farawayplace | Special Research: Ultern-ative Prospects of Research

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Special Research: Ultern-ative Prospects of Research

1.
Over at Ohritori the sun is bright, and the cool breeze is welcoming as always. The people and Pokemon of Ultern as usual are full of life and bustling. Just what sort of adventure awaits today?

"Well I'll be! I thought I've returned back to my lab but this place sure seems different."

Out in the middle of the field of Route 3, the Doduo Plains there's a man wearing a large camping bag who's wearing a labcoat over clothes that are clearly made for hiking. On one of his shoulders Meltan, a mythical Pokemon is sitting there, relaxed. The man will take a step forward, until a peculiar, purple Pokemon catches his attention. There's a look of delight as he moves in to kneel next to it.

"What do we have here?"
"Mimimimiimiii?"

The Pokemon will jiggle while opening it's mouth wide showing off it's spiky teeth in the process. There's a look of surprise on the man's face.

"Why! For a moment I thought you're a Ditto but I can clearly see you're quite different. Hmm...now what kind of Pokemon are you?"

2.
Over at Chura, near the Amica Bridge there's a camp set up! It's off to the side to not block the road, but it's still in clear view for anyone passing by. In fact there's even a table that's laid out for a picnic, and a big camping bag that's left out on the seat. On top of the table there's a Meltan seated there with a man right next to it, clearly studying a map of the island.

The moment he noticed anyone passing by he'll immediately make his way to greet them!

"Hello! Or as the locals seem to be saying here... Ulsai! I am Professor Willow!"

He's all smiles with his Meltan joining him by claiming a spot on his shoulders.

"I've met a new Pokemon that I'd love to know more of! Perhaps you can help me with my research?"

(🌺Ulsai~! Come help Professor Willow as he ~~forces~~ politely ask people to help him with a research task! Depending on which option you choose you'll get Mimmeo(Ditto's scrapped evolution) or one of the Ulternian starter Pokemon! Enjoy!🌺)

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"Ulsai!" Lillie happily greeted back with a polite bow. "... oh, I've never meet you before, I don't think, Professor Willow... my name is Lillie."

"Oh! I'd love to help. How may I be of service...?"

"It's a pleasure to meet you!" Professor Willow smiled followed with a casual wave. "I don't believe we've met either. Your name is...?"

He'll pause waiting for Lillie's response before nodding and continuing on.

"Well, I was wondering if you could take in one of these three Pokemon here." Stepping aside, Professor Willow will then gesture to three Pokemon, (one of which Lillie may have seen before already albeit the coloration being different): Chikorita, Cubburn and Palssio. The three will approach closer before each of them let out a greeting sound of their own. Willow will continue to speak.

"They are wild, but they're surprisingly friendly. I think they're looking for a new companion to be with."

"Oh, my... Chikorita looks sweet, Cubburn and Palssio too! But I don't know which to take in yet... Snowy, do you know?"

At her name, a little white fox-like Pokemon padded out, giving a little fox-like "kon!" bark, before tilting her head as she studied the Pokemon before her.

"Could we spend time with them and see which gets along best with us both?"

"Why of course! I think they'll be happy to get to know you better too." Willow smiled before looking over to the three who turned their attention to both Snowy and Lillie.

Chikorita's hopping up and down, Cubburn gave a curious sniff in their direction and Palssio happily chirped a greeting.

"I, uh... am I gonna get paid for this?"

Buson doesn't really do odd jobs for free! He can certainly collect data on wild Pokemon, he's done it before, but for a price.

Professor Willow blinked as he stared at Buson. He was no doubt surprised but the man will soon smile and nod.

"Why of course there will be compensation for this! No Trainer expects to do any Field research without any rewards, after all."

~~Somewhere out there a Pokemon GO Player is sneezing.~~

"Hehe, well, lucky me, I ain't never been a Pokemon trainer... but I got experience recordin' data on wild Pokemon."

Buson stretched out his arms and clasped his hands behind his head.

"But, if you still want my help... what's in it for me?"

He's not sure he really wants this job, from the initial reaction he got. He had a feeling this man didn't intend to pay him...

"...wait, you're not a trainer?!" Again a look of surprise from Professor Willow here. "I hadn't realized! I didn't mean to bother you in that case."

There's an apologetic look, but Buson didn't seem opposed to helping from the looks of it. Yet he was more in it for the rewards. That, Willow supposed was fair.

"Well I was hoping to hand this Pokemon here..." he glanced over as three Ulternian Pokemon seemingly emerged from within the tall grass. A curious Ulternian Chikorita, Cubburn and Palssio all look up at Buson with eager, beady eyes.
"I suppose I was more looking for someone who could take in one of them. They're wild from the looks of it but surprisingly friendly."

Buson's reaction to the Professor's surprise was an amused grin and tucking his thumb under his bandolier to tug at it.

"Sorry, did the pokeballs give you the wrong idea?"

Buson was surprised by the little Pokemon clambering out. They're all so... soft and cute-looking.

"... hey, hey, hold on! That's just more mouths to feed, ain't it?" Buson protested. "I thought this was just a job I could do an' go, I ain't signin' up to take in anymore Pokemon... 'specially not ones that ain't already strong. This ain't temp work!"

"It certainly did." Willow will admit with a smile. The three Pokemon are clearly curious about Buson. Chikorita's trotting around him in a circle, Palssio is looking at him up and down while Cubburn is giving a curious sniff.

"Oh, please don't worry!" Willow held his hands up. "I'm not about to force anyone who can't look after them to take either of them, but if you do come across anyone who's more than willing to take either of them in let me know!"

Fascinating!

[Alice emerges from the grass, where she was taking down notes about a Wiki pecking the ground, and turns her attention to the Mimmeo.]

I definitely haven't seen this one before. It certainly resembles Ditto, save for the spike...

Oh! Hello there.

[Alice's sudden emergence did surprise Willow, but he's all for it! His attention will be back to Mimmeo who's wriggling in delight in response to the two.]

Mimimiiii!

[Willow looks in thought as he knelt down to be at eye level with Mimmeo.]

I wonder, can you transform as well? Or maybe you're just a similar looking Pokemon to Ditto?

It's possible both or neither could be true! After all, other Pokémon can lose their signature ability when they evolve.

[Alice crouches as well and reaches into her bag for some falling-apart onigiri.]

Sorry, I'm out of kibble. I wonder if it eats this?

You have a fair point! There are the curious case of Wiglett and Toedscool after all! And Pokemon that change due to their environment.

[Mimmeo at the sight of the onigiri gave a happy wiggle! It'll wiggle a bit more before poof! It takes shape of a perfect onigiri.]

What?! So it can transform! This is amazing!

Oh!

[Alice scribbles notes and nods furiously.]

I wonder, maybe it's a relative of Ditto that only exists here! Something similar to Coinpur or Paraspor, where another evolutionary stage developed over time, presumably due to the isolation of Ultern only interrupted by the drifting phenomenon. ...I don't think turning into a riceball will help you eat one, little guy.

Oh? You'll have to show me those Pokemon you mentioned! I'm curious! As well as the drifting phenomenon. It sounds like something a friend of mine would be interested in hearing about.

[He looks thoughtfully at Mimmeo.]

Ditto transforms as part of a defense mechanic but why did this one turn into a riceball...?

[Mimmeo will wiggle before turning back to normal. It will let out a screech of delight before reaching for pieces of the riceball Alice offered.]

I wonder if it didn't know what it was? Then again, it knew what they were supposed to look like.

[As compared to Alice's lack of culinary skills. She smiles and lets the Mimmeo take as much food as it wants.]

It's possible it drifted in, but it might also just be a native species we haven't seen before. There's a lot more to Ultern than anybody seems to know. Which, for a researcher, is promising!

Is that so? That's truly fascinating to hear. It reminds me of the time where I slipped through a crack in the sky and--come to think of it.

[He's cupping his chin in thought.]

That's almost the exact same way how I ended up here, but I don't see any Ultra Beasts around here. In fact I've only met this peculiar little friend.

[The Mimmeo noticing it's being talked about still will stop and happily jiggle it's body almost as if in a little dance. It certainly seemed to enjoy the attention.]

A crack in the sky? You mean you've got experience with space-time portals? I know it's possible some powerful Pokémon can do such a thing...

I'm not sure if that's what it was, but I do know it was what we have come to call as Ultra Wormholes. There I met some curious Pokemon not of the world too...

[He's stroking his chin in thought.]

This place at least out here doesn't seem too different from what I'm used to seeing but of course I tend to do my studies out in the fields.

Oh, that makes sense! I've never encountered one myself, but I've certainly heard of them. I don't know as of yet if the drifting phenomenon that takes people into and out of Ultern is connected, but it's certainly one of many hypotheses. Only this is a rather more calm dimension, and the Pokémon variants here appear to have changed only via ordinary divergent evolution over time due to Ultern's isolation from other regions except via temporary transportation of individual specimens.

"Ulsai! The name's Ken!" Ken says with a cheerful wave. The Cubburn walking with him sniffs in the Professor's direction, but doesn't dare stray too far from his trainer. "And this shy little one is Flambear," Ken says as he gestures at the Pokemon.

"Pokemon research, you say? I'd be more than happy to help!" he says, practically sparkling. He's always interested in learning about new Pokemon!

"Nice to meet you, Ken!" Willow waved back--he will turn his attention over to Cubburn in surprise. "Oh my, you already befriended a curious new Pokemon I see."

He'll nod his head to Flambear with a smile.

"Wonderful! I'm not sure how familiar you are with the Pokemon here, but I certainly met a curious little friend. I was hoping a trainer could help me learn a thing or two about it."

"Nice to meet you, Professor! Ahah, I wouldn't call him a new Pokemon, really." Ken reaches down to pick Flambear up, petting him. "He came with me from my world. We've been friends for a while."

"A curious little friend?" Ken asks, then eyes Meltan curiously. "Are you talking about that Pokemon with you? It's definitely unusual."

"I see! What region are you from, if I may ask?" He simply had to satisfy his curiosity! At the mention to Meltan Willow nodded. "This here is Meltan, he's my buddy Pokemon. It's a mythical Pokemon but over recent years people started sighting it again after having seemingly vanished. It's all started when Dittos all over took shape of Meltan- ah! Right, I'm getting sidetracked here."

Meltan meanwhile waved to Ken and Flambear, as Willow stepped aside to call over the Pokemon.

"Come on over!"

"Mi!" Out from the grass a Chikorita springs out. It'll smile while gently bumping its head against Ken. "Mimimi!"

It was a very chatty Chikorita.

"I'm from the Nihon region, but I wouldn't be surprised if you've never heard of it! I've never met anyone in Ultern who recognizes it, even though it has a lot of similar Pokemon," Ken says. When hearing about Meltan, Ken's eyes light up in interest. "That's fascinating! Does it have some connection to Ditto? I'd love to find out more... Though if you've got some other research to do, I won't bother you with unrelated things."

He'll wave cheerfully to Meltan, and gently grab Flambear's paw to wave to it too. Flambear tolerates it.

"A Chikorita!" Ken kneels, cooing over the friendly Pokemon. "Hello there! Flambear, say hi." He then looks up at Willow to give an explanation. "I'm trying to help him socialize with other Pokemon more."

Flambear shies away from the talkative Chikorita, but sniffs the air cautiously, and relaxes at the Chikorita's scent. Maybe this isn't so bad after all.

"You're correct in assuming I've never heard of that region before." Willow nodded his head. He will turn his attention over to his Meltan with a smile. "Why, I wouldn't mind any questions in regards to my friend here. In fact I've had a lot of help in doing research about Meltan before myself."

He smiled while thinking back fondly on it.

"As for the connections to Dittos... Professor Oak and I have surmised it's because Ditto just so happened to see Meltan, and borrowed its shape surprising all of us out of the blue one day."

Meanwhile Meltan makes a happy noise in response to the wave from Flambear.

"Why, of course!" Willow nodded at Ken's explanation. "Pokemon, just like Trainers are different after all. This little Chikorita here is quite friendly from what I've noticed."

He nodded, and the Chikorita seemingly copying Willow will nod its head too.

"Mimimiii!" It'll wiggle--and suddenly, the Chikorita will morph before taking on a different shape: one that was similar to Ditto, but not quite with it's pointy shape and wide mouth. "Miii!"

"Oh?! What's this? A Ditto...?"

"Really? Then, what type is Meltan, and what does it like to eat? And how does it eat, actually?" Ken asks. Those are the most important questions, of course!

"Hmm, I see. Maybe Ditto were interested in Meltan because its body looks a lot like a Ditto's!" Ken suggests.

"That's right. My Pokemon are both pretty shy, and I think it might be because I spend so much time indoors because of my job, and I'm not much of a Pokemon battler," Ken says, petting Flambear, who's watching Chikorita with interest. "It's fine to be shy, but they're so skittish around other Pokemon I've been worried about them. That's why I've started going on nature walks on my days off!"

But when the Chikorita transforms, it startles Flambear, who squeaks and presses itself closer to Ken.

"Easy, Flambear! It's just a Metto, no need to be scared!" Ken says, soothing Flambear. "Or, er, Mimmeo," he amends, glancing at Willow. Once Flambear seems to have calmed down, Ken turns to Willow again.

"That's Ditto's evolution, Mimmeo. Or Metto, as we call them back in Nihon!" he explains with a smile. "You see, a lot of the local Pokemon exist in my home region, but we call them by a different name. Sorry if that's confusing!"

[What do you know? For once, Juliana isn't found riding her Miraidon as usual. However, she is walking on Route 3 alongside her Skeledirge and Miraidon holding a picnic basket in its mouth. Since it's now spring in Ultrean, she thought it might be a good time to have a picnic with her Pokemon.

However, her plans were put on hold when she saw a man in a lab coat and glasses looking at some kind of a Ditto. Or at least a resemblance of it. She would have ignored them so she could have her picnic. Of course, she was too curious for her to avert her eyes away from this interesting sight.

That or her Pokemon was already approaching the professor with the same curiosity.]

Agia?

Skel?

[Juliana gently pulls Miraidon and her Skeledirge away from the professor.]

I am sorry about that. I guess Miraidon and Fueco are also curious about that Ditto-like Pokemon.

[Willow may initially be surprised but he's delighted at the sight of Skeledirge and Miraidon.]

Well I'll be! That's a Pokemon from the Paldea region, isn't it?

[He's nodding over to Skeledirge and glancing over to Miraidon. He's stroking his chin in thought!]

I don't think I quite recognize this one! It does remind me of a Cyclizar...ah! Right!

[He's turning his attention to Mimmeo who's jiggling in response. It's opening its mouth wide and letting out a delighted screech!]

I just happened to stumble across this one, thinking it's a Ditto. I've never met something quite like it before!

[Juliana nods as he pets her Skeledirge's head.]

Yep. He's my first Pokemon, too! His name is Fueco. And the Cyclizar lookalike is Miraidon!

[She then turns to Miraidon next. She's about to explain more about it until Willow turns his attention back to the strange Ditto.]

You're not the only one. I had never seen something like that before.

[Looking closely, she doesn't know if it's another future Pokemon or a Legendary.]

Well it's very nice to meet you Fueco, and Miraidon too.

[He's nodding as Juliana introduced her Pokemon to him. His Meltan too will will wave its little arm in greeting.

Mimmeo will silently stare at both Juliana and Willow for a moment before it lets out a screech! Not out or pain or frustration. It somehow sounded happy.]

So far it's been a rather friendly Pokemon. Perhaps it's not a wild one? But I don't see any other trainers nearby aside from us.

[Both of her Pokemon cried to Willow, happy that they were acknowledged. Even her Miraidon was happy to see a new friend in Meltan.

Meanwhile, Juliana leans closer to the strange Pokemon.]

Maybe we can try catching it? [She hums.] But that would be rude even to a happy Pokemon. [She then turns to Willow.] Is there anything else I should know about it?

Well, I don't know much about this Pokemon myself. It doesn't seem wary of people, that much I can gather.

[Willow crossed his arms in thought.]

That's right! We should try asking if it would like to come along with you. I know there are trainers who easily befriend Pokemon that way.

Well? What do you say?

[He'll look over to Juliana.]

[Her eyes glimmer at Willow's suggestion.]

Sure, that would be awesome! [Juliana turns to her Pokemon next.] What do you think, guys?

Her Skeledirge and Miraidon look at each other for a while. Then, they cried happily as a response.

Buena! [She turns to the strange Ditto-like Pokemon.] Do you want to come with us, little guy?

[The little Mimmeo will glance between Juliana and her Pokemon. It lets out a happy screech before giving a dance.]

Oh! I don't know about you but it seems happy at your suggestion.

[Professor Willow will comment.]

Maybe now's your chance to try and catch it!

[It's been a while since he rode a Gogoat. Back in Lumiose City, he tended to ride them around for leisure or work. So when he heard they offered a rental Ride Pokemon to travel to the Chura Islands, he didn't hesitate to choose Gogoat for old-time's sake.

However, what he didn't expect to see when he arrived at Amica Bridge was a camp set up nearby. Not only that, he saw a man wearing a similar white lab coat who seemed familiar to him. It's only when he introduced himself that he had some ideas as he got down from his rental Gogoat.]

Professor Willow? Mon Dieu! I didn't expect you to be in Ultrean!

Professor Sycamore? My goodness!

[There's a delighted smile from Willow the moment he recognized the man in front of him.]

I'm surprised to see you out here as well! I never thought I would see you out in a place like this. Life sure takes us through curious adventures, doesn't it? I walked through a strange hole and...well here I am!

[Sycamore nods, happy that Willow recognizes him as well.]

You're not the only one. I left the lab one day to take a break and suddenly, I was here in Ultrean. No one knew how to go back, though. But it doesn't mean I can continue my research in a brand new location.

It sounds just like you to take the whole situation in a positive manner!

[Willow smiled while clapping his hands.]

Speaking of which how familiar are you with the Pokemon here? I was hoping to get some help in studying them...but especially if they have a nice new home to go to.

So far, I only learned a few Pokemon that looked like regional variants of Pikachu and new ones such as the robotic variants of Delibird. Why do you ask?

Well...that's wonderful, actually. It's a lot more than I know about the Pokemon here!

[Willow's beaming wide! He will pull out a notepad scribbling down what Sycamore has told him so far before returning his attention back to his colleague.]

That's right, I forgot to introduce you...come on out, you three!

[He'll turn over to the nearby tall grass which will wiggle before three Pokemon emerged: an Ulternian Chikorita, a Cubburn and Palssio. All of which eagerly chattered once they moved in close to where Sycamore and Willow stood.]

I'd like you to meet these three Pokemon. One is obviously a Chikorita, but the other two I haven't met before now.

Someone's camping...? That immediately draws Volo's attention, since he hasn't seen anyone camping in Ultern until now. He has to slow down and take a good look. All this gear looks very modern, very convenient...and there's an unfamiliar Pokémon on the table. Volo only realises it is a Pokémon when it suddenly moves.

"Hello! Ulsai! Why, yes, I love research!"

"Wonderful!" Professor Willow was positively beaming when Volo seemed just as enthused about research. His Meltan will also smile (only way to tell was the way it's little eye curved into an arch-like shape). "I only really need you to study one of the Pokemon here, if it's no trouble, of course."

Volo's gaze darted between the Professor and the strange Pokémon on his shoulder. He was curious about that creature, too...but for now, he would try to stay focused, since something was being asked of him.

"Yes, of course! I love Pokémon, and I still have much to learn myself, about the ones that are to be found here, so it would be my pleasure. Only tell me what you need me to do, sir, and I shall gladly do it!"

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Special Research: Ultern-ative Prospects of Research

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