AN: This continues from the last chapter.
Those who watch or finish the game know what this chapter implies.
Pokemon is not mine
Review answers:
admiral809: I know that there are three paths the game takes; Arven, Cassiopia, and Nemona make the main requests, but I couldn't help but think that the professors asking to take care of Koraidon/Miraidon was an unofficial one, even though it is part of Arven story.
The book Arven had shown her was in the lobby/ library. It had more than a page on herbs that may grant immortality. There was a Pokemon with a crown, two Pokemon that looked like some fused the Beasts of Ecruteak City, and three of the four Swords of Justice into one being, a cartography of the crater, pictures of plates from ancient times. The author wrote this page while he was dreaming and a photo of the Auther Sueño Heath himself with the Pokemon Cyclizar.
Cecilia picked up the book and thought, ' Father would have loved this book. Did he ever read it?' After putting the book back on the shelf, she pondered about the giant mystery in Paldea. She believed that traveling around the region would help in searching for clues. Additionally, she thought that assisting Arven would also be beneficial in solving the mystery.
She then searched for a teacher who could answer some questions. Using the school's locating system, Cecilia found that most were in the staff room. Upon entering, she looked around for a teacher who could be helpful. Cecilia also noted that Nemona was talking to a woman with long blue hair in an equally dark blue suit. Hoping to avoid Nemona, Cecilia started walking to the wall and going around the two.
"I trust you to handle things in my steed, Champian Nemona." The mysterious woman said.
"You can count on me." Nemona said, "I bet this will be fun."
"Glad to hear it," the woman nodded, then turned to leave the room. Only to run into Cecilia. "Pardon me," the woman said. Cecilia noted the older woman's eyes were yellow. The woman then left the room.
"Hey, Cecilia," So much for avoiding Nemona.
"Who was that?" Cecilia decided to get that out of the way.
"We call her La Primera; she embodies everything one could desire. Since you're unsure of your dream, why not aim for a champion rank?" Nemona added.
' I have found it more or less, but going about it is a problem I'm now facing,' Cecilia thought, then said out loud. "I tried in Galar but didn't succeed."
"And waste strength like yours?" Nemona was caught off guard when Cecilia revealed she had tried for champion before. "A champion-ranked trainer raises top-tier Pokemon, and their battles keep everyone in suspense," she explained.
"Sounds like most champions I've heard of," Cecilia interrupted. " to achieve it, you must beat eight gym leaders, the Elite Four, and the current champion."
"Yeah, in most regions, you do." Nemona pouted. "But here in Paldea, one takes the champion assessment after you beat the gym leaders."
"Interesting, is there a difference?" Cecilia was curious if there was any. She also took note that La Primera meant the first, which told that either the woman who had just left was the best there was or the first trainer to become a champion rank.
"Not really. You battle the elite four, but you don't battle a champion but the top trainer." Nemona admitted.
"That is not much." To say Cecilia was disappointed was somewhat understated.
"I earned the rank during my self-directed study last year, and the treasure hunt is scheduled to restart soon," Nemona stated, redirecting the conversation.
' That's what Arven meant. They must be the same or connected,' Cecilia thought. "Can we leave school?" she asked to confirm.
"For sure. We all explore and learn new things at our own pace," Nemona exclaimed, jumping up and down excitedly. "My journey started when I met you, but unfortunately, I didn't find my treasure last year. Maybe this year is the year I finally find it."
' That may be the case, it seems,' Cecilia sighed internally.
"I can add the gym locations to the map," Nemona said. "So if you want to go and work on getting stronger."
' I'm going to have a busy semester .' Cecilia thought. "Give me a few days. I've got a lot on my mind."
"Think about it, okay," Nemona said, leaving the room.
' Can I do a gym run after so long? ' Cecilia knew she didn't have to do the gyms. Still, they were often a way for trainers to see how far they could go, and having faced the former unbeatable champion, which was quite far. Her thought was interrupted by the announcement system going off.
"Would Miss. Cecilia Rustas, please come to the director's office."
Cecilia sighed, realizing that she would have to get the answers later. As she turned to leave the room, she briefly felt as though someone was watching her but then dismissed the thought.
The director's office resembled an old laboratory or a former computer classroom. Clavell sat behind the large desk, poring over some papers. He glanced up as Cecilia approached him.
"Don't worry, Miss Cecilia, you're not in trouble," Clavell said, noticing her concerned expression. "How was your first day of school?"
Cecilia sighed in relief and replied, "It was exhausting but also educational. I'm looking forward to learning more."
"That is excellent to hear; now, I'm guessing you want to know why I summoned you to my office?" Cecilia nodded before asking his question.
"I am curious." Cecilia said, ' This is more private than the cafeteria .'
"A friend of mine contacted me earlier today wanting to talk to you out of all the students here," Clavell said, confused as to why Cecilia was chosen. "This is the best place as the likelihood of being overheard is quite low."
Cecilia winced at the reminder of earlier. She wondered as she looked back over her shoulder to see who it was if the director had heard more of the last bit.
"Oh no, he is not in the building," Clavell said, seeing Cecilia looking at the door as he picked up a remote. "give me a moment." The TV in the corner turned on.
The man depicted was in his late thirties or early forties, with slicked-back brown hair and matching-colored eyes. He wore a futuristic shirt with black and purple stripes beneath a lab coat. The man even sported a beard and looked like an older Arven. Cecilia found him familiar but didn't know why until he spoke.
"Hola Cecily, it's been years since we last met. In case you've forgotten, my name is Antonio Turo," said Turo, indicating that they hadn't seen each other for over a decade by using Cecilia's original first name. "I'm a Pokemon researcher in Paldea's Great Crater, also known as Area Zero."
Cecilia needed to correct Turo before anything else. "Professor. My name is Cecilia, and I have been for the last few years." She knew that both men were curious about the name change.
"I'm guessing there is a story behind that." Clavell was the first to recover. "Also, Antonio is a graduate of this very school," he added.
"I see perhaps later (if there are any). You can tell me the story, Cecilia, student number 805C393," Turo said after blinking. How he responded caught Cecilia's attention, but she put it away for now. "I will get straight to the point of this call; you travel with a Pokemon called Koraidon, correct?"
"How did you know that?" Cecilia was confident she kept Koraidon in her ball after receiving her, and only Nemona and Arven knew about the dragon.
"Motion-activated cameras are installed at the lighthouse on Poco Path. "came the answer. "Not to offend you," Turo said, though his actions were odd, indicating something was off.
"I see that means they were hidden." Cecilia wasn't wholly relaxed as she was now watching Turo's actions.
"And their sight range is quite wide." Turo admitted, "This call is because I need your assistance."
A sudden bright light emerged between Cecilia and Clavell, indicating that a Pokemon was being released from its ball. When they turned to look, they saw that it was Koraidon. Clavell was startled by the sudden appearance of such a majestic creature and jumped back, nearly hitting his desk.
"It has been a while. I am glad to see that you are doing well and in excellent health," Turo said, glancing at the dragon before turning back to Cecilia. "Koraidon used to be under my care, and I understand that you received its ball from a young man named Arven."
"The cameras should have shown you that the ball was shoved into my hand," Cecilia grumbled. "Arven wasn't even Koraidon's true owner, so he couldn't start the transfer process." She was petting the red Pokemon to keep herself calm.
"Understandable, but I can not take care of that Pokemon right now. "Turo said as he shook his head, "While I can start the process, it will take some months to complete, so until the transfer is finished, I would like you to look after Koraidon and maybe restore its power."
"I'm already taking care of her and will see about restoring Kpraidon's lost power," Cecilia said, thinking of trying to see if the herba mystica was the solution. "I know it takes months. My dad gave me a Zarude and wanted me to be ready by my birthday. Plus, I want one question answered."
"I take it you're saying yes." Turo said, "You are a kind trainer, and what is your question?"
Cecilia knew she had to make it count. "Are Cyclizar and Koraidon related? Not how, but are." that was all she wanted for now.
"Yes, they are. Koraidon is incapable of battling right now. it seems to have been weakened to the point it took this limited build form it is in now, which seems to be one for transport." Turo said, smiling while Ceilia wondered how he figured that out." It will take some time for Koraidon to regain the power to enter its apex build or battle form, so in the meantime, I would like your contact information."
Despite her distrust, Cecilia offered her phone. "Thanks for handling the transfer."
"I will be in contact to keep tabs and monitor progress," Turo said, "so I should be the one thanking you." With that, the professor walked away, and the screen turned off.
Koraidon moved closer to the screen, wanting her former trainer to return.
Clavell looked at the dragon next to him. "Does this Pokemon's origin lie within Area Zaro?" He muttered, "Antonio, don't tell me acutely succeed."
Cecilia was recalling Koraidon when she overheard the director muttering about Area Zaro once again. She betted she would discover answers if she could find a way into the crater, but how was the question? Cecilia knew it would take time to uncover a way in. She resolved to be patient and continue her efforts to uncover the area's secrets.
"Antonio is asking quite a lot from you," Clavell said out loud. "The academy exists to help you in any way and to enjoy school life with Koraidon."
"Yeah, it's more of an extra thing that doesn't have to do with school," Cecilia said. "Is that all you need me for?"
"Yes, that is all. If you have evening class, I suggest heading to them or the dorms for rest." Clavell said with a nod of understanding.
' I have so much to think about .' Cecilia thought as she walked to the door only to hear it open.
"Hello, I'm coming in," Nemona said. "Oh, Cecilia, you're still here?" she noted.
"I was just leaving," Cecilia said curtly.
"How much trouble did you get into to get sent to the director's office on the first day?" Nemona was teasing Cecilia. However, she soon held her hands in a surrendering pose and said, "I was just joking." Cecilia's death glare was terrifying.
"Why are you here?" Cecilia said, wanting to lie down and maybe cuddle something soft.
"Our homeroom teacher wants to make sure you know where your dorm room is," Nemona explained. "We get our private rooms, so let's see it." With that, the two girls left for the dorm rooms.
The dorm room was spacious and cozy, with a bed, kitchen, closet, bathroom, and desk in one large area.
"This is your home from now on." Nemona said, more excited than Cecilia, "Most be one of the newer ones as I don't remember it."
"Who knows?" Cecilia said, putting her backpack on the desk.
"That bed of yours looks so comfy it makes you want to lie on it." Nemona said, "Especially after the day you had."
"I plan to. I haven't chosen to take classes at night." Cecilia said as she began to push the other girl out of the room.
"Rest up, and I will see you tomorrow," Nemona said as if she wasn't getting pushed. "Hopefully, we can battle again. Take care." The door slammed in her face.
' It's been an eventful day. ' Agravain asked as he groomed Olwin's fur. The two had been released from their Pokeballs ten minutes prior.
"I'll tell you after I shower," Cecilia said as she took out her bathroom bag. After coming out, she told Agravain everything, even mentioning her suspicions about Turo.
' You think something happened to the professor, and the one you talked to is hiding that fact, ' Agravain summarized. ' And you need to find a way into the crater to find the reason .'
"Yes, if I need to search the whole region, then that's what I will do," Cecilia said. Her Pokemon combed her hair. "If the only way to enter the crater is to become a champion-ranked trainer, then that's what I do, along with battling titans and maybe troublesome students."
' You decided to help all of them, didn't you? ' Agravain sighed. Cecilia nodded as she turned off the lights.
AN: The next chapter concludes the introduction arc and begins the treasure hunt arc.