From Trainer to Beast Tamer Pokémon Trainer! Reader x Twisted Wonderland

Lost In Briar Valley AU Pt 7

We interrupted this regularly proceeding story to bring you this AU, starring several traumatized children in various states of recovery and a grandpa with too many adopted children to handle! This writer is not responsible for any emotional damage inflicted on the reader, you all literally asked for it.
Lost In Briar Valley AU Pt 7

The group continued onward, every so often nearly blowing their covers as Sebek and Grim had to be reminded to call (Y/N) Emerald for the time being. As evening approached, the sound of bells filled the air as tiny, winged creatures suddenly circled everyone. Both the humans, Grim, and all the Pokémon seemed a bit uneasy, pushing closer together as Lilia communicated with the tiny creatures who seemed to only be able to communicate in a bell-like language.
"I see. We'll clear them out. The rest of you should stay hidden."
The tiny creature let out a jiggle before it flew over to young (Y/N) and present (Y/N), circling them both with a curious look. The little one held still and the older version relaxed her shoulders to not spook the small creature as it let out another light jingle as sparkles filled the air.
"Lilia, what's happening?" The little one asked.
"It's the blessing of the pixies." Baul explained. "There's another Silver Owls camp ahead, so they will lend us strength. Odd, usually they wouldn't dare show themselves in front of humans."
"Oh." She smiled, cupping her hand so the pixie could land on her palms. "Thank you. We'll get rid of those dumb knights for you."
The creature let out another happy noise as a Comfey, who had wrapped around the child's head, let out a coo back. The pixie then flew over to the older girl, who nodded appreciatively. It then flew around the heads of Silver and Sebek, who tried not to flinch.
Lilia chuckled. "They said you both smell more like the forest than humans, and you boys have the night's blessing, so they'll trust you."
"You should feel honored, humans." Baul stated as they continued on, older (Y/N) lingering behind to watch the pixies leave.
Silver walked over to her, nudging her shoulders.
"You okay?"
"How did I forget all of this?" She asked, sounding more disappointed than anything.
"(Y/N), it wasn't your fault. Teleportation magic is already dangerous here. I can't imagine what teleporting between dimensions would do to someone. The fact your memories weren't permanently lost is a miracle."
She glanced at him with worried eyes. "Silver, I know this might be a long shot, but did Lilia ever...talk about me? Or even mention me?"
The pale haired boy pursed his lips. "Not by name, obviously, but...thinking back, I think there were times Father alluded to you. He used to tell me stories about dear old friends he missed terribly, great heroes who were selfless and kind, who put the needs of others before themselves. I think...I think he was always talking about you."
"Not just those times." Both of them turned to see Sebek approach. "Master Lilia always taught me to use the Hero of Briar Valley as my example, and how any person, human or fae, could surprise you, for better or worse. It's obvious, (Y/N), he never stopped thinking of you."
The girl smiled sadly, wiping away the tears that gathered at the corners of her eyes before they quickly rejoined the march. They came upon the enemy camp quickly by the river, filled with plenty of tents and a big roaring campfire in the center. Lilia and little (Y/N) were perched in a tree, scooping out the camp, as had Lilia once more wearing his mask. Present (Y/N) could almost recite the words Lilia had once spoken to her, about the 30 men and the Dawn Knight. Marshtomp stared up at her as they waited for the pair to come down, and she swore her partner's past self was starting to notice the similarities, She quickly pulled back as Lilia pulled her younger self from the branches.
Baul blanched at the camp. "Look at them, setting up these tents as if they own this land!"
One could almost hear the smirk in Lilia's tone, and it made present (Y/N) smile. "How kind of them to set up this camp for us. Once we secure this location, we can sleep right away. (Y/N), can your friends assist again?"
The child turned to the Pokémon. "You guys want some payback on these knights?"
The Pokémon called back eagerly as Comfey again hid in the younger version's shirt as Lilia turned to the older one.
"I assume your beasts can contribute, Emerald?"
She smiled, getting on Swampert with Grim as Noivern puffed up his chest. "Watch us work."
"Nyaha! They'll wish they'd never cross paths with the Great Grim!"
He nodded, turning back to the child. "You stay here, (Y/N)."
"What?! Why does Emerald get to go and I can't?!"
"Emerald's mud beast can carry her, Marshtomp cannot carry you. Besides, Baul and I can't stand close to protect you. It's too dangerous."
"What's a little danger to a future Pokémon trainer?"
"We can protect her." Silver promised. "Besides, we'll have the wild Pokémon to help us."
Lilia shook his head sternly. "No. It's either one of us, or she stays back. She's already been injured."
Present (Y/N) felt a familiar, dull ache at the remainder as Sebek looked at the smaller girl.
"What!? When were you injured?"
"It was before you guys showed up. Lilia, I'm fine! The bite doesn't hurt anymore" Suddenly, a Lairon stepped forward from the crowd of wild Pokémon, nudging the girl's leg and softly calling. Smiling, the girl suddenly mounted the steel type. "See? I'll be on Lairon the whole time. Not that Marshtomp would ever let anything happen to me anyways."
"Marshtomp!" The water/ground type called out eagerly.
Lilia sighed, seemingly not convinced before Swampert stepped forward with his trainer.
"General, we'll keep an eye on her. Swampert can lead the charge and we'll stay by her side through all of it."
He glanced between the two humans before sighing. "One foot off that beast, (Y/N), and I drag you out. Emerald, keep your word, or else. The rest of you, we're taking this camp! Attack!"
Lilia let out a hiss as the fae and Pokémon swarmed into the camp, catching the knights off guard. Silver and Sebek stayed with the fae as the girls barreled the grounded Pokémon into the enemy. Lairon was especially good at this with little (Y/N) steering him and Marshtomp aiming Mud Shots at the Silver Owls eyes, both seeming to type and impress Swampert who didn't even flinch as he ran over knight after knight. From the corner of her eye, little (Y/N) saw several Silver Owls preparing a net to slow them down. The present version also noticed as her younger self gripped Lairon's neck as he charged at them.
"Really hope you know this move. Lairon, use-!"
"No!" Emerald ordered, taking the lead. "The fae have sensitive hearing! That move's no good!"
The younger one blushed. "Right, sorry."
"It's fine. Watch and learn: Absol, go! Night Slash!"
The Disaster Pokémon raced to the head of the swarm, slicing his scythe through the net like butter, leaving the foes open to being trampled as Grim blasted the stragglers with fire."
"That's right! You better run, or get fried!" The cat called as Lairon pulled up beside Swampert.
"That was incredible, Emerald!"
The older girl smiled, noticing a familiar knight with a hammer. "You haven't seen anything yet. Swampert, take his toy from him!"
The water type charged, rearing up to grab the weapon, but not pulling it away just yet."
"You thieves!" The knight spat. "Come to steal our ore mines? You've even subjugated the monsters!"
"Talk about pot calling the kettle black!" (Y/N) shot back as her younger self hissed from behind
"You're the thieves! This forest doesn't belong to you, it belongs to the fae who live here! And Lairon and the others are helping us all on their own!"
The knight suddenly reeled back, letting go of the hammer as Swampert threw it away, stalking towards him.
"Wait, neither of you are one of them. What are you doing here, children?!"
"Protecting this place from you!" Younger (Y/N) declared. "Marshtomp! Knock him flat!"
Darting past his future self, Marshtomp leapt into the air behind the knight and smashed his head with a Rock Smash, knocking it clean off as it rolled towards Lairon's feet. The man attempted to back up, but an Altaria blocked his escape route, flanked by the Nidos who growled at him. He turned to present (Y/N) with a fearful look as Swampert reared up on his hind-legs for more intimidation.
"Leave these woods and never return. And tell Henrick and the Dawn Knight that their quest will only ultimately end in failure."
The man nodded and bolted off as a retreat was sounded from the Silver Owls' side. The fae cheered as the knight retreated into the forest.
"Hahaha!" Baul laughed. "Flee back to your fortress, cowards, and tell your master this: so long as we, the Royal Kingsguard, remain in Briar Valley, we will not allow you to do as you please!"
The fae all cheered with him as younger (Y/N) got off Lairon, picking up the helmet and holding it out to her older self.
"Eh, keep it." She insisted to her smaller self. "Go show it off to Lilia."
The child beamed and immediately ran off to show her prize off to her fae friend. (Y/N) smiled fondly as she got re-experience this moment, admittedly feeling a pain of longing in her heart as she saw Lilia pat her younger self's head.
"General Lilia!" Baul called. "Their wagon is filled with magical stones and Mistium!"
"What's that?" Grim asked as they padded back to join the group.
"Powerful ores with magical properties." Lilia explained, removing his mask. "The abundance of them in our land is likely the reason the humans are encroaching on our territory. We'll have to drive them all out."
"Gah!" Baul suddenly yelped. "Human! The purple imp is eating the ore!"
"Sableye!" Little (Y/N) yelled back as Lilia held up a hand.
"Let him. I'd say the imp has earned a treat for how well he battled."
Everyone looked over to see the Darkness Pokémon munching happily on the magical stone before burping...and letting out a stream of fire.
"Still less concerning than you eating magical stones, Grim." Present (Y/N) joked, making the cat whine.
"Hey!"
Ignoring that, Lilia walked over to a pile of supplies, smirking.
"Oh look. Those Silver Owls left plenty of grub for us. Grains and meats...haha! Even fat rats and lizards! Perfect! How about we roast them whole?"
The rats scattered as older kids all looked as though they were having war flashbacks, recalling Lilia's near poisonous culinary concoctions.
Little (Y/N) had a more reasonable reaction, gagging. "Lilia, there's actual food here. We don't need to eat rats and lizards! We'll get sick!"
"If it's cooked and fills your stomach, I don't care what type of meat it is."
"That's gross! You can eat the rats, I can cook for myself! Come on, Marshtomp."
"Tomp!"
"Please, general, allow us to cook!" Silver quickly offered, anything to keep his father from killing everyone.
The humans and Sebek all pitched in, anything to avoid Lilia killing someone. Little (Y/N) was competent enough, but she recognized the more experienced cooks and followed the older kids' lead.
"Good job." Silver complimented as the child prepared the vegetables. "You're a good cook. Did someone teach you?"
"No, I taught myself." She answered, rubbing her arm bashfully. "I was really bad at first, but I got way better with practice. Helped that I learned what ingredients go with what. Admittedly, fish is easier for me to cook, but you cook with what you've got."
Silver bit his cheek in guilt, remembering (Y/N)'s not to be mentioned past. He had, admittedly, only heard rumors since he felt it very rude to ask the girl herself, but he did know it was serious.
"Sorry. How...are you doing? We probably should've made sure you were okay sooner."
She smiled, not looking up at him.
"Honestly? It's not that bad. Marshtomp and I were pretty freaked out at first, but this is actually way better than what we were..." She coughed, interrupting herself before looking up at the boy. "If we had to be stuck in another world, I'm glad it was here with Lilia and Baul."
Silver felt a stab of guilt hearing this small child just openly accepting the possibility of being stuck in another alien world forever. She had been denied basic kindness her entire young childhood, only given it by members of different species. How did she grow up to be one of the most selfless, fearless, and welcoming people Silver had met or heard of. Truly, (Y/N) had a strength that Silver could not comprehend yet, and he knew he had a lot of growing to do if he wanted to match her example.
"Dinner's on!" Present (Y/N) announced.
The group had made a cheesy risotto with a vegetable stew on the side, making sure to make for both the army and the Pokémon. Lilia eyed the plate.
"Seems rather fancy. I'm not used to such...noble-esqe food."
Older (Y/N) smirked as she held out his helping. "What, is the great General of the Right scared of a little rich food? Scared you'll get addicted to human cooking?"
Lilia gave an indignant laugh, taking the plate from her.
"You've got the mouth on you, Emerald. I see why those bea...Pokémon, why your Pokémon take orders from you."
The General then called the rest of the fae to eat. During their meal, Baul and another fae, accompanied by Baul's ever faithful Swablu and Carbink, appeared.
"General, I have a report. The Silver Owls have retreated to the Wind-Swept Canyon, but their obsession with the ore should not be underestimated. They may very well return with reinforcements."
Lilia nodded. "Good work. Grab your meal while you still can."
"No, I should ready the weapons in case-," Baul's stomach growled loudly, cutting him off.
Little (Y/N) snickered as Lilia laughed.
"I think your stomach says another thing." Baul looked embarrassed. "You're the biggest eater out of the camp, Baul. Don't be so proud. I kept telling you you can't battle on an empty stomach."
"Lord Baul, we would be honored if you tried our dishes." Sebek insisted as older (Y/N) backed him up.
"You're free to taste the lizards and rats the General was eying."
Baul was especially hesitant when he found out the kids had made the meal, but eventually, he got two spoons shoved into his mouth, the cheesy risotto from Sableye and the stew from Hydreigon, both of whom got tired of his screeching. That shut him up, and Baul ended up scarfing three more bowls of the stew and four plates of the risotto, much to Lilia's amusement. Eventually, things settled down as little (Y/N) began asking questions about the Silver Owls, namely why they were attacking the fae.
"About a 100 years ago, a single ship of humans landed on Cape Light, and in the blink of an eye, they multiplied and outnumber the fae of this land." Lilia explained, a Manectric's head on his lap. "Now, the Wind-Swept Canyon to the east has completely become their domain."
"Humans." Baul growled. "We should've driven them out to begin with."
The child pouted at that unintentionally jab as Silver and (Y/N) looked at each other awkwardly. Sebek, meanwhile, ran his mouth as usual.
"Such arrogance to believe they could simply take what-!"
Hydreigon this time shoved a spoonful of food into his mouth to shut him up as Lilia sighed.
"Our queen couldn't have predicted at the time it would've gotten this out of hand. If they had respected nature and lived modestly, we would have left well enough alone, but they kept digging up mountains and forests. In truth, we were locked in combat for quite some time before you and the Pokémon appeared. Both sides attempted to drive them off, but they fought back."
"They were just protecting themselves." Little (Y/N) said, bringing Marshtomp closer.
Lilia nodded, running his fingers through Manectric's fur. "I see that now. All creatures have a natural instinct to protect their own lives, and when fear settles in, we lash out."
"That's pretty natural in of itself." Older (Y/N) said. "Self-preservation is the first instinct of any creature, and the unknown is the ultimate test of survival. Growing past those instincts...it takes a lot of will power."
The General nodded, agreeing with sentiment. "Originally, we were sent to delegate with the Silver Owls to cease their activities in our lands, but knowing they are attempting to enslave the Pokémon, I'm afraid we have no choice but to drive them back."
"Outside affairs have always been the tasks of nobles." Baul said. "Why must the General be saddled with this?"
"Because the humans outnumber us. We've had our hands full since the Silver Owls appeared. Plus, nobles are unreliable and would probably faint at the smell of iron. Initially, we were heading towards the human fortress in the Wind Swept Canyon to look for missing persons, but the Pokémon appearing made everything change. Hopefully, your presence could help us find a solution."
"If...if we can't find a way back to our world, I could teach you guys to live and work with Pokémon." She offered. "I mean, you guys are already getting along really well. It wouldn't be so hard. It might actually be fun! Emerald, you can help too! I bet you know way more about Pokémon than me! You could teach all of us!"
The present self laughed, patting Swampert's head. "Figuring out how to work alongside Pokémon is half the battle of being a trainer. No one can teach you how, you have to figure that out for yourself. But, if you're patient and willing to listen, they'll let you know when you're on the right track."
"I suppose these outside creatures are...more pleasant than the humans." Baul admitted. "But I wonder how Princess Meleanor will react."
"That will be my burden." Lilia said with a sigh.
Older (Y/N) froze at hearing the name she had spoken at the party. It was clearly someone of significance since even Malleus had paused when she had said. Why had she called him that?
"Who's Princess Meleanor?" She finally asked.
Sebek was practically petrified. "You can't possibly be serious... She is the Young Master's–, her Majesty Meleanor is the Land of Briar's princess.
"Precisely." Lilia affirmed. "She is Queen Maleficia's only daughter. We answer to her as she is the Wild Rose Castle's presiding lord."
Silver tilted his head. "Wild Rose Castle, not Phosphor Castle?"
"The vast Green Moors lie to the south of the Land of Briar. A fortress lies at the very center of it, glaring down treacherously beyond the Coral Sea and the Howling Ravine. We call that the Wild Rose Castle."
"We have to report the human camps rounding up Pokémon to her. Plus Lilia says she could probably send me and the Pokémon home." Little (Y/N) explained before turning to her fae friend. "Is she scary?"
The General snorted. "Scary? Try terrifying. I wouldn't be surprised if the castle was already in ruins due to one of her temper tantrums! The Draconia family that rules over the lands of Briar Valley descend from dragons, heralded as the highest creatures of the night."
The younger snorted at the idea. "Hey, Altaria, did you hear that? They think you guys are high beings!"
The cloud birds chirped in laughter as Lilia shook his head.
"Be serious about this, tiny one. It's best you recognize the strength of Princess Meleanor before you are presented to her. As a matter of fact, this goes for all of you. Her power is so great that even our combined strength would be powerless against her. She is hot tempered, rough, and vicious!"
"Like a Salamence." Older (Y/N) could help but say as her younger counterpart pouted.
"Hey, I was gonna say that!"
Lilia blinked. "A what?"
"A Salamence!" The little one repeated. "They're the biggest, strongest dragon types in our region. When they get made, almost nothing can stop them."
"Strikes fear into the hearts of those who see it?"
"More like curl up into a ball and pray to Arceus for mercy."
Lilia snapped his fingers. "Then yes, dead on comparison. Truly, she is the deadliest princess in the world. If you anger her, she'll burn you to a crisp, and I mean that quite literally. She will do it."
"G-general Lilia." Baul interjected. "Perhaps you've said too much."
The shorter fae just smirked. "We need at least one of these girls alive. Emerald has a sharp tongue, and (Y/N)'s got an adventurous streak that we can't trust Meleanor not to try to eat her."
"I thought you said she'd burn me to ash." The little one retorted.
"She may try both. Anyways, for the past 300 years, I've been pushed around by that princess, so I know what to expect."
"Wait...did you just say 300 years?" The child repeated.
"Oh, I suppose you wouldn't know." Lilia realized. "Fae have far longer lifespans than you humans."
"...Lilia, how old are you?"
"HOW RUDE!" Sebek shouted.
He bonked the child on the head, making her squeak. "That is a rude question to ask your elders. Do not ask Princess Meleanor that."
She merely smiled mischievously in response. "Do you just want to give me a list of things I'm not allowed to say?"
Lilia laughed at her audacity. "It would be faster just to list what you are allowed to say, which is just politely introducing yourself if you are asked. Still, there is some good to her being stuck at the current castle than in the capital. I doubt she'll do anything too drastic until her precious egg hatches."
"EGG!?" Silver and Sebek shouted, making everyone else reel back as Manetric bolted and the Altaria relocated.
"What's wrong with you guys?" Little (Y/N) asked.
Silver ignored her. "H-has Her Majesty given birth to an heir already!?"
"The Youn–," Sebek stopped himself. "Pardon, where is the precious egg right now!? Is it with its parents in the castle!?"
"Why are you asking about the egg's whereabouts?" Baul asked, eyeing them. "That's suspicious... Have you been after the egg this whole time!?"
"A-absolutely not! We were, um..." Silver stumbled for a lie. "We just weren't aware that she had given birth to an heir already!"
Again, the General sighed. "Everyone in the kingdom knows about the egg, Baul. A dragon's egg needs constant love and magic in order for it to hatch. It's safest when it's in its mother's arms. They can't do anything even if they know where it is."
"Still, I can't bring myself to trust outsiders after the incident with the Duke! I can't help but worry."
Lilia bowed his head. "Levain, the Dragon Duke, huh? We wouldn't need to venture into Silver Owl territory if he had made it home safely. Those two lovebirds have been making trouble for me since they were kids, you know?"
Baul glanced away. "Well..."
"Hey, Emerald, are you okay? You look sick." Little (Y/N) asked, making everyone look at the other female.
Older (Y/N) was clutching her head, holding back a groan as she had these white hot flashes of a dark egg, and a woman pushing it into her arms.
"Nya! Minion, are you okay?!" Grim asked, clutching her leg as she leaned back on Swampert for support.
Silver was about to assist when Lilia marched up to her, grabbing her head and forcing her to look at the horizon.
"Hey, focus on my voice!" He growled, trying to examine her for injuries. "You could've mentioned you were ill or injured."
"I'm not." She insisted. "I...my memories have been tampered with, so I have these moments of recollection that give me headaches."
"This seems magically induced." Baul said suspiciously. "What are they teaching you at that school?"
"It wasn't at Night Raven College." She corrected. "I...there was an accident with a teleportation spell."
"That explains it." Lilia said, letting go of her. "I understand you're from a different world, but some magics are too advanced to risk, and teleportation is one of the easiest that could go wrong. You should rest."
"Yeah...I'll do that." She agreed before the General turned to younger (Y/N).
"Speaking of rest, it's late, (Y/N). You should rest before we head out tomorrow. It is still a long way to Wild Rose Castle. Besides, you'll be tiny forever if you don't rest properly."
"Oh, is that why you're a pipsqueak, Mr. Ancient Fae?" She shot back, sticking her tongue out at him.
Again, Lilia bonked her gently on the head. "Bed. We leave at noon."
"Okay, okay!" She stood up. "Good night, Lilia. Night, Baul. Night, Emerald. Night, boys!"
"Good night, (Y/N)." Silver responded as the human slipped into a nearby tent, the wild Pokémon and Marshtomp filing in after her.
"Children." Lilia said, shaking his head, only to catch Baul looking at him. "What?"
"You would've knocked the head off of anyone else who'd dare insult you."
"That was teasing." Lilia corrected. "And she's just a child."
"A human child."
"A child nonetheless." Lilia stated firmly. "Let her be a child."
"It seems like you really care about her." Silver said as (Y/N) deliberately kept her mouth shut. "Even though you just met.
Lilia tended the fire, not looking at the boy. "I can relate to feeling alone in the world, having no one but yourself to rely on. I suppose...I can't stand seeing her feel the same thing."
"I bet she appreciates it." (Y/N) let slip. "Having someone she feels trust for once. Someone...willing to listen."
Sebek and Silver looked at her sadly as Swampert nudged her side. Lilia didn't respond, only eyeing the older girl suspiciously.