Sinnoh Daily: "Shocking!!! Elite Four member Aaron is defeated by a mysterious opponent!"
Lily of the Valley Headline: "The Elite Four member Aaron was crushed. Who is this mysterious Trainer?"
Veilstone News: "Paul, the strongest Trainer in Veilstone City, easily defeats Aaron!"
League Report: ...
That day, the Pokémon world in Sinnoh was shaken. Almost every Trainer who had access to the internet or television knew that the Sinnoh Elite Four member Aaron had been forcefully defeated by Paul.
The next day, everyone reading newspapers and watching the news in Sinnoh was well aware of the event.
Soon, Trainers from around the world voiced their opinions, debating the battle vigorously.
Some said Paul's Drapion was incredibly strong, defeating two of Aaron's Pokémon in just two moves. Others said Paul's Pokémon exuded such an overwhelming presence that Aaron's Pokémon were instantly intimidated and collapsed at the mere sight of him. There were even rumors that Paul hadn't even sent out a Pokémon but had simply intimidated Aaron into submission with a glare.
Fake and real news flooded the internet. As Paul's name spread, most people were unanimous in their belief that if Paul were to begin a Champion Challenge, Aaron's spot would likely be in jeopardy!
During this special moment, Aaron quietly secluded himself, training in his remote cottage with his Pokémon. Paul, meanwhile, had quietly left Veilstone City and arrived at Professor Rowan's Research Institute in Sandgem Town.
"Paul, what brings you to see me today?" Professor Rowan asked, slightly confused. He didn't understand why Paul, a rising star in the Trainer community, would seek him out at this particular time.
At this point, Paul should have been either preparing for the World Coronation Series qualifiers, challenging other strong Trainers, or as people were saying, starting the Elite Four Challenge, aiming for the title of Champion. Alternatively, he might have been at Sinnoh's Battle Frontier, refining his skills. What could be so important that Paul would make the long trip to visit him?
"It's simple, Professor. I need you to conduct a thorough examination of one of my Pokémon. After that, I'll be preparing for the Champion Challenge and will face the other Elite Four." Paul replied.
"You could have sent it directly from the Breeding House for me to examine, no need to come all the way here." Professor Rowan said, clearly puzzled. He had worked with Paul before and had no doubts about the young Trainer's talents. Checking Pokémon wasn't a problem, but there seemed to be no need for this personal visit.
"I have a special Pokémon that requires a full detailed examination." Paul said, taking out a Poké Ball.
"A special Pokémon? Well, I'm interested. Let's see what we're dealing with here." Professor Rowan, always excited to research new Pokémon, said with enthusiasm.
"Mewtwo, come out." Paul said, releasing the legendary Pokémon from its Poké Ball.
"W-Wait… this is… a Pokémon never recorded before?!" Professor Rowan gasped. His eyes widened in awe, and his research assistants were equally shocked, staring at Mewtwo with a mixture of disbelief and wonder.
"Mewtwo… A special Pokémon created by Team Rocket based on the mythical Pokémon Mew's DNA. It possesses incredible power and potential. But as I understand it, it also holds an untapped ability for Mega Evolution. I need you to conduct a thorough examination." Paul explained.
Professor Rowan, an expert in Pokémon evolution, was both amazed and curious. Even Professor Oak might not be as proficient as him in this area. The only other researchers who could potentially examine Mewtwo's Mega Evolution were Professor Sycamore from the Kalos region, who specialized in Mega Evolutions, or Professor Rowan himself.
"Team Rocket... Mew... So this is a special Pokémon indeed, never documented before. Very interesting... but..." Professor Rowan's interest was clear, though he couldn't quite understand why Paul was revealing Mewtwo's existence so openly.
"If it's just me, it's fine. But with so many researchers around, I can't guarantee they'll keep this secret." Professor Rowan said cautiously.
Paul, however, remained unfazed. "It's no problem. If necessary, I'll have Mewtwo erase your memories." He said seriously.
"Everything you do is under my watch. Don't try anything funny."
Then, Mewtwo's voice suddenly echoed in the minds of everyone present.
At the same time, one of the researchers, who had been secretly recording Mewtwo's data on his computer, suddenly found himself unable to control his hands, causing him to erase all of his previous recordings.
With the help of Rotom, Mewtwo had not only mastered genetics and cloning but also possessed incredible knowledge in computers, networks, and mobile devices—far surpassing most humans on the planet.
"Mewtwo, the most intelligent Pokémon. No one compares." Paul said coldly, casting a glance at the researcher.
"That's... remarkable." Professor Rowan commented, maintaining his composure. He addressed his assistants, saying, "Prepare for the examination. Anyone who doesn't wish to stay in the lab can leave now."
None of the researchers left. This was an extraordinary opportunity. How could they pass it up?
Soon, the entire lab was buzzing with activity as everyone began to perform a comprehensive examination of Paul's Pokémon, including Rotom, while Professor Rowan focused on examining Mewtwo.
...
Two hours later, the examination was complete.
"Your Pokémon are truly unique. Each one contains an immense amount of power." Professor Rowan remarked, reviewing the reports. After a few quick glances, he noticed that Paul's Pokémon were far from ordinary.
"Specifically, all of your Pokémon are in excellent health with no issues. In fact, they are too healthy—cell strength, internal energy, and energy conversion rates are all off the charts. Even your Chimchar, which is relatively weak in terms of physical stamina, is already much stronger than most of its kind." Professor Rowan continued.
"If I were to give advice, it would be to focus on your Pokémon's psychological well-being. Allow them to relax, relieve stress, and take breaks—this would help them improve even further." he added.
"As for Electivire, we can only detect its immense electric energy and a unique magnetic field. However, the machines cannot provide any further details."
"Garchomp's situation is similar—while we can't detect why it can Mega Evolve, we believe it may be linked to its bloodline." Professor Rowan continued.
"Ursaluna and Aggron are fairly normal. Drapion's poison is incredibly potent, its toxicity is about 50% stronger than Aaron's Drapion and is far more aggressive."
"Other than that, everything else seems normal. I'll give you a full report to compare and study." Professor Rowan concluded.
"Chimchar is interesting though. I detected a small, yet powerful, hidden energy inside. If harnessed properly, its power could be significantly boosted." He finished, looking up from the report, his eyes filled with awe.
Paul remained silent, absorbing all the information. Time passed quickly, and soon he had a clearer understanding of his Pokémon's unique characteristics.
"These are completely new genetic traits, yet they share similarities with all other Pokémon. Truly exceptional." Professor Rowan mused, his voice filled with admiration.
When it came time to examine Mewtwo, Professor Rowan hesitated for a moment, but his awe was clear. He glanced at the report again, and his expression shifted into one of curiosity.
"I've detected several energy signatures inside Mewtwo." Professor Rowan said, eyes narrowed as he studied the data.
"Some are already manifesting, and some are extremely powerful. But if you're asking about unmastered forces or energy related to Mega Evolution, I've found nothing definitive."
"There's still a long way to go in our research on Pokémon," he continued. "Even now, we can't say for sure whether only a specific group of Pokémon are capable of Mega Evolution. It's entirely possible that one day, a new Mega Stone will be discovered—and with it, new Pokémon may be able to Mega Evolve."
"Mega Evolution itself is a form of power. If one can tap into and stimulate that power, theoretically, any compatible Pokémon could Mega Evolve on its own—like your Garchomp, for example."
Paul asked calmly, "So, what do you think, Professor?"
Professor Rowan's logic made sense to him. After all, his Garchomp had only achieved self-initiated Mega Evolution through experience—trial and error. But for Mewtwo to first grasp Mega Evolution before even attempting it, that was like trying to build a rocket by hand. Practically impossible.
"Hmm… There may be one approach," Professor Rowan said after a moment of contemplation. "In theory, any form of energy can be extracted or awakened, provided the right method is found. In the Kalos region, Professor Sycamore has made Mega Evolution his main research focus. It's possible he's found a scientific method to isolate Mega Energy."
"If we could inject Mega Energy into a Pokémon's body," he explained, "then, even if the Pokémon doesn't Mega Evolve immediately, it should at least resonate with the energy—assuming it's compatible."
Paul nodded thoughtfully. Professor Rowan's line of reasoning wasn't far from his own. But while Professor Rowan pursued science, Paul had another path in mind—one rooted in mystery and legend.
"Thank you, Professor. I understand now."
Paul gave a small bow to show his appreciation. But in his heart, his plan had already solidified: he would return to the anime world.
In his memory, there were at least two known ways seen in the anime that could trigger Mega Evolution without requiring a Mega Stone.
The first was from the movie Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel. In that film, the villain used a mysterious device that forcibly triggered Mega Evolution without the need for Mega Stones. Though it caused tremendous pain to the Pokémon, Paul wasn't concerned.
"Becoming stronger always comes with pain. If that's what it takes to make Mewtwo Mega Evolve, then so be it. Suffer now, thrive later."
The only issue? He wasn't sure whether that movie's characters, devices, or even the setting actually existed in the anime continuity he was navigating.
The second was from the XY Mega Evolution Specials, featuring Alain. In those episodes, the Team Magma/Team Aqua remnants—the "Hoenn Trio"—attempted to steal a massive stone imbued with what seemed to be the origin energy of Mega Evolution.
That stone, as Paul understood it, essentially functioned as a unique Mega Stone. If he could access and harness even a portion of its power, Mega Evolving Mewtwo shouldn't be a problem.
Still, before that, he figured it wouldn't hurt to track down this world's version of Professor Sycamore—just in case a scientific method to extract Mega Energy really existed.
"No problem. Do you plan to erase our memories again?" Professor Rowan asked, surprisingly calm.
Paul glanced at Mewtwo and nodded.
"Yes. Go ahead."
Without a word, Mewtwo's psychic energy rippled silently outward, enveloping everyone in the lab. Computers flickered and went dark as files were wiped clean.
"Amazing…" Professor Rowan whispered moments later, regaining his senses. He looked around, startled. "I still remember you and Mewtwo visiting… but anything detailed about Mewtwo's DNA or specifics—I can't recall at all."
"Some things aren't meant for too many people to know." Paul replied. "I hope you understand."
He hadn't erased every memory of Mewtwo—there was no point. Eventually, Mewtwo would be revealed to the world. But confidential details like its genetic composition were best kept secret.
If someone were ever to study Mewtwo's genes, it would be Mewtwo itself leading the research. He wouldn't trust even a reliable professor with that level of information.
He wasn't worried about leaks from Professor Rowan, but others? Who could say? And what if someone hacked the database?
"I understand." Professor Rowan said sincerely. "But… when will Mewtwo be officially added to the Pokédex?"
Paul's response was simple:
"When the day comes that Mewtwo is ready to face the world."
Professor Rowan nodded with a small smile.
"No problem."
That matter resolved, Paul left the lab and headed out.
...
As he arrived at Jubilife City, a familiar voice rang out behind him—loud and out of breath.
"Wait! Wait! Waaaait for me! Paul!!"
He turned. That familiar shock of blond hair was unmistakable.
"You jerk! I said wait up! Why do you always walk so fast?! You're gonna get fined for this!"
"Admit it—you did that on purpose!"
Barry rushed up, hands on his knees, and panting heavily. But the moment he caught his breath, he jabbed a finger at Paul and scolded him loudly.
"You didn't leave for another region?" Paul asked, unbothered.
After the Sinnoh League, everyone had gone their separate ways. Lucas had headed off to travel in another region. As for Barry, Paul genuinely had no idea what the guy had been up to.
"Of course I did!"
Barry practically shouted. "After the League, I went to challenge top Trainers in other regions!"
He'd recently returned to Sinnoh, training at the Battle Frontier with Palmer—his father, and battling strong Trainers day after day.
Just a couple of days ago, he went home to visit his mom. On his way back, he passed Professor Rowan's lab and dropped by on a whim.
Turns out, Paul had just left.
And Barry? He wasn't having that.
So, naturally—he sprinted after him.
Paul simply nodded in understanding, and then asked:
"…Did you manage to beat your dad yet?"
Barry's face twitched.
(End of Chapter)
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