A Whole New World
The world as we know it is at a breaking point. The world's oceans are rising, polar ice caps are melting, and the global temperature has risen by 1.1° Celsius since 1880. Many parts of the world face long droughts yet on the other end of the coin many parts of the world face flooding.
Despite having more than enough food to feed every person in the world, many people face starvation and malnutrition, thanks to the greedy ultra-rich, and the corporations that control where the supply of food goes. Not to mention using perfectly edible human food for the feed of livestock.
With all these problems in mind, there must be a solution. Yet, here I am just an 11-year-old girl living with an abusive family in Twinleaf Town, Sinnoh. I wish I could solve the world's problems, but sadly I have little to no power.
I currently attend a summer camp at Professor Rowan's laboratory in Sandgem Town. He's a professor that specializes in the evolution of animals. Maybe based on his research, I'd have more answers on how to resolve climate change. While he hasn't provided me with much information yet, I feel the closer I get to him, the more I'll learn.
"Wake up moron!" My sister yelled as she blasted loud metal music by my right ear.
" WHAT THE HELL?" I screamed as I fell off my bed.
"OH MY GOD, you should have seen your face!" She chuckled. "What a loser. Get out of bed already, we have to get ready for camp."
"Listen you little!"
"Little what? Oh, I'm so scared and intimidated! NOT! HA!"
"Just get out of my room now!" I commanded as I grabbed her by her short hair.
"Ow, ow, OUCH! Stop touching my hair, you loser!"
"How'd you even get in here? I locked my door yesterday!"
"You really think it's that hard to open your lock? A simple hairpin does the trick. I'm not surprised though, you're a big loser Mizuto!"
"MY NAME IS HIKARI, AND GET OUT RIGHT NOW!"
I simply threw her out of my room as I locked it again. I decided to put a chair behind it to prevent her from trying to break in again.
I need to decide on today's outfit. I'm in the mood for something dark, but with a vibrant pink colour to it. I found just the perfect outfit in my closet! A nice black sleeveless dress with a nice pink skirt connected to it. A nice pair of knee-high black socks and pink boots would fit this perfectly. It's time to do my hair now.
Taking care of my hair took quite a lot of effort. I have to straighten it, apply dry shampoo and conditioner, and lots of combing.
After I finish my hair routine, it's time for my skincare routine. In order, I use a cleanser, toner, serum, moisturizer, and finally sunscreen.
Now the finishing touch, my beautiful golden hair clips. I'm finally ready to head downstairs for some breakfast.
"Good morning Mizuto," my mother greeted. "It looks like you're finally ready for breakfast. That was 30 minutes too long though. If you had just remained a boy, you'd have been ready faster you know.
"Mother, please don't," I begged. "It's still early, so please don't hurt me. Also, stop calling me Mizuto, my name is Hikari!"
"Why do you even do skincare and haircare?" My sister questioned. "Like seriously, you're a boy!"
"Shut up Mizuki!" I yelled as I slammed my hand on the table. "Just leave me alone!"
"Anger isn't lady-like," my mother scolded me. "See you're clearly still a boy on the inside."
Despite wanting to scream at my mom and rip her head off, I realize it will be very counter-productive. I just need to get out of this house and I'll be able to hang out with friends at the camp.
Of course, the breakfast my mother made for me made the situation worse. She made me fried eggs, congee, and bacon. She made my sister a single small boiled egg, some boiled spinach, and baby carrots.
"Mother, you know I don't eat eggs or bacon!" I complained.
"Why can't I eat the same food as my stupid brother?"
"Remember the two of you live under my roof. Whatever I make for you, you eat. If you wish to eat what you want, then leave this house. Is that to be understood?"
"Yes, mother," Mizuki and I replied in unison.
After a dreadful breakfast, we picked up our lunch from the fridge and got ready to head outside. My lunch consists of pork belly, broccoli, carrots, brown rice, and a marinated egg. My sister's lunch consists of a small piece of chicken breast with broccoli and carrots.
While in the car, Mizuki's odour became unbearable.
"Mizuki, when was the last time you showered?" I asked. "Also, what's with you wearing the same yellow floral shirt, green pants, and red sneakers the 4th day in a row?"
"Why does it matter when I last showered? How about you just mind your own business?"
"Because I can't stand the smell!" I complained. "How can you be so unhygienic? You're the only girl I know who doesn't care about her hygiene!"
"And you're the only boy I know who is a neat freak," she smirked.
"You take that back right now!" I demanded.
"What did you say? Oh, I can't hear you. Sorry me no speak gibberish."
"You two, knock it off right now! Or do you want me to punish the two of you like last week?"
"No mother," Mizuki and I replied in unison. "I'm sorry," I apologized.
"I thought so. Remember, you two live under my roof, so you MUST follow all of my rules!"
With no words left to say, we just waited to arrive at Professor Rowan's lab. We got out of the car around five minutes later. Unlike most kids, we don't wave our parents goodbye. Both my sister and I have an intense hatred toward our mother for how she treats us.
At least being at Professor Rowan's lab meant we can meet our good friends. As I entered the lab, Professor Rowan and his assistants greeted us.
"Good morning Mizuki and Mizuto!" He exclaimed.
"Good morning Professor," I greeted. "May you please stop calling me Mizuto? My name is Hikari and I feel much more comfortable if people addressed me as Hikari."
"I'm sorry, but since this is a summer camp, I'm required to use your legal name. Please understand."
"I understand Professor Rowan," I replied with severe disappointment.
I just hope one day I can live in a society that loves me and accepts me for who I truly am. At least I can count on my friends. As I went to put away my lunch, I bumped into my friend Jun.
"Ouch, watch where you're going alright?" He complained. "I'm gonna have to fine you for that! Oh hey, Mimi!"
"Hey Jun, how are you this morning?" I asked.
"Very good Mimi, how about yourself?"
"Eh, just the usual morning with my dumb mother and sister. I just want to spend the day learning and having fun."
"I'm so sorry to hear that Mimi, would you like a hug?" Jun asked.
"Yes please," I replied stepping in to hug him.
"Hey, Mimi!" My friend from the distance exclaimed. "May I get a hug?"
"Of course, my dear Val!" I exclaimed as we exchanged hugs.
"You know, I never understood why your nickname is Mimi," Mizuki snarled. "Unless it's because you know deep down you're Mizuto and not Hikari."
"Kiki, that's so rude," Val scolded her. "Please don't hurt your sister like that!"
"Yeah, he ain't my sister. He's just my delusional brother."
"Mimi, it's okay we're here for you," Val comforted me.
"I really don't know what I'd do without you guys," I replied with a bittersweet tone.
"Hey good morning Hikari, Jun, and Valeri!" A voice in the distance greeted us. It was none other than our friend Kōki.
"Hey Kōki, how are you today?" I asked. "I hope you slept well and ate a nice breakfast!"
"Hey Hikari," he replied as he took a seat. "I had a great breakfast and slept very well, thanks for asking! How about yourself?"
"It was alright, just a lot on my mind that's all."
"Want to talk about it, Hikari?" Kōki questioned with concern.
"It's alright, it's just the usual stuff. I just want to focus on having a good day at camp. Say, may I ask where Hoshi is?"
"Oh she's really sick, so she couldn't come. I actually wanted to stay home to take care of her, but my parents insisted I should come here."
"Aw, would it be alright if I stopped by at your home and bring her some fruits after camp?" I asked with uneasiness and concern. "I can't bare to see little Hoshi all sick."
"It's honestly alright Hikari, thanks for your concern. Once she's better you can come to visit."
"Alright Kōki, I understand. Let's go outside and meet the professor!"
"Right, thank you, Hikari!"
"Good morning children," Professor Rowan greeted us outside. "Today we are going to learn about the flora in my backyard. I hope everyone has prepared their notebooks and a pencil to jot down some information. You are all free to collect any flowers you find. I expect everyone to bring me at least one flower today."
"Thank you, Professor!" I exclaimed as I ran off into the fields with Kōki, Jun, and Val.
Mizuki chose to distance herself from the rest of us and mostly did her own things. As we got to the flower fields, we bumped into the queen bee on campus, Eleanor van Weeren.
"My, my if it isn't you hicks," Eleanor smirked. "I thought I didn't have to deal with you guys today, but I'm wrong again. Oh well, there are no more flowers for you guys to pick, my friends picked them all!" She cackled.
"Hey, that's not fair, Eleanor!" Val complained. "We deserve a flower as well, you should share!"
"Oh if it isn't the wannabe girl, Valeri!" Eleanor chuckled. "Nah, pretty boy I think we're going to keep these flowers to ourselves."
Like every time in the past, if Eleanor insulted Val, Mizuki would be outraged even from a far distance. This means Mizuki is going to come over at an alarming pace to fight with Eleanor.
"Eleanor, you asshole!" Mizuki screamed as she ran at an inhuman pace towards us. "Apologize to Val this instant! Or else you're going to get it!"
"What am I going to get? Just another scolding? Aha, like you're all words and no action Mizuki!"
Without another word, Mizuki sucker punched Eleanor from behind and knocked her onto the dirt.
"Shut up Smellanor!" Mizuki insulted her.
"You got my dress all dirty!" Eleanor cried. "How dare you?" She complained as she got up and tried to fight Mizuki.
Both Kōki and I had to try to break up the fight. Kōki grabbed Mizuki's arms from behind, as I did the same to Eleanor.
"Please stop fighting you two!" I begged.
"Mizuki, please calm down!" Kōki requested.
"She started this shit first!" Mizuki exclaimed infuriated.
"You were the one who punched me and got my dress dirty!" Eleanor complained. "This is your problem!"
As we continued our efforts to prevent the two from fighting again, two of Professor Rowan's assistants stepped in.
"What's going on here?" One asked. "Are you two fighting?"
"She started it!" Eleanor complained.
"No, she started it!" Mizuki snarled back.
"Listen, I don't care who started it!" The other assistant yelled. "Both of you two, come with me now!"
As the two assistants took Mizuki and Eleanor away, the four of us all let out a sigh of relief.
"My goodness, good riddance to those two!" Jun cheered.
"I hope they learn to stop fighting," Val sighed.
"I seriously can't keep dealing with those two, ugh!" I complained. "Still I'm glad it's over. Let's see if there are any flowers left."
"But Eleanor and her friends said they picked them all!" Kōki commented.
"It's possible she did," I replied, "but she could be lying. She could try to discourage us you know?"
"That's a good point, Hikari," he replied.
We looked throughout the fields and at first, it seemed like Eleanor and her friends truly did pick up all the flowers. That is until we saw in the distance a field of unknown flowers!
"Follow me, everyone!" I commanded as we ran to the unknown field of flowers.
"These flowers look very different than the usual flowers," Val commented. "They're very pretty though."
"Yes, I agree," I replied while picking up a flower. "I love the rosy white pattern with the little buds in the centre."
Jun, Kōki, and Val each picked up one flower as well.
"I think we should take this back to the professor!" Kōki exclaimed!
As we began to walk back to the professor's lab, we saw Mizuki and Eleanor walking together. To our surprise, they were actually cooperating on a task. We simply had to go and see what made them act this way.
"Hey, I see you two are getting along," I commented. "How come?"
"It's because if we don't, we're going to be suspended from the camp!" Mizuki yelled. "Trust me I don't want to cooperate with this demon!"
"Well, I guess it's too good to be true," I replied. "So what exactly are you two doing anyways?"
"We're supposed to do a scavenger hunt," Eleanor replied.
"Oh, maybe we should return these flowers soon," Kōki told us. "I don't want to miss out on the scavenger hunt."
"Once we do, I'd like to ask the professor a question," I replied.
"Wait, how did you get these flowers?" Eleanor questioned. "I thought my team took them all?"
"Not all of them!" Val exclaimed. "Hikari saw some from a distance, so we went to pick up those flowers instead."
"Ugh, give me them then!" Eleanor demanded as she tries to snatch my flower.
"No, these are ours!" Jun exclaimed. "Leave us alone!"
As we continued our struggle against Eleanor, the sky suddenly got pitch black. The strangest thing happened afterwards. A huge wormhole opened up. We heard the assistants yelling and screaming, presumably to tell us, children, to get inside. However, as soon as we began to run, the wormhole's gravitational pull sucked us inside!
Screaming filled the space as we were all transported to somewhere unknown. I tried to communicate and ask if everyone is alright, but no one responded. Just a few minutes later I saw a different world full of nature, but completely different than where we were at. In a blink of an eye, a blinding light flashed as I fainted.
I woke up to see a mysterious being staring directly at my face. Well stare isn't really the right word. Their eyes if they have any are completely covered by their green bowl-cut. The creature looks humanoid but would be the same height as a dwarf toddler. It should be roughly 40cm in height.
As I began to move, it got scared and hid behind a tree. Val regained consciousness right beside me.
"Hey, are you alright?" Val asked.
"Yes I'm fine, Val," I replied. "Are you okay? I hope everyone else is alright."
"I'm a bit scared not going to lie," Val replied. "However, at least I can see that you're awake and that Mizuki and Kōki are right over there lying on the grass face first. Wait where is my big brother? Big brother!"
"Um, I'm down here," Jun muttered as we took a look to find out that we are both sitting on top of Jun who has his face stuck in the grass.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry Jun!" I exclaimed as I quickly got off him.
"Big bro, you're alright!" Val cheered as they went to give Jun a big hug. "I was so worried!"
"Hey I'm alright Val," he replied. "Don't you worry about me! The thing is, is everyone else alright?"
"I'm fine," I replied. "I'd just like to know where we are right now."
"Let's see if Kiki and Kōki are fine for now," Val commented as they rushed towards the two.
As Val got close, Mizuki and Kōki both regained consciousness and got up.
"Ugh, where am I?" Mizuki questioned with a sleepy look to her.
"Is everyone okay?" Kōki asked.
"Kōki, you're fine!" I exclaimed as I went to hug him. "Oh look at you, you're all hurt! Here let me disinfect your wound!"
I still have my bag with me thankfully, as I took out some disinfecting alcohol, and swabs to clean his wound. I bandaged his wound up and gave him another hug.
"Thanks a lot, Hikari," he replied smiling. "I just hope we're in a safe place."
"It seems very peaceful right now," I replied. "I actually saw one of the inhabitants around here. They must be hiding behind that tree or they ran away."
We all gathered our belongings as we went to take a look at the tree, and not to our surprise, the creature stayed behind scared and unable to communicate.
"Hey little guy," I calmly told them. "It's okay, we won't hurt you. We just want to know where we are."
Despite my words, the creature still stood there in awe and fear.
"Oh, this is pointless!" Jun complained. "How in the world did I end up here again?" He complained further as he punched the tree.
Suddenly, the creature began to cry. I didn't know what to do since I didn't want to aggravate it by trying to comfort it since it doesn't know how to communicate with us. As I tried to come up with a plan, Val went up to the creature held them up like a baby and began to comfort them.
"Aw, it's okay," Val comforted it. "There's no need to cry. We're really sorry, that we startled you. But trust me, we're your friends. We're not here to hurt you. There, there just relax."
Slowly the creature began to calm themselves down. They even started to develop a liking for Val, as they smiled a few minutes later.
All of us let out a sigh of relief, as Val continued to comfort the creature. In the distance, we saw a glowing light. Excitement and nervousness both ran down my spine together.
"Um, I really hope that something bad isn't coming our way," Kōki shivered.
As the light got closer, Mizuki and Jun both got scared as they started to hug each other tightly. Val held the creature close, trying to protect them from any possible danger. Finally, we were able to see what the light is, Eleanor's body possessed!
"Aw, man why did Eleanor have to get sent here with us?" Mizuki complained as she stepped away from Jun. "Also, Jun, never HUG ME AGAIN! UNDERSTOOD?"
"I mean you were the one who did it first," he replied.
"Everyone, please no arguing," I demanded. "We need to see how and why Eleanor even got possessed."
While everyone else decided to stay behind and be cautious, I approached Eleanor to ask if she is alright.
"Eleanor, is everything good?" I questioned. "How did this happen to you?"
Silence hit the room as Eleanor stood there still and unable to say a word, that is until another blinding light shined our way.
"Greetings my dear children," a mysterious woman's voice said, which came from Eleanor!
"Wait, who are you?" I questioned. "What have you done to Eleanor!"
"I'm terribly sorry for possessing your friend here," she replied. "It is the only way I can communicate with you."
"She isn't our friend you know," Mizuki said.
"You still haven't answered who you are!" Jun complained.
"My name is Gardevoir," she said. "I am currently a spirit trapped beneath the surface of this world. The only way I can communicate is if I have a host body. I have summoned the six of you here because both our worlds face a threat that requires the assistance of humans."
"Wait, wait, wait, pardon me?" I questioned. "I'm very confused…."
"My dear child," she interrupted, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't interrupt me. I apologize for having to drag you into this world without a single word or warning. Creatures that inhabit this world are known as Pokemon. The little boy over there that you have befriended is known as a Ralts."
"Thank you for comforting me," Ralts said to Val.
"Wait, you can actually talk?" Val questioned. "But of course, my sweetheart," Val said with a soothing voice.
"The reason you were unable to communicate with Ralts originally," Gardevoir said, "is that most Pokemon do not speak the same languages as you. I have altered your minds so that you can freely communicate with Pokemon."
"I am curious," Kōki interrupted. "How is it you can communicate with us?"
"My child," she replied, "it is because I have studied many languages from multiple universes."
"Wait, how do we even know you're trustworthy?" Mizuki questioned.
"I know what I simply tell you might not be easy to believe," Gardevoir replied. "I just hope you can put your trust in me. I am able to see things in the future, not only in my world but also in yours. While I cannot pinpoint where these major threats come from just yet, I do know in one of my visions, the six of you will be able to defeat certain threats. I also know you will make friends with many different Pokemon who will help you. When humans and Pokemon bond together, they unlock a power greater than a normal Pokemon's power."
"Is Ralts meant to be my partner then?" Val asked.
"That is correct, my dear," she replied.
"Wait, then when do we get our partners?" Mizuki asked.
"Unfortunately, my future sights have not told me when exactly. I can tell you the base stage for each of your partners."
"Base stage?" Kōki questioned.
"I'm sorry," Gardevoir replied. "I should explain evolutions. While not all Pokemon go through an evolution, many Pokemon do indeed evolve to better themselves, adapt better to environments, etc. The base stage is the Pokemon's most basic form before any form of evolution. Then there is a second stage for many Pokemon, and some Pokemon evolve even further into a third stage."
"Oh I understand now," Kōki replied. "Thanks for informing me!"
"You're very welcome my dear child. For you Kōki, your base stage partner will be…."
Suddenly without another word, the light completely disappeared from Eleanor's body.
"Gardevoir?" I questioned. "Gardevoir? Gardevoir, where are you?"
Unable to hear Gardevoir, if she's even speaking at all, Jun, Kōki, and I decided it's best to attend to Eleanor and see if she's okay.
"Are you alright Eleanor?" I questioned with deep concern seeing her unconscious body. "Please wake up!"
As the three of us tried to wake Eleanor up, we heard the buzzing of bees. We turned around to see three huge bees with drill-like arms chasing Val and Mizuki. Val held Ralts tight, which made it more difficult for them to run.
"Kōki and Jun, can the two of you please carry Eleanor and run away?" I requested in a major state of shock and panic. "I need to help Val and Ralts right now!"
"Yes, Hikari!" Kōki nodded. "Of course Mimi!" Jun exclaimed.
As they began to carry Eleanor away, multiple drills from the bee-like Pokemon flew towards us. They look sharp enough to pierce through our bones. While Mizuki ran far ahead of Kōki and Jun, Val is still struggling with carrying Ralts.
"Val, here pass Ralts to me!" I urged. "Run ahead, it's too dangerous here!"
"I appreciate the help!" Val exclaimed. "However, Ralts doesn't want to leave my side."
"Look out Val!" I urged as I pushed them aside from a swarm of drills launched at us. "I'm so sorry, but we need to run faster!"
"Ralts, please go with Hikari!" Val begged. "I can't run fast enough! I'm so sorry."
"No, I'm staying with you, mommy!" Ralts complained.
"Mom-mommy?" Val questioned while trying to pick up the pace.
"I lost my real mommy," Ralts cried. "You're my new mommy now!"
Distracted by Ralts calling Val his mommy, Val and I both stumbled at a dead end of a cliff and fell straight down.
"AHHHH NOOO I'm so sorry Ralts!" Val cried. "I'm sorry I wasn't able to protect you."
"Val, please don't give up hope!" I urged. "There's a body of water below us and it may help keep us alive, just hold on tight to Ralts please!"
