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The sky above you is tainted with unnatural hues of red, green, and purple. It screams about a looming disaster, one that was bound to happen thanks to the rift in the sky. The longer you look, the more it makes your stomach churn. A lingering thought makes you feel like you are the cause of it too.
Surely you aren't though. You're just a girl who fell through some space-time rift from the future. How and why? Honestly, you wish you knew. Maybe then you could explain yourself to the folks here. There would be those who understand and those who don't. Although the latter was beginning to feel more likely after what had happened a few days ago.
The Commander's accusation hit harder than you would like to admit. He threw suspicion, doubt, and blame all at you in one swift blow. It hurt more than being tackled by an alpha Pokemon.
Then came being escorted out of the village with everyone's gaze cast upon you. Eyes that once held fondness and appreciation had turned to fear and unease. They whispered words of disbelief amongst themselves yet you managed to pick up on a few. And when your eyes met theirs, they had to turn away. Those that did keep their eyes on you looked at you as if you were some kind of monster.
If it weren't for your friends, you doubt you would have had the energy to make it through the Fieldlands. Their support comforted you and it was nice to know that you could count on them. But you couldn't afford to have them associated with you. The last thing you wanted was for them to meet the same fate as you, being cast out of the village and forced to fend for themselves.
You hold back a sigh that is daring to break forth. You couldn't let something like this drag you down, but...
The sigh escapes you.
"What's wrong?"
Adaman's voice snaps you out of your daze. You nearly forgot that you're not alone. Most of your time in Hisui was spent in the wilderness. And unlike in your time, things were different here. Trainers didn't exist, routes hadn't been formed, and people don't understand Pokemon as you do. You could easily spend weeks on your own before finding a camp to rest. It wasn't anything new, but in your time you could run into a couple of people a day. Here? It was more like a couple of people a week.
"It's nothing." You flash a smile, forced. "I'm just thinking about how we're going to get the Red Chain."
It is partially true. You are worried about tackling the challenges at the three lakes. You didn't know what to expect. You just know that you have to complete them.
But Adaman doesn't seem to buy it.
"That's not all there is, is it?"
"Huh?"
Adaman stands before you with hands on his hips as he blocks your path. You have to look up to him to meet with his gaze. Those brown eyes always met yours with warmth. It was comfortable yet captivating and you always tell yourself not to stare. Now, his eyes are filled with concern.
"I don't get why you don't just say what's on your mind," he breathes out. "Your not the type to speak up when something is bothering you. It's what the Commander said, right?"
You bite down on your lip and your gaze drifts elsewhere. It's not surprising that he knows- he was there when it happened.
You didn't want to let the Commander's words affect you. A part of you could understand where he was coming from. Who, their right mind, would blindly trust a stranger who fell from the sky? A stranger that eased their way into this world and became so familiar so quickly. A stranger who coincided with the frenzies of Nobles. A stranger who seemed to be too good with Pokemon. He always did mention that people would be suspicious of you, yet you never thought so much would be cast from him.
But did he really have to blame you for, well, everything?! You aren't an all-powerful Pokemon, just a girl. You are human, just like him. You helped those around you when you could, you trekked through dangerous areas to help his team. Maybe you didn't quite fit in; you didn't expect to. Those of the village didn't seem to mind that you were becoming part of it. So why did he have to cast you out of the place that was beginning to feel like home?
"I-It's not that..." Your voice cracks as you weakly protest. Thinking about it made your heart heavy. Having a concrete mission to fulfill took your mind off it. And yet it would still creep into your thoughts, haunting you like a foul curse.
"I know he has his reasons, but don't let what he said get to you." Adaman puts a hand on your shoulder and offers a reassuring smile. "You're a strong girl and you can- will prove him wrong. You've done a lot for his team and all of Hisui. You may be a stranger to these lands but not the people. My clan won't forget what you've done and neither will I. If this world rejects you, know that I will accept you."
His words have a healing effect on your heart. It soothes the aches and pains that it had been carrying. Your vision begins to blur as tears form from your eyes. You don't want to be a sobbing mess in front of him, but you can't stop the tears from falling.
"Adaman..."
Before you know it, arms wrap around you. You tense, surprised at the sudden embrace but quickly loosen up. You sniffle and wrap your arms around him in return, hugging him tightly.
"Cry if you need to. We can spare some time for mending your heart."
You chuckle a bit. The man who always went on about not wasting time, especially during an hour like this, is giving the okay to just...take a break. You squeeze him and bury your face against his shoulder. Sniffles and hiccups escape, unable to be held back. You don't cry out as you've never really been the type to, but the tears flow down your cheeks.
"Thank you," you mumble after a couple of minutes. You didn't want to say anything until you were in control of yourself. "I...needed this. I'll make sure to fix everything too."
"Still trying to be a hero even you're hurt? I suppose that's what I like about you."
His words make you flush and you're glad that he can't see it. You can feel your heart racing and realizing that you've been hugging the Diamond Clan Leader for a few minutes doesn't help it slow down. You hope that he doesn't hear your heart like he did your sigh.
When he feels your hold loosen, he pulls back from the embrace. Your gaze meets with his again. That warm and tender look shines in his eyes. A hand caresses your cheek as he strokes away lingering tears.
"Feeling better?"
You nod with a genuine smile easing on your face.
"Thanks to you. Sorry for wasting your time."
He shakes his head. "Didn't I tell you? Any time with you is time well spent. And we'll have more time together after all this is settled."
You feel like there is more to his words than just a hopeful message. You want to believe that there is. There'll be more time to ponder over it later. For now, you just want to make sure there is a tomorrow.
With determination running through your veins, you put a hand over his. You let your fingers trace over him for a moment before holding onto it tightly. The sudden, bold action makes the man's eyes go wide. You swear you catch a tint of pink on his cheeks.
"No time to waste, right? We've got a region to save," you declare.
You were going to save Hisui, no matter what.