Arc 1: New World

Chapter 1:

Summoned

I knew it was a possibility.

I've read too many self insert fanfictions and I’ve seen too many Isekei anime to be surprised. It was just so cliché, someone gets dragged into a world and has to survive. I was too familiar with the concept, so familiar in fact, that I promised myself that I wouldn't be surprised if it happened to me.

It was one of those things I imagined happening from time to time. I thought I wouldn’t be surprised by it because I was already familiar with it. At least, that's what I promised myself.

Not that I expect it to actually happen but still, I refuse to be surprised by such a thing.

So when I woke up in a forest after falling asleep in my own bed, I was not surprised. Somewhere deep down maybe I was. But I refused to give in to that feeling. I didn't waste time freaking out like a lot of other would people do, I didn't waste time suspecting I was dreaming either. A quick glance at my hand showed that this was all very real. If it were a dream my hand would look weird, it was a neat trick I learned from a lucid dreaming website.

"So, another world huh?" I muttered, going over myself. I patted myself.

I was not in my own body, that was the first thing I gathered. My skin was a bit too pale and I felt smaller, though not by a lot. Just enough to give me a sense of size.

I pulled a strand of hair from my head and saw it was blue. Not dyed or anything, no, an honest to god blue hair lock. If I required any more evidence that I was in another body this was it.

Strangely, I did not have any memories of dying or getting hit by a truck, so I could at least assume I was not in the afterlife. Unless I died in my sleep but that was unlikely. I was young and reasonably healthy.

I was in another body, did I hijack it? The lack of housing and family seemed to disprove that theory, though it was still a possibility. I really hope it was a new body or else I had to deal with family members who ‘remembered’ me.

That would be quite an issue, it would give me a few advantages but I also had to fake amnesia and pretend to have lost my memories. I always thought that the entire spiel was a bit creepy. In hopes of finding more information, I started studying my own body.

My new body seemed to be around my age, maybe a few years younger, I estimated my current self at 17 years old. It was hard to say without a mirror so it could have been a few years extra or less.

Deciding I wasn’t going to glean more information from my own body, I glanced around, knowing what world I was in was one of the most important things. There was a chance I was pulled into a world that was unknown to me, that would be a pain to deal with, not impossible but troublesome.

I looked for some obvious landmarks, I hoped for something recognizable like Hyrule Castle or the Avengers Tower.

All I saw were trees. No clues there.

Suddenly, I saw something on top of the trees. Movement. Leaves stirring. My eyes focused and I saw another creature. It looked like a bird but it was bigger than any bird I've ever seen and had a striking combination of black and white feathers.

Despite never having seen such a creature in real life,I immediately recognized it.

"Staravia?" I murmured.

The bird that sat atop the tree glanced dismissively at my direction, as if it understood me, then it flapped its wings and flew away, disappearing behind the treeline.

Okay this was an important discovery, couldn't ask for a more obvious one.

Immediately my mind started racing.

It seemed like I was in the Pokémon world, not too bad. I wasn’t out of the woods yet. I mean sure, the world of Pokémon was filled with creatures who could tear me to pieces with a mere thought but it was doable. It had its own set of rules and was to some degree fair.

It could've been way worse, at least I was not transported to a world with insane power levels like WORM or DragonBall Z. I was familiar with the world of Pokémon, I had seen a few episodes of the anime and played some of the games. Though I knew next to nothing about Sun and Moon, same for Sword and Shield. Did this world even feature Galar?

I glanced over my body, I kinda wished for a mirror. Anything to see my own face. I couldn't remember any important Pokémon characters that had blue hair but still, it would be nice to know how I looked. It was starting to feel like an itch. Knowledge that had to be scratched.

I put away that thought and focused myself on the problem at hand. So Pokémon it was, now the next question was: Did I have any powers? Most Isakei heroes who get transported to another world had some kind of superpower, I did not feel super strong or anything else.

I tried to summon a game menu but nothing really happened, same for trying to summon aura. I must have spent at least 10 minutes looking like a lunatic, before giving up on pursuing hidden powers.

I didn’t rule out the possibility completely though. I might have a hidden power but I suspected that I ended up powerless.

Nice! Starting to look really great here.

I checked my pockets, I wore a sleeveless blue shirt with a pokéball on it and some off brand boring looking jeans. There wasn’t even a backpack with items to help me out. That sucked, if I had hijacked another body then this person hadn’t planned to wander into the woods.

Deciding I was done with standing around I tried to focus on the next part of the problem. Locating myself. I looked around, tried to decide where North was but quickly realized that it was futile.

In a world where there was a lion/sun Pokémon the sky was no longer a reliable compass. Did the sun even come up in the same place here? There were too many unknown variables.

Also, I had no idea where I was. Like not at all.

A big forest meant not a lot in the world of Pokémon, in fact I didn't even know in what region I was. I just saw a Staravia, a generation 4 Pokémon from the Sinnoh region if I was correct.

However this wasn’t conclusive evidence I was in Sinnoh. After all, Pidgeys showed up in every region after Kanto even though they are from Generation 1. If I remembered correctly, in the I choose you Pokémon movie they had all the later generations show up in the Kanto region.

Was I even in the anime? Was I in the game version?

I decided to leave those questions for later, there was no use pondering about stuff I wouldn't get the answer to anytime soon.

Okay, first objective, escape the forest.

Seemed easy enough, unless I was stuck on one of those islands in Pokémon that were only meant to fill up the map.

Shit, I wish I knew anything at all about my own situation. At least the air didn’t taste salty to me and the temperature seemed about average.

I kept my head cool. I promised myself I wouldn’t be surprised and freak out.

No use in freaking out, I told myself and I started working on a plan. It wasn’t a great plan. I just took a look at the sun and decided to head in that direction, sure it might not be North but atleast I wouldn't walk around in a circle.

----------------------------------------

Turns out, the forest is huge.

Not that I expected anything else of a nature filled world like Pokémon but still, kinda annoyed me. It meant that my poor legs had to carry me, not that I was out of shape or anything, my old body and my new body were both quite in shape. It was just annoying. I could have spent that time walking on more important things.

The scenery was beautiful though, colors were more vibrant and the air felt far fresher than you would find back on our earth. I suppose seeing Pokémon everywhere was also neat.

I came across a Weedle and Wurmple and a lot more arthropods. Seriously, there were a lot of them. I saw a few bird Pokémon crossing through the sky and even spotted one herd of Sawsbuck with a Deerling. Most pokémon stayed out of my way luckily, they were skittish like real animals, so that was at least something.

It would be quite embarrassing to be killed by a Wurmple on my first day in this world. Not impossible mind you, just really embarrassing.

The thing with Pokémon was that almost every creature was as deadly as a machine gun, worst in most cases. Even a Weedle you would run away from in the game has poison and a stinger that could kill you with just a headbutt. If poison doesn’t kill you, bacteria will.

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

Not all Pokémon were this peaceful, the aforementioned Sawbuck made it clear to me that I had to stay away from the small Deerling. I wasn’t an expert with animals in the slightest but I recognize a threat when I see one.

I encountered a few Beedrill which I definitely did not want to meet closer, I made sure to make a wide arc around them.

In the end the forest was not that bad, as long as you are not stupid, I can imagine a child could walk around here without getting harmed.

It still soured me that I hadn't encountered any signs of civilization. It was almost worrying. I was getting a bit hungry and the forest was getting heated. The sun constantly shone down on the back of my head. Glaring at me. It almost felt nauseating. That coupled with my doubts didn’t make it the most enjoyable stroll through the forest I had.

Questions started to rise. Was there even a civilization? For all I know I was transported to Pokémon Mystery dungeon. Now, that would be a letdown, not that I hated those games but I barely knew anything about them.

Just as I was pondering about my place in this universe I heard some noises.

The sound of tree branches rustling, growls and high pitched sounds were coming from my left. Whatever was happening over there broke through the peaceful silence of the woods.

I turned around and heard the growling coming from a spot behind the bushes. The growling grew louder yet it was not directed at me, but rather at something else.

I moved closer, behind the bushes there was a clearing. Something was happening.

A Pokémon fight? I heard more growling, followed by a whimper.

Should I check it out? Should I stay away from it?

I quickly considered all the possibilities, checking it out might give me more information about wherever I was or anything else. It came however at the risk of exposing myself, being the meek unpowered human I was, it was quite dangerous.

Playing it safe or fulfilling my curiosity?

Curiosity killed the cat...but satisfaction brought it back.

I decided to check it out, I dug and crawled towards the bushes. I pushed a few branches away and saw that they led to a clearing. Like a hidden tunnel almost.

The bush hid me from sight yet allowed me to see what was going on. I peeked over the branches and saw three brownish racoons-like Pokémon growling at a smaller white humanoid figure.

Zigzagoon! I recognized the iconic racoon Pokémon immediately..

The three Zigzagoon were looming over a Ralts, growling and mockingly tossing it around. It was clear they were bullying it for their amusement. Everytime it got up they knocked it down again and then challenged it to get back up again.

The Ralts looked like they did in the anime and games, a weird human looking thingy with thin arms and wearing something that looked similar to a dress. On its head there was a weird helmet/hair thingy that hid a large part of its face, like a haircut.

I examined the situation, the Zigzagoon were obviously toying with the Ralts who seemed to be in pain. It painfully whined out its own name like all Pokémon did while the Zigzagoon were growling and mock biting at it.

It reminded me of the scene in which Professor Birch was being chased by a Zigzagoon and you had to choose a Pokémon to save him. Just like then, I was watching it happen.

I always loved to pick a Pokémon as slow as possible while he was being chased. However this was the real world now and in front of me was a Pokémon being hurt. I could just walk away, pretending I did not see it. I mean, it's just Darwin at his finest right? The strong prey on the weak and I had nothing to do with it.

What could I even do? I did not have a Pokémon nor did I possess any powers.

Still, the Zigzagoon were mercilessly bullying the Ralts, it tried to fight back but it seemed to be helpless. A purple ray shot out of its forehead but it was slow, the Zigzagoon closest to it dodged it with ease and it laughed, or as close as a racoon could get to laughing.

Did the Ralts just try to use Confusion?

Whatever the Ralts did it took a lot of energy from it, its shoulders slumped and it fell to the ground again.

"I should walk away." I whispered to myself, trying to convince myself to do the wise thing. Something about this not being my problem.

Still, one glance at the Ralts and I knew I couldn't walk away. I blame my bleeding heart.

Okay, so how to save the Ralts? Nothing came to my mind, I had literally nothing on me except my clothes and I was not even in possession of a bug Pokémon.

Thanks whatever force brought me to this world!

Time to do something stupid.

I braced myself and focused on the scene before me. Though I was a human I still had my own body, it wouldn't uphold in a Pokémon battle but maybe it could still function as a surprise attack.

Deciding it was now or never I charged forward. A burst of adrenaline was released into my veins the same time a branch swung into my face but I ignored the sting and jumped out of the bushes. Surprised, all three Zigzagoon turned to face me.

With no time to lose, knowing full well that they could take me out with a quick attack, I kicked away the first one closest to me before it could fully realize what was going on.

My foot met his side and he was kicked away like a football. It was surprisingly heavy for such a small creature. It crashed into a tree with a loud thud that even made the tree shake. Before the other two Zigzagoon could react I knelt down, grabbed the Ralts in one fell swoop and turned around. I immediately began to run.

I sprinted through the treeline and prayed to Arceus that the Zigzagoon would decide I was not worth the effort of chasing. While running I took a quick glance behind me and knew that Arceus was not feeling benevolent today.

All three Zigzagoon were chasing me, a mad fury written on their faces. Their mouths fumed and they yapped at the air.

I yelped and ran harder, ducking under sharp branches and jumping over obstacles.

The little Ralts in my arms, who was surprisingly light, muttered its own name and looked up at me, red eyes met mine and confusion was written on its face.

"Ralts?" It asked.

"Hang on buddy!" I said, not having any idea what the Ralts just said, "We're almost to safety."

While I was having one problem literally right behind me my thoughts drifted towards what I knew about the Ralts line. According to the Pokédex and anime they had empathetic powers.

I really hoped that it would understand that I'm not trying to harm it, or it might try to attack me.

"Ralts." The Ralts said, sounding like they doubted my statement. I decided to interpret it as encouragement.

Around me I saw Pokémon moving away from my path, making it clear none of them felt helpful.

One of the Zigzagoon came closer to my feet, I managed to kick it away without turning around. A cry followed and I smiled. At least I could still kick things in my new body, though I doubted that it would be anything more than a minor setback.

"Ralts!" The Ralts in my arms yelled and pointed its tiny arm at my right side.

One of the Zigzagoon was running parallel to me through the treeline, it leaped towards me, opening its mouth and revealing a nice row of shining teeth I did not want to meet.

I ducked underneath it just in time and the Zigzagoon crashed into the ground in a crazy nosedive. Eating the dirt upon impact.

Before I could cheer over my takedown the last Zigzagoon suddenly disappeared in a blur. As if it teleported. I only had time to wonder 'where did it go?' before he slammed right into my side.

Quick attack, that was just unfair.

It felt like someone had punched me in the gut and I almost tripped. The wind was knocked out of my lungs and I lost speed. The Zigzagoon grinned at me.

I cursed and brought my hand down on the Zigzagoon's head like a hammer. It did lack the impact of a hammer, but it fell to the ground anyway.

My next heroic step?

I ran, I did not even attempt to fight that hacking freak of nature. I made a wide turn left and disappeared into the bushes, hoping I could shake them off.

If I could get away alive I consider it a win for my team.

Only after running for 10 minutes straight did I decide that I was safe, or as safe as I could get in a world filled with Pokémon. In a strange forest with no ID or money.

When I no longer saw or heard any of the Zigzagoon I slowed my pace and came to a halt.

I was panting, although I was fit, I was not a trained athlete. Adrenaline had been keeping me moving the past few minutes but I already could feel my body retaliate against the strain I had put on it, and my mind was still reeling from the chase.

"Ralts?" The Ralts said, sounding a bit better than before. She squirmed in my hands.

I let out a sigh of relief and gracefully fell to the ground of exhaustion, hitting a tree with my back and leaning against it.

I dropped the Ralts at my feet while I tried to catch my breath.

"Ralts?" Ralts repeated its question.

"Yeah, they're gone." I answered, glad that the Ralts did not immediately kill me. Gotta take small victories.

"Ralts." It said again.

"No idea what you actually say," I told the Ralts, it was looking at me with a questioning gaze.

"Ralts." it repeated.

"Are you okay?" I asked, I was almost sure that it could understand me. The anime and the games showed that Pokémon were able to understand human language...which was quite unfair for humans but there's not a lot you can do about it.

"Ralts." The Ralts said, nodding its tiny head.

"I take that for a yes," I concluded, satisfied.

Now, that was a good deed done for the day, although now I had no idea where I was or where to go. Not that I knew before but the idea I did something was nice.

Well, at least I had my first heroic moment in this new world.

Next step, discover I have a broken power and become the most important person in the world. Seems easy.

I looked at the little creature in front of me, "So you have any idea where we are?"

"Ralts." It said, sounding a bit confused.

"Know any towns nearby? A city?" I asked, hoping it even knew what a city was.

Ralts shook its head.

"Well, that makes the two of us." I said and silently cursed. The sudden sprint made my stomach act up, and now it required more fuel.

Having someone show up conveniently now would be amazing.

I glanced at the sky, nothing.

"Seems like I'm still stuck here." I said out loud, I glanced at the Ralts who was still staring at me intensely.

I looked back into its red eyes...what to do? I could pull an Ash, considering that I just saved a Pokémon. If I were an anime protagonist the Ralts would join my team, all the clichés were there. I blinked, it wouldn't be that easy right? It can't be that easy.

"Hey," I said, the Ralts face perked up, "Want to join me? Travel the world, become the very best and so on?"

Not my best speech but I rather wanted to be honest with the Ralts. Besides, I was practically dying from exhaustion. Honesty was the best course of action here. Especially since it was a psychic Pokémon who could later on read minds if I was correct.

The Ralts tilted its head, and stared back at me.

It became an awkward staring contest and I considered telling it that it was okay to say no but to my surprise it gave me a firm nod along with a happy exclamation of its own name, "Ralts!".

"You really want to go with the person you just met?" I asked, a bit skeptical, however the Ralts nodded again showing no hesitation or self preservation.

"God," I groaned, "This is so stupid."

"RALTS!" Ralts cheered.