Hello everyone!, 2 of the 3 new fanfics that are on the poll are up!!
The winner will get picked up! How will the winner will be decided?
The One With The Most Power Stones = 1 Point
The One With The Reviews = 1 Point
The One With The Most Votes On The Poll= 1 Point
The Poll will start on Sunday and it will last a week, so make sure to support your favorite ones. (I may pick more than one depending on how good they did.)
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[Starting from Tokyo's The King of Fighters]
[Shokugeki No Toriko!]
[Marvel: I Start By Making The SCP Foundation]
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After a full day of rest and a grand feast with his Pokémon, everyone was in high spirits.
The next day, Hikaru left Mistralton City and arrived at Route 6.
Cobalion was said to reside within the Mistralton Cave along Route 6—this cave was technically part of the larger Reversal Mountain. Inside it lived an elderly man known for chasing legends, one with a mysterious connection to Cobalion.
But Hikaru had no plans to enter the cave, as Cobalion was definitely not home right now.
The Swords of Justice had started engaging in strange activities across Unova, rarely even appearing in the Dream World anymore. Naturally, they wouldn't linger in their old homes—just like how Virizion hadn't shown up at the Moor of Icirrus.
"Up ahead is the Season Research Lab—open all year round for studying the seasons!"
The Season Research Lab sat at the center of Route 6. It housed scientists who researched seasonal changes and was home to many Sawsbuck in different seasonal forms. The lab also doubled as a greenhouse, where researchers cultivated plants in climate-controlled cases, adjusted by temperature and humidity depending on the season.
On his way to Mistralton City, Hikaru was riding a Pokémon.
But not Torterra.
Though Torterra would have gladly carried Hikaru, another Pokémon had volunteered.
Sawsbuck—the one without a Trainer—had taken the initiative to repay Hikaru's help. It galloped through the forests and fields of Route 6, heading toward the Chargestone Cave and eventually Mistralton City. The nostalgic wind from its hometown had crossed the mountains and returned to this familiar path, filling its heart with hope.
It had to find out where its Trainer had gone. Had he really left Mistralton for good?
The falling foliage of its homeland clung to its fur. Its hooves pounded forward with renewed drive.
Along this road, many Sawsbuck roamed freely.
A distinct grassy scent wafted through the area—that signature Sawsbuck fragrance meant it was summer. When the scent turned soft and sweet, autumn had arrived.
In the Pokémon world, seasons followed a unique rhythm and calendar—at least in Unova, they were determined by the changing forms of Sawsbuck.
"Hey! Isn't that a Sawsbuck?!"
"Can we borrow you for a moment?"
As expected, near the research lab, a few researchers were wandering nearby. Upon seeing Hikaru riding Sawsbuck, one excitedly approached.
"We've been trying to catch some Sawsbuck for seasonal research lately, but our strength is too weak—we can't even beat wild ones!"
He spoke shamelessly but quickly shifted topics: "Of course, if we can't get a Sawsbuck, Deerling works too! Even if it only has one form, the data is still valuable!"
"Deerling's antlers bloom differently depending on the season, releasing fragrances that change accordingly. It's said the one with the most beautiful antlers leads the herd—oh! Your Deerling's antlers… They're stunning!"
"This one must have been a herd leader!"
"Look here," the researcher gently stroked Sawsbuck, who didn't resist—its expression hinted at a memory.
He pointed at the antlers: "This one's in summer form—the thicker and fuller the foliage, the more majestic it is. Recent studies suggest the leaves can be brewed into red tea, with different regions producing different flavors."
"Wait—this is tea?!"
Hikaru hadn't expected that. There were simply too many Pokémon—some had unique "products" gradually discovered through human research.
"Saw~" Sawsbuck looked down at the researcher, eyes gleaming with nostalgia.
"Huh? Wait a minute—why does this Deerling feel so familiar? Have I seen you before?"
The researcher stared into its eyes—something sparked in his memory. Slowly, the image of an old man came to mind.
"Wait... could you be Mr. Wardo's—"
"Saw!" Sawsbuck cried. It remembered this man—its former Trainer had once visited the Weather Institute.
"Oh my, what are you doing here?" The researcher was stunned. Just then, Hikaru tapped into Sawsbuck's memories.
Its Trainer... That old man was once a Trainer in his youth, but more than that, he had been a painter.
"This Deerling was once used by Team Plasma," Hikaru explained. "I rescued it from them and brought it back to its hometown, as it wished."
"I see. So this was Mr. Wardo's Deerling... And Team Plasma, huh? I always thought that group was more like a religious cult. I wonder what really happened..."
"Wait—you said you followed the Pokémon's wishes?"
"Yes," Hikaru nodded. "I'm a Psychic. I can read a Pokémon's thoughts—and memories."
"A Psychic?! Aren't people like you usually... Oh! So you're going to Celestial Tower for training!"
The researcher seemed to understand where Hikaru's journey was headed. Then he turned to Sawsbuck and sighed. "What's it saying? I can't understand Pokémon like you can."
"It's asking if you know where Mr. Wardo is now."
"Wardo...? I'm sorry—I don't. I know him, but the old man was a bit eccentric. He didn't talk much and never gave out contact info. So... he's no longer in Mistralton?"
The researcher shook his head. "I'm Angus. Anyway, come on in."
Hikaru followed him into the Season Research Lab. Just like in the games, but much more spacious. Equipment and greenhouses lined the walls. Researchers were hard at work, but the moment they saw Sawsbuck, they crowded around.
"I thought we were studying Sawsbuck—but it's a Deerling?"
"It's Mr. Wardo's Deerling," Angus clarified.
Surprised murmurs followed. Angus pointed to a painting on the wall.
"That's Mr. Wardo's work, left behind during one of his visits."
The painting depicted Grass-type Pokémon and blooming flora: flying Pidove, fragrant Foongus and Amoonguss, playful Marill, and representations of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
"Wardo was a famous artist in Mistralton. They say he once traveled the world. His talent rivaled that of the mysterious phantom artist Master Casbaschia—but their styles were totally different. I wouldn't dare judge which is better."
Angus checked with the others, but no one had Wardo's contact.
Sawsbuck bowed its head. As expected... but still disappointing.
Angus brewed tea and listened to Hikaru's full story. Upon learning of Team Plasma, he sighed and thanked him.
"Wardo loved his Pokémon dearly. Perhaps Team Plasma's message resonated with his heart, causing him to act out like this."
"It's no wonder Deerling felt hurt... But honestly, neither Wardo nor his Pokémon is at fault—it's that cult's influence."
"By the way... you look familiar."
Angus adjusted his glasses. "I swear I've seen you on TV recently—but I can't quite place it."
"Don't worry. I'm just a traveler."
"True! Still, thank you for returning Mr. Wardo's Pokémon. As long as he learns what happened, everything can be resolved. Oh—and here, take this."
Angus handed over a Leaf Stone.
[Item: Leaf Stone from Route 6 (Slightly Special Leaf Stone)]
Description: A mysterious stone that causes certain Pokémon to evolve. Decorated with leafy patterns, this one was gifted by the Season Research Lab in gratitude. Though it appears ordinary, it contains hints of the four seasons seen from Route 6—the clearest seasonal path in all of Unova.
Note: With special craftsmanship or energy infusion, it may transform into a unique evolution stone.
"Thank you," Hikaru said, accepting it.
Angus then guided him through the greenhouse, showcasing the plants grown for seasonal research.
"Studying how these plants react to season shifts... each season brings unique weather—it's incredible. Nature is truly mysterious. In distant Hoenn, there's the Weather Institute, and a Pokémon that changes form based on the weather. Doesn't that sound similar to Sawsbuck?"
"Why Pokémon change forms with the seasons is a fascinating subject."
[Acquired: Knowledge of Seasonal Research]
Description: Knowledge on seasonal and weather phenomena. Allows creation of devices measuring climate, temperature, and seasons. Occasionally, you'll acquire season-related natural materials.
Note: May trigger unique seasonal events based on your other knowledge.
"Also, about Mistralton City—recently, the temperature there has dropped sharply. There have been heavy winds and rain, making travel tough. Be careful."
"There's a legend of the Wind and Thunder Gods near Mistralton. People say their summer-to-autumn battles bring violent weather."
Hikaru blinked.
Oh? Tornadus and Thundurus are at it again?
They usually caused storms near Celestial Tower, and Landorus would be needed to calm them.
Oops—Landorus might be late this year. That could be a problem.
"The check-up is done. Sawsbuck is in excellent condition."
The researchers had run full diagnostics—Sawsbuck cooperated fully. Compared to before, it was much stronger—clearly well cared for.
They didn't think it was Plasma's 'nutrition'—obviously, the credit went to this thoughtful Psychic Trainer.
After some time, the check-up ended, and Hikaru prepared to leave. Angus kindly gave him a Max Potion and a few Cheri Berries.
"Chargestone Cave has lots of wild Pokémon—it's a tricky place. Use this potion if things get dangerous. And the Cheri Berries remove paralysis—these are home-grown and work on both Pokémon and humans!"
After exchanging contacts with Angus and saying farewell to the researchers, Hikaru mounted Sawsbuck and entered Chargestone Cave.
A north-south cave connecting Route 6 and Mistralton City, it was charged with electromagnetic forces. Magnemite floated thanks to magnetic repulsion—you could even push them toward larger magnetic poles to progress.
Here, Magneton and Nosepass could evolve into Magnezone and Probopass, thanks to the strong magnetic field—like Mt. Coronet in Sinnoh!
This place was also N's dream home—filled with magnetism, steel, and numbers. If you didn't know where he was, a good bet would be to look around here.
Hikaru needed Chargestone Cave's materials.
Precious gems could be found on the dusty ground—left behind as Excadrill and Drilbur dug around underground.
Plop, plop...
From the cave entrance, eyes seemed to peer from the shadows. Hikaru pulled out his Ukulele.
Brrrooo~
Though it would attract wild Electric-types, it also boosted friendliness. A must-have to travel safely through Chargestone Cave.
As the mysterious melody echoed through the tunnels, hidden Pokémon sipping electricity emerged—drawn in curiosity and peace.
Their aggression faded—replaced by wonder.
Crack!
Aegislash popped out.
This cave was heaven for Steel-types. Bathed in magnetic energy, their bodies grew harder and shinier.
But Deoxys wasn't pleased—the strong magnetism interfered with its perception, forcing it to remain curled in its Master Ball.
What a shame. It was a beautiful place, but its body couldn't handle the field. Thank goodness for Master Balls—or it might've gotten worse.
Meanwhile—Walking Wake emerged!
Ah, gems! Good stuff!
It eagerly dug through the ground, nudging Aegislash to use its shield as a gem-basket!
The cave was filled with precious stones—untouched by miners due to legal boundaries. Mining here would attract the attention of Boss Clay.
"Fire Gem, Steel Gem, Water Gem, Ground Gem, Electric Gem, Rock Gem..."
Gems everywhere. Little pits on the floor marked Diglett and Excadrill burrows. The gems were just digging byproducts.
[Item: Chargestone]
A strong electromagnetic stone. Can power devices or act as a battery. Loved by Electric and Steel-types. Used to craft: Magnet, Treasure Detector, Underwater Scanner, and Electric Generator.
Though helpful, it didn't give Pokémon massive power boosts—or the cave would be crawling with elites.
Still, Treasure Detectors were handy—James used one often. Though all he found were bottle caps... rare, limited-edition ones.
Hikaru picked up a few Chargestones, placing them in his bag. Mission complete.
Chargestones also enhanced electric-based magic. Hikaru tried channeling one—and succeeded.
Electricity surged through the air, forming auto-opening doors of floating magnets.
[Acquired: Chargestone Cave's Electromagnetic Force]
Description: Boosts electric-based magic. You can sense and slightly control magnetic anomalies. Similar to Mt. Coronet's field.
"Oh, magnetic ascension level one—currently a Magnet Trash."
"Fufufufu~" Rotom spasmed out of the C-Gear. It loved this environment—dancing atop Hikaru's head, soaking up power.
Power clustered, drawn toward Rotom!
"You love this place, huh?"
"Roto~ Fufufufu! (Pure electricity—delicious!)"
Right—electricity does have flavor.
Stunfisk's power was bland. Pikachu's was delicious. Emolga's? Exquisite!
In the wild, Chargestone's electricity was gourmet-level.
"Hmm?" Aegislash glanced at Walking Wake. "You're Water-type... aren't you weak to electricity?"
Walking Wake shook its head.
Nope!
"Water/Dragon resists Electric. Walking Wake's not weak to it."
Since they were in such a cool place, Hikaru released the rest of his team.
Torterra swayed its tree proudly. Grass/Ground meant it felt nothing here. It even offered Hikaru a ride.
Riolu's fists crackled with lightning—Thunder Punch surged stronger than usual here.
Larvesta saw the cave's cold blue tones and dim lighting—and couldn't wait to burst into flames!
Finally—lighting duty!
Warm tones felt better!
Hikaru and his Pokémon jammed and gathered gems—having a blast.
"Octahedral gems... star-shaped crystals? These look like Dream World stones—just ornaments, no real function."
"Wait—is this one rare?"
[Item: Star Gem]
Octahedral or star-shaped. Comes in blue or green. Seen in the Dream World. Has no battle use, but boosts friendship—or sells well to collectors.
[Item: Leopard's Eye]
A rare green gem like a Liepard's gaze. Can be sold for a fortune. Improves bonding with rock-eating Pokémon.
"Doree?"
Lilligant found a glowing yellow orb.
She handed it over—fascinated.
[Item: Light Ball]
Pikachu-exclusive item. Doubles Attack and Sp. Atk when held.
"Oh, a Light Ball! Pikachu's exclusive item! Finding this here makes sense."
In the wild, it was nearly impossible to obtain. Usually found only on Route 120 or inside Sky Pillar in Hoenn—and rarely on wild Pikachu.
"A treasure indeed! Maybe I'll sell it to Ash when he enters the World Coronation Series... unless he already has one."
Red's Pikachu probably does... maybe?
As they ventured deeper, more Trainers and even doctors could be seen training.
"No pulse... I've lost."
"...I mean me, not the patient."
A doctor sighed dramatically. In front of him, a short-haired girl scribbled wildly in her notebook, laughing.
"...The insect wing reflects off the cold light of the medical kit. He bites his mask, blood seeping. Some cocoons must be torn apart by storms—so that sleeping scales might see the stars..."
The girl kept writing—until she heard ukulele music and saw Electric Pokémon dancing to it.
"[A strange traveler plays a guitar-like instrument. Melodies echo. Electric Pokémon dance. By his side is...]"
"...Iris?" Hikaru paused, surprised.
"Huh? You know me?" Iris blinked, pushing up her glasses.
Hikaru pointed at himself. "I'm the shopkeeper. You bought that notebook from me, remember?"
Iris tilted her head. "Shop?"
"...Eh?!"
Hikaru's face turned serious.
"And another thing—that's not a guitar." He raised the ukulele.
Iris blinked, then instinctively replied:
"Oh! Then it must be a bass!"
(End of Chapter)
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