His hand touched his Pikachu's head as his foot landed on Unova's soil. The airport's bustling noise was filtered out of his ears as he took in the scents and sights.
How long has it been?
Red pondered the thought for a moment. Very long. His Pikachu broke his contemplation, forcing him to huff at the Pokemon's eagerness. Unova would always be a unique experience for them. The towns, the atmosphere, and the Pokemon were special, indigenous to this region alone. Unova held a special place in his heart.
He could say that for every region, honestly.
"Where should we go first, Pikachu?"
Hopefully, there wouldn't be any problems. Cynthia would make a commotion if he encountered any other criminal organization.
Best to avoid Team Plasma altogether.
XXX
To Cynthia, Sinnoh would always be home. She journeyed, caught, and trained here. There would never really be another experience like it.
"My dear," Carolina gave Cynthia a warm hug. "It has been so long since we've seen you in the flesh."
She returned the hug. Returning to Celestic Town after all these years felt like returning to a place she belonged. It was nice. "It's good to be back, grandma."
"We'll throw a big party," Carolina spoke, eagerness prominent. "The entire town would love to hear from you. Oh, the stories you can tell! Your sister is quite envious. She already decided to want to travel the world as well."
"It's a great experience," Cynthia admitted. "You get to learn so much."
"I agree," Carolina nodded, "which is why I encourage it." She grinned slyly. "It certainly did you and Red some good. You've become quite famous here in Celestic if not all of Sinnoh!"
She coughed, "We're not that great, grandma. We work hard. That's all."
"You can be too modest," Carolina pulled her cheeks. She pouted. "Don't sell yourself short, my dear! Not many can claim what you've done at such a young age."
"Except Red."
"Except him," Carolina agreed, "but he too comes from our small town. It's quite a miracle to see two so talented in one place. Why, soon enough, they may call Celestic the town of champions!"
"Grandma," Cynthia huffed. "We still got a long way to go before we can reach that level."
"I do not doubt that," she smiled, "Speaking of which, I do not see Red with you. Don't tell me, has he decided to continue his journey all over the world?"
"He's someone that doesn't like to stay in one place for long," Cynthia sighed good-naturedly. "He wanted to challenge Unova. I didn't have the heart to stop him."
"Honestly, that man." Carolina laughed. "You sure do know how to pick them, my dear."
"We're not like that, grandma!"
"For now. Once you grow a bit older, however..."
Cynthia flushed a deep red. They were simply good friends and rivals. They weren't whatever her grandmother was insinuating! She shook her head to banish the thoughts and continued, "I will be challenging Sinnoh again. I want to see how far I can go this time."
"You and Red are one and the same." Her grandmother sighed. Cynthia feigned a glare. "All work and no play. Have you ever thought of having a vacation? It has been five or so years, dear. You deserve a break."
She shook her head but gave her ancestor a reassuring smile. "I don't think I can do that. Not yet anyway. I have to become a champion. I promised Red. I won't let him down."
Carolina sighed, "I'm sure Red wouldn't mind if you took a break, Cynthia."
"I'm sure he would actually encourage it," Cynthia spoke with amusement, "but I'm also doing it for myself. I want this, grandmother. Sorry."
"Don't apologize," Carolina hugged her briefly, "I should have expected this. You're just like your mother. Being a fighter is in your blood. I am assuming that you'll be here for the welcoming party, however?"
"Of course."
"Thank Arceus you're willing to do that at least." Her grandmother laughed before guiding her into the rest of Celestic Town. "Your sister will be excited to meet you. Your parents as well. They're all very proud of everything you've done."
"It's good to be back."
"And whenever you do decide to take a vacation, I do know a friend in Alola..."
"Grandma!"
Her grandmother laughed.
XXX
Alder was always different when compared to the other champions. Unlike his peers, he was often one that slacked on his duties, leaving most of it to his Elite Four. He preferred the journey. The wanderlust never really left him. As a child, he pursued the path of strength. With his Pokemon, he endured all obstacles, conquered every challenge, and became known throughout all of Unova.
Soon enough, victories became more common, defeats became rarer, and when the League came to him to acknowledge his power, he was crowned champion.
It wasn't exactly a crown he wanted, but the title stuck and everyone in Unova had claimed him as the strongest in the region. Being the strongest came with a slew of responsibilities, however, and his journey wasn't as free as it once was.
Ha!
Like that would stop him!
While he no longer was on the path of conquest, the dream of a traveler kept him on his feet. He got to see so many interesting people; met so many promising youths, trainers, and challengers. He saw the potential of the new generation. They were getting stronger, wiser, and better. It was only a matter of time before he would be replaced.
He'd wait for them. The thought of the battles that would come was a salivating thought. He could already imagine it! The great power struggles! The mighty last stands! The colliding test of will! It would be a battle he would never forget and until that time came, he would relax and wander.
Oh, that didn't mean he was completely irresponsible. The rising irritation that was Team Plasma had been a thorn in Unova's side recently and he had been stopping their criminal activity whenever he encountered them. They'd been preaching to the region about their desires to liberate Pokemon from a trainer's control.
Alder had to shake his head at such nonsense. Yes, there were plenty of horrible trainers in the world, but to deprive everyone of the bonds between people and Pokemon was beyond illogical. The world wouldn't be the way it was without their special relationship with their Pokemon kin.
When he was given a tip that there may be Team Plasma activity happening within the Dreamyard, he decided to investigate. He wasn't one to let injustice go without doing something about it.
So as he marched through the thick forests and ruined facilities, he noticed several things.
Grunts were scattered all over, knocked out with their equally unconscious Pokemon. A quick scan showed they were breathing. He checked the surroundings next. He had been through the Dreamyard plenty of times. He knew it well.
It was trashed beyond reason. Scorch marks littered the ground with indented trees and shattered walls scattered around the old forest. A great battle took place here, one where immense power struck through like a force of nature. Nothing was spared.
Someone got to Team Plasma first.
It piqued his interest. Whoever did this was clearly strong enough to weather a large group of Plasma's minions and come out standing. It spoke of experience and a practical mindset.
After a few hours of searching, the only thing he would find was a group of safely protected Munna along with a researcher by the name of Fennel. A brief interrogation from the girl earned him a description of her savior; a 'black-haired trainer with a Pikachu on his shoulders.' He scratched his chin in contemplation. It wasn't anyone he knew, but the description was more than enough.
It wasn't every day a Pikachu wanders into the region of Unova, after all.
He took the girl back to Striaton City and continued on his way. While a trainer with a Pikachu was unique, he would write it off as a happy accident. Someone did his work and he was not one to scold a trainer for it. He had his own share of troubles when he was young.
And so the champion of Unova went on his merry way.
XXX
The second time he had heard of this unpredictable brat, he was just walking through Nacrene City.
Now Alder was not someone who was rarely surprised. Not anymore at least. He was an experienced man who journeyed through much of Unova in his life. He grew up here, was refined, and shaped into who he was today by the land that he called home. He had seen a lot of what his native region had to offer.
However, that did not mean that he was omniscient.
If only! Haha!
Once more, hearing about some activity from Team Plasma within Nacrene City, he was the first to intervene. The older man barged into the museum, ready to kick butt and take names. He saw the cracked glass, the downed employees, and the fallen grunts and was about to call out one of his Pokemon whe-
"Oh, Alder!" Lenora smiled, nodding to the champion. "Here to help clean up? How nice of you."
He lowered his pokeball at the sight of the relaxed gym leader. What? How? Where was the panic? The trouble? He cleared his throat. "Actually, Lenora, I came here to help stop the theft from Team Plasma. Heard a fossil was taken."
"Oh that," Lenora laughed good-naturedly. Now, he really was confused. "We've already dealt with the problem, sir. There's no need."
"I see," Alder honestly had nothing to say to that. Damn it! The one job as champion he wanted to do, and he wasn't even able to do that. Protection of Unova? It seemed that the people here could take care of themselves! "How'd that happen if I may ask?"
"Team Plasma came and tried to rob my museum's fossils," Lenora commented a bit too cheerily for someone that was a victim of theft. "I was busy doing a gym challenge so the place was left unguarded. Fortunately, the trainer assisted and stopped the whole thing before things got out of hand."
"Well, that's nice," Alder scratched his chin in thought. "Anyone I know?" There were plenty of trainers he could think of who could do this. Perhaps Marshall? He wouldn't doubt Grimsley and Shauntal's involvement here either. Young Elesa and Skyla might ha-
"Oh, it was a trainer with a Pikachu. Some kid named Red Satoshi."
Or it could be the very same trainer that just decided to do his job twice. Yeah. Sounded about right.
"Is that so?" Alder laughed. "I really should thank him. Where is he, by the way?"
"I heard he's left for the next gym," Lenora looked apologetic. Alder nodded. Well, it couldn't be helped. He wanted to give the boy a pat on the back for making his life easier, but he wouldn't go out of his way to find the trainer. He was sure that he'd meet him eventually. Maybe.
"Well, if that's all, Ms. Lenora, I'll be off!"
"See you, champion!"
Alder barked a laugh at the lady's words. The people of Unova truly were kind. He held a semblance of pride that this was the region he reigned. This was the place he promised to protect. It was an oath he was willing to keep while he still could. Now if only the kid would allow him a piece of the action too. Twice in a row. Quite a coincidence!
And so the champion of Unova went on his merry way.
XXX
The third time he heard of the kid, he decided he was getting a bit too old for this.
"Officer Jenny," Alder nodded to the cop. He entered Nimbasa City for a simple trip to the Pokemon Center and all of a sudden trouble was abound. It had been a while since the last incident and his body sprung at the chance after weeks without any action. With his team on hand, he was hasty in his journey to do something, but it was all for naught. Looks like he already missed it again. Damn it all! There were two Team Plasma grunts already on the floor, being arrested. "Looks like there was a scuffle here. Anything I can do to help?"
Jenny smiled at the appearance of their champion. Unfortunately, she shook her head. "You're not wrong, sir. It's all being taken care of, but thank you for your offer."
Alder nodded. "That's good." Maybe he could chalk this one up to the cops? "It's good to know that even when I'm not present, we have other lawful individuals taking care of the region."
"Oh, it wasn't us, unfortunately," Jenny chuckled, "Apparently some trainer intervened and helped the old man before they could take his Pokemon."
"Is that so?" Alder already had a hunch on how this was going to go down. "And who do I have to thank for this man's rescue?"
"Some trainer with a Pikachu, apparently."
Hm. Sounded about right.
"Is he around, by chance?" Alder's interest was only growing with every foiled plot of Team Plasma this man was cracking down. Either this trainer really disliked the organization or he was just in the right place at the right time. Most likely the former. There was no boy this unlucky as to accidentally meet Team Plasma not once, not twice, but three times already.
Right?
"He might still be in Nimbasa City, but I am not exactly sure, sir," Jenny shrugged. "He was long gone by the time we got here."
Drats. Well, there was always next time, he supposed. "Looks like I am not needed then." He sighed. Officer Jenny laughed at his misfortune. He'd have found it funny too if he wasn't the one having to deal with this. "I'll be off then, Jenny."
"It was nice to see you, sir!"
Alder gave the officer one more nod before he went on his merry way. While he was a tad put off, he was in no rush. The wandering champion was just glad that these odd series of coincidences were not malicious in nature.
Maybe next time he could be there on time.
XXX
Colress was not having a good day.
"What do you mean we failed to get the Dream Mist?" Ghetsis snarled. The tyrant was looking at the nervous grunts and the researcher with something reminiscent of scorn. Colress, fortunately, had nothing to do with that particular job so he should theoretically be outside of their leader's rampage, but one could never be too sure with Ghetsis. No one's safe when he was in one of his moods. "I hope you realize what this failure will cost us."
"I apologize, Lord Ghetsis." The grunt was clearly shaken by their leader's outburst. "We had the Munna in our possession and even a researcher that specialized in its applications, but we were caught completely off guard."
"Who was it," Ghetsis demanded, his expression tempered into a more controlled but still equally wrathful state. "Was it Alder? Clay? Was it that foolish gym leader, Drayden?" His left arm slammed his metallic staff to the ground for emphasis. "Or was it Jenny and her law enforcers?"
"None of them, my lord." The grunt shook his head while avoiding eye contact. His head was bowed down. "It was a trainer. A teenager with a Pikachu."
Ghetsis took a long breath at the poor fellow's answer. "You are telling me that you lost to some random trainer with a mouse?"
"Yes, my lord."
"Did this boy have any other Pokemon?"
"No, it was just the Pikachu."
Colress figured this was his time to chip in before Ghetsis exploded. "We have been getting several reports about the same trainer, Ghetsis." His leader turned his one bare eye towards him. "He stopped several Pokemon thefts, arrested some of our grunts, and was involved in foiling our recent plans of taking the Dream Mist and the fossil Pokemon in Nacrene City."
Ghetsis was stunned by those words, he knew. "Someone is actively working against us."
"Actually, sir," Colress added in before his oh-so-great leader began another rant, "I don't think that is the case. Considering all the reports from our grunts, the boy seemed to have stumbled onto the scene completely by accident. It looked to be coincidental."
"Colress, while I do appreciate your work, you are still quite new to this business," Ghetsis's voice was calm, but that mocking undertone did make him frown. "No boy has enough bad luck or skill to stop several of our works purposelessly. Perhaps once or twice, but this boy has done this multiple times and each time, he was successful. I assure you, this boy has been acting with malicious intent."
"If you say so," Colress conceded. He was rather new to Team Plasma and while his rise was significant, his experience was sorely lacking compared to the one who founded it. He still didn't believe his boss.
"I do say so," Ghetsis nodded before furrowing his brows in thought. "N is still growing to become the king he is meant to be. We are not at the stage to allow such a threat to our plans. Alder is predictable, Clay and Drayden even more so. A foreigner on the other hand is a wild card we cannot let fester. We'll have to get rid of this boy."
"He is able to take on entire teams of our men," Colress pointed out. "Say what you will about his Pikachu, he is clearly skilled."
"There is no better way to level the playing field than with science," Ghetsis thought out loud. Colress already knew where this was going and he didn't like it one bit. He made to speak up, but it was too late. "Thank you for volunteering, Colress. I am sure you can handle the problem easily enough. You have been a valuable asset ever since you joined us."
He sighed. "I understand."
"You are free to use my grunts and the Shadow Triad as you see fit. As long as the goal is reached, I do not care what needs to be done."
The scientist nodded and when Ghetsis turned his back, signaling the completion of their little meeting, he left along with the shaken grunts.
Colress was not having a good day.
XXX
A young Colress had a humble dream. He didn't think it was anything large or grandiose. Like so many in this world, it was related to the other species that inhabited this strange land they call home.
Pokemon.
He wanted to see their potential. Such a dream felt so simple back when he was so young. Oh, the shortsightedness of humans. He never realized something so simple could be so complex, but he knew his calling and he would stick with it. For years, he studied and developed an understanding of the subject. What was true strength? How could he make it manifest within Pokemon? Was this power prevalent in all species?
Those thoughts haunted him like a plague. So many questions and simply no answers.
He didn't have the natural income to make his dreams a reality. He wandered Unova, gathering data and creating inventions that would help him achieve his goal of understanding true Pokemon power, but his creations were expensive. He couldn't sustain himself with his profession. That would all change when he got an invitation to join the ranks of the rogue group called Team Plasma.
It was intriguing that such an organization was interested in his research. Their goals were very different. They wanted the liberation of Pokemon and trainers. He wanted to see the peak of what Pokemon could do.
It didn't matter in the end. A nigh limitless budget for his inventions in exchange for his services. It was a better offer than any he'd ever get. He'd serve them willingly, but he didn't believe in any of their spiels. He could certainly play ball when needed to, but the best they'd get out of him was a simple, 'Woo, go team. Freedom. Yay. Three cheers for Plasma.'
Not the most enthusiastic or loyal of the group's myriad of soldiers, but it was more than enough.
So here he was, given a job to take out some threat to Team Plasma that had been 'actively' taking out their operations.
He looked at the machine before him. It was a prototype, admittedly. Not his best work, but he was given a time limit and well, this was the best he could come up with. It would help with his little mission and his true goals so either way, both sides were happy.
His current theory of Pokemon strength came from high peaks of emotions. Emotions like love or anger could make the best out of a Pokemon's true power so his prototype here was designed to test just that. Would the strength of his wild Pokemon be enough to defeat this trainer? It'd be interesting to find out.
"Where have our scouts seen the boy?"
"He is outside of Driftveil, sir. He is presumably training his Pokemon."
"Oh? No longer just a Pikachu, is it?"
"A Pignite, Oshawott, Servine, Tranquill, and a Leavanny."
"The boy's been busy," Colress hummed in thought. None of those Pokemon were too threatening. Especially with the set of enraged Pokemon at his disposal. While the prototype failed to completely control a Pokemon into Team Plasma's services, their true strengths have been bolstered through the heightening of emotions. He'd simply release them to the wild and let nature run its course.
The boy might be grievously injured, maybe even killed, but it would be interesting data to collect nonetheless.
"Sir?"
Colress shook his head and nodded to the grunt. "Let's head out and release the beasts."
XXX
Elesa and Skyla were, according to many, very talented trainers. The two thirteen-year-old girls have had excellent performances in past leagues and showed promise in their respective specialties.
Her rival and close confidante, Skyla, was as bright and free as the sky she was named after. The girl wanted to travel the world, to explore all the regions on her plane and trusty flying-types. Elesa encouraged her. She wasn't someone that would deny her friend her happiness.
She, on the other hand, was more content to stay in Unova. She was a dazzling star that stunned the crowd, creating a performance so electric that it made people clamor for more. While she was not someone that cared much for popularity, she knew that the two of them were already garnering fans at a frightening rate.
They'd both gotten used to it by now. Smile, wave, write an autograph or two, then continue on their Pokemon journey. They were currently trying for the Quake Badge in Driftveil City. Clay had been a veritable foe for many challengers that wished to claim it. Both of them knew that preparation was key and was content to leave the city and prepare on one of the nearby routes.
It looked to be an ordinary day.
They trained and learned tactics before testing those strategies for their battle against Clay. The ground-type gym leader would certainly be a problem for her as she specialized in electric-types and while her rival had a better chance, Clay was used to facing off against flying-types and already had a wide array of Pokemon that can confidently defeat her too.
She knew her Emolga might be her best bet against Clay. He was always the toughest gym leader to face for her. It was due to that fact that they exhausted themselves to become better. So intense was their training that they didn't notice the nearby trainer that also looked to be preparing to obtain his own Quake Badge. However, what really caught her eye was the Pokemon on his shoulders.
It was a Pikachu.
Those adorable red cheeks, pristine yellow fur, bright eyes, and iconic tail.
There was no doubt about it.
It wa-
"So cute!" Skyla was the first to point it out. The boy jumped at the girl's declaration. He looked to be an ordinary trainer, though with the foreign Pokemon on his shoulders, he was no doubt from another region.
She sighed as she followed her excitable friend. They were traveling together, after all. It certainly wasn't so she can have a better look at Pikachu. Nope. Definitely not. She would forever deny it.
When the Pikachu gave out its extremely adorable 'Pika!', she did not squeal in delight.
Nope.
The teen blinked in surprise before smiling and letting the most adorable thing on the planet jump towards them.
I am sorry, Emolga, Elesa thought as she petted the electric-type. Pikachu is just too cute. You'll always be my second favorite though.
"You have a beautiful Pikachu." Ah, was that her own mouth? It couldn't be helped. Due to Unova's unique circumstances, she'd heard of Pikachu but never got to see one in person.
"Thank you." The male trainer was clearly amused by the two girls' attention. "I'm sure he's happy to hear that."
"Sorry for bothering your training," Elesa had an apologetic smile. "My friend can be quite a handful."
"Wha-hey!"
"Oh, that's fine." The boy waved off her apology with an easy grin of his own. "I know several people that are like that." He offered his hand. "I'm Red."
Both of them took their turns to shake it. "Elesa."
"Skyla, nice to meet'cha!"
"These are my other Pokemon." He showed the rest of his team who were watching curiously from a distance. Ah, whoops. Elesa had to wince. She completely disregarded the others due to the uniqueness of a Pikachu in Unova. The rest cried out their own respective cheers.
They also introduced a Pokemon of their own. Emolga and Unfezant came out of their pokeballs and both groups began mingling with one another. Resting from their own exhaustion, the boy was prepared to offer them a meal. Accepting it easily enough, they basked in their soreness and made small talk.
"Where are you from, if I may ask?" Skyla was quick to speak to the older boy.
"I was born in Kanto, but moved to Sinnoh."
Elesa blinked, "That's quite far from here, Red."
"I've always been fascinated by Unova and their Pokemon. I wanted to challenge the league."
Elesa nodded. That made sense. "You're quite the experienced traveler then."
"Some can say that," Red agreed, "but I've still got a long journey ahead of me."
Don't we all? She smiled, watching the Pikachu beside the boy eat the food given to him. Such an adorable Pokemon. "Bringing Pikachu with you on a ground-type gym is bold of you."
"Says the girl with an Emolga."
She coughed and glared when Skyla laughed. "It's a flying-type."
"And an electric-type," Red teased and she switched her glare towards him.
"Type advantages aren't everything." She huffed. "I've beaten him before. I'll be fine. Considering this is your first year in Unova, I simply wanted to offer a word of advice."
"Thank you," Red spoke with a genuine tone, "but as you've said, type advantages aren't everything. This isn't my first ground-type gym battle and it won't be my last."
"If you're sure, then I won't say otherwise."
The trio continued talking, completely unaware of the Hyper Beam heading their way.
XXX
Colress thought the job was done when the first of his wild Beartic released a surprise attack. Quick, easy, and efficient. It was how he played and fought. No need to make things complicated when there was an easy solution in front of him.
Well, things just got a whole lot more complicated.
The grunts that were watching with him in the safety of their vehicle were silent as smoke blocked the vision of the screen. The Pokemon were wild and dangerous. They knew better than to be in the front lines when they could sit back and watch his experiment take place.
That was a nicely done Hyper Beam, bright and powerful. The prototype was working as planned. The Pokemon were a lot stronger, though very unruly. It looked to have hit the bullseye and he was ready to see the results of his experiment.
There was one problem, however.
How surprising.
The three trainers were clearly fine. In fact, other than some grime and dirt on their clothing, they looked unharmed. Colress raised an eyebrow and searched for how this was done. The rodent in front of them had to be the answer. That stupefied him. A Beartic was the superior beast and when improved by his invention, should clearly have gone through anything the electric-type could have sent back.
Well, that didn't matter in the end. That was but one Beartic. He looked at another screen, which showed the dozens of others he had captured along with a few other surprise Pokemon in the mix.
Outnumbered and outgunned.
Colress preferred it this way. It was what made him reach the top so effortlessly. There was no such thing as too much power in his mind.
He enjoyed the show as he wrote down details of his experimented Pokemon. All three trainers have called up all of their own. A very chaotic fight then. Harder to track, but oh well. Not everything could go according to plan.
It was an interesting thing to witness. As electricity created a beautiful golden barrier that sent the hordes of Beartic reeling, he couldn't help but applaud the technique. A marvelous and beautiful Thunderbolt. The forest floor cracked from the surging thunder and even the resilient Galvantula's tough exoskeleton was being charred and seared from the dense lightning within this rat's body.
The other Pokemon worked as a barrier, a guard that held the line. The two female trainers were focused on standing their ground, knocking out as much of his horde as possible with minimal risks to their own. Red's team, however, pushed. While the two reinforced their back, the boy's Pokemon faced the front with open arms.
It was violent, it was barbaric, it was brutal, but it was effective.
Beartics fell like trees, Galvantulas, Mienshaos, and Scolipedes were picked off from the sky, too busy with the frontal invasion to even try to stop the flying-types in the air. He noted all of this with distant interest.
These were Pokemon who had their true power forced through the use of his machine yet they were being taken out like Patrats. Of course, he distantly understood why. While the group effort was commendable, it wouldn't have been half as effective if their linchpin of a Pokemon wasn't there to help it.
It was only when the Pikachu that scared all of Team Plasma's grunts faced the horde did he understand.
This was power.
Yes, he was sure of it. This was what he envisioned when he thought of the potential of Pokemon! He wanted to see true strength. He wanted to see it to the point he dedicated his research to find out how to unlock it and on a simple assignment for some criminal organization, who knew he would stumble upon something so close to what he was looking for?
It would have been funny, hilarious even, if it wasn't for the fact that he was stupefied by it. Pikachu wasn't even fully evolved yet it was so powerful. Abnormally so, in fact. He'd seen the power of a champion's Pokemon. Alder was an exceptional fighter, but his team was within the expected values. How?
Now that is the question.
His hands held his device tight while he took note of the Pikachu's talent and skill. Small in stature yet strong in will. Where was this power coming from? Was it genetic? Was this Pikachu at the pinnacle of their species in terms of breeding? Perhaps the trainer may have had a hand in it too. It learned tactics and strategies from him, clearly. What was its diet? Was it genetically modified?
His goal was to understand it, to find the source of that dominance and ability, but his mind was coming up with blanks and with every one of his beasts to fall, seconds started ticking.
He couldn't have that. He wanted to see more of this power.
He still had one more Pokemon. A very lucky capture.
"Sir?"
"Send it out."
XXX
BOOM!
Elesa liked to think that things were going well. The impromptu battle had shaken them a bit at the start, but they were quick to follow Red's lead in sending the wild beasts packing. With a large number of allies at their side, even with the oddly powerful strength these Pokemon possessed, they were holding their own just fine.
In fact, it even looked to be slowing down. They were whittling their numbers down from dozens to mere single digits. Things were looking great!
That was all thrown out of the window when a Haxorus stepped out of the forest.
Like a monster constantly on Outrage, it charged into their ranks like a berserker. In one fell swoop, it knocked out a substantial portion of their side. She winced when she saw her Emolga and Skyla's Unfezant drop to the ground hard, the beast's tail swatting them away like Woobats.
The horde of Beartic was manageable. The Galvantulas, Mienshao, and Scolipedes took some effort. This particular beast was trouble. Haxorus in general were terrifying creatures. One this mad would normally send her running for the hills.
"Pikachu."
The only reason she stood her ground was the boy beside her. Confident and wrathful, the trainer clearly did not enjoy being attacked so suddenly. Like an arcing electric god, Pikachu broke through the remaining Beartics, blitzing towards the dragon like a rampaging train. The resulting Quick Attack colliding with the beast sent it stumbling back.
Dragon met with rat. A giant fought a midget. For every swing of Dragon Claw the beast sent, Pikachu dodged. The inaccurate strikes broke the ground in an explosion of dirt and grass. She had to gulp when it began a Dragon Dance. It was already so powerful! It didn't need anymore!
It called forth its Hyper Beam and Red was quick to grab her and Skyla, pushing them to the ground.
Thank Arceus for that.
The beam swept through their area of the forest like a judging war god. Their clothes were torn as the torrent of power struck where they once stood. Destruction incarnate collapsed a good chunk of the trees, the Hyper Beam cutting through the battlefield like a hot knife through butter.
The rest of their Pokemon already backed away, clearly not wanting to go near the rampaging dragon. Who could blame them? A fully evolved dragon-type had gone feral. No sane Pokemon would dare face it.
Pikachu was clearly not sane.
The dragon did another Dragon Dance, preparing its claws for a collision with the iron-infused tail of Pikachu.
If Haxorus was powerful and agile before, it was nigh blinding fast now and even a single motion of its claws was enough to crush rock. Pikachu was barely keeping up with this boosted-up dragon.
Red cursed quietly as he got up to look at the chaos. His face was hard and his voice firm. "Thunderbolt and Electro Ball, Pikachu. Combine them."
BOOM!
The world flashed gold as the rat started emitting an enormous amount of electricity. A barrage of Electro Balls was sent barreling towards their foe, thunder arcing through each Electro Ball in a lightning chain before landing on the ferocious dragon-type. The resulting bombardment sent the Pokemon reeling. That moment of weakness was enough to give Pikachu an opportunity.
Like a samurai, it swooped in gracefully and Elesa had to take a moment to watch the electric-type carve through dragon scale like a sword tearing through leather. The dragon growled before coming back for more.
"Thunderbolt, Pikachu."
It was a fantastical result.
BOOM!
Haxorus grabbed onto the rat and slammed it onto the ground. That didn't deter the mouse in any way. Instead, a crater was formed around the two dueling Pokemon as a beacon of lightning coursed through the dragon-type, overloading the outraged beast with intense electricity.
"Again!"
BOOM!
"Again!"
BOOM!
This continued. Each bolt forced its way into the body of the dragon-type. Each strike stunned it, each lightning bolt slowing the once blindingly fast dragon into nothing more than a Shuckle's pace.
BOOM!
It was enough.
Electricity rose up.
The Haxorus fell down.
XXX
"Sir?"
Colress placed the tablet down as he stared at the electric-type with an intense gaze. "We're retreating."
"But Ghetsis sai-"
He waved off the grunt's words. "I don't care what Ghetsis said. We're leaving."
The grunts around them looked at each other before nodding. Colress ignored their preparations as he stared at the data before him. Impossible. No. He shook his head. In this world, nothing's impossible, simply improbable. That Pikachu defied all logic.
This was what he was looking for. He was sure of it.
But how?
Too many questions and too few answers.
XXX
This was getting ridiculous.
"Have you heard? Route 5's closed down."
"Huh. How'd that happen?"
"Well, some wild Pokemon rampaged through it. Completely wrecked the road and nearby ecosystem. The entire place has gone t-"
Alder was enjoying some breakfast in one of Nimbasa City's cafes when his ears perked up at the news. Ever since his last three attempts to help the good people of Unova led to nothing, he decided to take it easy and enjoy the city of entertainment. Now an opportunity had presented itself.
He scratched his chin. It had been a few weeks since and he hadn't heard of anything of note lately. To be honest, he was getting bored. What was the point of traveling around Unova when nothing was happening? He was hoping to rectify this by striking Team Plasma whenever he wandered, but no dice.
This wild Pokemon rampage looked to be a good way to relieve some stress. Perfect!
With his bag on hand along with his team, he made his way to the closed route. One of the perks of being champion was his ability to seemingly authorize himself into any closed-down locations. If only he had this when he was a child, he'd be in a lot less trouble with the authorities! He smiled when the officers saw him. They immediately let him through.
"Ah, Jenny!" Alder barked a hearty greeting. Looks like it was the same one too, but you could never really tell sometimes. The Joy and Jenny family had always been a mystery to him, but it was one he never dared to solve. That path leads to madness. "Looks like you got another problem on your hands."
"Hello sir," Jenny smiled. They were looking at broken roads, destroyed trees, vaporized boulders, and barren fields. It was quite a sight. The large pile of knocked-out Pokemon was concerning as well. He could even see a Haxorus! What happened here?! "Just cleaning up the mess."
"I can see that," Alder spoke with befuddlement, "Can you tell me exactly what happened?"
"Wild Pokemon attacked some trainers here, sir."
"No one got hurt, did they?"
"No casualties, miraculously," Jenny reported with her own surprise. "Clay took the kids to safety after it was all over."
"That's good." He could always rely on Clay. Arceus knows that man's merciless when it came to injustice. "Do we know anything of how this occurred?"
"We're not exactly sure," Jenny frowned. "The kids reported that the strike was sudden. Our own investigations reported nothing except that these Pokemon were not native to this route."
"A deliberate hit." He scratched his chin. His thoughts lead to several possibilities. The first was Team Plasma, though he'd never heard them doing something like this. They had been getting more technologically savvy lately. It was concerning.
"That's what we think, sir."
"Do we know the motives?"
"From what we can tell, two of the three trainers attacked did have a growing following here. We believe they were targets of the attack." Jenny pulled out a folder which he took and flipped through. Elesa and Skyla? Well, they were talented and famous around these parts. That would explain how they could handle all of these Pokemon too. Oh, what's this? His hands went to the final photo and his fingers stopped as he took in the image.
A black-haired boy with a Pikachu.
Of course.
He lowered the files and stared at the sky. He ignored the confused look Jenny gave him and sighed deeply. Arceus had really been messing with him lately. Maybe he really should look into this trainer. How many times had it been now?
"Thank you, Jenny. I'll be heading to Clay then."
"Alright, sir!"
Maybe if he ran, he'd catch this trainer before he's long gone.
XXX
Months passed and he decided that looking for one kid in an entire region was simply not worth the effort.
"Charles," Alder nodded towards the president of the Pokemon League. They sat within one of the league's VIP sections in a stadium. It was surprising to see him here, but this was one of the duties that he couldn't really skip. He was the one who leads the entirety of the league, after all. "I wasn't expecting you here so soon."
The bearded man laughed jovially, "Well, I will be with you in the Pokemon World Junior Cup so I decided to show up early."
"How odd of you, Charles," Alder raised an eyebrow. "You're quite a busy man and Unova's league is still ongoing. The conference won't start for some time."
"Everything that directly requires me has been prepared," Charles waved it off good-naturedly, "You know me, Alder, I am always on the lookout for budding talents."
"Ah, so someone has caught your attention?" Alder began to ponder. Unova had its own fair share of talents. Perhaps Charles was interested in Grimsley or Marshall? They'd been making waves here. Shauntal was another candidate along with the young Elesa and Skyla.
Charles nodded. "I've always loved watching the growth of trainers."
"Is it anyone I know?"
"Maybe not. He's a foreigner to this place," Charles answered, "He has an impressive track record in multiple regions, however." He gave Alder an inquisitive look. "I heard that whoever wins the Junior Cup gets the opportunity to battle you?"
"That's right."
"Wonderful! Then this will be an amazing show."
Alder raised an eyebrow at the elderly man's enthusiasm. This was the Junior Cup, a tournament filled with young and aspiring trainers so while the opportunity to fight the champion was a tempting offer for many of the youths, it certainly wasn't an exciting one. Normally, he would end the battle after a few minutes of combat. "You seem to have high hopes for this trainer."
"The next generation is something else, Alder," Charles smiled. "I have seen so many young trainers rise to the challenges of the league." He waved his hands at the excited crowd. "I've seen the greatest rise and fall throughout the years and I can easily say that this era's trainers are some of the brightest I have ever seen."
Unova's champion was stunned at the president's words but gave a small grin. "Is that so? The future is in good hands then."
"It looks to be so," Charles agreed, turning his attention back to the tournament.
The Pokemon World Junior Cup's sixteen trainers went up the stage and his eyes were able to recognize some of them. Shauntal, Grimsley, and Marshall were present along with the likes of Burgh and Marlon. All wonderful trainers. He had met them and approved of their aspirations and skill. However, they were sent to the back of his mind when the last trainer entered.
That son of a—
Alder barked a hearty laugh. Charles looked at him with confusion.
He'd been searching for this kid for months and this was how he finds him?
"What's so funny, Alder?"
"Nothing, Charles," Unova's champion had a tense yet excitable posture. "Absolutely nothing."
The president of the Pokemon League gave him a funny look before turning to watch the bouts. Alder crossed his arms, content to watch things play out. So many promising trainers, but if he had to battle this evasive Red, he wondered what he would bring.
Something strong for making me chase after him for an entire year.
Alder smirked.
XXX
"Red!"
"Cynthia," Red spoke through the screen. He smiled brightly when he saw her. She returned it. "It has been a while."
"It has," Cynthia nodded. They had been quite busy lately. She didn't mind it that much. They were both growing at their own pace and she knew that he was working as hard as she was. "I've missed you."
"I've missed you as well," Red returned. She smiled at the heartfelt words. "You would have loved Unova. It has such a rich history."
"I would have loved to be there," Cynthia responded before lighting up brightly. "You should have seen what has been going on in Sinnoh. Our town was quite saddened that you didn't come back. We had a great celebration. There were toasts made in your honor too."
"That wasn't necessary," Red took a breath in amusement. "They can be a handful at times."
"They can," Cynthia nodded, "but they mean well. It feels nice to be acknowledged for your hard work."
"I'm simply doing what every trainer does," he answered with a rueful smile, "I fight, I explore, I challenge the league. It's nothing special."
"You shouldn't belittle your achievements, Red," Cynthia feigned a glare. "I think it's special. I think what you do is commendable and no one should believe otherwise. I wouldn't stand for anyone badmouthing you, even if that person is yourself."
"It's nice to see someone defend my honor so vehemently." Red looked surprised at her words but was genuinely thankful. Did he truly believe no one would speak up for him? She was his rival and he was hers. Anyone that would insult him, insults her.
"I am sure you would fight for me too."
"I would." The confidence in his voice flustered her. He laughed after a moment's pause. "How have you been?"
"I've collected all eight badges on my end. I'll be challenging the Lily of the Valley Conference soon." She straightened herself. "After traveling across so many regions, returning to Sinnoh felt good."
"I can agree with that," Red nodded. "You look better, more refreshed, and energized." Her heart hammered hard at his compliment, even though she knew he didn't mean it like that. "I've collected all my badges as well, though I've taken to doing a minor tournament on the side."
"Oh really," Cynthia blinked. She hadn't thought of that. Perhaps she should try some as well. "Which one?"
"The Pokemon World Tournament Junior Cup," Red replied. "The winner gets to fight Unova's champion. I didn't want to miss the opportunity."
Her eyes widened. To think that he could battle the champion! There was no doubt in her mind that he would win. He was the best trainer after herself, after all. "Lucky." She pouted. "It's a lot different here in Sinnoh."
"Fret not, Cynthia. I wouldn't be surprised if you battle the champion in a few years anyway," Red's response startled her in its genuineness. He truly believed she would become champion. "You're strong enough."
Her cheeks darkened. "Well, I'll do my best to not disappoint you."
"You can never disappoint me, Cynthia."
A-Are you trying to make my heart burst or something?!
"Red, is that you?" She was really glad Flint was here before her face became as red as a tomato. Cynthia jumped as she turned around to see the red-haired boy shove his face into the front of the computer screen. She completely forgot that others were here in the Pokemon Center. So focused on her call with Red that she disregarded them. Whoops.
"Flint?" Red blinked.
"It has been years, man!" Flint looked at him with wonderment before turning around and waving at someone else. "Hey, Volkner! Red's on the screen. Come and say hi!"
"Really?" Volkner walked over and peaked at the crowded PC. "Hey Red. How's life outside of Sinnoh?"
Red chuckled. "It has been nice."
"Screw that," Flint waved it off and grinned excitedly, "When're you coming back, man? How long has it been since you stepped foot in your hometown? Cynthia said you haven't even returned to Celestic with her. What gives?!"
Red laughed and they started conversing away. She calmed down as she chipped in, enjoying the atmosphere that radiated across the Pokemon Center. Flint's fiery spirit, Volkner's calm demeanor, and Red's amused stature created an odd but homely mix. It felt good.
As expected of her rival, he always brought out the best in any situation!
XXX
Alder wasn't a betting man, but as he walked down into the arena stage, he wasn't surprised at the opponent waiting for him at the bottom.
So you're the one that got Charles Goodshow's attention, Alder mused as he looked at the child that he'd been meaning to meet for months. This was the kid that had been stopping Team Plasma throughout the year? He'd give him props for that. It would take a strong trainer to handle that group.
The crowd cheered at his entrance. He expected it. He was the champion, the best of the best. Whenever he took the stage, his region would back him, support him through thick and thin. He walked to greet the boy and offered his hand. The trainer took it easily.
"Well, young man," Alder spoke first, "Congratulations are in order. You're certainly one hell of a battler!"
"Thank you," Red smiled at the compliment.
"I should be the one thanking you," Alder grinned, taking in the boy's confused look. "I heard you've been taking care of this region's little problem during your journey here. It certainly made my life a bit easier."
"Ah," Red laughed nervously, "I was in the right place at the right time. Don't think much of it."
Alder blinked in surprise, "You mean you weren't stopping Team Plasma on purpose?"
"I just wanted to explore Unova," Red's tone was utterly honest. "I was hoping to avoid Team Plasma altogether." Alder's shoulders began trembling as he birthed out a hearty laugh. Oh, he could only imagine what Team Plasma would think of that! The boy sighed at his reaction.
"You've done one hell of a job then, Red!"
"I'm a magnet for trouble," Red looked completely serious. Alder laughed harder. "It's not funny."
"Apologies, Red," Alder snickered. "Well, if you give even half the effort that you did in battling those thugs, then I'm sure you'll do fine against me."
"I'll do my best."
"Make sure you will!" Alder smiled. "Let's give Unova a show that they'll never forget."
Red returned his smile with a challenging smirk. "I plan on it, Alder."
Ho? Such defiance in his eyes! A rare but admirable sight for a young and aspiring trainer. He gave a swift but firm nod and Alder turned around to go to his side of the stage. Alder grabbed a pokeball. He knew just the Pokemon.
The referee quickly came to start the fight. "To the left, we have Challenger Red Satoshi of Celestic Town." The crowd gave a welcoming cry. "To the right, we have the reigning champion of Unova, Alder Adeku!" The crowd roared even louder. "This is a one-on-one battle. The first Pokemon to either faint or forfeit will lose the match. Are the two trainers ready?" At both of their nods, "Then begin!"
"Help me out, Volcarona!"
"Garchomp."
XXX
Garchomp opened his eyes. The familiar atmosphere of the colosseum was music to his ears. He looked back at his trainer. Red nodded to him. He unconsciously nodded back. They understood each other. A battle must be fought and his trainer needed his aid. He'd always supply it. Power began pooling through his jaws when he looked at his newest opponent. The sheer strength in this insect was nigh overwhelming. That's the strongest bug-type he'd ever seen.
"Be careful, Garchomp. That's a champion's Pokemon."
Is that so?
Garchomp's body straightened, every stomp shaking the earth below him. He had torn asunder the flesh of the Elite Four. He had ravaged through every gym challenge he had been called upon. He'd been thrown against the thickest of combat, endured the most painful training, reaped the toughest of armor, but he had never tasted the power of a champion.
It was obvious what was required of him. To think he was given the honor of battling the pinnacle of the world. Might surged within his chest and he bellowed proudly.
His war cry stunned the crowd with its ferocity and volume. Even Volcarona's mighty flaps of its wings tensed at the power he exuded.
Good.
This was a fight, a battle between two of the finest gladiators. He would be insulted if his foe did not bring their best. Red called upon him. Red trusted him to defeat this opponent. He wouldn't deny his trainer the victory he rightly deserved. He wanted the whole world to know this power, the power of a dragon.
The moth shook as it began its Quiver Dance.
He did not let it finish.
With surprising speed, his jaws swiftly clamped down on its wings and slammed the bug to the ground, and with a single stomp of his feet forged an Earthquake that sent the insect stumbling. The force of the tectonic strike was enough to send dust into the air.
The battle began and his clamped mouth was quickly sent off from a thorough hit of Bug Buzz. The vibrating wings tore through his hardened dragon scales like butter and he immediately understood just what the strength of a champion's Pokemon entailed. This was a Pokemon that sided with the mightiest humans. Trained under one who towered all others, the bug-type was at the top.
And it showed.
His body quaked as he was forced unto the unrelenting pressure. The moth's eyes glowed with abnormal power as Psychic tried to crush the dragon. He bellowed, his knees standing upward in a show of defiance. He'd faced a force far stronger. The mental will of Volcarona was nothing compared to the crushing iron of Pikachu.
The ground cracked before his knees could. With a Draco Meteor on his jaws, draconic energy shot up like a shotgun. The meteoric descent exploded the battlefield, craters forming with every shot. The moth deftly dodged it. It didn't matter.
Garchomp was on it once more. Like a predator, he didn't let up against the giant insect. Quivering wings slammed into hardened claws. Dragonhide was tested against overwhelming heat. Psychic will clashed with physical vigor. Fire burned across his thick scales. He ignored the pain.
Charizard would have endured it.
Pikachu would have survived it.
So why wouldn't he? Was he not as strong as them? Was he not as good? He refused to believe that.
His claws cleaved through the moth, digging deep into flesh.
He'd be better than them.
Volcarona's body tensed in shock before bracing for the floor as Garchomp pinned him down for another ground-shaking Earthquake. Flames pooled out of his mouth as he coated the both of them in scorching fire. The bug's wings started speeding up, the vibrations bruising, ripping through his scales. It was a testament to the strength of its wings that it could make even a Garchomp bleed.
The arena glowed from the flames that both were generating.
Overheat and Flamethrower fused together in an unnatural abomination of heat, covering the two in an eternal inferno. It was a test of endurance. Which beast would survive the wrath of nature's most destructive force? Which could survive the scorching torment?
The insect didn't seem to mind, waving its wings to continue fanning the flames. The heat was growing unbearable. He growled, stomping to generate an Earthquake while keeping his foe pinned beneath his evolutionary bulk.
Don't underestimate him.
The wings began shaking into an urgent buzz, turning the flames from a hot red into an ominous blue. The ground around them was melting. He held on, ignoring the unbearable heat to continue breaking the colossal insect.
Stomp.
Bzzzzzz.
Like a volcano setting off, the earth itself broke between the two clashing Pokemon's barrage. Heat so hot it began affecting the entire arena poured outwards in a blazing geyser.
BOOM.
Both are showing cracks.
His vision was getting blurry. His arms were weakening. His throat was dry. His legs began trembling.
He refused to let that bother him.
BOOM!
His thoughts went back to the blonde trainer's dragon, the object of his eye. The finest Garchomp that he had the honor of meeting. He promised himself that he wouldn't be left behind. He would fight by her side, make her consider him a peer. She was his and he was hers.
His mouth opened wide.
This is for her.
He'd use a trick invented by her.
Draco Meteor pooled into his mouth and his claws resonated with draconic energy. He aimed downwards.
SCHINK.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.
If the Earthquake around the stadium was huge then the combined energy of the blue inferno and dragon might took it up a notch. The explosion covered the entire stadium and then some. The spectators coughed. The atmosphere was tense as they waited for the smoke to clear.
"Garchomp and Volcarona are unable to battle. It's a draw!"
The crowd went crazy.
I'll take it.
Garchomp blacked out.
XXX
Alder was rendered speechless.
He looked at the trainer who just so mercilessly forced a draw. The youth held the large trophy of the Pokemon World Tournament Junior Cup in his hands as he commended his exhausted dragon-type for a battle well fought.
And what a battle it was!
"He'll grow to be great, that one."
He turned his head at the voice and saw Charles walk towards him. He welcomed the president. "I can see why you would come to watch this boy, Charles." That particular Volcarona was raised and birthed by his first. It was perfectly bred into his role as a champion's Pokemon. It had never known lost, not even against the Elite Four he occasionally faced. "He's talented. You say he's from Sinnoh?"
Charles nodded, "That region has been growing some exceptional trainers lately." He laughed. "How would you rate his Pokemon?"
"That Garchomp was probably the strongest of its kind I've seen in a while," Alder admitted. While Garchomps were rare in Unova, he had battled his fair share of them. He could tell their power from a glance. That one had been through much, a wandering warrior just like himself.
"His rival's Garchomp is comparable, maybe even stronger."
Alder coughed. Seriously? "What're they feeding their kids over there?"
"A completely normal and nutritional diet, Alder. Nothing more," Charles chuckled before patting the taller man on the back. "Best tread carefully now. You might be dethroned at this rate."
"I would welcome it," Alder smirked, "Being champion has gotten troublesome."
"You could retire anytime."
Alder barked a laugh. "Where would the fun in that be, Charles?"
"It would be no fun at all, I bet," Charles grinned in amusement, "and that's why you are champion."
Alder shook his head and looked back at the boy. He wondered to himself if he'd ever face him in the League. He shrugged. Only time would tell. He wouldn't mind this boy as a champion, honestly. He had the spirit of one. It was an odd thing. He only saw it briefly as their two mighty Pokemon clashed. He thought he was seeing things at first.
When he fought the boy, he almost did think he was a champion.
XXX
Months passed by and Colress analyzed a variety of performances that the trainer with a Pikachu had done throughout Unova. It was an interesting hobby of his, one directly linked towards his true goal to better and strengthen a Pokemon to their absolute limit or perhaps even beyond it. It never interfered with Plasma's goals despite Ghetsis's tyrannical ramblings.
The boy never really got caught by Team Plasma in the end.
He tested the boy whenever possible. It was becoming more of a game to them. He would release wild Pokemon his way, determined to prove his theory true and he would always defeat them. A suitable excuse to keep Ghetsis calm.
It was amusing as much as it was frustrating.
Was the power of Pokemon not within themselves? Why was it that when he released beasts of great strength, they would fall like grass to a scythe when encountered by the young trainer's Pokemon?
He did not know. It unnerved him to be so close yet so far from the truth. There was one theory that hid in the deepest depths of his mind. It was one that he refused to acknowledge, considering it illogical and childish.
Yet it was the only one that truly fits.
Was the true strength of Pokemon hidden within the bonds and relationship with their trainer? It surely couldn't be true. It didn't feel right. He could acknowledge that with a trainer's guidance, a Pokemon might gain strength when it otherwise couldn't but was it the source of a Pokemon's' potential?
The thought haunted him and eventually, even his discipline cracked.
"Red."
"Hello."
He encountered the boy on his way out of the Vertress Conference. He won it and had done unbelievably well against the Elite Four. It would always stupefy his mind every time he saw the Pikachu face greater foes and come out the victor. Red's methods, his ideals, his everything was a direct offense to him. He wanted to know more. To think someone nigh his age could reach what he desired to see was mind-boggling. He offered his hand, "I wish to speak with you."
Red grinned and took the hand. "I've been wondering when I get to meet the one responsible."
"Ah," Colress numbly spoke, "You figured it out?"
"Eventually."
"I thought I hid myself well."
"You did." Red conceded.
"Then how?"
"I met someone just like you a long time ago," Red responded, "You remind me of him, lab coat and all. He only desired results and would do anything to get them. You aren't exactly hiding your presence as well as you'd hoped."
Someone like him? He'd like to meet the like-minded individual. "Do understand that I had no ill intentions behind it."
"I know," Red nodded. How curious. The boy truly believed that his motives were not maliciously inclined. The man who he met in the past must have given him quite the impression. "I am curious why me, however."
"It felt suitable," Colress admitted. "Your Pokemon are strong, you were a target, and I needed data. Everything lined up perfectly."
"And did you get the data you wanted?"
"I did," Colress paused. "Though more data would be nice, you have given me much insight."
"That's good." Red nodded. "Something tells me that you weren't here for simple greetings though."
"I have not," Colress agreed. "I was here to relieve a question that has been plaguing me for so long."
Red blinked in surprise but smiled. "Is that so? I'm listening."
"What is your secret?"
"Hm?" Red raised an eyebrow.
"Your Pikachu defies all logic."
"We've been through a lot together. He's my first."
Colress closed his eyes as he comprehended his words. "So you are saying that the power of friendship is the secret to your strength?"
"Nothing so dramatic," Red rolled his eyes, "but there is no other way to describe it." He could tell that Colress's face had a look of disbelief and the trainer laughed.
"It's not funny."
"I am sorry," Red stopped himself, but an amused grin was still present.
"The power of a Pokemon's bond with a trainer," Colress stopped himself from releasing a huff, "defies all logic."
"I disagree," The boy shook his head. "Mega Evolution is considered the pinnacle of a Pokemon's bond with their trainer. It requires a Key Stone and a Mega Stone. They cannot exist without the other."
He opened his mouth before closing it. He hadn't completely read the research that was happening within Kalos. He didn't realize that was the case. How foolish of him. Colress bit his lip before clenching his fists. He had done months of research, only to reach an unsatisfactory conclusion.
Red's eyes softened. "It is fine to make mistakes. You're young."
"Pot meets kettle."
The trainer chuckled. Red had an aura of age about him at that moment. It confused him. "Nonetheless, I hope you've gotten the answers you're looking for."
Colress nodded, "I have."
"Good."
They said nothing else as the boy with the Pikachu left. Colress stayed there for a little while longer to digest everything he had heard. The black-haired trainer's words were so foolish to him, but it wasn't something he could ignore. A new avenue was made. It would be different from his usual methods, but when he looked at the pokeball of his first Pokemon, he couldn't help but think to himself of the possibilities.
XXX
"Thank you, sir. Enjoy your trip."
Red nodded and walked into the plane.
Defeated two of the Elite Four this time. So close yet so far. He tempered himself. It would be best not to be impatient. One step at a time. He released a breath as he sat on his designated seat. He grinned when Pikachu huddled close as he reminisced about his time throughout this year.
He really did try to avoid Team Plasma.
"Even in our new life, trouble follows us, huh, Pikachu?"
"Chaa!"
Goodbye Unova. Hello Kalos.