This chapter title is from the Artist Tsukumo Sana.
To all of you who read, follow, favorite, and review this story, thank you all! Your interest in this story fuels my motivation. I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Since regaining consciousness in the hospital and receiving a clean bill of health, Akari had grappled with the whirlwind of events that had transpired in her dream. As she recovered, a tide of thoughts and questions flooded her mind. She found herself comparing the fantastical dream world to the familiar reality, noticing details she longed to discuss with Arceus.
One such detail gnawed at her: the uncanny resemblance between her cousin Lucas and Rei, Professor Laventon's assistant. The possibility that Lucas, and perhaps even she, were descendants of Rei swirled in her thoughts. However, such questions felt too sensitive, too weighty, to voice to anyone.
Beyond these lingering mysteries, another concern occupied Akari's mind: the potential transfer of her dream-acquired skills and knowledge. To explore this, she decided to order supplies online, ingredients such as Apricorn and Caster Fern which were not commonly found at the Poké Mart. The list also included Tumblestone, Sootfoot Root, Pop Pods, and more.
While eagerly awaiting her delivery, Akari decided to test her physical capabilities. Prior to the dream, she had worked as an assistant for Professor Rowan, a kind and respected figure who, strangely enough, bore a striking resemblance to Kamado. To gauge her recovery, Akari requested to work outdoors. Professor Rowan, readily understanding her needs, assigned her light outdoor tasks.
These tasks primarily focused on observing and recording wild Pokémon, with the potential to capture a few for study if necessary, aiming to witness their evolution in their natural habitat. Through these outings, Akari discovered a remarkable improvement in her ability to catch Pokémon, move stealthily, and perform acrobatic feats – skills she possessed to some degree beforehand. However, these skills had now been honed to a level far exceeding her previous capabilities, suggesting a clear transfer of knowledge and skill from the dreamscape.
Sometimes, Akari ventured out with her nine-year-old cousin, Lucas, a boy with slate-grey eyes and hair mirroring her own. She patiently taught him the art of stealth, guiding him on how to move silently and blend with his surroundings to avoid startling Pokémon. Akari also honed Lucas's throwing skills, training him to toss Poké Balls with precision and accuracy.
Currently, Akari resided with Lucas and his parents. Her own parents, driven by their passion for Pokémon research, were currently stationed in the Kalos region, collaborating with the esteemed Professor Sycamore on his groundbreaking studies in evolution. While initially taking a leave of absence to ensure Akari's well-being after her coma, they returned to Kalos once she was fully recovered and settled back into a normal life. Despite the distance, Akari maintained a close connection with her parents, sharing her experiences and eagerly awaiting their visits.
Once her crafting supplies arrived, Akari wasted no time in embarking on a simple project: the creation of a Smoke Ball. Eager to test her newly acquired knowledge, she ventured out on a subsequent field trip. Anticipation thrummed through her veins as she reached into her backpack and pulled out the completed Smoke Ball. With a deep breath, she activated it, a spark igniting at its base. To her immense satisfaction, a dense, billowing cloud of smoke erupted from the ball, effectively obscuring her presence within its hazy embrace.
Empowered by this initial success, Akari set her sights on a more ambitious project: crafting a Poké Ball. While the theoretical concept seemed straightforward, a significant discrepancy existed between the dream world and reality. In the dreamscape, Akari had relied on a detailed reference sheet, akin to a comprehensive roadmap guiding her through the construction process. Here, however, she was solely reliant on her memory, tasked with translating the dream knowledge into tangible reality.
The challenge proved daunting, demanding meticulous attention to detail and unwavering focus. Yet, fueled by the burning desire to validate her dream experiences, Akari persevered. After days of meticulous crafting, she finally completed the Poké Ball, standing as a testament to her determination and newly acquired skills. A surge of excitement and anticipation coursed through her as she ventured out, eager to encounter a Pokémon and put her creation to the test.
As she swiftly journeyed to the town's limits, Akari's gaze was drawn to the bustling preparations for the annual Star Festival, Tanabata. This traditional celebration offered a unique opportunity to embrace cultural tradition, with many opting to wear special attire in public. The streets would soon be adorned with vibrant lanterns, illuminating the joyful crowds decked out in colourful kimonos. Having her own outfit prepared, Akari resolved to attend the festivities once her current mission was complete.
The forest floor teemed with life as Akari navigated the dense foliage. Sunlight filtered through the emerald canopy, dappling the forest floor in a mosaic of light and shadow. In a nearby clearing, she spotted a group of Bidoof and Bibarel diligently working together. The Bidoof scurried about, diligently gnawing at the base of trees with their small, sharp teeth. They expertly cut the logs into manageable lengths before hauling them away with surprising strength, their stubby legs churning as they traversed the uneven terrain. Off to the side, nestled beneath the shade of a majestic oak, sat a lone Bidoof. Unlike its fellow labourers, this Bidoof seemed content to rest, its beady eyes gazing thoughtfully at the sun-dappled clearing.
Intrigued by the opportunity to interact with a wild Pokémon, Akari cautiously approached the lone Bidoof. As she drew closer, she noticed the Bidoof tense up, its gaze narrowing in what seemed to be a flicker of apprehension. Unfazed, Akari continued her approach with measured steps, ensuring her movements conveyed no threat. Finally, she settled down beside the Bidoof, her back resting against the cool bark of the oak.
"Hi there," Akari spoke softly, her voice barely a whisper. "I'm Akari. I usually only talk to Pokémon in the lab, but I was wondering if you could understand me."
The Bidoof, to Akari's surprise, gave a hesitant nod, its beady eyes conveying a spark of understanding. Emboldened by this unexpected response, Akari continued the conversation. "Do you know anything about Pokeballs?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
The Bidoof, after a brief pause, offered another nod, confirming its knowledge of these fascinating tools used to form bonds with Pokémon. Akari, her heart swelling with excitement, shared her own experience. "I had a dream," she revealed, "where I learned how to craft Pokeballs, but not the way they're made today."
Reaching into her bag, Akari retrieved her prototype Poke ball, her creation born from the vivid dream. She held it out towards the Bidoof, its gaze locking onto the unique sphere. "This is the first Pokéball I've created outside of that dream," Akari stated, her voice filled with a hint of nervousness. "My purpose is not to capture a Pokémon permanently, but rather to test its functionality and then release the Pokémon back into the wild. Would you be willing to help me with this experiment?"
Understanding her intentions, the Bidoof gave another affirmative nod. A wide smile bloomed on Akari's face as she gently pressed the Poke ball against the Bidoof's forehead. In a flash of red light, the Bidoof vanished into the ball. However, the ball unexpectedly bounced out of her hand. Scrambling to catch it, she managed to grab it as it landed in her palm. With a satisfying click and a spark that shot into the air, the capture was confirmed.
Eager to assess the Bidoof's condition after its brief foray inside the Pokéball, Akari released it. However, an unexpected phenomenon unfolded before her eyes. The Bidoof's form began to shimmer with an otherworldly glow. Akari's initial thought was that the Bidoof was evolving, but the transformation that took place defied her expectations. Instead of morphing into a Bibarel, the Pokémon that emerged was unlike any she had encountered before. It resembled a small, graceful feline with the ability to float serenely in mid-air. As the ethereal glow subsided, Akari gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. The Pokémon before her was none other than the mythical Mew, a creature shrouded in legend and rarely seen by human eyes.
"Huh?" Akari uttered, her voice barely audible as she attempted to process this surreal encounter. The newly-revealed Mew let out a playful chirp before gracefully floating closer to Akari and nuzzling her forehead with a gentle kiss. Then, with a flick of its tail, it vanished into thin air, leaving behind only the faint echo of its mewling cry.
Left in a state of utter bewilderment, Akari could only utter another confused "Huh?", oblivious to the rustling of leaves above her. Hidden amongst the leaves, a pair of watchful eyes observed the scene, their gaze filled with a mix of curiosity and intrigue.
Akari hesitantly rose to her feet, still grappling with the reality of having accidentally captured a Mythical Pokémon. Staring down at the prototype Poké Ball nestled in her hand, she realised with a jolt that Mew hadn't been released; it was still, technically, captured.
Shrinking the Poké Ball to a more discreet size, she tucked it away securely in her bag, ensuring it remained hidden from prying eyes for now. With a heavy heart, Akari turned and started the long trek back home. The Star Festival loomed large, and preparations awaited.
••• ••• •••
Inspired by her dreamscape adventures, Akari decided to embrace the festival spirit by dressing in attire reminiscent of her time there. She swapped her usual leather headband for a delicate white bandana, its soft fabric gently securing her hair in a loose ponytail that cascaded down her back. To ward off the evening chill that had begun to settle, she added a long, crimson scarf, its soft material offering a comforting warmth against her skin. The centrepiece of her ensemble was the kimono, adorned with a sleek black obi accented by a vibrant yellow stripe that danced in the fading light. Finally, she completed the look with traditional Zori sandals, their woven straw soles offering a quiet comfort as she set off on her journey.
Getting ready proved surprisingly quick, perhaps due to her familiarity with this type of attire from her time in the dreamscape. Time, however, had not stood still. When she had left the forest, the afternoon sun had cast long shadows across the verdant landscape. Now, dusk had already descended, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. Long shadows stretched from the vibrant stalls and festive decorations lining the streets, illuminated by the warm glow of paper lanterns strung overhead. Laughter and the lively chatter of festival goers filled the air, creating a bustling atmosphere of celebration.
As Akari navigated the bustling throng, her gaze landed on two captivating figures. A tall dark blonde girl with hair that cascaded down past her shoulders in loose waves was clad in a vibrant pink kimono and a petite girl with mischievous glint in her vibrant eyes barley seen through her bangs of vibrant purple hair sported a playful purple kimono of the same shade beside her. Their attention captivated by a bakery stall where a playful Fidough and an satisfied Inkay frolicked. But Akari's attention was drawn elsewhere, spotting someone she needed to speak with at the lab: Professor Rowan.
Dressed in a striking black kimono adorned with a gold-embroidered landscape featuring a Golduck in the foreground, Professor Rowan bore too much of a resemblance to Kamado from her dream. The sheer coincidence of his attire being the exact same as Kamado's from the dreamscape fueled Akari's desire to confide to him what she knew about the dream.
Taking a deep breath, Akari approached Professor Rowan, her voice filled with a hint of nervousness as she greeted him, "Good evening, Professor."
Professor Rowan, drawn from his contemplation of the festival delicacies, turned to her with a nod. "Ah, Akari. Good evening to you as well. Is there something you wished to discuss?" he inquired.
Akari hesitated for a moment, her hand instinctively reaching towards the small Poké Ball she kept in her kimono bag. "There is...quite a lot actually, Professor," she confessed, realising the gravity of the situation at hand. "I have a feeling this conversation might take some time."
After Akari recounted an abridged version of her dream, including the capture of the mythical Mew, Professor Rowan found a secluded corner where they could speak freely. As they settled in, the Professor stroked his chin thoughtfully, his face etched with a solemn expression.
"I understand why you wouldn't share this, Akari," he began. "It's not only extraordinary but could potentially be dangerous if the information fell into the wrong hands."
"This Poké Ball is certainly a convincing piece of evidence," Professor Rowan continued, examining the sphere in Akari's hand. "While I lack the equipment to verify all of its contents at present, I trust your word. However, it appears to be missing some key features."
"Missing features?" Akari echoed, a note of disbelief colouring her voice. "But it was crafted exactly as the instructions specified."
"Indeed," Professor Rowan acknowledged. "The Poké Ball is a perfect replica of an older model, lacking the functionalities of modern ones. The most crucial missing component is the GTS chip, which prevents it from being used with any PC or Pokédex. This means the Pokémon within cannot be traded, nor can its capture be officially registered as yours. Consequently, if Mew were to return to you, it wouldn't be eligible for participation in official Pokémon League events."
Akari's eyes widened as she processed the Professor's words. "Oh..." she breathed, a realisation dawning on her. "Does that mean Mew might have known? It seemed unusually enthusiastic about entering the Poké Ball, only to flee abruptly."
"It's difficult to say for certain," Professor Rowan admitted. "However, given your recent accomplishment, I believe it is an opportune moment for you to embark on your own Pokémon journey, rather than solely focusing on assisting the lab. This way, you could catch and train Pokémon for your own personal goals, not just for research purposes."
Akari's mind raced as she contemplated the Professor's proposition. The idea of venturing out on her own journey had never truly captivated her before, but the prospect of forging a bond with a Pokémon of her own, independent of the lab, held a certain allure.
"You're right, Professor," Akari finally agreed, a newfound determination flickering in her eyes. "While I may not have yearned for adventure at ten, the thought of having my own Pokémon, forming a bond with my own team, is something I can't deny. Perhaps a balance can be achieved, allowing me to continue contributing to the lab while also pursuing my own path."
With a sense of finality, Akari and Professor Rowan tabled the weightier matters for the moment. The vibrant energy of the Star Festival swirling around them proved too inviting to resist. As the colourful lanterns painted the night sky in a warm glow, casting an enchanting light on the bustling crowds, Akari and the Professor decided to temporarily set aside their pressing concerns.
They split ways, each eager to immerse themselves in the joyous atmosphere. Akari wandered through the festival grounds, the sights, sounds, and smells captivating her senses. Laughter mingled with music, and the aroma of delicious street food filled the air. Yet, amidst the merriment, a thought lingered at the back of her mind: the momentous decision of choosing her first partner Pokémon as well as her encounter with the Mythical Mew.
Knowing that tomorrow would bring her face-to-face with this crucial choice, a mix of excitement and anticipation bubbled within her. As she gazed upon the countless Pokémon interacting with their trainers, their unique personalities and abilities on display, Akari couldn't help but wonder which one would become her trusted companion on the extraordinary journey ahead.
AN
When I originally conceived this chapter, there was no Mew involved. Akari simply encountered a Bidoof, which she later released back into the wild. Then, I realised, 'that's boring.' So, I decided to add some spice and have the Pokémon transform. Faced with the choice between Ditto and Mew, I opted for the more intriguing option, Mew.
Coincidentally, the public unveiling of Fidough occurred around the same time I originally wrote the base of this chapter, prompting me to integrate a cameo and to name the chapter after her song. Thematically, both Mew and Akari resonated with the song, albeit for different reasons.
Tune in next week for Dreams Never End: Chapter 3 - Sandgem town(day)