Chapter 02- Ian and Family
"Jirachi!!"
Ed's shout ripped through the mundane hum of the afternoon street, a desperate, almost reverent cry that snagged every passerby's attention. A wave of heat rushed to his face as dozens of eyes, amused and bewildered, swiveled his way.
A middle-aged man, with a sympathetic chuckle, approached him. "Hahahah, kid, you better get home. You're already drunk and way too old for cartoons. Don't think I don't know about Jirachi and Pokémon; I watched 'em with my own kids."
Ed's brows furrowed, his gaze darting between the man's amused face and the shimmering, star-like figure hovering near the bus stop. "Why do you think I was drunk?"
"Hmph, your sudden outburst and pointing at thin air really means you're as drunk as you are hallucinating at the moment." The man's smile was indulgent, patronizing.
"But, brother, don't you see Jirachi floating near the bus stop?" Ed insisted, his hand still outstretched, pointing directly at the mystical creature.
The man's eyes followed Ed's finger, then swept back to the boy, a frown creasing his forehead. "Oh no, kid, did you drink too much, or did you take drugs? There is nothing in the direction you are pointing. How about I bring you to a police station?"
Ed's eyes widened in alarm. A police station was the last place he wanted to be. "Uh… No need, uncle. Maybe I'm really drunk, and what I see and say isn't what I'm supposed to see and say." He mumbled, already turning to make a hasty retreat.
The man's face distorted as Ed scurried away. 'Did he mean that because he's drunk, he called me 'brother'?'
Ed hurried, but his gaze kept snagging on Jirachi, unable to tear himself away from the impossible sight. He didn't see the approaching truck, a roaring, metallic beast zooming towards him like a bullet. The uncle, still watching Ed, saw the speeding light closing in, saw Ed's dazed, slow walk onto the road. He opened his mouth to shout, but the vehicle was too fast, a blur of impending impact. There was no time for a warning, no time for Ed to react.
Bang!!!
A sickening crunch of metal and flesh. Ed was rammed, flung through the air like a ragdoll, soaring for a few agonizing meters before he landed with a thud.
"Fuck, he's really drunk!" The man cursed, his earlier amusement vanishing, replaced by horror as he sprinted towards Ed's mangled form.
Pain, searing and all-consuming, roared through Ed's body. Every nerve ending screamed.
'Damn it! It hurts!!!'
Through the blinding agony, a familiar, absurd thought flickered.
'Uh, what the heck, Truck-kun?'
Then, a grim realization.
'Wait, I still have my consciousness. Does this mean I will be reincarnated?'
A sudden, desperate wave of clarity washed over him, momentarily eclipsing the pain.
'No, wait! I can't die or be spirited away to another place! If it was before, I would be happy dreaming of reincarnation, but now I need to help my family! I already came so far with my bad luck, and I need to repay everyone that helped me and for what they've done for me.'
As Ed's vision began to grey at the edges, consciousness slipping away like sand through his fingers, he saw Jirachi, bathed in an ethereal glow, floating directly above him.
A soft, childlike voice, somehow both ancient and innocent, echoed directly in his mind, bypassing his shattered ears. 'Can we go back to my world?'
'Who?' Ed was startled, the voice a strange phenomenon when his hearing had already faded into oblivion.
'Jirachi is Jirachi,' the creature replied, its single large eye fixed on him with a gaze that somehow conveyed both understanding and a hint of innocent bewilderment, as if looking at an idiot.
'Ah! Jirachi? But your world? Is it the world of Pokémon?' A strange mix of excitement and longing, sharp as the pain itself, surged through Ed. He had always dreamt of having Pokémon. But then, the crushing weight of his reality returned: all his hard work, the achievements he'd clawed his way to, the challenges he'd overcome. His family, his friends, the acquaintances who had touched his life.
'I also want to go, but all my hard work will turn to dust,' Ed sighed, a deep, weary ache in his spirit.
Jirachi's tone shifted, a mischievous undertone coloring its innocent voice. 'But you can live if you come with me. If you stay, you die or will be in a coma, bringing only misfortune to your close ones.'
'But... why now, when I'm almost finishing my academic years?' Before Ed could formulate a proper reply, Jirachi cut him off with an unexpected offer.
'I can grant your wishes, but you need to help me return to my world,' Jirachi stated, its voice resonating with an unyielding certainty.
'Okay then… I wish that my family will have a happy and peaceful life. Financially stable. And lastly, I wish that I can have a good life in your world. So, I'll finish telling you my wish… how can I help you return?' Ed marveled at how clearly his mind was working, despite the blurring edges of his consciousness. It was as if his thoughts were moving at an accelerated pace.
'Just give me the Comet Core, and Palkia and Dialga's orbs within you. As for your question, we are in telepathy right now, so you could say I am talking to your spirit,' Jirachi replied.
'But I don't know how to take those—'
Before Ed could even finish his bewildered thought, three objects materialized in the air before him, shimmering with impossible light: a jagged, luminous stone that pulsed with unknown energy, the pearlescent sheen of the Lustrous Orb, and the dark, resolute gleam of the Adamant Orb.
!!??
'Thank you,' Jirachi chirped, its voice resonating with genuine gratitude.
'But I didn't do anything,' Ed thought, baffled, almost laughing at the absurdity.
'Now, I will fulfill my part of the trade.' Jirachi's large, emerald eye, normally closed, slowly opened in its abdomen, revealing a mesmerizing swirl of light.
'Your wish has been granted.'
'Umm… What will happen to me?' Ed asked, a flicker of nervous apprehension overriding his excitement.
'I don't know, but the one that gave you power has already planned about your fate,' Jirachi replied, its voice holding a peculiar hesitation.
'You mean God or Allah? But why is there hesitation in your voice?' Ed pressed, catching the subtle shift.
Jirachi nodded, then subtly shook its head, dismissing Ed's last question. 'I don't know. But the one that can give that power to you… it has a stronger breath or aura than even our Pokémon god, Arceus.'
As Jirachi finished speaking, it extended its small arms, clenching the unknown meteor, the Lustrous Orb of Palkia, and the Adamant Orb of Dialga. A surge of raw psychic power erupted from the little Pokémon, enveloping the three items in a brilliant, pulsating aura.
Space itself seemed to tear open. A swirling vortex of pure blackness erupted before them, growing rapidly, sucking in the ambient light and sound.
'We will meet again,' Jirachi's voice echoed in Ed's mind, fainter now, as if from a vast distance.
'What are you talking about? Don't we have to be together as we go to your world?' Ed demanded, a surge of excitement, mixed with a fresh wave of nervous anxiety, replacing the bitterness of his untimely demise. He had truly forgotten the unfairness of his death, the crushing waste of his efforts.
'You will be reborn, or should I say, reincarnated or transmigrate, hehehe. You should thank Truck-kun!' Jirachi giggled, a sound that grated on Ed's raw nerves.
'F— Truck-kun!' Ed inwardly roared, the resentment of his painful, ignominious end flaring up.
'Wait, can't Jirachi just save me immediately?' A sudden, searing realization struck Ed. Jirachi, a wish-granting Pokémon, could have just revived him on his deathbed! The thought was like a slap.
…
Ed's consciousness dissolved, swallowed by the encroaching darkness
__________________
As Ed opened his eyes, what he saw was an unfamiliar ceiling. He also saw a hanging toy above.
'Did I turn into a baby?' After all, some of isekai where the protagonist turned into child and with the toys hanging above him made him think he was reborn as a toddler. But when he raised his arm and saw that it wasn't from a baby but from a child he sigh of relief after all he didn't want to be a toddler and need to act as one.
'I really Reincarnated!!'
'But why is my body hard to move!? I feel sleepy just moving my arms'
[Do you want to sign in?]
'Yes' But Ed was shocked as he remembered he had just signed in before but also happy that this guy is still with him thinking that if he was in the pokemon world he could use it.
[Congratulations you received Mythical Box]
[Congratulations you received a Jirachi's blessing: Affinity: Psychic]
[ Congratulations you're blessed by interdimensional being: Type affinity added: Fighting & Bug]
[Congratulations you received a keystone]
Ed's eyes widened as he always got a mega stone but no key stone. But he didn't know about the blessings of Ultra beast but for Jirachi he's talking to it a while ago.
'Right I'm in the pokemon world now maybe I could take the items'
{Warning: Host couldn't use the full service of the system for a moment. The host is limited to food and beverages items to take. To unlock the limitations, hosts need to sign in for a year.}
Ed was surprised as this is the first time other than showing a wheel and asking if he wanted to sign in but the best part is that he could now take an item out. He tried to summon the keystone but the system reminded him again.
'Oh, I know, I know.' Ed giggled and dreamed of using all his items. Which sounds like a cough in the present situation of his body.
"Ian!"
The voice withdraws Ed from his dreamland and with some strength he turns his head towards the person. He saw a woman in her twenties. She had yellow green hair and gray eyes with a tint of pale blue in it.
'Is she my mom or sister? She's beautiful! Ian, is that my name?'
"Sonia, me and your dad heard our grandchild making a sound! He finally woke up, thank god." An elder couple Grandma Talya with Grandpa Yun burst to the room asking the woman named Sonia
"Yes mother, I heard Ian made a sound so I went and checked him out. But he was just staring at us" Sonia replied happily
"Mmm" The grandpa came closer to Ed and did some funny actions and whispered a joke.
"Oh come on now Ian" the Grandpa said
'I don't know why as I don't even understand the joke but I laughed even when I'm bedridden'
The elders and Sonia smiled as they saw Ian laughed. Ian on the other hand felt that he could control his body now but before he could raise his body a certain pain on his head struck him.
_-_-_-_-_-_
The trio was shocked to hear Ian groan in pain, the elders use their ability to help Ian and called a doctor.
"Ugh, my head… it feels like it's being ripped apart!" Ian groaned, clutching his head. A dizzying kaleidoscope of images and emotions, sharp and vivid, slammed into his mind. They weren't his. 'Wait, past memories? Why is something else going on in my mind too?' He gasped for breath, his chest heaving.
He saw a fragile boy, pale and thin, pressing his face against a cold windowpane. The boy, Ian, watched other children on a sun-drenched playground, their laughter echoing like a foreign melody. He could only watch, a lonely spectator, tethered to the house by a cruel, persistent illness. Every tentative step outside was a guarded affair, his elder sister, her vibrant Fennekin, the ever-watchful Audino, and the spirited Charmander forming an impenetrable circle around him.
His parents, often away due to their demanding jobs, left him in Audino's gentle care or with their kind but busy uncle, the city's Gym Leader. His sister, a burgeoning child actor, was often away too, leaving Charmander and Audino as his primary companions.
One day, driven by a yearning for the outside world, he slipped away from home, venturing alone into the whispers of the nearby forest. There, nestled amongst ancient trees, he stumbled upon them: a majestic Gardevoir and Gallade, their playful Ralts, and a Pokémon egg – their youngest, still waiting to hatch. His escapade earned him a thorough scolding from Charmander and Audino, and another upon his sister's return and also from his parents.
One tense afternoon, an illegal poacher, his eyes fixed on the rare Gardevoir family, cornered them. It was a terrifying ordeal. Ian and his Sister were visiting the family when they were attacked, but shielded by his loyal Charmander, his sister's Fennekin, and a shadowy Greninja—who had silently watched over them—faced down the threat. When the dust settled, the Gardevoir and Gallade, recognizing Ian's innate kindness and courage, entrusted him with their Ralts and the egg. This moment, unbeknownst to him, set in motion a chain of fate. It was how Ralts met his sister, and how they would eventually become an inseparable team.
The memories shifted again, blurring into a warm family gathering. He saw his own face, younger, being doted on by his elder sister and a beaming cousins. But this fragile happiness was fleeting. His illness flared up, worse than ever before, confining him to bed. He could only gaze out the window, watching children and adults revel in their healthy lives, wishing for a strong body, wishing for a life free from sickness, a life filled with experiences and memories.
And then, a breakthrough. His parents, desperate, embarked on a journey to Johto, seeking a remedy. It was during this desperate pilgrimage that they met Jirachi. He remembered himself, the frail boy, clutching the Ralts egg as Jirachi, a being of pure light, extended its tiny hands, blessing him and the unknown egg. Jirachi granted his wishes: a healthy body, a Pokémon with a strong connection, and memories of life.
The last fragment of the memory faded, leaving him adrift in a new, bewildering reality. The pain in his head subsided, replaced by a profound sense of duality.
'So I am Ian with Ed's memories, or am I Ed with Ian's body?'
"Do you really need to go back to Kalos? We still don't know about Ian's health. Why don't your family of four stay here in Lilycove City?" Grandpa Yun pressed his daughter.
"That's right, Sonia. I know your work in the League is important for Dia and Ian's future, but don't you and Argus need a break? A little family bonding with your children? Just staying here in Lilycove City would be good, too. It's perfect for recuperation and away from the pollution of the cities," Grandma Talya added, trying to sway her daughter.
"Hmm, how about Ian stays here with us, apart from our Pokemart business and ranch? Your mother and I aren't busy, and taking care of Ian wouldn't be a problem. You could say it's our way of making up for not being there for you when you were young because we were so busy with work. And why don't you call Dia here, too, so we can take care of her?" Seeing Sonia hesitate, Grandpa Yun suggested, eager to care for his grandchildren.
Sonia was tempted by her father's offer. She knew that if Ian's illness flared up again, her parents could immediately help him. "Sure, I'll talk with Argus about this, but Ian is still eight years old. We still don't want to be separated from him," Sonia sighed, relenting. She remembered how lonely her son was at home with just his nanny, maids, and Pokémon due to her and her husband's demanding workloads, and her daughter's busy school and star life. So, leaving him there or bringing him back was the same. At least here, he'd have his grandparents to look after him.
"We understand, dear. We know you don't want to be away from your son, but he has us here. Don't forget, I was once one of the greatest healers in the League," Grandma Talya added, providing another compelling reason for her grandson to stay with them.
The elders were deeply concerned about their grandchild's health. Ian had been born with a weak constitution. They recalled that during a mission, Sonia had been hit by a strong supersonic attack. After that, they went to the hospital for a check-up to see if she had any injuries, and that's where they learned she was pregnant. It would have been fine if it was just any supersonic attack, but she had received a powerful one from an Elite Rank Pokémon. Doctors warned them there would be complications with the child's health.
Grandma Talya, blessed by Celebi, watched over their daughter, using her power to help Sonia throughout her pregnancy. But when Ian was born, he had a frail body. That was until now, as they were shocked that Ian's health had miraculously healed and become stronger.
When they first heard that their first grandchild would have health complications due to the accident, they had used all their power and influence to ask for help. Even Grandma Talya asked her own father for assistance, who possessed stronger healing powers than her. However, she had become distant from him because, like her daughter, she had chosen to work for the League.
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The two elders questioned Sonia about their recent journey. Sonia recounted their travels and the incredible miracle that had happened to Ian.
Three days before Ian's transmigration, Sonia and Argus, with Ian in tow, traveled to seek a cure from Grandma Talya's father. Ian had developed a severe fever, and doctors were baffled by his symptoms. On their way, they encountered two unknown Pokémon that emerged from a hole in the sky. Assuming these Pokémon were hostile, they attacked, but despite their efforts, both Pokémon only defended themselves. Seeing this, the couple each caught one. Once caught, one of the Pokémon, embodying beauty, unexpectedly took Ian to an island, shocking the couple.
They followed the Pokémon, and upon arriving, they heard their son giggling and laughing for the first time. Excited, they found Ian in the Pokémon's embrace, laughing and holding two Pokémon eggs. The other muscular Pokémon was amusing Ian with various poses, which further delighted the child. That was the last time the two Pokémon emerged from their Poké Balls. As for the two eggs, Sonia and Argus were astonished when they vanished into thin air in Ian's grasp.
They immediately went to the hospital, where doctors were shocked to find that Ian had become perfectly healthy. Grandma Talya's father also examined Ian and confirmed that he was completely fine and healthy, calling it a miracle. He also sensed certain blessings upon the child.
The couple informed their elders about their encounter, but they couldn't call out the two mysterious Pokémon. When nobles in the association heard the news and grew curious, they demanded both Pokémon be placed in their custody. However, they were wary of offending Argus, the current Kalos Champion, and Sonia, who was the daughter of retired high-ranking League officials and part of a noble family.
A researcher named Mohn theorized that these creatures were Ultra Beasts, known from legends in the Alola region.
Unlike in the anime or games, Champions and Elites in the League don't have relaxing jobs. They undertake dangerous missions, such as battling evil organizations and exploring regions for expansion. When Sonia was on an exploration mission, she didn't know she was pregnant until a surprise attack hospitalized her. Hearing that it almost cost her and her child's life, she and her husband took a break from their association work during her pregnancy and went to Hoenn. However, her husband, as a Champion, was still bombarded with duties and lacked the support of nobles since he wasn't one himself.
Currently, the associations are named Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola, similar to the anime. But unlike the anime and games, these aren't just regions; they are countries as vast as Russia or China, with Alola being the smallest. Due to inherent dangers, the inhabited areas are small, and the exploration of wild territories is ongoing.
At present, all regions lack close relationships, but the association acts as a lead and bridge, allowing all regions to live in harmony, unlike the war-torn past. This is why Argus and Sonia, both a Champion and an Elite of the Kalos region, couldn't stay in Hoenn for an extended period, even though Hoenn was Sonia's hometown. Sonia's parents, however, remained in Hoenn because Grandma Talya was once an Elite Four in Hoenn, and Grandpa Yun was the first Champion of Kalos when the League was established there. The elders had transferred to Hoenn with the agreement that if one of their children became an elite trainer, they would work for the Kalos League.
If Ian knew about his family's extraordinary background, he would truly be shocked, as he had only believed he would be reincarnated into a normal family.
The two elders had wished for their daughter to lead a normal life, free from the strenuous demands of the League, but Sonia was strong-headed and stubborn, even marrying someone who was also part of the League. Although the couple now held high ranks in the association, being a high-ranking official came with many benefits, but also significant restrictions.