Chapter 86
After our time at Area Zero, life at the academy hasn't slowed down one bit. Director Cyrano's decision to grant Carmine and Kieran a temporary absence from school has brought some relief. Kieran's quest to rebuild his life means Crispin no longer frets over potential disruptions to the Elite Four rankings.
But amidst these changes, there's a looming issue: my status as the new BB League Champion. Being an exchange student means my tenure here is short-lived, and in just a month, I'll have to return to Paldea. Thankfully, Alice steps up, offering to fill the role. As a former BB League Champion herself, her experience makes her the perfect candidate. With the Elite Four's blessing, I pass the torch to Alice, entrusting her with the responsibility.
A few days later, an announcement echoes through the halls, drawing attention to a meeting called by Ms. Briar. "This is an announcement for the following students: Ash and Serena from Narauva Academy, Alice from Class 3-2," the speaker crackles. "Ms. Briar would like to see you in classroom 1-4. She has some important news to share with you regarding the Terastal phenomenon."
Curiosity tingles in our veins as we make our way to the classroom, anticipation building with each step. Upon entering, we're greeted by Ms. Briar's warm smile.
"Hey, Ash, Serena, and Alice! Glad to see you," she says, her voice carrying an air of familiarity. "You feeling rested and recovered after our big adventure down in the underdepths?"
"We do," I reply, relief evident in my voice.
"Oh, youth really is an enviable thing!" Ms. Briar chuckles softly. "I'm still feeling all wrung out despite having been back for a while now! But on to why I called you here. Since our return, I've been writing up everything we discovered on our expedition. Honestly, I've hardly slept! I obtained Geeta's permission to turn it all into a book, but don't worry - I've made sure to skip a few details and omit the names of those involved."
With a flourish, she produces a book, its pristine white cover sparking shock within me.
"So voila! A proof copy of the book, freshly delivered from my publisher, just for you," Briar announces with a hint of pride.
I accept the book, fingers tracing over its smooth cover, but my thoughts drift to the journal from Professor Turo. Before I can voice my concerns, Ms. Briar interrupts.
"I behaved recklessly in the underdepths. I don't know what we would've done if it weren't for you," she admits, her tone earnest. "You truly deserve a copy of this book - I just hope it's sufficient as an apology."
"I guess that's enough... we're glad that we're all safe," Alice replies, her words carrying a sense of relief.
"Ah! But there was something else I needed to check with you... Would you mind showing me your Tera Orb?" Ms. Briar's request draws our attention, and we retrieve our orbs, noting with surprise as they blink in unison.
"Hmm, I thought as much. It's behaving just like Kieran's and Carmine's orbs..." Briar observes thoughtfully. "I think it might be because your orbs were directly exposed to the energy from Terapagos. Kieran and Carmine say that ever since the underdepths, they've been able to Terastallize their Pokemon without changing their Tera Orbs."
"I see..." I respond, a dawning understanding accompanying my nod.
"Actually, there's one more piece of news I should share with you related to those deepest depths! You know the Terarium Core that hangs from the ceiling of Terarium?" Briar continues, her tone eager. "Well, until now, I'd been keeping it topped up with a mixture of Paldean soil and water from the crystal pool in Kitakami. That's how we've been able to stabilize the Terastal phenomenon on our academy grounds. But the other day, I tried adding crystals I'd collected from the underdepths to that mix - and it caused the properties of the core to change! The result? Pokemon shining in rainbow colors have started appearing all over the Terarium! And they have the Stellar Tera Type!"
"So now the Stellar Tera Type Pokemon have become common..." Serena remarks, her voice tinged with fascination.
"Thanks to this, my research into the Terastal phenomenon is shining brighter than ever!" Briar's excitement fills the room, her passion for her work palpable. "That's all I have to report for now! Thanks for setting aside some time to chat. I'm off to pay a visit to my publisher, so I'll leave you to it. Next time we meet, I'll ask you for a good long look at Terapagos. Till then!"
Once Briar leaves, Alice breaks the silence. "So I guess everything turns out fine..."
"Yeah..." I sigh, though a shadow of concern lingers. "Though I'm concerned... the white book that we have here... and did you remember the journal that Professor Turo wrote? Four kids bring a white book to Professor Sada and Professor Turo in the Kitakami crystal pool..."
"Do you think it is us? Just like how we found some documents about what we're doing in Hisui and then we just time travel to make it happen?" Alice's voice carries a hint of apprehension.
"If that's the case... we will need to go to Kitakami..." I conclude, determination coloring my words.
Before the weekend arrives, we immerse ourselves in quests assigned by Director Cyrano, each task aimed at enriching the Blueberry Academy experience. One such endeavor involves bringing esteemed staff and gym leaders from Paldea to our school for enlightening lectures. While each teacher demands a hefty 200 BP, their presence is well worth it, as they bring along a plethora of Pokemon for trading and even engage students in exhilarating 6-on-6 battles, much to everyone's delight.
Amidst our bustling activities, we make time to introduce Perrin to the new Pokemon we've encountered. Through our discussions, we stumble upon intriguing rumors surrounding the six Paradox Pokemon.
Gouging Fire is said to possess the ability to make magma erupt from the ground with a mere roar, its power awe-inspiring. Raging Bolt's legend speaks of its capability to shroud the sky in ominous clouds, unleashing bolts of lightning with a swing of its formidable neck.
Walking Wake, as the rumors go, defies natural laws by effortlessly traversing waters and conjuring whirlpools with the flick of its majestic tail.
Iron Crown is whispered to unleash devastating beams from its horns, capable of slicing through any obstacle with unparalleled precision. Iron Boulder, on the other hand, is rumored to charge its horns with energy, using them to bulldoze through anything obstructing its path.
Lastly, Iron Leaves is said to wield its heads as ethereal swords, effortlessly cleaving through large trees and boulders, reducing them to short, thin strips.
With Lillie joining our group, the four of us once again find ourselves standing by Kitakami's Crystal Pool. Lillie voices her thoughts, questioning our decision not to consult Dia about the journal before embarking on our journey. "Why didn't we just ask Dia about the journal thing first? I mean, do you really think that Professor Sada or Professor Turo are going to be here?"
"I want to believe that it's true... which is why we have come here," I reply, a sense of determination coloring my words.
As we turn around, we notice Pikachu and the others still engrossed in their playful antics with Terapagos. Alice remarks on their interaction, noting how well Terapagos seems to get along with our Pokemon.
"Yeah, it's actually playful, though we can't Terastalize him unless we're safe... I mean after what happened in Area Zero where we almost lost our lives..." Serena's voice carries a hint of solemnity as she reflects on our past ordeal.
Suddenly, Terapagos lets out a resounding roar, its form glowing with an ethereal light. Before we can comprehend what's happening, a thick mist envelops us, and to our astonishment, Professor Sada and Professor Turo materialize before our eyes. Shock and disbelief ripple through our group as we gaze upon the unexpected arrivals.
"No way..." Serena gasps, her disbelief echoing our sentiments.
"Well now. This is a curious development... Have we somehow broken through the boundaries of space-time?" Professor Sada's inquiry hangs in the air, her tone filled with intrigue.
"I don't know, Sada..." Turo responds before turning his attention to us. "And who are you?"
"P-professors?" Alice stammers, her voice trembling with astonishment.
"Have we met? If so, I'm sorry, but I don't seem to recall it..." Professor Sada admits, her expression reflecting genuine confusion.
"They move normally... that means they are not the AI-powered robots..." Lillie gasps, her realization striking a chord of realization within our group.
"What's that you say? You thought we were some robots imbued with AI personalities?" Professor Turo's curiosity is piqued. "Hmm. Now that's an idea. If we could create such a thing, it would be quite helpful."
As the implications sink in, a chilling thought creeps into our minds. Could it be that our encounter with Professor Sada and Professor Turo here has sparked the inspiration for the creation of the very AI-powered robots we've faced before? Is this a time loop, with us unwittingly influencing events that have already transpired?
"Professor Sada and Professor Turo, both of you research Pokemon in Area Zero..." I assert, hoping to jog their memories.
"So you do know us..." Sada acknowledges, her expression softening with recognition. It's then that Koraidon and Miraidon emerge from their Poke Balls, prompting a startled reaction from Professor Turo.
"What?! Th-these Pokemon -! Are they the Winged King and the Iron Serpent?" he exclaims, his astonishment evident.
"Well, we call them Koraidon and Miraidon now..." Lillie interjects, offering clarification.
"Is that right? So their names are Koraidon and Miraidon," Sada muses, a hint of approval in her tone. "Those are good names."
The revelation hits us like a bolt of lightning. Koraidon and Miraidon... we were the ones who bestowed these names upon the legendary Pokemon? But hadn't it been the other way around? Confusion swirls in our minds as we grapple with the implications of this paradoxical exchange.
"From the clues that you've already let slip, I suppose we would have to conclude..." Professor Turo begins, his voice trailing off as he processes the situation.
"From your perspective, we must have come from the past...?" Sada muses aloud, her gaze flickering with realization.
"And from our perspective, this must be the future...?" Professor Turo adds, his tone tinged with awe. "Though of course, the complexities of space-time are beyond count..."
"It's possible that our encounter might not even be occurring in a timeline connected to our own," Professor Sada muses, her words tinged with a sense of wonder. "Perhaps this meeting is nothing more than a fleeting miracle."
"Why don't we exchange as much useful data as we can, in what little time that fate has gifted us?" Professor Turo suggests, his practicality shining through. "Is there anything that you would like to ask us?"
Struggling to formulate a coherent question, I blurt out the first thing that comes to mind. "Why are you here?"
"I don't precisely know the cause. I was analyzing some recent data in my secret lab one moment, and the next I was standing here before you. Perhaps this is the influence of the crystal Pokémon that lies dormant in that place... Or perhaps the cause lies with you and I..." Sada responds, her tone thoughtful.
Sensing my falter, Alice steps in. "Ash... are you serious about that question? Let me ask one. What are you two studying now?"
"We are researching methods to catch Pokémon that live in different timelines, so we might transport them to the present day in my own timeline. It sounds fantastical, no doubt, but we are drafting plans for a machine that may achieve it," Professor Turo explains, his enthusiasm palpable.
Sada retrieves the Scarvio book, a glint of nostalgia in her eyes. "You see, this book captured our imagination when we read it as children and has never let go. But progress has been slow and beset by failures. We haven't left my lab in quite some time now... we desperately hope that we might glean some new insight from this conversation, so we can finally make some progress and return home..."
"Speaking of home... what about your family?" Serena inquires gently.
"Oh, you even wish to know about our private lives? We do...have family. A son. He is probably at home right now... Well, no, I suppose 'right now' could be inaccurate. Whenever and wherever he is, I imagine he must be...quite lonely," Turo confesses, a hint of sadness clouding his expression.
"Yeah... he was lonely..." I frown a little.
"Now, let us trade places in this exchange. I'd say the time has come for our own questions," Professor Sada declares. "What is this place? It doesn't appear to be anywhere in Paldea."
"This is the Crystal Pool located in the land of Kitakami," I reply, providing clarification.
Professor Turo nods in understanding. "So we're at Kitakami's Crystal Pool, eh? I remember reading about it in certain texts. It's said to be a place where water wells up from the ground, imbued with Terastal energy. It would seem that I have been shifted quite far in both space and time. I'll have the next question, then... That Pokémon you have, the Winged King and Iron Serpent—Ah, I mean...Koraidon and Miraidon. Tell me more about them."
With enthusiasm, we proceed to recount the unique qualities and significance of Koraidon and Miraidon, explaining how they've become integral members of our team. Professor Sada's gaze falls upon the book in my hand, and curiosity sparks in her eyes.
"Hm? That book you have there... I don't recognize its cover. What is it? 'The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero'...? W-would you let me see it for just a moment?!" she requests eagerly.
I nod, handing over the book, and she flips through its pages with growing astonishment. "Descriptions of the Area Zero Underdepths! And—and a record of Terapagos's awakening?! Who is this Briar, to have written such a work?" she exclaims, her surprise evident.
"She's Heath's descendant and also a teacher of ours," I explain.
"Now isn't that something. A descendant of the author of the original Scarvio Book... Exploration runs in the family, I see," Professor Turo remarks with a hint of admiration. "At any rate, that is a book that would ignite the imagination of any true scientist! I'm sorry, but we simply must have the time to read this book more thoroughly!"
As the mist begins to close in once more, Professor Sada acknowledges the imminent end of our encounter. "Oh! I assume that means our time is near its end. We wish we could spend longer getting to know the Winged King and the Iron Serpent...but we must hurry."
"That book... I imagine it must be quite valuable. It wouldn't feel right for me to claim it without offering you any recompense. An exchange, then. Though I hate to part with something so precious to me... Would you consider trading me that book for my copy of the Scarvio Book?" Professor Turo proposes, his tone tinged with sincerity.
"Sure, you can have it," I agree, recognizing the significance of this exchange in the grand scheme of things.
"I appreciate this more than you can imagine. Perhaps I should take this chance to go home and enjoy a bit of downtime with a good book... This is where we part, fellow adventurers, Winged King, and Iron Serpent," Professor Sada bids farewell, her voice filled with a sense of nostalgia.
"How lucky we were to meet across space and time. I bid you adieu!" Professor Turo adds warmly, echoing Sada's sentiment.
As we wave goodbye, watching them vanish into the mist until it disperses, everything returns to normal as if nothing extraordinary had occurred. Yet, the memories of our encounter with Professor Sada and Professor Turo will linger on, a testament to the mysterious and wondrous nature of our world.
"Well, I think we've done the right thing?" Serena questions, seeking reassurance.
"Yeah... I think we should go to our Ghost Manor," I affirm, feeling a sense of closure as we begin our journey back to our residence.
Here is the new chapter, and the next one is going to be the begin of the Mochi Mayhem. I hope you like this chapter.
Ash and Serena's Pokemon:
Charizard x2, Pikachu x2, Tauros (Paldean) x3, Lapras, Steelix (Crystal), Sceptile, Gardevoir (Shiny), Garchomp, Lucario, Krookodile, Zoroark, Greninja, Sylveon, Noivern, Lycanroc (Dusk), Mimikyu (Shiny), Corviknight, Indeedee x2, Kleavor, Ursaluna (Blood Moon), Sneasler, Meowscarada, Skeledirge, Quaquaval, Oinkologne x2 (Male/Female), Spidops, Lokix, Pawmot, Maushold x2 (Family of four/three), Dachsbun, Arboliva, Squawkabilly x4, Garganacl, Armarouge, Ceruledge, Bellibolt, Kilowattrel, Mabosstiff, Grafaiai, Brambleghast, Toedscruel, Klawf, Scovillain, Rabsca, Espathra, Tinkaton, Wugtrio, Bombirdier, Palafin, Revavroom, Cyclizar, Orthworm, Glimmora, Houndstone, Flamigo, Cetitan, Veluza, Dondozo, Tatsugiri X3, Annihilape, Clodsire, Farigiraf, Dudunsparce x2 (Two, Three segment), Kingambit, Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, Sandy Shocks, Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, Iron Thorns, Baxcalibur, Gholdengo, Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, Chi-Yu, Roaring Moon, Iron Valiant, Koraidon, Miraidon, Walking Wake, Iron Leaves, Sinistcha, Okidogi, Munkidori, Fezandipiti, Ogerpon, Archaludon, Hydrapple, Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Boulder, Iron Crown, Terapagos