AN: Sorry it's been busy, please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 123 The Meeting of the Future
Sinnoh Region, Snowpoint City
The Word that could describe Hermione was amazed, or rather bewildered by the place she woke up in.
It's been a few Days since she'd woken up from what the Doctors said was a coma. After going over the necessary check-up on Hermione's Health, she was cleared.
With no relatives to be found, Irina has taken responsibility for looking after her. After a new set of Clothes suitable for the Weather in the Northern part of Sinnoh.
Hermione wore a black coat with a black and white striped Skit, pink leggings for the Winter Season, black boots with pink laces, pink gloves, and a pink scarf,
She found it odd that she was wearing leggings in a Wintery Environment. However, when she steps outside, Hermione was expecting her Legs.
The Bushy-haired Girl couldn't help but look at the City she found herself in. Hermione saw what she could describe as a Winter Wonderland,
The Snow covered the Grass, Trees, and the Roofs of Houses like a fluffy blanket. Hermione also saw there were even more Pokemon in the outdoors that were suited for the Cold Climate of the North.
Hermione saw there was a small Pokemon that resembled a larger ball of fur Pokemon and a few that looked like Mammoths plowing through the thick Snow while the People were guiding them on where to plow.
There were some People pouring some warm refreshments and what seemed to be Berries for themselves. Hermione saw the People giving some Berries to the Mammoth-like Pokemon who looked happy to receive the Fruits.
"I bet it's strange to see Creatures that you haven't seen before interacting with People." Hermione turns to Irina, hearing what the Pokemon Professor said.
"Yeah, the Animals back where I came from aren't like the Pokemon here," Hermione explains to the blonde-haired Woman. "Everything is much different than what I'm used to. The Pokemon, they seem to share the same intelligence as we Humans."
Irina chuckles at Hermione's comment, "Well, Pokemon are intelligent and know a lot of things that we People do not." The Professor explains to the young Girl. "That's why both People and Pokemon live together, we benefit from each other to learn more about our World."
The bushy-haired Girl smiles, hearing what kind of World she found herself in. Hermione then noticed that they were slowing down,
The young Witch gazes out of the Car Window, seeing where they are heading.
Hermione's eyes spotted a small cozy Medium-size Building with beige Walls and a brick Roof covered by Snow. Behind the Laboratory was a small Mountain Range that connected to a larger Mountain at the center of the Region. "Wow, what a lovely House you have Professor Ceder." The bushy-haired Girl commented, truly seeing the place as beautiful.
"Especially when you're behind a beautiful Mountain Range," Hermione commented, adding to her previous comment.
"Thank you, Hermione." Irina smiles at her new Friend's compliment on her Home. "I grew up here in Snowpoint City with my Brother, we both grew to love learning about Sinnoh's Ancient Past." The blonde-haired Woman explains to her new Companion.
"In fact, my House is close to a very Famous Ruins; the Snowpoint Ruins," Irina added, informing the bushy-haired Girl of a very well-known Area this up North in the Sinnoh Region.
Hermione was intrigued by the Professor's Research, she did plenty of Research on History and Hogwarts in her Old World. She would be lying to herself that even though she misses her Home, she couldn't help but be curious about this World and its History.
The Car soon arrived at the driveway of the Laboratory, the two got out of the Vehicle and now standing in front of Irina's Lab.
Irina went over to the Front of her Laboratory, welcoming Hermione to her Lab. "Welcome to my Lab. Hermione." She opened the door, revealing the insides of Lab.
Hermione steps forward, being greeted by what could be considered Science Fiction in her original World. As she entered the Pokemon Lab, the young Girl was met with many things featured in a Lab.
There were Computers located on one side of the Lab, there was a Table at the Center with many Notes and Books. Some more Lab equipment on the other side, a strange circular device that occupies a corner.
Hermione hadnever seen this type of device before in her Old Home. She steps forward further into the Professor's Laboratory to get a better look around them. "Amazing, it's like I just entered into a Sci-Fi Book," She commented, approaching one of the Laboratory Equipment to understand how it works up close.
Irina hung her Coat before taking out her Partner's Pokeball, she released Glaceon who stretched on her Home's Floor. "Glace," The Ice-type Pokemon yawns, walking over to her Bed.
The blonde-haired Professor smiles at her Pokemon going off to her Spot. Irina then shifted her attention to her Guest who was looking around. "Hermione, I forgot to tell you. Look out for Three Little Pokemon that might be roaming around the Lab."
"Three Little what-WWWWHHHHHAAAAAAA!" Hermione tripped over something, falling down to the Floor.
"Hermione!" Irina saw the young Girl falling to the Floor. She rushed over to see if she was alright.
Hermione groans, turning around to see what she tripped over. "What tripped me-" The young Girl paused, seeing a small blue Penguin-like Pokemon sleeping on the Floor. "What the-why is there a Penguin sleeping here?" She asked as the Professor approached her.
"Hermione, are you alright?" Irina asked, concerned if the young Girl was injured in any way.
Hermione looks up at the young Woman, nodding to her question. "Yes, I am. But what did I trip over?" The bushy-haired Girl asked, looking at the Penguin-like Pokemon.
Irina looks back at what or rather who Hermione tripped over. "Ah, Piplup!? You're sleeping at random places again?" The Professor asked the Water-type Pokemon.
"Piplup?" Hermione asked, looking at the Penguin Pokemon slowly getting up from the Floor while rubbing his eyes.
"Pip…lup…" The Starter Pokemon yawns, looking up at both Irina and the new Face he had never seen before. "Lup?" Piplup greeted his Caretaker and what he presumes to be a new starting Pokemon trainer.
Hermione got up from the ground, kneeling before him. She was curious about the Starter Pokemon before her. "Amazing, what kind of Pokemon is this one, Professor Ceder?" The bushy-haired Girl asked,
Irina smiles, introducing the young Girl to the Starter Pokemon. "Hermione, this here is Piplup, one of the Three Starter Pokemon that new trainers can choose when they begin their Journey." The blonde-haired Professor explains what Piplup is.
"In fact, I'm raising a Raft of Piplups for First-timer Pokemon trainers. Only a select few People are chosen by the Pokemon League to raise Starter Pokemon," Irina explains, picking up the Penguin Pokemon from the Floor and into her Arms. She motions her Head to the side, wanting Hermione to follow her to the Window.
Hermione treads over to the Window where Irina is standing. Her eyes widen at the sight before her. Outside of the Laboratory was a Snowy Field with a small half-frozen Lake, within the patch was a Raft of Piplups all playing with each other.
"Wow, so you're taking care and raising these Piplups?" Hermione asked, impressed by how Irina was doing Research while raising Pokemon. "You must have a lot to do here then," She said, seeing Piplup was looking at her.
Hermione wanted
Irina looks at the two, having an idea that crossed her Mind. She turns her Body, holding out the Water-type Pokemon towards the young Girl, "Why don't you hold Piplup for a while?" She offered Hermione to hold the Starter Pokemon.
"W-Wha-" Hermione was taken aback at the sudden suggestion. "B-But I d-don't know how to-I mean is there a specific way to hold him or…"
"Lup," The Water-type could see clearly as Day that the bushy-haired was nervous because of her being the first time holding a Pokemon.
Without given notice, Piplup leaps off from the Professor's arms and into the new Face of the Pokemon World. "Ah!" Hermione yelps at the sudden jump.
"Piplup," Irina raised her voice at the Starter Pokemon for suddenly jumping into Hermione's Arms. "You can't just jump into someone's Arms." The blonde Professor stated, sighing at the common thing going on with the Water-type Pokemon.
Hermione was unsure and panicking about properly holding the Penguin Pokemon. However, after a good while, she discovered that holding Piplup was similar to having her Cat, Crookshanks. "W-Wow, he's easy to hold," She commented,
"Pip!" Piplup responded to Hermione's comment,
The young Girl chuckles, smiling at the opportunity of holding a new type of Creature, "W-Woah, b-be careful there, Piplup." Hermione said, still nervous about holding Piplup.
Irina then clears her throat, prompting the two to look at the Pokemon Professor. "I'm sorry to interrupt, Hermione, but there's still something we need to discuss." The blonde Professor said to her Guest,
"Hmm? What i-oh, right, Helena." Hermione said, looking around before seeing a couch for her to sit on. She sat down on the Couch with Piplup in her Arms/Leg. "Do you have any ideas where she can be?" The bushy-haired Girl asked,
Irina nodded, causing Hermione to smile at the prospect that her Friend might be in this World. "Well, Hermione, Helena Potter is in the Hoenn Region. From what you describe to me, it seems that you know Helena from when she was attending School." She explains to Hermione,
"Yeah, she should be around my Age," Hermione said, confused about why Irina was sounding spectacle.
"Hermione, honey…Helena Potter is Nineteen Years Old," Irina said. Hermione's reaction was something she expected, but she was also shocked at how old her Friend was.
"H-Helena's…Nineteen Years…Old…" Hermione said, processing what was said to her.
Hoenn Region, Evergrande City, Pokemon League
Steven stares out of the Window of the Champion's Tower, overseeing the Pokemon League's Base of operation. He sighs to himself, unsure how to approach everyone about his Fiancée's response to her Name being one of the potential Gym Leader Candidates for the resuming Gym Challenge.
Flashback
Helena blinks at Steven, still processing what News he brought Home with him. "So…let me get this straight, Steven." The black-haired Woman spoke, "Due to me being involved with protecting Hoenn, Chairwoman Blanche wants me to be a part of the Pokemon League's Gym Challenge?"
"That's right," Steven answered while holding Casey on his Lap, "I have to report the Primal Groudon Incident to the Chairwoman, including the Pokemon trainers that were involved."
Helena sighed, understanding now where her Name had popped up during the Pokemon League Meetings. "So that's how it went," She said, tending to Aiden who had gotten himself quite a mess with his Lunch.
"Yeah, are you alright being a Candidate for a Gym Leader Position?" The Steel-blue haired Champion asked his Fiancée.
Helena gave a good long thought about the offer the Pokemon League was giving to her. She does have the experience when the Rustboro Gym was filled with many Gym Challengers,
On one hand, it could provide some Battle experience for the Pokemon under the Potter Family's care. But at the same time, it could take up her Time on her Research.
However, her Pokemon hardly has any time to gain some Battle experience they need to grow stronger.
The black-haired Woman looks at her Fiancé, giving her answer. "Steven…"
End of Flashback
Steven watches the Citizens of Evergrande City walk around, getting to the place they need to be. "Meta," The Hoenn Champion turns to his Partner, resting beside his desk,
"Hmm? What is it, Metagross?" Steven asked, looking at the door opening into his Office.
"Wow, it's been a while since I've seen this place. You got some taste here," A familiar voice spoke to the current Champion of the Hoenn Region. "But, considering that Lydia is your Mother. Makes sense you have an eye for décor."
Steven chuckles, gazing at the teal-haired Man walking inside his Office. "Wallace, I see you were able to make it to the meeting," The Steel-blue haired Man greeted the former Hoenn Champion.
Wallace chuckles, placing his Hand on his side as he flips his hair dramatically, "Well, we are talking about resuming the Gym Challenge." The teal-haired Man commented before looking at Steven with a sly expression. "Especially when we're voting on who's going to join the Hoenn Gym Leader Ranks."
Steven turns his Body, making his way towards his Rival. "Well, it's been a while since anyone has really visited the Gyms." The Steel-blue haired Champion said, understanding the eagerness of the Pokemon trainers for the constitution of the Gym Challenge. "With the Incident of Team Aqua and Magma, the League wants capable Hands to better handle Future Incidents like that."
The Water-type Gym Leader nodded, seeing that Chairwoman Blanche was behind this recruitment. Regardless of the reason, Wallace is glad the Pokemon League is expanding its ranks to protect the Region. "Well, that's why we all came," Wallace stated before asking Steven something.
"Speaking of Candidates, I'm assuming that Ellie's Name is brought up?" Wallace asked, seeing Steven's defeated expression. "I can tell, she has talent, I give her that and the experience in doing a Pokemon Battle. But did she agree with the candidacy?" He asked, turning around back to the entrance of the Champion's Office.
"Yeah, she did. A bit of hesitation since she's devoted her Time to her Research and being the Trainer School's Pokemon Professor." Steven said, walking up to his Rival while Metagross floated over to him. "In any case, ready for a long Night?"
"You bet," Wallace said as they exited the Office to where the Gym Leaders and Elite Four were gathered.
Walking down the Hall, the Three opened the door to a Conference Room where Past Champions, Chairperson, Gym Leaders, and Elite Four Members gathered to discuss their Rankings.
Steven stood before the Members of the Hoenn League, People he'd known for his entire Career as a Pokemon trainer.
Chairwoman of the Pokemon League - Blanche
Dragon-type Specialist/ Leader of the Elite Four – Drake
Ice-type Specialist of the Elite Four – Glacia
Ghost-type Specialist of the Elite Four – Phoebe
Dark-type Specialist of the Elite Four – Sydney
Water-type Gym Leader – Wallace
Psychic-type Gym Leader(s)- Tate and Liza
Flying-type Gym Leader- Winona
Normal-type Gym Leader- Norman
Fire-type Gym Leader- Flannery
Electric-type Gym Leader- Wattson
Fighting-type Gym Leader- Brawly
Rock-type Gym Leader- Roxanne
Around the Conference Room were Pokemon type Specialists, the ones whose job is to challenge young Pokemon trainers to bring out their best for both their Pokemon and themselves.
Steven smiles, gazing around the Room. "Thank you for making time to come all this way," The Hoenn Champion addressed the Room, "I know things are hectic right now, but this will be beneficial for the Hoenn Region," He looked at Blanche, giving her a chance to add some words to the Elite Four and the Gym Leaders.
Blanche steps forward after Steven finishes his speech. "Our decision here will impact the Future of Hoenn and trainers alike." The Chairwoman of the Pokemon League offers her Hand to the Roundtable before them, "Please, take your seats. We have a lot to do."
A few minutes into the Meeting, things went smoothly.
"Another expansion of the Pokemon League is good and all, but won't it hinder the trainers that are in the middle of their Challenge?" Sydney asked, wanting to get the needy details out before discussing members. "I mean, nobody wants to have another Gym to win a Badge so they can Challenge us. Who wants extra work?" The Dark-type Elite Four asked,
Flannery nodded, agreeing with Sydney. "Dude has a point there." The red-haired Woman stated, looking around her fellow trainers. "The gist of the system is simple, defeat all Eight Gym Leaders, and after that defeat the Elite Four, then the Champion. Simple,"
"And yet, the Gym Challenge is still a Challenge for all," A dark-haired Man wearing a Marron jacket, sweatpants, and sandals spoke. He crossed his arms, adding to his sentence. "This isn't a one and only time thing trainers do. It's a test to see how they can handle Life's Challenges and a chance to Bond with their Pokemon," Norman Smith, the Petalburg City Gym Leader stated,
Norman looks around, continuing his rant. "That's why we are Gym Leaders, Leaders that help young trainers grow." The Normal-type Gym Leader stated,
"You have to admit Flans, Norman does bring up a good point there," Brawly commented, looking at his Girlfriend with a smug expression. "The whole reason it's called a Gym Challenge is to challenge the Little Dudes and Dudettes," The Fighting-type Gym Leader said,
Flannery blushed at her Boyfriend's expression, "Hey, don't make that face at me,"
"Enough," Drake cleared his throat, causing both Gym Leaders to be silent. "We all agree that the Incident with the Teams is concerning. Our late reaction to this proves we're not truly prepared." The Dragon master stated,
"I'm with Drake," Wattson piqued in, also seeing things in Drake's eyes. "Both Team Aqua and Magam's Operations were spread out than we initially thought." The Electric-type Gym Leader stated, following up with his fellow Senior Member of the Pokemon League.
The Old Gym Leader placed his Hands on the Roundtable, "We need more capable trainers to both challenge the younger Generation of Pokemon trainers and protect the Region from an Incident like that again." Wattson stated,
"Then let's go over the possible Candidates for new Gym Leaders," Glacia said, getting the Meeting back into topic. "It's clear that we need more People, and picking the right People is crucial now." The Ice-type Elite Four Member stated,
Roxanne nodded, looking at the Table. "So, who are the Candidates?"
Blanche held her Hand forward, pressing the Holo-pad before her. Around the Roundtable the Holo-pads on each seat, showing the Candidates for Gym Leader Positions. "These are the chosen Pokemon trainers that we've taken interest in…."
"Alister Dark, a Dark-type Specialist." The white-haired Woman stated, hearing a scoff from Sydney down the Table.
"Ronan Lark, a Ground-type Specialist," Blanche continued listing the Candidacy List.
A dark-haired Girl sat up in her chair, noticing the familiar face of her and her Brother. "Hey, that's the Boy who was in our Class," Liza said, finally noticing the young Pokemon trainer.
"Easy there, Liza, I get Ronan being in the Gym Leader Candidacy list is a no-brainer." Tate, the Second Gym Lead of Mossdeep City commented, "But it does make sense, he is one of the strongest trainers in our School other than us."
"Anabel, a Psychic-type Specialist and Part-time Frontier Brain."
Brawly was intrigued by the Candidate that was announced, "Really? Anabel?" The Dewford Town's Gym Leader asked, "Ain't she a Detective or something like that?" The sky-blue-haired Man asked,
Steven nodded, answering one of his Best Friends. "Yes, that too is a Part-time Job. But her Job as an Investigator is at a rather slow pace." The Hoenn Champion commented.
Winona nodded, being the one who's closest to the Psychic Ability User. "Anabel said to me once that she would like to have her Pokemon at her peak," The Fortree City Gym Leader commented, "The Battle Frontier is held once the Evergrande Festival is over, she wants her Pokemon to be tip-top shape." She commented,
"Hmmm…makes sense to me!" Phoebe smiled, agreeing with Winona on that notion.
The List continued as Blanche listed the People the Pokemon League has eyes for. Soon, the List reached its end, with only two more Candidates present. "Now, for the last two Candidates," The Chairwoman said, bringing up the Second to last trainer.
"N Potter, he doesn't have a specific type that he excels with. But his connection with Pokemon is rather intriguing to us." Blanche stated, looking around the Room.
Wallace hums, crossing his arms together. "Hmmm, I'm not too sure about N." The former Champion said. "I mean nothing by this, but he's not the type to…how do I say this…" The Water-type Gym Leader ponders on what Word to describe N in a Gym Leader position.
"I think the Word you're looking for is Pacifist, Wallace," Roxanne spoke up, knowing N doesn't like participating in Pokemon Battles, but he'll do it if he needs to. "But he's strong, like really strong." The Rock-type Gym Leader commented,
Flannery chuckles, leaning back into her chair. "Especially when he has a Legendary Pokemon who considers him to be a Friend." The red-haired Woman smiles before asking the Chairwoman about the Last Candidate. "So, who's the last one?" She asked, knowing exactly who it was, much like everyone else here.
Blanche nodded, bringing up the last Candidate. "The last Candidate for a Gym Leader Position is none other than, Professor Helena Potter, a Fairy-type Specialist." She announced as everyone began discussing the Candidates.
Drake stroked his mustache, looking at Helena's profile. "A Fairy-type Specialist. We never had a Fairy-type Gym Leader in all of Hoenn…"
"Ah, so it's this Girl." Sydney smiles, looking at Steven who looks back at him. "The interesting Girl that you're going to get hitched soon. Nice." He chuckles.
Steven blushed, hearing the many snickering around the table about his Engagement. "A-Ahem, anyways, let's begin everyone…" He said, moving on with the Meeting on the Gym Leader Position.
Rustboro City, Stone Residence
Within her Apartment, Helena sat down with Anthea and Concordia at her Dining Room Table. The Potter Sisters were all writing Invitations for her and Steven's Wedding. "I can't believe it'll be a Week until the Wedding," Concordia commented, folding an envelope and placing it with the others.
Anthea looks at her Sister, seeing her still writing the Names of who she and Steven want to invite. "You met a lot of People, Sister." The pink-haired Ability User commented, "Just seeing the envelopes we made…well, I'm not sure if our Home could House everyone." She commented,
Helena smiles at her Sister, hearing her concerns. "Don't worry Anthea, Joseph, and Lydia are helping us sort the Guests by renting a Hotel here in Rustboro City." She said, lessening Anthea's concerns for Rooms.
"Well, that's good to hear, Helena." The pink-haired Ability User commented. "With N and the others making room for the Venue at the Manor, I was starting to think we need to temporarily room our Family together." She said,
"Gothitelle," Gothitelle approaches the table with a fresh stack of envelopes for her Partner.
Concordia smiles, taking the envelopes away from her Partner's Hands. "Thank you, Gothitelle for getting more envelopes." She thanked the Psychic-type Pokemon.
The Astral Pokemon inclined her Head before returning to the other Pokemon who was helping with the little things for the Wedding, such as Flower arrangements and decorations.
"It's so good to have the Pokemon hear helping out with the preparations," Concordia commented, closing up an envelope. "With Roxanne in Evergrande City, I'm not too sure if we could make the deadline."
Helena nodded, agreeing with the blonde Ability User. "I agree, I'm also grateful for Gardevoir, Hattrem, and Fidough watching over the Twins while we're working." She smiled, "If we don't then we'll be slower than usual."
"Speaking of the Boys," Anthea perked up, "Have you and Steven gotten little suits for the little ones?" The pink-haired Ability User asked, giddy about the Babies in suits.
The black-haired Woman giggled before nodding, "Lydia has custom-made Wedding Tuxedos for Aiden and Casey ready before the Wedding Date." Helena said before hearing her Rotom Phone ringing.
Helena quickly picked it up before the Twins could hear it. Once she answered, she spoke to whoever was calling her. "Hello?" She greeted the Person on the other line.
-ZZZ- Ellie, I have good news! -ZZZ- Steven exclaims on the other end of the Phone.
"Steven," Helena smiles, moving away her Rotom Phone from her ears after her Fiancé's voice. "Please lower your voice, you almost deafen me." She chuckles, hearing Steven join her.
-ZZZ- Sorry, sorry, Helena. I didn't mean to scream, -ZZZ- The Hoenn Champion apologizes to the Pokemon Professor. -ZZZ- I was calling because we've decided on who got the Gym Leader Position, -ZZZ- He began sharing the news with her.
Steven cleared his throat, -ZZZ- Helena, you, N, and two others are chosen for the Positions. -ZZZ- He informed his Fiancée about the decision they made recently.
Helena was surprised, she didn't expect that the decision was made already. "Really? I thought that the decision would take longer." The young Professor asked,
-ZZZ-Well, the choices were simple. -ZZZ- Steven said, explaining how the decision was made. -ZZZ- Anyways, do you still want to do this, Ellie? It's a big responsibility to add to your already busy schedule. -ZZZ- He asked, giving Helena the chance to choose if she wanted to go with it or not.
Helena knew that Steven was asking if she was sure, but she had already decided. "After thinking about it since you left," She said, walking up to her and her Sisters' Pokemon and petting her Dratini next to the others. I want to go through with becoming a Gym Leader, Steven." She said, her voice filled with conviction about her decision.
Steven smiled, having an inkling that Helena's decision was correct. "If you're sure, then you and N will come to Evergrande City so the Pokemon League can evaluate you two," he said before adding something else.
"I know you'll do great, Ellie. I'll be watching your evaluation on the sidelines." Steven said, parting some words of encouragement to his Fiancée.
Helena giggled before looking at her Pokemon. "Okay everyone, we got a Battle to prepare for." She said, gaining her Pokemon's attention.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.