Work Text:
Jayla is unable to remember much, she remembers seeing a Pokémon, a Pokémon she recognizes, but unable to recall the name of.
She wakes up to see a young, good-looking man with blue hair with a yellow streak. A part of remembering her name and age (21 years). She only with one memory. Her Pokémon, Lucario.
“Oh, thank the almighty Shinno.” The man sighed out as he also let out a breath, as he reaches his hand out for her to take.
Jayla’s clothes looked nothing like the ones that the man wore, nor they were lose. Jayla was wearing a white T-shirt, and loose shorts that went down to her knees and a jacket that went down to under her chest, with a poke ball that had a lightning bolt behind it, pinned onto her jacket.
Jayla frantically looked around for her Lucario, the only thing she could remember. “Are you okay girl? You aren’t injured, are you?” The man then asked crossing his arms, looking concerned.
“Um... Y-Yeah, I’m fine... I think...” Jayla mumbled stammering in her words slightly, unsure in her answer. She placed a hand on her forehead.
The man began to fully Jayla, he took a minute to speak once more “You don’t look like you are from here? Do you know where your family is? Your home?” The man asked, her thought for a while before a look of panic came onto the young girl.
“I... I don’t know! I can’t remember!” Jayla had exclaimed in a panicked voice, “Hey- It’s alright. Let’s get you to the diamond settlement. Instead of remaining out here in the wilderness.” The man confronted Jayla, placing his hands on her shoulders and began to lead her back to the town, in a place he called Coronet Heights.
Once the two were back at the town the man had introduced himself as Adaman
Adaman glanced at Jayla sometimes. Making sure she still felt comfortable.
Adaman could see the people of the settlement staring at him and Jayla as they made their way to one of the healing tents, Adaman brought her in.
“Stand here for a second, I will have someone examine you shortly.” Adaman told you, his face for stern than the one Jayla had met with when she had just awoken with.
…
Jayla is now alone. Alone with her own thoughts. She could only think of her Lucario. The only thing she could remember clearly, but not much beyond that besides the basic information (as in her name or age).
Jayla took a shaky breath and closed her eyes. This only lasted for a second as true to Adaman’s word, a woman soon came to ‘examine’ you.
“Hello Miss...?” The lady asked “... Jayla...” Jayla responded; her voice no higher than a mumble.
“Okay then Miss Jayla, I am Paula. I have been told by our clan leader, Adaman, to examine you for any injuries.” Paula explained as she placed her bag on the wooden table. She then turned to Jayla staying quiet for a moment before she asked “Is... It okay if you take of your coat and shirt for me?” Paula asked, Jayla gave a slight nod before taking off her coat and her shirt. Leaving her top half of her body was now only in a bra.
Paula examined Jayla as she allowed Paula to do her job, she felt a slight uneasiness of it. After Paula finished examining the front of her, she asked Jayla to turn around and bring her long black hair tied back over her shoulder.
Paula was shocked at what she saw “How... How did these scares appear Jayla, they look like they were done by a Pokémon. A large one at that.” Paula asked, as she expressed her concerns about it.
Jayla thought of it, and she thought I hard. But ...
”I... I do not know... I cannot remember...” Jayla whispered out her answer
“I see... I will need to tell Adaman of this.” Paula told, “But I do think this happened years ago, as it looks fully healed.” Paula reassured, smiling softly at her “You may put your shirt and coat back on Jayla.” Paula told her, Jayla nodded as she put her shirt and jacket back on.
Paula went out and soon after Adaman came in again.
“I have been told that you have no major injury.” He first said as he tilted his head down at Jayla, into her green eyes.
“Yes... I am alright.” Jayla responded, adjusting her jacket a bit to make it rest more comfortably on her.
Adaman was quiet for a minute, he was pondering something, he half expected Jayla to leave, but she just stayed where she stood.
“I want you to know, you can stay here. Join the Diamond Clan, but... You will need to change your current clothes. It is for your safety, and so the diamond settlements around Hisui can recognize you as a member of their own.” Adaman explained. Jayla was silent for I minute, se really didn’t any place to go. So, she agreed to it.
“Great! Follow me then.” Adaman said, motioning Jayla to follow him. She began walking close behind Adaman to another tent, it seemed to be a bit bigger than the other ones.
“Yes... I am alright.” Jayla responded, adjusting her jacket a bit to make it rest more comfortably on her.
Adaman was quiet for a minute, he was pondering something, he half expected Jayla to leave, but she just stayed where she stood.
“I want you to know, you can stay here. Join the Diamond Clan, but... You will need to change your current clothes. It is for your safety, and so the diamond settlements around Hisui can recognize you as a member of their own.” Adaman explained. Jayla was silent for I minute, se really didn’t any place to go. So, she agreed to it.
“Great! Follow me then.” Adaman said, motioning Jayla to follow him. She began walking close behind Adaman to another tent, it seemed to be a bit bigger than the other ones.
It looked like a shop, but it only had clothes with the same emblem just in different styles.
“Hello Adaman, who’s this little gem you bring?” The keeper asked as he sorted some of the clothes, he was an older looking man, before turning his attention completely to Adaman and Jayla.
The keeper looked Jayla up and down before grabbing the hem of her jacket “And what is you wearing?” The keeper asked, Jayla was quick to grab the piece the keeper was holding and bring it closer to her, blushing from embarrassment and avoided the keeper's gaze.
“She’s decided to be part of the Diamond Clan, we just need some clothes for her.” Adaman explained, the keeper nodded “Well let’s not dwell. Come on gem.” The Keeper said, motioning Jayla to one of the dressing rooms.
“So, what will we do? What do you like?” The Keeper asked Jaya, looking at her attentively. Jayla didn’t really respond, it mildly annoyed the keeper, but he quickly turned back into his cheery mood.
“Okay then, well... Judging by your unusual choice of wear I would say you like something tight fit.” The Keeper mentioned as he took some clothes that looked like they could fit her and handed them to Jayla. “Now you put those on and let me know if they’re too big or if it’s too small.” The keeper pushed Jayla behind the curtains.
After a second Jayla took off her jacket and later the rest of her clothes to put the ones she was given on. It seemed a little big for her.
Stepping out of the curtain the keeper and Adaman instantly seen that it wasn’t the right fit.
They both let out a small chuckle. “Okay then, let us try a size down dear.” The keeper said as he handed Jayla the same kind of clothes just a bit smaller than the one, she already had on.
This one seemed to fit Jayla much better, “Yes...!” The Keeper said with joy, smiling wide “That looks so much better my dear!” The Keeper exclaimed capsing his hands together, feel free to keep them on and grab your other clothes while Adaman pays for you.” The Keeper then said before he walked off with Adaman.
Jayla nodded and walked back in to grab your clothes. As Jayla picked up her jacket, she couldn’t help but glance at the pin that was on it. For some reason, she felt a sense of connection to it.
Jayla stared at it for a while, before taking it off and putting it on the clothes she now wore. Walking out and over to Adaman, who was now waiting for her at the counter.
Adaman noticed the pin that was previously on her jacket but didn’t mention it. “Come on, the tent I commissioned to be built for you should be ready now.” Adaman said while Jayla nodded.
The two walked for a mile in silence before reaching the tent. “Right so, here’s where you will be staying, it’s smaller than the other ones but it will do.” Adaman spoke as he opened it and made room for Jayla to enter.
“It will do for now.” Jayla said as she entered, she wasn’t showing much emotion, almost as if she was thinking about something close to her.
“Well, feel free to make yourself at home.” Adaman said he wasn’t really thinking about what he said before he walked out of the tent. Leaving Jayla on her own.
Sighing, she placed her old clothes on a counter, a photograph falling out of the jacket. “Hm?” Jayla cocked an eyebrow up as she looked at the photo. The photo side faced the floor, there was writing on the back of it.
Jaylea picked it up as read it ”Me and Second Half!” The names were smudged. Jayla out of curiosity, turned the picture around and her eyes widened.
Jayla seen herself, with Lucario. Was beside her, but she also seen a woman that looked very much like Jayla, beside her was a Togakiss. Both Lucario and the Togakiss looked happy, as well as Jayla and her look alike.
Jayla placed it down, only recognizing her Lucario “Lucario... If you are here, I will find you.” Jayla vowed. She lay down on the mattress that was on the floor, she quickly fell asleep, exhausted from the day.
THE NEXT DAY
Jayla woke up in the clothes she wore the day before, but as she has no other clothes, she will have to keep them on.
She quickly tied her hair back to make it look neater, and to keep it out of her face.
Walking out, the first thing that stood out to her was a man with blond are, wearing a cap, a robe that’s different from the one in the Diamond Clan and had a massive bag on him that looks like it’s barely holding itself together.
The blond-haired man was talking to Adaman about something.
Adaman was quick to see that Jayla was up and out and waved her over.
Jayla walked over to Adaman and the mysterious figure “Oh, so I’m guessing you’re the mysterious girl that came out of nowhere!” The blond man said enthusiastically, he was smiling widely. He looked like someone Jayla knew before but, she didn’t know who and, he wasn’t, the person you could vaguely see was a woman, not a man.
“This is Volo, Jayla, he’s a merchant of the Ginko Guild. He passes through here often.” Adaman explained to her as she looked at Volo.
Suddenly she felt a pang in her head and felt dizzy and lightheaded as her vision blurred and soon everything went black.
Jayla woke up and her vision was still blurry, she blinked a few times before her vision cleared again, she sat up, rubbing her eyes.
“Good to see you are awake Miss Jayla.” A male voice began, startling her. She looked in the direction of the voice and she seen a tall man with a muscular build “I’m Pierce. The other medic.” Pierce introduced himself. “Considering this is your second time in here on back-to-back day, never mind the span of a week I’m going to assume that you’re going to be a problem.” He said with a scowl, Jayla tried to shrug it off
Pierce grumbled lowly to himself, his words were inaudible before we gave Jayla some water “Here, it will help with recovering.” Pierce said before he walked to another desk “Drink it and leave after a few minutes, you will be fine after.” Pierce then said, Jayla did as instruct and stood up, “Oh, before you leave, Adaman told me to inform you that the warden, Melli has returned, he... He’s a character to say the least. Try not to get on his bad side.” Pierce mentioned, it was more of a warning if anything.
Jayla took it with her as Pierce ushered her put of the tent and pointed at a man with long, sky blue hair, wearing the clan uniform with the hood of his hoodie up “See him? Yeah, that’s him.” He said before walking back into the medical tent.
It wasn’t long before Melli came up to Jayla “So, you’re the new member of the clan.” His voice oozed with his egotistical nature, something Jayla picked up right away. “As much as I, the great Melli do not want to do this, Adaman, as clan leader has told me to show you just how to survive in the wild as he said you have memory problems. Come along now.” Melli was quick to get going to the wilderness, Jayla followed close behind.
Bringing Jayla to a field of various types of Pokémon the most she could see was a Budew “See that? You probably don’t know what it is. It’s a Pokémon. A Budew more specifically, it’s more of a timid one, hardly it or its evolution is powerful.” Melli said as Jayla listened, she couldn’t help but feel insulted Melli’s statement as he took out something that resembled a Poke ball to Jayla, but it looked different “This is a Poke ball. It’s made from an acorn.” Melli said before shoving the Poke ball to Jayla. “Catch it.” Melli commanded with a rude tone shoving Jayla slightly forward, uncaring if they get spotted and attacked by the more aggressive Pokémon in the area, and not being bothered to explain how to catch the Budew.
Jayla glances at Melli before closing her eyes to think letting out a short, quiet hum before she opens her eyes again, Jayla throws the ball at the Budew, like it was second nature to her, like she has been doing it for years.
It was surprising to Melli as the Budew stayed in the ball, he half expected you to fail or at the very least have the Budew break out. “Huh...? Well... That just beginners luck!” Melli exclaimed in a huff as Jayla picked up the ball with the Budew inside, letting the Budew out of it, the Budew looked at Jayla with a curious look while letting out a small cry. “Hello little Budew...” Jayla greeted before squatting down as she places her hand to her chest, directly above her heart.
“I’m Jayla. I hope we can get along.” Jayla’s voice was calm and welcoming. Budew waddled over to Jayla as Melli watched cocking one of his eyebrows up as he watched the interaction with his arms crossed over his chest.
Jayla slowly stretched her arm out to the small Budew, who smiled as it leaned its round body down and placed the side of her face on Jayla’s hand, showing a sign of trust. Letting out a small chuckle Jayla gently wraps her other arm around Budew and carefully picks her up, looking at the small Pokémon with affection and care in her eyes before turning back to Melli with a smug grin as Budew feels content being with Jayla.
Melli just sighed “Don’t get too cocky. You just got lucky. Now come on! Adaman will kill me if I let you die.” Melli then let out before turning his back to Jayla expecting her to follow him.
Sighing, Jayla eventually began to follow Melli, he was her only hope of getting back safely, not engaging in small talk as the two returned to coronet heights.
To say it was quiet, never mind awkward, both Jayla and Budew looked at each other, feeling the awkward tension lingering in the air.
Jayla decided to look around taking in the scenery around her, as she did, she seen a Pokémon she did not recognize on top of one of the cliffs, but later it turned and walked away.
“What was that?” Jayla muttered loud enough for Melli to hear, he turned around to look at Jayla “What was what?” Melli asked placing a hand on his hip “I saw a Pokémon, but I don’t know what it was. It looked like a Sneasel but it wasn’t.” Jayla answered with a curious glint.
Melli sighed slightly knowing what Jayla is talking about “We’re near its territory so I’m not surprised.” Melli muttered to himself “That was one of the noble Pokémon, Sneasler, it’s warden... Well, he’s a lot like you, fell from the sky then the pearl clan took him in. His attachment to Pokémon is what caused Sneasler let him become its warden after turning down everyone else It was offered.
Jayla took in everything that Melli was saying, ”its warden is a lot like me huh? Jayla thought as she looked back up to the cliff, she saw Sneasler on.
“Can I meet him?” Jayla asked, leaving Melli almost choking on his own spit “Wh-what!? NO, you cannot ‘meet him’!” Melli exclaimed as if it was obvious, which frustrated you “Why not! If this warden is like me then why not find out more about my situation! This warden... He might be my only chance to understand, to see if there is a way for me to get home!” Jayla protested, with Budew nodding in agreement on Jayla’s part.
“See. Even Budew is agreeing with me!” Jayla then exclaimed. Melli just sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose “That’s because your Budew’s trainer.” Melli muttered loud enough for Jayla to hear “And we aren't seeing that old geezer, Ingo for good reason. The Diamond and Pearl clan are rivals. Always have been.” Melli said his explanation did not satisfy Jayla in the slightest.
“Well, what if I go myself?” Jayla then argued back to which Melli chuckled “Go ahead and get yourself killed.” Melli said jokingly before turning his back again and walking away, the sound of something running away from him and a poke ball sound caused Melli to turn back in curiosity.
He did not expect to see Jayla trying to climb the cliff. “You can’t be serious!” Melli grumbled in frustration as he ran to where Jayla is, “Jayla! Get down!” He shouted up to her but to no success as Jayla kept on climbing.
“There’s a better way.” Melli then said nonchalantly.
“I figured, but would you tell me? I don’t think you would.” Jayla then said as she grunted taking another step up “Yeah, you’re right, I wouldn’t because you would take that other path.” Melli then shouted up “Honestly, I’m surprised you have the common sense to return Budew back in its Poke ball.” Melli then grumbled to himself as he continued to watch, honestly surprised that Jayla hadn’t faltered yet until she got to the first small ledge, thankfully there was no Pokémon, Jayla simply sat as her legs dangled over the edge of it.
Jayla smirked at Melli for a minute before looking up, the sun was beginning to set “Oh woah...” Jayla said in awe before she took out Budew again. “Look Budew... I don’t think I’ve seen a dusk this pretty.” Jayla whispered to Budew, who cried softly in agreement. “I thought you were climbing to get to Ingo?” Melli said placing his hands on his hips and raising an eyebrow.
“I was. But you must admit... This view is beautiful.” Jayla’s voice was now soft. Melli sighed “Alright, Adaman won’t be happy if I leave you to die out here, so how about you come down and I... Take you to Ingo in the morning.” Melli then said in with a small sigh of defeat. “Really!?” Jayla said as her face lit up with excitement, “Yes. Now come on, it gets dangerous at night.” Melli said with slight frustration in his voice.
Jayla looks down at Budew before standing up again pulling out Budew’s Poke ball before she heard the cry of a different Pokémon that seemed to be right behind her. Turning around, fear began to fill both her and Budew’s faces as they both seen a Drifblim.
It was shooting a shadow ball at her, Jayla only had enough time to use herself as a shield to Budew before she got hit and getting forced of the ledge, leaving Melli shocked and wide eyed.
Jayla’s eyes were shut tight, not being able to bring herself to scream, Budew on the other hand, was letting a loud cry out.
Jayla was anticipating landing hard on the ground and possible death, but that never came, she found the courage to open one of her eyes seeing the Sneasler from before right above her, it was looking at Melli and an older looking man talking to Melli. Melli did not look happy talking to the older man.
Jayla soon turned her head to look at Budew, having a worried and scared look painted on her face “You, okay?” Jayla then immediately asked Budew, who nodded but was shaken up by it.
Jayla smiled before taking a deep breath to calm down her own nerves, she reached into her pocket, wanting to grab Budew’s poke ball, but it wasn’t in her pocket, ”Did I drop it when shielding Budew?” Jayla thinks before standing up, Sneasler turned its head to Jayla, letting out a cry, which alerted Melli and the older man talking to him to look over at Sneasler and which also brought their attention Jayla who was walking towards a patch of grass.
Sneasler followed Jayla, looking out for her and curious about what Jayla was looking for, Melli and the older man also walked up to her, “What are you looking for?” the older man asked “Budew’s poke ball, I-I think I dropped it.” Jayla answered with a hint of panic in her tone “Oh...” The man answered before pulling out a poke ball “Is this it?” The man then asked as he handed the poke ball to Jayla.
Jayla with little confidence took the poke ball and tried to return Budew, to her relief it worked. “Oh my... Thank you sir!” Jayla said with happiness replacing her previous worried tone “Yeah it’s not an issue.” The man then said before turning his head to look at Melli while still talking to Jayla “Warden Melli over here was saying how you from seemingly nowhere, falling from the sky. Geuss we’re in the same boat kid.” He then Sneasler followed Jayla, looking out for her and curious about what Jayla was looking for, Melli and the older man also walked up to her, “What are you looking for?” the older man asked “Budew’s poke ball, I-I think I dropped it.” Jayla answered with a hint of panic in her tone “Oh...” The man answered before pulling out a poke ball “Is this it?” The man then asked as he handed the poke ball to Jayla.
Jayla with little confidence took the poke ball and tried to return Budew, to her relief it worked. “Oh my... Thank you sir!” Jayla said with happiness replacing her previous worried tone “Yeah it’s not an issue.” The man then said before turning his head to look at Melli while still talking to Jayla “Warden Melli over here was saying how you from seemingly nowhere, falling from the sky. Geuss we’re in the same boat kid.” He then Sneasler followed Jayla, looking out for her and curious about what Jayla was looking for, Melli and the older man also walked up to her, “What are you looking for?” the older man asked “Budew’s poke ball, I-I think I dropped it.” Jayla answered with a hint of panic in her tone “Oh...” The man answered before pulling out a poke ball “Is this it?” The man then asked as he handed the poke ball to Jayla.
Jayla with little confidence took the poke ball and tried to return Budew, to her relief it worked. “Oh my... Thank you sir!” Jayla said with happiness replacing her previous worried tone “Yeah it’s not an issue.” The man then said before turning his head to look at Melli while still talking to Jayla “Warden Melli over here was saying how you from seemingly nowhere, falling from the sky. Geuss we’re in the same boat kid.” He then said in a tired, almost monotone voice Jayla listened, staying quiet until she connected the dots.
“Hold on so... You’re Ingo then?” Jayla asked to which Ingo nodded “Yes, that is my name.” Ingo responded turning his head back to the young woman, but Jayla was speechless. Unable to say anything. Her mind raced with so many things she wanted to ask, but just... Couldn’t.
Jayla never really thought about what she wanted to say – wanted to ask first when she met Ingo. So, she was just mute at the current minute.
The silence was awkward until Melli soon stepped in “Well, thank you for saving Jayla and returning her dear Budew’s poke ball.” Melli’s voice came had a hint of frustration. “But I, the great Melli... And Jayla I suppose, should be going back to the diamond settlement we are staying at.” Melli continued before he grabbed Jayla by the wrist and forced Jayla to follow him, eventually he let her go after they were a few feet away from Ingo and Sneasler. Ingo and Sneasler glanced at each other before sighing in unison.
Once arriving back at the Diamon settlement Melli and Jayla went their separate ways, returning to their respective tents for much needed nest for the night.
Without changing into nightwear, only interested in getting some rest, Jayla laid down on the bed that was on the floor and her body was quick to relax and she quickly fell asleep.
Jayla woke up to find that Budew had gotten out of its poke ball, she was on the wooden counter staring down at something. Jayla stood up rubbing her eyes and walked up to Budew.
“How did you get out?” Jayla asked, her voice groggy from having just woken up, Budew turns her body to look at her trainer, letting out a chirp like cry at Jayla. “Hm?” Jayla then looked down at what Budew was looking at, seeing that it was that same photo that she found in the pocket of her old outfit “Oh...” Jayla said in a low, tired voice “I don’t know where that’s from, or who she is... But... She looks exactly like me. It can’t be coincidence.” Jayla then said with slight intrigue in her voice now she placed her index finger on her look alike.
“I don’t have any memory of her, I don’t remember my relationship with her, but... We must have been on good terms.” Jayla muttered once she woke up more before looking at the Lucario for a minute then at Budew “What do you think?” She then asked Budew, who tilted her bud like body in question, Jayla sighed she gave a tired smile to Budew for a second “I guess it doesn’t matter now but... That Lucario... I can’t help but feel I have a... Connection to that Pokémon.” Jayla said as she crossed her arms as she hummed lowly.
Budew turned to face Jayla and after a second smiled at her, Jayla looked at Budew for a moment before smiling back, she then picked Budew up for a moment “Come on little guy... Let’s see if Melli kept his promise.” Jayla proclaimed in a soft voice as she held Budew close to her chest. Even though she did meet Ingo the night before she couldn’t bring herself to ask the question, she wanted to ask ”If he knew why...?”
{~…~}
“Sorry I don’t remember anything from before I got here...” Ingo said to Jayla’s dismay as her eyes widened in shock, as her hopes of getting somewhere had been shattered as Melli stood to the side, just listening in to the two as they talked. Her head tilting to face the ground, her face now held a sad look to them as Budew did the same.
“I’m sorry kid.” Ingo then said with sympathy “How about, we try to figure it out together?” He then suggested, which made Jayla perk her face back with newfound hope, “Well, I do have something, I have a picture of someone that looks like an exact copy of me.” Jayla then pointed towards the pin that was on her old jacket, which was now placed over her heart on her diamond clan uniform “And this pin. I don’t know why, but... I think they’re connected in a way.” Jayla said as she thought at the same time. Ingo hummed “Well all I can remember is someone that also looked very similar to myself, and a Pokémon that carried fire as my partner, but I do not have the same fortune as you do like physical evidence.” Ingo then mentioned as he rubbed his triangular beard that sat on his chin. He was thinking on the chances of two people seemingly from the future being here at the same time, it was an awkward silence for a few moments before Ingo sighs “Well, I guess we’re both stuck here then kid.” Ingo said with an apologetic look towards Jayla.
Jayla was quiet for most of the way back, Melli picked up on the defeated look that took Jayla’s face, Melli groaned “You gotta be kidding. I haven’t known you for long, but you were dead set on talking to that old geezer, knowing what he was going to say, and you just – give up? That quickly?” Melli asked annoyed “Until Adaman gives you the green light to be able to go out on your own, you ain’t giving up on figuring out on how to get back to wherever you came from.” Melli continued as he continued walking as Jayla followed, looking at Melli in slight shock “Huh... That was... Weirdly inspiring coming from you.” Jayla joked as she chuckled lightly, as she walked along side Melli, carrying Budew in her arms.