AN: Enjoy the Chapter.
Ch 71 Welcome to Sinnoh
Hogsmeade
It's been a week since they got the information, they needed to find Helena. Hermione, Ginny, Cedric, Remus, and Sirius met up in Hogsmeade to head into the Forbidden Forest.
Remus looks at the New Trio, seeing if they have everything they needed to search for the Ruins. "Did everyone get what they need for our search?" The Werewolf asked,
The three nodded, having their Wands, some food, and water in case they get hungry, and defended themselves. "Yes, Professor."
"I'm not your Professor anymore, remember Hermione?" Remus reminded his former Students,
"Still, Professor. You're one of the best Professors in DADA." Ginny spoke up, still respecting Remus as a Professor of Hogwarts.
Cedric nodded, agreeing with the red-haired Girl. "Ginny's right, Professor. Your lessons were actually fun to listen to. I think I learn more from you than the other Professors." The bronze-haired Wizard stated,
Hermione agrees with their Friends, finding the former Professor's lessons to be informative. "I have to say, it was more enjoyable than Professor Lockhart's lesson." The young Witch commented.
Remus gave a light chuckle, hearing the compliments of the New Trio on his time as the Defense Professor. "I appreciate your compliments, you three." The Werewolf said before getting back to the reason they were here.
They all nodded, heading towards the Forbidden Forest. They went to another entrance other than the one near Hagrid's Hut.
If Hagrid were to see what they were doing, then he'd immediately report it to Dumbledore. So the entrance near Hogsmeade was the ideal place to enter the Forest without getting caught. They departed from Hogsmeade, heading in the direction of the Forest.
The group made their way to the other entrance to the Forbidden Forest, now standing before it. Cedric gulps, never been to the Forbidden Forest, only hearing that it's filled with many Monsters and a tribe of Centaurs.
"S-So, this is the Forbidden Forest…" Cedric commented, looking at the dark foliage. "H-Hermione, Ginny…how many times did you go here?" He asked the two young Witches next to him.
"I've never been here before, just the entrance when visiting Hagrid," Ginny informed the young Hufflepuff Boy, being her first time entering the Forest. "Those times were just Helena and my Brother." She commented.
Hermione looks at her Friends, hearing their conversation. "This is my second time coming here. I had detention with Hagrid after being caught by Professor McGonagall after curfew with Ron and Helena." The bushy-haired Girl said,
Sirius couldn't help but laugh after hearing Hermione caused some mischief with Helena. "Of course, Helena would inherit James's mischief side." The Animagus commented, hearing that her Goddaughter caused some trouble like they did when they were in school.
"Sirius, don't be too excited. Helena may be causing a little mischief, but she's a lot like Lily." Remus commented, seeing the shaggy-haired man shrugs.
"Eh. She's still both Lily and James's Daughter, and I wouldn't have it any other way." Sirius said, proud of his Goddaughter despite her choice to disappear. "Anyways, let's head in everyone."
"Right!"
The group enters the Forbidden Forest, ready for anything that dished out at them,
"So…how do we know if the Ruins we're looking for are nearby?" Ginny asked the group, wanting to know what to be keeping an eye for.
Hermione looks at the red-haired Witch, answering her question. "We're looking for a tree that predates Hogwarts." She explains to her. "In short, an Ancient looking tree."
"An Ancient looking tree," Cedric commented, looking around the trees around them. "A bit hard to find considering that we're in a Forest…surrounded by trees." He jokes with the bushy-haired Girl.
Sirius laughs at the bronze-haired Boy's joke, "Yeah, good one, Cedric." He smiles at the young Wizard.
Remus sighs, smiling at Cedric's joke. He turns to the group, still having a lot of ground to cover. "Alright, I think that's enough joking around. We just entered the Forbidden Forest and looking for a singular tree will be hard." The Werewolf stated, reminding them of their purpose.
They all heard the former Professor, following him deep within the Forbidden Forest.
The group continues their way deep within the Forest, still searching for the Ancient Tree. They walk through the Forest floor, looking at every part of the area.
Ginny turned her head, then her eyes caught sight of a long stick on the ground. "Hold on," She called everyone to her side, finding something.
"What is it, Ginny?" Cedric asked, walking behind her.
"Did you find something that could lead us to the tree?" Sirius asked, seeing the item in Ginny's hand. "Is that…a Wand?"
The red-haired Girl should the Wand to the group, letting Remus and Hermione take a look at it. They examine the Wand, taking note it's been here for at least a month or so. "It's Helena's Wand," Remus stated,
"R-Really!?" Everyone exclaims, ecstatic that they found something of Helena's.
"Yes, I recognize that design…but something isn't right about it," Hermione stated, seeing something off with the Wand.
Sirius, Ginny, and Cedric look at each other before asking the two. "What do you mean?" Cedric asked,
The two look at the others, telling them what they discovered. "Helena's Wand has been drained. Core and all, it's just a stick." Remus stated,
"B-But how? Nothing can drain Magic from the Wand. It's impossible!" Ginny said, not sure what could do such a thing.
"Any idea who, Remus?" Sirius asked, looking at his oldest Friend.
Remus shook his head, "I have no idea what could do such a thin-" Suddenly, he felt a chill, his instincts was off its meter. He gazes upwards, his eyes widen with fear.
"Professor?" Cedric asked, hearing something above them.
They all look up, seeing nine red dots in the formation of a cross. "R-Regigrim, -ZZZZ- Regigrim -ZZZ-" A large black cloaked orb Giant floated above them, staring at them with its eyes.
The orb's black cloak was covering the entire body, its loose pieces make it a ghostly appearance. Two arms were present, and both had sickles at the end, indicating it was a threat.
"WHAT IN THE BLOODY HELL'S THAT THING!?" The shaggy-haired Wizard exclaims, never seeing anything like it before.
"Regigrim -ZZZ- -ZZZ- Regigrim…" It lunges at the group, its sickles glowing a purplish hue,
Everyone scattered before the thing could land a hit. They soon regroup, having enough distance to see what this thing was. "I-It's like a Dementor, but it has Scythes!" Hermione exclaims, never seeing anything like it before.
"I-If it's a Dementor, then should-"
Remus nodded, understanding what Ginny was suggesting. "Right, stand back!" He held his wand at the cloaked Giant, "Expecto Patronum!" A white translucent Wolf was summoned, running towards the Dementor-like Creature.
"R-Regigrim -ZZZ- Regigrim." The cross on the Creature began to flash red, a dark orb appeared before it and released a beam of black rings at Remus's Patronus.
The beam collided with the Patronus, causing it to howl in pain as it disappears. "Regigrim -ZZZ- Regigrim."
"M-My Patronus…it's gone." Remus remained stunned, seeing the remnants of his Patronus being absorbed into the Dark Giant.
Sirius grabs hold of the Werewolf's hand, having the New Trio leave the scene before them. "We have to get out here, Moony!" The Animagus shouted at him,
Remus shook his head, looking at his Friend, "Right, right, let's go!"
The two Wizards immediately turn around heading back to the direction of the exit.
The Giant floated over to where the Wizards and Witches once stood, guarding the Ruins that they were so close to. "Regigrim -ZZZ- Regigrim…"
"Regifae -ZZZ- Regifae…" Nine red dots appeared in the shape of a triangle appeared in the shadows, floating within the greenery.
Sinnoh Region
-ZZZ- Attention Passengers, we're an hour away from the Canalave City Port. ZZZ- The Captain informed the Passengers of their estimated arrival in the Sinnoh Region. -ZZZ- Please prepare your baggage for departure. -ZZZ-
Helena smiles, hearing the announcement on the PA. She headed outside to the deck, seeing the Port City just an hour away. "There it is, the Sinnoh Region." Helena smiles, excited to be soon arriving in the Region her Research is based on.
A cool breeze blew her way, even though it was still the middle of Spring, the air is like Autumn than Spring. Luckily, she was prepared since Cynthia and Adam informed her of the weather.
For now, she wore the clothes that Flannery got her since coming to this World. Since her hair grew a bit, she puts it in a small ponytail,
Helena still plans to change once they enter the snowy Region, but it's nothing to be in a rush for. She went back inside, heading to search for her 'Adopted Brother' to see if he was ready.
While walking, some Children were playing in the Ship's Halls, carefree of everything. "Ahahaha-oof!" A small Girl bumps into Helena's legs, causing her to fall.
"Oh, are you okay?" Helena asked, helping the young Girl. "You should be a bit more careful."
Once on her feet, the young Girl nodded, smiling at the kind Lady. "Yes, thank you, Miss." She responded before seeing her Sister before her. "I gotta go, thank you again!" She ran off, following her Sister.
Helena turns to the Girls, seeing them running off again. "Be careful…and they're gone." She sighs, chuckling at them for being carefree.
The young Researcher turns back around, heading to the Ship's bedroom. "I better get back to check on N, we'll be disembarking soon," Helena said to herself, walking to the bedrooms.
She reaches the bedroom, standing before N's door. Helena knocks on his door, calling for him. "N, we'll be docking at Canalave City soon," Helena informed her Brother figure. "Are you ready?"
The door opened; N heard his 'Sister's' voice calling for him. "I heard the Captain on the PA, Helena," N said, smiling at her. "I just finished changing for the weather in Sinnoh."
Helena saw that N had changed his clothes to better fit Sinnoh's weather. He wore the clothes she helped him pick out.
He has a light green shirt with black sleeves that reach his wrist, a short sleeve black puff jacket, and blue jeans with black boots and green lace. He still wore the pendant and chain with the cube he had in his other outfit. And to finish it off, he has his usual hat.
"That looks good on you, N." Helena compliments his attire, happy that he changed his appearance a bit.
"I usually don't change my style of clothing, but I'm starting to like the new clothes," N commented, looking down at his clothing. He looks at the black-haired trainer, appreciating her help in picking out his new clothing. "Thank you for helping me, Helena."
Helena smiles at the green-haired trainer. "Anytime, N." She answers as N shuts his bedroom door behind him. "Moving on, Professor Ceder and Cynthia should be in the ship's café. I want to ask a few things before arriving in Canalave City."
N nodded, listening to his fellow Ability User. "I do too, I'm a bit new when it comes to the World outside of Unova." He said, following Helena down the Hall. "I'm wondering, should I have brought some notepads?" He asked.
"I don't think you need to worry about that," Helena said, looking at the green-haired trainer. "I don't have any notepads on me. I'm sure you'll do fine, N." She ensures him that there's nothing to worry about.
Helena knew this was going to be a hard adjustment for N. She could tell that he was trying his best to be attentive with being a Researcher, though a bit much. "Are you sure?" N asked, now entering the Café.
Helena giggles, patting her Brother Figure on the back. "Yes, just take things one at a time and it'll be fine at the end." She turns her head, seeing both Adam and Cynthia sitting at the table near the window. "Ah, there they are."
The two approach the Adults, sitting at their table. "Professor, Cynthia," They look at Helena and N heading towards them,
"Helena, N, I'm glad you're here. Both me and Cynthia we're discussing why we're here." Adam informed his two Students,
N was curious about what the two Researchers were talking about. "I'm curious, what are we exactly doing here, Professor." The green-haired trainer asked,
Cynthia looks at the young trainer, answering his question. "Professor Rowen and his Research team discovered a new Ruin. However, they are stumped on what it is." The Champion explains to the two. "He requested many Researchers and an expert to assist with this discovery."
"I see, so since we're traveling with Professor Ceder then it includes us as well," N said, understanding why they are here in Sinnoh.
Helena nodded, "Well that makes sense." She looks at Adam, knowing his subject of study. "Professor Ceder is a Professor of Ancient Ruins and was raised near one, right?" She asked, hearing this fact from him.
Adam chuckles, crossing his arms. "Yep, I'm pretty sure my Sister would be a part of this expedition, her knowledge of Snowpoint Temple is something to behold." He commented.
"No doubt about it. In any case, we're meeting another expert at Canalave City." Cynthia explains what to expect when they arrive at the Port. "From there, I have a Jeep ready to take us to the Ruins."
Soon enough, the Ship arrived at Canalave City's Port and docked. Helena and the rest walked down the ramp,
Sinnoh Region, Canalave City
Helena steps onto the port, seeing the Port town. Like a Port town, there were a lot of fishing huts, and boats at the docks waiting to be out at Sea. There were small Houses at the Forest edge and some small Shops leading to a rather large Building.
The Building was like a small Tower, similar to Rustboro's Gym. There was metal plating on top that reached the sunroof, some rusted iron columns at the sides that bend, and finally a Pokemon League Symbol on the entrance of a rocky base. That symbol indicates that was the Canalave City Gym,
"I'm actually here…" Helena smiles, always dreaming of visiting the Region of Sinnoh. "Sinnoh, the Region that was once known as Hisui."
N walks beside her, holding their belongings. "So this is the Sinnoh Region." He said, feeling the difference in the air between here and Unova. "It's colder here, must be because we're up North." He commented,
"That's right, N. Sinnoh is a bit up North than Unova," Adam explains to the young trainer, "We get longer Winters here than what you used to." He walks over to his Students, both him and Cynthia are rearing to go.
"It's a good thing we got a few warm clothing back in Unova." Helena smiles, joking with everyone, being more open for N.
N smiles, finding her happy pleased her. "Seems like we've gotten everything," Cynthia said, walking towards the City, "Our contact is waiting for us near the Canalave City Gym."
"It's not old man Byron, isn't it?" Adam asked, walking beside his Rival.
"Byron? The Canalave City Gym Leader?" Helena asked, following the two behind them with N by her side. "He's a Miner from what you told me, Professor."
Adam eyes his Apprentice, nodding to her comment. "That's right, but I don't see him accompanying us to the Excavation Site. Though his Steel-types are useful to dig hard rocks, they can't exactly…"
"Excavate fragile rocks," Cynthia stated, approaching a Rock Museum next to the Gym. "His Son Roark however is also called to the Site. He works at the Fossil Museum in Oreburgh City and has experience in excavating Fossils."
"Don't forget, he still has a Mine to run here." Adam reminded Cynthia and informed his Students.
Helena nodded, understanding the situation. "Alright, so we're not meeting Bryon then. So who are we meeting here?" She asked, not really curious.
"This Person you two speak of, he must be really important," N commented, also wondering whom the Adults were speaking about. "Is it another Professor?" He asked.
Adam chuckles, eyeing the green-haired trainer. "In a way, he's like the two of you. An aspiring Researcher, but with Minerals." He smiles,
The two look at each other, wondering who this Person might be.
The group enters the Fossil Museum, speaking about who this Person was. Standing before two Fossil skeletons of Rampardos and Bastiodon was a young trainer. He wore black jeans, and a black winter blazer, underneath is a simple purple shirt and red tie. "Interesting so this is the Fossil Pokemon unique to Sinnoh." He looks at the other Fossils, catching his attention. "And they have Lileeps and Cradilies here." He commented before hearing some voices coming from the other side of the Museum.
"You're telling me that Bryon built this Museum from scratch?" Helena asked the two natives of Sinnoh.
"She's here…" The young trainer smiles, and quickly gets into position to surprise her.
Adam nodded, confirming what his Apprentice said was true. "That's right, Bryon loves Fossils so he built this Museum to showcase the Fossils he discovered while getting natural resources from the Mines." He explained to the black-haired Girl.
N's blue eyes look around the exhibits, noting that it has an array of Ancient Pokemon. "It's sad that these Pokemon have met their end unexpectedly." He said, sympathetic to the Pokemon of the past.
"I understand how you feel, N," Cynthia spoke, sharing her thoughts with the young trainer. "I too wish that things turned out differently for the Pokemon back then. But we don't need to be sad about it." She said,
The green-haired trainer looks at the Champion, standing beside him. "Our brilliant Scientists were able to invent a Machine that revives them and we can fully understand what their lives were like back then. Plus, we've given those extinct Pokemon a chance at a second life." Cynthia explains, showing him that there's good when People and Pokemon are together.
N smiles softly, having another example of Pokemon and People working together. "I understand completely. I too have two Fossil Pokemon with me," He motions to the two Pokeballs on his belt. "They were confused and terrified once they opened their eyes to our World. But I helped them to get accustomed to it and we've become friends through that experience."
"I can tell, you have a unique Friendship with your Pokemon," Cynthia commented, observing the young man interacting with his Pokemon back on the Boat.
N chuckles, hearing what the Champion of Sinnoh said. "Heh, thank you."
Helena walks around the rooms, taking the time to check each exhibit at the Canalave Museum. She approached the Hoenn exhibit, seeing familiar Fossil Pokemon from her Region. "Oh, there are some Fossils from the Hoenn Region." She spoke,
"Did they import it here?" Helena asked herself, walking to the Fossils.
Somebody steps behind her, speaking to her in a familiar voice. "Not really, the Cradilies and Armaldos were all found here in Sinnoh. Evidence of the Continental Drift theory."
Helena turns around, seeing a familiar Steel-blue haired trainer. She smiles, hugging him tight. "STEVEN!" She exclaims with joy.
Steven was caught off guard but slowly enclosed his arms around her; only for Helena to step back. "I didn't know you were coming to Sinnoh, what brings you here?" She asked.
The Champion smiles, lowering his arms. "I've been invited to help with the Ruin expedition here." Steven showed him the invitation to Helena as proof. "Cynthia gave it to me when we were at the Champion meeting. She said that my expertise as a Geologist might shed some light on how old these Ruins are."
"I see, you do have a love for anything with rocks, Steven." Helena smiles, blushing a bit from the time he kissed her.
"S-So, how are things since you've left Hoenn?" Steven blushed, changing the subject. "Anything interesting in your Research trip?" He asked,
Helena nodded, answering the young Champion. "I've caught two new Pokemon from Galar and Unova. They'll help me understand the different Evolution paths of Pokemon and the connection between Hisuian Pokemon." She informed Steven, happy to share this with him.
Steven nodded, placing his hand on his chin. "That's great Helena, I'm glad you are enjoying your Journey of being a Researcher." He said, truly happy she found her calling. They both smile at each other's company before Helena spoke.
"You grew a bit, Steven," Helena commented, taking note that he was a bit taller than her. "Not only that, but you also mature."
"Well, being Champion of Hoenn does change a Person a lot. Plus, I can't be a teen forever you know." Steven jokes with her, causing Helena to give a light chuckle. He smiles, hearing her laughter again, "And you yourself changed too."
Helena looks at him, "Really? I feel like I didn't."
Steven nodded, insisting she did. "Yes, you did. You're more mature, outgoing, and yet still have your uniqueness to you." He commented, explaining what he saw in her that changed.
"C-Come on, you're just bluffing." Helena blushed, turning away.
The Steel-blue haired Champion chuckles, "Yes you did. I'm not joking-"
"Helena? Are you in her-" Steven looks up, seeing a green-haired trainer around his age entering the room.
"Ah, N! I forgot to introduce you." Helena walks over to N, introducing him to Steven. "Steven, this is N. He's like a Brother to me, well we sorta adopted each other." She explains before turning to the green-haired trainer.
"N, this is Steven Stone. He's the first Person I met when I first started my Journey." Helena smiles,
Steven and N looked at each other, they approach each other and shook hands. "A pleasure to meet you, this is the first I heard that Helena has a Friend here," N spoke, being polite.
Steven did the same, "Same here, I didn't know Ellie has another Researcher that joined Professor Ceder." The Champion said, trying to befriend him.
"Ellie, huh? Are you this casual with Helena to call her that nickname?" N asked the Steel-blue, haired Boy.
Steven's eye twitched a bit before speaking, "Of course, we went to Trainer School together and traveled around Hoenn with Friends," Steven answered the new addition to Helena's Friends. "How long did you travel with Ellie here?"
"Just a week." N chuckles, gripping his hand tightly. "But I'll be traveling with her from here and out. She really got me into researching Pokemon." The former King of Team Plasma said.
"Ahahaha….That's interesting to hear because I decided to join Ellie too. Even after this Expedition to the Ruins." Steven laughs, gripping N's hand as well. "Since Helena is researching Pokemon while I'm researching Minerals; it tends to colorate."
Steven said with a strained smile, "Either way, I'm looking forward to working with you on this excavation, N."
N chuckles, his eyebrow twitching a bit. "I am too. Let's work together, Steven."
Helena smiles behind the two Boys, not noticing the intense cold winds coming from the two. "You two are hitting off well, I'm glad you're Friends." She said, "I was worried that you two weren't-"
The Boys quickly turn to Helena, "Of course not, we would never."
"I see, I'm happy to hear that." Helena smiles at her Friends.
AN: Please leave a comment or review.