Chapter Text
Darkness covered the field of vision among the human eyes, not a voice or a single sound was heard. No people, Pokemon, anyone, or anything was present. Gravity was also somewhat absent, let alone the physical body of oneself, it was all empty. It felt eerie, chilling, and oddly overpowering?. Only thoughts can be constructed at any time. At least there was something that could be done rather than simply experiencing nothing.
But despite not being able to see or hear and being able to only simply think. The atmosphere felt...warm and unlaxing, a pleasant feeling that eases the chilling tone. Something fluffy and soft was somewhat present and tingling all around, but cannot be seen. A nice balance between the spooky atmosphere and the lighten sensat-
Wait. Scratch that! This dark empty void has happened before, several times actually. In fact, this environment has happened every single time, every single day. This is just unnecessary rambling, no need for that when the realization finally hits, everything right now is a common thing. And that thing is called…sleep.
How unimpressive…and anticlimactic. All this build up for nothing, finally hitting in the head that simple shut-eye is currently ongoing. At Least it’s comfortable, lucky that it wasn’t a nightmare or anything worse.
Although, there's one thought that keeps crossing so often. Something about a school, an academy in order words. A memory was starting to come back, and this thought came into mind yesterday, and the day before, then to a week ago. But why is that? What’s so enticing about a simple thought about a place of education, where grown-ups or adults teach the youth lessons and spread their experiences for their own future. That’s not a bad thing, school is important for everybody, no matter how stressful or pushy it can ge-
Wait, it's starting to change. A light was starting to dim the empty space, meanwhile the pleasant and warm atmosphere was starting to fade away slowly because of a...jumpy feeling? Alongside, finally a subtle sound can be heard. Every second, that jumpy sensation was getting stronger and the noise coming from wherever was getting louder, meanwhile the light was starting to dissolve the darkness. It’s as if someone or something was trying to wak-
“MUNCHA!”
“GAAH-OOF!”.
“...”
“Ugh…”
Someone was trying to wake her up. A Pokemon, or a Skwovet to be precise. The puffed-up cheek squirrel Pokemon who has been a member among their family. And…Oh, you might be wondering who “her” is. Although, many of you are pretty much already aware of who this specific individual is among the other many portrayals, I bet you’ve seen thousands of different variants. Let’s back up before all this sleeping beauty charade happens, shall we?
Juliana Aoi (or Jules for short), a rather jolly or cheerful young girl who originated from the Hoenn region and is rather quite knowledgeable when it comes to Pokemon. Currently residing at a small settlement called “Cabo Paco” located at the south of the vast landscapes and wonderful oceans of the Paldea Region, she moved to said region with her Mother a month ago. During that time period, she has been too busy helping her Mother setting up their new home, thus not having a chance to explore the region thoroughly. And by that, she’s been staying at home for most of her time here. But despite being mostly stuck in one area, the experience there was already filling her with high hopes.
A region containing four provinces, all unique with several biomes within their terrain, with many different Pokemon roaming around that she’s yet to discover or encounter. Many bustling cities, all giving unique atmospheres that represent their true meaning. Not to mention the mountain located at the very middle of the region named “The Great Crater of Paldea” which also houses a mysterious land within, but let’s not focus on that, we can go back to that later.
But exploring nor completely moving here wasn’t the main purpose she arrived at. The reason she moved to this region is that she got accepted to-
Actually let’s stop that from there, why don’t we go back to where her sudden awakening just happened.
“Ooo…”, Juliana groaned weakly. Lying limp on her bed, her vision was blurry at first, and was still processing over what just happened, but the sunlight that was piercing through her bedroom window and shining upon her was enough to tell that it was morning time.
“ Yawn …Good Morning…” she yawned.
She blinked a couple times, her vision got less blurry then finally getting full vision over what she sees upfront. She looks through the window, gazing upon the blue sky with white clouds accompanying it to cover the shining sun. Meanwhile she can see some flying Pokemon soaring through the air, was that a Talonflame leading a flock of fletchlings? How cute.
She smiled softly at the flock. “Aww… what nice sight to se-”
“Muncha!”
The familiar cry snapped her out of her gaze. Juliana jerked her head to see where it came from, the aforementioned Skwovet was standing on her stomach with an irritated expression. She didn’t understand why it was upset but judging by the situation right now, the little fella must’ve been trying so hard and for so long to wake her up for some reason.
“Good Morning to you too, Skwovet”, she said while gently rubbing the Skwovet’s chin while smiling softly. “Don’t worry, I’m up now! Sorry for making you worry, I guess I must’ve slept really well, yeah?.”, she added.
She then sits up from her bed, yawning loudly while stretching her arms to relieve the weight on her body. The Skwovet dropped down to the floor, though a lot calmer now thanks to the affection she gave, it still had that irritated expression. Not fully understanding why Skwovet keeps crying out, she crouches down with a concerned face. “What is it, Skwovet? Is there something on my face?”
The Skwovet responded by shaking its head, it then gestured its tiny hands to a clock that was hanging on the wall. It kept letting out cries as if it was telling her or warning her something.
“The clock?”, she said, then grabbed the base of her neck, still not fully aware of the gravity of the situation. Although, she can’t help but feel like there was something she would’ve most likely remembered by now, something very important, and urgent. “Err…What about the clock? It’s completely fi-”
“Juliana dear, are you awake yet?”, a more mature voice shoutly called out to her from downstairs, her own Mother in fact.
“Ah, yeah Mom, I’m up!”, she replied back, yawning again.
“Well I’m glad you didn’t sleep in on this very important day! It would be terrible if that were to happen.”
“ Important? Wait…Why do i feel like I should remember something by now” , thought Juliana.
“You should start getting ready now!”
“Ready? For what exact-”
The realization struck, she stopped her words right there while gasping loudly. Her eyes widened in shock, as if a glass cup dropped to the ground then shattered that caused the whole world to stop time. The thought that kept coming up during her sleep was starting to make her remember.
Then it all clicked, a nail on the head. Skwovet’s desperate attempts to wake her up and pointing at the clock, her mother reminding about today being important and the need for her to get ready, alongside the thought about an academy she felt like a week ago. All of this can accumulate to one thing, and oh how foolish of her to forget.
“IT’S MY FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!!”
20 Minutes Ago, Poco Path
Located at the north of Cabo Paco, a short pathway called Poco Path was in place. The lush greenery and the rejuvenating cool atmosphere encapsulates the essential key elements surrounding the area. Many wild Pokemon roaming around at different places, Lechonk’s strolling at the grassy fields, Tarountula’s dangling on trees, even Hoppip’ hovering in the air, bypassing the Fletchling’s flying by. Other Pokemon were around, but the point is that they're free from any disturbance. It was peaceful, so peaceful.
But their serene time was interrupted. And in an unexpected way…
A portal shaped like a ring or hoop started materializing out of thin air, near one of the route’s trees. The ring had a goldish hue and with mysterious blue energy filling the space in between the ring. The portal ring completely forms and causes the nearby Pokemon to get startled and run off in fright.
Shortly after, Two individuals emerge from it. One male human and one floating Pokemon. The human was noticeably tall (around 175 cm/5.7 ft). Wearing an overcoat without slipping his arms into the sleeves. His hair is mostly covered by a fedora hat, and with sunglasses placed on the brim of said hat.
On the other hand, the Pokemon is a lot smaller, with horns for ears, not legs but replaced with a wispy tail and disembodied hands, alongside the mentioned rings wrapping around both of its horn ears and the waist, alongside being able to float freely.
The human steps out from the portal first, setting his foot on the land of Paldea with the Pokemon floating beside. “Ah sheesh…I think I hit something before we got here—Well at least that didn’t take long.”, the human said while brushing his hat.
“See! I told you I could find this world in just under ten seconds”, the floating Pokemon retorts then letting out a slight giggle.
“You still had some struggle but sure…” the human murmured.
The Pokemon closes the portal by shrinking and returning the ring to one of its horn ears. Both of them took a second to take in their new surroundings, breathing in the refreshing air while the human taps his feet on the grassy field.
“Kay, what’s the agenda? Why did you invite me again?”, he asked the floating Pokemon beside him. “We didn’t plan this trip and you just completely requested it out of the blue. I agreed on your behalf due to my curiosity, but why did we come to Paldea exactly? And why another universe and not ours? Were you not aware that we also have a Paldea in our world too?”
“Oh c’mon don’t be such a hassle. I’m aware…”, the Pokemon retorts. “I just thought after the constant rough trips we crossed among the past worlds, why don’t we relax a bit and explore a region you haven’t visited yet! This is your first time at Paldea right?”, it said while playfully orbiting the human.
The Human leaned against a tree, pinching his chin while pondering. “Hmm…That is true, we have traveled to so many universes and we didn’t really come across Paldea at all.”, he remarked. “That’s genuinely surprising! Well, specifically for me. The only thing I know about the Paldea in “our world” is that there's this mysterious hidden land called “Area Zero” located within “The Great Crater of Pald-”
“Waitwaitwait—Pause, It has a name?”
“...Yeah?”
“...”
“Wait, You don’t know?”
“N-No…”
“Then what in the world have you been calling it?”
The Pokemon scratched the back of its head. “I…Never really thought about giving it a name, or heard of anyone mentioning it. But hey, that’s good to know! “ Area Zero ”…It has a nice ding to it, I like it! Anyways, continue talking.”
“You never—Ughh, nevermind”, he groaned. “Anyways, I don’t really know what it is fully but It’s not a place for everyone to go through, only researchers are allowed to investigate the place, led by Professor Turo, I believe that was the name... Another thing would be the existence of Terastalization, the former being something that I’m less knowledgeable about.”, he continued.
“Hmm…Well you’re in luck!”, the Pokemon perked. “Say, remember the whole exploring thing I said like seconds ago?”
“Yeah—Why?”
“That whole spiel was a lie!”, it exclaimed. “My main reason is that I want us to go together to explore this Area Zero thoroughly for the first time!”
The human nodded in understanding, seemingly interested but suddenly raised an eyebrow. “First time? You’re telling me throughout your thousand year life-”
“More.”
“More than a thousand year life you never bothered to check Area Zero at all? Even in other universes that have Area Zero?”
“Uhh…I never really bothered to check until recently”, the Pokemon replied nervously while scratching the back of its head. “I crossed this universe like months ago, and I decided for once I might as well check what Area Zero looks like!”, it added.
“Wait, so you’ve been there?, he asked. “You know what Area Zero looks like?”
“Yeah!”, it beamed. “Well, uhh not really, yet…It didn’t really last long…”
“As in…?”, he asked and raised a brow again, leaning in closer.
“So…Arrgh might as well explain myself, from the start!”, the Pokemon groaned. “I crossed by this universe a month ago without you”
“Booo…How dare you…”
“Shut up!—Anyways, I decided to play around a bit, after a couple of hours I eventually for once decided to see what Area Zero looks like for the first time, I’ve seen the Great Crater of Paldea several times in other worlds including ours but never really bothered to check what was inside, in fact I wasn’t even aware that there was a land deep within until recently!”, it explained.
“Tsk, and I thought you like poking around a lot…”
“Hey!”, it retorted, although it was true. “That's-! Y’know what nevermind”
The human responded with a snarkish laugh before shrugging it off. “Alright, keep talking…”
“So I flew down there to see what’s inside, I managed to catch a glimpse of Area Zero but then I retreated back because I thought it would be fun to bring you along so we could go there together, blindly!”
“Hmm…Okay…”, he nodded before his eyes widened over a contradiction. Wait, why did you descend down there manually? Why didn’t you use your portals like always for the quick and easy fast travel? That’s basically your whole gimmick, why not use it to get into this location?”, he said while tugging the Pokemon’s rings on its ears.
The Pokemon snapped back by slapping his hand away, letting go of the grip. “Because! Uhh…Well, I had a…” problem” to say the least.”
“And that is…?”
“It’s….nothing important, trust me! It was just a minor setback, nothing too serious. The point is that I managed to catch a glimpse of what Area Zero looks like, even if I didn’t use the obvious way.”
“That’s w-”
“Anyways!”, the Pokemon abruptly interrupted. “After that little peek, I left this universe and went back to our world. Forgot about it for several months since we have our own more important weekly multiverse trip. Until yesterday, when I overheard you mentioning that you were thinking of visiting Paldea soon since that’s the region you haven’t traveled to before, when I heard that It remind me of this universe, so I thought this was a perfect opportunity to invite you.”
“...So this is an excuse for me to accompany you on fully exploring Area Zero? Let alone in another universe?”.
“...Y-yeah…? Wouldn’t hurt, would it?”, it nervously laughed while shrugging slightly and dropping a sweat.
The human tilted his head down, letting a short “hmm” noise, pondering in the process. The floating Pokemon watched nervously, not sure what its partner’s reaction would be, maybe it was too sudden?
Suddenly the human smirked, tilting his head with an interested expression. “Intriguing! ”, he beamed. “I’m interested, I’d like to see this Area Zero myself, and since we both wanna fully explore together, I say this is a great idea. Even though we’re in another universe right now, who cares, I think it makes it more fun!”
“Woohoo! This is gonna be fun!” the Pokemon cheered while twirling around joyfully. “Alright, let’s go there right now!”
“Not so fast…”, the human interjected while shutting the Pokemon’s mouth with his thumb and index finger. “Slow down you’re high–jinks, we’re not going there immediately…”, he said.
“Mwhph? mwhp–BLAH!”, the Pokemon shaked its head, letting go of the finger grip on its mouth. “What?! Why not?”
“Here’s your first mistake, you brought me to a region that I’ve never set foot on, and as a guy who is curious about things I’d like to explore this region as much as I can, maybe thoroughly”, he explained. “After that, THEN we can go to Area Zero, let’s save that for the finale.”
“What!? But I said that the whole exploring thing was a lie!”
“For you at least, for me it isn’t, and now it came back to bite you, I’m sorry but Area Zero goes last”, he exclaimed. “Or…would you like to follow your original plan if you’re impatient? We split up, you go to Area Zero alone, meanwhile I travel the region”, he teased with my smirkish look.
“...”
“How about that?”
“...I don’t think I like that…”, it sighed in defeat. “Fine, I guess we can travel a little…”
“Daaww c’mon, cheer up!”, he said while patting the Pokemon’s head. “It’s an adventure, like we always do, every single universe is a traveling department, so don’t think this isn’t the first time. We’ve been doing this for…more than two years?”
“I think it’s around that”
“Close enough! Plus, we ain’t gonna stay here forever, like we always do. We’ll probably be here for like less than three days. We explore, do some things, Area Zero, then we leave! Simple as that. Since this is unplanned, I think it’s best that we don’t take this to the extra mile.”, he explained. “Also a plus, why don’t we spread a little “ turmoil ” while we’re here…”, he spoke while following up with a mischievous giggle.
“Hmm…yeah, you’re right. Like we always do!”, the Pokemon beamed while grinning lively and mischievously. “But I still wanna get to Area Zero soon!”, it exclaimed.
“Right-right-right, no need to get so hasty.”, he replied. “Besides, what’s the worst that can happen when we get there?”, he shrugged in a mocking tone. The human follows up with a slight laugh before readjusting and brushing off the dust on his clothing and clearing his throat. Tipping his hat slightly for a bit while staring into the blue sky above.
“Alright, let’s get started, Hoopa”
Currently
“Alright—I think…that’s there, that’s there…did I forget th-Oh, nevermind! There it is…”
“...”
“....I think I’m ready!”
After the sudden news and reminder that today is Juliana’s first day of school, the young girl shuffled around her open-spaced room, quickly rushing to the many chores she had to overcome in order to get ready. Shower, rushing breakfast, and preparing everything in her bag very cautiously and meticulously. Although her hair-do take a bit of time, dawning a side braid with a cowlick off center of her fringe, all in a brown color. Oh! And of course not forgetting the must-uniform given by the academy. A white shirt with an orange tie and shorts, and not to mention the ridiculously huge hat and those long white socks, I believe that’s the term…
Speaking of academy’s, the school Juliana is enrolling is the Naranja Academy. The Naranja Academy is quite the prestigious school, one of the oldest schools in the Paldea region, still going strong today. The school can be attended by people from various regions across a wide range of age groups. Children and adults study in the same classes together, some classes are attended with Pokémon as well. Classes have quite a variety, ranging from Biology, Language, Battle Studies, to Home Economics for some reason. Not saying it’s not important though…
Juliana carefully speculates everything she has right now for this day. Her uniform, her bag, her…hair, all check! Now with all preparations cleared, she’s ready. She has been waiting for this day to come, her Mother recommended this school during their stay here, and after carefully reading about it at websites on her Rotom-Phone, she’s all obliged and is very excited that she got accepted.
“Alright!”, exclaimed Juliana as she picked up and wore her bag. “Skwovet, I’m off now!”, she said, gently patting the squirrel Pokemon’s head. She continued to (carefully) run down the stairs all giddy and was ready to set off. “Alright Mom, I’m going now!”
“Woah now! Slow down–Jules”, her mother called, causing Juliana to stop just before she opened their front door. “Cool your engines, you’re not leaving yet”
Why? Why stop her here, she’s going to be late. “Huh, why? I’m going to be late!”
“Oh no-no-no, you’re not going to be late, in fact if you go now you’re going to be there a lot earlier.”, her mother remind.
“W-What do you mean?”, Juliana asked while raising a brow.
“I forgot to mention this, but the school contacted me and said that somebody is supposed to come here, that means you’re going to have to wait here a little longer.”
“...”
“...So…I’m not going to be late?”
“No.”
“And…Skwovet waking me up, me rushing everything was all for nothing?...”
“I wouldn’t say it’s for nothing, I think it’s a good thing that you prepared yourself a lot earlier, you can thank Skwovet for that early wake-up call”
Juliana looks over to the Skwovet, glaring at it. “Oh…you sneaky Pokemon…”, she murmured, meanwhile the Skwovet tried to hold its cheeky laughter. She sighed, a little annoyed but at least it’s relieving to know she’s not going under on her first day, that’ll be embarrassing. “Well at least I’m grateful for you waking me up early, you little munchkin.”, she said to the Skwovet, crouching down and gently patting the Pokemon’s again. “So, how long do I need to wait?”, she asked.
“I believe around five more minutes or less, so you might as well relax for a bit.”
“Sound’s good! Guess I’ll hang out in my room for a while!”
10 Minutes Later
“This is…more than five minutes…”, she murmured in an upsetting tone. How ironic now that This “Someone” who was supposed to arrive at her home didn’t really go up to code. Juliana was sitting on her studying desk so pensively, her Rotom phone was there to accompany her to pass the time, but if this academy person doesn’t come any sooner she would end up back to the start, to the point she started feeling a bit anxious.
“...I’m starting to feel like this person isn’t coming”
DING DONG
“...I spoke too soon…”
“...”
“WAIT! That could be it!”
The doorbell made her jump up in excitement, this academy person might be behind that door. It might’ve been 10 minutes but finally this could be it.
“I got the door, Mom!”, called Juliana. She races down the stairs almost tripping but able to regain her footing. Reaching the bottom of the steps, standing in front of the door, readjusting her uniform just to be safe and make a good first impression. Not sure if it’s the academy person behind that door but she’s positive that it might be them.
After taking a deep breath, she grabbed the door handle then swung the door open, while letting a bright smile on her face. “Helloo-”
“Ah, You’re Miss Juliana, correct?”
The reveal left her taken aback. It was an academy person but not who she expected, she expected it to be a teacher, a student council member, or any other staff member. But instead she was greeted by an old man carrying a bag with white hair, goatee, and glasses. He also wore an orange blazer with Premier Poke Balls attached and wrapped around the bottom half of said blazer. Alongside wearing a black shirt and white pants and shoes.
And judging by those descriptions, she immediately recognized the man, and the shock factor caught her off guard, not in a rude way at least...
“D-D-D-Director Clavell?!?!”, she stuttered, almost fumbling back a bit.
“Good morning, Miss Juliana. I see you’re lively and well”, Clavell smiled.
“W-What are-”, she cleared her throat, calming herself with now a much better composure. “I mean, welcome Director Clavell!”, she said while letting out a smile. “I didn’t expect you to be the one to come and see me”
“Haha—Yes, I understand your reaction”, he chuckled. “I’ve come here to hand you’re enrollment documents. Now, would you mind if I step inside so I can greet and hand it to your Mother?”
“Oh, right—Of course! Please come in, make yourself at home”, she said as she stepped aside.
“Thank you for your cooperation, young lady”
Clavell replied with a nod, entering the house then briefly looked around before turning to face Juliana’s Mother. “Ah, Mrs. Juliana, It’s good seeing you again.”, he greeted.
“Director Clavell?”, her Mother was also surprised by the unexpected arrival. “It’s good seeing you too, the school contacted me that someone would be coming here but I didn’t expect you to arrive to help my daughter on her first day.”
“ At least I know I’m not alone…” , Juliana thought.
“Haha! I see I’ve taken both of you by surprise”, Clavell laughed. “Afterall I am responsible for the entire academy—including any failures on its part…”
“Well, you’re right about that”, the woman nodded. She looks down to see Clavell holding a white bag in his right hand. “And I believe you're here to deliver the enrollment documents, yes?”
“Indeed I am”, replied Clavell while nodding. He lifts the bag and hands it to her, with her accepting in the process. “I apologize for my late arrival, I had a bit of trouble handling some troublemakers back at the academy. In my sincerest—Forgive me for making both of you worried, especially your daughter”, he said while bowing slightly.
“That is fine”, nodded Juliana’s mother.
“Yeah, no need to apologize, Director!”, Juliana joined.
“Since you’ve come this way, can I at least offer you a cup of tea?”, the woman offered.
“Ah, I do appreciate your offering but unfortunately I have other matters that need to be taken care off”, he replied, tilting his head up while adjusting his glasses. “Speaking of matters, I believe that’s the next thing to occur”, he turns his head to Juliana. “Miss Juliana, would you care to follow me outside to your front yard for this “important thing?” , he asked.
“Oh, uh—Sure!”, she replied.
“Splendid! Please, follow me”, Clavell turns around and heads to the front door, exiting the house with Juliana trailing behind, her mother also decided to come too.
“Jules— perhaps you know what is coming up next?”, her Mother asked quietly.
“I think I should, I think it’s time for me to get my Starter Pokemon!”