Summary: Steven found Kagome in a pond hidden in a strange cave, Mega Stones scattered throughout the water with her. He takes her in as his ward to protect and help her. Kagome wants to find a way back home, but with the jewel denying her requests, it seems it has very different plans for her. Oh well, what's one more off-the-wall adventure for her?
Pairing: Alain/Kagome.
Disclaimer: I do not own either series. Each belongs to their rightful owners.
Note:
Flashbacks are written in bulk Italics.
Chapter One
"Hmm?"
Steel-blue eyes looked up at the odd cavern he'd stumbled upon. Looking at his maps, there was no mention of the cave he'd just found. Steven frowned and looked over them a bit closer, only to receive no answer. Moreover, he couldn't quite describe the pulling he had felt leading him here. Something was calling to him, and he'd been lured.
The dark shadows that lurked within the mysterious cave called to him, coaxing him to enter and tread deeper into the unfamiliar, unmarked terrain. He rummaged around in his bag until he found a flashlight, and he curiously wandered into the cave with his light to lead the way. He was able to avoid dangers that possibly lurked along the ground level as he made his way deeper and deeper still.
He walked through one hole in the wall, and he heard as several Pokemon scurried about. As odd as it was, none of them tried to attack him as he continued. He tried not to focus too much on it. Steven came to a halt when the faint trickling of water could be heard. He glanced around, shining his light in every which way to try and find where the sound was coming from. After a moment of concentration, he believed he had found it, and he went on his way deeper into the cave.
The path he walked was a winding, narrow trail. The pitch blackness below him offered no sense of ease. There was no telling just how deep the cave was, just as there was no telling as to what might be lurking in the vast space below his precarious walkway. The trickling water was getting louder. It was still faint, but, slowly and surely, it was growing louder. He made it off the narrow trail and looked for the next hole he'd go through. His flashlight scanned over the jagged walls, and he nearly lost his grip on it when some sort of natural light began to glow at the very back of the area he stood in. Just barely, he could see the outline of a hole in the wall. The faint, pink glow was shining bolder than his flashlight, but he couldn't think of what the source might've been.
"What- What in the world?" A confused whisper fell from his lip as he observed the strange source of light. Steven carefully took more steps towards it. He knew it could very well just be some sort of Pokemon lurking in the distance, but… for some reason that assumption didn't feel right to him. Every instinct he possessed was urging him towards it.
He remained as quiet as he could as he made his way closer. The closer he got, he noticed the growing volume of the trickling water. Upon reaching the opening in the wall, he came to a halt and slowly peered into the room at the chance of it being a Pokemon- he didn't wish to disrupt it and cause it to attack. He was taken by surprise when it didn't seem to be on in there. He stepped more into the hole, looking around, slightly amazed.
Several sharp rocks jutted up from the ground, forming massive pillars in the open space of the smaller cavern. Crystals of all colors and shapes glittered along the walls, casting an iridescent glow throughout the entire room with the strange source of light reflected off of them. The kaleidoscope of colors filled the area from every which way. The glow seemed to originate from a small pond in the middle of the area. A steady stream of water cascaded in a small waterfall from overhead, the water pooling out through cracks and crevices before it could end up overflowing from the confines.
His mesmerization slowly faded, getting replaced by curiosity as his gaze focused on the stone basin full of water. It got the better of him, and he carefully navigated along the water-slick stone so he could make his way over to the pond. The pillar-like stones didn't make it easy, but with enough effort, he managed to get around them. He tugged himself up so he was able to peer into the water below. Upon looking into the water, he nearly stumbled back out of surprise.
Within the water was a woman with pale skin and long raven hair. Her hair floated out around her as if it were ink, dark tendrils flowing out all around her slender frame. She looked to be in a deep slumber, her chest rising and falling in delicate breaths. A pink stone was fixed around her neck on a string fashioned out of twine, and it was what cast off that glow. Joining her in the water were several familiar-looking stones he could recognize at a mere glimpse. Mega Stones of all types littered the water she resided in, each one giving off a faint glow. None of them compared to the glow produced by the jewel she wore around her neck.
Steven allowed his focus to remain on the collection of stones in the water for a second or two longer before his gaze drifted back to her face. It was then that he realized something rather crucial he'd managed to overlook in his astonishment at the sight of her.
She was entirely naked.
He couldn't just leave her there, but before trying to reach and pull her from the water, he attempted to wake her up first.
"Hey!" Steven called out to her, hoping his voice would serve to pull her from her sleep, but to no avail. She didn't even flinch at the sound. He didn't have many options left if he couldn't get her to wake up, but he knew he couldn't leave her like that. It was a wonder how she hadn't slipped below the water's surface and drowned yet.
He had spare clothes in his bag he could dress her in, and he made his mind up quickly. He reached for her, carefully trying to grip her arms so he could pull her from the water. However, as soon as he touched her, that light from the jewel began to beam brighter. A startling burst of light flooded the cave, nearly blinding him as he was forced to reel away from the pond entirely. As the light slowly faded, he could hear the water sloshing around. Next came a bell-like voice.
"W- Where am I…?"
As the light fully faded, Steven cautiously turned back towards the woman in the pond. She was no longer floating on the water's surface, but sitting submerged in the water that rose to the swell of her breasts. Her long hair stuck to her skin, hiding most of her from view. She looked up at him as if finally realizing she wasn't alone, and a glimpse of confusion danced across her expression. Her eyes were a glimmering shade of blue, her expression one of a surprised child.
"W-Who are you?" she asked, caution floating in her voice as she slowly rose from where she was seated. Right as she did so, she paused and glanced down at her body. Her eyes widened, and a searing burst of crimson colored her entire face. "And why am I naked?!" she screeched as she abruptly dived back into the water to preserve what remained of her modesty. She wrapped her arms around her chest and huddled into the water.
"My name's Steven Stone," Steven finally said something to her, and his words pulled her attention up to his face. Her bright blue eyes seemed to sparkle almost unnaturally. They were lined with the presence of tears as she was left entirely vulnerable. "Give me your hand. I'll help you out so you don't slip. Don't worry, I promise I won't look," he said, his gaze focused solely on her face. "I've got some spare clothes in my bag you can have, okay?"
She hesitated for a moment before she gave a faint nod of her head. She slowly moved, and, as she did, Steven averted his gaze to the ground and away from her exposed form. He heard the water slosh and her small hand landed in his own. He carefully assisted her in getting out of the pond, and once she was steady on her own feet, he turned to his bag to retrieve the spare clothing he had. He handed them off to her, remaining with his back facing her as she dressed herself.
"What's your name?" Steven asked as he focused on the jewels lining the cavern's walls. "Do you remember how you got in the water?"
Kagome frowned at the question. She let her fingers linger on the final button as she closed her eyes. "Kagome," she said, "my name is Kagome." She finished the last button on the shirt he offered her. She cupped her hands together in front of her, slowly wringing them against her chest as she thought it over. "I-I'm done now," she whispered, "you can look now." No matter how quiet and soft her voice was, it still seemed to fill the cavern.
Steven finally turned towards her and saw her standing, her attention focused directly on her feet. An iridescent glow was cast over her by the stones littering the walls that surrounded them, washing her in a rainbow of sparkling shades. They reflected off the stunning blue of her eyes, twisting the beautiful shade into several other colors depending on where she glanced.
He gave her time to think and collect herself. Thin brows were furrowed in an intense focus, and he couldn't will himself to break her concentration. She closed her eyes without a warning, letting out a low sigh from her shuddering frame.
"I have to get back," she said eventually, and he perked up at the comment. "They must be worried about me."
Yes, they had to be searching high and low for her, and she couldn't just leave them fearing the worst had happened to her.
Her last memories were of that battle against Naraku. Not just any battle, either. It was the final fight for the jewel. she'd gotten his chunk from him, but he'd attacked her before she could get away. She'd fallen over the cliff they were on and into the waves below. She didn't know how she'd survived the fall, but she suspected it'd been the jewel.
During the fall, the pieces melded together and the jewel returned to its complete form. The last bit she remembered was a blinding pink glow encasing her as the world around her faded away.
She once again let her fingers mess with the clothing she wore. The style was modern and akin to what men from her time wore, so the jewel probably brought her to her rightful time to save her. How she'd gotten into this cave was an utter loss on her, just as the mystery of where her clothing had gone was.
All of that could be sorted out later, though.
"They?" Steven felt relief when she seemed to remember someone. That meant he'd be able to get her home safe. "Good! I'll help you get home, Kagome. Where are you from?" He was hoping for a town, but a region would do just as fine for him.
Kagome perked up at his offer, her eyes lighting up. "Really? Thanks so much!" she exclaimed. "I'm from Kyoto, Japan." She didn't know how far away from the shrine she was, but she knew the clearer the answer the easier it'll be. When she let her focus drift back to him, a foreboding feeling seared through her chest at the sheen of confusion that filled his steel-blue eyes. Her joy at his offer was quickly replaced with worry.
"I'm sorry, but…" He didn't know how to tell her he had no knowledge of a town or region by those names. The way her eyes began to shine in worry told him she'd gotten the hint regardless. "You're in the Hoenn Region currently. Does that sound familiar by any chance?"
She shook her head, glancing back down at her feet. "No… not at all."
He frowned at her dejected tone. "Well, maybe we can…"
Kagome let his words turn into background static for her when she felt the jewel heat against her skin. She lifted a hand and gripped it tight, feeling the heat spread over her palm and fingers.
"I'm not there anymore, am I?" The thought coursed through her head, her words were only meant for the jewel to hear. It pulsed against her hand as if answering her.
"No, you're not."
"I have to go back now," She thought in response. "Let me go back to my world, please, Shikon no Tama."
"You cannot."
The resolute answer made her eyes snap open in disbelief.
What?
.
.
.
WHAT?
She snatched the jewel from around her neck and chucked it away from her in barely concealed anger, much to Steven's surprise. He fell silent, watching her with wide, confused eyes.
"You stupid thing! This is all your fault!" Kagome shrieked at the jewel as it landed with an inaudible splash into the pond she'd awoken in. "I have to get back! Take me back!" She received no other answer, and a flush of anger adorned her cheeks. She felt tears welling in her eyes the next second. "Y-You can't just leave me here!" she shouted at the jewel, tears rushing down her cheeks. "Can't you just stop messing with my life already!?" she wailed. "All you've ever done is make it miserable!"
Silence filled the area as her echoed shout faded, and she sniffled. She recalled quickly that she wasn't alone in the gaze, and she inhaled sharply. Kagome slowly turned to face Steven, who was watching her in muted curiosity and equal parts concern.
"I-I…" she stammered, trying to form an excuse as to why she had just started screaming at her jewel as if she was some crazed girl. "I-It's a really long story, but that jewel did all of this," she eventually said. One look at his face told her that her answer wasn't what he'd expected her to say.
"... the jewel?" Steven asked, and Kagome was slow to nod, her tears and flush of anger turning into ones of humiliation. "I don't understand what you mean. Can you tell me?" he said. His voice remained calm and steady, and she didn't know if he kept it like that just to make her feel better, or if he was really open to hearing more.
"I-I'm not sure what it did exactly, but I'm not where I belong," she said, and Steven nodded in understanding. "M-Maybe it brought me to another world or something that differs from my own?" she said a second later, her tone turning uncertain. "It- the jewel- is sentient. It's aware and has a consciousness of its own."
"Alright," Steven said as he nodded for her to go on. "Go on."
"Its full name is the Shikon no Tama," Kagome said. "It's a jewel capable of granting any wish of the person who owns it. Nothing but bad things will come out of it, though, because the jewel has a mind of its own and it always will twist the wish made." Kagome paused and let her arms wrap around her stomach, slim fingers finding purchase in the oversized shirt she wore. "It's problematic, considering it also gives the wielders immeasurable power."
"How do you have it?"
Kagome bit her lip at his question, glancing down in the direction of the hip that had the starburst-shaped scar forever imprinted on it. "Um… well… That's the fun part…" she trailed off, trying to think of the best way to explain. "It… It sorta got, um… ripped out of my body?" she said.
In no way at all did that seem fun.
"What?" Steven's eyes widened when she said that, and he waited for a minute for her to clarify what she said. Instead, she only nodded. After a moment, she moved her hand to the hemming of her shirt and lifted a small bit. In the faint natural light, a dark mark on her hip could just barely be seen. Steven flashed his light at it to get a better view, and he was left observing a starburst-shaped mark.
"That's the scar that's left behind," she said softly, and she lowered the shirt back down. "The jewel is sorta my problem now."
Silence reclaimed the area, and she let out a low sigh. Her eyes landed on the pond, where the jewel now rested at the bottom of the water. She walked over to it and peered inside to try and retrieve the jewel. Her eyes widened when she saw the other stones resting at the bottom of the pond. They were glowing. They definitely weren't like that when she first woke up, that much she knew. Steven came to join her when he saw her standing and observing the pond.
"It's causing the Mega Stones to glow." The words came before he could stop them, and Kagome looked up at him in confusion.
"Mega Stones? What are those?"
The innocent curiosity in her voice made him smile and he nodded in the direction of the stones scattered about the pond. "They're unique stones found all over this world. It's uncommon to see so many all in one place like this. In reality, they're quite rare to find." The confusion didn't fade from her expression, and he smiled. "I know it must be hard going through a sudden change like this, but, if you let me, I can help you get used to this word," he offered.
Kagome glanced back in the water, reaching forward a bit so she could grip the string of the jewel and pull it closer. "I don't want to be a burden," she said. She meant those words. When she first got pulled down the well she was a burden to her friends and strangers alike. She didn't want to impose and leave the same imprint on Steven. "I can find my way, so don't worry about me!" she added, forcing a cheery tone she hoped he didn't see through. "I'm pretty tough, you know!"
Steven frowned at her words. "Burden? You won't be a burden. I insist," he said, his words calling her focus back to him. "There are a lot of dangers in this world if you aren't prepared for them, so I can't let myself leave you to figure it out on your own."
Kagome let her hand rest in the water, an unusual warmth surrounding and embracing the appendage. "I… I don't know," she whispered, and Steve turned to her. "I have to find out how to get home," she said. Kagome turned from the water and looked up at him. "The jewel won't help me, so that means I have to take matters into my own hands."
"Do you have any idea how to do that?" he asked. Kagome was silent for a moment before slowly shaking her head.
"Not a single one," she responded. Her shoulders slumped as she said those words, her tone dejected.
Steven lifted a hand and let it rest on her shoulder, the gentle touch soothing her a bit. "Let me help you, then," he said, smiling down at her. "Maybe we'll find a way. In the meantime, I can help you adjust to all of this." When she eventually nodded, a wave of relief spread through him.
"Okay," Kagome said, nodding as she stepped away from the pond. The jewel hung from her fingers, water droplets hitting the stone flooring. "Okay!" she repeated, determination in her eyes. Something about Steven felt good and trustworthy. She could tell he meant her no harm.
She didn't know how plausible going home would be, but all she could do right now was try.
- 1 year later -
She didn't know what to do, not anymore. She knew that, by now, she should be used to getting thrust into all sorts of uncanny situations, and yet… Even this one was one that left her feeling both lost and uncertain about each and every step forward she took.
Her attention faltered to the pink jewel resting on the table's surface before her, a soft sigh falling from her lips as she reached a hand out and absentmindedly rolled it along underneath her finger. She felt the weight of a stare on her back, and, before long, a voice that'd grown familiar reached her ears.
"Still mulling it over?"
Kagome sat back and peered back at the figure. Her sapphire eyes met a pair of steel-blue. Before she could say something, a cup of fragrant tea was placed on the table in front of her, and the man offered her a warm smile in the face of her surprise. A second later, a small smile melted onto her face at the caring gesture.
"I just don't get it, Steven," Kagome stated, glancing back at the jewel on the table. "It's still not responding to anything I do or say when it comes to going back…" A complicated note seeped into her tone as she furrowed her brows in aggravation. "I don't…-" She sighed and shook her head. "It's so frustrating." She pressed her palms to her face, shielding herself when she felt the familiar sting of tears starting to form. "I really hate this thing…"
A gentle hand fell to rest on her shoulder, the contact soothing. "I know it must be difficult for you," he commented in a reassuring tone. "To be forced into a world different from what you're used to and not be able to go back home, it must be stressful and frightening." In the past year that she'd been in his care, there had been no shortage of attempts to try and correct what seemed to go wrong, but each time it only led to dead ends. Paired with her rather fruitful attempts of adjusting and accommodating, it hadn't been an easy time for her, that was for certain. Despite all her struggles, it was easy to see just how resilient she was when it came to situations such as this. "I'm sure, if we keep trying, we'll find a way," he continued. "We just can't give up."
She nodded her head, eventually pulling her hands away from her face. He didn't miss the shimmer of tears still present in her eyes, and he reached a hand out to brush the remnants from her face.
She couldn't help but wonder…
At what point did it truly become pointless to keep up a fruitless search?
"So I heard from Wallace that they want you and Lisia to do the Lilycove Showcase opening ceremony."
Kagome turned her attention from the Pokemon she held in her arms to glance at Steven. Before long, her attention was called back down by incessant waving arms. A faint smile appeared on her face as she reached a hand back down to gently pet the head of her Charmander.
"We've talked about it," Kagome stated, her attention fixated mostly on the abnormally colored creature. "I wasn't sure if we'd be done out here before it started, so I haven't given a formal answer," she continued.
As she became accustomed to this world, she gradually found herself settling in with routine and hobbies. Most, if not all, were because Steven and others who she'd gotten close to suggested it.
"Well, if you really want to, we can put the expedition on hold," Steven suggested. Kagome shook her head and rose up onto her feet. Charmander immediately followed after her as she walked from the bench she'd been sitting on. Noticing how clingy she was, Steven chuckled. It wasn't such a surprise, after all.
Pokemon of all kinds were drawn to her naturally. There must've been something special they liked about her aura in particular.
"There's no need for all that," Kagome stated, smoothing her her skirt down. "Even if I can't do it, they'll still have Lisia, so it's not that big of a deal," she added. It was her way of stating that she'd rather do something like this, given just what it might unveil for her. Steven couldn't exactly fault her for it, either.
"Then that settles it," he responded. "You ready to head out?"
Kagome nodded, already fully packed and prepared. "Yup! Let's go!"
Auroua-chan: I'm gonna finish this one here. This is an older story of mine getting a revamp. X and Y have such a hold on me, I swear. I just love the gen and series so much.
A few of Kaogme's pokemon are decided on, such as;
Charmander (Shiny)
Lucario
Gallade or Gardevior
Diancie.
Other suggestions are more than welcome as well.
Anyway, that's it for now! Thank you for reading and I hope you all enjoyed. Hopefully I caught all the errors before posting, but if not sorry.
Please remember to Review, Favorite, and Follow, thank you!
Bye for now~
