Chapter Text
Akari had a complicated relationship with her new life in Hisui.
For the most part, it was a lot of fun! She got to run around a familiar-but-not-familiar-at-the-same-time place and see how people and pokémon lived in the distant past, she was met with all sorts of new challenges, and it was hilarious watching the people of Jubilife Village freak out whenever she let out her absolutely massive alpha Vespiquen.
Even with all that though, she was homesick for her old life in Sinnoh. She missed the warm, safe Pokémon Centers and the bustling towns with tasty food and being able to wander out into the forest without risking getting mauled to death by a Luxio or Paras.
Also she hadn’t had a real shower in weeks. That was by far the worst part.
Despite everything, Akari couldn’t go home yet as far as she knew. She would have to deal with living here and working in the Survey Corps for the time being. She woke up from another dreamless sleep, becoming painfully aware of the stinging from the burns she’d received from Lord Arcanine the day prior. Akari got up, stretched, stared at herself in the mirror for a few moments, washed herself up as best as she could, got dressed, and headed outside.
As she stepped out, she noticed a tall, older-looking man with a tattered coat approaching, and she could spot the Pearl Clan’s symbol on the clothes he was wearing under it. He stopped in front of her and tipped his hat to her.
“Good morning, good lady who came from the sky!” he loudly greeted. “Commander Kamado told me to let you know he awaits your arrival in his office.”
“Thank you!” Akari replied, watching him depart. Something about him seemed… oddly familiar, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what. Nevertheless, she made her way to Galaxy Hall to meet with Kamado.
When she arrived, Kamado and Adaman filled her in on the details of her next task. She had to go to the Coronet Highlands and quell the frenzy of another noble; Lord Electrode. She was vaguely familiar with Electrodes and Voltorbs already, and she wasn’t looking forward to the new burns she was about to get on top of her current ones. She accepted the request regardless. What else was she to do, after all?
“We’ll be enlisting the Pearl Clan’s aid in securing you safe passage to Electrode’s seat.” Kamado began. “I’ve sent word ahead to Irida asking-”
“N-No! You don’t have permission to go up th-!” a frantic voice downstairs interrupted, pulling everyone’s attention to the door.
“Oh, save it! As if I’ll be stopped by the likes of you! Now, out of my way!” a second voice argued back. Akari spotted Adaman shaking his head in disappointment in the corner of her vision. Another member of the Diamond Clan marched up the stairs. They were- tall, to say the least, but Akari had an immediate dislike of them just by their cocky expression alone. “Hey ho, Bossman Kamado! I thought it might’ve slipped your mind to send me an invite, so I took the liberty of stopping by anyway.” they bragged.
Adaman grumbled as they strolled into the office. “Melli! Where are your manners?! We’re having an important conversation!”
Melli crossed his arms and huffed. “Well, there’s your issue right there, Adaman! How exactly do you intend to discuss Electrode without me, its mighty warden, here to weigh in?”
Akari really didn’t like him.
“There’s no more to discuss. We’ve already asked Akari to quell the Lord of the Hollow.” Adaman explained. Upon attention being brought upon her, Akari immediately wiped the death glare off of her face.
Melli whined. “Awww, come on! Is it ME you’re trying to humiliate here or our entire clan?” He turned to face Akari. “Besides, do you really think this flimsy little noodle can quell Electrode?”
“Hey!” Akari angrily huffed.
Adaman sighed and turned to Kamado. “Commander, I’m sincerely sorry for this heedless interruption!”
“Pay it no mind. It seems even Security Corps personnel I trained myself cannot stop one so capable as Warden Melli.” Kamado assured. He turned to Akari and Melli, who were glaring daggers at one another. “That being said, it is clear that the Security Corps needs even further rounds of training from me later.”
“Hear that, Melli? The Security Corps will sob themselves to sleep tonight, thanks to you.” Adaman called, snapping the bystanders out of their staring contest. “The commander’s sumo moves can send even boulders flying.” All Melli responded with was a “hmph!” Akari gave him a smug look, then turned to Kamado.
“Now now, that will do. Akari, you have your orders. See to it that Electrode is quelled!” Kamado commanded.
Akari stood up straight, saluting. “Yes, sir!”
“Warden Melli, of course we would appreciate your help if there’s anything you might assist with.” Kamado turned back to Akari. “Now go!”
The young girl sprinted down the stairs, excited to see a not-so-new part of Hisui. Adaman and Melli followed close behind, meeting up with her at the door.
“Listen, Melli. The Galaxy Team- well, at least Akari- is amazing, and we’ll prove it.” Adaman insisted, patting Akari’s shoulder. “Follow me outside!”
Akari could only assume this meant a pokémon battle. She couldn’t help the wide grin spreading across her face. She hopped down the Galaxy Hall’s steps, and faced Adaman.
“Alright, Akari! Go a round with me!” Adaman encouraged. Akari hopped into a fighting stance, prepared for battle.
“Let’s do this!”
Adaman looked over his shoulder at Melli. “Melli, make sure you watch closely, now!” he called. Melli turned away, disinterested, and Akari stuck her tongue out at him as a retort, much to Adaman’s amusement. Adaman sent his Leafeon and Eevee forward to battle, and Akari in return sent out her Ponyta, lovingly named ‘Pepper’. Adaman’s team was made short work of, and the battle was over fairly quickly.
“Well battled, kid!” Adaman praised, ruffling Akari’s hair and eliciting a giggle from the young recruit. He turned to Melli as he approached. “You see how good Akari is now, yes? No more sneering at her!” Once again, all Melli responded with was a “hmph!”
“Now, I think our helper from the Pearl Clan was going to meet you at the training grounds once you’re ready…” Adaman imparted.
“Thanks!” Akari replied, saluting.
“Till later, Akari. Glad to have your help, as always!” Adaman turned to Melli again. “Melli! Shift yourself, unless you want to get even more of an earful than you’re already due for!”
“Aw, c’mon, Adaman! Cut me some slack here…” Melli whined as the two Diamond Clan members walked down the street. Akari got in one last rude gesture at Melli before her attention was pulled to someone behind her.
“Akari.” Cyllene addressed. “Join me in the Survey Corps office. We’ll go over the particulars of your new mission.”
“Yes, ma’am.” Akari nodded, following the woman inside.
Ingo stood at the training grounds, staring off into space for the most part. Irida was beside him, the two of them waiting for the Survey Corps recruit to meet with them so she could quell the Lord of the Hollow, Electrode. He’d been pondering over the whole situation for some time; he didn’t remember Electrodes looking as they did here. Had he encountered a different one before? How did he know they didn’t always look like that?
It gave him a headache, so he was trying not to dwell on it too hard.
The Survey Corps recruit approached, snapping Ingo from his trance and allowing him to finally get a proper look at the young girl. She couldn’t be more than fifteen. Surely that was too young to allow her to scale the highlands and try to take down a noble. Irida waved to her.
“Hello, Akari!”
“Hi Irida!” Akari responded cheerfully.
Irida motioned to Ingo. “This gentleman is Warden Ingo, who serves Sneasler. He will guide you to her domain.” she explained.
Ingo made eye contact with Akari. The girl had a strange expression on her face, as if she had realized something unfortunate. She quickly tried to hide it, so he paid it no mind. He tipped his hat to her again. “Pleased to properly meet you. I apologize for that abrupt how-do-you-do before. I am the Warden Ingo.”
“I’m Akari. Pleased to meet you as well, sir.” Akari saluted.
“I understand you’ll need a hand from Sneasler in order to meet Electrode. Whether she’ll see fit to help you, however, we can only find out by making the journey. Now, let’s have a safe journey to Mount Coronet! All aboard!”
His exclamation got a giggle out of the young girl. Ingo could feel a smile tugging at him.
“Ingo’s a bit like you, you know.” Irida commented. Akari tilted her head.
“How so?”
“He appeared one day from who-knows-where. What’s more, much of his memory seems to be missing. Maybe traveling with you will help fill in some of the gaps in his memory.” Irida rambled.
Ingo simply nodded and pulled the brim of his hat over his eyes. He was still a bit torn up over how little he could remember of who he was.
“In any case, I’m glad to have your help to count on once again, Akari. Good luck up in the highlands!”
“Thanks Irida!” Akari gave Irida a hug, the clan leader happily returning the gesture.
Ingo waved farewell to Irida as she departed, then turned to Akari. Now that the two of them were alone, Ingo noticed the girl had taken on a worried expression.
“Are you nervous, Lady Akari?” Ingo asked.
“Uh… I guess a little bit.”
“Hm. I understand. I’m sure this is a daunting task for someone as young as yourself. Would you like me to accompany you to the highlands?”
“I’d like that.” Akari quietly answered. Ingo did his best to give her a smile.
“Let’s depart then! Next stop, Coronet Highlands! All aboard!”
Akari giggled again as the two of them set off.
The group of Akari, Ingo, and Professor Laventon arrived at the Coronet Highlands. Akari’s gaze was immediately drawn up to the dark, crackling rift above the mountain, the place she had supposedly fallen from. She clung to Ingo’s arm out of fear, but feeling the man tense up slightly at the action, she quickly let go and tried to steel herself. Focusing on Laventon talking about what kinds of pokémon lived in the highlands helped to take her mind off of the brewing storm above. Once the professor was finished with his explanation, Akari followed Ingo into the highlands, the duo taking care not to get noticed by some Luxios and Paras nearby. As they passed over a bridge, Ingo broke the silence.
“The Electrode known as the Lord of the Hollow is somewhat different from the Electrode I recall.” Ingo mentioned.
“Really?” Akari asked. Ingo nodded in return.
“But its electrical discharges, at least, are familiar. One false step around it could put you in danger. If you’re going to face it, you might consider catching pokémon that can withstand electricity.” He sighed, looking off into the distance. “It must be difficult being a pokémon, don’t you think? Especially one as irritable as Electrode. Then becoming frenzied, to boot.”
Akari nodded, then tried to speak “I-”
“So true! It’s a tough old life for pokémon and humans alike!” a familiar voice interrupted. Ingo gave another sigh, and Akari growled, both of them facing Melli. “Well, well. Warden Ingo of the Pearl Clan… And… oh my! The Galaxy Team grunt from before! You’re punching well above your weight to seek out the great Electrode, Lord of the Hollow!”
Ingo looked down at Akari, the small child seeming ready to pounce at the other warden and beat him up without the aid of her pokémon.
“But! By the sheer tenderness of my heart, I’ll grant you a trial to see if you’re worthy. The greatest obstacle you’ll ever face awaits you right here! Battle me, if you dare!” Melli boasted.
“No. I don’t have time for your stupid attitude.” Akari hissed.
“Hmph!” Melli huffed, appalled at the girl’s rude response. “Well then, let me tell you the great Melli’s take on this whole situation. The frenzy of our nobles is nothing other than a mark of almighty Sinnoh’s favor and protection! Why? Because it makes them stronger! Do I really need to spell out that that’s a good thing? We must let my lord frenzy as it may, to demonstrate to the almighty Sinnoh that the Diamond Clan lives as is right and good! This may even be- dare I say it- the very reason I am here on this earth!” Melli crossed his arms, still staring down Akari. “What business is it of the Galaxy Team’s, anyway, if Electrode lets loose a few sparks out here in the mountains? Really, you should do us all a favor and slink back home to that village of yours, rather than persist in this folly. And with that… bon voyage!”
With that, Melli turned and walked into the caverns, leaving Ingo and Akari behind. Akari stomped her foot on the ground.
“He’s such a jerk!” the teen shouted.
Ingo shook his head. “What a selfish outlook. These frenzies cause the pokémon themselves such suffering!” He turned to Akari. “But what is it you want to do, Akari?”
Akari took a deep breath, calming herself down. She looked back up at the warden with a determined expression. “I want to press on.”
“Very well! The tracks ahead will be perilous, but I pride myself on safe driving!” He adjusted his hat again. “To meet Sneasler, you must pass through here: Wayward Cave. Here you’ll find pokémon like Golbat and their ilk, which are quite at home navigating in the dark. It’s quite dim inside, so you’ll need to watch your step!”
“It’s okay, I’ve been here a few times.” Akari blurted. Ingo blinked at her a bit.
“Really now?”
“Er- yeah.” Akari took a deep breath. “I was hesitant to ask you about this earlier since I wasn’t sure, but… do you think you might be from the future too?”
Ingo was silent for a moment, poring over the question. “I… am not certain? There really isn’t much I remember… You are from the future, Akari?”
“Yeah! I am!” Akari was delighted and relieved to finally get this off her chest.
Ingo gave her a smile as best he could. “Would you tell me about it? I’m rather curious.”
The young girl nodded enthusiastically, chatting away about what her life used to be like as she and Ingo headed into Wayward Cave together.
Ingo stopped in his tracks, looking around the cavern. “Well, this is odd. The torches that light the way through the cave are gone. Could this be Melli attempting to obstruct us?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Akari grumbled, crossing her arms. “He’s such an ass.”
“Watch your language, please.” Ingo disciplined. “Either way, there’s no need for concern. We know our route, and I’ll conduct us safely.” He pointed into the shadows. “No darkness nor foul weather will delay us! Onward we roll! Take care not to come uncoupled from me!”
Akari followed closely behind, looking up at Ingo. “So… What do you remember?”
Ingo hummed in thought. “I recall, faintly, that I had a partner once. A precious one. Its name escapes me, but I remember that it wielded flames with mastery.” He looked towards the ceiling. “If only it were here, I’m sure it would light the way, luring us onward…”
He glanced to the side and came to a sudden halt, holding out an arm to keep Akari from proceeding. “Please forgive the unscheduled stop. I detect an alpha Crobat to our right.”
Akari leaned over to get a better look, her eyes lighting up.
“Under normal circumstances, I doubt its presence would obstruct someone as competent as you, but given the poor visibility, I propose a track change in the interest of safety. Please follow me.”
The duo went down a different path, continuing on their way forward.
“Is there anything else you can remember?” Akari quietly asked.
“…I’m starting to recall a man who looked… like me. We’d battle and discuss pokémon, I think…” Ingo replied. Akari thought she could see tears start to well up in his eyes. “The words ‘I like winning more than anything else’ flashed through my mind just now…”
“He seems like he was important to you…” Akari mumbled, gently leaning her head against Ingo’s arm.
Ingo nodded, wiping away the tears. “Even if the memories themselves have faded… it appears much still lives on in my heart.”
“That’s at least a start to helping you remember who you are.” Akari smiled.
Ingo smiled back, then looked forward. “We’ll soon be arriving at Wayward Cave’s exit. This is fine progress. We’re nearly home free.” As they entered the larger part of the cave, he squinted at the wall nearby. “Wait- could those be…?”
Akari looked over as well, spotting a number of torches piled up against the cave wall.
Ingo looked down at Akari. “Wait here while I put those torches back where they belong. This darkness could be perilous for the next person to pass through here.”
Akari and Ingo exited Wayward Cave, the torches having been set in their places. Ingo looked up at the rift, pondering it for a moment.
“Professor Laventon told me how you fell to this land from the sky. For my part, I simply found myself one day here in Hisui, a region whose name I’d never heard… All I could remember was my own name. I was still standing there in bafflement when the Pearl Clan came to my aid.” He looked down at Akari again. “Much like you, I showed a natural affinity for taming pokémon, which is why I eventually became a warden. But I still wonder what my true purpose is here…”
Akari thought for a bit. “I only remember hearing of Hisui in history books… I guess you might not be from Sinnoh if you haven’t heard of it?”
Ingo nodded. “Ah, but now I’ve sidetracked us with this talk. Let’s hurry onward!”
“Right!” Akari nodded back.
Akari ran off-path to catch a few new pokémon for her survey tasks, but otherwise continued to follow Ingo towards their destination. And of course, who else would they run into but Melli.
“What’s the big idea, putting back all the torches I spent ages tidying away? Do you get some sort of amusement stomping around and ruining people’s noble deeds?” Melli whined. Akari wanted to punch his face in so badly.
“Oh? Rendering a cave impassable to people who venture inside hardly seems noble to me.” Ingo huffed back.
“Hmph. Well, this just goes to show that even we wardens don’t always see eye to eye. I extinguished those lights for the sake of the pokémon in that cave who prefer the dark. But now you louts have put my efforts to waste.” Melli retorted. “If you think I’ll just let you saunter ahead to meet Lord Electrode, you’re sorely mistaken! The only way you’re getting past me… is if you defeat my partner pokémon!”
“How will you proceed, Akari?” Ingo asked.
Akari cracked her knuckles. “I’m gonna kick his butt.”
“Go, Skuntank! Show these louts the true meaning of silent but deadly!” Melli shouted, ignoring the snorts of laughter Akari and Ingo responded with.
Akari’s Ponyta took down the Skuntank easily, much to Melli’s dismay.
“Listen here! Neither I nor Skuntank admit defeat just yet. Our challenge to you still stands!” Melli proclaimed. “However! I will withdraw to afford Skuntank time to recover. There’s no shame in a tactical retreat. It’s more of an advance, if you think about it! Keep your guard up, we’ll be back.”
Ingo and Akari silently watched him walk away.
“What a lively character.” Ingo finally commented.
“Sore loser is what he is.” Akari added.
“I cannot fathom Warden Melli’s intentions… but for now, let us press on!”
A chance encounter with Volo left Akari with more questions as to where Ingo might have come from, on top of wondering why she was transported to the past herself. She was still trying to place where she recognised Ingo from, to no avail. The rift might not have had anything to do with Ingo’s memory loss, or even bringing him to Hisui to begin with.
He had to have been from the same time as Akari, right? His speech mannerisms were too modern for him not to be.
Mysteries upon mysteries.
The pair continued forward still, Akari again trailing off a bit to catch some more pokémon, and eventually a cliff face was reached. Ingo turned and faced the teen.
“You would never expect to be able to climb such sheer cliffs as these, yes?” Ingo asked.
Akari looked up at the mountain; it was indeed a steep climb. “Well, not in these shoes.”
Ingo made a noise Akari thought could be a laugh, then resumed his speech. “With Sneasler as an ally, it becomes the work of a moment. She is so at home on a cliff face, one might think she knew some secret- some hidden move…”
Akari saw Ingo stare blankly ahead for a moment before shaking his head and muttering to himself. “What am I saying? Hidden moves? There are no such things in Hisui, surely…” Yet more evidence of Ingo being misplaced in time and space. “Yet I feel as though I was on the cusp of remembering something just now… Just who was I before I came to Hisui?”
Akari sighed. “I’m sure it’s a lot to think about…”
Ingo smiled at her, continuing. “If you fell from the sky… you come from another world altogether, most likely. Perhaps a Pokémon battle with you would jog this memory loose… Would you honor me with a battle, Akari?”
Akari nodded. “It would be my pleasure.” The two adopted the usual positions for battle. Ingo pointed forward, pulling out a pokéball.
“All aboard! Machoke, prepare for departure!”
Akari sent out her Vespiquen, Clementine. Ingo was much stronger than Akari was anticipating; his team was surprisingly tough. The battle went in Akari’s favor all the same, and she soon had yet another victory under her belt. Ingo called back his Gliscor, smiling and doing that same pose again.
“Bravo! Excellent!” the warden loudly praised. “Your talent has brought you to the destination called Victory!”
Akari called back her Luxray. “You fought well too! You’re so strong!”
“Heh, thank you, Lady Akari.” Ingo chuckled. He retrieved his flute from a pocket within his coat. “Now, allow me to call Sneasler for you.”
The tune of the Celestica Flute echoed across the mountains, and as it did, Akari felt a strange presence approach from above. Her gaze was drawn upwards, to a pokémon she yet again did not recognize from her own time. It looked somewhat like a Sneasel, but obviously it wasn’t. The Sneasler let out a roar, then descended the cliff to stand next to Ingo, the already tall man being all but dwarfed by the noble pokémon.
“Allow me to introduce you, Akari. This keen-clawed pokémon is Sneasler. Would you be so kind as to play your flute for her to hear?” Ingo prompted, ignoring Sneasler resting her head on top of his own. Akari giggled, then got out her own flute, playing the tune for Sneasler. Considering how long it had taken her to learn how to even play this thing, Akari felt she was getting pretty good at it. Sneasler took to Akari immediately, holding the young human in her arms.
“I think she likes me!” Akari laughed. Ingo couldn’t help echoing her joy.
“I’m afraid this is my final stop. Please proceed up the cliffs with Sneasler’s aid and quell the lord up in the mountains!” Ingo announced.
Akari wiggled out of Sneasler’s hug. “What are you gonna do now?” she asked.
“I will return to Jubilife Village.” Ingo explained. “Please convey my well wishes to Warden Melli.”
“I’ll see you later then!” Akari bubbled. She leapt forward and gave Ingo a hug, the warden hesitating briefly before returning the gesture. Once they let go, Ingo pointed down the mountain.
“Now then, all aboard!” Ingo shouted. He turned to Akari one last time. “Please, make sure you get home safe.”
Akari saluted to him. “I’ll do my best! You stay safe too!”