Into the Unown Ch 223 + 223.5 (Regular tier)

Chapter 223

“I’m sorry. Explain to me again about this… time loop?”

Nina sighed. “It’s a time loop, set up by Celebi in her domain. I’m not entirely sure about the specifics either. Just that it starts at a certain point after Ash enters Ilex Forest and will reset after his inevitable death.”

“And over the course of eight years, Ash Ketchum and Giovanni had just been repeating the same day — meeting and battling and dying over and over again?”

The Jenny sounded skeptical. And honestly, Nina couldn’t entirely blame her. But she was starting to tire of these repeated questions.

“Yes. But also, no. Time flowed at a different rate within Celebi’s domain. So it was unlikely that its occupants suffered through eight whole years. I’m not entirely sure what the time difference was because Celebi sucks at explaining things — instinct driven y’know? It’s like asking humans how we breathe. But anyways, the Scyther that Ash was pursuing is proof. Because it has long exceeded the natural lifespan of its species.” Not to mention how little time had actually passed after how long Nina and her friends spent in the forest.

“Right… So what were you doing there then? In this shrine dedicated to Celebi.”

“Correction; there’s no evidence to suggest that the shrine was wholly dedicated to Celebi. Just that she really likes staying there for some reason. My personal conjecture is that it has to do with the leyline on which the site is built — Celebi is part Grass Type afterall.

“Also, I was there because I have a personal academic interest in the Unown. You may ask Professor Oak, Professor Elm, Kurt the master Pokeballsmith, and even Lord Falkner to testify.

“Now, you’re probably going to ask; ‘But what does Celebi and the shrine have anything to do with Unown, Nina?’ To which, my answer has to do with my uncle. You know? Interpol inspector Alias Jones, husband to Lady Misty Mizuhana of the Cerulean Gym of which I am also apprenticed at?

“You see, my uncle in his youth once suffered from a teleportation mishap and ended up stranded in Celebi’s domain. It was there where he had an encounter with the Myth and had a prank played on him where he briefly travelled back in time to an era during the inception of human life on this planet…”

And so Nina proceeded to give an overly convoluted answer to the Jenny’s inane question. While also making sure to name drop every single authority figure she could scarcely link to her statement and revelling in glee at how much she was making the blue-haired policewoman squirm.

“—which brings us to the theory that humans might actually be intergalactic travellers that settled on this planet, and my guess is that the Unown may have been the language that they used. I actually had a lengthy discussion with Professor Samson Oak about this and he’s more partial to the theory that Pokemon were the outsiders…”

The girl rambled on and on…

“—Did I mention that time I battled with Red on Mount Silver? Yes, that Red. And as it turned out, he was looking for traces of the Unown too. I can’t tell you any details though ‘cause Lance swore us to secrecy later on. You know, Lance Blackthorn, reigning Champion of the Indigo League?”

Normally, Nina would not care to wave her clout around like this. But she cared even less for being interrogated. For all that Falkner warned them to treat her and her friends with respect, it irked her to still be met with undue suspicion.

“Oh, but if you insist on wanting to ask about the mechanics of the time loop. Why don’t I ask Celebi to join in and you can have her explain it to you directly.”

“Pardon?”

“Celebiiii! Officer Jenny wants to talk to you~”

“BIII!!!”

“Shit!” Officer Jenny jumped out of her chair in fright at the sudden emergence of the Mythical pixie in front of her face.

“Hehehe…”

Nina giggled alongside the mischievous Pokemon. “Celebi~ You naughty little rascal you…”

“Bi~ Celebi!”

“Hehe… Did you have fun exploring the city by yourself, huh? Meanwhile, I’m stuck here saying the same thing over and over again because SOMEONE wouldn’t believe me.” That last part was said with an accusatory glare at the Jenny, who gulped in distress.

“Ahem. Yes, I think that should be enough material for us to work with. Thank you for your patient cooperation, Miss Jones. Allow me to escort you and Celebi outside.”

Nina waved dismissively at the nervous bureaucrat. “No need. I’m actually late for a meeting with Lord Falkner. I believe my aunt and uncle are in attendance as well — they must be worried sick. Oh, however will I explain myself~” Nina drawled dramatically as she sauntered out of the room.

***

Nina glared at Misty, who was gently caressing her belly with a motherly smile. Her aunt seemed to be about two months pregnant by Nina’s reckoning, not that she was any expert on the matter.

She then whipped to the side and shot an even more intense and accusatory glare at her uncle who was fawning over a dancing Celebi. “And is she doing the Floss?! Oh Arceus, what has the world come to…”

With a shake of her head, Nina dismissed her musings. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner?” She asked Ali.

“Hmm? Because Misty wanted to surprise you and I thought why not? Maybe if you’d call in more often, you’d have figured it out sooner.”

“I call in at least once a week!” Nina growled. This was hopeless, her uncle was whipped — thoroughly and utterly whipped. The previously fit adventurer had even begun to develop a bit of a dad bod now.

Turning back to Misty, she saw that the woman had an infuriatingly triumphant grin on her face, looking like someone who had just pulled off a successful prank.

However before they could continue with the banter, the door to the conference room opened to admit the figure of Falkner and a sleazy looking blonde guy who Nina recognized to be Morty, Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym.

“Apologies for the delay.” Falkner began. “The processing of Giovanni was more strenuous than expected.” He then widened his eyes at the sight of Celebi and beelined his way over to her in a servile posture. “This one’s name is Hayato. I greet the Voice of the Forest”

“Hayato?” Nina asked.

“My ancestral name — used only among kin. Falkner is my legal name.”

Behind him, Morty laughed at his colleague. “Take it easy, bro. No need to be so uptight. Ain’t nobody judging you here.”

“DO NOT call me bro. We are under the illustrious presence of a Mythical Guardian right now. Please conduct yourself with the decorum expected of your stature!”

Morty shrugged. A lazy gaze and messy blonde hair held back by his signature purple sweatband. If ever there was a poster child for fuckboys then Morty would be it.

“Relax~ brother… It’s only a matter of time really.”

Falkner growled. “I will never approve of your relations with my sister!”

Nina turned to look at Misty for elucidation, only to receive an amused chuckle from her. “Hmm… seems like there’s some history between these two. Oh well, not like it’s any of my business.”

Celebi was pumping her fist up and down, like she was watching a particularly sensational boxing match between the two Gym Leaders while Ali was just cooing over how cute the tiny green pixie was being. So it was up to Nina to put a stop to this drama.

“Ahem!” Nina coughed, diverting the room’s attention onto her. “I believe we have all been sufficiently held up by our respective circumstances. So no point in delaying this meeting any further. Don’t you agree, Lord Falkner?”

In response, the man gestured to clear his throat and gave Nina an approving nod. “Indeed. It is getting late into the night and I believe we are all eager for some rest. I shall spare everyone the hassle of litany — a thorough report compiling the statement of all parties shall be made available at a later date. For now, I would like to begin by discussing the matter of young Melina’s reward.”

Nina held back her squeal, eyes bulging from excitement. 

Misty laughed. “Careful there, Nins… You’re really starting to take after Violet.”

“Am not!” The girl pouted.

Falkner chortled. “Regardless, you have done a great deed for both our regions. We will offer some commendations for your companions as well. But to my knowledge, you apprehended Giovanni and saved Ash Ketchum almost single handedly. And thus, it is only appropriate to confer you a reward proportionate to your contributions. So… Nina, what would you like to request from the Indigo League?”

Nina straightened at the Gym Leader’s gaze. She had been through this before with Lilian. Last time she asked for a Pokemon. But this time around, she was hoping for something different. Since she had enough work trying to train up her current roster. “Then there’s the Fossil Egg as well…”

“Just FYI,” Morty chimed, “Zuki already told me about your Dhelmise situation and I’d be happy to do everything in my power to help you out. So don’t worry about that. Any friend of my gal is a friend of mine,” said the casanova with a wink, earning him a glare from both Falkner and Ali.

Nina giggled. “Sure thing. Thanks Morty. We can talk about this in detail next time.”

“So, what are you gonna ask for then, Nina?” Ali chimed in to reel his niece back on topic. “You were whining about how you regretted not asking for a Keystone last time.”

Falkner nodded. “In light of your heroic acts, and under the guarantee of the Mizuhana clan. None will dare question your character. So yes, if you so desire, I believe a Key Stone is perfectly within the realms of possibility.”

Nina tilted her head in consideration and looked towards Misty for guidance. But her supposed mentor just shrugged indifferently, leaving the decision entirely up to her protege.

The girl sighed. “Even if I have a Key Stone, I would still be lacking in the corresponding Mega Stone. Unless the League is willing to be generous?”

Falkner shook his head. “Unfortunately, it is collectively agreed that the act of acquiring a Mega Stone is part and parcel of assessing a trainer’s worthiness. If fate is unwilling then it simply means that an individual was never worthy of wielding the powers of Mega Evolution. Once you acquire your first Mega Stone though, the League’s fabrication services will be available to you. Provided there are sponsors who are willing to provide a template.” He shot a meaningful glance at Misty.

Nina groaned. She had already expected it since it was the same spiel that they gave Lilian. Matter of fact, she imagined the Blackthorn girl was currently plowing through the region in search of any signs of a Mega Stone.

“Then what about access to the Embedded Tower? Would that be possible?”

All the adults in the room frowned in confusion at the girl’s bizarre ask.

“The Embedded Tower, said to be a heaven reaching construct built by the ancestors of Hoenn,” said Ali. “I’ve been there before. The architecture is fascinating and all, but most of it is just rubble and ruin by now. I don’t think Nina’ll need special permission to enter, does she?”

Falkner looked towards the Interpol inspector with an indecipherable gaze and a wry smile. “Technically yes, though most would simply stumble upon it by accident as I assume it was the case with you, inspector. It is not what I would call a proportionate reward. So feel free to ask for something else, Nina. I shall fulfill this request for you as a small favor.”

The girl made some throaty noises in consideration. “Then, can I have access to the Dragon’s Den?”

This time, everyone leaned forwards in shock at the brazen request, even the laidback Morty.

“You do realize the gravity of this request, yes? The Dragon’s Den is a very important heritage site for the Blackthorns. None but the most accomplished Dragon Tamers and direct successors to the clan may enter. And while I admit your Dragonite is quite impressive, you still remain an outsider. Even your intimate relations with Lilian Blackthorn will do you no favors in this regard.”

“I know but… Can’t you just ask? I mean, there’s no harm in asking right? Unless there is, in which case, nevermind.”

Falkner sighed. “Perhaps this would be a more pertinent question; what exactly are you after, Nina? Is it purely academic pursuit or are there underlying reasons for your desire to enter these ancient tombs?”

Nina echoed the sigh. “Academic pursuit, yes. As you know, I am pursuing traces of the Unown. But aside from that, there’re practical reasons as well. Mainly, I need an appropriate power spot to power-level my team.”

The Dragon’s Den was perfect because it was rich in Dragon Type Energy. Which should serve to benefit her entire team. Unlike the Mossy Rock near Celebi’s shrine. 

As for the Embedded Tower… Nina was hoping to entice Celebi along for an adventure and maybe extract a favour from her. As the former abode of the Hoenn Legendaries, she had no doubts that there were incredible treasures to be gained within.

But instead of all that, Nina explained to them her challenge from Blaine — to take on an Alpha Volcarona within its natural domain.

“So yeah, I need to get my Pokemon in shape urgently. Because Justin, whom you’ve all met, invited me to go on an expedition in the second half of the year. I worry that I won’t have enough leeway to get this done before the end of year conference.”

Falkner laughed, his eyes twinkling in admiration. “Haha! That is indeed quite a worthy challenge, as expected of a former Champion — the Shogun of Purgatory himself!”

Misty snorted. “If that’s all, then you should’ve just asked me about it.”

“Wait, are you telling me the Mizuhanas have access to a power spot all along?”

“Duh! They don’t call us a Great Clan for nothing, you know? That’s where we shoved Bev into for some last minute cramming before her conference.”

Nina groaned and banged her head against the table. “Of-freaking-course! How could I be so stupid! I was wondering where Bev went during that final month.” Nina remembered how cagey her friend was every time she asked about it, which she attributed to pre-conference jitters at the time.

Misty smirked. “So? Still wanna go into that Dragon cave or whatever? Maybe if you play nice with your girlfriend, she’ll let you in.” She said with a wink. Nina rolled her eyes, unwilling to entertain that tasteless innuendo.

Falkner clapped his hands to bring everyone’s attention back. “So that’s one issue settled then. Do you still want the League to ask the Blackthorns about their Dragon’s Den?”

She nodded. “Just for a quick fieldtrip, you know? Maybe an hour or two just to let me check on the Unown script that I know has to be there.”

The noble Gym Leader sighed. “Very well then. I shall also count this as a small favour. Only because I know that they are likely to deny you. As for your actual reward… Why don’t you sleep on it and come back to us at a later date. It is often that we find our perspectives narrowed when plagued by fatigue, and there’s no sense in rushing.”

Nina beamed. “Thank you, Lord Falkner. You’re very kind. But there’s no need. I shall do as my uncle advised and ask for a Key Stone.” Fate’s machinations won’t be a problem with the Mew Gem tied to her neck.

The man chuckled and gestured towards the exit with a wave. “It shall be done. Now go. Leave us and enjoy some much deserved rest. It is now time for the adults to conspire.”

Nina smiled and with an elegant bow, excused herself from the room.

Chapter 223.5: Ash “Urashima Taro” Ketchum

“A theft occurred this afternoon in the Pokemon League Headquarters located within Indigo Village. Authorities have yet to provide an official statement on the incident, but it is to be believed that the only item that was taken was the legendary Master Ball. Anonymous sources claim that Victor, Leader of the Viridian Gym has stepped forth to help lead the investigation.

“In other news, there has been a convergence of law enforcement personnel in Goldenrod City for unknown reasons. Witnesses describe suffering through a blockade in certain segments of the city and when pressed for comments, the Officer Jenny at the scene…”

Ash was brooding over the news in a desperate attempt to recover all his lost time when a series of knocks sounded from the door to his hospital bed.

“Come in… Brock! And Celebi!” Ash exclaimed while trying to suppress the boiling cauldron of mixed emotions in his gut.

Silver streaks through his temple and a few extra creases adorning his face. Ash was not used to his friend looking so old. Brock had always been the oldest among all of his former travelling companions but Ash had always seen him more as an older brother that he never had. Now, the older man was giving off more fatherly vibes.

“Bi! Bibibibi!” The flying brussel sprout barged in and nuzzled affectionately at a giggling Ash.

“Thanks for saving my life, Celebi…” Ash murmured as he returned Celebi’s affection.

“Hey Ash. How ya doing?” Brock greeted, spared a glance at the TV and flicked at the remote to shut it down before placing a brown paper bag in front of his infirmed friend.

“Munchies!” Ash cheered and tore open the bag open to grab at the burger contained within. All the while, Celebi began stuffing her face full of french fries.”

“Hey! Leave some for me, Celebi!”

Brock chuckled at the precocious sight. “It’s been a long day, huh? Any idea how long they wanna keep you for?”

Ash groaned. “I keep telling them I’m fine but the doc said they want me in here for at least a couple of days for ‘observation’. Whatever that means.”

Brock smiled and poked at the tablet attached to the hospital bed. “What it means is that you’ve been through a shockingly unnatural event and they want to make sure that there’s no lingering effects… I am seeing an imbalance of electrolytes in your body, likely due to dehydration, but nothing else too concerning.”

“It doesn’t really feel shocking. I mean I know I almost died and all. But I didn’t! And it seemed like just a few days ago that I was in Azalea Town talking to Bugsy. And how’s Pikachu? They won’t let me see him and I’m kinda worried.”

Ash’s friend responded with a reassuring smile and a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t you worry. Pikachu’s in the same boat as you — I just checked on him before coming in. The nurses said he has some minor battle damage and fatigue, but nothing too serious.”

“Bi! Celebi, bi!” Celebi echoed Brock in his assurance.

The younger man breathed a sigh of relief. “Did you get him a burger too? Pikachu likes it with extra ketchup.”

“I did. Though the nurse gave me quite the mean glare when I tried to give it to him.”

Ash laughed and bit into his share of the food. And for the next few minutes, the two old friends just sat together in comfortable silence amidst the rustling of burger foil and Celebi’s incessant jabbering.

“Have you called Mrs Ketchum yet?”

Ash twitched with an indecipherable look on his face. “I err… I want to but I don’t know… Should I call her or go and see her in person?”

In truth, he was just nervous. All the people around him had changed so much; Professor Oak looked weaker and Misty was pregnant! “What the heck was up with that?! Man, I really should have just gone and called mom when Professor Oak first reminded me. And now I have cold feet…”

Brock smiled and gave him a little pat. “I think you should just call. Your mom never stopped losing hope. She would call in to the Gym from time to time and ask for any news about you.”

Ash nodded. “Yeah… Maybe tomorrow. It’s really late and she might be asleep by now.”

Thankfully, Brock was willing to be patient with his friend as he nodded in return, giving Ash more time to steady himself.

“So err… What’s up with Misty?” Ash asked abruptly, in a clumsy attempt to change the subject.

Brock laughed. “Haha. Yeah, she got married a couple of years ago. To Nina’s uncle actually. I had to miss the wedding because Forrest was about to take over the Gym and needed help. But I heard it was lovely — wedding of the decade they called it.”

“Nina is… the girl with the yellow jacket who saved me?”

“Yup! Misty’s star apprentice and heck of a Pokemon trainer — really well loved by the critters. You shoulda seen how she tore Forrest’s team apart.” The older man laughed. 

“We took her into an underground cave just to make her sweat a little. But within a few seconds of the match starting, she flooded the entire place and turned it into a lake. Forrest’s Pokemon had no room to stand on and things just snowballed from there. Honestly, I didn’t even know it was possible to summon so much water so quickly in such a Rock-dense environment — must have been a Held Item.”

“Sounds like quite a match. And yeah, I did see how her Pokemon handled Giovanni. She didn’t even say a word. Her Pokemon just danced around like they could read her mind or something.”

“Haha… That’s because they can, Ash. Telepathy — the girl has quite the mean little Espeon…”

The two continued to chat, mostly about inane topics and general events over the past few years. Nina often came up, mostly because it was the topic that triggered Ash the least.

Ash was really grateful for the familiar company. Brock really went out of his way to make him feel at ease, just like the good old days, like nothing ever changed. And by the next morning, Ash was finally ready to call his mom.

***

“Ash… Is that… really you?”

“Hey mom…”

“Oh sweetie… Oh my dear Ash…” Delia’s eyes quivered, tears hanging by the precipice. The woman seemed ready to jump through the screen and caress the cheeks of her wayward son.

Delia Ketchum looked haggard; dark eye bags and pale skin. It was clear that the beautiful brown-haired woman had been worried sick about her only son. A fact that tugged violently at Ash’s heartstrings.

“Mom… I’m sorry… I am so, so sorry…” Ash croaked, feeling like he had a Poliwag stuck in his throat.

“Oh sweetie… You have nothing to apologize for.” Delia reigned in her tears and smiled, looking just like the strong, dependable woman who singlehandedly raised a Pokemon World Champion.

“But… I made you worry. They said I was gone for over eight years. All this time…”

Delia chuckled and waved away her son’s worries. “Your absence gave me plenty of time to go out and meet new people. I even took a solo trip back to Alola — saw a guy who looked very much like you. How embarrassing that was. Ohohoho…”

Ash sniffled and sucked in a deep breath. Alola was where he and his mom separated last, after he took her on a trip to celebrate his championship. “Mom went back, alone, to look for me…” He shook his head to dismiss the thought, not wanting to cause his mother any further distress.

“That aside,” Delia continued, face furrowed in displeasure. “Ash Ketchum! Have you looked in a mirror recently? What is with your face? All that hair! When was the last time you shaved, huh? And look at how skinny you are! Have you not been eating properly these past eight years? And what about Pikachu? I hope you haven’t been neglecting Pikachu too!”

Ash chuckled, feeling the pang of nostalgia suffuse him. Even though, from his perspective, it had just been a little over a week since the last time he called home.

“Pikachu’s fine, mom. They’re holding him separate in the Pokemon Center and won’t let me see him. But Brock just stopped by last night after checking in and said that he was doing great. And I wasn’t actually gone for eight years, mom… I was stuck in a time loop. Remember Celebi?”

The pair of mother and child continued to chat. Delia asked all sorts of inane questions and fussed over her son while Ash filled her in on his experience. Which basically boiled down to him stepping into a forest, meeting Giovanni and getting rescued by Nina. 

He made sure to gloss over the fact that he had been killed and resurrected thousands of times over the course of these past eight years though. “Actually, no. Nina said that time was a little wonky in Celebi’s domain. So we probably didn’t live through so many years. Otherwise, Giovanni would have broken out first. But still…”

One thing he definitely omitted was the fact that he was a hair’s width away from becoming Gliscor kebab before Nina showed up. His mom knew though. She always knew. They both just chose not to confront the fact.

When they got to the topic of Misty’s marriage however… Things got really sweaty for Ash.

“Oh, you should have seen it, Ash! It was such a beautiful wedding, I almost regret turning down the invitation… And the proposal! Who knew that Misty had it in her to be so bold!” 

The woman flashed his son a meaningful look. “What about you, Ash? It’s about time to settle down, don’t you think? I mean it’s old news by now, but you were World Champion for a time. Shame you missed the boat with Misty. But there’s still that Dawn girl, right? How is she doing? Maybe you should try giving her a call after this?”

“Moooom! Now's NOT the time.” Ash sighed, then broke out into a melancholic smile. “I promise I’ll come and see you soon, okay? As soon as they let me out of here.”

“Of course, sweetie. I left your room just the way it was. So please…” Delia pleaded, eyes beginning to water again. “Please make sure you come straight home, okay? Maybe invite Brock along too? It’s been a while since I last saw him.”

Ash nodded. His mom was, understandably, anxious about letting her son travel alone again. “Yeah, sure thing mom. I’ll talk to you soon, okay? I think the nurses want to check in on me. I’ll call you again once they discharge me.”

“Take care sweetie. And don’t bother the nurses too much, alright? Unless they want to get to know you a little better of course. I wouldn’t mind a surprise guest when you visit.” She winked.

Ash chuckled and hovered a finger over the disconnect button. “Bye mom… I’ll see you soon.”

“Goodbye sweetie…”

***

Author's note:

There will be a poll going up later to decide on who Nina's Fossil Pokemon will be.

It's going to be in a separate post so keep an eye out.