And you want to know the worse part, Njistar, I didn't even try to make the world better or worse when I wrote chapter 3
Coming into the apartment I shut the door behind me and locked the door. Letting myself relax with the final click of the lock. Reaching up I pushed my hood down and kneeled down and started unlacing my boots.
"Rotom, give me a sitrep," I call into the empty apartment. The lights slowly brightening as I set the boots to the side and walk into the mostly bare apartment.
Making a life for myself hadn't been as hard as I was thinking it would be. Though I likely had Rotom to blame for that. After Shinx and Beldum had saved the team the two pokemon needed to run pretty quick after the heroes had turned on them. Thankfully pokeball technology could be used in a rather discrete manner as far as normal tech was concerned. Getting work as an underground analysis had been far too easy. Rotom handing the front and now in the nights I would gather intel and train, and in the days, sleep and write up my papers.
"Well, it is 5 in the morning, looks to be a sunny day ahead of us, you have 4 analysis requests that are in need of your attention. 1 of them marked priority." Rotom's voice filled the air with chatter as I went through my routine. Winding down for the day. Stepping into the kitchen and filling the kettle with water for tea. Getting out the box of left overs and tossing it in the microwave. "And an interesting email from Nezu, the principle of UA." Not all that odd, a few heroes and their agencies had already reached out with the offer to hire me.
"If he is wanting my ana-" I started to say as I pulled the container out of the microwave.
"No actually, it is addressed to Aura Guardian Midoriya," Rotom corrected me, the container slipped a little as I froze.
"That's not an alias," Putting the container down and turning to the living room that held the computer and by default, Rotom's living and work space. Walking in and pulling the chair back to sit down.
"No, it isn't, would you like me to read it?"
"No, check our security, I don't like the idea of someone having hacked you or information being leaked." I ordered, opening the email itself. Finding a few grainy pictures of me working as an Underground healer and one of me currying some of my pro bono analysis. Then at the bottom a single line, 'Is this you?' The question was a simple one really. Technically there was nothing illegal being done, but Nezu was making a point with the pictures, and with the name. The name in the address at the very top, 'Aura Guardian'.
"Um, Trainer, there wasn't a hack," Rotom started sounding nervous and maybe even alarmed.
"Wasn't," catching the key word in the sentence as Rotom appeared at the bottom of my screen like a little screen companion.
"When you opened the email it sent a code, I wasn't able to catch... hold on there is a call coming in."
"From who?" Already getting up, eyes tracking on the pokemon storage system. That would be the first thing. We would likely need to move fast.
"From Nezu," he answered me, making me freeze. This was too much too fast.
"No camera, let's see what he wants." I sigh as I fall back into the over stuffed office chair. The room went dark as the screen lit up showing a supposedly live feed of Nezu in his office.
"Ah, I am so glad you answered my call, Aura Guardian Midoriya," Nezu spoke with a chipper voice.
"You are known for your relentless pursuits, Principle Nezu. It is likely in my best interest to pick up the phone the first time. Though I must ask, why do you call me Aura Guardian?" Not even trying to hide my attempt to gather information.
"You are not the only one who knows of the place you call home. A plasma pokemon leaves a distinct signature," and Nezu seemed to be more than willing to share information. "And while my studies of Aura Guardians may be lacking, but your abilities do match." The screen shifted holding Nezu's feed to the bottom left corner of the screen and a picture of me holding an aura sphere was clear if you knew what to look for.
"And in the beginning, Xerneas lead those of power along the bridge to safe haven, and lead by Arceous came the chosen people." I huff remembering the story book that Koga had shoved into my hands to read.
"Ah, it seems you are well read," Nezu chirped happily. I reached up to rub my temple.
"You're a pokemon then, or at least the start of a bloodline?" Leaning back in my chair.
"Yes and no, but I chose to stay in this world, though I must say I am surprised a trainer has returned with her monsters," the silent question was clear, I let out a small chuckle.
"Yeah, it likely isn't going to happen again any time soon," Thinking back to Alola, missing my home region something fierce even though I had been technically gone for the past few years. "Could you explain the yes and no part?"
"I must say I am quite interested, for only returning 3 months ago you are making a ripple. I would love to speak with you in person." He ignored my question, but not unkindly. The hairs on the back of my hair rose a bit, but Nezu would be beneficial to have on my side. Who best to manipulate the system? After all, Rotom could only work on a small scale, Nezu could work on a far larger scale, and had the experience to manipulate the system.
"And in exchange?" I ask, knowing that in any world, especially when making deals with pokemon, there is always a trade.
"Well, a game of chess, I have not met a trainer in a long time. Do bring your accreditations with you." and the video call ended. I sighed softly, shaking my head.
"What are you going to do?" Rotom asked softly as I leaned back in my chair and let myself deflate.
"We work on that priority project, get it taken care of and submitted, and then we go play a game with no doubt a pseudo legendary, and hope he wants to actually help us." I just sat there for a moment, wondering again why I thought it was a good idea to stay out all night.
"Trainer."
"Yes?"
"The water is boiling." I only answered with a long suffering sigh as I stood up from my chair.
"Rotom, start the paperwork."
Coming to UA in my trainer gear, felt off, far too informal. The form fitting reinforced jeans with padding along the joints. The tight shirt tucked into my pants that breathed. Also reinforced along my spine, and chest. Steel Toed shoes with ankle support. The crop top jacket that had padding all through it. The only reinforcement along the arms as it was meant to be ditched if it got snagged in an emergency. There were also pokeball mounts. Two bands resting on each hips, starting at the front and in a small arch that connected to the sides of my pants. Holding three pokeballs each. My wrist computer was hidden under my left sleeve so I could initiate a trade should things get dicey. And of course the iconic trainer's ball cap, the bill tucked in my back pocket waiting to be pulled out and worn.
The school was massive and technically on the edge of town. The Campus, according to Rotom, was always growing. Nezu technically owns most of the buildings in a 2 block radius to the front gate and the actual estate of the school is much larger with several fake cities and other massive training facilities. It seemed a little overkill with the fact the opening classes were 2 hero, 2 business, 4 general, and 2 support courses each year. 20 students each for a total of 540 students at full capacity not counting any of the staff.
"Nezu has to be a pseudo legendary with a territory this large," I huff shaking my head. Looking down at Akio whom was holding my hand as he looked up at the massive gates.
*'Even if he isn't, he should be considered a trainer himself with the school being an agency for the pro heroes that work here.'* Akio added on.
"An Arceous damned trap," I grumble, letting go of Akio's hand and resting the palm of my hand over Akio's muzzle and gently shaking. Earning an annoyed huff as he freed his muzzle from my hand and playfully nipped at my fingers, earning a smile and small chuckle from the both of us. "Come on, no reason to keep the rat waiting." Turning back to the gate, from the reports upon approach the gates should have closed as I stepped into the gate way, but instead the doors of the school opened. Flipping the latch to Akio's pokeball I returned the lucario before continuing on. The school day was technically still in full swing. And as I was technically supposed to be in my third year of jr high I could likely be taken as a wondering first year. Upon stepping inside the doors shut behind me and the lights flickered in a pattern. The rat very clearly showing me the way just like Rotom would on the streets. As I came to a cross section I stepped in front of a prohero, he tensed as I looked him over. The pro hero Snipe, after just a moment he was tense and his hand twitched for his weapon.
"Now, how can I help ya, young lass, you don't seem to belong here." His tone polite, but he was prodding, careful, warry.
"I was invited to see Principle Nezu, I think I am allowed as I did walk in the front gate." I made a show of looking around the halls. Wanting to emphasize the image of an innocent lost child, which seemed to work as he relaxed.
"Well, I am more than willing to assist you, Little Lady, if you would please come with me," he waved his hand to the hall on the right and once I was walking, showing a willingness to comply with his requests that had him relax even more. All too soon we came to a door that slid open without a sound.
"Ah, you made it, how wonderful!" Nezu chirped as we stepped inside. I looked over his office. It was divided into two. One part was his desk with two chairs across from the desk. The other side of the room was a soft looking couch with a table before it and two recliners. Honestly look like a nice enough place for naps. Though the cameras were something. At least two in the corner of the rooms. "I'll be honest I was expecting you hours ago." Nezu jumped down from his chair coming around his desk. "Please, I have been quite eager to speak with you." the principal walked over to the couch and loveseat side of the room and at his prodding I stepped over quickly.
"My apologies for the wait, I had a priority case to handle before I could come." Seeing it may be best to treat this situation as I would a champion meeting. Something that the Principle seemed to appreciate.
"Yes, in the 3 weeks you have been active you have already made quite the entrance." He hummed, going about the process of making a cup of tea. Soon holding out a dainty looking cup on a saucer. Reaching out I gently too the offered beverage with both hands.
"I just want to help is all," I drank a little of the tea. Humming softly at the blend knowing it well. "Bewarbear Raz, how?" I looked up at him confused.
"I ensure to have favorites for all who work for me," He smiled, "After all I believe your oath to my father also descends to me." That had me perk right up. Oath, father.
"My oaths are to Mew alone," watching him warily. Oaths were carefully made thing. Especially with Legendaries, needing to include the reincarnations, referred to as legacies. Meant to include reincarnations for when the current Mew passed on and the next took his place.
"And his legacies," Nezu smiled, lowering the cup fully to set on the table I focused on my aura and pushed it out. Nezu only smiled wide, his fangs showing as I picked up the echo of Mew's power. Of the playful chaotic nature. While he pulsed of the personality of Mew, he lacked the raw power, and there was enough differences to not be a reincarnations, with old lingering pains and something far more feral under the surface. I reeled my power back in under my skin. Looking back at the indeed pseudo legendary.
"My primary oaths binds me to your father first, but yes, I suppose it does include you." Leaning back in my chair, but only after taking back the tea cup. I was not missing out on a tea from home. The words held a double meaning, while I was inclined to help Nezu now. I still had the missions from the other legendaries, and that would come first.
"And that was aura, how fascinating," He hummed as he ruffled his fur before patting it down.
"I hope it isn't unpleasant," I ask him wondering if this was his first time encountering an aura user.
"Not at all, merely strange," He hummed. "Now, about your work as an analysis, I would like you to work under me." Now that had me sending him an unamused look over the edge of my tea cup.
"Now now, I am not going to deny your work, I merely want to help," He smiled widely. "You would have access to UA resources and heroes to do the digging you need rather than doing it yourself." He hummed listing out the benefits of working for him.
"And in return," I ask him, after all a deal with a legendary was always tricky.
"Well, any requests from any within UA would get priority on your stacks. UA of course would take a cut from your earnings, though I would also be in charge of setting the amount. Though you could still take pro bono cases as you do, though you would be asked to limit the amount. He toddered off to his desk and brought over a folder. I pulled out my phone tossing it in the air and Rotom took the silent order. Floating by my shoulder as I put down my now empty tea cup and took the folder. Opening it and reading the print, sure that Rotom would be reading with me to catch anything I didn't. "And of course you would become my personal student while you work on your education here."
"This covers a lot," Rotom hummed, hovering next to my ear. "Accommodations and access, paid for schooling and benefits before even dipping into the pay that is equal to our commissions. This would offer a lot of security." Rotom hummed.
"Accommodations?" I straightened a bit.
"Why yes of course, all staff have an apartment on campus, while most still have an apartment off campus it allows for a far easier commute on bad days." The rat happily explained. "It is actually bigger than your current one bed room apartment, and you wouldn't need to worry about your pokemon being discovered. You would also have access to the training facilities here." That probably sold it. One way or another he technically was entitled to my help, though now I could benefit from it being a fully welcomed agreement that would have government backing.
"Alright, gimme a pen."
"How delightful, when can you start?"
"Next week, let me get settled in."