Chapter Two
"WAKE UP!" A man's panicked voice is loud in Akari's ears. She can also hear waves crashing against a shoreline softly in the background. The feeling of warm sand is felt under her hands and bare legs.
"OHHH… DO WAKE UP, WON'T YOU." The man's voice sounds so desperate, almost frightened. It pierces through the deep fog in her brain, causing her to awaken. The world around her is bright and sunny. There is a warm breeze against her skin.
Akari jolts, shocked. This isn't her room; this isn't her bed, and this most certainly isn't even her house. She doesn't know the three Pokémon standing in front of her either – a Cyndaquil, a Rowlet, and an Oshawott. These are typical starters from different regions around the world; in fact, none of them are even native to Sinnoh.
"Are you alive, my girl?" The man's voice is calmer, but still anxious. Akari looks up to see him standing above her. She's taken aback by his old-fashioned state of dress. He looks like an old-world professor – a rather familiar one at that, but she can't recall for sure.
Akari doesn't dwell on that though. Something has obviously happened to her. Somehow, she's been removed from her room and placed on some random beach without any awareness. There is something on the edge of her conscious whispering to her, but she can't really make it out. She decides to ignore it for now and gets to her feet.
She looks at the man once more. He might have some answers for her. "What is…happening?" Perhaps that wasn't the best one to ask. It's unlikely that he knows what happened to her or why she's even here. If anything, it looks like he just stumbled upon her by accident.
The man now has a more relieved expression. "You gave me quite the shock, falling from the sky like that." Akari is stunned by what he just said. "But thank goodness," He continues. "You seem unharmed!"
Akari is now frowning. He seriously thinks she fell from the sky. It's a completely outlandish thought. People don't just fall from the sky. Well, maybe they do if a Pokémon dropped them, but a long-distance fall isn't something you just wake up from unharmed. She supposed it could've been a psychic or ghost type that is the blame for this. They are known tricksters after all, and yet, that still seems rather unlikely to her.
"Where am I?" It's something she really wants to know. Maybe, if she can figure out where she's at, she can figure out why she was brought here in the first place. It's unlikely, but worth a shot anyway.
The man seems puzzled, appearing almost alarmed by her question. It's obvious he expected her to know her location. "Why, this is Prelude Beach, of course." He crosses his arms and seems to study her carefully, as if trying to figure something out. "Dear me, did the shock of your fall somehow addle your memory?"
Akari's frown deepens. The man's manner of speaking is very proper and rather old-fashioned, almost like a southern gentleman from Galar, but the people of that region haven't spoken like this in almost two-hundred years.
"I must say, your clothing is… unusual." Ah, so he finds her clothes strange as well. Akari is starting to get the sense something is very wrong, not with the man really, but rather with the entire situation.
The man seems to dismiss her state of dress. He asks a different question. "You wouldn't happen to have an acquaintance in these parts, would you?"
"I doubt it…" It's not like she could answer in any other way. She doesn't even know where she is other than on a beach called Prelude.
The man's frown deepens. "I see… You seem to be in a pickle."
Akari had to agree. This whole situation appears to be a bad one.
"Might I offer some directions?" The man's offer is met with a blank stare of annoyance. Akari doesn't even know where she is. How would directions help her? The man tries again. "Do you have somewhere around here you could stay?"
Akari shakes her head. "No, nowhere." She figured this would be obvious by now, but she doesn't get the sense that this man is dumb. It more like he's putting his feelers out to see if he can trust her or not.
The man lets out a sigh that sounds rather burdened. "So, you don't know anyone here, and you don't even know where to spend the night…" He seems rather worried now. "Well… this is a proper pickle indeed. Are you quite sure you'll be able to survive?"
Akari couldn't believe he would ask her such a silly thing. She's a Pokémon trainer after all; not only that, but the current Sinnoh Champion. However, it suddenly occurs to her that she doesn't have her Pokémon or her travel bag. This is bad. Without her Pokémon, she's defenseless if attacked. There's only one way she can reply. "I don't know what to do."
The man seems to have come to some sort of conclusion. He smiles kindly at her. "I see. Well, no gentleman would abandon a girl in such a need!"
Akari feels instantly relieved. This strange man is willing to help her. "By the way, who are you exactly?" She figured it's best to learn the man's name. They've been speaking for a while now without any kind of introduction.
The man looks surprised, the slightly ashamed. "Oh my, I'd completely forgotten!" Akari thinks he's about to answer her question, but he suddenly becomes distracted by a different thought. He casts an annoyed glance at his Pokémon. "I had just caught up to these three runaway Pokémon when you tumbled out of the sky. It's almost as if they knew you'd be here!"
Akari looks at the Pokémon. They've been watching her rather intently. Perhaps they had known. It certainly wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility.
The man turns to look back at her. "Ah, but do you even know what a Pokémon is?"
Akari is taken aback by the inquiry. Why would he think she didn't know what a Pokémon is? Even if she isn't from here, Pokémon are in every part of the world as far as she knows. "Of course, I do."
"My, that's a relief!" He smiles brightly. "Though you fell from the sky, it seems we have some common ground, eh?"
'Ah,' Akari thinks. 'Now the question makes a little more sense.' The man is suspicious that she might have come from a different world; one without Pokémon. It's hard to imagine, but after some of the things she's seen, it might be possible.
"Yes, well, these three belong to me," he says proudly. "Mysterious creatures they are!"
Akari had to agree. Some are rather easy to understand while others are full of secrets and intrigue.
"Oh yes, and… what might your name be?" The man asks.
He's finally ready introductions, much to her relief. "Akari," She answers.
He smiles kindly. "Oh! So, you're called Akari?" It appeared as if he's never heard such a name before. She will admit that it's not a particularly common name, but most have heard of it at least once. The man continues, unaware of her thoughts. "That name has quite the ring to it! I imagine it must have some lovely meaning."
Akari shrugs. "It means light or sometimes vermillion."
The man nods, showing that he heard her. "Oh, but I do apologize! I haven't even introduced myself!" There is a light blush on his cheeks showing that he is rather embarrassed by his lack of manners. "My name is Laventon."
'Laventon?' That name sounded extremely familiar to Akari. A shiver races up her spine as realization dawns upon her. 'Oh, God, is he really that Laventon?' He looks a lot like the current Galar Champion, Leon, who – if this really is that Laventon – is a direct descendant. According to history, Laventon came to Sinnoh – or rather, Hisui – to help the colonist study and acclimate to their new surroundings.
Laventon continues talking, not noticing the sudden turmoil that's ignited within Akari. "I am something of a Pokémon Professor. That's to say, I'm a scholar seeking to deepen our understanding of Pokémon."
'Dammit,' Akari hisses in her mind. That statement just solidifies her fears about Laventon even more. She's likely been sent to the past. If so, she's certain it's the will of a Pokémon, but which one? Celebi comes to mind first as they often time jump, but they're from Johto, not Sinnoh. It couldn't be Dialga either. He can stop time, speed it up or slow it down, but cannot travel through it. Palkia, Darkrai, and Cresselia's skillset and powers eliminate them as suspects as well.
"Oh, blast and bother!" Laventon suddenly sounds distraught, bringing Akari's attention back to him. "My darling Pokémon! Why must you run from me again?!"
The three Pokémon have taken off, running down a dirt path that led inland.
Laventon turns to Akari, clearly upset. "I'm terribly sorry, but do you think you could help me round them up? I beg you!" He sounds so anxious about the situation; in fact, he doesn't even wait for a reply before dashing off after them. "Wait, you three!"
Akari is left standing on the beach alone. She's scared and unsure. If she's truly in the past like she suspects, life is about to drastically change for her. The original colonists that settled in Hisui were good people from what she understands. However, they're not very trusting of Pokémon or strangers.
She takes a deep breath and starts walking. Standing on the beach won't do her any good. She needs to help Laventon catch his wayward Pokémon. It's the only way she can see at this point to gain his trust. If she can't find shelter among the colonists, she's as good as dead without her Pokémon. The wilds of old-world Sinnoh are extremely dangerous.
The dirt path leads Akari around a rocky bend, towards a little inlet that had a pond and a small crop of young trees. Laventon is standing off to the side as his Pokémon frolic and play amongst themselves. She starts in that direction when a beep sounds off from the left. Akari stops and looks.
There is a soft golden glow near a large rock. Akari frowns, uncertain at first. "What is that?" She can feel herself being drawn towards the glow.
Akari relents, walking over to inspect. It's incasing a white device that's laying on the ground. It looks like a cell phone, only it isn't really, despite having a screen and beeping chime. She reaches down and picks it up, the glow fading as she does so.
A hidden memory is suddenly unlocked in Akari's mind. A Pokémon – Arceus – is there with her in a void. He is glowing brightly, speaking to her. She knows instantly that it's this Pokémon that brought her here, but the why alludes her.
Akari takes a deep breath. She doesn't have time to ponder this. Laventon needs her help. She also needs to secure herself a safe place to stay tonight, otherwise there likely won't be a later for her to think about anything.
Just as she's about to start walking, the item beeps again. She looks down at the screen. A message has appeared. "I bestow upon thee this Arc Phone and thy mission: seek out all Pokémon."
"Seriously?" This is what Arceus wants from her. This is why he brought her back in time. It's hard to believe.
Akari clenches the phone tightly. No, there must be more to it than that. Arceus is telling her to seek out all Pokémon, but she's certain there is more to it than that. Perhaps, the act of trying to catch each one of the Sinnoh species of Pokémon will lead her to her real mission, whatever it is.
"I don't like your method, Arceus," Akari says to herself. "But, if you need my help, I guess I'm willing." It's not like she has much of a choice anyway. If she wants to get home one day, hopefully sooner rather than later, she's going to have to complete the mission set up by the Legendary God Pokémon.
Akari heads towards Leventon and his wayward Pokémon.
.
.
.
Night had come hours ago, and Akari's belly was full. However, sleep didn't come to her easily. She's lying in a large futon, staring up at the wooden ceiling of her sleeping quarters. The building is new and has yet to have had anyone stay within it. It smells of fresh cut wood, and oil and is constructed like the homes of old-world Johto. The windows and doors are all shoji, with thin rice paper bamboo separating her from the elements. There is even an indoor firepit for cooking and warmth.
This village – Jubilife as learned it's called – is surrounded by walls on all sides, with guards posted at each entrance. It made the place feel more like a battle camp than a lively place to live. Many of the people here, Akari discovered, are terrified of even stepping outside the village. It's so different from where she's from; people love Pokémon and basically everyone has at least one. This mentality will take some getting used to. So will the Security Corps.
These people guard the village. They're easy to spot, with bright red uniforms and straw hats to help fight the glare of the sun. Akari was also told that they're good at battling Pokémon and are supposedly the bravest people in the village. If wild Pokémon cause problems, it's the Security Corps that fends them off.
There are four other factions within the village as well: the Medical Corps, the Supply Corps, the Construction Corps and finally the Survey Corps. Each has a different task and focus, but they are all a part of the same group, Galaxy Team. The name brought shivers to her. It was no secret in modern times that Team Galactic had been born from Galaxy Team. The details are fuzzy about this for Akari, but it's how the criminal organization was able to fool people for so long. Galaxy Team had once been very respected, and a big part of Sinnoh's historical foundation; Team Galactic had used that to their advantage.
It makes Akari so mad, but she can see the roots of the future within this village and Galaxy Team already. She'd never had the privilege of meeting the Galar Champion Leon, but she now knows his ancestor, Laventon. Then there is Rei. He's a splitting image of Lucas. They're basically identical, except Rei is a little more immature and slightly younger than Lucas, but there is no mistaking it. Rei is Lucas's ancestor. Then she met Cyllene. It felt like the wind was knocked out of her for a moment. While there isn't any love lost between Akari and Cyrus, his self-inflicted fate still hurts her heart to this day. It's hard to look at Cyllene and know the fate of one of her distant grandchildren of the future.
It's all so much to take in. She's also wondering how many more potential ancestors of her friends, family, and acquaintances she'll meet. At least she doesn't have to worry about meeting her own ancestors. They originate from Kalos, and according to her mother, they immigrated to Sinnoh during her great grandfather's generation. Apparently, he was offered an amazing job opportunity as a gym leader.
Akari lets out a sigh and rolls over once more, trying to get some sleep. Laventon had vouched for her, and requested she be allowed to join the Survey Corps specifically. This smaller group within the Galaxy Expedition Team specifically catches and studies Pokémon with the intention of building the first Pokédex of Hisui. It's a task she's familiar with, having been given a modern Pokédex by Professor Rowan to catalogue her catches. Supposedly, it was to help with his research. Now she must do it again.
Arceus had stated, "Seek out all Pokémon." It's what the God Pokémon wants, leaving her with very little choice on the matter. The Survey Corps needs a Pokédex built and she's more than qualified to help. She's going to pass Cyllene's test, no matter what it is, and earn her place within this village. Failing isn't an option; plus, she wants to prove to the villagers she's someone they can trust and rely on.
As it stands right now, they are extremely suspicious. The rumor that she fell from the sky had spread like wildfire and everyone is whispering as she walks by. She even had one – Beni was his name – tell her she wasn't welcome here at all. He even went as far as to question Laventon's sanity for allowing her into the village.
The experience had hurt. Akari is from a world that's enlightened and for the most part, kind. The way these people are acting is very harsh, and she isn't used to it. Perhaps she's just too tender hearted.
CRACKLE! BOOM!
Akari jolts up in shock. That was LOUD.
She can hear some of the villagers shouting in alarm. That sound has scared them greatly. She doesn't move to investigate though. The walls of her sleeping quarters are thin enough for her to make out some of what the villager's saying. The sound had originated from a lightning strike – a single yet extremely large bolt that appeared to originate from the rift hovering over Mount Coronet.
Akari has her suspicions. That rift is likely why she was brought here. It smells of Giratina's influence. He's the only one who can rip open portals like that, but why would he do it? The Giratina she knows is a sweetheart and is very hardworking. This isn't something he would do, right?
The Giratina she knows wouldn't do this, but maybe the one from this time, would. She recalls the day she first met him; the reignition in his eyes. He knew her. She just couldn't recognize it at the time because the idea wasn't realistic. It also explains how he had an established knowledge of all her likes and dislikes. Giratina had already likely met her here for the first time but when will that be? Only time will tell.
Akari lays back down in her futon. She's feeling more tired now than ever. It has been a long day, one filled with pain, frustration, and fear.
Akari closes her eyes, trying to picture her family and friends. She sees her mother fussing over her Glameow. Barry is rushing off somewhere because he can't do anything at a normal pace. Palmer is putting some poor trainer through their paces at the Battle Frontier. Professor Rowan and Lucas are going through some new data…
A tear escapes from the corner of her eye as she finally drifts to sleep. In the world of her dreams, she's home once more.
.
.
.
A loud knock startles Akari. She was already awake but wasn't expecting someone so early. The sun had barely risen. Rei's voice is suddenly heard calling to her through the shoji door. "Hey in there! You awake?" His voice is so much like Lucas's. It hurt her heart a little bit.
Akari shakes off her depressing feelings. "I am!" she calls back loudly. "I just need to get dressed." She quickly slips out of the warm futon, the cold morning air stinging her bare feet and legs. There aren't any automatic heating systems here, and since she didn't stoke the fire through the night, it went out while she slept. It's now freezing inside her sleeping quarters.
She walked over to a small desk in the corner of the room where she'd placed her things. She'd found a sleeping yukata the night before, obviously left out for her to use, and she was grateful. It had kept her warm through the frigid night. However, she doesn't have a set of new clothes for today, so she's stuck putting back on her dirty ones from the day before.
Rei's voice comes through the door again. "That was some wild lightening last night, right?"
Akari doesn't know what to make of the statement. Is Rei suspicious she has something to do with it, or is he just making friendly conversation while he waits? It's impossible to know. Akari simply answers with, "Yes, it gave me a rather large fright. I about jumped out of my skin."
"Yeah, me too." Rei's response had been immediate. It leads Akari to believe he's just trying to be friendly. This is a small relief. "Anyway," Rei says switching topics. "If you're up, come on out!"
Akari slips on her sandals, calling back, "I'm coming!" as she does so. She opens the sliding door, the bright morning sun greeting her with warmth. Rei is a few feet away, waiting for her with a big smile. He notices her right away, asking, "Did you sleep all right?"
The question wasn't completely unexpected. "As well I could, given the situation."
Rei nods. "Makes sense," he agrees. "I know that's not easy in a strange new land." He smiles a knowing smile. "I remember my first night here."
Akari can feel herself relaxing. Rei, despite being unsure about her the night before has seemed to have had a change of heart. He's young, like Akari, probably even the same age. She hopes they can become friends. "It's always hard to sleep somewhere new, I think."
"Yeah, I agree," Rei says. "I'm glad you got a little sleep at least." Akari could tell he's being truthful.
Rei then turns, facing a large red brick building that was situated at the head of the village. It's massive in comparison to all the other structures situated around it. There are some signs that some finishing details are being made to the exterior, since there are a few large wooden platforms set up to the right of the building. It's obvious that this is where they will be going this morning.
Rei motions for her to fallow. "We'd better not keep Captain Cyllene waiting," he says. "Let's hurry to headquarters!"
"Right behind you," Akari says. She doesn't want to make herself look bad by showing up late. In the distant past, being late wasn't just distasteful, it was also considered rude, and suggested a lazy work ethic. That's not the first impression she wants to give.
Rei showed her inside, and Akari looked around in wonder. In modern Sinnoh, this place is now a historical museum in Canalave City. She'd come here during a school field trip – Berry too. They had loved the history, but the tour was short with most rooms and areas are roped off.
"Here we are – Galaxy Hall!" Rei announces proudly. "What d'you think? Ever seen a building this grand before?"
Akari doesn't want to lie. This place is stunning in an old-world sense, but it couldn't compare to modern architecture. She settles for, "It's very beautiful."
Rei accepts her answer with a bright smile. He appears ready to say something more when a sudden feminine shout is heard down the hall. "Don't give up! Keep those eyes open!"
Akari frowns. So does Rei.
A man's voice responds. It sounds like it's full of pain. "The wild Pokémon, they… they were everywhere. Attacking from all sides…" He's recounting what happened to him. "I sent out my partner Pokémon, but… against a whole pack… outnumbered…"
The woman can be heard responding, a huff to her tone. "This is what happens when you go so far afield!" Then with a kinder tone, she adds, "But the Medical Corps will put you to rights."
Akari can feel Rei's eyes on her. He now appears rather concerned. It's as if what he just heard reminded him of the reality of the situation at hand. "You, uh… do realize that if you fail your trial and get flung out of the village, you could well die out there?"
Akari nods. "I'm aware." It's one of the biggest reasons she's testing for a position in the Survey Corps.
Rei's concerns don't dissipate. "Well, you might die even sooner than that if you have to take on this trial without a Pokémon to be your partner."
It's a rather dark thought, but the truth. Rei wasn't saying it to be mean or discouraging. He just wanted her to understand the reality of her situation. Akari smiles at him. "I'll be okay, you'll see." She's confident even without a Pokémon. If she can sneak in close enough and hit a wild Pokémon unawares in the back with a Pokéball, she'll likely successfully catch it. She still has several from the day before when Professor Laventon asked her to help her catch his wayward runways.
Rei seems impressed by her bravery but doesn't say anything more. He walks over to the doorway to Cyllene's office. He calls out in a rigid manner, "Captain Cyllene, Ma'am! I've brought Akari!"
Akari isn't too far away from the entrance to the office. She can see that Cyllene is working on something, but she immediately stops and looks up. "You may enter." Her tone is stern. She obviously takes her position very seriously.
Rei motions for Akari to follow him. They both enter, stopping in the center of the room, which is a respectable distance from Cyllene's desk. However, the woman doesn't sit behind it like an entitled supervisor, instead, choosing to walk around it to stand in front. She's standing straight with her hands clasped behind her back. Cyllene begins to speak. "Let us get straight to it. If you wish to join Galaxy Expedition Team, prove yourself capable by going out into the Obsidian Fieldlands and catching three different species of Pokémon: Bidoof, Starly, and Shinx."
Akari nods, now knowing her mission. The first two will be easy enough to catch with a strike back technique. The third, Shinx, might not be that easy. Those little guys are moody and aggressive, but she's certain she can get one with the aid of another Pokémon.
Rei seems to feel differently. He's shocked by the request. "Three species, right away?!" he exclaims. "But none of us have ever managed that!"
Cyllene shook her head, dismissing Rei's concerns. "Did this stranger not catch three different Pokémon only yesterday?" She frowns unhappily. "My trail should be simple enough for her – if the professor wasn't exaggerating things, that is."
Rei cringes at being chastised openly.
Cyllene continues, ignoring Rei's hurt feelings. "The Galaxy Team does not have the means to provide for those who only take without giving." She suddenly turns to Akari. "If you wish to stay, you must prove beyond any doubt that you'll be an asset to our cause."
"Yes, Ma'am," Akari responds. The task presented isn't all that hard; maybe for a beginner, but not for her. "I will do as you say." She understands Cyllene's plight. She cannot offer help to anyone who refuses to contribute to the group. It's how things were in the past. There aren't any government assistance programs or charities to assist the poor or disabled. If you don't work, you don't eat.
Cyllene seemed impressed by her readiness. "I will lend you one of our Survey Corps satchels to carry whatever you may need in the field." She reaches behind her, pulling out a yellow bag from behind a stack of papers on her desk. It didn't surprise Akari she didn't notice it. Cyllene's office is terribly cluttered, and her desk is covered with a lot of stacks of unfinished work.
Akari takes the satchel, saying, "thank you" as she does so. She fits it tightly around her waist.
Rei makes a funny face. "That whatever-it-is you're wearing doesn't suit our satchels in the least."
Akari frowns. She's fully aware of this. Rei stating it like that was just plain rude. Cyllene obviously felt the same way, as she gave him a disapproving look. However, she doesn't mention anything about it. Instead, she states sternly, "Rei." Her tone suggests he's about to receive his own orders. "I'll expect you to step in if anything goes awry."
Rei nods. "Absolutely, Ma'am."
There's an unexpected knock on the door, causing everyone to look back at the entrance of the office. Professor Laventon is standing there with a kind smile. "Parden the intrusion," he says to Cyllene. "But I need to speak to Akari, may I?"
"Very well," Cyllene says with a nod. "We are done here." She then turns her attention to Akari. "Best of luck on your trial."
Akari smiles and inclines her head in respect. "Thank you." However, Cyllene shows no signs of hearing her. She simply walks back behind her desk and resumes her work. Somehow, the curt dismissal reminded her greatly of Cyrus. She felt a ping in her heart.
"Rei. Akari." Laventon calls, disrupting her thoughts. "Come with me a moment." He sounds rather excited. Akari wonders what he has in store for them as they head back out to the main entrance of the Galaxy Hall. Once there, Laventon turns towards them saying, "Now then, a jolly good morning to everyone!"
Akari is slightly taken aback by the unexpected greeting. It's proper manners, of course, but surely that's not the only reason he came to see them. She responds with her own "good morning" though as that's what is polite.
Rei, on the other hand, is used to Laventon's antics. He knows the professor can be scatterbrained even though he's one of the smartest people in all Hisui. "What did you need, Professor?" Rei asks courtly to bring the professor back on track.
Laventon smiles; his excitement apparent once more. "In order to complete our Pokédex and, well, to simply survive in this unforgiving land, you absolutely must pass this trial!"
Akari agrees. She needs to obtain a Pokémon quickly to be able to survive here. Rei is also in agreement. If Akari is going to be a part of the Survey Corps, she needs a reliable partner.
"As a professor of Pokémon," Laventon says. "I've got just the ticket to help accomplish that!" He turns towards an open doorway to the left of Cyllene's office. The three Pokémon Akari had helped recapture the day before are all standing there, watching her intently. They suddenly come running forward. Akari watches curiously as they line up in a neat little line in front of her. She looks up at the professor in surprise.
Laventon smiles. "Go on, Akari! Pick the Pokémon that strikes your fancy!"
Akari can feel her heart skip a beat. He's really going to give her one of his own Pokémon. It's a surprising and sweet gesture. "Are you sure?"
Laventon nods and gestures towards the Pokémon. "With a partner of your own, you'll be able to fight off the wild Pokémon outside the village." He's now looking down at the Pokémon with great fondness in his eyes. "These little darlings are very dear to me," he admits. It's obvious he's going to miss the one she picks very much. "But it's plain to see they're rather curious about you."
Akari looks at the three Pokémon again in wonder. She's never had the privilege of choosing a starter like most trainers. It's both a heartbreaking and thrilling prospect. Piplup had been her first, but she hadn't chosen him in the traditional way. However, she still loves him very deeply, even though he has fully evolved into an Empoleon now. It feels almost like a betrayal to choose another first, but she needs a Pokémon. If not here, then from the wild. It's unavoidable.
"Well, my girl?" Laventon encourages. "Which Pokémon would you like to keep as your very own?"
Akari takes a deep breath. Empoleon would understand. He would want her to do this if it meant her safety. She looks at her three choices, Cyndaquil, Rowlet, and Oshawott. They're each looking up at her expectantly. However, it's Oshawott that takes an eager step forward, obviously wanting to be picked. Akari smiles at him. If he really wants to be the one, she'll select him. "Okay, Oshawott, I choose you."
The water Pokémon's face lights up with excitement. He rushes over and hugs Akari's legs to show his appreciation. She kneels to pat him on the head. He happily nuzzles into her hand.
Laventon looks at the interaction with a smile. He realizes instantly just how good of a decision it was to give one of his Pokémon to Akari. She's a natural with Oshawott. "And with that, one of the Pokémon you caught at Prelude Beach for me will now be yours to keep!" He then plasters a huge smile on his face. "Good show!" He hands Oshawott's Pokéball to Akari.
"Thank you," Akari says. She places the ball in her satchel without recalling the little otter. It's natural for them to be out and free when feasible.
Laventon turns serious. There are still some rather important things to discuss. "A word of advice, my girl – pay close attention to which Pokéballs are empty and which ones contain a Pokémon when you're out in the field!"
Akari nods. It's good advice; advice she already knows, but good, nevertheless. She'd made this very mistake during the beginning of her first journey. "I'll be careful."
Rowlet hoots with Cyndaquil cries out happily. Akari looks at them to see them speaking to Oshawott. The little otter gives his friends a thumbs up. It was so cute. These three have a special bond. She's going to have to make sure that Oshawott gets to visit them regularly.
Rei seems pleasantly surprised by the comradery showed between the three Pokémon. "Look at those two, cheering on their pal Oshawott." He then grins. "Or maybe they just wanted to help Akari with her trial!"
Laventon thinks about the statement. "That could well be, they did go dashing from the village when Akari fell out of the sky, after all."
Akari doubted that's the reason they came to her side. She's betting that Arceus requested they come to her. The God Pokémon seems to have set her up for success. However, she doesn't state these thoughts. It would only cause more questions and likely increase suspicions concerning her origins. She doesn't need that right now.
Laventon looks down at his Pokémon. "Well, not to worry, you two! I'll have you assist me with my research for now!" Well, they had seemed a little put out that they were going to be stuck in the village while Oshawott would be exploring the region. It was something the good professor had noticed.
Cyndaquil and Rowlet cry out in happiness. They won't be left idle and bored like they had feared.
Laventon turns his attention back to Akari. "By the way, what species has Captain Cyllene charged you with catching?"
Akari answers, "Bidoof, Starly, and Shinx."
Laventon seems pleased with the chosen three. "Well, that's smashing! All three species can be found in the Obsidian Fieldlands!"
Akari nods, already knowing this. Obsidian Fieldlands are literally the backdoor of her modern home. As a small child, she used to explore it all the time. It was also the place where she made friends with a Luxury and his pride. Seeing this place will likely be hard, although, she doubts it will be overly familiar. In her time, there are several towns and cities that occupy the territory. That wouldn't be the case now.
Laventon doesn't seem to notice that Akari's mind has wondered. He's too busy digging through a bag hidden under his lab coat. "Let me give you some Pokéballs to use during your trial, then." He hands them over.
Akari smiles, dismissing her little bout of homesickness. "Thank you," she says as she packs the Pokéballs into her own satchel. Professor Laventon is even kinder than history claims.
"Lucas made these," Laventon states proudly. "These Pokéballs may be the best craftsmanship in the whole village. You'll have this trial cleared in no time!"
"Yeah… That's right," Rei adds bashfully. There's now a slight blush dusting his cheeks from the unexpected praise. In fact, he's so flustered he turns towards the front door of the Galaxy Hall to hide his face. He then says, "Let's be off!" As he opens the door. "I'll show you the way to the Obsidian Fieldlands, so meet me at the gate to your left as you leave headquarters." Then he's gone.
Laventon seems shocked by the sudden departure. "Oh, my, I didn't mean to embarrass him." He looks at Akari. "He really is the best craftsman when it comes to making Pokéballs. You should have him teach you."
"I'll keep that in mind," Akari says. "But I think I should follow Rei. I don't want to keep him waiting to long."
"I understand." Laventon smiles. "Goodluck, on your trial."
Akari bows respectively before taking her leave.
End Chapter Two