AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 131 Two Friends Reunited
"H-Hermione…"
At First, Helena thought that she misheard her and that the Girl right before her was just someone who bore a resemblance to Hermione. However, she was proven wrong when she said her Name.
N and a few others heard a young bushy-haired calling for Helena, almost like she knew her. "Helena, do you know this Girl?" The green-haired trainer asked his Sister,
"Professor?" Paulo looks up at his Mentor, also curious if Helena knows her.
Helena took a deep breath, looking down at her Apprentice, and spoke to him. "Just someone who I know in my Past." She said, hinting to her Brother about the situation that just occurred.
The green-haired trainer blinks, quickly understanding what Helena is hinting at. N cleared his throat, turning to Cedric and Ezekial who were busy with the Students. "Professor Juniper, Ezekial, we're just meeting up with an Old Friend," N said, looking back at his Sister's Student. "Paulo, you too should go with them,"
Paulo's Eyes widen, wanting to stay with Helena sensing that this was a rather difficult situation. However, when he looks back at her Mentor, Helena merely smiles at him, indicating that she is going to be okay. "Professor?"
"It's fine, Paulo, it's just someone I haven't seen for a long Time," Helena said, looking at N who was ready to accompany her to meet with Hermione.
The dirty-blonde-haired Boy looks at Hermione, unsure what to make of her. However, if Helena said it was alright, then he shouldn't worry. "Okay Professor, I'll see both you and Mr. Potter inside the Hotel." With that, Paulo made his way to Professor Juniper and entered the Hotel with the other Students.
Helena took a deep breath, only to feel N's Hand on her Shoulder, "Sister, are you ready?" The green-haired Ability User asked,
"Yeah, let's meet with Hermione," Helena said, relieved that she had told N and Steven about her Past and where she came from. She felt much better about meeting People from her Old Home,
However, Helena thought that she'd be meeting everyone from Hogwarts when Arceus came to her when it was Time to fulfill the end of their Deal. Now that she thinks about it, how exactly did Hermione come to the Pokemon World?
She was pretty sure that the Mirror that she went through closed right after she entered. That's a question that would be answered when they speak after a long Time. Another thing that she noticed was that Hermione looked the same as she last saw her from the moment she stepped into the Mirror.
Helena looks up at her Friend, having already figured out what to say to her Friends from Hogwarts. However, now with this unexpected encounter here in Unova, she was at a loss. Unsure what to say to one of her closest Friends in Hogwarts.
Hermione was, to say the least, shocked by what she saw with her Eyes. After all these Months of searching and trying to find where Helena could possibly be.
After waking up in this strange World, Hermione was really anxious because she found herself alone with no one she knew to search for Helena. She needs to thank her lucky Stars that Irina and the People were able to help her find her.
However, when Hermione heard that Helena was Older was something she wasn't expecting. The moment she got off the Bus to this Hotel and saw the familiar hair color and her Voice, she couldn't help but say her Name.
The next moment felt like all of her work searching and Researching paid off. But still, seeing that Helena is practically an Adult who accomplished much in the Scientific Field.
The bushy-haired Girl flinched, seeing her Friend heading towards her with a green-haired Man. Hermione wasn't sure who this Man was nor why he was coming along with Helena.
"Hermione, there you are." Irina came from the opposite side from where the Buses were parked.
"Piplup," The Penguin calls for her Partner's attention, pointing to the dirty-blonde Professor approaching her.
Irina stood near the bushy-haired Girl, finally finding her through the many Students from the other Schools. She has left Candice in charge of the Snowpoint City Trainer School's Students. "Everyone is inside the Hotel Lobby right now, we've lost you among the other Students that are coming in."
"Professor Ceder, I-um," Hermione looks at the Pokemon Professor before shifting her Head back to her Adult Friend.
The Pokemon Professor turns to where the bushy-haired Girl is looking at where he was looking. "Ah, Helena! It's been too long, and N it's nice to see you again!" Irina greeted the black-haired Professor, smiling at her Brother's Students.
Helena smiles at Irina, happy to see the Sister of her Mentor. "Professor Ceder- I mean, Irina it's nice to see you again," She greeted the dirty-blonde haired Professor,
N greeted Irina like his Sister, "A pleasure to meet you again, Professor Ceder." The green-haired trainer said.
"Still as modest as ever, N." Irina chuckles, remembering how N was the same as he was when her Brother brought them to Sinnoh.
Hermione wasn't sure what to do in this situation, nor the previous situation when it was just her and Helena. Though she is curious about just who this green-haired trainer is following her Friend like some Bodyguard.
"Piplup," The Water-type Pokemon noticed how unsure Helena was right now. So, he spoke up, interrupting the group.
Helena noticed that Hermione had a Piplup in her Arms, indicating that she had her small adventure involving Pokemon for herself. "Piplup, do you need something?" Hermione asked,
The black-haired Woman cleared her throat, looking at Irina wanting to ask her a favor. "Ahem, Irina if I could ask you a favor, it would do me really good," Helena asked, receiving a nod from her.
"Of course," Irina said, obliging to her request. "I heard that you Two know each other, so you Two need some Time alone to catch up after so long." The dirty-blonde haired Professor commented, not expanding further in respect for the Two.
"I would like to speak with Hermione here," Helena requested of her fellow Professor.
Hermione saw Helena was not only Older, but she was more outspoken than she was from the last Time she saw her.
Helena smiles at her fellow Researcher allowing the opportunity to speak with her Friend. "Thank you, Irina," She looks at Hermione, still feeling rather uneasy that her Friend from Hogwarts, "Hermione, if you would can you and Piplup follow me and N, we can speak somewhere that is more private."
The bush-haired Girl was still reeling and processing from meeting Helena again. Shaking her Head, Hermione caught what the black-haired Woman said. "O-Oh, yeah t-that does sound like a good idea." She said, agreeing to Helena's suggestion.
"Follow us, Mione…" Helena said, feeling like it was forever since she last called her closest Friend that Name.
Hermione followed Helena inside the Hotel with N following closely, getting really anxious about the talk they were about to have.
Once the Three got inside the Hotel and requested a Private Room from the Hotel Deak, a few moments later they received a Room.
The Bushy-haired Girl entered the Room, with her Partner still in her Arms. Hermione turns her Head, watching Helena speaking with the green-haired Man,
N stood at the entrance, looking down at his Sister. "Helena, are you certain that you don't need me with you?" He asked, wanting to make sure with her.
"Yes, this is my responsibility to take and…most likely answering any questions Hermione might have for me, regarding…um, everything," Helena said to her Brother, taking responsibility for her disappearance in the Wizarding World and anything that came in a result of that decision.
The former King of Team Plasma understood what Helena was saying. And to be frank, he is the only One here who is qualified to relate to her (other than Steven), on responsibility for their actions. "Alright, if you need me, I'm just outside of the Room," N said, standing beside the Door as Helena closed it.
The black-haired Professor took a deep breath before heading to the Chair that was in front of Hermione. She sat down, her Emerald Eyes looked directly at the young trainer who was waiting for answers.
"Hermione…" Helena spoke her Name, catching her attention. "I know you are shocked from seeing me and probably have a lot of questions for me. So, I'm not going anywhere until every question you have is answered." The young Professor said, preparing herself for this exact moment, (Though a bit earlier than what she had expected).
Hermione didn't waste any Time, she immediately went in and began asking, "Helena, what happened!? You suddenly disappeared after speaking with Dumbledore!" She said, practically yelling at her.
"Both me and Ginny went to your Room only to see you have left everything you belong behind. Everyone in Hogwarts was shocked that you suddenly disappeared!" Hermione continued to shout her frustrations about her disappearance. "Even the Ministry of Magic is on full panic mode because there were no signs of where you went!"
"After me, Ginny, Cedric, Professor Lupin, and Mr. Black discovered through countless research and the Letter addressed to you about a Ruin and a Mirror taking to this World." The bushy-haired Girl added, explaining the Story of how she was able to find her.
Helena blinks, hearing just how many People are on the search for her. She then looks at Hermione, hearing the immense worry and frustration over everything. "Hermione…"
The black-haired Woman looks at her Friend as she continues with her question. Hermione looked at her Friend, "Helena, why did you decide to run away? You know very well that we would help you resolve this, we know the type of Person Ron is." Hermione said, sounding disappointed in her actions,
"I know how you and Ginny are willing to step up against Ron every time and I can confide to you, Girls," Helena said, knowing how extremely helpful whenever Ron got on her nerves. Even though she was his Sister, Ginny would always tell her other Brothers or herself to put Ron in his place.
"Then why did you leave when you know you can always come to us if you were troubled." The bushy-haired Girl said, showing that despite her frustration with Helena's actions she's still willing to help her.
Helena looks at Hermione, answering her question on why she left suddenly. "It was the heat of the moment and I wasn't sure what to do." The black-haired Woman said, explaining her reason for leaving suddenly. "At that moment, I wasn't sure what to do. Everything was hitting me so fast that I acted rashly," She stated,
"Once I received that letter from the Mysterious Person, it felt like it was a chance to really become someone who isn't predestined to become a Savior." Helena looks down, fiddling with her Thumbs. "A chance to live a semi-normal Life, away from the Girl-Who-Lived idolization."
Hermione never knew that Helena felt that way, she could only blink as she processed the black-haired Woman's reason on leaving.
The young trainer sat back down, still holding the silent Piplup in her Arms. Hermione looks at her Friend, receiving her reasons for leaving Hogwarts. "I-I never knew that you felt that way, Helena." Hermione admits, "You always put a smile whenever someone mentions you being the Girl-Who-Lived. I'd always thought you ignore those comments, Helena."
"I do try my best to ignore them, but when Dumbledore told me about that arranged Marriage with Ron…I just…don't know what to do at the moment." Helena continued to explain to her Friend on her decision at the Time.
"Thinking back then now, there were a lot of ways to handle that situation better," Helena said, admitting that her decision back then was rash on her part. "However, looking back now and what I have experienced in this World, I don't regret it. The only thing I do regret is that I didn't have any moment to say anything to you Girls." She said, truly wishing they had spoken before she left for the Pokemon World.
The tensions in Hermione's Shoulders lessen, hearing the regret she has from this situation. She sat back down in the Chair, "I see…"
Helena's brows frown, seeing how her actions back then had repercussions. She looks at Piplup, looking up at Hermione worriedly. "I see that you have gotten yourself a Pokemon Partner," The black-haired Woman said, changing the subject. "A Piplup, I didn't know you chose him to be your Partner."
The Penguin Pokemon turns his Head towards the Ability User, greeting her. "Piplup!" Piplup raised his Flipper, greeting the young Professor.
Hermione looks down at her Pokemon, smiling at him. "Things were so fast from the moment I woke up that I didn't even process what I was getting into." She said, admitting that she went head-first into the Water without thinking what she got herself into.
"The next thing I know, I was registered into the Snowpoint City Trainer School, and Professor Ceder offered me Piplup here to be my Pokemon Partner," Hermione explains how she came to the situation Helena saw her in now.
Piplup looks up at his new Partner, blinking at the conversation between her and Helena. "Lup?" The Water-type Pokemon tilted his Head, curious about what was happening.
The bushy-haired Girl moved her Hand, gently petting her Piplup who sang at the gesture.
Helena smiles, watching her Friend from Hogwarts interacting with Pokemon. She couldn't help but ask her a question she had ever since she noticed Piplup with her. "Hermione, tell me, do you like being a Pokemon trainer? I know you're just starting, but how do you like it so far?" She asked her Friend.
Hermione smiles, scratching gently on Piplup's Head, answering Helena's question. "So far, it has been strange, I'm still rather uneasy with this. But I'm slowly getting used to the idea." She answered her Friend's question. "I've taken care of Crookshanks before, so handling Pets is easy for me. But I never took care of or trained someone like Piplup who had the same intelligence level as us Humans." She said,
"Well, Pokemon are unique and remarkable Creatures," Helena said, departing what she learned while living her Life in the Pokemon World. "We can learn a lot from each other and help each other grow." She smiles at the flourishing Bond between both Hermione and Piplup.
The bushy-haired Girl gazed up, hearing what the young Professor said. "You said that from experience, Helena. Do you also have a Pokemon Partner too?" Hermione asked her Friend before shaking her Head. "What am I saying? Of course, you do, you lived in this World for quite a while you must have one of your own,"
Helena nodded, reaching her Hand to her belt with her Team of Pokemon. "Would you like to meet my Partner, Hermione?" She asked,
"If you don't mind, I am curious what Pokemon you choose to be your Partner, Helena," Hermione said, admitting that she was curious about what Pokemon she has for her Partner.
The black-haired Professor stood up from her Seat, taking out her Partner's Pokeball. "Gardevoir, I have someone who wants to meet you," Helena held out her Pokeball, opening it as it released the Duel-type Pokemon.
Hermione flinched, seeing the small Ball Machine opening up as a bright light came out. She and Piplup peered their Eyes open, seeing a Pokemon that was Humanoid and about the same size as Helena.
The only Words that Hermione could muster to describe Helena's Partner. "Beautiful…" Hermione trails off, dazzled by Gardevoir's appearance.
"Piplup…" The Penguin Pokemon in the young trainer's Arms nodded in agreement.
"Gardevoir?" The Embrace Pokemon turns to her Partner, wondering who the young Pokemon trainer she wanted her to meet.
Helena stepped next to her Partner, introducing her to Hermione and Piplup. "Hermione, Piplup, this is Gardevoir; she's one of my Pokemon that accompanied me to the Student Exchange Program." The young Professor introduced her Friend to her Partner,
The young Ability User then looks at Gardevoir, doing the same thing for her. "Gardevoir, this is a Friend of mine before coming to the Hoenn Region," Helena said to the Fairy/Psychic-type Pokemon.
Gardevoir looks back at the bushy-haired Girl, greeting her Partner's Friend from her old World. She smiles, reaching out her Hand in Friendship with the young trainer. "Gardevoir,"
"Um," Hermione looked at Helena, nodding that it was alright. She turns to Gardevoir, returning the Duel-type Pokemon, returning the gesture. "Nice to meet you Gardevoir,"
Helena smiles, seeing that things are shaping up between her and Hermione. However, one thing still eludes her, who else exactly knows of the Mirror to the Pokemon World? But that was something she needed to deal with for another Time.
Regardless of what happened or how they got to this situation, Helena was happy to see her Friend. "It's good to see you again, Hermione. It has been far too long since I've seen you." She looks at her Friend, apologizing to her. "Hermione, I'm sorry for making you and everyone worry and everything you've done to get here."
Hermione looks up at Helena, though she has some feelings regarding her decision to leave abruptly leaving. She also understands her predicament, "Helena, I can't speak for everyone back at Hogwarts, but I understand why you have to do it." She said, not really forgiving her, but it's a start.
"That doesn't mean I have forgiven you just yet, but I'm just happy you're doing alright. (Even though you're older now.)" Hermione said to herself, still getting used to the idea that her Friend is a young Adult. "Just next Time before you go and run away, talk to me if you're having trouble of any kind."
Helena gave a light chuckle, nodding to the simple request from her Friend. "Believe me, that's something I won't do for quite a long time, Mione," She said, standing up from her Chair and hugging her Friend, who hugged her back,
Outside of the Private Room, N stood beside the Door with his Arms behind his back. He knew that he looked suspicious standing in the middle of the Room.
N sighs, knowing many People might know him when he was King of Team Plasma. As much as he wanted to erase that part from his Past, he knew he couldn't. The best he could do it show them who he is now.
The green-haired trainer opened his Eyes before catching something from the corner of his Eyes. "Hmm?" N saw a few Figures heading to the Pier, catching a Ferry to Liberty Garden.
Peering close N could make out an inverted coloration of Team Plasma Insignia under their cloaks. "Was that…" Just as N was about to see what was going on, the Door to the Private Room opened,
N turns his Head around, seeing his Sister and her Friend exiting the Room. "Helena, are you finished with your talk with your Friend?" He asked the black-haired Woman,
Hermione saw N, putting him on hold at the back of her Mind. However, now that she looks at the young Man, he has a bit of a resemblance to Helena. "Helena, who is this Person? Is he someone you know?" She asked the young Professor.
"Ah, right, this here is N. He's both my Assistant and my Adopted Brother," Helena introduced the former King of Team Plasma to her Friend. "N, this my Friend from the other World, Hermione Granger,"
"Brother? You Adopted a Brother?" The bushy-haired Girl asked, surprised that her Friend had a Brother. Putting that aside, she swiftly turned to Helena at what she said. She leans forward to her Ear, whispering to her, "(Helena, as much I'm surprised to hear you Adopted a Brother, I'm also curious how that happened. But is it alright to tell him about our World?)" She asked, following the Stature Secrecy.
Just when Helena was about to answer her Friend, N answered Hermione's question. "Don't worry, I'm fully aware of where Helena came from." He cleared his throat, giving Hermione his attention, "It's a pleasure to meet a Friend from Sister's Home. My Name is N Potter at the Potter Laboratory and affairs regarding the Potter Family. We're also Gym Leaders as well, though we didn't have our Gym Openings yet, but we're regarded as one."
Now that just opened a Doorway of many questions for Hermione, such as Helena having a Lab and a whole Family from what she heard; the Matriarch. It's like she has met a different and completely new Helena from the last Time she saw her. "I-I'm sorry, but this is a lot for me to take in. Potter Family, Potter Laboratory, and Gym Leaders?" She turns to Helena, wanting her questions answered.
"Helena, just what in the Name of Merlin you were up to here during, I don't know Years for you!?" Hermione asked, wanting a full explanation and understanding of Helena's Life.
Helena merely smiles, understanding Hermione's shocked attitude. "I'm sure you do, but let's take it one at a Time. It is a long story, after all, Hermione." She commented,
"Gardevoir," Gardevoir nodded, seeing that her Partner's Story if explained would make an interesting Autobiography Book.
N smiled, happy to see things worked out between his Sister and Friend from the other World. His Eyes then caught someone Familiar running over to the Pier, someone with brunette hair and a Pignite following close behind her. "Hilda?"
Helena heard her Brother say something and was about to ask. However, N beat her to it and spoke, "Helena, I'm sorry, but I have to leave our group for a moment. I'll be right back in a few moments before we head to Blueberry Academy." N said, already heading to the exit of the Hotel.
"N, wait, what do-" Helena was a bit too late in stopping her Brother. By the Time she did so, he was already gone. The young Professor set back, watching N heading to the Ferry. "He's gone, and did he mention Hilda?" She asked herself.
Hermione was completely confused about what was happening now. "Helena is everything okay?" She asked her Friend, seeing Helena's Brother suddenly leave.
Helena frowns, placing her Hand on her Chin. "I'm not sure, but it's something not good." She said, about to follow N to where he was going. "I'll be right back, Hermione-"
"No, I'm coming with you Helena," Hermione stated, not wanting to leave her alone if there was trouble. "What happens if something bad happens?"
"Lup, Piplup!" Piplup stated, also wanting to go.
Helena turns to Gardevoir who merely nods, all for Hermione and Piplup in coming along with them. "Gardevoir…" The Duel-type Pokemon ushers for the black-haired Professor to allow it.
Taking a few moments to think before ultimately deciding. "Alright, stay close to me, whatever it is N is running off to, it's something not good," Helena commented, having a feeling it had something to do with the Team Plasma Remnants.
"Alright,"
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.