When Emmet was younger, he loved to watch his uncle train Pokémon. He'd go over steps and tricks, he'd even help train Pokémon for contests! But one of his favourite days was when he brought in a new kid out of town to train with them.
He was a rambunctious teen, a bit older than them but that was fine. His first Pokémon was a Cyndaquil, and the first thing the boy said to Emmet was-
"Let's have a battle!"
-With the most battle hungry grin he'd ever seen. Emmet won of course, the only people who'd manage to beat Emmet were his brother and their uncle.
As they grew, they grew closer until the young man was like a third brother to the twins.
Of course they had different ideas for career's , so they split off at some point, but they always kept in touch.
By the time Ingo and Emmet got employed by the battle subway, he had already beaten all eight gyms in the Unova region, and moved on to other regions. He didn't participate in championship battles, he just wanted the badges to say 'Hey! Look what I did!'.
Then he talked about how he met a lady, a lovely girl who was training to be a nurse, for both Pokémon and people, heroes and trainers.
He talked on and on about how fierce she was, how she beat him in a battle on their first date, how she taught him some basic medical skills.
He really fell hard, Emmet liked to tease him.
Then one day, the two of them gave a surprise visit, he came to stake out a gym, and his girlfriend wanted to see them in person.
She was just as lovely as he said, and he was glad to have her as a sister-in-law.
When they got married, he cried a lot. Apparently his bride was usually the crier, so she had a good laugh before joining him in crying.
It was a verrrry eventful day!
They had a kid a year after, after their sister-in-law's parents, and their uncle saw, they got to meet the young lad! He was verrrry small, but healthy.
The kid was ten when Ingo disappeared.. eleven when his dad did.
Brrr~ring!
Brrr~ring!
Brrr~ring!
Click-
"Hello! I am Emmet!"
"Hello Emmet… it's Inko."
"Oh! Hello Inko! How are you?"
"N-Not.." she sniffled, "Not well.."
Emmet's smile dims a little, "What happened?"
"It's… Izuku he-"
Thirteen when Izuku disappeared.
...
Izuku was walking around the Fieldlands when he felt it, a static in the air, and a pop in his ears.
A dome appeared in the distance, a small storm that looks like the one that hung unendingly in the sky since he got here.
And he immediately knows that this must be a Time-Space Distortion.
Heading closer he watches as the air itself shifts and the dome pulses with power.
Sparks form on the ground before becoming items that reasonably should not exist yet. Picking up an item and brushing it off reveals a star piece.
He could probably sell this.
His vision blurred as the dome darkened, the storm above growing more erratic before the purple aura solidified. Izuku placed his hand on the field and found that he could press through with little force, but it numbed his hand a bit.
'How strange…'
A growl brings him back to the forefront, turning he sees a rather large Driftblim, a rage bellowing from its large frame.
"Well…" Izuku grins a little nervously, pulling out his team's Poke-balls, "Time to grind."
...
It's been about a week since the frenzy of Lady Lilligant, a few notable things had happened in the village. Mainly, Arezu had come to live in Jubilife and work at the barbershop under Miss Edith.
More people have moved to Jubilife from other regions, Izuku was happy to help them out when he was not doing survey work.
Speaking of work, his arms fully healed, just a scar now. His last day of rest for a bit was yesterday which he spent mainly with the Medical Corps learning different sutures and medicines, for in the field.
He's had a few more conversations with Captain Cyllene and managed to get his uniform upgrades approved, only downside to that is that he has to gather the things needed that they don't have in town.
Izuku had a meeting with Kamado later, which he both dreaded and was anxious for. He doesn't like Kamado that much.
Sighing he looked around his room, they had a guest today.
Noooowm ~
Izuku somehow managed to get the interest of some Unknown… specifically N,O,W and M.
N had apparently smuggled away in his scarf after he left the Mirelands. Which, alright whatever, not much else can surprise him at this point.
The others appeared in the Fieldlands and around Jubilife. Izuku has a suspicion that more of them will appear.
They tend to just aimlessly float around his room, sometimes they snoop around, mostly at the stuff set on his windowsill.
They seem particularly interested in his design for his new outfit, though they seem disappointed when nothing gets added or updated.
He thinks they are looking for a particular item, he just doesn't have proof yet.
Standing up, Izuku gets ready, he sorts out his packs, writes some more notes as he finishes eating some soup he made (it wasn't very good, but it was food).
Lola and Drake were wrestling by the door launching sand everywhere, he'll clean later, Cinnamon and Bell were softly chatting about something or other while the others fought.
He thinks the Unknown were cheering them on but he can't get a good read on the old language Pokémon.
Pulling his scarf on he writes down some new things to a To-Do list he has. Pulling his cap on he puts everything away and lets his sink drain.
"Alright, time to go." He grabs his team's Poke-balls and recalls them.
"Now, you four," he motions to the Unknown, "You need to stay away from most residents in Jubilife, most members from the Clans are fine, but Jubilife residents aren't particularly fond of Pokémon in their safe space. Got it?"
They vaguely nod, it's more like a violent up and down gesture.
He nods back before leaving.
Izuku thinks about how he's going to get some of the items for his uniform as he walks to the Hall.
He wants to have some sort of armour, the most he can get here in Hisui will probably be chainmail and leather, that's fine for him really, he's not going to be fighting any superpowered villains or anything.
Just hyped up, aggressive Pokémon, which honestly, is better in his books.
He wants to have some sort of climbing gear as well, he won't always have Pokémon to help in certain situations, but he doesn't know how he wants it to look, maybe like a sneasel? They're good at climbing right?
But then he'd have to find razor claws, and he's not completely sure where to find those.
Sighing, Izuku opened the hall door and made his way up the staircase, then he took the last staircase up to Kamado's office.
Irida is standing with him, looking nervous.
"I commend you on your successful research of the Pokémon living in the Crimson Mirelands. Your next orders are to begin the survey of the Cobalt Coastlands." Kamado pauses and glances at Irida, "I will let you know in advance- there are no Pokémon Nobles in the Cobalt Coastlands."
Irida speaks up, "Allow me to explain. We did have a lord in the coastlands… until a few years ago. A tragedy took him from us." She shakes her head sadly.
"Now we've had reports of people seeing strange, shadowy figures on the island the lord used to call his home. We have also received word from both the Security and Supply Corps. It seems some of their members were attacked by a ghost while out gathering materials around Firespit Island." Kamado comments.
Irida frowns, "These are serious concerns- and moreover, my clan just can't tolerate this desecration of our late lord's seat! Normally, I'd entrust this to our warden in the coastlands, but her situation is… complicated." Irida's frown softens.
"I trust my intentions are clear by now. I hereby order you to investigate these reports."
Izuku nods, "Yes sir."
Irida smiles, "I'll meet you in the Cobalt Coastlands, I do love it there- it's a beautiful area." She gently shakes her head, "Oh, and.. I know this might be a bewildering situation to be dropped into. I'm sorry, Izuku."
Izuku is about to speak up when Kamado cuts in.
"Think nothing of it. Izuku is a talented and hard-working member of the Galaxy team. I'm sure he will sort things out."
"Indeed. Izuku quelled the Lord of the Woods, I've seen both your strength and your kindness first hand."
Izuku smiles, and after being dismissed, he heads to Captain Cyllene to get his full mission.
Just as he's about to leave Jubilife he hears someone running.
"Izuku!"
Turning he spots Lian running up to him.
"Hello Lian, how are you and Lord Kleavor?"
Lian smiled, "We're great! Lord Kleavor is in a much better mood now that his frenzy has been quelled, he has taken it personally to go around the forest to personally make sure all the Alpha's are calmed down from their own anger."
Ah- that's right, some of the alpha's in the forest around Lord Kleavors throne had gotten a little out of control while the Lord was in a frenzy, Izuku is glad that's been solved.
"That's great, if you two ever need help make sure to come find me." Izuku smiles.
"I will!" Lian pauses, clearly thinking about something, "Oh-! Do you know about evolution stones?"
Izuku nods, "I do, but my memory of them is a little fuzzy. Can you remind me?" Izuku's memory of evolution stones are not fuzzy at all, but Lian looked excited to teach him.
The young warden's smile grew, "Evolution stones help certain Pokémon evolve, Lord Kleavor had to evolve with a stone!"
"Really?"
"Yeah, I heard it was really cool!"
"Do you know any other Pokémon that use evolution stones?"
"Miss Irida said that Eevee is one."
"That's right! Eevee has eight evolutions but only five really use evolution stones."
"Really? That's so cool!"
"It is!"
Lian nods, "Oh I also wanted to ask where you are surveying next?"
Izuku's smile brightens, "I'm going to the Cobalt Coastlands, gotta check out Firespit Island as well."
"The Cobalt Coastlands? Hmm, Palina's in a bit of a situation over there.." He crosses his arms, "She's a warden, and yet she has no noble to see to. There are even some people in the Pearl Clan that speak ill of her, though not to her face."
He frowns and shakes his head, "Oh, but forgive me. I shouldn't be talking about her behind her back…" he pauses, "And I wanted to give you something as a thank you for helping Lord Kleavor."
"Oh?"
Lian holds out a bag, it clinks as he hands it to Izuku, "This bag holds a few evolution stones, and grit pebbles- those help a Pokémon get stronger!"
Izuku smiles brightly, "Thank you Lian, I have to get going now, but I'll see you soon?"
Lian nods, hesitating before he pulls Izuku into a hug.
Izuku, a little surprised, hugs back before Lian breaks the hug and waves as he runs off.
Smiling, Izuku ties the bag to his belt and leaves the village.
...
Izuku decided to make a quick detour in the Obsidian Fieldlands, just to give a quick look around.
A villager requested he take a look and try to find an irregular Ponyta, which Izuku assumes is shiny.
Walking around he spots said shiny, her mane is a silvery grey, same with her tail. He doesn't plan to add her to his party, but catching her and letting the villager meet her sounds like a good idea.
Even if she doesn't want to stay he'll release her if she wishes.
...
After catching the Ponyta, Izuku summons Wyrdeer and starts on the path to the Cobalt Coastlands.
They stop a few times, for breaks or to gather supplies he's low on, like revival herbs which are easy to get.
They get there after about a day and a half before they get to the Coastlands, beautiful clean beaches and mountains, clear deep blue water, large rocks decorate the beach around the shore and further up.
He sees a few Purrloin running around playing, a few Starly's in the trees, and what he thinks is a couple Spheal rolling around.
He spots Lady Irida a little ways away by the beach, her Glaceon standing beside her, cooling the air to a much more manageable temperature for her. He's not completely sure how she beat him here, but he did make a few stops and there's probably another noble who was happy to help her.
She stands with flute in hand playing a beautiful melody that seems to hang in the air and travel farther than should be possible. Obviously she heard him walk up as when she's done playing she puts the flute away in one of her pouches.
"I do love the flute. It feels as if its tones carry to the very ends of space." She turns to look at him, "But I'm here now, and so are you. And now I'm going to focus everything on battling you!"
Izuku is a little shocked at her intensity but nods, he figures he'd have to battle the Clan leaders eventually, if this is some sort of test, he'll make sure to pass it.
"Right!"
She smiles, "Very good. You who has seen the vast space beyond the rift… here I come."
Izuku grabs a Poke-ball as Glaceon jumps out in front of Irida, a wild Eevee joining soon after.
'Ice, weak to fire. And normal type'
He throws Cinnamons Poke-ball out, "Flame Wheel!"
Foooom-!
Fire spits out of Cinnamon patches as they kick off the ground and roll forward in a fast burst, Glacier manages to get away with a quick burst of powdered snow, but yelps as a few stray embers catch his coat.
Cinnamon huffs as they turn quickly to keep Glacier in their sights, swirls of smoke drift off their form, Glacier shuffles a bit.
"Ice Beam!"
"Dodge it!"
Cinnamon tries to dodge only to get clipped with a Swift from the Eevee. Izuku winces, he needs to pay attention to both, moving to get into Cinnamons view.
Gritting his teeth, "Use quick Attack!" Izuku motions to Eevee before quickly jutting his hand to Glaceon.
Cinnamon speeds up considerably and takes off after Eevee almost hitting her before turning and bolting at Glacier kicking up dirt and slamming into him even as Irida calls for him to dodge.
"Flamethrower!"
"Use Ice Beam!"
The two moves collide causing a Smoke Screen to fall over the field. Izuku hears a twinkle and yelps and ducks as four stars launch out of the smoke and almost hit him. As he's on the ground he sees a flash of light and hears two thumps.
Getting up as the smoke clears the only one standing is Cinnamon and that's only barely, Irida is already moving to her two Pokemon and Izuku goes over to Cinnamon. Pulling out a full Potion bottle he slathers some on Cinnamons injury and tips some into their mouth.
As the Potion works its magic Izuku recalls Cinnamon to give them some time to rest, standing up Izuku walks over to Lady Irida and helps her up as she finishes helping her Pokemon.
She grins, "Ah, now I feel better. The world is vast.. And I am small within it."
Izuku similes back.
"Thank you for the battle, I think… I think I can be frank with you."
Izuku nods in slight confusion.
She sighs, "I can't afford to look weak in front of the Diamond Clans leadership or your Commander, but in truth… I sometimes wonder how I ended up with the burdens I bare." she rubs shuffles her feet, "You see, we have a Warden here in the Coastlands- a lovely woman named Palina. But she tends to Lord or Lady. And she will not raise a successor to fill the late lord's empty seat, either." She frowns, "Some people have started to question her worthiness to be a warden at all. But Lina- that is to say, Palina- she's very dear to me, no matter what anyone might say. We were both in the running to become leader of the pearl clan. We strove to surpass one another, but… she taught me a great deal, too." she glances away before looking back to Izuku, a semi desperate look on her face, "Having said all this, I have a favour to ask of you. Please help her raise the Pokemon she looks after into a true heir for his father- the late lord! With the help of your strength, I think our late lord's Heir will grow into a worthy successor. And if he succeeds, it should silence Lina's naysayers." she smiles nervously.
Izuku feels like the weight on his shoulders gains a bit more, before lightening when he remembers this isn't like before, he has people to lean on for help, and now Palina needs one more person to lean on as well.
"I don't know of anyone I'd trust more to help with this than the person who helped the Pearl Clan by quelling Kleavor's frenzy."
Technically both he and Akari did that.
Irida turns and points to a large mountain in the distance off to the left, " You'll be able to find Lina up on the headland. Head down this slope, and turn left. You should find a slope leading up onto the ridge."
"I-I'll try my best to help, Irida." He nods.
"That's all I ask for, Thank you."
He nods once again, and then they go their separate ways.
As he gets farther away he releases his team, letting them out to stretch and explore. Cinnamon stays near Izuku while Bell looks them over, making sure they're okay. Lola and Drake rush ahead, looking around and rough-housing.
Izuku is half sure that Lola is going to find some wild Pokemon to fight. Hopefully Drake can keep her in check, he knows Drake doesn't like to fight that much so it's a small hope but a hope anyway.
Walking down the slope and towards the mountain, Izuku thinks about how much has happened in the short time he's been in the past, he also realises that this is the most freedom he's had in years, since before it was known that he was quirkless.
No one here has quirks, they don't even know what those are. It's very… freeing.
As they walk up the mountain, they have to pause a bit to sneak around some more aggressive pokemon, Cinnamon torches some Mothim and Paras. Eventually they make their way up and are met with a woman, maybe early twenties, her outfit seems more built for swimming which makes sense with where they are, she has what Izuku thinks are two Hisuian Growlithe, one small and one big.
The bigger one whips around as they walk up and growls at them.
Grrrrrawaw!
"Hush now, settle down.." she turns around to look at Izuku, "I'm Palina of the Pearl Clan. And who might you be?"
"I-Izuku."
"Ah, so you're that child from the Galaxy Team. I heard how you added Kleavor and Lilligant when none other could quell their frenzy. Your strength must be amazing… but you have such a gentle face."
Izuku blushes embarrassed, his team snickers behind him.
"So, what brings you to the Cobalt Coastlands? There is no lord here, much less a frenzied one for you to quell. Our previous Lord was… swallowed by the waves. He was rescuing his young pup that had been swept out to sea and ended up giving his life to ensure the pup's safe return…" she pauses before looking to her two companions, "If you were to guess, which of these Growlithe would you say was the previous lord's child?"
Izuku looks at the two Growlithe, at how they shuffle around, at how the smaller one seems to stick to Palina more, at how nervous it seems…
"The smaller one." Izuku answered.
Palina smiles gently, "Oh, you have quite the good eye. This quite, skittish Growlithe is the child of the previous Lord."
Bowww..
"I have no doubt that this little one has the potential to be a fine lord, but witnessing his father's demise has left deep scars in his heart…" she frowns, "There are those who expect me to train him more strictly and force lordship upon him before he is ready… but I could never bring myself. No matter what the rest of the Pearl clan says, my mind is quite made up, I'll stay by this little one's life and let him live his life as he wishes."
Izuku nods in understanding.
"So, now that you know of our situation, might I ask your purpose in coming to the coastlands?"
"I a-am to make a survey of Firespit Island.."
She doesn't look too surprised, "A survey of Firespit Island? I see… There are rumours that the place is haunted by strange shadows these days. You'll need the aid of a Pokemon known as Basculegion if you wish to cross the sea." she smiles as she looks towards the volcanic island, "You should speak with Iscan, a warden of the Diamond Clan. He should be able to help you."
She rests her hands on her hips, "There is definitely something strange happening out on Firespit Island… those shadowy figures are concerning, of course, but then there's that odd lightening that came out of the rift in the sky." she frowns, "Lightning is a sign that the heavens are angry… I worry that we might have offended Almighty Sinnoh somehow."
"In the past, the Pearl Clan and Diamond Clan were locked in conflict over which side revered the true Almighty Sinnoh… even if we reached an uneasy peace, the true Almighty Sinnoh must be angered because there are still those who worship a false image of it. Ah, but I digress… I do apologise."
"N-no you're fine…" Izuku waves off her concerns as he thinks about all she said, "Oh.. um, Could you t-tell me where Iscan lives?"
She nods, "Iscan lives on Appom Hill, just past Ginko Landing, I imagine you'll find him there."
"Thank you!"
She nods, and Izuku takes that as his leave and heads off, they can probably make it back to camp before night so Izuku can make a quick supper for them.