Chapter Text
Surrounded by family and friends, William closes his eyes for the last time, exhaling his last breath. He has the sense of floating, a wonderful euphoria fills his very being. It is surreal for a time, but quickly something changes. He feels drawn into what he can only describe as a tunnel yet he can discern no definable shape. He seems to be moving faster and faster until just as suddenly he slams into something. There is no pain, everything just stops. There is a moment of eerie silence. Will remembers thinking that he feels like himself again. Puzzled by this thought he starts questioning himself.
"How can this be," he wonders?
As Will ponders this question he becomes aware of his own heartbeat, air flowing in and out of his lungs. He is alive. He knows it in every fibre of his body. And then it hits him.
"Wait, what body? I died, didn't I?"
He tries opening his eyes. Light streams in, so bright, it is too much. He slams his eyes shut. Will opens his eyes in stages until he has adjusted to the amount of light. At first everything is a blur with no distinct form. Gradually as he looks around an image starts to form and take shape. The sweet rich smells of a forest invade his nose. His sight finally clears to reveal two Pokemon standing in front of him. One he recognizes immediately, the other is a bit of a mystery.
"Welcome back Will."
Planting his hands behind him, he lifts his upper body to a seated position. He gazes up at the God Pokemon, his mouth turned up into a joyous smile.
"Arceus! It is wonderful to see you again."
"As I am to see you, Will."
Will still feels a bit woozy deciding to remain seated until he is comfortable standing. Amazed at the prospect of being alive, he inquires about this fortunate happenstance.
"So, who's body is it that I'm inhabiting this time?"
"Why it's your body Will, I created it just for you."
"Oh! So does this mean I get to start over in the Pokemon World?"
Arceus gives William a dour look, his tone of voice changing, taking on a very serious demeanour, and filling William with some dread about his long term situation.
"That all depends Will."
"On What?"
"On how well you perform the tasks I set out for you."
"I see. So I am on probation then?"
"Not exactly Will, you are now the embodiment of a legend that has existed for centuries, the Legend of the Arbiter."
"Depending on how well you perform will dictate whether you get to remain here. I have to be sure that your presence will not disrupt this world."
The other Pokemon who had barely moved finally reacts turning to Arceus and speaking he assumes telepathically.
As William observes their expressions, the two Pokemon begin what appears to be a heated debate. He watches both intently. It is obvious they are arguing. Will can only assume it is about him or some details concerning this legend.
[Private Conversation]
"Arceus, you should tell him what being Arbiter truly means. He deserves to know."
"No! He doesn't need to know. And you will not tell him until absolutely necessary. Is that understood?"
"His ultimate fate is still in his hands. Being aware of that fate will affect how he approaches his tasks. That knowledge can be hazardous not only to him, but those he is charged with helping."
[End Private Conversation]
William looks back and forth between them, wishing he knew what they are discussing, but knowing full well it is related to his existence on this world. Will makes a mental note to discover the truth they are obviously hiding from him. The argument ends as quickly as it had started. They both turn back to face him.
Will still seated on the forest floor, looks up at Arceus deciding to inquire about his companion.
"And who is this Arceus," he inquires?
"This is Pek. He will act as my eyes and ears, accompanying you during your probationary period, as well as assist you in your tasks. You have been given many abilities, that you are not yet aware of but that will manifest shortly."
"Pek will guide you, help you adjust to these abilities and hone your skills in their use. They will be critical to your success William so learn well."
"When next we meet you will know my decision concerning your fate."
"I will try not to disappoint you."
"Of that I have no doubt. Good Luck! Will."
Arceus turns and in a brilliant flash of light is gone. Looking up at Pek, William opens a dialogue with this intriguing companion.
"So Pek, you are an Xatu a Psychic/Flying type Pokemon."
"That is correct Will, but I am much more that that."
"So, you can read my thoughts and feel my emotions then."
"No, I cannot Will."
William is perplexed and surprised by his response. This is something that should be second nature to him as a psychic type pokemon.
"But you are a psychic type Pokemon. How can this be?"
"It is one of the abilities Arceus was speaking of. He feels that it is critically important that you cannot be unduly influenced by outside sources, including myself."
"I see, then how are we communicating?"
"As Arbiter, you have the ability to hear thoughts and emotions, but you have retained the ability from your previous visit to the Pokemon World of understanding, and communicating in all Pokemon dialects. We have been communicating in my dialect all this time. It is so natural to you, you didn't even realize it."
Thinking on this for a moment it became clear that Pek was correct. William is amazed it had not even occurred to him.
"But I can't hear your thoughts, or feel your emotions."
"That's because that form of communication is foreign to you. You need to learn how to utilize it, something I can train you to use."
William smirks realizing the odd role reversal of the situation.
"Somewhat ironic don't you think? A Pokemon training a human?"
"Not really, Pokemon trainers don't often realize it, but their Pokemon are indirectly teaching them about themselves, and life in general."
"Hmm, I suppose you are right. I guess we should begin right away then."
"No, I think we should start tomorrow. You are still adjusting to your new body and you need time for all your abilities to manifest."
Taking in his surroundings for the first time, Will notices that he is in a small clearing surrounded by dense forest. Just behind Pek is a campsite complete with a small campfire. His disorientation has finally cleared and he feels comfortable attempting to stand up. Getting to his feet in stages in case the vertigo re-emerges, Will stretches to get some kinks out of his new body. It feels wonderfully strong and youthful. He takes in a deep breath and lets it out slowly savouring the feeling.
Walking over to the campfire, Will sits down on a log close by. Over the fire is a pot in which a stew is simmering. It smells wonderful. He asks Pek if he had made this. He admitted that he had but that he isn't sure if it is any good.
"Well, If it tastes as nice as it smells I am sure it will be great. If you are interested, I could help you develop your culinary talents. I used to be a chef of some note in my previous life."
Pek just smiles, before responding.
"I think I will stick to what I know best Will. But I will consider your suggestion."
William finds a ladle, and some bowls, and fills the bowls, offering one to Pek.
He graciously accepts the bowl, and they sit, and eat in silence.
The stew is excellent. William can't place some of the ingredients, but it reminds him of a mulligan stew his father used to prepare when at a cottage his family rented during the summer. The cottage had a large wood stove, which always made the food cooked on it much more flavourful. Will makes a mental note to ask Pek, how he has spiced it.
After dinner Will offers to take the dishes down to a small stream and wash them. While down at the stream he becomes aware of the Pokemon foraging in the forest. He can only assume some of his abilities are starting to emerge. He is hearing bits and pieces of their thoughts, and emotions. It fills him with a sense of awe.
Upon his return he places the dishes on a cloth to dry, before sitting down by the campfire.
Will sits down on the log to contemplate this new life. Looking across the fire at Pek he decides to inquire about their present location.
"So Pek, where exactly are we?"
"We are in the Viridian Forest in the Kanto Region Will."
"Why here?"
"Arceus did not say, except that it provides you with some continuity and familiarity."
"I guess that makes sense. The last time I arrived in this world my time was spent in the Kanto region."
The light has started to fade as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. Will stands up, and stretches revelling in this new body of his. Pek had been right about these new abilities. He starts to sense a number of nocturnal Pokemon rummaging for food, staying just far enough away to stay hidden in the growing darkness. They are all wary of him.
Will notices the fire starting to die, so he places the remaining fire wood on it, suggesting to Pek that he will replenish their supply.
"I guess I better get some more fire wood before we turn in for the evening."
Pek merely nods in agreement.
Keeping in sight of the light from the campfire, so he can find his way back, Will begins collecting broken branches from the forest floor for fire wood.
He inadvertently surprises a Pikachu in the process, a rare sight in the Viridian forest. From the notch in its tail, Will can tell it is a female. It takes a defensive position starting to charge up to protect itself. Thinking quickly Will starts speaking in her dialect assuring her, he is not a threat.
She cocks her head and looks at him somewhat bewildered. Will collects a final branch from the forest floor, before backing away and continuing to apologize for startling her.
In turn the Pikachu's cheek sacks stop sparking, as she watches him make a hasty retreat.
Returning to the campsite Will stacks the fire wood, before placing several large pieces onto the fire.
The campsite appears deserted, Pek no where to be seen.
Packing away the dishes, Will makes his way into the tent. Inside he finds Pek standing in a corner fast asleep. There is a sleeping bag already laid out for him. Will undresses and slips into the sleeping bag.
It has been a remarkable first day in the Pokemon World. Interlocking his fingers, and placing his hands behind his head, he watches the shadows of light and dark cast by the campfire dancing across the canvas of their tent. He listen to the night sounds of the forest, taking sometime before he finally falls asleep.
Morning arrives too soon for Will, Pek requiring him to begin his training. After a quick breakfast, his training begins in earnest.
Pek starts with telepathy teaching him to stretch his thoughts out to link with him. At first it is a bit confusing, as he picks up many of the thoughts of Pokemon foraging for food near their campsite.
Gradually it becomes easier, and easier to direct his focus to Pek blocking out the surrounding noise created by other Pokemon's thoughts. It isn't until the middle of the third day while trying to focus on some of the local Pokemon that Will senses some thoughts coming from the forest that seem oddly familiar.
He reaches out to her and welcomes her to their camp site wondering if she would show herself. After about thirty minutes, he can still sense her thoughts, so he knows she is close. She is trying to decide if she should take up his offer. It is then that he realizes she is not alone. Several others of her kind are with her including her mate.
She finally emerges from the underbrush followed by several pichu and a male pikachu. It is her family. Each step is tentative, assessing the risk. Her mate follows behind them maintaining a charge in case of a hasty retreat. She leaves them at the edge of the camp site and makes her way to where Will has placed a small plate of poke food and berries a short distance from him. She hesitantly sniffs at it while keeping a wary eye on him. Will speaking in her dialect explains that the food is for her and her family. Continuing he tries to ease her concerns.
"Let me move away to put your mind at ease."
He can sense the male is ready to unleash an attack, if it looks like Will poses any threat. Will stands up ever so slowly moving over to the camp fire, and sitting down. He watches as she motions to her family to come over, and start munching on the poke food and berries. Ever vigilant, she and her mate keep an eye out for danger while her family partakes of the food.
After finishing the food, she cautiously approaches him, followed closely by the rest of her family. William speaking in their dialect, warns her and her young charges that they should be very careful not to approach others of his kind. He fills their minds with images of what they might expect if they encounter a trainer, as he explains that trainers search out Pokemon to capture them.
"They force you to fight other Pokemon, they have captured in order to weaken you making you easier to catch. Once you are captured, your life is no longer your own. They will take you away from your friends, and family. Although most trainers treat the Pokemon they capture very well, some do not. I do not capture Pokemon, because I feel it is wrong."
She thanks him before taking her charges back into the protection of the dense underbrush.
Pek has been watching all this time surprised, and somewhat amused by William's concern. He remarks that Will would make a good parent.
To Pek's comment, Will gives him a wistful smile, as he remembers the family he left behind.
"I've already been a parent Pek. I know what it is like to worry about your family."
The family of Pikachu's never did return to their camp site, which Will hopes meant they are safe.
The next couple of weeks are spent honing his psychic abilities including Aura Sphere, teleport, and psychic shield among others. Most of the training is on focus and control. From sun up to sun down day after day, Will trains to manifest an Aura sphere, and control its speed and direction until it is as natural as breathing. His teleport technique still needs work, as he can't quite transport to an exact location only within the general vicinity.
The final weeks of his training are the most disturbing, as Pek makes him aware of other abilities he has been imbued with. In the wrong hands, these abilities can be used to cause untold horrors. Using them can bring forth dark desires, to which anyone could easily succumb. They make Will feel powerful, even invincible kindling dark base emotions such as greed, lust, and an arrogant superiority.
With only Pek to test his focus, and control of these abilities, Will voices his concerns. Pek the stalwart that he is assures him he will be fine. However in one training session Will knocks him out cold. Thinking he has severely injured him, or worse killed him Will rushes to his side. He is beside himself with grief, until he notices that Pek is still breathing, albeit with difficulty.
He keeps trying to wake him calling his name repeatedly, and apologizing profusely. Will cradles him in his arms hoping he will be all right, when suddenly he is enveloped in a soft glow. The source seems to be emanating from Will's hands. He is distraught that he may have inadvertently injured him further, but to Will's surprise, it appears to have helped. Pek's breathing is less laboured. He starts to stir, and open his eyes.
Although feeling exhausted, Will is elated. Pek wants to continue, but he convinces Pek that he is not up to it.
In a contemplative moment, Will looks at both of his hands, and wonders if this is an ability that even Pek is not aware he possesses.
Over the evening meal that day, Will feels the need to ask.
"Pek why did Arceus give these abilities to me?"
"He indicated only that you would need them."
"Pek, I can't use these abilities. I almost killed you today. I'm terrified of what I might do. It would be so easy to use these abilities to control, manipulate, even abuse others, and then convince myself it is justified. I am reminded of a saying from my world."
"Power Corrupts; Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely."
"Will, I understand your concerns, but you will have to use them. You will have no choice. It will be up to you to control these abilities, not let them control you. Perhaps it is a test you must pass in order to remain in this world."
Will's heart sinks realizing Pek is probably right, but just the thought of using these abilities sends a cold shiver through his very being. Will makes a promise to himself, that he will not allow these powers to control his actions.
He persuades Pek to concentrate his training to focus controlling the flow of the energy on inanimate objects.
More than a month has passed, and Will's training is finally complete. Over dinner Pek indicates that they will be breaking camp tomorrow.
"So where will be heading," Will asks?
"That will become clear tomorrow."
"Here, you will need this."
Pek places a round object into his hand. Will stares dumbfounded at the device, and then at Pek upset at what this device implies. It is a Poke ball.
"Pek, I am not going to capture Pokemon. You know how I feel about it."
"Yes, I do Will, but if you are to complete this task, you will have to. You will have no choice."
His words echo through Will's mind, those same words used in their discussion of his other contentious abilities.
William is furious, and he makes no attempt to hide it. They speak nary a word during dinner retiring soon after in order to get an early start. Will goes to bed still angry, about what he will be forced to do. It takes several hours before Will finally calms down, and drifts off to sleep, but he almost wishes he hadn't. Those dark powers have started haunting his dreams. He wakes up early the next morning, sweat pouring off him, heart pounding, hoping that he is not capable of such atrocities. Glancing over at Pek, he finds him still fast asleep.
Unable to get back to sleep, William grabs some soap and a towel, making his way down to the river to wash up. Kneeling at the river bank Will splashes water on his face, the shock of the cold water helps invigorate him, and takes his mind away from last evenings disturbing dreams. After bathing, he returns to the campsite and starts stoking the fire before starting to prepare breakfast.
With breakfast finished, and the tent and other gear packed away, they start out. Pek is not forth coming with details of the task, only saying it might influence his decisions. Will keeps hoping he will be able to find another way to avoid capturing a Pokemon. They start moving in a south westerly direction along a rarely used path.