Chapter 20 - Potato Mochi


Hisui - 150 Years Ago

"Have you heard of what's happening in the east?" Aterui, a large man wearing a thick wool cloak, asked as he set down a saucer with mochi on the wooden table.

"I saw ships docking at Prelude Beach," his wife, Fusa answered. She wore the same kind of wool as Aterui, making it into a thick dress. She wore a necklace with amulets that she had carved out of wood. "I don't believe whomever it is means harm. But, they have begun settling."

"Even if they do not mean harm, they have come here uninvited and without permission. It may be in our best interest to approach with caution. We may have to sternly ask them to leave," Ateru exclaimed. He eyed his thirteen-year-old daughter, waiting for some sort of response.

"Are you suggesting that our clan go to war?" Fusa questioned. "If they have the means to come to our land and make a settlement within only a few nights, we hold no power. You would be putting our family and clan at risk."

"We should discuss what we should do with the Shinju and Kongou Clans," Aterui said. "Until then, I think that it is best if we remain hidden. We need to stay and guard our Holy Sinnoh's temple."

"The Pearl and Diamond Clans do not get along," Fusa exclaimed. "What if they do not agree?"

Aterui sighed and ran his fingers through his beard. "The Platinum Clan are the original people of Hisui. I will be the deciding factor in how we handle the outsiders. Asking for the other clans' thoughts on the matter is only a courtesy."

"This land is wide enough for all of us," Fusa muttered.

Kina was unsure of the history of all the clans, but as she was taught, her clan, the Shirogane Clan, was the only clan that had been in Hisui since its beginnings. She had heard rumors that the Kongou and Shinju Clans arrived in Hisui only a few hundred years prior. She never wanted to stir up any trouble, so she kept her mouth closed on the issue.

Her father, on the other hand, had no problem with starting and finishing issues with the other clans. He understand this, and that is why he knew Kina was the best fit for the job.

"Kina, I want you to keep an eye on the new settlers. If they approach our territory, I need to know immediately. While I am away to discuss with Irida and Adaman, you will be in charge of keeping us safe, okay?"

"Yes, father," Kina responded.

"I will set out in the morning."

The family finished eating their food, and they got a good night's rest. As soon as the sun began to rise, Aterui set out for the cold north. He had prepared by wearing his traditional white woold. The gold trim designs that were sewn into the wool indicated he was from the Shirogane Clan. He rode a Wyrdeer, the creature that was entrusted to everyone in the clan. The family raised them from birth and gave them to each member of the clan when they were of age.

When her father was out of sight, Kina prepared her own Wyrdeer, and she began her trek to the eastern side of Hisui. She did not need to dress as warm, instead opting for a simple pearl-colored tunic. She pulled a white band from her wrist and tied her black hair up. With a wave to her mother, she and Wyrdeer were off.

Wyrdeer made the journey easy and fast. He bravely leaped over any river that would get in their way. He ran down mountains and hills with grace, at times using his kinetic powers to keep himself balanced. He let adrenaline carry him when there was nothing but wide fields to run in. He knew he would be rewarded with a massive meal when they returned to the Coronet Highlands.

And, in due time, the duo arrived in eastern Hisui. It was known for its beaches, but with how cold the climate often got, most people and creatures avoided the icy waters. That was one reason why Kina knew about the outsiders, as they would regret settling in the area during the winter season.

They stopped. Kina dismounted from Wyrdeer and looked at the wooden fencing the settlers had created. They blocked off and cleared an entire section of the forest. Had Kina wanted to go to the beach, she'd need to go through the fence. Losing that sense of freedom hurt Kina's heart, but she knew that was not why she was there.

She walked around the fencing. She could smell the food that the group of settlers had cooked. She worried that the food would potentially bring hungry creatures. Could the settlers handle themselves?

Eventually, she found an opening in the fencing. She looked up at the wooden gate. She could not read the text on the giant wooden placard, but she assumed it was giving the small settlement its name. She slowly walked through the entrance and examined the settlement. There were rows of tents, more than Kina could count, and a lot of the settlers sat outside them, talking around a campfire.

Kina lowered her body as she continued forward. None of the settlers saw her, but she knew they would with time. She took a deep breath and stood up straight. Not that it made a difference, as Wyrdeer walked behind her.

"Hmm?" one of the settlers said as the two came into view. "A visitor?"

"Whoa! What is that?"

"A Pokémon?"

"Is it friendly?"

"Pokémon?" Kina wondered. She looked back to Wyrdeer and tilted her head. Wyrdeer started to look uncomfortable. He snorted as a few of the settlers came in closer, and kinetic energy radiated off of his massive antlers.

The crowd stopped. A few of them stared cautiously at Wyrdeer. They exchanged glances with one another, causing Kina to take a step back.

"Wyrdeer! Get ready!" Kina ordered. Wyrdeer responded by sending kinetic energy from his antlers.

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Let's calm down!" a voice called from the crowd. A man with dark skin weaved his way through the settlers. He had on a purple knit cap and a long white coat. He smiled at Kina and then observed Wyrdeer. "We mean no harm! We were just surprised by your appearance! We have never seen a Pokémon like this!"

"This is not a Pokémon. It is a Wyrdeer."

The group murmured amongst themselves, and the man with the purple knit hat chuckled.

"Well, it looks like we have a bit of a discussion! Righto! My name is Laventon. Professor Laventon. I study Pokémon. Now, there are many different kinds of Pokémon, or magical creatures, that live in our world. It is a catchall term for them! Your Wyrdeer is one of thousands," the man explained with a smile. He talked much faster than Kina could understand, but she tried her best to follow along. He seemed to notice the apprehension on Kina's face, so he reached into his pockets and pulled out three orb-like contraptions. They resembled a few Pokémon that Kina was used to seeing around her village. "Observe!"

Suddenly, the orbs exploded open, and three small creatures materialized in front of Wyrdeer and Kina. The duo were taken aback, and they retreated a few feet. Kina had never seen the creatures, nor had she ever seen them come out of balls.

"These are three of the Pokémon that I have brought with me. Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott! As a gift and sign of peace, I would like to gift you one! What do you say?" Professor Laventon asked with a kind smile on his face.

Kina's breath was taken away. She eyed the creatures called Pokémon and then looked at the orbs that the professor held. "What-what are those?"

"These?" Professor Laventon said while holding up the orbs. "My dear, these are Poké Balls! One reason why we have come to Hisui is because the materials to make these Poké Balls are abundant. With these, we can capture the Pokémon of the land!"

"Capture?"

"I mean, capture may sound strong! It is an easy way in which we can befriend and study Pokémon! It does no harm to them at all! In fact, for certain Pokémon, it has a calming effect," Laventon explained.

"Without the orbs, you cannot control your beasts? Wyrdeer and I are partners. We don't need Poké Balls."

Laventon smiled and shrugged. "I see! Well, where we come from Pokémon can be frightening. This is the safest method for us to study them. What do you say - would you like one of these Pokémon?"

"You should not give away those Pokémon, Professor," a voice boomed from behind the crowd. The group of settlers parted down the middle, making way for large mustachioed man. He wore a thick yukata made of black and gold silk. He slowly approached the professor and Kina, never once taking his eyes off of Kina. "Those Pokémon are for studying. They are only to be given to members of the Galaxy Team, not an outsider."

Kina stood up straight. The man towered over her, but she tried to not be intimidated. "As far as we are concerned, you are the outsiders."

"And, who are you?" the man asked. "We were not aware of any humans living in Hisui. As far as we knew, the Pokémon were too dangerous. This place was inhabitable."

"My name is Kina. Miyazaki Kina. I am a part of the Shirogane Clan. I have come with a warning. If you and your people have not come in peace, you will be driven out of Hisui. Consider this my clan's peace offering," Kina stated.

The man tilted his head and observed the thirteen-year-old girl. "Any clan that has chosen to remain on Hisui for all these years must be strong-willed or stupid. I am Commander Kamado. As far as I'm concerned, we have come in peace. I would like if it remained that way."

The two stared at one another, refusing to blink or look away. But, before either could say anything, there was a sudden surge of energy, and the wind started to blow violently.

"Sir!" one of the settlers shouted. He pointed west, and outside of the small settlement, only a few kilometers away, a dome was beginning to form.

"What is this?" Commander Kamado wondered. He looked at Kina suspiciously.

Kina shrugged. "We are not sure. They have been a recent phenomenon. We had suspicions that you all were causing them."

"That is no storm. What is happening?" Professor Laventon asked. "Can we get closer?"

"Inside that dome, many wild and violent creatures appear, but as soon as the dome disappears, so do the creatures," Kina explained.

"We can handle wild Pokémon. Let's go," Commander Kamado exclaimed while pulling a Poké Ball from his belt.

A group of settlers left their small village, led by Kamado. Kina remained still with Wyrdeer, unsure of what to do. But after a reassuring smile from Professor Laventon, she decided to follow as well.

It took the group only a half hour to get to the dome. It radiated heat, and although no one could see what was happening inside of it, they could hear sounds like thunder. The ground rumbled, and Commander Kamado got in close. He stuck out his hand and touched the dome.

"You might not want to do that," Kina warned. "You can't see what's on the inside, but they can see you."

Commander Kamado withdrew his hand and backed away a few feet. He tucked his hand into his sash and drew out a Poké Ball. "Is it dangerous to go in?"

"I would not know," Kina answered.

But before any of the members of the Galaxy Team could try, three creatures, colored pink and blue, emerged from the dome. They had polygonal edges and a flat shape to them. They looked at the group with red eyes.

"Oh, dear!" Professor Laventon exclaimed. Instead of retreating, he pulled a notebook from his bag and started to scribble. "This is definitely a new Pokémon! Do what you will, commander."

"Golem!" Kamado shouted while tossing the Poké Ball into the air. It exploded open, and a large creature made of stone emerged. It roared, but the polygonal Pokémon did not appear intimidated. Instead, they decided to fight back, firing off electric sparks from their bodies. The sparks connected with Kamado's Golem, but did no damage.

"Must be strong," Kina mumbled.

Kamada wrinkled his nose. "Strength has nothing to do with it. You have much to learn, young lady. Golem, use Iron Head!"

The creature bowed his head, and he became covered in a metallic energy. He bounded forward, smashing his body into one of the polygonal creatures. It was knocked back into the dome before Golem turned its attention to the right, attacking the second creature.

The third, left alone and angry, looked at Kamado. It started to spark with electricity once again.

"Wyrdeer!" Kina shouted.

As the polygonal creature unleashed its attack, Wyrdeer dashed, placing himself in between the electricity and Kamado. He withstood the attack but not as well as the Golem did. Wyrdeer bleated and looked down at the polygonal beast. Kinetic energy exploded off of his antlers, and he bounded forward, blasting the beast back into the dome.

Kamado looked at Kina. "Thank you."

"You should be thanking Wyrdeer. These creatures are dangerous. We should not be here," Kina exclaimed. "When the dome disappears, its energy is explosive."

The dome rumbled, and everyone looked up at the storm forming above it.

"How explosive?" Professor Laventon wondered.

But before Kina could answer, another creature emerged. This one, Kina was familiar with. However, this creature was much bigger, and its eyes were red. It was large, brown, and stood up on two legs. On its chest and belly was a perfect circle, resembling the full moon. It roared at the group, knocking a few of the guards down. It bounded forward, and Kamado's Golem tried to get in front of it, but it wasn't slowed. Instead, it knocked Golem away, raised his claws, and swiped. Its claws ripped into the armor of one of the guards, which was then followed by a bloodcurdling scream. The creature raised his arms again, now holding the guard.

"Wyrdeer!" Kina shouted.

Wyrdeer charged, bashing his head against the large creature. Kinetic energy exploded off of him, and the bloodied guard fell onto his back. Wyrdeer turned and tried to retreat, but the large creature immediately reached out and grabbed him.

"Use Stone Edge!" Kamado shouted.

Five stone pillars erupted around Golem and launched themselves at the large beast. They battered into its back, forcing it to let go of Wyrdeer. It turned its attention to Golem and roared once more.

"No matter what we do, this Pokémon won't faint!" Kamado shouted. He looked at his bloodied guard. "Someone, get him back to the village. He needs urgent care."

The beast stomped its feet, shaking the ground. It roared and slid across the small field, barreling its body into Golem. The Rock-type was tossed again, this time landing with his limbs limp.

"No!" Kamado shouted.

The dome began to rumble as the creature stalked Golem. With every step, the ground shook. It raised its arms, but then the dome suddenly imploded on itself. There was a flash of light, and Kina felt herself being lifted off of the ground. She and everyone else from the Galaxy Team were blasted away. She hit the ground with a hard thud, and she felt her body bend in ways it wasn't supposed to. Everything was white momentarily, and the sound of the dome exploding had been deafening.

She waited for death, but after a few moments, she could only feel a light breeze. Eventually, her hearing came back. She pushed herself off the ground and looked to where the dome once was. She examined the area, finding that the Galaxy Team had started to recover.

"Are you okay, Kina?" Laventon asked. He waddled to her and held out his hand. She eyed it suspiciously before taking it and allowing Laventon to help her up.

"I'm fine, I think," she answered.

Laventon looked to Kamado, who helped one of the guards up. The two exchanged glances, as though they were communicating without words.

"So," Professor Laventon said while reaching into his pocket. He pulled out the three Poké Balls. "How about that sign of peace?"


AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Aterui, Fusa, and Kina are original characters! I went with the Japanese names for the Diamond and Pearl Clans (Kongou and Shinju). Also, Kina's clan is a reference to something! Can you figure it out?

So, Chapter 20 is over, which means that I'm going to write a small spin-off story! I'm not going to stop writing this story, as the spin-off is loosely related. It gives me a chance to write for some legendaries without having Cyan, Yurie, and Phoenix meet every legendary Pokémon in a contrived manner. That said, I haven't decided what legendaries I want to write for just yet, so the spin-off may come out at a later time. What legendary would you want me to write for?

Next chapter, we'll learn a little bit about the mysterious canine Pokémon that Phoenix caught!

REVIEWS:

pokemonking0924 - "Team Galactic is trying to bring someone from the ancient past to the present but they only have brought back Pokémon native to ancient Hisui. Unfortunately our heroes got caught up in this experiment and had to fight off the Pokémon, just like the Space-time Distortions from Pokémon Legends: Arceus. At least those Pokémon were sent back to their own time after they were beaten or when the distortion disappeared. Plus it looks like Phoenix caught a Hisuian Growlithe." - 100% correct. Haha