head about to explode. "And here I thought I had enough on my plate." Lapis nervously laughed. "So the villagers here all know of your world?"
The trainer nodded, "They have to since they wouldn't stop jumping at the sight of Chuchu when we first came here. To be honest, they took it quite well actually."
"Well, there had been rumours of strange creatures being sighted across the continent so it's a matter of time before the whole world knows of their existence." Gunter said.
"Which worries me..." Lapis whispered. 'If Pokémon are really here, then that means there's something wrong with the dimensions here and there. And when that happens...'
"Is something wrong?" Corrine asked.
Lapis shook her head, "No, it's nothing..." 'I shouldn't jump into conclusions yet.'
"Lapis!" Said girl turned to find Mozu and Shiki heading towards her with the village elder in tow.
"Hey, Mozu. Having fun?" She asked once the brunette sat down beside her with Shiki resting by her leg.
"Yep, it was a blast." The farm girl chirped. "Oh but the elder said that he wants to talk to Corrine and the others."
At that, the elder cleared his throat, "I just want to thank you again for saving our village. If it weren't for you, I fear the worst."
"There's no need to thank us. We just did what is right." The black-haired princess said.
The elder nodded, "If I may ask, where are you heading to next?"
"We're heading towards Fort Jinya." Azura said. "The destination after that is undecided but we have to keep moving, for reasons we can't say."
"Hmm... I see. Then if it's not too much, I have a small favour to ask of you." He then walked behind Lapis and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Would you bring dear Lapis along with you?" The request shocked them all, Lapis the most. "By traveling with you, I had hoped she could find a way to go back home."
"Elder..." Lapis whispered, touched by the old man's worry for her before turning to Corrine. "I-If it's alright with you... I would also like to travel and see the world. A-And I can help with any Pokémon-related stuff."
"Are you sure? Because we're in the middle of a war, and you'll have to shed blood." Corrine said in worry.
Lapis nodded with determination, "It's fine. I have my fair share of battles so I'll be fine."
Corrine was still hesitant, that is until Gunter spoke, "Princess, if I may, it's best we take her in. As she said, she's the only one who knows about Pokémon so if we were to encounter any, we'll need her help."
"As much as I hate to say this, he's right, milady." Jakob said. "It'll also be unwise to pass an opportunity to learn more about these fascinating creatures."
The Nohr Princess nodded before turning back to Lapis, "If you're sure, then we'll be glad to have you with us."
One would have thought that Lapis's head would split with how wide she's smiling, "I'll do my best!"
While all this was taking place, Mozu looked upset. She knows there'll be a day where Lapis will have to leave the village to find a way to go home but she didn't think it'll be this soon. She wanted to learn more from the other girl and she's her best friend.
"Mozu." Said girl turned to the elder. "I know how you feel but it's best we let her fly on her own. And we can't always rely on her forever."
"But..." Mozu trailed off. Shiki, sensing her human's sadness, nudged her leg. The farm girl looked down at her partner before turning to the group who were taken to their new companion.
The elder sighed as he saw the glint in her eyes, "It seems you've decided your course."
~XXXX~
The next day sees the whole village gathering at the entrance where Corrine and the others getting on their horses with Lapis getting on Mana. Chuchu stayed out of her Pokéball since she preferred to be with her trainer, especially when they're in unknown territory.
"All set?" Corrine asked her, to which she nodded. "And are you sure it's alright for Mana to be out here?"
"Sure, she may not look like it but Mana is very timid. And she won't hurt anyone, unless they hurt me instead." Lapis said before turning to the villagers.
"We're gonna miss you, Lapis." Mozu's mother sniffed as she brought out a scarf-wrapped package. "Here, some food for the road."
"Thank you. And it's not like I'll be gone forever, I'll still come and visit." She said, trying hard to keep the tears at bay. "By the way, where's Mozu? I haven't seen since last night."
Speak of the devil, and he shall appear...
"Wait! Wait for me!" Came a cry. The crowd parted to reveal Mozu, with a worn-out satchel bag and her naginata, and Shiki. "I'm coming with you!"
"Mozu!" Her mother cried out but was stopped by the elder who shook his head.
"This whole time while you were here, I had been nothing but a burden to you. Always relying on you, always leaning on you for support. This time, I want to help you with your goal." Mozu said to Lapis. "And even if you say no, you should know by now that I'm as stubborn as a weed."
"Deer! Deer ling!"
Lapis stared at her for a while before turning to Corrine who couldn't help but shrug her shoulders, "It's your choice."
"...Well, I do need an assistant." Lapis said as she turned back to Mozu. "And it turns out, I have one here. Come on up, Mozu. We need to get moving."
The brunette grinned happily as she pulled herself up on Terra with Shiki standing beside Chuchu. "Yes, ma'am!"
"I bid you good luck to your journeys." The elder said.
"Thank you. We'll be off then." Corrine then led their small army down the path with the shouts of farewells from the villagers behind them.
Mozu and Lapis waved goodbye, "Thanks for everything!" "I'll be back soon!"
Once their far away enough, Lapis turned forward with a determined face. 'And so my journey begins once more.'
Lapis - Chuchu (Pikachu, Female), Draco (Flygon, Male), Mana (Scolipede, Female), Rose (Roserade, Female)
Mozu – Shiki (Deerling, Female Spring Form)