It's been nearly two months since I've fallen into this new life of mine and I cant help but feel that its infinitely better than my last life, while I'm saddened by the fact, I probably wont see my dad or friends again I cant help but feel a rush every time I see a Pokémon, they were just such amazing creatures. My love for Pokémon was what brought my favourite moment of this world into fruition. It wasn't long after I arrived that Rowan had tasked me with a 'research' assignment, there as never an assignment the old man wanted me to find the same pond he found when he started out on his journey.
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Flashback – day four – lake Verity
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Walking back along the path Rowan had led me when I met him, I arrived at the shores of lake Varity.
Stretching my back as I set my satchel down (it was another gift from Rowan that he received from since Regional professors get the first dibs on new cutting-edge technology. It created a large area inside of the bag to hold things much larger like a tent or bicycle, while making the bag feel lighter than it should.) I reached inside and grabbed out my pokedex, flipping it open I was greeted by the computers basic VI dexter. A basic virtual intelligence that would automatically record and display info on any Pokémon it can scan.
[ This is Pokédex Id number #675432 – registered to trainer Rusk Matton. You will not be given a replacement if lost or destroyed]
Scrolling through the functions, I learned the pokedex was essentially a just portable computer as it could run this worlds versions of google called the poke-net (not very creative I know), it also had a journaling feature, a Pokémon scanner of course and a few other basic computer programs.
Nodding my head as I looked over the Dex putting it back in my bag, I grab Nova's ball from my pocket and send out my partner.
"Cynda!" greeted once again by a headbutt into the gut I cough a couple times as I pet Nova's Head.
"He-hello to you too Nova, seems you're excited today." I cough, rubbing the sore spot on my stomach as I pet my partner's head.
Looking down at nova in thought, I still cant fully believe I got transported here, it was all just so… Surreal, it felt like a dream a world where I could truly follow a path, I WANTED! not one forced on me from others. It was… refreshing.
I felt a sudden jostle in my palm as Nova rubbed his head on it to get my attention, I grinned at him, and stood up dusting my legs off, "come on! Lets get this done for the Professor so we can go train!" i energetically spoke out, as I started to run ahead of Nova who let out a small snort of fire at my words, the fiery little guy had a passion and drive for getting stronger.
XxxxxX
Nova had alerted me of a clearing ahead of us a while back which is where we were gonna sleep for the night.
Looking around as we walked forest was just as stunning during the night as it was in the day, the calls of the Pokémon had all but stopped save for the rare Hoot-Hoot or Noctowl cry. Glancing up the moon was shining brightly, perfect for late night camp building.
Pushing a branch out of my way, as we walked into a clearing, I couldn't help but be gasp. In front of us, the herd of Bidoof sleeping around a large pond with a tall oak tree sitting in the center on a small island.
The light was reflecting beautifully off the water drawing attention to the gracefully sleeping Pokémon beneath the tree.
laying there was Cresselia, in all her stunning glory.
My gasp must've woken her up as she slowly started to stir, looking at me with curious eyes was the legendary Pokémon of the crescent moon.
As she slowly eyed me up I could hear a calm but kind laugh as the area was bathed in a soothing Aura, making me incredibly tired, looking away from the legend before me at Nova I saw he had already fallen for the lull of the Aura, before I could look back sleep overtook me.
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Chuckling to myself as I remember the scene. It took an entire day to get Rowan to believe what I told him happened, and it was only because Cresselia left behind a feather, a feather that glows with a reddish-purple hue reminiscent of a sunset, sadly Rowan still had it in his lab for research.
Finally sitting up off my bed, I took a look in the mirror.
Reflecting back at me was a man I could hardly recognize to the point is was messing with my head. The face was mine but the hair framing it was different, a deep green had replaced my once brown hair entirely and it was much longer from once short hair it was before. My physique had changed since I arrived here entirely due to the training I endured during my time under Rowan I had actually gained some muscle. The sheer amount shouldn't actually be possible but the physics of this world still confuses me.
The man was as much a fitness coach as he was a professor. The man knew exactly what I would need to train to be ready for my eventual outing into the world. He had me on a strict diet and training regimen I plan on following and enhancing on my journey. I had more stamina, strength and due to the lessons he was giving me, knowledge.
Putting on my clothes, just a simple pair of jeans, a black sweater, and a hat to hold my hair out of my face and no I have tried to get it cut but for some unknown reason my hair refuses to stay short.
Slinging on my satchel, and putting Nova's ball in my pocket I made my way out to where Rowan would be sending me off.
I could see both him and his partner Abomasnow, after Rusk had spent a few weeks working with the two of them he could say they were incredibly similar, both were incredibly stoic, blunt, and they even had the same hair for crying out loud.
Rowan nodded at my arrival and held his hand out, thinking he was giving me a handshake I shook his hand… only for him to turn my hand over and placed a small charm on my palm.
Looking at it, I saw he had turned Cresselia's feather into a small pendant, hung from a leather cord was a shimmering feather that glowed with a light reminiscent of a sunset.
Looking up at him in awe and surprise as he started to speak, "Cresselia is truly an incredible Pokémon." He turned away from me as he continued, "the mythical creature, a direct opposite of its rival Darkrai, a being of nightmares, while Cresselia a being of dreams. Pokémon truly are mysterious are they not Rusk?" he asked, turning his head back towards me with a small smile.
"I believe Cresselia saw something in you that night. What it was I don't think we'll ever truly know, but I believe she gave you this feather for a reason, it would be a crime to send you on your way without it, though I must tell you not to wear it to openly or you might encounter some of the wrong sorts on your travels." He nodded at me before reaching into his pocket and handing me five small red and white spheres.
"These are the standard items a trainer is given when they are sponsored by a professor, but you should take note that you are more than welcome to catch as many Pokémon as you want, my lab is always in need of more Pokémon to study after all, and don't worry any Pokémon you send here will be in good hands." He grunted out as I put the empty balls in my bag near my pokedex.
"Thank you professor, I honestly don't know how things wouldve gone had you not been there that day to guide me in my rather 'unique' situation." I chuckled out rubbing my head. But as I went to speak again Rowan shook his head, "it should be me thanking you Rusk, had you not been there that day that man would've taken all of my research I had gathered with professor Oak, as well as the three partner Pokémon I had recently acquired not long beforehand.
So, for that, I thank you young man." Rowan finishes nodding his head as he shakes my hand. "And I wish you luck on your journey, and don't forget Rusk… there is a balance to all things don't focus solely on your goal, life isn't nearly as precious if you don't stop and smell the roses once in a while."
Nodding his head once more as he turned back around to the lab as he needed to get ready for the new trainer he had told me about yesterday, one my I knew from the show, today Dawn was getting her Pokémon…
As I shook my head I could only think. I do wonder what type of person Dawn will be? Is she the same stubborn hard-headed dreamer? Or is she more like the protagonist from the game? It might just be worth phoning Rowan from the Jubilife center once I get there to find out… if she's the same as the show she'll probably still pick Piplup… no point in wondering now just gotta pray this world isn't like the manga.
Shivering as I remember how terrifying that version of the world is, and sent out a small prayer to whoever watches over this world, Arceus maybe? And started on my way out of Sandgem town.
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It wasn't long after I left town that I retrieved Nova's ball from my bag, after all what's the point in having a partner if we didn't do everything together. So, after enlarging the ball a red beam shot out forming the cool and adorable form of the small fire-type.
"Cynda!" the small Pokémon cried out happy to once again walk alongside myself. "Hello to you too! Are you as ready as I am Nova? We can finally head on out on our journey!" I greeted my partner with excitement readily showing in my voice as I rubbed his head.
"Quil! Cyn-Cyn!" Nova just nodded and jumped around me in clear enthusiasm as we began to set off.
…this is gonna be a long walk isn't it… haah…
Pausing a moment as I rubbed my heel causing Nova to pause and wait for me.
It was now around midday a few hours after I had left the lab and not far off in the distance was a Pokémon center… Perfect! A place to rest for a while! Don't get me wrong, I've walked for long periods of time before, I've had to carry calves a quarter mile before, but that was with shoes! Not goddamn flip-flops! First chance I get once I get to Jubilife I'm buying shoes goddamit!
Fixing my footwear, nova and I continue the short distance to the red-orange roofed building off to the side of the road.
Taking my first glance at a real Pokémon center, I couldn't help but be slightly stunned. The building was much larger than portrayed by both the show and games, being more the size of a small clinic than a tiny two-three room building, slowly I entered the building with Nova on my shoulder. His new favourite spot.
"Hello and welcome to the route 202 Pokémon center! How can I help you today?" we were instantly greeted by one of the most staple of people of the Pokémon world, nurse joy.
Greeting her I took nova off of my shoulder and placed him on the counter much to his displeasure, "hello to you too Nurse Joy, I was hoping to get Nova here a checkup, its only our first day setting out but I want to make sure he doesn't have any sort of problems issues we should be worried about." I finish looking at my partner as he scoffs in disagreement, the young fire type was normally quite modest and friendly but he liked to put up a tough front with people he doesn't know yet.
"Hah sorry about him he's just acting tough cause he's shy." I explain as both I and the nurse chuckle causing Nova to shoot me a betrayed look forcing me to shoot him an apologetic smile. "Oh, don't worry, I've met quite a few prideful and shy Pokémon in my time here, fu fu fu!" she spoke laughing slightly. "he'll be done in just a moment, oh! Before that do you have a pokedex?" she asked curiously.
Nodding I reach into my bag and pull out the small red device, "yes I got it a few months back from Professor Rowan, did you need to look up something?" I asked puzzled as to why she would need the device.
"Oh no nothing like that! the Pokémon centers in Sinnoh have recently begun to offer trainers with them an adjustment to their scanners so they can check a Pokémon's wellbeing from them! Such a nifty device isn't it?" she explained happily as I handed her the device. A feature like that would be very helpful if I'm in an area far from a Pokémon center, it could help me keep my Pokémon safe and healthy very useful for long stretches between cities.
"Thank you, that sounds incredibly useful to have." I nodded and thanked her as she plugged my Dex into her computer, "Oh, I see here you aren't signed up for the conference, did you want to register today?" she asked tilting her head as she did.
'Hmmm… I'm still not entirely sure what I should do with my new life here… but it wouldn't hurt to have my team become stronger…' after taking a moment to think it over I agreed but as I went to hand her my trainer card she explained that since I had a pokedex I didn't need to show the card because the pokedex acts as a registration device as well. She began to explain that any trainer with a pokedex would have to have been sponsored or taught by a professor of a region certifying them in order to carry one in the first place, it also allowed them access to certain research papers normally hidden away from the average trainer's eye.
So clearly Rowan believed in me more than I thought as that would benefit me incredibly in the long run.
After another couple minutes I was fully registered to compete in the league tournament and Nova was all checked up by nurse joy's careful eye. She also demonstrated how to scan my team once it starts to grow.
After scanning Nova, the Dex opened up a screen with 6 slots on it, nearly identical to how the team option looked from the games with the only difference being that the colors on the Dex were adjustable, as I swiftly changed the screen from a bright blue to a much easier on the eyes black I clicked on Nova's icon. Swiftly the VI dexter began to read off the Dex entry and info about Nova.
{Cyndaquil – the fire mouse Pokémon}
{Cyndaquil is a small, bipedal mammalian Pokémon with bluish fur on top of its body and cream-colored fur on its underside. Its eyes are usually seen closed, and it has a long, thin snout. Its arms are short, but its legs are slightly more developed and have a single nail on each foot. On its back are four red circles that can erupt into flames. When the flames are burning, its back has the appearance of being covered in spines. Cyndaquil is capable of defending itself using these flames, and the fire grows more powerful as it becomes angry or defensive. However, if it is tired, the flames are not able to burn properly. It is usually timid by nature and often curls into a ball when intimidated. Though rare in the wild, it can be found living on Grasslands}
{this Cyndaquil has the ability – flash fire}
{it knows the moves – leer, tackle, smokescreen, ember, and extrasensory}
As I flipped through the tabs, I noticed it even gave me an estimated bar for his health on the main page as well as the summary pages being exactly what you would expect from the games… interesting. I do wonder why he would know extrasensory though? Maybe it had something to do with that new spin-off coming out in a few months… I know he was supposed to be one of the starters in that game, to bad I was trying not to spoil the game with leaks.
Nodding to myself as I put the device away and once again thanked the nurse for her time as I grabbed Nova and set him back on my shoulder, unfortunately as I was facing her instead of the door on my way out, it crashed into me face first throwing me onto the floor.
"Ow! Frick! Who opens a… door… like that…" I spoke stumbling on my words as I see just who came barging on through the door, the female traveling partner of Ash, who looks older than the show portrayed but it makes sense since this worlds trainer age is much higher than the show and game's.
Deciding immediately that he should try and hide his knowledge of the future for the foreseeable future, he thankfully, didn't have to act to surprised to see Pikachu in his injured and weak state, as it didn't look to good.
Watching as Dawn bursts past him, not even stopping to look as he gets up using his hand to stem the bleeding from his nose, which he's pretty sure is now broken, as he walks up to the counter once more and grabs a Kleenex to absorb the blood as nurse joy rushes Pikachu out on a stretcher to get him fixed up.
A moment later Dawn looks up from the door and notices Rusk, "Oh my god! What happened to you!" she yelled out in surprise at the state of rusks nose which was still bleeding and fairly purple in color.
Deadpanning as well as I could while changing Kleenex's to stem the blood flow, I answered sarcastically, "of I don't know actually but I think I might be heavily allergic to doors being thrown at my head."
Hey just because I knew the reason doesn't mean I cant act petty! I have feelings too, and my nose sure is feeling them!
"I am SO Sorry I really didn't mean to do that I swear! I just found this Pikachu that was hurt pretty bad and rushed to get it here!" Dawn apologized as she clapped her hands together in front of her mouth in worry.
Sighing as nova just lightly glared at her, only slightly as a result of my nose mind you, he's just mad cause he just got comfy on my shoulder and was immediately thrown off.
"Its… well its not fine cause I think my nose is broken but I don't blame you, I should've been watching were I was walking so I cant let you take the full blame." I speak accepting her apology as she sighs in relief. "Hah… still sorry about that. My names Dawn, its nice to meet you." Holding her hand out as she introduces herself, "like I said, I cant give you the full blame, my names Rusk it's been.. nice to meet you." I spoke while shaking her hand awkwardly as it was with my left hand not my right as that one was covered in blood.
"I'll be right back; I'll go and see if nurse joy had any bandages you can use." She spoke rather guiltily; it seems an older Dawn means she's more accepting of her mistakes… I wonder what else this age difference will change. Exciting times and all that I guess.
Not but a few minutes later she returns with nurse joy in tow who grimaces at the near black color of my nose, and starts examining it. "Well, the good new is its not broken, just really dislocated." She cheerfully proclaims, why she is so cheerful I don't know bu- *SNKK "OW FUCK." I cried out as I was torn from my thoughts by the pinkette resetting my nose into place. Panting as I started replying to her evil chuckle, "next time give me even a slight warning before you do that!"
Lowering the bandage from my nose I see the blood has stopped thankfully, unfortunately my shirt is now coated in blood. "Umm you wouldn't happen to have an extra shirt lying around would you?" I ask the sadistic nurse who was now smiling innocently.
Tilting her head in thought as she tapped her chin, "hmmm, we might have one just give me a second to take a look." As she turns around to go look and coming back a few minutes later with a blue jacket.
Quickly exchanging my blood covered shirt for the much cleaner blue jacket and slipping it on, sighing at the warmth of the jacket as I reached down and put Nova in my hood where he quickly got himself comfortable once again.
Watching as Nova curled up in my hood I couldn't help but chuckle, 'you can be so lazy sometimes partner, still pretty fuckin cute tho…' shaking my head as I looked back at the to in front of me as they watched Nova as well, when a loud jingle played out and nurse joy rushed to the back of the center to go check on Pikachu.
Shaking my head as I look outside the building and see the sun start to set and realize that I have a decision to make for my future.
Either I join ash, dawn, and brock. Or I go on my own journey… both sound very tempting but, I can take advantage of 'canon' if I join their group, if my being in this world didn't already completely change the outcome of this world… I could also only join them here and there… it would allow me to take advantage of certain time points a lot better… decisions, decisions and never enough time to make them…
I began sighing until I small prod poked the back of my head jolting me out of my thoughts, I look over to see Nova giving me a fired-up look. Clearly my partner had some idea of what I was thinking about as he nodded at me, clarifying my worries.
Showing me that no matter what decision I made, he would stick with me till the end.
Smiling as I rubbed his head I realized what needed to be done.
While I wouldn't be traveling with them anytime soon, I cant trust the world to continue on the path its set to take, to much has changed for anything to be certain. And while some events have come to pass in similar ways, I cant trust the battle of the legendary's to follow the same path it had in the movie.
I had to become strong enough to help stop them. A challenge for certain, but not impossible. If I could arrive from a different universe than what's to say I cant become strong enough in that time to fight against literal gods… what could go wrong? After all, I've already got one trusty partner I just need to get a few more.
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And that's it for this chapter folks!