“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.

And since they weren’t allowed to just read her mind against her will, because no way would Espy allow such a thing without a fight. Not to mention risk exposing her otherworldly origin. Nina had just been stuck here in this little interrogation room repeating the same thing over and over again to a moron whose entire agenda, as far as Nina could tell, was to pressure her until she slipped for an excuse to vilify her. Or maybe it was just pure incompetence? Who knows? To say that her patience was worn thin would be an understatement.

“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!” The police officer jumped out of her chair in fright at the sudden emergence of the Mythical pixie right 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 myseeelf~” 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 stoic 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. I can see the Pokedollar signs in your eyes...”

“Am not!” The girl pouted.

Falkner chortled. “Regardless, you have done a great deed for both our regions. We will offer commendations to 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 interrupted to reel his niece back on topic. “You were whining about how you regretted not asking for a Key Stone 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.

***

Author's note:

Happy Thanksgiving to those who celebrate it!

And for those who don't; Happy Holidays! Hope you guys have fun stuff planned.

Unfortunately, I'm not gonna be able to do what I did last year and surprise you guys with bonus chapter dumps as presents. I had wanted to do a chapter dump around the New Year but I just don't have the backlog to sustain that at the moment.

But who knows, there's still a bit of time until then.

Anyways, have fun, be merry! Tis the season! No matter your background or upbringing, the year end is always a time for family and reflection.

PS. There will be a bonus chapter tomorrow from Ash's POV.