Pokémon: Out of the Woods | A Galar, Unova & Sinnoh Fanfiction

Chapter 38: The Lord of Time

Triton rented a studio in Ballonlea. He didn't know exactly what was going on there, but he was sure something was wrong. He wouldn't find out what from a fancy hotel in Hammerlocke.

Like many cheap homes in Ballonlea, the studio was plagued by mushroom problems. They dislodged floorboards, warped window frames and attracted mischievous Pokémon, mostly Impidimp, who caused them to flash in the night. Some people despised the earthy smell. Occasionally, the mushrooms even damaged the very foundations of buildings.

An Impidimp jumped up and down on the mushroom behind the makeshift desk – a garden table – that Triton bought from the nearest charity shop. It flashed like a stage light. Grimmsnarl seized the Impidimp by the ears. Its squeal seemed to echo for several minutes after it was hurled out of the window.

'You don't need to be that forceful, but thanks, bro.'

Grimmsnarl did need to be that forceful, or they would only come back. Eventually, word spread amongst wild Impidimp that there was a fearsome Grimmsnarl in that studio and they avoided it. Triton still awoke to find a Chinchou floating over the bed. He didn't mind. At least their lights didn't flash.

In his red-haired disguise, people assumed Triton was a student like others in the building. Several foreign students remained over the summer break, including a three-piece religious band from the Chumani region. There was no doubt that they were still there. They practiced in the common area every afternoon. It was irritating, but Triton hoped they might prompt an epiphany, since all of their songs were serenades to Arceus.

That afternoon, they only annoyed him. He could hardly hear his earpiece over their wailing. Reira repeated herself several times before he understood that she wanted him to speak to Dialga. Dawn and Hilbert were already on an Air Orre flight to Wyndon. Abbey thought it would be an unwelcome request, but they fervently hoped it would lead to finally finding Akari.

Triton glanced out of the window. People smoked outside. From the common area, the band had a view of all the streets around the building. He couldn't risk taking off on Hydreigon. A poor student wouldn't be able to afford a Flying Taxi. He would have to drive, at least far enough to be out of sight of anyone who believed he was a student. The flight was on schedule to arrive in four hours and 38 minutes. The drive to Litwick Airport took just over three hours. He had plenty of time. He finished his report before setting off.

The band had fallen silent by then; or not, because the singer and drummer were arguing with another student in the smoking area.

'You're crying about disrespect when you're disturbing the whole neighbourhood! Your protests are inconveniencing the whole city!'

The young man from Kanto angrily turned to Triton. Kantonian people rarely partook in arguments, but excessive noise brought out their rage.

'Don't they bother you?!'

'Aye.'

Naturally, Triton had a thick Orrean accent. He was impressed by how legitimate his Crown Tundra accent sounded.

'I could nae even 'ear ma recordings over you lot. 'Ave some basic respect, why don't ye?'

'They have no respect! I bet you support the pub! All you Freezington deadbeats are drunks!'

'...I've no idea what yer on aboot.'

What were they talking about? He did hear someone complaining about protests in the corridor last night, but he wasn't paying attention. The Kantonian man's eyes went to Triton's car keys.

'Well... you're about to find out. Good luck...'

Triton had a feeling that he would regret assuming he had plenty of time.