Chapter Text
For centuries, the Pearl and Diamond Clans have been in conflict. The two clans feud over which aspect of Sinnoh’s creation is the true facet worthy of worship: time or space. They follow in their past generations’ steps and maintain this rivalry of clans, interweaving the lesson that the opposite clan is not to be trusted in their core beliefs. The clans today face the impending threat of war as the conflict grows beyond handling.
You trudged your way from the Pearl Clan settlement in the icy desert of the Alabaster Icelands. Commander Kamado called you to meet him in Jubilife Village today to discuss something he wouldn’t reveal any details about in his letter. With such a long journey, you hoped it better be something of actual importance (for once).
However, opening the door to Kamado’s office revealed that you and Kamado were not going to be alone in this meeting.
“Oh? I see we have company?” Adaman side-eyed you, clicking his tongue, “And they're late as usual.. Can’t expect much from the Pearl Clan.”
“Always nice to see you again as well, Adaman,” you replied, rolling your eyes, “Why are we both here, Kamado?”
“Please, have a seat, so that I can get to that,” Kamado sighs, “I understand there is an ongoing conflict between the two of your clans, but this matter concerns all of Hisui.”
You turned your attention from Adaman to Kamado. What could possibly be threatening the land now? You had already closed the space-time rift and defeated the Almighty Arceus to save Hisui, a land you’re not even a native of. You weren’t keen to help out Kamado again either as he was the one who exiled you from Jubilife, forcing you to seek refuge in the Pearl Clan. The Galaxy Team and Jubilife never felt like home to you, but the Pearl Clan had accepted you with wide open arms and you had grown fond of them. You rose through the ranks to become their leader and use your strength and abilities to help the Pearl Clan thrive. It felt much more rewarding to use your talents to help the people in the Pearl Clan who loved you rather than how you had to use them in the Galaxy Team, where the only one benefitting from it was Kamado.
Kamado turned to face the both of you, “Volo’s returned. And he’s not coming back to Hisui alone. The Galaxy Team needs both of your clans’ help to stop him from destroying Hisui’s existence.”
“With all due respect, Commander, the Pearl Clan is unable to offer any assistance in this matter. We need to focus our efforts internally, and we would prefer not to have more interactions with the Diamond Clan than what is necessary in order to not escalate any more tension,” you explained, ignoring the intense look Adaman was giving you.
Adaman scoffed in response, “If Volo is successful in returning to Hisui, it’s going to become a Pearl Clan issue. You can’t set aside your pride to save Hisui?”
“I’ve done my service for Hisui! I’ve saved this land once before already! I serve the Pearl Clan now,” you barked, starting to rise out of your seat.
“What’s once more then?” he retaliated, leaning out of his seat to better face you, his face only inches from your own and his piercing gaze suddenly clear.
You laughed, “You people ask a lot of someone not from this land. One day I’m a stranger and not worthy to reside in either of your lands and the next day, you ask me for the world and more.”
Getting out of your seat, you turn to Kamado, “I believe the Pearl Clan is no longer needed here. Have a good day and good luck because you’ll be needing it.”
You leave the room and Adaman quickly follows. He traps you with his body against the wall, staring icily, directly into your eyes, “What the fuck was that about back there?”
You stare back into his eyes, not budging.
“What? You’re too good to save Hisui now? What happened to the version of you I knew, who would always help people, even if they didn’t receive anything in return,” he snapped, inching his face closer to yours.
“For starters, those same people I helped 'for nothing in return' ", you gestured, “exiled me out of the village. And then the one person I thought I could rely on, refused to help me when I desperately needed it.”
“You knew that decision wasn’t up to me! I couldn’t risk creating such a rift in my clan’s relationship with the Galaxy Team,” he sighs, clenching his jaw and glancing to the floor, “You know what, I was actually happy when I got word that you had joined the Pearl Clan. I thought it would be a good opportunity for the Diamond Clan to work with you and finally ease tensions, but I didn’t expect that you would also fall into stupid clan politics.”
“Neither did I about you. I guess it’s just business as usual then between our clans,” you reply curtly, keeping your gaze steady. You could feel the heat between the two of you radiating as he only continued to get closer.
“This between us isn’t a Diamond Clan thing or a Pearl Clan thing. It’s just a you-and-me thing,” he explained, locking eyes with you once again before he turned around to leave, “This argument is a waste of time. You’re going to have to accept my existence and the whole Volo situation sooner or later, whether you want to or not. I’ll let it slide this time, but just know this won’t be the last time we see each other.
You scoffed and crossed your arms at his antics as you watched him exit. Even in the heat of the moment, this guy never forgets about the “preciousness of time”..
On returning to the settlement, you met with your council of elder clan members to discuss the meeting as well as your encounter with Adaman.
“Leader, do you believe the Pearl Clan can withstand such a great threat on our own? Are we strong enough to do so?” an elder asked, concerned.
“I’m confident we’re able to. If we’ve thrived this long without much involvement from the Galaxy Team or the Diamond Clan, I know we’re capable,” you stated, sitting up straighter to assume a more “leaderly” appearance.
“I’m still unsure about all of this.. Maybe it’s time we took the Diamond Clan’s offer and let this all go,” another spoke up.
You quickly turned your head to face them, “What offer?”
They sighed, “I’m not one to suggest abandoning tradition, but the future of the Pearl Clan lies in our hands..”
“What offer are you talking about?” you urged once again.
He turned to face you, “We spoke with the Diamond Clan elders and discussed a possible marriage between you and Adaman to promote unity within the clans.”
You sat shocked, unable to speak.
“We originally didn’t even consider the idea because we didn’t believe it was necessary, but maybe it’s time to end the fighting and set the Pearl Clan on a new path. Set all of Hisui on a new path.”
“It still isn’t necessary. I know the Pearl Clan is strong, we have no need to succumb to joining forces with their likes. We need to preserve our honor and our pride,” you argued.
The elders looked at you with soft eyes, “My dear Leader, we do not mean to offend you with this proposal. We would not even be entertaining such an idea if we felt it was not warranted whatsoever. You know well how much we care for this clan and preserving its name.”
You sighed, rubbing your temples. Just the thought of being in the same room as that man was bad enough, but marrying him? That was out of the question.
“Please, dear Leader, just at least consider it. You, yourself, know better than anyone how apt and intelligent Leader Adaman is. He could be an invaluable resource in preserving our Clan’s future.”
“We will not make you go through with it, though, our Leader. We will respect the decision you make, no matter what it is. You can have some time to think about it, we know it is not an easy decision to make,” another elder added, noticing your silence.
“I’ll do it.”
“Pardon, my Leader?”
“I said I’d do it,” you declared firmly, eyes flashing.
The elders looked to one another concerned, they didn’t expect you to concede so easily.
“As you wish. We will let the Diamond Clan know then that we will start the courting procession immediately..” The elders stood up, bowing respectfully before they left you sitting alone in your tent, staring blankly at the canvas wall.
Disputes with Adaman aside, you knew you had to do it. After all, you were the leader of your clan and people’s lives were at stake. You just couldn’t believe that this was the best solution for preventing Volo from destroying all of Hisui.