Chapter 3: A Maiden's Voyage and a New Stalker Phenomenon (Part 1)
Kalos News Article:
Stalkers, A New Occupation?
Stalker, the word for a person who follows someone with sinister intentions. But that's not the case for this. News reports from the Sinnoh about a portal to another world and contacted a number of factions. Duty, Freedom, Ecologists, and Loners. Besides the Ecologists, which is a government funded research organization from their world. But for Duty, Freedom, and Loners? They called themselves Stalkers, a name by their government for their illegal entry to this Chornobyl Nuclear Exclusion Zone, or simply as the Zone to the Stalkers. But what is a Stalker? Their western counterparts are thought to be an acronym as follows.
Scavengers, Trespassers, Adventurers, Loners, Killers, Explorers, and Robbers. From interviews from the Stalkers in Sinnoh, there are reasons why they are in the Zone ranging from escape from justice, seeking adventure, greed, and many more. But the Zone isn't easy for new and veteran Stalkers, the reason for that is that the Zone is filled with anomalies, radiation, creatures very different from Pokémon but hostile, and the criminals and bandits that will kill anyone. Also in the Zone holds Artifacts, mysterious items formed from Anomalies that hold immense abilities and are sought out by Stalkers as they cost a fortune to buyers.
News about their arrival and the agreements made between the Zone and Sinnoh in part to Sinnoh Champion Cynthia and Professor Rowan. Many research opportunities and trade deals are set, but there reports some trainers in several regions and researchers are heading to Sinnoh to see the Zone. And I believe this will be a new trend, a new Stalker Phenomenon as the Stalkers called it. I think that many things will be changing, best or worst. On another note, money exchange rates between Russian Rubles or RU and Pokédollars is set and the Stalkers set up a base of operations in Twinleaf Town.
Article Written by Alexa, Kalos News Articles
Sinnoh Region
Twinleaf Town
Jacob POV
It's been a few days since his arrival to Sinnoh, thanks to Johanna letting him stay at her home. He is also busy with the other Stalkers and doing a bit of work in Twinleaf Town. Also he got his 1200 Rubles from the Ecologists and messaged Barkeep about his status, which he is glad that Jacob isn't dead and he has brought new opportunity to the Zone. He was also glad that Sinnoh finalized the exchange rates for Rubles and Pokédollars as he exchanged about 3000 Rubles for a good sum of Pokédollars. And with that, he bought supplies at the local Poké mart in Twinleaf Town such as food, medical supplies and camping gear, the usual stuff for a Stalker though albeit without the camping gear. Even got himself an acoustic guitar, he had a bit of guitar lessons before becoming a Stalker.
Twinleaf Town is becoming more popular as Stalkers mingle with the people and Pokémon, stories exchange, Stalkers brought media such as music, games, movies, and shows that Sinnoh haven't seen before. Though they kinda kept about the Pokémon series and videogames, as it will be majorly confusing and conflicting that their world is one world's entertainment. Twinleaf Town allowed the Stalkers to set up a base of operations near one of the warehouses close to the portal back to the Zone. They easily agreed to it, as they felt a bit of familiarization with the Stalkers, such as Freedom which reminded them of their headquarters at the Army Warehouses.
Now Jacob is walking back to Johanna's house because he knew that tomorrow is Dawn's tenth birthday and the start of the first episode of Diamond and Pearl. And he decided to tag along with her since he had actually taught her some basic survival skills as she was interested, probably from the stories he told about the Zone and the threats he faced, threats she wants to avoid thanks to him teaching her. As he walked back he saw a couple of Pokémon trainers and a few kids jamming out around the radio as "Don't Stop Me Now" by the Queens played. Guessed that they sent a bunch of music from their world to one of Sinnoh's radio stations.
Earth media is becoming more popular than he thought.
"Man this is rather rad!"
"Not admittedly my first choice, but I can dig this music."
"Put on the next one after this, I wanna hear the Champions."
Jacob arrived back to the house after shopping for a bit of stuff he bought. He knocked on the door and moments later Johanna opened the door. "Oh Jacob you're back." She greeted him.
"Ma'am." Jacob greeted her as he stepped inside with a large bag in his hand.
"Please, call me Johanna, it's the least you can do after all you are helping my daughter with the lessons to live outdoors."
"And properly help my injuries when you find me in the forest."
"True."
Jacob also sees Dawn watching the first two seasons of The Walking Dead. Seeing the show he had a thought, if the portal anomaly led to the Pokémon world, would there be others that lead to other worlds as well.
"Oh Jacob you're here!" Dawn exclaimed as she saw her mom opening the door for him. "I was just finishing that episode where Glenn found the barn of walkers."
"Are you already on that episode Huh?"
"I watched it as well and um…" Johanna hummed a bit. "Your world seems to enjoy things that are violent."
"Hah!" Jacob laughed a bit. "Guess you are right. Unlike here, violence seems to rise everywhere, even the smallest things." With the shit that is the Zone, violence is always around to bandits, mutants, and just everybody looking to piss someone off just for the hell of it.
Sometime later at the backyard, Jacob brought Dawn outside and taught her that is seriously going to break the canon of Pokémon.
"You want me to practice with this?" Dawn asked as she was carrying a Makarov pistol in her hands, which was given by Jacob when he stopped by at the Stalker base and purchased it with his Rubles and ammunition with it.
"Yeah, just something to defend yourself, I know you are getting your own Pokémon tomorrow. But since with the Portal Anomaly that connects here and the Zone. It's best to be prepared."
And so with some safety lessons and practice.
*BANG*
*BANG*
*BANG*
Suddenly Johanna came out from the back door as she heard the loud bangs from the backyard.
"What is going on?!"
"Just some target practice." Jacob answered as he helped Dawn straighten her position on her holding of her pistol.
"You gave my daughter a gun?" Johanna spoke with an incredulous look.
"Couldn't hurt to prepare yourself for self defense. Also some bandit or renegade might slip through the portal here. They might cause havoc here in Sinnoh." Jacob explained as he let go as Dawn prepared to fire the pistol again.
*BANG*
*BANG*
"Not bad, six out of ten targets hit."
Later that night, Johanna made dinner and a birthday cake for Dawn. Now the they are celebrating her tenth birthday as tomorrow is Dawn's start of becoming a Pokémon trainer.
Jacob is sitting at the end of the table as Johanna is cutting a slice of cake for Dawn. He's pouring himself a shot of vodka, the good stuff in the Zone and helps with removing radiation.
Taking the shot, he shuddered at the hard taste of the vodka. Johanna and Dawn noticed his reaction.
"Jacob, are you alright?"
"Yeah, just enjoying myself with some hard liquor." He answered as pour himself another shot.
Then a thought crossed his mind.
"Here, consider this a celebratory drink." He poured another shot and slid it to Johanna and Dawn. Both of them were hesitant about the drinks, Johanna, used to enjoy herself on her downtime even though it was mostly wine.
Johanna took the first shot and soon felt her throat burning.
"Mom!" Dawn exclaimed as she saw her mother holding her throat, feeling the burning sensation of the Zone made Vodka.
"First time drinking Vodka made in the Zone is always a kicker but in time you get used to it." Jacob laughed a little.
Guess things are going to be different this time around.
The Zone
Zaton
Brayden POV
He couldn't believe the odds he was in. First being transported by a portal, then meeting the actual Aela, Tali, and Charon from their respective games. And to top it off they are in Chornobyl in Ukraine, most notably in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series. He remembered that the sequel is coming out in September, he was hoping to get it for one of his brothers since the delays of what is happening in his world. Now he, Aela, Tali, and Charon are following the two Stalkers to Skadovsk, the first safe area from Call of Pripyat.
"Even stranger than I thought what was going on. How are you guys holding up?" Brayden turned his head to see how his fellow wayward travelers were as the Stalkers led them back to their base, hearing them briefly speaking in Ukrainian. "Beyond even more confused, holding up better but can we even trust these people? You seem to know them, Brayden." Tali looked at him with curiosity, taking in what she was noting about him that filled her with questions.
He was clearly not of her era by his dresswear and she wondered where did he get those marks on him, was he a fighter or potential trouble maker? Tali looking at his hairstyle and how it was 'greased' back, remembered back two years ago on the original Normandy how Shepard introduced their team to very old music and how a subculture formed around it, Greasers as he called it. She was getting an impression Brayden might be one of them.
"You can say that, but you may not believe me once I tell you."
Up further the two Stalkers, Ivan and Boris were whispering to each other but Brayden overhead it. "I can't believe they are real… I don't know who the other guy is." Boris whispered, Brayden guessed he was talking about him. "I mean before coming to the Zone I played a shit ton of Fallout 3 and New Vegas, and a bit of Mass Effect and Skyrim, but damn they're here and real!"
"Not much of a gamer, prefer to watch those american shows like Law & Order and The Walking Dead. I'm hoping the merchants smuggle in some seasons. I heard that season 3 is going out in 2013." Ivan added.
Hearing that Brayden eyes widened at that, knowing the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series took place in 2012, but to hear that they have the same media as from his world is surprising. But knowing it'll take years for the things he likes appeared since he was from 2024. But there is an upside as he still has his phone with knowledge of media and with his own knowledge as well from 2024.
'Crazy how it's come to this. I'm either going to wake up to find this a dream… Or a coming adventure.' Braydenwalked near with Aela and he could almost feel her own growing anticipation as he saw through her shoulders and eyes watching her surroundings, his natural corner-eye vision benefiting as he noted each of his fellow travelers. It felt both amazing and humbling walking with them as he took in the sights. You've been awfully quiet, mind start explaining what you know." Charon's words captured his attention, bringing Brayden's focus on him.
"Well, to put it in the bluntest way possible… I'm from a world where all of this and including yourselves, are all a franchise. You yourself being of Fallout, the Capital Wasteland." That was enough to halt the whole group, a almost stilled silence as even including their Stalker escort, turned to face Brayden with a variety of expressions, most of which relating to shock. "What? A franchise." Tali looked at him with confused surprise as Brayden could make out her silver eyes widening in her mask.
"Bullshit! They made a franchise about the Zone." Ivan said in an incredulous tone. "First, the American people populize the stalker phenomenon with an acronym, but now you are saying that it's a game from your world."
"I also didn't think of it before, but what year you're from?" Boris asks, though wearing his gas mask, Brayden can see his eyes widened.
"2024."
Now both Boris and Ivan look at each other, feeling the same emotions of surprise by his answers. "Damn…" Ivan muttered. "What season of the Walking Dead is now on in 2024?"
"It ended at Season 11 in 2021. Show kinda lost its appeal after… Certain things happened." Brayden thought it'd be best if he didn't spoil it for the two apparent fans of the show, becoming a bit surprised of its existence within this world. "Wait, hold on. Explain more clearly what you're talking about, what does that make for all of us?" Aela's eyes scanned Brayden's face, confusion running through her mind as she processed what he had said.
"From my perspective, it shows that there's a lot more to life than we'd ever know. This is the case for my world as your worlds are your own, otherwise I don't really have a proper answer to it. Just because Tamriel is apart of a story in my world, doesn't make it any less real from where your standing, only that I know a lot." Aela's eyes scrunched up and she looked deep in his eyes.
"... You're a strange man, Brayden Nilsson."
"I get that a lot." Brayden bit down on the flood of memories that poured in his mind hearing it, no longer being though as bugged from that ridicule as he once was.
As they were walking, they saw a group of Stalkers, unaware of them walking past them, around a anomaly as they were gathering artifacts for some good money.
"For now, let's head to Skadovsk, we're almost there. You will explain more once we get there." Boris said as they walked towards the base for Stalkers.
Soon they arrive at Skadovsk, Brayden remembers that in the game it's a fortified tanker owned by Beard. Ivan turns the valve of the hatch and opens it and the group enters into the tanker. Inside, Brayden saw Beard at his stall and there are several Stalkers just doing their own thing and some of them have patches on their shoulders, obviously there are symbols of the Loner Stalkers as well a few Freedom and Duty stalkers and there are several with flags of their nationalities as well. Ukrainian, American, Russian, UK, and several others.
Soon all eyes turn towards him and the group. The ones without wearing gas masks have their eyes widened as they see the three characters from their respective video games.
"Bloody hell…" A stalker with a European accent whispered.
"Boris… Ivan…" Beard says as he stares at the three video game characters. "I… how? I sent you two to investigate a new anomaly that appeared here and you brought… them…"
"Yeah…" Boris muttered. "We didn't expect this to happen, especially here in the Zone."
"Who's that guy?" An American Stalker asked as he pointed to Brayden and saw that he looked like a greaser.
"The American is right, who are you?" A Ukrainian Stalker beside him asked.
Deciding to take the lead, Brayden stepped forward and stared at the gathered Stalkers. "I'm Brayden Nilsson, the Tiger. And I guess I'm going to be the one explaining what's going on…"
Elsewhere
Red Forest
The Red Forest, since the deactivation of the Brain Scorcher, has become a hunting ground for Stalkers to hunt down mutants and discover small anomalies to gather artifacts.
Two Stalkers, both Loners, are taking a break from gathering artifacts to sell back to Barkeep at the 100 Rads Bar.
"Got some good artifacts here, Broth." Tin said as he lugged a large insulated duffel bag filled with artifacts. "We should be set up for some nice equipment."
Broth silently nodded as he scouted with his Garand. Suddenly there were sounds of people in the distance and lights coming from deep in the Red Forest trees. This confused the two stalkers, sure the Red Forest has some outposts from other stalkers but they were seeing the lights and assumed that it is a big outpost.
But there was no news of a large outpost from other stalkers.
"What was that over there?" Tin asked.
"I don't know… let's find out." Broth replied as they trekked through the forest.
Soon Broth and Tin stopped and hid in the foliage and they saw a large castle wall with people dressed in medieval armor patrolling the area. But there were also some people with leather jackets and guns with them as well.
"Holy shit are you seeing this…"
"I'm seeing this idiot, but… that looks like-"
"Halt! Stay where you are."
Broth and Tin turn around to see blades and guns pointed at them. Soon they see-
"No way… the Stormcloaks and Great Khans…" Broth whispered.
"Bozhe moy…" Tin muttered, surprised to see the two factions from their respective video games.