Chapter 385: Anime Pokémon World (1)
~Azure S. POV~
[Kanto Region, Next Day, Pallet Town – Sky's Airship]
The familiar hum of my airship vibrated gently beneath my feet, a subtle lullaby that had accompanied me across three different regions. Pallet Town, iconic for being the starting point of so many legendary trainers, spread out peacefully below, its quaint charm a stark contrast to the whirlwind of my life.
Today, though, the quiet was getting to me. My partners, my ever-present shadows, felt it too. Pikachu, my very first friend in this world, perched on my shoulder, his ears twitching, a low rumble of static in his cheeks.
Eevee, who'd been with me since her days as a tiny, vulnerable rescue, sat atop my head, her soft fur cushioning my scalp, her big, curious eyes scanning the horizon. There was a restlessness in us, a collective itch for a new challenge.
We'd conquered Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn. What next?
The answer hung around my neck, barely visible beneath my shirt: the smooth, cold surface of the GS Ball. Within it slept Celebi, the mythical time traveler, whom I'd managed to befriend and catch during my Johto journey.
With Celebi, a whole new world of possibilities, quite literally, opened up. I'd been doing my research, delving into every scrap of lore and legend I could find. Parallel timelines, alternate dimensions – Celebi's power was vast, and I intended to put it to good use.
Specifically, I wanted to train for the Battle Frontier. My world's version was tough, but I'd heard whispers, legends of a different, perhaps even more challenging version: the Anime World of Pokémon.
My grin widened as it was finally time. I murmured, my voice laced with genuine excitement, "Alright, guys."
Pikachu let out a chirping cry, "Pika! (Adventure Time!)"
Eevee nuzzled my head, sensing my anticipation. I smirked as I said casually, "Time for a little field trip."
First, preparations. Thanks to [Sub-Space], I didn't have to worry about running out of food or supplies for a while. And I made sure to bring my Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn teams along for the ride, along with a few other Pokémon of mine.
With a thought, I brought up the translucent blue overlay, tapping through the rows of Poké Balls. I safely secured most of my team, preferring to keep the journey personal and challenging. For now, I'd stick to a more grounded team for this 'training exercise.'
On hand, I clicked open the Poké Balls on my belt. My Kanto team was ready: Arcanine, my loyal fire dog, a blur of speed and power; Dragonite, the sky's gentle giant, but a force to be reckoned with; and Scizor, a master of swift strikes and precision. And, of course, there was Gengar.
Not just any Gengar, but a Shiny one, a mischievous phantom who rarely stayed in her Poké Ball, preferring to lurk in my shadow, a silent, grinning companion. They were well-rested, eager for action.
With my team set and my pockets secured, I turned to the GS Ball. I whispered, holding the ball out, "Celebi. Please wake."
*Pop*
A soft green light emanated from within, and in a shimmer of leaves and light, the small, green mythical Pokémon appeared. Celebi chirped, blinking its large, blue eyes, a question in its gaze.
I explained, a wave of energy and excitement coursing through me, "We're going on an adventure. A different world. I need you to take us to a parallel timeline, the 'Anime World.' The one I asked you to find in your free time. Try to land us somewhere quiet, away from people, preferably in a city."
Celebi nodded, a tiny smile gracing its face. It knew my wishes. With a final, resonant chime, Celebi flared with a powerful, emerald light.
*FLASH*
The world around us blurred, twisted, and then dissolved into a kaleidoscope of green. Pikachu instinctively tightened his grip on my shoulder, Eevee burrowed deeper into my hair, and I braced myself for the temporal displacement.
/////
[Worldline: Anime World (Pokémon)]
[Kanto Region, Viridian City]
*Swf*
With a sudden, jarring flash, the green light dissipated, and I felt solid ground beneath my feet once more. The air was different here, a subtle shift in the city hum, the smell of exhaust fumes mixed with blooming flowers. I blinked, eyes adjusting to the new surroundings.
Pikachu still clung to my shoulder, shaking his head slightly, and Eevee peered over my forehead, her ears twitching. Behind me, Celebi shimmered, its green light fading as it re-entered the GS Ball, which now hung around my neck.
A soft, prolonged yawn echoed in my mind, a clear signal from the mythical Pokémon: time travel was exhausting, even for it. It would need its rest.
I muttered, taking in my surroundings, "Looks like we made it."
I was in an alleyway, thankfully empty, tucked between two brick buildings. Stepping out, I found myself on a bustling street, surrounded by unfamiliar faces and a distinct architectural style.
Tall buildings, vibrant advertisements featuring Pokémon I recognized, but with subtle differences in art style. This wasn't my Viridian City.
My Arc Phone, a sleek, rectangular device that acted as my Pokedex, map, and general information hub, hummed to life. It automatically connected to this world's equivalent of a network, sifting through data.
My eyes scanned the screen as new information populated. No Mega Evolution yet—interesting. Gary Oak was currently traveling the Kanto region, collecting badges. And, most importantly for my immediate goal: Giovanni was the Viridian City Gym Leader.
Not just a shadowy figure pulling strings, but openly leading a Gym. A slow grin spread across my face. This was perfect.
The first thing that popped into my mind, a thought I'd often entertained while reading about this branch of the timeline, was whether Giovanni possessed that Mewtwo. The powerfully armored one, the one with the tragic backstory.
Curiosity, a powerful driver, pushed me forward. I said excitedly, adjusting my backpack, "Let's go, guys. Time to pay a visit to the local Gym Leader."
Pikachu let out an excited 'Pika-Pika!' and Eevee bounced on my head, ready for anything. The Viridian City Gym loomed ahead, a fortress-like structure that seemed almost too imposing for a standard Gym.
As I approached the entrance, a burly guard, his arms crossed over a well-hidden Team Rocket uniform, stepped forward, blocking my path. He grunted, his eyes narrowing, "State your business, Trainer. And show your badges."
I flashed him a sly smile. I reached into my bag, pulling out my badge case, replying, "Just looking for a challenge. As for badges..."
I didn't need to show all eight of my Kanto badges from my world; that might raise too many questions. I carefully selected seven, discreetly palming the eighth. The guard's eyes widened slightly as he saw the collection of shiny, distinct emblems.
These weren't standard Kanto badges, but they were clearly hard-won. He grunted, a flicker of surprise in his gaze, then nodded, "Alright. You've earned your way in. But don't cause any trouble."
I replied, stepping past him into the dimly lit interior of the Gym, "Wouldn't dream of it. Now, if you excuse me…"
The air was thick with expectation, and a faint scent of ozone hung in the air. This place reeked of Team Rocket.
/////
[Kanto Region, Viridian City – Gym]
The Gym's battle arena was surprisingly spacious, with a rocky, uneven terrain that suggested a ground-type specialty. In the center, shrouded in deep shadows, stood a figure whose imposing silhouette was unmistakable.
A deep, resonant voice echoed through the Gym, "Welcome, Trainer. I am the Gym Leader of Viridian City. Some call me the strongest Trainer in Kanto. Others… well, they don't call me anything after they've lost."
A chuckle, devoid of humor, followed as he continued, "Hahaha… Are you prepared to face the might of Viridian City?"
I said boldly, my voice steady, betraying none of the internal excitement bubbling within me, "I've faced stronger. I challenge you, Gym Leader."
Giovanni's voice boomed, "Excellent! A challenger with confidence. I like that. Guards, announce the terms."
Another guard, standing by the side, stepped forward and declared, "The battle will consist of three Pokémon! There will be no time limit!"
So strange. Usually, this is the part where the leveling machine shows up to determine my Pokémon's level to have an equal fight.
Guess the anime world doesn't have this meaning, I can bully my way with my strongest teams… nice.
I confirmed, already formulating my strategy, "Three Pokémon, then."
I knew Giovanni's type specialty, and I knew generally what to expect from this version of him. Plus, I had my vast experience and my own world's Pokémon, who were, to put it mildly, on a completely different power scale.
I declared, taking a Poké Ball from my belt, "I'll start. Go, Quagsire!"
*Pop*
A flash of light, and my grinning, blue amphibian appeared on the field, its goofy smile a stark contrast to the ominous atmosphere. Quagsire waddled confidently, ready for action with its held item [Mystic Water].
Giovanni's eyes, visible as slivers of red in the shadows, seemed to narrow slightly. He tossed his own Poké Ball, commenting, "A Quagsire, hmm? Interesting choice. Very well. Golem, prepare for battle!"
*Pop*
A massive, rock-hard Pokémon materialized, its four arms flexing, a powerful growl emanating from its chest. Golem stomped the ground, sending vibrations through the arena.
Giovanni commanded, immediately going on the offensive, "Golem, Take Down!"
*THUD*
Golem roared, tucking itself into a ball and rolling at incredible speed towards Quagsire, a blur of rock and raw power. But I've seen tougher.
I ordered, my voice calm, "Quagsire, Agile Style Ice Punch!"
*KRACKLE*
With surprising agility, Quagsire met the charging Golem. Its small, clawed hand glowed with icy energy, and it delivered a swift, direct punch to Golem's rolling form. The impact was deafening, a sickening crunch of rock and ice.
*CRUNCH*
Golem didn't even have time to register the hit before it was sent careening backward, a stunned expression on its face, smashing into the Gym wall with enough force to crack the masonry. It slid down, unconscious.
Silence descended upon the Gym. Giovanni didn't move, but I could feel his gaze, sharp and assessing. The guards looked genuinely shocked.
I heard one of them whisper, "One hit…"
Giovanni slowly clapped, a dry, almost mocking sound. His voice, though calm, held a new edge of intrigue, "Impressive, Trainer. To fell my Golem with a single strike... Your Quagsire possesses formidable power indeed. Very well. Let us see how you fare against this."
He chose another Poké Ball, declaring, "Kingler, front and center!"
*Pop*
A large, red crab Pokémon, its giant pincer bristling with power, emerged. Kingler snapped its claws, ready for battle.
Giovanni commanded, going for another direct attack, "Kingler, Crabhammer!"
Kingler scuttled forward, its massive pincer glowing blue as it swung with incredible force at Quagsire. I instructed, knowing exactly what was about to happen, "Quagsire, stand your ground and use Endure."
*THWACK*
The Crabhammer connected with a resounding thwack, sending a tremor through the arena. Kingler's pincer was powerful, but Quagsire barely flinched with Endure. Its perpetually goofy smile remained, and a faint green aura pulsed around it.
Giovanni's eyes widened fractionally as he uttered, surprised, "What was that? Kingler's Crabhammer should have been devastating!"
I stated calmly, a slight smirk playing on my lips, "Water Absorb, Gym Leader. Kingler's strongest attack just healed my Quagsire."
I wasn't going to let this version of Giovanni have an easy time. I commanded, "Now, Quagsire, Hydro Pump, full power!"
*SPLASH*
Quagsire opened its mouth wide, and a torrent of high-pressure water erupted, slamming into Kingler. The crab Pokémon cried out, pushed back by the sheer force of the attack, its shell rattling.
But I didn't allow it the chance to order, "Follow up with Mud Bomb!"
*SPLAT*
Before Kingler could recover, Quagsire launched a glob of thick, churning mud that exploded on Kingler's face, disorienting it. I then ended it commanding, "Finish this with Strong Style Earth Power!"
*RMBL*
With a mighty stomp, Quagsire channeled its energy into the ground. The arena floor beneath Kingler erupted in a geyser of brown earth and raw energy, sending the crab Pokémon flying helplessly into the air before it crashed down, completely defeated.
Two Pokémon down, two one-shots. The silence was even heavier this time. Giovanni slowly stepped forward, emerging from the shadows.
He was exactly as I remembered him from the anime: tall, imposing, with sharp features and an aura of dangerous authority. My grin faltered slightly; this wasn't the Giovanni of my world, who was less of a front-line fighter and more of a criminal mastermind.
This guy had a certain theatricality, a flair for the dramatic. Giovanni finally spoke, his voice surprisingly calm despite the visible frustration in his eyes, "Remarkable…"
He scanned Quagsire, who was still smiling, oblivious to the awe it had inspired as he continued, "You are indeed a formidable Trainer, Azure Sky."
He apparently got my name from the guard, as he continued, "But do not for a second believe this battle is over. I am not beaten. Not yet."
*Snap*
*RMBL*
He snapped his fingers, and with a low rumble, a section of the Gym wall slid open, revealing a hidden chamber. A surge of anticipation, almost a physical pressure, emanated from within. Giovanni declared, his voice filled with an almost manic confidence, "I will use this battle to test my most powerful Pokémon."
From within the chamber, a hulking, bipedal Pokémon emerged. It was covered head-to-toe in a complex, restrictive mechanical armor, its face obscured by a visor. But I knew. I knew precisely what it was. Mewtwo.
The Anime version. Captive, controlled, and radiating an immense, barely contained psychic power.
Giovanni fixed his gaze on me, a challenging glint in his eyes as he boldly declared, "Given the overwhelming power of my chosen companion, I will allow you to use more than one Pokémon against it. Unless, of course, you are afraid of losing?"
I snorted internally. Afraid?
I'd dealt with the Giovanni of my world, a man who commanded Legendary Pokémon without mechanical restraints, a man whose ambitions had shaken the very foundations of the regions. This Giovanni, while powerful, felt almost like a pale imitation.
I'd toppled his schemes before; I could certainly topple this battle. I wasn't that same kid 5 years ago…
I said calmly, my tone polite but firm, eyeing them, "Thank you for the offer, Gym Leader. But I politely decline. One Pokémon is all I need."
I recalled Quagsire to its Poké Ball, giving it a congratulatory pat, praising it, "You did great, buddy. Get some rest."
I reached for another Poké Ball on my belt. I smirked as I declared, "Let's see how well your 'most powerful' Pokémon handles a little magic. Go, Mismagius!"
*Pop*
A burst of purple light unfurled, revealing my elegant, ghostly companion. Mismagius, with her flowing cloak-like body and bell-like head, floated gracefully into the arena. She let out a soft, ethereal cry, and her bells chimed...
*Chant*
*Chant*
But as she entered, her mouth opened, and she began to chant, a low, melodic hum that was completely undetectable to human ears, but resonated powerfully in the spiritual realm. She was already casting her enchantments, preparing the battlefield, completely unbeknownst to Giovanni and, more importantly, to the armored Mewtwo.
Mewtwo, sensing a new opponent, regarded Mismagius with an intense, psychic gaze. Its armored body tensed, radiating an aura of raw power.
Giovanni commanded, wanting to end this quickly, clearly underestimating the Ghost-type, "Mewtwo, Psychic!"
*SHIII*
A wave of pure psychic energy surged from Mewtwo, aimed directly at Mismagius. But by then, it was already too late. As Mewtwo unleashed its attack, the entire battlefield shimmered and warped violently.
*WARP*
The solid, rocky terrain dissolved and reformed into a dense, humid jungle, complete with towering trees, thick vines, and the oppressive sounds of unseen creatures. Giovanni gasped, startled, his eyes darting around the suddenly alien environment.
Even Mewtwo recoiled, its psychic senses overwhelmed by the sudden, drastic shift as it listened to Mismagius' chants. It was an illusion, yes, but one so potent it fooled the mind and nearly the senses.
I ordered, seizing the moment of confusion, "Mismagius, Perish Song!"
*SCREEE*
Mismagius's bells chimed again, louder this time, and a haunting, melancholic melody filled the illusory jungle. The song, though beautiful, was laced with dread, a countdown to doom for anyone who heard it.
Mewtwo flinched, its armored head twitching as the chilling song began to resonate directly within its mind. Giovanni roared, trying to break through the illusion, to snap Mewtwo out of its daze, "Mewtwo, focus! Ignore the illusion! Attack Mismagius!"
But Mismagius's control over its illusions was absolute; Giovanni's perception was entirely overridden, making him see Mismagius dancing through the jungle, just out of Mewtwo's reach, conducting the song. He thought the battle was continuing, but he was merely a spectator to a play Mismagius was directing.
Heh. It was funny.
If there was a lesson I learned in the Pokémon Adventures world, it's this. Always aim for the Trainer in an unrestricted Pokémon battle.
Meanwhile, Mewtwo, despite the encroaching dread of Perish Song, was not easily fooled. Its incredible psychic abilities could pierce through many deceptions.
It tried to use its Psychic powers to locate the true Mismagius, scanning the ethereal plane with Miracle Eye, attempting to find the source of the illusion. I countered, keeping the pressure on, "Mismagius, Mean Look!"
*SNAP*
Before Mewtwo could fully pinpoint its location, Mismagius fixed its gaze upon the armored Pokémon, locking it in place. Now, even if Mewtwo somehow managed to break free of the illusion, it wouldn't be able to escape the Perish Song's grasp.
*SHIII*
Mewtwo, growing increasingly frustrated, unleashed another wave of Psychic energy, attempting to simply obliterate everything in its vicinity. But Mismagius, with a mischievous cackle that sounded eerily distorted in the jungle, vanished from its spot, realizing just moments before that it was a mere illusion.
*Poof*
Mewtwo was left blasting empty air. It tried to focus, to pierce the veil of deception, and I could feel the sheer mental strain it was under.
Finally, with a burst of immense effort, Mewtwo managed to partially locate Mismagius, sensing a faint energy signature. It gathered its power, ignoring the illusion, and unleashed a massive Shadow Ball, a sphere of pure dark energy, straight in Mismagius's direction, relying on brute force over finesse.
*CRACKLE*
But Mismagius merely cackled again, a sound of playful triumph, "Misss~ (Hahaha!! Sucker! You got ghosted!)"
*Swf*
Just as the Shadow Ball was about to connect, it shimmered out of existence, using Phantom Force. The attack passed through empty space harmlessly.
*Swf*
Mismagius reappeared moments later, directly behind Mewtwo, its Perish Song still ringing in the air, amplified by the chime of its bells. The countdown reached its end.
Mewtwo convulsed, a powerful shudder running through its armored body. The energy it had been radiating flickered, then died out completely…
*THUD*
With a sickening thud, the genetically engineered Pokémon, the pinnacle of Giovanni's power, collapsed to the floor. Just as it hit the ground, the illusion shattered.
*CRACK*
The vibrant, oppressive jungle vanished, replaced by the familiar, rocky terrain of the Viridian City Gym. Giovanni, who moments before had been gloating, convinced that his Pokémon was invincible and that I, a mere illusion, was on the verge of panicking, now stared in utter, disbelieving shock.
He looked from the fading image of Mismagius, which quickly solidified into its true form, to his greatest creation, Mewtwo, lying motionless on the floor. The silence that followed was absolute, broken only by the faint chiming of Mismagius's bells as she floated back to my side, a faint, satisfied smile on her face.
Pikachu, Eevee, and Gengar, who'd been inside my shadow, who had been watching the entire spectacle unfold, let out triumphant cries, "Pika! Evoi! Gengar~ (That's our girl!!/Hmph! I taught my disciple well of the Ghost Sect.)"
Giovanni, the supposedly strongest Gym Leader in Kanto, the man who controlled the legendary Mewtwo from the shadows, stood there, completely aghast. His mouth was slightly agape, and his eyes, usually so calculating and cold, were wide with a mixture of disbelief and utter defeat.
He had seen his invincible Pokémon, the result of countless experiments and untold power, utterly defeated by a Ghost-type using... a song?
I allowed myself a small, knowing smile. I said calmly, putting a Poké Ball away, "Well, Gym Leader… It seems your most powerful Pokémon wasn't quite as invincible as you thought. But good match."
The training for the Battle Frontier had begun with quite a bang. And I was just getting started on the warm-ups.
/////
A/N: Reach the goal of 300 PS to get a Bonus Chapter!