Chapter 2

                                             To Find is to Lose, To Lose is to Find

You stiffened, and waited, Dusknoir seemed to be inspecting the tree you are hiding in, you tried to stay as quiet as you can, covering your mouth with one hand as you held your breath.


You used your other hand in attempt to cover your injured stomach as you silently inched back, deeper into the tree limbs and grey leaves, the pain intensified as you knew this might be the end.


You were trying to make sure Dusknoir doesn't see or even smell you, while it would be worth it to try to hide your scent of blood, you knew it would be at most futile.


If he finds you in the tree he's looking at, you know you are finished, Dusknoir had no need for legs either, so it is likely he might as well fly to where you are at.


Then again, if he finds you, you might as well fight your way out, even though it might be impossible to make it out alive due to the injuries you've sustained earlier. You felt your body stiffen as you could feel the sensation of a shadow looming over your hiding place, you still had the will to live, after all.


One such as yourself could hope not to be found in such a sh**ty hiding spot, you could have hidden in a better place if there was one, feeling your determination leave you, you closed your (e/c) eyes as your heart pounded frantically against your chest.


Crap, crap, crap, crap, F**K MY LIFE!! You truly felt like you were going to die here.


Even if Dusknoir left you alone somehow or another, you do not have anything with you that could allow you to tend to your injuries, the only way for him to leave is for a miracle to occur, somehow or another. You had nothing that could help you heal, no cobs, no medical alcohol and no bandages, you are in a helpless state only a big guy would love to break like a piece of glass.


He seemed to have had something going on in his mind, you wouldn't dare find out, what you could figure was that he seemed to be the one ordered to execute humans by one certain Pokemon. And the one Pokemon who you are aware who could order Dusknoir to execute you must be a certain but corrupt Legendary Pokemon, that must have been before you even woke up in the prison cell a while ago.


It seemed to have been sometime between after someone found you here, and sometime before all this had happened, even if you were found after Dusknoir had been ordered to do as he should, something seems out of place somehow.


After all, you did some research on Pokemon on your computer back on home everyday in your free time, and even stumbled upon the Mystery Dungeon series. And in Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky all had one thing in common, humans were, and still are a huge threat to the Legendary Pokemon who wanted you dead.


Because they are capable of something many Pokemon aren't, and that is saving this world somehow or another, just as the voice from the dream had wanted you to do.  But for as long as you can remember, you don't really know how much of a threat you are, other then the fact you can run fast and for pretty long and even have some intelligence on Pokemon as well as know some survival and medical skills which does come in handy


But overall really, while you know how to fight, Dusknoir is physically stronger then you are, and you could even be reckless to the point of getting into serious trouble.


And all in all, your body is petite in general and while you are healthy due to being an athlete, you are quite easy to kill at this point, as you are heavily injured, yet you do well in Karate so there could be a reason why someone would want you dead.


But then realization came quite late and at a bad time, humans could possess a gift that Pokemon could not, the ability to predict the future, what was about to happen, or even see into the past. Would it be the Dimensional Scream that seemed to put one's enemies on edge, even more so since it's rare to be born with such a thing purely fictional but otherwise useful in predicting what could happen?


In just minutes, several questions rambled on in your brain, there is no time to think whatsoever, you felt like you were going to explode with pain and misery, especially with questions of what is going on.


And to your surprise, a roar from a distance from far away from here and Dusknoir seemed to have heard of it, his face hardened, and he had left before he could even look, but you knew it's not over yet. But as you hear him flying away from your hiding spot, you were bewildered, why had Dusknoir left you alone?


Was it because of the roar that came from far away? Is it because the roar came from his master and was calling him over? He could have smelled me and my blood for god's sake!


What had just happened was just a miracle, if it weren't for something like this having happened, death would have been imminent, talk about being extremely lucky at this point, it seems like luck is on your side for the time being. It is apparent that just when his master called him over, he had NO IDEA that he made one hell of a f**k up, but it's better to not give a s**t about it rather then think about what to do now.


His Sableye had followed him as you waited in the tree, hidden from view, when you felt that it's safe to come out, climbing down the tree bark weren't easy, being careful not to accidentally slip is one thing, but falling off and breaking a few more bones is another.


Few of your wounds are still bleeding and your bandages are bloodied thanks to the red residue having dripped onto them, moving about earlier and climbing the tree kind of worsened your injuries a bit or more.


No, that's an understatement, this has already turned into Hell! There is no way that it would be a good idea to stay in the same place for too long here! 


It wouldn't be a good idea to sleep in the state you're in, as much as you craved sleep, you'll die if you slept, it's better to fight to keep awake then let death take you while you were sleeping. You slid down against the tree bark, soon sitting on the grey grass which were around the tree, you breathed heavily in and out as your vision starts blurring.


I can't go to sleep now, if I do, I'll just be f**king dead. No matter how hard you tried, it was a losing battle.


You heard a male voice that is a bit husky which caught your attention and caused you to become wide awake, who found you in a currently, heavily weakened state just after you escaped Dusknoir?


" Are you alright? " The voice sounded serious, and it seems to be directed at you, carrying a tint of surprise and worry, you looked at where the voice came from as a figure came out of the bushes before you.


You were alarmed, and also shocked to see another Pokemon coming to one's aid, you took a closer look as you squinted at the Pokemon who had just made an appearance. In a few moments, you could see the appearance of the Pokemon who is looking right at you, it didn't take too long to take in the Pokemon's appearance, the Pokemon seemed quite familiar.


This Pokemon is mostly green in body, having a kind of dark pink stomach, he has dark green leaves sticking out of his body, his gaze appears to be rather stoic but also intimidating. Surprisingly, almost as though noticing your surprise and how alarmed you are, he walked over to you, not with ill intent.


This may seem like a living nightmare, even when you know it to be real, you knew what this Pokemon is, it's a Grovyle, you weren't sure if you could trust this Pokemon, but something told you to trust him, you shook your head to tell him that no, you're not alright. But pain shot through your body which caused you to stop moving your head anymore, everything felt painful enough as it is, it hurts to move anything, a lot.


 " N-Not really, I had just escaped Dusknoir and his underlings after they tried to kill me. "


Feeling as though your legs wouldn't want to cooperate as you slowly attempted to stand up on your own, unfortunately, you stumbled and Grovyle quickly moved to ensure you don't fall and hit the ground, making you feel embarrassed. You were bleeding more then enough already, Grovyle is now certain that you've dealt with a near-death experience who would have died if it weren't for the escape.


You and Grovyle knew that the obvious thing is getting you out of the open and into someplace where you could recover, or at least get some medical attention which is much needed rather sooner then later.


You are a human being, and you knew which world you are in, but you do not know or recall where you are, and that in itself serves to be a bit of a problem, Grovyle sighed, you think that he wants to help you and get you some medical attention.


" Let's go somewhere away from here. " Grovyle spoke, a serious tone in his voice, you realized you were extremely lucky that you were going to get help.


" Right. " Agreeing with Grovyle as you could only move around much with him helping, while you tend to give treatment to yourself and others as needed, knowing that at this time, you do not have ANY medical stuff with you, literally.


Which in turn would mean Grovyle would have to help, he knows more about wherever you are at then you do, after all, this is very embarrassing for you, you're a tough woman, being helped by others allowed those around you to think you're weak when it's not the case.


You walked with Grovyle, who is trying to help you move along, you have to admit you weren't used to someone else helping you, and you weren't used to someone guiding you to someplace where you could rest like this.


You do not know how much time had past until you both ended up in a place where there is some open space, not too much space, but not too little space either. This area is just right since it doesn't look or even seem obvious, it's just the best place to rest for the time being before it would be time to move on.


Deciding to limp over to one of the trees and sat in front of it, your head laying against the cool, bark of the tree with Grovyle's help, you sigh as you looked over at Grovyle who now stood a few feet away. You notice that he appears to be in deep thought, most likely thinking about what could be done about the injuries.


And since there are no modern-medical supplies nearby, you felt as though you shouldn't ask too much about it, this world is very familiar, and you couldn't help but feel like you've seen this Grovyle before. You hadn't played the games before but rather looked up the plot, so that might just be why this is becoming even more familiar to you as the non-existent sort of time passes.


" I believe we should rest here, at least until I recover enough to move again. " Grovyle seemed a bit surprised as you had just noticed he has a brown bag of sorts with him. What might he have inside the bag other then some Oran Berries and some Seeds that revive fainted Pokemon?


" Are you sure? " No-one could blame him for asking. He received only a nod.


He sighs, even though you didn't know he does indeed have a few things that could help you, he had found some cloth earlier that could should stop the bleeding. He went beside you and scanned them, the injuries were almost entirely on your stomach, likely due to the Sableye's claws that got you prior to the escape.


Thankfully, the injuries were not too grave, but they will be if they aren't treated, it would be very bad if you were to die from injuries like this, if you died, you wouldn't be able to find out what is going on and how to get back home.


You only had a few minor scratches on your arms and legs that cut through the dirty bandages, most definitely from earlier experience in the world you're in, you are definitely going to be stubborn, even though you need serious help right now.


" Even if you are sure, you still need medical attention. " Grovyle insisted, his voice serious and his expression cold.


You opened your mouth to say something but then stopped, after a few moments of thinking about it, you sigh at Grovyle, figuring he might not give up unless you let him help you.


" Alright, fine. " Of course, as you soon realized that this Grovyle is THE Grovyle, you turned away from him for a bit.


You told him as he took some torn cloth out of his bag, you took your bandages off your arms carefully which revealed some scars, at least you could manage to cover your injuries with some clean cloth, as well as manage to cover the wound on your stomach well.


As he wrapped the cloth around your left arm, you both began to talk to each other, although you were using your right arm to carefully wrap the cloth around your stomach with some help.


" My name is (Name). " With a smile as you finished wrapping your stomach in the cloth. " It is nice to meet you. "


You have to face it, it is all real and that you are talking with your apparent #1 crush here, but you remembered one thing here, you both shouldn't be here for too long, both of you have been here long enough.


With the injuries wrapped in cloth, you felt quite a bit better actually, as the rest of the bleeding had stopped, you got up slowly, feeling well rested enough.


" Thank you, Grovyle. " Having smiled at him once more, Grovyle nodded.


It was time to move on, the treatment took 10 short minutes, but during the time, you both had grown to be kind of friends, not close enough to be called real friends, but still.


However, Grovyle could sense your pain as well as your spirit. You have a strong and very stubborn spirit.


To him, you held a powerful will to live, despite what you've been through, however, you do not yet know how much pain he's sensed coming from your spirit.


Also, he had told you about a friend of his that will help him as well as help you, it didn't take long for you to figure out it was a Legendary friend he was referring to.


" We should get going, we can't stay here for too long. "


" I agree, we don't want them to catch us. " Obviously referring to Dusknoir and his underlings. You feel as though you are going to make several new friends in the future, but the reason is not yet known.


In all honesty, if you had woken up on an emerald grassy plain of sorts, you would have thought you were somewhere else on Earth, but would actually meet Sonic, Tails, and whoever else could be on Mobius and everything would get awkward for a short while.


But you're not in Mobius at all, but an entirely different world, like a sort of a different Earth with Pokemon inhabiting it alongside humans, only there's not many humans left now, it's likely you are the only human there is left in this world. Although it would be good to find other human survivors and try to help them if you could despite being a bit timid.


Going into the woods together, the whole time, you and Grovyle soon grew close to the point of having become best friends, at times, one would at times attempt to help treat the other's injuries would get badly hurt. Even though surprisingly, you hadn't seen Dusknoir or any of his underlings for nearly the whole time either which could raise some red flags and with good reason.


During those times, you both had to stop and rest a few minutes before continuing on to see Grovyle's friend, although there are times where you and Grovyle even had to rest for hours, and likely a few days, while knowing you both can't stay in one place for too long.


You eventually became a good helper to Grovyle, a partner that could help him, someone who would assist him whenever he needed the help at any time.


For some reason, you feel yourself wanting to help him in every way possible, but you found it odd how you yourself can be best friends with Grovyle in a short amount of time.


Maybe it wasn't known on how much time had passed in the current timeline, or maybe time here is forever stopped, which means every 'day' is actually the same day, no matter how much you think time had passed when it never did.


You had lost track of time, which can be natural since you are in a world, well, the future version of the world that happens to be in Planet Paralysis. Which means time itself no longer applies to this world, and as you know, there are certain Pokemon who are out to kill humans for a reason made obvious earlier.


But little did you know was only one little human would carry a gift that would cause you to be the heroine in this story, as a certain Pokemon would reveal such to Grovyle in silence. And much to Dusknoir's annoyance as his 'master' would want you out of his way as soon as possible when he is done probably giving Dusknoir new orders to deal with.


Both you and Grovyle made it deeper into the woods, in a large space where you and Grovyle are, he stood, waiting for someone, a small bit of light suddenly appeared, and it quickly grew in size until it were the size of a ball. The light began to change form, and appeared to be a Celebi, a shiny pink Celebi, one such as a human couldn't help but find her adorable.


" Hello, Grovyle. " Celebi spoke in a female voice, you can tell she's a girl as she looked at Grovyle. She seemed happy or glad to see Grovyle at this time.


The Celebi smiled at Grovyle's presence, but as she turned to you, her expression became blank, it was as though she were studying you, it was the first time Celebi saw you, since she had never seen you before from what you can guess.


You remembered one fact just now, Celebi can read minds, and can read yours, so that means Celebi will know about your father had done. She probably felt bad for you, nobody could blame her, with how humanity is in the present day, you weren't the most lucky girl alive.


She frowned, which is highly understandable, as she seems to know your name as well, now both Pokemon knew your name, and for a reasons that are easy to guess.


She looked worriedly at both you and Grovyle, during this whole time, Grovyle had been watching you and Celebi.


It was then a sickening feeling formed in the stomach, a warning, while you had no idea why, one could only hope to remain with your new friend Grovyle, and his friend Celebi, who would also be a good friend.


Those instincts are going to be right in the near future, and there is a high chance you would not come back to this area for a long time, you began to think deeply in thought, it's better to have a plan then nothing.


It is a good idea to have a run through on everything that went on recently, maybe there's something I missed? Maybe there is something I didn't think about, something that might shed some light on this?


However, as you thought deeply to yourself and not knowing that Grovyle and Celebi were having a conversation. But even if you were overhearing them speaking to each other, you wouldn't care about it right now.


Why did all of this happen and why would the voice want someone like me to save this world? Those questions swirled around and about in the brain, whoever brought you here and had somehow got the unwanted attention of certain Pokemon.


You don't know entirely judging the way things had gone currently, having thought and thought about it for a short few minutes, trying to figure out what to do. Ironically, thinking about it won't get you the answers you really want to know, it wouldn't get anyone anywhere, even.


You sigh and began to think about this situation at hand. Should you stay here or should you go with Grovyle?


If you stay, you would most likely get found by Dusknoir and possibly executed on the spot. But if you go, you'll be heading for a difficult journey that will be full of many dangers.


After about 6 short minutes of thinking, a decision had been made.


I am going with Grovyle. After all, in the plot, Grovyle's partner would no doubt go with him as it IS part of the script.


Soon, you snapped out of your thoughts as Grovyle and Celebi looked at you. Just as you looked at them, you became serious when you spoke.


" I'm going to try to help you both. " There is no turning back at this point.


" Are you sure? " Celebi asked. " It would be very difficult and you had not fully recovered. "


You smiled a bit at Grovyle and Celebi, even though Celebi had pointed out a few facts here and there, you didn't care, they both needed help, your help, and you are going to give it to them no matter how dangerous it is. Even if it is sudden, you have to do something, you can't remain here, even if you're stuck in this world, the only thing you could do right now is to try to do what you think is best.


" I am sure, Celebi, while I had not yet recovered entirely, I know I can't stay here, if I do, Dusknoir and his underlings would likely find me here as well as try to eliminate me on the spot. And besides, I'm not willing to just stand idly and let you both go by yourselves without knowing what could happen at anytime! "


After such a short few seconds, Grovyle and Celebi seemed to have agreed. Looks like you are going to be able to help them both after all.


After a few minutes, you all decided to go on, knowing you might be of great help to the two. Despite the fact the bandages as well as the cloth are dirty and wrapped tightly around your injuries. You still have the strength to move as you please for now, plus, you could still fight.


Everyone's ready to move as you, Grovyle and Celebi went deeper into the woods, knowing that past the woods would be a pathway to the past timeline of this world. But as everyone went deeper into the woods, you couldn't help but feel a sense of dread, you knew you don't belong here in the frozen world you are in right now.


You silently made a resolve to save this ruined world of a future in the past even though you knew that you would most likely disappear, disappear from this very world to head back to the hellhole you were born and 'raised' in.


The thought of disappearing as though you never existed made you shudder, as much as you want to live. As much as one would want to remain alive and somehow be with those you love and care about. You knew you had to help Grovyle somehow without dying at the hands of Dusknoir and without failing to achieve your goal.


But if I want to go back to my mother, I will do everything I must. If I have to save this world, even if I never belonged here to begin with...so be it then. I will do everything I have to in order to be useful, and achieve the goals necessary.


At this point, this would make you the protagonist of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon. You had become the main heroine of this adventure somehow.


And knowing Dusknoir wants to have your head for escaping his wrath and underlings as well as annoying him badly in the process, you know this will indeed be difficult to not just save this world but to also avoid your enemies as much as possible for the time being.


Unfortunately, you have no idea what will happen once you reached the destination with Grovyle and Celebi. You had yet to recall how everything would play out once the three of you had reached the end.


Eventually, you made it out of the woods and made it to a large area, while gravel were all around the area despite the woods being behind you and your two new friends. There in the far end of the area before you all, lays a portal of sorts, a Dimensional Hole. You feel a tremendous sense of curiosity overwhelming you at the sight of it.


You've known what exactly the Dimensional Hole does to be exact, but you had heard of them before on your way home the day before all this happened, you stood still as you stared at the Dimensional Hole in awe.


Grovyle looked at you, knowing full well this was your first time ever seeing something as astonishing as this portal. No, scratch that, you know that he can tell you've never seen it in real-life before, it is no wonder he can sense your curiosity of it.


" Ready to go? " He asked, you snapped out of your thoughts. And nodded at him with a sheepish grin.


" Ready as I can be. " Curiosity took over as you came closer to the Dimensional Hole with Grovyle, side by side. Celebi had to stay behind for a reason you do not know of.


But why would she stay behind if she had the choice to come with us?  While there is a reason she had to stay behind and that this kind of went with the script in Explorers of Time and Darkness, you knew well enough to be respectful.


Then again, you had a feeling she actually had a reason to stay behind. Because much later on in the storyline of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, she actually helped the protagonist escape with their partner and Grovyle.


There is so much you still want to keep treasured in your head, so much, there are memories you cherished greatly. You take deep breaths in and out, you felt your body tense up, getting ready to jump into the Dimensional Hole with Grovyle.


Unconsciously, your right hand gently grasped Grovyle's left hand. Earning a slightly surprised look from him, you felt your face heat up slightly.


You gave Grovyle a warm smile, signaling that you are willing to work with him. To help him save the past timeline with all the skills you could offer.


But when you and Grovyle were ready to jump into the portal together, the feeling of dread came up again, the back of your neck stood up, you turned around as Grovyle noticed something was wrong. Your eyes nearly popped out of your skull when you saw what was flying out from the shadows, from near the trees, it caught you both off guard.


A Shadow Ball came from the woods! And it was homing in on Grovyle at an alarming speed! In an instant, you felt your legs moving quickly as the Shadow Ball was aimed right at Grovyle's head.


HOLY S**T, THIS IS---!!


" Grovyle, look out!! " Instinct immediately kicks in as you suddenly held a fierce will to protect Grovyle since you both became best friends a while ago, it all happened in slow motion, having ran and stood in front of Grovyle, protectively as both of your arms spread out in front of your stomach in a defensive manner.


The Shadow Ball then hits your stomach, and caused you to fly directly into the portal backwards. Time seemed to resume in everyone's perspective, Grovyle and Celebi were shocked by what just happened. But Grovyle quickly recovered and dove into the Dimensional Hole in after you.


This hurts, it hurts so much....! This hurts like a motherf**ker! 


As he dove in after you, he saw you, clutching your stomach with both hands to stop the bleeding that started to seep through the cloth used to treat you. You looked up at Grovyle, he offered his hand, you used your right hand to grasp it although the pain spreads throughout your entire being.


You couldn't think straight, this felt too much for you, but somehow you remained conscious.


However, both of your hands were dripping wet due to the injury you sustained, and covering it with your hands made the situation even worse. You tried to hang on to Grovyle's hand with all your might. But you could slowly feel your hand as well as yourself start to slip away.


" A-Are you okay, (Name)?! " Grovyle shouted, one could tell he's not happy with what had just occurred. But what could have been done about it?


" N-No, I-I can't hold on! " Your (e/c) eyes filled with shock and pain. Your heart was pounding as adrenaline rushed through you.


It hurts so much......I have to stay.....awake.....!


" Come on, you have to hang on! " He shouted as your hand started to slip further from his grasp. Your vision had once again, blurred as each second passed.


" I-I can't hold on! " You repeated, even though you still try to hang on. It was hard, exceedingly hard, just how hard did the Shadow Ball hit you?!


You shielded Grovyle from an incoming attack minutes before. And you had a feeling you know who tried to attack him in around that same period of time somehow.


But in a matter of a few seconds later, your hand slipped from his own. Grovyle screamed your name, as a scream tore itself from your throat.


" AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! " You screamed as you were separated from Grovyle. You started to feel weak. You feel as though you are starting to change form.


You dare to look at your hands, and became horrified to see your skin and hands start to change color as well as change form. Your mind is slowly starting to grow blank, you do not know what is truly going on. It feels like you are forgetting something, something important, or rather, someone close to you...


W-What was his name again...? What was I doing earlier? What was.....going on....?


Struggling, you held your head with your hands as an overwhelming headache took hold of your mind. You feel like you're forgetting everything, you fight a losing battle to keep your memories intact.


Your eyesight began to lessen, you found yourself very tired. You start to feel very different. All in the while going back in time.


Soon, you slipped into an unconscious state as time cradled you in it's vast and light embrace.