A/N: Hello, everyone. As promised, I bring to you a side-story adventure to keep you guys excited for coming chapters. Now, this technically doesn't take part in the main-story (hence why it's called a side-story) so no mention of traveling to this world or the events within will ever be brought up or have any effect on the main plot. I apologize this is so short, but I wanted to give you guys at least something to look over. I know it's not much, but if you want to see what happens next, let me know and I'll try to get the next part up ASAP. Without further ado, here's Part 1 of Bonus Chapter 1. See if you can figure out the world before the last paragraph. Enjoy
Hikari's POV
"Seems this world is on a completely different time plane," Riku stated as we landed in the new world. "It was midday when we left Radiant Garden and the sun hasn't even risen here."
The city was quiet, only a few people out either on an early morning walk or opening their shops. However, something was different about this place. The roads as well as the few vehicles parked on the curbs appeared to be of early 19th century. What was more confusing was the clothing I saw those who were up wearing and how they seemed somewhat more modern, perhaps late 19th century. Was technology further behind than the fashion sense? And why did this place give me a sense of familiarity similar to when I first woke up in the Pokemon world?
I let my eyes wander and after a few moments, something caught my attention. "Hey, Riku; let's go check that place out," I stated, pointing to where my focus was on.
Riku looked in the direction I indicated. "A cemetery?"
I nodded. "Something's weird about this world; the technology doesn't match up with the surroundings. I'm also getting this feeling as if I know this world."
"Wait, you mean like back when we were in the Pokemon world?" Riku inquired. "Could it be a world that's story found its way to yours?"
"Maybe. It's a long shot, but maybe I can figure out whether or not I know this world for sure by reading the graves. There might be a chance I'll recognize a name or something," I explained.
"Seems like as good an idea as any," Riku agreed and started to walk towards the cemetery, me right beside him.
The large expanse of well-trimmed grass and scattered trees was quiet, but it was the peaceful kind despite being a cemetery. The graves were near identical in appearance and spaced evenly, most having fresh flowers either in vases or simple bouquets. No large statues or structures were to be seen, making me wonder if this was reserved for a particular group of individuals, perhaps military. This seemed to be the case, for the years between birth and death on several stones were sometimes not passing late 20s and early 30s. There were also graves that had the same death years, indicating a possible national crisis or even a war.
That last thought had just gone through my head when my gaze froze upon one particular grave. Based on the other graves I had seen, this one was no more than a year or so old, if the fine polish of the stone was any addition of an indicator. Beautiful white lilies lay at the base of the gravestone, the paper holding them together rustling ever so lightly in the soft breeze.
I felt myself begin to tremble and clutched my hands into fists in order to steady it, but it seemed to do little good. Everything suddenly made perfect sense; the reason this world felt familiar, why the technology didn't match up with the clothing style, and the fact that so many graves made around the same time existed in one location. I knew this world, but I truly wished that I didn't, for its story is nothing but tragedy.
Tears filled my eyes as I gave up trying to control my trembling, feeling as though I might collapse in front of the grave, pain and sorrow grabbing hold of my heart. Of all the people who existed in this world, he was by far the last person who should have died, for engraved upon the stone was this:
Maes Hughes
1885-1914