Hi guys, I hope you read this chapter. Little by little, we're establishing the characters and what each of them will face. Everything is based on the story of FFVII Remake, though adapted to the world of Pokémon. I hope you enjoy it and share this story.
Chapter 3: The Flower That Changed History
"I will tell you how the world lost its light and life was extinguished on almost the entire earth," Captain Glock explained to the boy from another era.
Over 100 years ago, human technology and ambition began to consume the world, seeking better control and more power to dominate others. Gradually, the world's ecosystems were plundered by the greed for power, disregarding the lives of the people and Pokémon that coexisted with them.
The limit came when peace was no longer an option. Greed began to consume what was left of the world. It is not known who launched the first attack, but it didn't matter, war began in all regions. It was a time of violence and cruelty for everyone, but especially for the Pokémon. It wasn't until a forbidden power was unleashed. There isn't much information about it, but the survivors always said it was a flash of light, in the form of a flower.
That weapon stopped the war, but at the cost of the destruction of human civilization, leading us to a world at peace, but silent and hopeless. It was then that from the ashes, an organization emerged, but not to save those of us who remained. Instead, it was to dominate them. This is how the group called Aphis Omega was born.
Using the traces of the weapon's energy, they were able to create new technologies and energy sources that gave them technological power and the creation of new mechanical entities. These machines replaced the Pokémon species lost during the war, giving them unlimited power and more control over the remaining people.
Now all that remains are the ruins of what once was the world and the power plants that sustain the lives and power of the people who are part of Aphis Omega, but at the cost of the life and freedom of all those who did not submit to them or those they considered undesirable.
However, they did not count on the fact that people will not always be submissive to absolute power. That's when people like us, people who seek the freedom and security that everyone deserves, and to recover the world that once harbored life for both Pokémon and humans, came into play.
That is the mission of our group, Avalanche. We seek the freedom of our people by fighting against Aphis Omega and their damned machines. We will not rest until the world is freed from these leeches that suck the little that is left of this earth.
"That's our story, kid, and from your expression, it looks like all of this is new to you. Which makes me wonder, where did you come from?" Glock told him the story of his people. The answer was very clear, but Ash wanted with all his might for it to be a lie.
His world had completely disappeared. His family, his friends, his Pokémon, and everything he knew had vanished a long time ago.
Ash struggled to accept this reality. How could everything he loved be gone? The vibrant world full of life and adventure, the bonds he shared with his Pokémon, the warmth of his family and friends—it was all gone, replaced by a desolate land full of sadness and despair.
His mind raced with memories of his past life, contrasting sharply with the bleakness around him. He felt a deep sadness and anger grew inside him. How could this have happened? How could such devastation be allowed?
After a moment of reflection, Ash focused to continue understanding the situation. "You mentioned that this place has a name," Ash said. Captain Glock saw the expression on the black-haired boy's face; he could perceive that he was holding back many emotions and a lot of sadness.
"That's right, this is Sector Z. One of the many marginalized zones of Midgar. Most of the people here are considered the scum of this society: the sick, the elderly, and scavengers, or at least that's what they believe. There are other sectors where the workers extract resources and process them for use in Sector Alpha, where the ruling elite and their subordinates live." Glock explained the composition of the city called Midgar.
Ash, still grappling with the harsh reality, looked around and noticed the absence of Pokémon. "Why are there so few Pokémon here?" he asked.
Captain Glock's expression turned somber. "Most of the species were lost during the war," he explained. "The relentless battles and the release of that forbidden power decimated their populations. The few that survived were captured by Alphis Omega for their experiments."
"Experiments?" Ash echoed, horrified.
Glock nodded. "Yes, Alphis Omega captures Pokémon to harness their abilities and energies for their technological advancements. They use them to power their machines and develop new weapons and the machines that you saw earlier. The organization sees Pokémon not as companions, but as mere tools to achieve their goals."
Ash felt a surge of anger and sadness. "That's horrible! Pokémon are our friends and partners, not tools for exploitation."
"That's why we fight. We fight to free the remaining Pokémon and to stop Aphis Omega from continuing their cruel practices. We fight for a world where humans and Pokémon can live in harmony again." Captain glock explained solemnly while looking at the slums.
Ash knew the situation was difficult. On one hand, he was in a post-apocalyptic world surrounded by killer machines that would do anything to destroy him and take Pikachu, and on the other hand, he had to find Serena. Both had been absorbed by the light, so it was very likely she had fallen into the same place as him, though he hoped she hadn't.
"Now, you're going to explain what the hell you are, because you don't seem to be from this world," Captain Glock asked, still not letting his guard down around the boy. Ash sighed, knowing he would need their help if he wanted to survive and find Serena.
"Alright, I'll tell you, but we need to go back inside. I don't want to keep looking at this place," Ash exclaimed, trying to forget the scene he had just witnessed.
Both went back inside the hideout and rejoined the rest of the group. Lia was playing with Rei and their Pokémon, while the other two seemed to be assembling electronic device, albeit without much success. When they came down, everyone stopped what they were doing and approached Captain Glock and Ash.
"Alright, so are you finally going to tell us who you are, kid?" Captain Glock asked again, tired of the mystery. Ash knew he would need their help to get out of this, but he had to be careful with what he said. Matters of time could be complicated and risky. He had been through a similar situation in the Sinnoh region but had never been in the future.
Ash took a deep breath, knowing that what he was about to reveal might be hard for them to believe. "I'm from another time," he began to tell his origin. "A time of peace, where the war you described never happened."
The group stared at him in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of disbelief and curiosity. Captain Glock crossed his arms, his eyes narrowing. "Another time? Explain yourself, kid."
Ash nodded, trying to find the right words. "In my time, humans and Pokémon lived together in harmony. There were no killer machines, no wars that decimated the world. I was a Pokémon Trainer, traveling with my friends, competing in battles, and working to become a Pokémon Master. But something happened—a bright light, and then I found myself here, in this... future."
The group exchanged glances, processing what Ash had said. Lia stepped forward, her eyes wide with wonder. "So, you're saying you come from a time before everything went wrong?"
"That's impossible," Roy exclaimed, drawing everyone's attention. "How can someone from over 100 years ago just appear out of nowhere? That would be very convenient."
"I don't know how it happened, but it's the truth," Ash insisted, determined to make them believe his story.
"Sure, you must be one of Aphis Omega's spies, sent here to find us and eliminate us," Roy accused openly, filling the atmosphere with tension.
The room erupted into heated arguments, with some defending Ash and others accusing him of being a spy. Voices overlapped, creating a cacophony of distrust and support.
"He maybe is telling the truth! Look at him and his Pokémon!" Lia argued, standing beside Ash.
"How can we trust him? He could be leading Aphis Omega right to us!" Roy retorted, his eyes blazing with suspicion.
"I already told you I found him running away from them. Plus, he has a Pokémon with him. You know they only use their machines, not real, flesh-and-blood Pokémon," Lia argued, defending her new friend. But Roy still didn't trust him, while Mark tried to calm the situation.
Ash, feeling the weight of their mistrust, decided he needed to do something drastic to prove his sincerity. He reached for another Poké Ball at his belt and, with a determined look, released Lucario.
Lucario emerged in a flash of light, standing tall and emanating an aura of strength and calm. The sight of the powerful Pokémon instantly silenced the room. Everyone stared, some in awe and some in shock.
"But where did you get that?" Mark, the group's mechanic, exclaimed in surprise. Ash looked at him with curiosity. Perhaps he had never seen a Lucario before, but what really astonished him was the Poké Ball Ash held. "My Poké Ball?"
"We've collected several of these, but they're all broken or don't work. This is the first time I've seen one that functions properly," Mark continued, examining the device closely. The Poké Ball was clearly from another era, a relic that seemed almost magical in its operability.
"Where I come from, this is how we capture and transport our Pokémon. I was a Pokémon trainer from the Kanto region," Ash began to explain. He could see the disbelief and wonder in the group's eyes as he spoke. The idea that he might be a traveler from another time was astonishing to them.
Rei, the youngest member of the group, couldn't contain her excitement. "So, where you come from, are there many Pokémon?" she asked, her voice filled with innocence and wonder. She had grown up in a time and place where Pokémon were scarce, and the thought of a world full of life was almost beyond her imagination.
Ash nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yes, there are many Pokémon where I come from. Different species with unique abilities, living in diverse and beautiful environments. Forests, mountains, oceans... each place had its own unique Pokémon and places" he explained, his mind drifting back to memories of his adventures.
"So, you're saying you captured and trained Pokémon?" Mark asked, still trying to wrap his head around the concept.
"Yes," Ash confirmed. "We formed bonds with them, trained together, and competed in battles. It was a way of life, a partnership between humans and Pokémon."
The idea of such a world was mesmerizing to the group. They had grown up in a time where the remnants of technology were mysterious and often broken, where Pokémon were rare and the environment was harsh.
Suddenly, Captain Glock, a robust man with a stern appearance, interrupted the conversation with a firm and authoritative voice. "It doesn't matter if it's true that you're not from this time," he declared, his gaze fixed on Ash. "The reality is that Aphis Omega's rule is plundering resources and crushing anyone who opposes them."
The group turned to Glock, feeling the weight of his words. Ash could sense the gravity of the situation. Glock continued, "We are in the middle of a fight for survival. Aphis Omega is not only destroying our world but also any hope of rebuilding it."
Ash understood the reality of these people "I understand," he said seriously. "If I can help in any way, I'm willing to do so."
Do you think it's that easy?" Roy shouted, his voice dripping with skepticism. "Lia had to pull you off the streets before they finished you off. I doubt you even know how to take care of yourself."
Ash met Roy's challenge with a calm but resolute demeanor. He wasn't easily intimidated, no matter how dire the situation. Although he was far from his own world, he had faced adversity countless times and had never backed down. Now, he had to navigate this unfamiliar world and find a way back home.
"I understand you need more than words to believe in me," Ash replied, his eyes burning with fierce determination. "If proving myself is what it takes, then I'll do it." His confidence was unwavering, matched by the steadfast resolve of Pikachu and Lucario at his side.
Captain Glock, though he tried to mask his emotions, couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity about this newcomer. They were in a dire situation, and if Ash were to be integrated into their group, it was crucial to know if the newcomer could be resourceful to the group or could be burden for their goal.
"Alright, kid," Glock said . "I see you've got guts, but that's not going to be enough if you want to join Avalanche. We need to see how good you really are and how strong your Pokémon are."
He raised his arm, revealing a massive cannon attached to it. The gesture was both a challenge and a test. "We'll put you through a trial to see if you're up to the task. This isn't just some friendly sparring match; it's a test of your ability to survive and fight."
Ash understood that this was no ordinary battle or gym challenge. This was a crucial test to prove he could fight not only for his survival but also to earn his place among them. The stakes were high, and he was prepared to face whatever lay ahead.
He looked at Glock "I'm ready. Show me what I need to do."
As the group prepared for the test, the tension in the air was palpable. They were about to witness whether Ash's skills and his Pokémon's abilities were enough to make a difference in their struggle against Aphis Omega
Meanwhile, Serena kept running through the labyrinthine streets and narrow alleys of the sector's slums. Every corner seemed more unfamiliar and foreboding than the last. She had no idea what was happening or where she was, but deep down, she knew she didn't have many options. After narrowly escaping the clutches of a machine that had almost captured her, she understood that every step needed to be taken with utmost caution. Any mistake could cost her life.
The girl who had rescued her was still by her side, but she hadn't uttered a single word since their escape began. Serena's repeated questions about their location and the nature of their pursuer were met with silence. This lack of communication made Serena even more anxious, but she had no other choice but to follow the girl.
As they navigated through the maze of trash-filled corridors and broken buildings, the air grew thicker with the stench of decay. Finally, they came to a stop in front of a gaping hole in the ground. The opening was dark, and an ominous feeling emanated from it, sending shivers down Serena's spine.
The girl finally broke her silence. "We have to go through here."
Serena stared at the hole in disbelief. "Are you crazy? Do you know what's in there?" she questioned, her voice trembling with fear.
The girl looked at her with a serious expression. "It's the only way. If we stay out here, they'll find us. Trust me, it's safer down there."
Serena hesitated, peering into the darkness of the hole. She could hear distant echoes and feel a cold draft coming from within. Every instinct told her to turn and run, but she knew the girl was right. They had no other option.
Taking a deep breath, Serena nodded. "Okay, let's go. But you better know what you're doing."
The girl gave a small nod and started to climb down into the hole. Serena followed, her heart pounding in her chest. As they descended into the hole, they were surrounded by darkness. The walls of the tunnel were damp and covered in moss, and the air was cold and stale.
As they continued to make their way through the dark, foreboding tunnel, Serena couldn't help but ask her guide once more, "Where exactly are we supposed to go if we cross through here?"
Mirra, with a calm and steady voice, replied, "To a safe place. I know it doesn't seem like it, but I ask you to trust me."
Serena's heart pounded in her chest, almost overtaken by fear. The tunnel's oppressive darkness and the unknown dangers lurking ahead made it hard to think clearly. But there was something about Mirra, a small girl navigating the treacherous paths with such confidence, that inspired a flicker of trust in Serena. It was surreal to see someone so young and seemingly fragile exuding such certainty and composure in this dire situation.
After what felt like an eternity, they reached the bottom. The tunnel stretched out before them, lit only by the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi. The girl took the lead, and Serena followed closely, trying to suppress the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.
"Mirra," Serena said, her voice echoing softly in the confined space, "how do you know this place so well?"
Mirra glanced back, her eyes reflecting a maturity beyond her years. "I grew up here," she explained. "These tunnels have been my home for as long as I can remember. When Aphis Omega took most of the people to work on their factories, many of us had to find refuge in places they wouldn't think to look."
Serena nodded, absorbing this information. "And this safe place, how far is it?"
"Not too far now," Mirra assured her. "We'll be there soon."
They continued in silence for a few moments, the only sound being their footsteps echoing off the damp tunnel walls.
Serena just followed the girl through that terrifying and stifling place, wondering if it was better to walk in the streets filled with killer robots or to traverse this suffocating tunnel.
Finally, they reached a large, rusted metal door embedded in the tunnel wall. Mirra knocked on it in a specific pattern, and after a few tense moments, the door opened.
Before entering, Serena paused for a moment to think. What was she doing? How had everything changed so suddenly? Just a short time ago, her life had been so different, and now she was thrust into a bleak, dystopian world, alone and unsure of what lay ahead. She clutched the Poké Ball containing her one Pokémon. The thought of Ash being somewhere in this ravaged world was the only hope she had to cling to.
"Hey, you need to come in. We don't have time," Mirra urged, her voice tinged with urgency and concern. She knew they were taking a big risk by standing out in the open for too long.
Serena snapped out of her reverie and took a deep breath. She couldn't afford to hesitate any longer. "I'm coming," she replied, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.
Upon entering through the door, Serena expected to find a refuge or something similar, but instead, she was greeted by a long staircase leading up to the surface. She looked at the seemingly endless stairs.
"Moving underground is much safer for us," Mirrah explained, noticing Serena's bewilderment. "Besides, we don't want too many people knowing about this place." She reached behind a rock and pulled out a bag that had been carefully hidden. "Our destination is up there."
Serena felt a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She had already walked through the streets above, navigated an endless-feeling tunnel, and now faced another climb. Her legs felt like lead, and her spirits were low. "What does it matter, let's go," she exclaimed in a tone of defeat.
The ascent was grueling. Each step seemed to sap what little energy Serena had left. She focused on Mirrah's steady pace ahead of her, drawing strength from her companion's determination.
After what felt like an eternity, they finally reached a hatch. Serena's heart lifted slightly at the sight. Mirrah gestured for her to open it, and with a final burst of effort, Serena managed to turn the handle and push it open. Fresh air rushed in, a stark contrast to the stale, oppressive air of the tunnel.
As they emerged, they found themselves in a spacious refuge illuminated by numerous candles. The warm, flickering light revealed many children and a few women dressed as nuns, tending to the young ones and organizing supplies.
Mirrah took a deep breath and looked around, satisfied. "This is it. We're safe here, at least for now."
Serena glanced around, taking in their surroundings.
The shelter was somewhat large, but not large enough for the number of people there. Additionally, it looked like the place had been attacked a long time ago, and there was no electricity. "What now?" she asked, still feeling the weight of their journey but with a spark of curiosity.
"Now we rest and gather our strength," Mirrah said, setting down her bag. "There's more to do, but first, you need to rest a bit."
One of the nuns approached them with a gentle smile. "Welcome. You must be exhausted. Come, we have food and a place for you to rest," she said, guiding Serena to a quiet corner with a simple bed and some blankets. Serena nodded, grateful for the respite.
As Serena took in her surroundings, she noticed that the occupants of the sanctuary were watching her with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The children stared at her from a distance, as if she were an exotic Pokémon they had never seen before. Her clothes, now dirty and tattered from their escape through the tunnel. Despite her efforts to blend in, it was clear she stood out in this hidden refuge.
"I told you this place was safe," Mirra said, her voice carrying a note of reassurance as she ushered Serena into the sanctuary. "Welcome to Rose Sanctuary."
Serena looked around, taking in the dimly lit interior . It was clear that this place had been adapted to serve as a refuge. "This used to be a church, didn't it?" Serena asked after observing the surroundings and the group of people gathered there.
Mirra nodded, her expression thoughtful. "Yes, it was once a church for the people of this sector. It had a different name back then. But when Aphis Omega's soldiers started cracking down on us, they didn't want us to have anything that could be considered valuable. So, we had to keep it hidden and repurpose it for our needs."
Serena looked around at the makeshift arrangements—old pews repurposed as beds, the remnants of stained glass now covered with patches and paint to conceal their original beauty. "It seems like you've done a lot to make it work."
Mirra gave a small, proud smile. "We've adapted. We had to. This sanctuary is one of the few places left where we can find some safety. It's a haven away from the constant surveillance and oppression."
Mirra let out a sharp whistle, and within moments, a small Fletchling fluttered down from the rafters, perching gracefully on her extended finger. Serena's eyes widened in surprise; this was the first Pokémon she had seen since arriving in this desolate world.
"This is Whistle," Mirra explained with a fond smile, gently stroking the bird's feathers. "I found him nearly dead in one of the dumps. He's one of the few Pokémon left around here."
Serena reached out cautiously, and Whistle hopped onto her hand, chirping softly. "He's beautiful," she said, marveling at the little bird.
Seeing the small bird Pokémon reminded her of the one at her home. As it grew, it had become her first unofficial Pokémon, alongside her mother's Rhyhorn. Sometimes she would say she didn't appreciate it waking her up every morning, but it was something she loved about living at home.
"It's the first Pokémon I've seen around here. It seems like there aren't any left."
Mirra nodded solemnly. "They nearly are. The soldiers of Aphis Omega have been capturing them for who knows what, and the environment has suffered greatly. Whistle and a few others are the only Pokémon we've been able to save and bring here to the sanctuary. We do our best to protect them, but it's not easy."
Serena smiled, seeing how in a place like this, they could find happiness for a brief moment. However, the questions swirling in her mind wouldn't let her rest. She turned to Mirra, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Mirra, are you alone here? Where are your parents?"
Mirra's cheerful demeanor vanished in an instant, replaced by a look of deep sadness. She fell silent, her eyes cast downward. Serena immediately regretted asking, realizing she might have touched a sensitive subject.
One of the nuns, a kind-looking woman with gentle eyes, approached them. She placed a comforting hand on Mirra's shoulder before turning to Serena. "Allow me to explain," she began softly. "Mirra arrived here with her mother. Unfortunately, her mother fell ill and passed away some time ago."
Serena's heart ached at the nun's words. "I'm so sorry to hear that," she said, her voice filled with empathy.
The nun nodded. "Mirra has been incredibly strong through it all. After her mother's death, she was left alone, but then she found Whistle. That little Pokémon gave her hope."
Mirra looked up at the mention of Whistle, a small smile breaking through her sadness. "Whistle saved me," she said quietly. "He gave me something to care for, and I started taking care of the other children here. They needed someone, and so did I."
Serena felt a surge of admiration for Mirra. Despite her young age, she had taken on a responsibility that many adults would find daunting. "You're very brave, Mirra," she said.
"Why do you have to live like this, hiding?" Serena asked, still unable to believe what was happening in the world.
Mirra looked at her, surprised. "You really aren't from around here. Sector Z is one of the poorest parts of Midgar City. This is where they dump the trash and where the people, they consider undesirable live. If I hadn't found you, who knows what might have happened to you," Mirra explained, her voice tinged with bitterness
Serena felt a pang of sadness for these people who were forced to live in such harsh conditions. "But why does it have to be this way? It doesn't seem fair."
"What Mirra is trying to say is that these areas of the sector are incredibly dangerous. Most people here have to look out for themselves, and the soldier's control everyone with an iron fist. They see us as nothing more than a nuisance, something to be managed and discarded," she said, her tone somber.
The nun continued, "This sanctuary was created to help those in desperate need, especially children, the sick, and the elderly. If it weren't for the collective efforts of everyone here, we wouldn't stand a chance of surviving out there. This place is our haven, our last refuge."
Serena looked around the sanctuary, seeing the children doing different chores and taking care of the elderly or repair the building. "I want to help," she said, turning back to the nun and Mirra. "Whatever I can do."
The nun nodded; her expression filled with gratitude. "Any help is welcome. We can use all the hands we can get."
Mirra smiled at Serena, her eyes filled with a newfound connection. "Thank you, by the way I didn't ask your name." Mirrah asked her.
At that moment, Serena found herself in a dilemma. Was it a good idea to reveal who she really was? She still didn't know where she was or why the world looked this way. The strange events in the Mirror Cave had given her a glimpse that she was no longer in her own world, as crazy as that sounded. She needed to be cautious if she wanted to protect herself. Although Mirrah had helped her, it was better that she didn't know too much about her. At least not until Serena could gather more information and find a way to locate Ash.
Serena's mind raced as she tried to come up with a false name to conceal her identity. She recalled a story her mother had told her when she was a child, about a brave heroine who had inspired her.
A story about a girl who sought to help those in need, a girl who didn't need a knight in shining armor to come and save her, but one who sought to solve problems and protect those she loved. At first, she couldn't remember the character's name, but then it hit her all at once. . Taking a deep breath, she made her decision.
"My name is Aerith," she said, looking at Mirrah with as much confidence as she could muster.
Sorry for the two-month delay. I've been uploading several chapters of my other story with Ash and Chloe, which friends should read. But anyway, little by little, we are progressing with the plot, and I hope you enjoy my interpretation of Final Fantasy in the Pokémon world. Please, comments would help me a lot to know what aspects of the game I should add