Pokemon: Bounty Hunter Alex

Alex made his way down the mountain, slowly trekking toward Jubilife Village. As he walked, he noticed people staring at him, more specifically at his clothes. Judging by the way the villagers watched him, outsiders were not exactly welcome here. He might have to look for somewhere else to settle down, but he would at least gather some information first.

His gaze drifted over the villagers themselves, noting their simple, practical attire, earth-toned yukata and kimono loosely secured with sashes, layered haori for added warmth, straw sandals or sturdy boots, and the occasional sun-protecting cloth wrap or hat, so utterly at odds with his own body suit, armored vest, and long coat that he stuck out like a sore thumb.

He ignored the gawking and whispers until he reached the village entrance, where a pair of guards with wooden Poké Balls in hand blocked his path.

"Halt. State your name and business, stranger," one of the guards said.

"I’m just looking for some information about the area," Alex replied.

"What kind of information?"

"Other settlements in the region, the dark clouds over the mountains, maybe even a way back home."

"There is the Diamond Clan in the Crimson Mirelands and the Pearl Clan up in the Alabaster Icelands. The Commander is dealing with the clouds, so that is none of your concern anymore. As for a way back home, how would I, or anyone else, know that? Now run along. You are disturbing the peace."

Alex was pissed at the guard’s dismissive attitude but quickly quelled his anger. These people were clearly wary of him, yet the guard had at least given some information. Now he knew there were two other settlements to try.

Before he could walk away, a tall, lean man with dark hair stepped forward, clad in a long blue haori streaked with yellow lightning-like patterns over a black tunic, knee-length shorts, and leggings.

Beside him, a blonde woman with a graceful, lithe build wore a sleeveless, form-fitting top with black and red stripes, a short white skirt, a teal sash, and a red-and-white patterned cape.

Both of them were at the Elite rank with impressive physiques as far as Alex was concerned, a sharp contrast to everyone else he had seen so far who looked like ordinary people, even the guards.

Two children followed, a lean, athletic boy and a youthful, energetic girl, both clad in dark, fitted outfits resembling ninja attire. Surprisingly, they had the aura of Elites without the physique to match, as if they had only recently reached that rank and hadn’t yet had time to let their bodies catch up.

Behind them was a mature woman with silver hair and the unmistakable appearance of Cynthia, wearing a long, flowing black gown with a structured mantle, white gloves, subtle dark embellishments, and an elaborate wide-brimmed hat adorned with lace and white roses, creating a dignified and elegant silhouette.

This woman absolutely terrified Alex, as he could tell she was at the Master rank. It wasn’t even comparable to Rowan Trekker, who had likely recently attained his rank. This was a true Master who could wipe the floor with him if she so desired, hence he was determined to be extra polite.

"What seems to be the problem here?" the man asked.

"Clan Leader Adaman, it’s nothing, sir. This guest was just leaving," the guard said with a placating smile.

Adaman turned to Alex and asked. "You’re not from around here, are you? You don’t happen to be from another timeline with missing memories?"

Alex raised a brow at the oddly specific question but couldn’t deny that he had hit the mark. "My memories are fully intact as far as I know, but you’re right, I don’t belong in this timeline, though this place is off by about half a region compared to where I was before coming here."

"That is interesting and worth a conversation, but we are currently busy, so I will make you a deal. Play nice, be useful, and don’t cause any trouble, and I will allow you to stay in the village under my authority as clan leader," Adaman said, turning to the guards. "Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," the guards replied.

"Good," Adaman said, turning back to his companions. "Let’s get going."

They nodded and left, except for the woman who resembled Cynthia, who gave Alex an intrigued look.

"Come, lost one," she called from a distance. "I could use the help of a strong man to carry my purchases. In exchange, I can answer your questions."

"Yes, ma’am," Alex said before stepping closer and introducing himself politely. "I’m Alex Wattson, a bounty hunter and apparently a time traveler."

"My, aren’t you polite," she said with a chuckle as she covered her mouth to hide her smile. "Cogita. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"The pleasure is all mine."

She started walking down the bustling main street of Jubilife Village, lined with colorful stalls and wooden shops, the chatter of villagers mixing with the clatter of carts. Alex followed beside her, taking in the lively, sprawling scene while ignoring the constant whispers and staring.

"Forgive them," Cogita said. "There have been plenty of strangers around them recently, as well as bandits, so the villagers have grown cautious. They aren’t used to outsiders, especially ones who dress as... unusual as you do."

"Bandits, you say?"

"Yes, they’re mostly harmless, preferring to steal rather than kill, but it has caused some distress as of late," she said before asking, "So, Alex, how did you find yourself in this land, and with your memories intact no less?"

"I was sucked into a portal in the Distortion World that belongs to Giratina while fighting off Shadow Pokémon," Alex admitted.

"Hm... yes, it would have that effect given the current situation."

"Situation?"

"Yes, Dialga and Palkia are fighting, resulting in that vortex in the sky as well as spacetime distortions throughout the region, bringing people like you here. Although quite a few have been purposefully placed by the Creator to fix these issues. You, unlike them, are a complete accident."

"I had that impression as well, since I already have a patron."

"Oh?" she said, turning to Alex with more curiosity. "Do tell."

"I was brought to my previous timeline by Celebi to save the world."

"Fascinating. You are the same as little Rei and Akari."

"Those two children?" Alex asked skeptically.

"Yes, they possess knowledge of Pokémon beyond what most people understand today, tasked by the Creator with studying all Pokémon."

"That’s interesting," Alex said.

He could bet he might be able to do the same... no, never mind. He had neither the mind nor the patience for it and would almost certainly be outmatched by a pair of children if he tried. He wasn’t a trainer after all, he was a bounty hunter.

They continued shopping, with Cogita perusing clothing and accessories while Alex stored them in his space pocket, which, for some reason, she never questioned.

Alex ended up selling the living Alpha Alakazam he hadn’t gotten around to butchering yet, since there was still plenty of Ursaring left for him to eat. With the money, he could afford accommodations if needed for the time being.

Once she seemed satisfied with her purchases, she made her way out of the village.

"Thank you for your help, young man. Now, I remember promising you answers, so you may ask," she said.

"How do I get back to my original timeline?" Alex asked.

"I don’t know, but whatever method you may encounter will require the spacetime vortex to be calmed first."

"You mean the clouds in the sky?"

"Yes, those clouds are likely interfering with any method to return to your timeline, as they are disrupting space and time across the entire region."

"How should I go about clearing the clouds?" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

"Little Rei and Akari are already on their way to calm them, so you need only wait."

"What about returning to my timeline?"

"Dialga might be able to send you back. As it happens, little Rei and Akari are on their way to quell it, so you may be able to make a request."

"I guess I should have gone with them, then."

"Oh, they won’t leave immediately after quelling the storm. They’ll stay to complete their mission first, but they might be able to help you before then."

"I see. I guess I’ll just wait for them, then."

"Good. Now, if you don’t have any more questions, you may place my items on the ground, as I need to head home."

Alex gathered her belongings and did as instructed while Cogita released a Champion ranked Claydol, which immediately began to use Teleport.

In a flash, Cogita and all her belongings vanished, leaving Alex outside the village to wait for the vortex to calm and, hopefully, allow Celebi to arrive and pick him up.

In the worst case, if Celebi still didn’t come, he would have no choice but to ask the children for help. If even that failed, his only remaining option would be to travel to Johto, reach Ilex Forest, and find Celebi, who was likely still in the area, to request a ride, though that would be a long and difficult journey, especially if he still doesn’t bond with a Pokémon.

For now, his only option was to wait.

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