AN: This chapter and the next are two parts with changes from the game.
Pokemon is not mine.
The room Cecilia entered resembled a hotel lobby and library hybrid. The walls were draped in scarlet and violet fabric, adorned with the school's coat of arms. Nemona awaited her arrival, standing between the doors and the desk.
"Here we are at Huerta Academy, Cecilia," Nemona said; she wanted to give Cecilia a proper welcome.
"Is it part of your job as council president to greet and give tours to new students, or can a teacher do it when you're not around?" Cecilia wondered if a trade was possible.
"Mostly, but sometimes a teacher does the introductions." Nemona explained," Anyway, this is the entrance hall."
"Are you sure that? It looks more like the library, not that I mind."
"Ah, a book lover." Nemona teased, "It is also the library, thanks to the chairwoman who redid this part in the last few years."
' I might thank her then. ' Cecilia thought, "Well then, let's start the tour." if she was stuck with Nemona, she would deal with it civilly.
"The desk behind me lets you sign up for classes and check out books for longer than a day. The hallway on either side leads to different parts of the school." Nemona pointed all over quickly and then muttered under her breath. "The board banded battling despite the area being a great place for it."
' A shame,' Cecilia thought sarcastically while keeping her face neutral. She understood the rationale behind the ban on battling; the books would be ruined in the crossfire.
"Miss Cecilia, Miss Nemona," Clavell walked up to the two girls. "How was the commute here?"
"Eventful," Cecilia deadpanned, choosing not to elaborate. Mainly due to Koraidon, though the first chance she got, Cecilia was going to ask about where one transfers trainer IDs for Pokemon.
"I expected nothing less from a champion-level trainer," Clavell chuckled. "Miss Nemona's energy made her a true asset to our academy."
"Thanks, director," Nemona grinned while looking a bit pink in the face. "I look out for all students, especially my friends."
Cecilia stayed silent; she thought of Nemona no more than a schoolmate.
"By the way, we encountered team star outside," Nemona added.
"WHAT? Where?" Clavell exclaimed.
"It was at the first landing when going up or down the stairs," Cecilia explained. "they were bothering this person. Who may or may not be a student. They had a large Eevee bag, if that helps." she wasn't sure if the younger person was a student or looking to join.
"That is troubling news. Are they still around?" Clavell was troubled. The team was a rare sight nowadays.
"No, I fought them off. Sorry about that," Cecilia said. "If that's wrong, you should know they sent out Pokemon first."
Please tell me you didn't use that Zarude of yours," Clavell pleaded.
"I only used Olwin. " Cecilia answered. "That should bring you some solace."
Clavell sighed, "It's good you showed restraint, but remember to show more altruism in the future."
"I will, but it also depends on the other person," Cecilia said. Clavell only knew Cecilia a little bit and guessed she would fight if her opponent started it first.
"The staff should be responsible for resolving issues like the one with Team Star," Clavell told Nemona.
"Yes, director," Nemona said, though she sounded primarily unhappy because she couldn't battle the delinquents if she found them.
"Going back to the person you said had the Eevee backpack, "Clavell said, changing the subject. "That would most likely be Miss Penny Seren. I'm glad she is coming to class even though she has been in Paldea for a few weeks."
' So they're Penny Seren, and Clavell used Female pronouns for them. ' Cecilia thought, ' I'm going to ask to be sure .' it never hurts to ask.
"Please inform Mr. Jacq about Team Star. As your homeroom teacher, he should be notified of such incidents." Clavell said.
"I will." Nemona nodded.
The three heard a bell overhead. "That's the first bell. It would be best to go to your homeroom and then to classes. Please be mindful in the future," said Clavell.
Cecilia nodded. "We are both in 1-A, so follow me to the classroom," Nemona said as she jogged off. Cecilia hoped her class times didn't match the other girl's much.
The classroom had two rows of chairs and desks, each row having a set. They were all facing the board on which there were images of Pokemon. Jaqc Albarado was older than Cecilia, and he had grayish-purple spiky hair and gray eyes behind hexagonal glasses. His usual attire consisted of a blue and dark pink shirt, sweatpants, flip-flops, and a lab coat.
"Good morning," the class called.
"Hola and hello," Jaqc said with a smile. "I have something new for you all today. I take it you want to hear it."
"Yes, sir."
Jacq nodded. "I should have mentioned earlier, but we have a new friend joining our homeroom today."
The class whispered among themselves. "I wonder what they are like."
"You can come in, Jaqc called as Cecilia entered the room. "Why don't you tell us something about yourself?"
"Okay," Cecilia said after a moment of thought, "My name is Cecilia Rustus. I am a quarter Kalosian, Galarian, Paldean, and (technically) Sinnohan. I also know many stories of legendary and mythical Pokemon."
"Wow." A few students said in aw.
"Everyone thinks you are interesting already." Jaqc said, "All right, we have time for two questions. Who is first?"
"Me, I do." one student called. "What do you like about Pokemon?"
With a small smile, Cecilia said, "What I like about Pokemon is that we are still discovering new things about them. From the ancient past that will help us in the far-off future."
"Cool."
"Any takers for the last question?" Jaqc asked.
"I do, Mr. Albarado," Nemona called. She even stood up. "So you enrolled here, so you must have a dream. What is that dream?"
"I don't know it. That's why I'm here to find it," Cecilia said honestly. ' Grandpa said Paldea would help me .'
"It makes sense not everyone knows right away," Nemona said. However, she was disappointed Cecilia's dream wasn't being the strongest.
Jaqc introduced himself as the biology and homeroom teacher for the general education course. "Thank you for sharing, Cecilia," he said.
"Nice to meet you, Mr. Albarado," Cecilia said, noting his first name sounded more like a Kalsoian one.
"There's an empty seat in the second row," Jaqc said, pointing to the desk. "Be nice and friendly, you bunch of rag muffins."
"We will." The class said.
After the day's classes had ended, the students were free to roam around the campus until night classes began or they went to bed. Cecilia decided to grab some food at the cafeteria before heading to her dorm room. To her surprise, she found Arven in line at the buffet.
"Surprised to see you here," Cecilia said, standing beside Arven. Cecilia hoped to get to talking about transferring Koraidon to her.
"So we meet again," Arven said, turning to Cecilia. She noticed he didn't have a plate. "And you remembered me, too."
"It's hard to forget someone who gave you a powerful Pokemon and disappeared. We need to finish the transfer before I can call Koraidon mine," Cecilia deadpanned.
"Seriously, I would love to, but. "Arven scowled. "That wasn't even my Pokemon; I just had its Pokeball."
"Incroyable," Cecilia muttered in Kalosian, "That means I have to look for Koraidon's true trainer."
Cecilia elbowed the upperclassman in the stomach, hoping for more helpful advice than the unhelpful "Yup" that had just come from Arven. "Ow, that smarts," he complained. "I didn't know who you were this morning, but I do now, thanks to that Hohma kid. You're Cecilia Rastus, the girl with a mythical Pokemon who came to school with the student council president. Are you sure your father caught it and not you?"
"Positively," Cecilia said tartly, "and that brat needs to learn more about personal space." She did not like a Rotom phone shoved into her face, but she had answered the questions she was given before pushing the kid out of the classroom door. "Despite being in the region for three years, all anyone can talk about is Agravain."
"Why did you name your zarude but not Flechtling?" Arven had noted that.
"My father caught him during his gym challenge in Galar, and he had a habit of naming his Pokemon; that's why Agravain is named. There is no guarantee that I will name all my Pokemon." Cecilia explained, "The only other named Pokemon I have is the one I got from the director this morning."
"And coming with the student council president?"
"Former neighbors," Cecilia said shortly.
"Okay, truth is I don't come to school often," Arven said, changing the subject. "I came because of you."
' I wonder why he changed his mind to come. '
"I want your help to make my dream come true," said Arven with a determined look. Cecilia somewhat sensed hidden hope.
"What is that dream?" Cecilia would listen to him before deciding whether to say yes. ' Why does Arven's aura pattern resemble Grand-père's when he was full of guilt ?'
Arven grinned mischievously and let out a chuckle. "Seems like I've caught your attention, huh? It may sound surprising, but I love the picnic lifestyle," he said, daring Cecilia to laugh. "Being surrounded by the great outdoors, enjoying perfect sandwiches, and all that jazz. I'm even a decent cook," he added with a confident grin.
' Does he want a taste tester ?' Cecilia thought as she listened and ate some food. ' I wonder if I can get him to make some Kalosian food for me. '
"I'm looking into healthy food recipes," Arven explained as he pulled out an odd book. It was both scarlet and violet with two stylized dragon Pokemon on the cover above the words Area Zero's hidden treasure. "I found this book that talks about these herbs called herba mystica. They instantly heal any Pokemon that consumes them."
"Are they even better than full restore?" Cecilia couldn't believe that.
Arven spoke, aware that Cecilia may have some uncertainty. "According to my understanding, there are five distinct kinds. Each one has a unique impact on the body - they can stimulate blood flow, provide essential nutrients, enhance the immune system, promote gut health, and prevent the effects of aging."
"I highly doubt a bunch of herbs could do that," Cecilia commented, "the last one sounds the most outrageous."
Arven confirmed, "These seem genuine and unique to Paldea," as he glanced upwards.
"Are you about them being Paldean exclusive?" Cecilia wasn't that sure.
"As far as I can tell, they are. The book also says that getting a few sprigs is nearly impossible because the herbs are guarded by Pokemon called Titans." Arven admitted.
"They sound like they could be enormous," Cecilia remarked, alarmed at the thought of such colossal Pokemon roaming the region.
"More than likely, one could look like this." Arven turned a page and gave the book to Cecilia. The picture showed a Pokemon resembling Donphan but with more prominent tusks and spine-like ridges along its back.
"What is this? Is it even a Pokemon?" Cecilia wondered out loud to herself. What kind of Pokemon were in this region?
"That is an excellent question, to be honest. I'm not a great battler compared to my cooking ability," Arven agreed. He then added, "I don't have any friends who are strong battlers, and I don't want to go crawling to the student council girl. If I do, I know I'll never hear the end of it."
As Cecilia handed the book back, she said, "You saw me and thought I'd be perfect."
"You got it right on the first try! Would you be willing to assist me?" Arven exclaimed.
"I want to think about it. if that is okay?" Cecilia asked. ' I can't just agree to help him right away. There is more to this than at first glance. '
Arven responded, "That's fair. There's no need to rush into things. I appreciate that you didn't just agree to help me immediately." He then asked, "Would it be okay if I added the locations of the Titans to your map once I have a good idea where they are, and you agree to help me?"
Cecilia nodded, relieved that Arven had asked her before fiddling with her phone. ' He resembles Grand-père,' she thought.
"I hope you agree," Arven said. He hoped he got help in this endeavor. "thank you for at least taking the time to listen to me."
Cecilia asked, "How long can I think it is over?"
"A few days from now, the independent study period will commence. I would appreciate an answer by then," Arven said as he left.
"Independent study?" Cecilia wondered, ' I need to find that book. Hopefully, there is one in the library, and the one Arven may be his own.' she headed to the door, only for her phone to go off. Blinking and thinking, her step-grandma was calling, so she pulled out the black telephone. If it weren't, Cecilia would hang up. "Hello?"
"Is this Cecilia Rastus correct?" asked a gender-neutral voice.
"What of it?" Cecilia whispered fiercely, "And who might you be?"
"There is no need to get angry while I did hack your phone." The person said, "And you may call me Cassiopeia."
Cecilia snarled, "That's an excellent reason to be angry. Why do you assume I won't tell the director about this?" The one thing she was annoyed about was her inability to use aura to read people through a phone.
"I have a proposition for you involving Team Star." despite speaking calmly, Cassiopeia's voice had an undertone of panic. "I heard you are a trainer with great potential and a mythical Pokemon. On the other hand, Team Star is made up of trouble-making students. They were formed at this very academy, and the teachers can't do anything to stop the team."
Cecilia took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down. She thought, ' The person who hacked my phone must be from the STEM track. But why me? Why should this responsibility fall on a student in the first place? I usually handle problems by thinking quickly and being stubborn .'
"The team must be disbanded soon," Cassiopeia stated calmly. "I cannot wait idly while nothing is being done about it. That's why I have come up with a strategy named Operation Starfall. I aim to end their operations, and I plan on doing so with the help of allies who will engage them in Pokemon battles."
"Interesting," Cecilia said as she leaned against the wall, "I'm guessing you're not much of a battler."
"Never really had the talent for it." came the reply. "are you going to report me?"
' Should I? History tells us that young children always find the group that causes trouble. I can't help but notice that a legendary-class Pokemon always seemed to be at the center of the chaos and that children always seemed to befriend them .' Cecilia thought.
"What is your answer?"
"I'm not saying yes or no to turning you in or joining your operation," Cecilia whispered. "But Team Star needs to stop before things get out of hand."
"You can take your time," Cassiopeia said with relief. "I'll review more details if and when you're ready." They hung up.
' I can't let what happened to Oncle happen again,' Cecilia thought, then noticed the director standing beside her. ' How long has he been there? '
"Miss. Cecilia, please keep your voice as low as possible while on the phone in public." The director said sternly. "Personal conversations are meant to be private, after all."
"I will, sir," Cecilia said, cursing herself for not sensing Clavell's presence.
"Honestly, in this day and age, we need to be careful," Clavell said as he waved Cecilia off.
"Good day," Cecilia quickly left, but she overheard Clavell muttering something that made her uneasy.
"Team Star, huh?"
AN: fanofmyth/741802029984399360/pokemon-paradox-treasure-hunters-chapter-1?source=share This is a link to the cover of the book Arven has. It is this world's version of the book Heath wrote.
Spoiler: Those who have done or watched Mochi Mayhem know who Penny's father is implied to be. I headcanon that she uses either her mother's last name or her father's choice to take his wife's when they married. Seren is a Welsh word, another language used in Galar, but only sometimes.
The main characters of Paldean Winds are more likely to be mentioned than appear in the story; just a fun background reference more than anything. They also do not wear just scarlet uniforms. One of them has violet, and another is a mix. You may choose which one does.