All Rei remembered was how to catch Pokémon and that where he was from, battling was commonplace. Gyms and Contests were popular challenges for those who owned Pokémon, a way to strengthen bonds between trainers and Pokémon.
That was it. He remembered nothing of his old name. Nothing of his family or friends.
Sometimes, looking at Akari too long made his heart ache, as if he were forgetting someone who had been deeply important to him.
Over the course of his time in Hisui, Rei formed new memories that were precious to him in the place of the ones he lacked. New bonds that were stronger than steel. The deepest bond Rei had formed had been with Ingo, a fellow amnesiac from a different time, a different region. They had a kinship. Due to Ingo's Warden status, Rei had rarely any time to fully speak or spend time with him.
After quelling Avalugg, the last of the Frenzied Nobles, Jubilife had thrown a grand celebration. There was no more threat of the Nobles rampaging through Hisui, hurting innocent people in their blind rage.
The people were happy. Beni made delicious food along with his famous potato mochi and Kamado brought out the good saké.
It had been the first time Rei had seen everyone come together. Even Adaman and Irida were there along with a few of the other Wardens from the clans. That didn't mean that the two clan leaders stopped in their petty arguments over who the true Sinnoh was; in fact it got worse the more saké they had.
Cyllene stood nearby, keeping an eye on them to make sure they didn't get physical. Abra hovered beside her, tail flicking every so often; it was the only indication she wasn't sleeping.
Rei had never seen Adaman and Irida lay hands on each other. Their arguments were always verbal, similar to sibling bickering. Alcohol had a way of changing people's personalities though, sometimes bringing out less than pleasant sides.
Rei settled in next to Ingo, who was watching the festivities from a table by Beni's shop. He had a plate of rice and potato mochi with a cup of hot green tea.
It had been the first time since their initial interaction by Coronet Highlands that Rei had the time to sit and speak with Ingo.
"Hey, Ingo, can I ask you something I think only you'll understand?"
"Hm?" Ingo glanced at Rei out of the corner of his eyes.
Rei avoided Ingo's gaze, staring out at the people gathered in the center of Jubilife, feasting and having fun. A temporary bonfire had been erected in front of Galaxy Hall to keep the area lit as the sky darkened, twilight covering the town.
Among the sea of people was Akari, dressed in a light and airy kimono with Pikachu lounging on her left shoulder. The kimono was blue with multiple Pikachu faces sewn into it. Each face had a different expression.
Rei spotted her easily in the crowd. He always found her, like he had an internal compass to pinpoint her location.
Off to the side in his usual spot was Ginter, a scowl on his face. It was obvious he was annoyed at all the noise close to him and his merchant cart with no one even thinking of buying anything.
Akari was talking to him about something and for his part, Ginter looked interested in whatever it was she had to say.
Akari turned her head, as if she sensed she was being watched, and caught sight of Rei staring at her. She grinned and waved enthusiastically.
Pikachu's ears perked up at Akari's movement before drooping as the electric Pokémon resumed his snoozing.
A girl identical to Akari flashed at the back of Rei's eyes, yellow hair clips in her hair and a red scarf around her neck. A white wool hat with a pink Poké Ball symbol sewn into it sat on her head.
Rei dropped his gaze from Akari and the image faded. "Do you ever feel as if you're missing someone important to you, but you don't know who?"
Ingo didn't answer right away and after listening to the sounds of laughter and talking for several moments, Rei peeked up at Ingo, hoping he hadn't unintentionally offended the Warden.
Ingo had grabbed his tea, holding the cup between both hands and staring into it.
Ingo's eyes always looked tired, as if he got little sleep, but their color was clear like the ice caverns in Alabaster Icelands. The first time Rei had seen his eyes, he had thought they were haunting in their clarity.
After another second, Ingo released a breath and turned his gaze to Rei. A small, somber smile graced his face. "Always."
That had been all Rei had needed. They were alike, outside their own times and without memories of their past. Outside of Laventon, Cyllene, and Akari, Ingo became another comfort in the village.
That all changed the next morning when he had awoken to a blood red sky. Kamado blamed him for it. The villagers all turned on him so easily. It was as if they had never fully trusted Rei. They whispered and hissed behind his back as he walked to the village's gate, exiled for a crime he didn't commit. Outside of Laventon, Cyllene, and Akari, Arezu was the only one in the village who was upset at the judgment.
If only Rei had known when Laventon had found him on the beach that fateful day that the safety of the village he would call home for the next several months was an illusion. Perhaps he could have denied Laventon's helping hand and saved himself heartache and bitter resentment.
Even now, Rei resented Kamado. He understood his point of view--a stranger from the sky comes and coincidentally, afterwards, Nobles become enraged and then a blood red sky blankets Hisui. If he had been in Kamado's shoes, he would have thought the same thing: it was the sky faller's fault.
Rei would never forgive Kamado for exiling him with nothing but the clothes on his back and the Pokémon at his side. He would never trust the villagers for their whispers and the disgusted looks they shot his way as he left.
The only ones who could be trusted were the ones who aided him during that time, the ones who risked their rank to make sure he had a chance at survival. Survival he managed with his own teeth and nails.
He’d thought Arceus was an exception to that. Until now.
"What do you mean, you can't send me home?" Rei asked, not sure he had heard Arceus correctly.
It is as I said, Arceus replied. Their voice resonated patience, as if they were speaking to an impudent toddler. I cannot returneth thee to thy proper time.
"Why not?!" Rei demanded, taking a step closer to Arceus. The rage and frustration that had been building within him felt close to bursting, like a volcano ready to erupt. He spread his hands out in front of him. "I did everything that was asked of me by you and the villagers of Jubilife. I didn't complain about the quests I was given. I completed the Pokédex--sought out all Pokémon--like you asked of me. Why can't you send me home?!"
I did not sayeth thy could go home if thy completed mine own request.
Rei growled, gritting his teeth as he dropped his arms by his sides. His nails bit into his palms. It was as if Arceus had slapped him in the face.
No, the deity was correct. He had never been promised a return to his time. It had been Rei's own naivety and hopefulness that if he followed the directions laid out for him in the Arc Phone, he would get some answers. It had been a lifeline to him, something physical left of his home.
His only objective had been to seek out all Pokémon. There was no promise of being returned home, not even if he read between the lines.
Arceus stared at Rei quietly, sensing the unease and distress emanating from him.
Even if I wanted to send thee home, I cannot do so, said the deity after moments of silence.
Rei's head snapped up to stare at Arceus. "What?"
Time is a delicate structure. People can be brought to different times, but to send them back is complex.
"I don't get it."
To send thee back, would be to send thee to either a time where thy has been gone nearly a year or to return thee to before thy were sent to this time with all knowledge thy has now. Both can cause ripples in the timelines, creating unprecedented consequences.
"Then just have Dialga send me back!” Rei set a hand against his chest, his other one sweeping behind him to where he had entered the holy space. “I can–”
Arceus raised their chin slightly, interrupting Rei. While Dialga does control time, their ability is not refined enough for time travel. It would sooner rip thee to shreds than return thee home.
Rei wracked his brain, thinking to all Pokémon he knew of that could control some aspect of time. Desperation drove him to find other solutions. There was little in his fuzzy memory banks, but he did know one more. "What about Celebi?"
Arceus blinked at the question before shaking their head. Celebi is mischievous. While she could send thee home, she would more likely send thee to a different time for pleasure.
Rei's shoulders dropped in defeat. He couldn't go home, not without messing up a potential future. A part of him, selfish and desperate, did not care; he wanted to return to people who could tell him more about who he was. People who knew him their entire lives. His parents, friends.
Young Rei.
Rei focused his attention on Arceus. It was difficult. Every fiber of his being felt light and airy, as if he would float away at any second. At the same time, he felt frayed and empty, ready to snap at the slightest breeze.
A small orb of light formed in front of Arceus’ face before drifting towards Rei.
Rei numbly reached out his hands, holding the ball of light between his palms. The glow faded, revealing a Poké Ball. Pure white with a golden band wrapping horizontally around the diameter. Arceus' symbol was stamped on the top half.
Rei stared at the ball for several moments before raising his head to look at Arceus.
Arceus stared at him then dipped their head. They then dropped to one knee.
Showeth me. Arceus raised their head to gaze at Rei with burning eyes. Showeth me the bonds people and Pokémon can form. I would walk this world together with thee. Showeth me how it appearth in thine eyes.
Rei's hands closed around the Poké Ball Arceus had given him, his nails scraping against the smooth surface.
This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.
They wanted to come with him?
He wanted to go home. He wanted to find people who could tell him more about who he was. What his true name was. What he had done before being sent to Hisui.
Perhaps Arceus was also lying to him, just like Volo had been. Maybe they could send him back, but they didn't trust how well he would fit into society.
It still bothered him though. He had a lot of questions, but only one remained at the forefront of his mind.
"Why didn't you take care of Volo?"
Arceus visibly startled. Apparently, they were not used to being asked so many questions or a human taking so long to accept their offer of having the most powerful Pokémon in their hands.
"If Volo was such a threat to everything, why didn’t you just kill him? Why bring in me? Why bring in Ingo?"
Humans would have remained fearful of Pokémon in this region, Arceus answered. They lifted themselves out of their kneel, staring down at Rei. I--
"That's not what I asked. I don't care if people don't become friends with Pokémon. I asked why you didn't take care of Volo. You're the creator of the universe. You have the power to smite him."
Arceus stomped a hoof and it echoed in the silence of the arena. Energy rippled off them, indicating their growing anger. How dare thee question--
"I dare!" Rei snarled, glaring vitriol at Arceus.
Arceus took a step back, their head retreating in surprise.
"You took me and Ingo from our times and dropped us here, expecting us to take care of Volo for you. For some reason, Ingo didn't work out, so you decided to try again with me. You put it under the guise of seeking out all Pokémon, hoping I'd run into Volo during my quest. You didn't want me to break too soon so you blessed me with the Reset. You knew I wanted to go home; I'm sure you heard me talking, so don't act like it was my own naivety. Perhaps you should have mentioned it in your cursed Arc Phone!"
Rei gripped the ball Arceus had given him in one hand, staring down at it like it had mocked him. He raised his hand above his head, frustration boiled over like an unwatched pot of water.
"I don't want your stupid ball and I don't want you!"
The ball shattered with ease when it made contact with the mystical flooring beneath Rei's feet, pieces scattering in different directions.
Arceus' eyes widened at the volatile response.
Rei stared at the pieces spread around him, taking in a shaky breath before he raised his head to pin Arceus with a glare. "I'd like to leave."
Either because they understood Rei's emotions or because they were too stunned to react differently, Arceus gave the smallest of nods and the crystalline stairs that Rei had climbed to the mystical arena appeared behind him.
Rei felt Arceus' eyes boring into his back as he turned around and descended the floating staircase.
The stairs disappeared the second Rei's feet touched the stone flooring of Sinnoh Temple.
Closing his eyes, Rei took in a deep breath of Mt. Coronet's crisp, clean air. He wasn't sure how long he had been in Arceus' space. After a few moments, and a few more breaths, Rei opened his eyes to take in the destroyed Temple, decimated by Palkia's enraged roar and overwhelming power.
No longer did beautiful pillars hold up a roof of pale stone, painstakingly etched into beautiful architecture by Hisui’s past inhabitants. Instead, they were spears that attempted to pierce the sky. The statues of the ten Pokémon who had walked alongside the ancient Celestican hero had been decimated, lost in the annals of time.
Behind him, the sun was beginning to set behind the horizon, casting everything in a cozy orange glow. From where he stood, Rei was certain the sea sparkled in the sun’s setting light.
He could have blamed Volo for everything that had occurred, but his hatred spun towards Arceus, who hadn't had the courage to take on a human that was a threat to the entire world.
Warm blood coated Rei's fingertips as his nails bit into his palms again, breaking skin. He took a few breaths in an attempt to calm the raging storm of frustration and anger he felt taking hold of his nerves and muscles. A feral scream ripped from Rei's throat as he raised his head to the sky, hoping the noise rattled the seat Arceus sat upon in the heavens.
In a blind rage, Rei grabbed everything out of his satchel, throwing items in different directions.
The Azure Flute smashed against a nearby pillar. Its shatter sounded like a crystal bell had broken, ringing sharply. Pieces scattered on the floor, pinging against the stone.
Sliding across the ground, the Pokédex's pages scattered, ripped from the delicate binding. Pages flipped until they settled on the entry for Togetic. There were sketches of Togetic doing different things, including sleeping against the leg of a certain merchant sitting on the ground, staring at a map in thought.
The Arc Phone bounced off the ground, screen cracking on impact. Its light flickered between Hisui's map and the notes for requests before fizzling and turning black.
The Celestica Flute went whirling, colliding with a broken pillar in the distance and bouncing off it, spinning to the edge of the temple.
Rei kept throwing things until he had nothing left to grab in his satchel, only the Pokémon clipped to the belt around his waist. He breathed sharp, shaky breaths. His entire body trembled as he gazed at the aftermath of his tantrum. He didn't need any of the items anyway. They were useless to him now.
All the anger within him had dissipated, leaving him exhausted and hollow. His throat was raw from his screaming.
Closing his eyes, Rei exhaled the last remnants of rage in a plume of mist, then departed from Sinnoh Temple.
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Every step back to the village had Rei feeling like he had sunk his feet into the sticky mud of the Mirelands. Arduous and slow. Thankfully, he had told Laventon he could handle things on Mt. Coronet, so by the time he had returned to the base of the mountain, the camp was abandoned for the night. He crossed the threshold of the east gate, the sun setting behind the horizon, turning the sky a mix of deep blue and purple as stars speckled to life.
Jubilife, as usual, was settling into their evening routine. The delicious scent of Beni's food wafted through the air on the cool, early fall breeze as he prepared for the dinner rush. The wild Mr. Mime who hovered around the front gate was entertaining some children. Whatever story it was miming delighted them.
Ress was looking over some paperwork, making sure everyone who left the village had returned so the gates could be shut for the night. He glanced up when he caught sight of Rei and grinned. “Oh, welcome back.”
Rei barely heard Ress, trudging towards the arched wooden bridge that crossed the small river cutting through the center of Jubilife. The river separated the Galaxy Hall and the shops from the villager houses, farm, Pokémon pastures, and the south gate that lead to Prelude Beach.
Marie watched the pastures, tending to them and the Pokémon within them. So far, only Rei took advantage of the pastures.
When Marie saw Rei approaching, she greeted him with her warm smile. “Good evening, Rei. Welcome back.”
The disgust and contempt for him when he had been exiled flashed into Rei's mind, remembering the hesitant glance over her shoulder to the Pokémon lounging in the pastures, as if frightened they'd go into a rampage at any moment. He shook his head to clear it.
“Do you mind if I enter to check on my Pokémon? I’d like to make some changes.”
Confusion crossed her face, but Marie nodded, opening the gate to the pastures and allowing Rei inside.
In the pasture, six of Rei’s Pokémon looked up from where they were grazing or laying. These were the last ones for the night before Marie would turn in for bed. It seemed she had chosen six of the more nocturnal Pokémon: Dustox, Umbreon, Crobat, Honchkrow, Dusknoir, and Weavile.
Marie kept the Poké Balls containing the other Pokémon in two separate baskets: one basket for those who haven’t had time in the pastures and one for those who had. She had the system to make certain that each and every Pokémon had their time out to stretch and roam around.
After greeting the Pokémon who were out, Rei went over to the baskets to look for the Pokémon that he wanted.
One by one, Rei released all the rare Pokémon he caught, breaking the balls he had captured them in. Darkrai, Shaymin, Manaphy. All of them. They left easily enough, perhaps glad to be free of the confines of the pastures.
The Forces of Nature were the last to be set free. Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorous all glanced at each other before they darted off in three separate directions, disappearing from view within seconds.
Enamorous remained, staring at him. Her expression told Rei that she understood his emotional state. After a few moments longer, though, she turned and vanished in a flurry of pink petals.
Rei stared where Enamorous had been for several moments before he turned and left the pastures. Crossing the bridge, he made his way into this house, shutting the door behind him.
It was getting a little dark and the hearth’s flames were extinguished, so he grabbed some small twigs he kept among the log pile by the front door. Tossing them into the hearth’s smoldering ashes, Rei knelt by it, picking up the flint and spark starter lying by the edge. It took a few strikes to restart the fire, but the small flickering flames lit up the small house right away.
With that done, Rei turned to take off his shoes, setting them in the entryway where they belonged. He turned to gaze at his surroundings.
It wasn’t his home, but it was his home. A strange dichotomy of something unfamiliar and familiar. The first comfort he had come to know after first being accepted into the village and among the Survey Corps. Over the course of the months, Rei had made the house into his home, decorating it with various items and adjusting things as needed to suit his tastes.
Thanks to Ginter and his knack for investigating Space-Time Distortions, Rei had obtained the mechanical cabinet, tub, and box; for now, he was still debating on whether he wanted the last two mechanical items Ginter offered. During his explorations in the Highlands, Rei had caught three Rotom, each of who possessed one of the mechanical items.
Rei set the mechanical cabinet by the right corner, beside the sink and small food prep area. AC, a smaller than average Rotom, had taken a liking to the mechanical cabinet. With its ability, it allowed Rei to keep his food cold which meant he didn’t need to go out as often to eat. Rei had grown accustomed to hunting Pokémon for food and kept a small supply of Basculin, Stantler and Starly meat in AC's frozen drawers so he didn't have to rely on Beni to feed him all the time. His willingness to hunt had been one of the few things keeping him alive during his exile and during that long, long month, he had learned to perfect his hunting strategy without the use of claws or fangs.
To the left, against the wall across from the hearth, Rei had set the mechanical tub. DC, the shiny Alpha Rotom, had taken over that item. It allowed Rei to wash his clothes much faster than using a bucket and washboard. During the summer, after washing his clothes with DC’s assistance, Rei had hung them outside on a line to dry. DC loved the washing tub, using the hose to playfully spray Rei when he got too hot.
On a small table against the wall separating the main room of the house from Rei’s sleeping quarters, he had put the mechanical box which Jules had taken. The box’s heat allowed Rei to warm the leftover food from previous meals taken from AC’s doors.
They allowed Rei some semblance of independence. He didn’t want to rely on Beni’s cooking daily without giving something in return. Since he couldn’t do that, and Beni didn’t seem too eager to add new recipes to his--in Rei's opinion–lackluster menu, Rei took to eating at home as often as possible. Really, eating rice, potato mochi, and wheat noodles got boring and nauseating after the tenth day in a row.
With Rei eating a variety of food, Laventon and Akari had sometimes joined Rei in his home for dinner; even Cyllene joined, when she wasn't swamped with paperwork. It felt like family, sitting around the hearth and swapping stories of what they had done for the day. Those instances were his favorite memories.
Closing his eyes, Rei ran a hand down his face then walked into his room. His futon was still where he had left it, laid out with the cover thrown off haphazardly. Taking off the Poké Balls attached to his belt, Rei set them on the window sill beside the Poké Doll he had crafted with the help of Anvin, the Craftworks owner.
Sitting on the futon, Rei crossed his legs and tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling.
He wasn't sure what he even wanted to do. There wasn't anything for him to do. The requests from the villagers had all been completed. He couldn't return home. The Pokédex was done and the world was saved.
A quiet sparkle of electricity brought Rei out of his thoughts and he turned his head towards the hearth. Standing at the threshold between his room and the main room of the house was AC, staring at him with concern.
AC whirred, opening one of its doors and rummaging inside before withdrawing a plate of cold rice and berry glazed Basculin filets; it had been Rei's dinner from the night before. Before Rei had climbed Mt. Coronet to stop Volo’s insane plan.
Another hopeful whir as AC shifted closer, holding the plate within Rei's reach.
Peeking around the corner of AC were Jules and DC, who were also eager to see if Rei was going to heat up some food to eat.
Rei wasn't sure how long it had been since he had eaten, but he didn't feel hungry.
Rei smiled, appreciative of the Rotom's concern. The smile felt fake. "Sorry, AC, I'm not hungry."
AC whined, drooping. DC and Jules also drooped before turning and returning to their respective mechanical homes. AC set the plate of food back in its shelves, closing the door before shuffling back to its spot against the wall.
A small pang of guilt went through Rei at hurting the feelings of the Rotom who were only trying to make sure he was okay.
A knock at the door startled Rei out of his thoughts and from where he sat, he could see a familiar shadow standing outside the shoji doors. Pikachu didn’t appear to be on her shoulder.
"Hey, Rei," Akari said. Her voice was hesitant, but gentle and hopeful. "I just wanted to check up on you. It's been a while since you've come out."
Sweet, sweet Akari. Of course, Rei didn't blame her. He was usually rushing back and forth between the village and the wilds of Hisui, helping fill in the Pokédex or complete a quest. Staying in his house for so long was bound to cause concern.
"I'm fine," Rei responded, hoping his exhaustion didn't seep into his voice. "I just...want to be alone for a while."
Akari's shadow shifted and she seemed to be running a hand through her bangs in that nervous habit he had grown to like. "Oh, okay. Well...I just wanted to see if you wanted to eat with me and Laventon. Beni made us some potato mochi and rice.”
Ah, so that was perhaps why Pikachu wasn’t with her. He was probably eating all the potato mochi.
“He even made some Cheri berry candies. They have honey from Combee found in the Coastlands.”
AC, DC, and Jules popped out of their homes, buzzing towards the door before turning to look at Rei expectantly. He could almost see their thought process: if Rei wouldn't eat food for them, then perhaps he would eat with Akari.
Rei shook his head. "Thanks, but I'm not hungry right now."
The three Rotom wilted once more before returning to their homes.
Akari seemed to droop as well. "Oh. All right. We'll just leave a plate by your door then, in case you change your mind?"
A hopeful question. One that expected an answer or Rei to open the door to accept the plate.
Rei remained sitting on his futon, staring at the door and watching the behavior of Akari's shadow. "Okay."
Rei watched Akari hesitate before her shadow slowly departed. He sighed, hanging his head and giving a slow shake. Flopping on his side so his back was to the front door, Rei stared at the wall.
I just want to sleep, he thought, burying his face in the crook of his right arm.
Rei let his eyes close, his mind going blank. He wanted to sleep forever.