“Right.” Alex nodded at Lucas’ words, still wrapping her head around the whole situation. Hopefully, she didn’t cause any collapses of the space-time continuum by being here. Or, at the very least, cause a hassle for the Professor.

She smiled awkwardly when Lucas seemed to agree with her, happy that he was at least a little more relaxed about Cyrus, “Exactly. And, if this Cy Guy goes off the rails, I’m ninety percent sure Rose would help us out. He’s… not exactly keen on being the bad guy anymore, if ya get me.”

A small roll of her eyes, even though she knew that Lucas was probably right. Best not to jump ahead of yourself. “Right, thanks, mate.” she huffed, River giving a small hiss from his position behind her, “Hopefully it won’t come to that, though.”  

“I’m glad you’re quick on the uptake. If anything needs a better explanation... say so. I don’t wish to leave anyone in the dark.” It’s a hard thing to understand - even he’s been struggling to understand all the small aspects of what dimensional travel can do to fate, time, all sorts.

Not keen on being the bad guy anymore... he’s heard that one a few times. He supposes the only difference is that most of them haven’t quite stuck to that, and others he still anticipates to turn back on their choice when they’ve gained everyone’s trust. If I happen to be the only person who doesn’t trust them, maybe it could prevent them from ever doing anything. “Then I hope Rose is capable of taking on very powerful Pokemon. I suppose I would have to meet him myself to decide if I trust him also.”

“Ah.” Alex remembered all of the times she’d encountered the multiverse theory in chat rooms and such, but had never quite realized that she could screw things up by saying things. She had to hope things didn’t go too badly, now.

The champion’s eyes got wide as Lucas continued to explain, before they looked down at their boots. And Rose was working with this guy? He’d seemed okay enough… was this some sort of redemption effort? She hoped so. “…Right. I will. Don’t worry. I’m around Rose a lot anyway.” 

“Y’know… being the Champion and all helps with that.” Alex smiled, “And, besides. If this Cyrus guy does try anything, who’s to say he’d be able to beat Galar’s new Champion, huh?” 

At least she understands the severity of this. Lucas can at least appreciate that. Oftentimes, he finds that people just don’t care about what could happen to each world but their own-- and even then, some barely care about that. “I don’t blame you for not knowing what could happen. Time is fickle, as is fate. Who’s really to say what could come of this?” The way the world they’re already in has been changed is enough for Lucas to not want to continue with anything more stressing-- it’d wouldn’t look good on him if he were the cause of something.

“Good. I’m glad.” He doesn’t know if he’ll ever trust Cyrus. Not fully, not after what he did, and how it affected his friends. He thinks it better to stay wary than let his guard down. “I hope that this experience can be beneficial to us both - what I know about Cyrus, and what you know about Rose - we may be able to prevent anything bad from happening.”

Alex raised an eyebrow, thoroughly confused. He… he didn’t know? It took them a moment, before they had a theory. Different timelines? Had it not happened here yet?

It took them another minute before they finally responded to Lucas, “Wh- I don’t understand. What do you mean?” they looked even more confused when Lucas spoke on Cyrus and Rose, “Why not? Rose is just trying t’ fix himself and I know I dunno a lot about Cyrus, but he doesn’t seem that bad.” 

Was there something they’d missed? 

“There are things we should not know-- and if that event has already come to pass in your own world, then this one shouldn’t be far behind. Being aware of the details of it, however... I shouldn’t know these things.” Lucas shakes his head firmly. “I knew something was going to go wrong, but not what. It should have stayed as such.”

Not knowing what Cyrus has done? How could you--

River’s tail simply twitched as Lucas acknowledged him. Was he a threat? The lizard wasn’t entirely sure just yet. A silent hand signal from Alex - he was alright. Put the knife away. So he did, sheathing the knife like scales back into his tail. 

Alex can almost tell how Lucas’ face drops when he hears Rose’s name. He’d probably heard about the Darkest Day and all, so it wasn’t really surprising. Everyone’s view of him had to be at least a bit sullied after that sort of stunt. 

“Yeah- that’s the guy.” Alex clicked her fingers, remembering, before raising an eyebrow. She didn’t know too much, but that was probably a good thing. Rose probably didn’t want his Big Project getting out to just anyone, “I… I think they’re workin’ on something with the Energy Plant in Hammerlocke? Somethin’ to replace the big hole where Eternatus busted out, if I remember what little he told me right.” 

Inteleon is a highly smart Pokemon. With an arsenal like that, on it’s own body, it must be very capable as a battler. Lucas makes no attempt to ignore the swift movement from the Inteleon, hiding something back against itself. He’s seen enough Pokemon with weaponry to last him a lifetime-- it’s not as if it’s threatening anymore.

Cyrus and energy. Two things that never go together. If it’s not his own lack of energy, it’s the fact that Galactic had begun as a front for his attempts to change the entire world. Talking about him just worsens the bitter taste on Lucas’ tongue. However, that goes ignored the moment Alex continues.

Alex nodded, watching as Lucas wrote down the numbers and information for her, snickering when the Professor agreed with her description of Professor Vofornix. She had to wonder what the guy was like in person. 

She had to agree with the sentiment, though. Since becoming Champion, she’d be running around trying to battle the strongest and meet the other champions. Hopefully they liked her as much as she liked them. 

“Thank you, Professor.” she nodded, taking the paper from Lucas, sticking it in a pocket for later use. River watched the other human for a moment, before his nictitating membranes wiped over his eyes. No staring, that’s rude.

The Galarian Champion thought for a moment, before nodding, “I think so- unless Rose drags me back down here to meet you.” she grinned, “She’s workin’ with that Akagi guy- you hear? I’ve heard he’s super smart.”

The staring from Inteleon doesn’t go lost on Lucas, though he makes no effort to match the intensity of it. Many Pokemon are far smarter than they let on, and Lucas is sure that this is one of those cases. That Inteleon can tell something about me. I wonder what it’s thinking.

Mention of Chairman Rose makes Lucas’ attention switch back to Alex, the faintest twitches of a frown forming on his brow. He’s heard good and bad things about Rose - of course, the media that represents him would paint him positively, while someone who’s lived in the region under his command may think differently. He shouldn’t let personal opinions of people get in the way of his own judgement, however--

“Yeah- he’s the one!” Alex grinned, nodding, “Alright- he just got in, and Sonia’s been so busy dealin’ with the Wishing Stars n’ all - guess she just never got around to tellin’ him about you guys.” She knew about all of it too well. Stupid clown brothers.

Alex raised an eyebrow, “What? Is Sinnoh’s other Professor like… a cryptid or somethin’?” the idea of that made her laugh, “Ah, sure. I’ll take ‘em and pass ‘em along to Hop, if that’s alright. I’m not the smart type- really.” Her Inteleon whacked her with his tail, causing her to yelp, “AY- come off it-!” 

The lizard only hissed in reply, seeming to grin. 

Ah, Wishing Stars. He’d leap at the chance to study those. “I understand. Studies come before the more social aspect of our jobs - I don’t hold it against Sonia for being without the time.” Though, its common amongst the younger professors not to speak about what stresses them out, and what takes over their time. Nobody needs to know that information-- despite how much Professor Oak demands to know. “It happens to all of us.”

“He could be described as a... cryptid, yes. He travels for work, of course, and everything else under the sun. To use his own words, he hates to stay in one place for too long-- though this will always be where he returns to, should he not return to Unova.” It’s not his place to decide if it’s necessary or not for Axel to travel so much - that’s all up to him. Lucas barely sighs as he writes down his phone number, as well as the general contact info for the laboratory itself. “This should work for you.”

As he hands the paper to Alex, he takes note of her Inteleon - something about their relationship reminds him a little of his own Pokemon-- but especially Ikebana. She’s prone to playing tricks on him. He’s caught up in that little thought for a moment, before he shakes his head.

Alex watched who she could only assume was the Professor for a moment, before he returned her greeting, and she smiled at him. “Hey- are you the professor?” 

Her Inteleon eyed up Lucas, waiting for his trainer’s verdict, Alex speaking again to the other person, “M’ friend, Hop, sent me- he’s lookin’ for the Professor so I can snag some contact info for him.” If she’d found him so easily, Hop would be ecstatic. Sonia probably would be too, if she was honest. 

“Oh-” Alex noted this guy seemed a bit confused, “‘m Alex- champ of Galar. The Chairman’s in the region on business, so… I thought I’d stop by.”

“One of two, yes.” Lucas raises an eyebrow. “It depends which Professor you’re looking for, as both of us have our moments where we’re nowhere near the laboratory.” He’s happy to hand over his own contact details, of course, but it may be a different story for Axel.

“Hop... the new apprentice for Galar?” He’s done enough checking in on other regions and their Professors. It’s odd that they don’t already have his contact details. “Of course, I can give you mine.”

A Champion... the Chairman, too...? Would Galar leave themselves so unprepared?

“Yeah- I can imagine- being a Pokémon lab and all.” Brett nodded, “Well- don’t lose a hand! You need it! It’d be bad if you lost it.” The boy laughed to himself, before agreeing, “Yeah- I think it was you or Lucas who told me to not run in here because you’ve got like. Really old rocks in here or something.”

Fossils, Brett.

Orion happily climbs onto Axel’s shoulders, cooing at the view from such a high spot. Brett beamed at his Cubchoo, before nodding, “Yeah, I guess so. You were big kids!” he offered. He thought for a second, wondering if Sinnoh had a bear Pokemon, before adding slowly, “I don’t think Sinnoh has one… but you’re right- Cubchoo is the cutest.” 

“You’d be surprised! Some labs are built for it.” Kukui’s comes to mind, what with the wide open spaces for battle, as well as whatever that basement room of his is.

“Probably Lucas. He gets on at me running in here sometimes-- I don’t forget often, though. Rowan’s voice always hits me in the back of the head when I even think about it.” There’s a time and a place for everything. Axel can’t help but chuckle. “Can’t be a professor without telling everyone the rules, like ‘no riding your bike indoors!’ or ‘no you can’t fish in a swimming pool’.”

Big kids. He felt like that. Back when he was twelve, that was the oldest he’d ever been. It’s not like he knew what he was meant to do with himself, and nobody else was telling him. Acting like a big kid meant acting like an adult. Adults are meant to think things through better than he did.

Alex has followed Rose into Sinnoh this time, on one of his visits to Cyrus, and, at Hop's request, has dropped by the Sandgem Lab, wondering why Hop had wanted her here at all. River at her side, the champion carefully walked inside- "Hello?" 

“Connections between the ruins at Solaceon and the Ruins of Alph, including multiple different former settlements with similar alphabets...” Lucas is alone in the lab today, talking his way through some loose ends. “Considering how in-land some of these are, there had to have been some kind of immigration, or... a kind of communication. If they spoke similar languages, then that’d make sense...”

He’s too caught up in his own world to notice the door opening. “If they adopted the alphabet since it would be easier to communicate through it, that’d make better sense than them all speaking similarly, though then again... Sinnohan and Johtohan aren’t too dissimilar...”

The sound of a voice snaps him out of it, however, and Lucas glances towards the door. Does he recognise them? Nothing about them seems familiar, and yet...?

“Yeah, exactly! They love being in groups - that’s why mine, Icarus, loves being in this whole great big party with all of my other Pokemon!” Brett grinned, nodding, “They just like being around other Pokemon, not just Starly! Unless, of course… the other Pokemon is a predator.” he giggled.

The boy nodded again, “Sure is! They only come around during times of peace so… they aren’t really seen too often.” He perked up before scrolling through his dex and finding his entry on Honchkrow, scanned in thanks to his father owning one, “There you go!” he showed Danny the entry, “Real intimidating, if you ask me.”

He raised an eyebrow, “Legends? I know a lot about legends!” he paused, thought, “Well. Not Galar’s legends. But I know Sinnoh’s legends, if that helps.” 

“So they work best together. I see.” He has a flock of bird Pokemon alongside him anyway, so a Starly would fit perfectly-- and if he’s not intending to return to Galar (he just hasn’t quite decided yet, he could, but why?) then maybe a Starly would be a perfect new team member-- types covered or otherwise. He’s sure it’ll be able to adjust just fine.

“Mm. Would explain why I never see them anymore.” He gets the feeling that the Pokemon are looking after themselves just fine, despite how the world looks in this moment. It’s something he’ll find out, if he ever sees Togekiss again. However, he’s taken out of his possible thoughts by a look at the Honchkrow on Brett’s Pokedex. “Intimidating... maybe. Have you ever seen a Corviknight?” He thinks that Gawain could give a Honchkrow a run for their money.

Platinum nodded in agreement. “Night was never ready, really. His mind was still fragile from Cyrus and…myself. I’m glad Cynthia stepped up to protect him.” He looked to Diamond, a bit shocked at the idea of him being a teacher. “You really want to deal with humans like that?”

Diamond nodded. “I will be fine, at least I’m not know as a Renegade.” He looked back to Axel. “I think it’s only fitting, with her becoming the new Professor, I need something.”

Pearl glanced between the two and then back at Axel. “So wait,” He looks Axel up and down. “You’re not one of our Chosen in this world right?”

Platinum shakes his head. “No, he’s not. He’s Chosen of Lugia, right?”

“Mental stability doesn’t seem to come easy to champions, huh?” While Axel means it in jest, it still seems to hit a little close to home. Most of the younger champions have seen far more than they should have. It’s almost unbelievable.

Well... “Teaching’s alright, like I said. Some people are just harder to get to-- you know? If they’re passionate, they’ll stick around.” That’s why he kept working for Rowan-- he was passionate about working, passionate about his specialism. “I’m sure with Cynthia, people would kill to get into your classes. All you’ve gotta do is hint that Cynthia might join you for a few lectures, and they’ll all want to meet the ex-champion.”

Axel almost jolts at the question. “Huh--?!” It takes him a moment to figure out exactly what he’s meant to say in response. “No, I have Lugia. I’ve had them since I was ten.” He adjusts the collar of his shirt awkwardly. “I’ve met your trainers in this world, though.”

“Right- thanks-!” Brett nodded, checking the comb periodically as he combed through Vasya’s hair. There was a lot more of it than he’d anticipated. He also got a good look at Vasya’s teeth, when she opened up her mouth to lick her lips. Sharp. Axel wasn’t kidding. 

His eyes got wide, “Ooh- that’d be a fun experiment! Once we’ve done some training, I’m sure we could figure something out!” The little dragon growled, almost seeming to agree. 

Orion gave a little cry, enjoying being held by this new human. His trainer turned and looked, pausing his combing to grin. What a cute pair. He raised an eyebrow, “Really? I mean, I guess I could figure, since I’m guessing he’s from Unova.” 

“I’m glad she’s calm-- I’ve had my fair share of experiences with Pokemon that... were not calm at all.” That’s always where he gets bitten. It’s difficult to calm a Pokemon down if it doesn’t know you, and it doesn’t want to know you. “I do my best with them anyway, but it’s always a worry when I could lose a finger. Or a hand.”

But that’s neither here nor there at the moment. No fingers have been lost, yet! “We’d have to find somewhere safe to conduct the experiment-- we don’t really have much space around here, and it wouldn’t be safe to let her wander about and bite everything around here. We’ve got important wires here!”