Disclaimer: I own nothing of the properties within this story. All rights go to the creators and companies of said properties.
Beta by Slothful, Demonoid, and Old man of the mountain
Chapter 6: The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
{Gloria's P.O.V}
"Keep her feet elevated and try bringing her temperature down slowly but steadily," Adam advised us from outside the camper. Why is Adam giving us instructions instead of helping us despite knowing what to do? Well, that's because we had taken off the unconscious girl's top so we could drape a wet towel over her chest. So Adam was standing outside to give the blonde girl a semblance of privacy.
"But if we are trying to get her temperature down, wouldn't putting her in a cold bath be better?" I ask, replacing the washcloth on the girl's forehead with a new chilled one. I also check the ice packs we put under her armpits to see if they need to be replaced, which they don't.
"Ideally, that would be a good option, but we don't know if the girl has any health problems. There have been cases where people with heart problems had a heart attack caused by falling into the ocean, with the sudden temperature drop being the trigger for the attack." Adam explains. "Preferably, I think it would be better to head back to Motostoke to get a doctor. I had taken some first-aid classes, but I'm no doctor. However, considering her case, I doubt taking her to a doctor would be a good decision."
"What? Why wouldn't it be a good decision? It's common sense to take someone suffering a heat stroke to a doctor." Marnie comments as she sets down some water bottles and sports drink bottles.
"Because I doubt time traveling comes with health insurance," Adam answers.
I couldn't help but chuckle at Adam's answer. I know it's in poor taste, but I'm guessing Adam is joking since the girl's complexion has been improving for a while now.
But my chuckles quickly die down as Adam continues to be silent. "You're joking, right?"
"Of course, he's joking!" Marnie yells. "He's talking about time travel! There's no way he can be serious!"
"I wonder about that," Sonia speaks up. "I went through her bag, trying to find some form of identification, but found these instead." Sonia showed us a black seed, which looks similar to a sunflower seed, but with a blue and red line on it and a Pokeball.
"And how does a seed and a Pokeball prove time travel exists, let alone this being one?" Marnie asks, her tone full of doubt.
"Look at the Pokeball more closely. You will notice the difference between hers and yours in an instant." Sonia explains.
As Sonia requested, Marnie and I examined the Pokeball a second time, giving it a more thorough examination, and as she said, the differences were quite noticeable. The bottom of the Pokeball isn't its usual white metal but wooden, and the top isn't transparent. I think the top half is made of stone now that I have looked at it closely. The button is also different. It appears more like a latch lock.
"Yeah. I can see the differences in our Pokeballs from hers, but that doesn't mean this girl is a time traveler. There are all kinds of Pokeballs. Take me for example. Outside of the Pokemon Adam gave me, I use Dusk Balls, and that's because I like its design. I even heard trainers had customized their Pokeballs before. Using a different type of Pokeball doesn't equal being a time traveler." Marnie argues. I have to agree with Marnie on that. Using a different type of Pokeball doesn't mean much.
"True, but most of those Pokeballs are still in production. These Pokeballs were called Firework Pokeballs. They called that because these Pokeballs launch a small firework when they successfully capture a Pokemon. After thirty years of production, the Firework Pokeball was decommissioned and replaced by the Twist-Top Pokeball. Fifty years later, the Twist-Tops were decommissioned and replaced by the True Pocket Ball. The name is because they can shrink down and fit inside your pocket, and these are the Pokeballs we use now. Sure, there have been some minor changes, such as being able to transfer them over the internet, but we still use the design." Sonia explains.
"Wait. If it took thirty years to get from Firework to Twist-Top and another fifty years for Twist-Top to get to True Pocket, then that would mean-"
"She's using a Pokeball that hasn't been in production for almost a century," I said, finishing Marnie's sentence.
"Then there are the seeds. These seeds are called Seeds of Mastery, These seeds help Pokemon master a move they know faster, and because of that, the plants that these seeds come from have been hunted down to extinction over a century ago." Sonia explains.
"And I saw a photo of the girl and the symbol on her clothes when I went to Sinnoh's National Museum of Sinnoh's History," Adam added in. "Her name is Irida, and she was the leader of Pearl Clan. The Pearl and Diamond Clans were the first inhabitants of Sinnoh, though it was called Hisui back then, before the construction of Jubilife Village, which later became Jubilife City."
I looked at Marnie, who looked at me. Her face was clouded with shock and disbelief, which I'm probably mirroring on my face.
Once is an accident, twice is a coincidence, and three times is a pattern.
"W-What do we do?! What does this mean for the time stream?! Oh crap! What are we going to do when she wakes up?!" I begin to panic, though I think it is well warranted. I have seen movies where time travel causes all kinds of world-ending events.
"We will take it one step at a time. That's all we can do." Adam said. "Besides, now you two have one hell of a story. How many people can say they travel with a time traveler?" Adam chuckles. "I'm going to start making lunch. Heads up, the seasoning is going to be on the light side. I doubt Irida had many experiences with spices and seasoning outside of salt-cured meats."
"Adam is right," Sonia speaks up after a few seconds of silence. "All we can do is each day as it comes. All we can do is be patient and help Irida adapt to our culture until we find a way to return her to her time."
"And if we can't?" Marnie asks the question that we all were wondering.
"We'll cross that bridge when it comes," Sonia answers with a smile, but I can tell it was an act. "All I can say is I don't envy her position."
Glance down at the sleeping girl, pitying the slumbering girl. Irida truly is in an unenviable situation. Irida has been torn from her friends, family, and time, thrust into what may be an alien world because our customs and beliefs are vastly different from hers. We aren't even considering how Irida would react to the possibility that she will be stuck in our time forever.
Irida doesn't have a birth certificate or proof of her existence in our time, so getting a job or education is impossible.
Thankfully, Adam and Sonia were here. I couldn't imagine how badly I would panic if they weren't here to give us advice.
It's nice to know we have people who can keep a cool head in times like this.
{Sonia's P.O.V.}
AH! WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?! HOW IS TIME TRAVEL POSSIBLE?!
{Adam's P.O.V.}
Today's lunch is going to be some simple sandwiches and chilled soup. I decided that this would be the best meal Irida's stomach could handle, as the girl is still recovering from her heat stroke and if I made a normal meal, her tongue would be overwhelmed by seasonings that our tongues are used to. Also, I'm not in the mood to cook anything too fancy.
My head feels like it's about to explode.
Why is Irida here? How did she get here?
But, despite my questioning about Irida's presence, I'm not too worried about her being here causing some time ripple bullshit. Time travel is rare but has happened several times throughout the Pokemon franchise, in both the anime and games. Professor Oak's younger self was sent to the future by Celebi in the Pokemon: 4ever movie, and the player character and Ingo were thrust into the past by Arceus in Legends of Arceus. Lusamine has torn the fabric of space and time so she can get her hands on the Ultra Beasts. Team Rainbow Rocket also invaded the player's dimension. Sada and Turo brought countless Pokemon from the past and future to the present day. Ash and his friends go back in time in the Arceus movie. Hell. Irida, Adaman, Rei, and Akari were sent to the future by a space-time rift in Pokemon Masters EX.
Now that I think about it, I'm surprised the world hasn't folded onto itself. Dialga and Palkia need to get their act together. Somebody fucking with time or space has happened way too often.
But still, this situation is going to cause some major headaches. We're going to teach Irida our social norms. We could lie about Irida being raised in a sheltered environment and lacking social cues and most people's common sense, but that can only go so far. We also need to do something about Irida's lack of papers. While it would be preferable to return Irida to her time, and I'm positive Irida would want the same thing, we should prepare a backup plan in case that plan fails. The only plans I can think of involve us hunting down legendary or mythical Pokemon, with them being Dialga, Celebi, and Jirachi, and I doubt those plans would be easy or fast to pull off. I am talking about hunting down a god of time, a time-traveling fairy, and a wish-granting Pokemon.
I should talk to Sonia about involving her grandmother in our situation. I don't know how much political power a Pokemon Professor has, but I hope it's enough to give Irida some identification papers and proof of citizenship. If it comes down to it, maybe I can suggest Sonia take Irida as a lab assistant if it comes down to it.
"Adam! She's waking up!" I heard Gloria yell as I finished setting the table.
I suppose it's showtime.
{Irida's P.O.V.}
I let out a groan, feeling my head pounding as if it was a drum. I pushed myself up from the admittedly soft bed, groaning as my headache's pain intensified.
"Hey. Don't move so quickly. You're still weak from fainting." a female voice said, gently pushing me back down. "Can you get me some water, Marnie?"
"I will go tell Adam that Irida is waking up." Another feminine voice said. I wanted to ask how they knew my name, but the pain in my head and the dizziness making me sick caused my desire for answers to die, wanting nothing more than to rest.
"Thank you. Marnie. Here's some water." the first voice said. I tried to drink the water, only to choke from how cold it was. The only time I had water as cold was back at the settlement. After a few painful coughs, I tried drinking the water a second time, which was more successful as I was ready for the cold bite of the water.
After drinking the water, my headache dulls, and my vision returns, seeing the orange-haired woman holding a clear container containing water.
She was one of the women I saw back in the forest.
"How are you feeling?" the woman asks me.
"A little dizzy, and my head hurts, but other than that, I'm fine," I answered, trying to stand, feeling how weak my legs were. I tried taking a step, but my legs collapsed under my weight. I would have fallen if the woman hadn't caught me in time.
"Didn't you hear me say not to move around so much? You need to rest a little longer." The woman scowled.
"Sorry." I meekly apologized. I don't like needing help from people outside of the Pearl Clan, but the woman is right, I need to rest.
"As long as you understand, it's okay. We are about to have lunch soon. Would you like to join us?" The woman offers, with my stomach answering the question by growling loudly. "I will take that as a yes." The woman giggled lightly as my cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
"Sorry to interrupt, but Irida should cover herself before she catches a cold." A black-haired girl said. "It would suck for you to recover from your heat stroke to wind up with a cold." The girl handed me a folded cloth, which I unwrapped to see that it appeared like my shirt.
I glanced down at my chest, seeing my breasts uncovered.
My face flares up as I hastily put on my shirt. As I put on my shirt, I checked to see if my pants were still on, relieved to see they were still on.
"We had to remove your shirt to help you cool down faster." The redhead said, giving an apologetic smile.
"It's fine," I said, my cheeks still burning. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't displeased about them removing my clothes, but I can understand why they did it. I don't like it, but I acknowledge what they did was for my well-being.
"It's good to see you're doing well." A male voice said, causing me to turn and see the male of the group with the brunette girl. "You gave us quite the scare when you fainted." The man chuckles.
"I'm sorry to cause you trouble." I apologized. "And thank you for helping me despite being a stranger."
"There's no reason to apologize. It's common sense to help someone in need, especially in cases like yours." The man waves off the apology.
My lips curl into a small but grateful smile. "Your wives are lucky to be married to someone like you," I said. And I mean it. I have seen husbands treat their wives as nothing more than servants before. A treatment that I have outlawed in the Pearl Clan.
"W-Wives?!" The brown-haired girl screams, her face turning red.
"We aren't his wives!" The black-haired, whose face was also red, yells at me while the man and red-haired woman awkwardly laugh.
"You're not married?" Strange. All of them are at a marriageable age and are traveling with a man that's not their sibling.
"No. These two are my students." The man points at the black and brown hair girls. "And she joined us this morning because she's a close friend of Gloria." Pointing at the red-haired woman. "But we should introduce ourselves. My name is Adam Gustav."
"My name is Gloria!" The brown-haired cheerily introduces herself.
"I'm Marnie." The black-haired introduces herself in a more reserved tone.
"And my name is Sonia." The red-haired woman said.
"My name is Irida. And thank you once again for helping me in my time of need." I said, slightly bowing from my sitting position. "Also, may I ask where my belongings are?"
"Oh. Your bag is on the dining table. I'll get it for you." Sonia said, leaving and quickly returning with my bag.
I open my bag, pull out my Pokeball, and release Glaceon from her ball. The cyan Pokemon released a cry, jumping onto my lap when she saw me. "I'm sorry for scaring you like that," I told Glaceon, gently stroking her fur as I enjoyed the ice-cool feeling her fur produced.
"It's a Glaceon. They're so cute~" Gloria squeals. Yeah. Glaceons are cute. Gloria pulls some strange rectangle block, only to freeze in place.
"Is something wrong, Gloria?" I ask.
"She realized that taking a photo of your Pokemon with her Rotom Phone would open Pandora's Box, and she doesn't know how to break the fact you're in the future," Adam explains. Future?
"ADAM!" Sonia yells at Adam, her tone full of anger.
"What? We are going to have to cross this bridge eventually. We should do it now."
"Yes. We must cross that bridge, but that doesn't justify being so blunt! Haven't you heard about having some tact?! There is a better time and place to break the news to her!"
"And where and when is that? Do we tell her when we reach Turffield? Or will it be when we encounter another trainer on the road? Or will it be when I start up the RV?" Adam asks, only for Sonia to not answer him. "I'm being blunt because I have to, not because I want to or because I find it funny. Sometimes, you have to be an asshole if you want to help someone."
"What do you mean thrust into the future?" I ask.
"Simply put, you are in a region named Galar and were sent hundred-and-fifty years into the future," Adam said.
"B-But that's impossible. How could something like that be possible?" I asked, and then something clicked inside my head. "The storm. The storm must have brought me here."
"Storm?" The four people question.
"Back in my settlemen- Back in my time, I was out helping with hunting for food, and a massive storm had broken out. Storms and blizzards are not uncommon where my settlement is, but these storms are different. Whenever these storms happen, strange Pokemon come out of them. The storm must have been the reason for me being here." I explained.
"Strange Pokemon? What did these Pokemon look like?" Sonia asks.
"I have some drawings in my bag," I answered, digging through my bag and pulling out a small notebook. I open the notebook and flip the pages until I find what I want. "Here. These are the strange Pokemon I'm talking about!" I said, showing them the Pokemon.
"That's just a Porygon," Marnie said. "There's nothing strange about them."
"It is when I add that Irida's time doesn't have running cars or television, let alone computers," Adam argues.
"But if time-tearing storms exist, shouldn't we learn about them in school?" Gloria questions.
"There are many logical explanations for it. The people from the past probably didn't consider that those Pokemon might be from the future. They could reason that the storm dragged Pokemon from different regions. They could also assume that the storm caused Pokemon to evolve differently. Even if they did realize those storms cause space-time rifts, they probably hid it to prevent panic. Another theory is we might be misunderstanding the situation. Irida might not have traveled through time, but rather through space." Adam reasons.
"Space travel? What's space travel?" Marnie asks.
"It's similar to time travel, but instead of traveling through time and affecting the past, it would create a new universe with a different future, your actions cause a new universe to be born. For example, let's say Leon never became Champion because you travel back to the past, and instead, Sonia becomes Champion. But when you return to your time, Leon is still the champion. Your actions in the past created another universe because you need to exist to prevent Leon's rise to becoming a champion so that the universe can exist. Universe B needs Universe A's version to exist." Adam explains.
"So, what you are saying, Irida might not be this world's Irida, but another world's Irida?" Gloria questions, looking more confused than before.
"This is why I don't watch Sci-Fi." Marnie groans.
"Again, this is just a theory, so take it with a grain of salt." Adam sighs. "I won't lie, Irida, returning you to your time may take years, or it might not be possible at all, but if you want, I'll help you in whatever I can."
"And so will I! And Marnie will be happy to help as well!" Gloria volunteers.
"Hey! Don't volunteer me without asking!" Marnie yells before sighing. "But if you need some help, then I'll help."
"And I can ask my grandmother for help. She is a Pokemon Professor who talks with professors from other regions, so maybe they might have some ideas for your situation." Sonia offers.
This situation is a strange one for me. When my father raised me to take his place as the Pearl Clan's leader, he taught me I needed to be strong and try relying solely on myself and a select few Clan members. My father taught me if I show any weakness, those who don't like the idea of a woman running the clan will jump at that weakness. Because of that, the idea of relying on help from strangers leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. But, this time, that bitter taste isn't as offending. I realize that I'm in a dangerous situation here. I know nothing about these lands, customs, or anything. And I doubt I can barter for food in this world like I can in mine.
I swallow my pride and nod. "That would be very well appreciated."
"Okay. Now that we got all the heavy stuff out of the way, it's time to eat."
Yes. Some food sounds good right now.
{Adam's P.O.V}
"They're quite skilled at battling," Irida said, nibbling her sandwich. I was worried that the food I made wouldn't settle in Irida's stomach well, as our food is heavily processed. Still, besides Irida's surprise at how soft the bread was and how intense the vegetables' flavors were, she had no immediate issues caused by the food.
We are watching Marnie and Gloria, who finished their lunches before us, having a mock battle with their new Pokemon.
"While Gloria and Marnie are talented trainers, they are still beginner trainers," Sonia said, enjoying her chilled cucumber soup. "You should watch Leon's battles if you think they're good."
"I still can't believe that people of your time made Pokemon battles into an event. Before Ingo came to our village, the Pearl Clan could only fear them. Some still do." Irida comments. "Ingo has been trying to get us used to living together with Pokemon, but it took months before I had gotten used to my Glaceon."
I tone out Sonia and Irida's conversation in favor of watching Gloria and Marnie's battle, Gloria's new Pokemon fighting Marnie's Froakie.
"Ferroseed! Use Pin Missile!" Gloria orders the metal seed Pokemon. The little guy's spikes glow white before launching white energy missiles, firing them at the blue frog Pokemon.
"Use Quick Attack to dodge it!" Marnie yells as the blue frog's body glows white, avoiding the tiny energy missiles with his boost in speed. When Froakie came to a stop, his skin was no longer blue but was gray instead.
"What the?!" Gloria exclaims. "He changed colors! What does that mean?!" Gloria questions Marnie.
"I don't know! It's the first time I'm using Froakie in a battle!" Marnie answers.
"Marnie's Froakie has a different ability from normal Froakies. That being Protean. A Pokemon with the ability Protean has its type changed to whatever move type it used. Since Marnie's Froakie used Quick Attack, his typing changed from a Water Type to a Normal Type." I explained.
The two girls looked at me with stunned expressions. "That's extremely overpowered." Marnie mumbles, palming her face.
Indeed it was, Marnie. That's why Protean got nerfed after generation eight and made it so you can only change types once unless you switched.
"Froakie! Use Lick!" The gray frog's skin turned dark purple, signaling his type changing from Normal to Ghost, giving the metal seed, covered in green spikes, a big lick. It wasn't Marnie's best move as the frog Pokemon hopped around, holding his injured tongue.
It was almost comical.
"Ferroseed! Hit him with a Leech Seed!" Oh? It appears like Gloria's Ferroseed has an egg move, a good one. Gloria also seems to understand where Ferroseed's strengths and weaknesses lay. Ferroseed can take a beating, especially against a Water Pokemon like Froakie, but it's slow. So, instead of having Ferroseed give chase after the nimble frog Pokemon, Gloria had the seed Pokemon stay still, taking potshots at the frog with Pin Missile and Bullet Seed.
The seeds land on Froakie, quickly spurting and wrapping thin vines around the frog Pokemon. The little frog yells in pain as the vines drain his energy while Ferroseed glows green, recovering a little bit of health.
"Return Froakie!" Marnie said, holding up Froakie's Pokeball, firing a red beam at the Pokemon, and absorbing it into the ball. "Go, Charcadet!" The little fire knight takes the frog's place, ready to fight the oversized seed. "Ember!"
"Counter with Bullet Seed!" Gloria quickly ordered.
The two Pokemon fire their attacks at each other, only for their attacks to collide and cause a miniature explosion.
"Excuse me, Adam, but you told me you're teaching Gloria and Marnie about Pokemon battles, right?" Irida asks.
"Yeah. However, I questioned how well I was doing as I had never taught anyone anything before, and today is like day three of me teaching them. So, it is a work in progress."
"Would it be too much to ask if you can teach me along with Marnie and Gloria?"
Where did this come from?
"No. It wouldn't be much of an issue. But why do you want me to teach you about Pokemon battling?" I ask.
"Because I believe such knowledge would benefit the well-being of the Pearl Clan and its people. The Pearl Clan already has harsh living conditions. We don't need more things threatening the safety of my Clan. If we can manage the beasts outside our settlement, the quality of life will improve, and the number of people who go out to forage and never return will drop."
"Oh. I see." I simply said. My sensible side wanted to remind Irida that we didn't know if returning her to her time was doable, but I kept that to myself. It would have been needlessly cruel to crush her hope. "I don't mind teaching you. And I doubt Gloria and Marnie would mind you joining them during lessons."
"Thank you for hearing my request."
"Nah. It isn't that big. Oh. Maybe I should give you some Pokemon to get you up to speed with Marnie and Gloria." Irida's eyes widen, and her face turns slightly red.
"A-Are you certain that would be fine?" Irida stutters, not meeting my gaze. What's wrong with her?
"No. I had already given Marnie three and offered Gloria some, though she has not taken any, but the offer is still open to her." I said as Irida's face turned a deeper shade of red.
"O-Oh. Then I guess that's fine." Irida sheepishly said.
What was that about?
{Milo's P.O.V.}
I sip my coffee and let out a loud groan. Ever since the Gym Challenge started, I have been dealing with one stressful situation to another. Turffield is usually a sleepy little country town with the only attractions being the Gym and the Geoglyph, but lately, this town has been anything but peaceful.
Farms were being set ablaze. Livestock slaughtered. People were disappearing.
However, considering the sorry state of Danny's body, or what remains, I doubt those missing people are unharmed. The sight of Danny's body will haunt my dreams for years to come.
If I had known that one of the duties of being a Gym Leader was to assist the police with Pokemon-related cases, I wouldn't have become one.
You would think I would have gotten used to scenes like this after being Turffield's Gym Leader for so long. Turffield is a pretty rural town to live in, with the only things keeping the people safe from wild Pokemon wandering in are fences, the police, and me. With how small Turffield's police force is, and I'm just one man, Pokemon attacks aren't a rarity here. They aren't common but are far from being uncommon. I'm no stranger to seeing the aftermath between a powerful Pokemon and a cocky trainer who believed they were the very best or some farm boy who dreamed of becoming a trainer.
But these attacks were different. When a Pokemon attacks a human, it's normally because those Pokemon were protecting their young or injured from a battle and are in fight or flight mode. However, I don't believe that was the case for these attacks. I felt these Pokemon were hunting these people, which is very concerning.
The last case of a Pokemon actively hunting people was thirty years ago. Anybody who has experience handling something like this is likely too old to help, were kids at the time, or simply died over the years. So, we're flying blind.
I had tried contacting Chairman Rose to cancel or at least put the Gym Challenge on hold until the issue was resolved, despite how much Turffield's mayor was saying how much Turffield relies on extra funds newbie trainers bring to the city.
As I remembered yesterday's events, a headache began to form. I don't understand how a man can justify risking the safety of his citizens and children for some money is beyond me.
"Excuse me, Milo. I know you are tired, but a situation requires your attention." Lizzy, one of my Gym Trainers, said.
"Has there been a new development in the Pokemon attack case?" I ask, taking the folder from Lizzy.
"No. There is a new case."
I don't drink, but times like these make me wish I did.
{?'s P.O.V.}
This place isn't my home. It smells different. But why? I went to sleep after beating the green one, the flying one, and the one with the big head. I failed to beat up the small one. It ran away as soon as the fight began.
I also didn't reclaim the masks those four stole from me and my friend. They took my friend and our treasure. I could have taken from the masks from the villagers by force, but I was hurt from the fight.
And because I know my friends wouldn't want me to hurt them.
They may have hurt us, but that doesn't mean we should do the same to them in return.
That's what he always says.
But now, I can't smell our cave or the village.
I can't take back our masks.
A sudden flash of light hits my eyes, blinding me slightly.
"Woah! Is that a Pokemon?!" The stranger reached for something but was too slow as I rushed at him with my club.
And Swing.
Author's Note
Irida is now part of the group! Expect some funny moments for her in the future.
I'm also part of the SGO server, so if you want to join and chat, here is a link
/wd3tUYWVCd
I also started my server for anyone who wants to ask me about my fics or to hang out.
/DYqC3uNfbt