Marcus was packing for Johto.
This should have been a simple process. Pick some Pokemon. Grab some supplies. Head to the port.
It was not a simple process.
"Okay, Zippy and Fluffy are coming for sure," Marcus said, checking off his list. "Steve is staying here to manage Paradise—"
"I am NOT staying behind," Steve interrupted.
"Someone has to keep order!"
"The Alakazams can handle it. I refuse to miss the opportunity to watch the Partner menaces traumatize an entirely new region."
"Pika pika." He wants to see us fail.
"Vee." We won't.
"I want to see you STRUGGLE. There's a difference."
"Steve, that's mean."
"I am a Mewtwo. I am ALLOWED to be mean."
Marcus sighed and added Steve to the list.
"Fine. Anyone else want to—"
A Pokeball on his belt suddenly began SHAKING.
Not gently. VIOLENTLY.
"What the—"
The ball EXPLODED open, and a Pokemon materialized in his room.
A Lucario.
But not just any Lucario.
This Lucario was different. Its fur had an ancient quality—slightly more wild, slightly more primal. Its eyes held the weight of centuries. And around its neck, glinting in the light...
Was a Mega Stone.
Specifically, a Lucarionite.
"Oh," Marcus said quietly. "Oh no."
POKEMON REGISTRY - EMERGENCY CHECK
LUCARIO (LEGENDS: Z-A)
NICKNAME: Not assigned
ORIGIN: Legends Z-A (Lumiose City - Ancient Past/Future)
STATUS: Has been waiting VERY patiently
HELD ITEM: Lucarionite
NOTES: Time-displaced. Possibly the most powerful Lucario in existence. Has been meditating in Pokeball for three months. Is now DONE meditating.
"You're from Legends Z-A," Marcus breathed.
The Lucario nodded once.
"I... I forgot you were in there."
The Lucario's eye twitched.
"I'm SO sorry—"
The Lucario raised a paw, silencing him.
Then it spoke.
In ACTUAL WORDS.
"Three. Months."
"IT CAN TALK?!" Marcus screamed.
"I have spent THREE MONTHS in that ball, waiting for you to remember I exist."
"I didn't know you could TALK!"
"I am a Lucario who has witnessed the flow of time itself. I have trained in the ancient ways of Lumiose. I have achieved a bond with Mega Evolution that transcends normal limits." The Lucario's voice was calm, measured, and absolutely TERRIFYING. "And you FORGOT about me."
"In my defense, I have over four thousand Pokemon—"
"I have a MEGA STONE."
"That's... fair. That should have stood out."
"It SHOULD have."
Zippy and Fluffy watched this exchange with great interest.
"Pika pika." Ooh, we have competition.
"Vee vee." A talking Lucario with Mega Evolution. Fascinating.
The Lucario turned to regard them.
"You two are the Partner Pokemon. I have observed your battles through meditation."
"Pika?" Through MEDITATION?
"Aura allows me to perceive events across time and space. I watched your League runs." The Lucario paused. "Impressive. But incomplete."
"Vee?!" INCOMPLETE?!
"You relied on type coverage and boosted stats. Effective, but lacking in spiritual depth."
"PIKA PIKA!" I don't need SPIRITUAL DEPTH! I need CRITICAL HITS!
"And that, small yellow one, is why you will never achieve true enlightenment."
Zippy looked like he was about to commit violence.
Fluffy looked intrigued.
"Vee vee." I like this one.
"Pika!" TRAITOR!
Marcus intervened before a fight could break out.
"Okay, okay! Everyone calm down! Lucario—do you have a name?"
"I have been called many things across the ages. In ancient Kalos, I was known as the Azure Guardian. In the time streams, I am referred to as the Wandering Aura."
"Can I call you something simpler?"
The Lucario considered this.
"...Leo."
"Leo? Really?"
"It is efficient. And I have grown tired of grand titles." Leo crossed his arms. "Now. Where are we going?"
"Johto. I was planning to explore the region and maybe challenge their League."
"With those two?" Leo gestured at Zippy and Fluffy.
"Pika pika!" What's WRONG with us?!
"Nothing. You are simply not Mega-capable."
"Vee vee!" We don't NEED Mega Evolution!
"You also cannot speak."
"PIKA!" THAT'S A CHOICE!
"Is it, though?"
Steam was literally rising from Zippy's cheeks.
"Leo," Marcus said carefully, "maybe don't antagonize the Partner Pokemon?"
"I am not antagonizing. I am ASSESSING." Leo's gaze was steady. "If I am to join this team, I must understand its dynamics."
"And what do you assess?"
Leo was quiet for a moment.
"The Pikachu is powerful but insecure. The Eevee is strategic but emotionally guarded. The Mewtwo—" he glanced at Steve, who had been observing silently, "—has achieved great power but still struggles with his sense of purpose."
"I do NOT—"
"You sought revenge against Giovanni and called it justice. You defeated the Elite Four and called it duty. But you have not yet found what truly drives you."
Steve's mouth opened.
Then closed.
Then opened again.
"...I don't like this Lucario."
"Few do," Leo acknowledged. "Truth is rarely comfortable."
ONE HOUR LATER - PALLET TOWN PORT
The traveling party had been assembled:
MARCUS CHEN - KANTO CHAMPION
Zippy (Partner Pikachu) - Competitive, smug, electric death machineFluffy (Partner Eevee) - Strategic, secretly soft, nine-type coverageLeo (Legends Z-A Lucario) - Time-displaced philosopher warrior with Mega EvolutionSteve (Mewtwo) - Existential crisis ongoing, powerful regardlessKenneth (Shuckle) - Vibing, as alwaysSunny (Charizard) - Original partner, resting after his legendary run
"This is the weirdest team composition I've ever seen," Marcus admitted.
"Pika." We're not weird. We're SPECIALIZED.
"Vee vee." Specialized in trauma delivery.
"I prefer to think of us as agents of enlightenment," Leo offered.
"I prefer to think of us as extremely overpowered," Steve contributed.
Kenneth vibrated.
"What did Kenneth say?" Marcus asked.
"The Shuckle said nothing," Leo replied. "Shuckles do not communicate through conventional means. However, its aura suggests contentment and an underlying current of cosmic significance that I cannot fully interpret."
Everyone stared at Kenneth.
Kenneth continued to exist.
"Okay," Marcus said slowly. "Let's just... get on the boat."
S.S. AQUA - EN ROUTE TO JOHTO
The ship was luxurious.
Marcus had booked a private cabin, primarily because his team would cause panic among the other passengers. A Mewtwo, a talking Lucario with a Mega Stone, and two Partner Pokemon known for SOLOING LEAGUES were not exactly subtle travel companions.
"So, Leo," Marcus said, settling into a chair. "Tell me about Legends Z-A."
Leo sat cross-legged on the floor, meditating posture perfect.
"I come from a time that is simultaneously past and future. Lumiose City, but not as you know it. A city in transformation, where the boundaries between time periods had grown thin."
"That sounds confusing."
"It was. But it allowed for unique training opportunities." Leo's eyes opened slightly. "I trained with Lucario from every era. I learned techniques from the ancient masters and the future innovators. I achieved a connection with my Mega Stone that should not be possible."
"What do you mean?"
"Normal Mega Evolution is temporary. Draining. It requires a trainer's bond to activate and maintain."
Leo's Lucarionite began to glow.
"Mine is different."
The transformation was INSTANT.
One moment, Leo was a normal (if unusually powerful) Lucario.
The next, he was Mega Lucario.
But he hadn't moved. Marcus hadn't commanded anything. There was no Key Stone involved.
"You can Mega Evolve WITHOUT a trainer?!" Marcus gasped.
"I can Mega Evolve AT WILL. The bond is internal. Self-sustaining." Mega Leo's voice was deeper now, resonating with power. "I can maintain this form indefinitely."
"That's... that's BROKEN."
"It is the result of centuries of training across multiple time periods." Leo returned to his base form as casually as someone removing a jacket. "I do not consider it 'broken.' I consider it EARNED."
Zippy and Fluffy exchanged glances.
"Pika pika." Okay, maybe we have competition after all.
"Vee." I want to fight him.
"In time," Leo said. "But first, I wish to observe. To understand how this team operates. Then, perhaps, we can spar."
"Vee vee." You're very calm for someone who's about to get destroyed.
"Confidence born of millennia tends to be difficult to shake."
"I don't trust him," Steve telepathed to Marcus privately.
"Why not?"
"He's too... serene. No one who has lived that long should be that calm."
"Maybe he's just well-adjusted?"
"Mewtwos are the pinnacle of psychic development and I am NOT well-adjusted. His serenity is suspicious."
Marcus didn't have a response to that.
NEW BARK TOWN - JOHTO ARRIVAL
The S.S. Aqua docked in Olivine City, but Marcus had decided to start his Johto journey properly.
From the beginning.
New Bark Town.
"This is where new trainers in Johto begin," Marcus explained to his team. "Professor Elm's laboratory is here. It feels right to start fresh."
"Pika pika." We already have eight badges and a Championship.
"I know, but experiencing the journey is part of the fun!"
"Vee." We soloed that journey already.
"You soloed the KANTO journey. Johto is DIFFERENT."
"Is it, though?" Leo asked. "Gyms are gyms. Badges are badges. The structure remains constant."
"But the PEOPLE are different! The culture! The history!"
Leo considered this.
"...Acceptable reasoning. I will observe."
The moment Marcus stepped off the boat in Olivine City, chaos began.
Not intentional chaos. Just... MARCUS chaos.
"Is that a MEWTWO?!"
"Why is there a Lucario glowing with strange energy?!"
"THE PIKACHU HAS ENTERED THE CITY! FLEE!"
Word of Marcus's exploits had apparently traveled faster than the actual boat.
"Pika." My reputation precedes me.
"Vee vee." OUR reputation.
"Pika pika." I did TWO solo runs.
"Vee." I did the COMPLETE run.
"PIKA!" QUALITY OVER QUANTITY!
"VEE VEE!" THAT DOESN'T APPLY HERE!
"Both of you are impressive," Leo interrupted calmly. "Now please stop arguing. You're frightening the civilians."
Indeed, the streets of Olivine City had largely emptied. Shopkeepers were closing their doors. A Miltank was hiding behind a building.
"I think we should move quickly to New Bark Town," Marcus suggested.
"Agreed," Leo said.
"I will teleport us," Steve offered.
"NO!" Marcus, Zippy, and Fluffy shouted in unison.
"Why not?"
"We're going to WALK. Experience the JOURNEY."
"That is inefficient."
"It's TRADITIONAL."
Steve grumbled but complied.
ROUTE 39 - JOHTO COUNTRYSIDE
The walk through Johto was genuinely pleasant.
Rolling farmland. Gentle Miltank grazing. Pidgey singing in the trees.
"This is nice," Marcus said, breathing deep. "Peaceful."
"Vee." Too peaceful. Where are the trainers to challenge?
"Maybe they're hiding?"
"Pika pika." They SHOULD be hiding.
Leo walked beside Marcus, observing everything with quiet intensity.
"The aura of this land is different from Kanto," he noted. "Older. More connected to tradition and history."
"You can sense that?"
"I can sense many things. The flow of energy. The bonds between Pokemon and humans. The weight of the past pressing against the present."
"That's... kind of poetic."
"Centuries of existence tends to develop one's vocabulary."
A wild Mareep approached the group, curious.
It looked at Leo.
It looked at Steve.
It looked at Zippy, who was crackling with electricity.
The Mareep decided that today was a good day to be somewhere else.
"We're scaring the wildlife," Marcus observed.
"The wildlife has good instincts," Leo replied.
ECRUTEAK CITY - DETOUR
Marcus had planned to go straight to New Bark Town.
Leo had other ideas.
"We must stop here," the Lucario said firmly as they approached Ecruteak City.
"Why?"
"The Burned Tower. The Bell Tower. This city holds great spiritual significance." Leo's eyes were fixed on the ancient structures. "I can sense... something. Something calling to me."
"Vee vee." Is this a side quest?
"This is a PILGRIMAGE."
"Pika." Same thing.
Marcus looked at the city. It was beautiful—traditional architecture, autumn leaves, ancient shrines.
"Okay," he agreed. "We can stop here. What do you need to do?"
"I must meditate at the Burned Tower. Connect with the aura of the Legendary Beasts who were reborn there."
"The Legendary—wait, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune?"
"Yes. I must understand their essence."
"Why?" Steve asked suspiciously.
"Because if we are to journey through Johto, we will inevitably encounter them. And I would prefer to greet them as equals rather than threats."
"Pika pika." We're not scared of Legendary Beasts.
"You should be. They are forces of nature given form. Even your Partner powers may not be sufficient."
"VEE!" Was that a CHALLENGE?!
"It was an observation."
Before the argument could escalate, a voice interrupted.
"Excuse me... are you Marcus Chen?"
A young man stood at the city entrance, wearing traditional robes. He looked nervous but determined.
"That's me," Marcus confirmed.
"I'm Morty. The Gym Leader here. I sensed your approach from across the city."
"You SENSED us?"
"I have... abilities. I can perceive spirits and aura." Morty's gaze flickered to Leo. "Your Lucario is... extraordinary. I've never felt anything like it."
"Thank you," Leo said simply.
"But I didn't come here to discuss your Pokemon." Morty's expression grew serious. "I came to warn you. The Legendary Beasts have been agitated ever since you entered Johto. They can sense the power you carry."
"Agitated how?"
"Raikou was spotted running along Route 42 at unprecedented speeds. Entei has been sighted near the volcano, roaring at nothing. And Suicune..."
Morty paused.
"Suicune is watching you. Right now."
Everyone turned.
There, on a distant rooftop, was a shimmer of blue and purple.
Crystal-clear and majestic.
Suicune.
"Vee." That's a pretty dog.
The North Wind Legendary regarded them with ancient, calculating eyes.
Then, in a burst of speed that defied physics, it vanished.
"It's been following you since you docked," Morty explained. "It's curious. And possibly concerned."
"Concerned about what?"
"About what you represent." Morty's voice dropped. "Marcus Chen, you carry the power of gods with you. Multiple Arceus. Reality-warping entities. Time-traveling warriors. To beings like Suicune, you're either a potential ally... or an apocalyptic threat."
"I'm just a trainer who likes Pokemon!"
"You're a trainer with 4,847 Pokemon who soloed the Kanto League with a Charizard."
"Sunny worked really hard for that!"
Morty rubbed his temples.
"Please. Just... be careful in Johto. The Legendary Beasts are protectors of this land. If they decide you're a threat, even YOUR power may not be enough."
"I don't want to fight them!"
"Then perhaps you should prove that." Morty glanced at Leo. "The Burned Tower. Tomorrow. Meditate there. Show the spirits of Johto that you come in peace."
Leo nodded. "That was my intention."
"Good. I'll arrange for you to have private access." Morty turned to leave. "And Marcus? Welcome to Johto. Please try not to destroy anything."
"I make no promises!"
"Pika pika." Neither do we.
Morty sighed heavily and walked away.
BURNED TOWER - THE NEXT MORNING
The ancient structure loomed before them.
Half-collapsed. Fire-scarred. Heavy with history.
"This is where they died," Leo said quietly. "And where they were reborn."
"The three unnamed Pokemon," Marcus recalled. "Transformed by Ho-Oh into Raikou, Entei, and Suicune."
"Correct. Their original forms are unknown. But their essence remains here. I can feel it."
Leo stepped forward, entering the tower alone.
"Should we follow?" Marcus asked.
"No," Steve replied. "This is his journey. We would only interfere."
"Vee." I wanted to see him cry.
"Fluffy!"
"Vee vee." What? Emotional vulnerability is character development.
They waited outside.
INSIDE THE BURNED TOWER
Leo moved through the ruins with reverent steps.
Ash. Char. The lingering scent of ancient fire.
He reached the center of the tower—the spot where, centuries ago, three Pokemon had perished in flames.
And where they had been reborn.
Leo sat. Cross-legged. Perfect stillness.
And he opened his aura.
The response was immediate.
Three presences. Vast. Ancient. POWERFUL.
Not physically present, but spiritually connected to this place forever.
"Who disturbs our rest?"
"I am Leo. A Lucario from between times. I come seeking understanding."
"Understanding of WHAT, small warrior?"
"Of you. Of this land. Of how I might walk through Johto without causing harm."
The presences conferred silently.
"You travel with the One of Many Pokemon."
"Marcus Chen. Yes."
"He carries power that rivals Ho-Oh. That threatens the balance we protect."
"He does not wish to threaten. He wishes only to journey. To experience. To bond with Pokemon."
"And you believe this?"
Leo considered the question carefully.
"I have observed him. Watched him care for thousands of Pokemon. Seen him cry over their happiness and worry about their wellbeing." Leo's voice was steady. "He is not a conqueror. He is a caretaker."
"Pretty words. But we have seen caretakers become tyrants."
"Then watch him yourselves. Judge him by his actions, not his power."
Silence.
Then, slowly, the presences receded.
"We will watch. If he proves false, we will intervene. But if he proves true..."
"Yes?"
"Then perhaps the One of Many Pokemon will be an ally to Johto, rather than a threat."
Leo bowed his head.
"Thank you."
The connection faded.
OUTSIDE THE BURNED TOWER
Leo emerged looking... peaceful.
More peaceful than before, if that was possible.
"What happened?" Marcus asked.
"I communed with the spirits of the Legendary Beasts. We have reached an understanding."
"An understanding?"
"They will observe your journey. If you prove to be what I believe you are—a genuine lover of Pokemon—they will not interfere."
"And if I'm NOT?"
"Then they will destroy you." Leo said this very calmly. "But I am confident in my assessment."
"THAT'S COMFORTING."
"Vee vee." I could take them.
"Fluffy, please don't challenge the embodiments of natural forces."
"Vee." Fine. But only because you asked nicely.
GOLDENROD CITY - THREE DAYS LATER
The journey continued.
And so did the chaos.
Goldenrod City was the largest city in Johto—a bustling metropolis of commerce, entertainment, and Pokemon battles.
It was also home to Whitney's Gym.
Whitney, the Normal-type specialist.
Whitney, whose Miltank was infamous for destroying unprepared trainers.
Whitney, who had NO IDEA what was coming.
"I want to challenge the Gym," Marcus announced.
"Pika pika." FINALLY. Let me fight.
"Vee vee." It should be ME. I haven't battled since Kanto.
"Actually," Marcus said slowly, "I was thinking we'd let Leo have this one."
Both Partner Pokemon stared at him.
"PIKA?!" WHAT?!
"VEE?!" WHY?!
"Leo hasn't had a chance to show what he can do yet. And I want to see Mega Lucario in action."
Leo nodded. "I accept."
"PIKA PIKA PIKA!" This is FAVORITISM!
"Vee vee vee!" We've been with you LONGER!
"You've both had MULTIPLE solo runs! Leo's been stuck in a Pokeball for three months! It's his turn!"
"That is... surprisingly considerate," Leo admitted.
"I try to be fair."
"PIKA!" UNFAIR!
"Vee!" BETRAYAL!
"You'll get your turns! Johto has SIXTEEN Gym Leaders across both regions!"
"Wait, really?"
"If we count the Kanto rematch Gyms in HGSS, yeah!"
The Partner Pokemon considered this.
"Pika." ...Acceptable.
"Vee." ...Fine.
"Great! Let's go fight Whitney!"
GOLDENROD CITY GYM
Whitney was cute, cheerful, and absolutely confident.
"Ooh, a challenger! This'll be fun! I'm Whitney, and I—"
She stopped.
She had just noticed Leo.
"Is... is that Lucario GLOWING?"
"He's preparing for battle," Marcus explained.
"Why is it glowing ALREADY? The battle hasn't STARTED!"
"Leo gets excited."
"I do not get excited," Leo corrected. "I am simply ready."
"Ready for WHAT? I use NORMAL-types! This should be easy for a Fighting-type!"
Leo smiled.
It was not a comforting smile.
"Shall we begin?"
BATTLE START
"CLEFAIRY, GO!"
The pink puffball materialized, looking adorable and harmless.
Leo regarded it with ancient, patient eyes.
"MEGA EVOLUTION."
The transformation was instantaneous. Leo's form expanded, becoming sleeker, more powerful, radiating an aura of overwhelming might.
"WHAT THE—HE CAN MEGA EVOLVE WITHOUT A TRAINER COMMAND?!"
"I am self-sufficient," Mega Leo explained calmly.
"CLEFAIRY, METRONOME!"
The Clefairy waggled its fingers, accessing a random move—
"AURA SPHERE."
The blue sphere of concentrated fighting energy launched BEFORE Metronome could resolve.
One hit.
One KO.
"CLEFAIRY!"
"Next," Leo said.
Whitney was starting to sweat.
"MILTANK! MY STRONGEST! ROLLOUT!"
The infamous Miltank appeared, immediately curling into a ball and launching into its devastating rolling attack—
Leo didn't move.
The Rollout connected.
Leo TANKED it.
"WHAT?!"
"Your Miltank is strong," Leo acknowledged. "But I have trained for centuries. I have endured attacks that would shatter mountains."
Miltank rolled around for another hit.
Leo tanked that too.
And again.
And AGAIN.
"WHY WON'T YOU DODGE?!"
"I am demonstrating a point."
"WHAT POINT?!"
"That power without wisdom is meaningless." Leo raised a paw. "CLOSE COMBAT."
The attack was DEVASTATING.
A flurry of punches and kicks, each one connecting with perfect precision.
Miltank was launched across the Gym, crashed into the wall, and slid down, unconscious.
One hit.
One KO.
Whitney stared.
"You... you beat my Miltank."
"Yes."
"In ONE HIT."
"Correct."
"AFTER letting it hit you FOUR TIMES."
"I wished to understand its strength."
"And?"
Leo considered.
"Adequate. For a Normal-type."
Whitney burst into tears.
"WAAAAAAH! YOU'RE SO MEAN!"
"I was not mean. I was thorough."
"THAT'S WORSE!"
POST-BATTLE
Marcus collected the Plain Badge while Leo stood in the corner, back to normal, meditating on his victory.
"Did you HAVE to make her cry?" Marcus asked.
"I did not make her cry. Her emotional response was her own."
"Vee vee." I like him more now.
"Pika." He has STYLE. I hate admitting it.
"The Lucario is efficient," Steve acknowledged. "I approve."
Kenneth vibrated.
"What did Kenneth say?" Marcus asked.
"The Shuckle expressed approval of my combat philosophy," Leo replied.
"You can understand Kenneth?!"
"The Shuckle communicates through subtle aura fluctuations. Once you learn to read them, its messages are quite clear."
Everyone stared at Kenneth.
Kenneth continued to exist.
"What's Kenneth saying NOW?" Fluffy demanded.
"It is saying that you should all stop staring. It finds the attention uncomfortable."
Kenneth vibrated again.
"And that it would like more berries."
Marcus handed Kenneth a berry.
Kenneth made a satisfied noise.
"I can't believe Kenneth has been communicating this whole time and only LEO noticed," Marcus muttered.
"Perhaps you should pay more attention to your Shuckle."
"I pay PLENTY of attention to Kenneth!"
"The Shuckle disagrees."
Kenneth vibrated in what might have been vindication.
CURRENT STATUS:
Location: Goldenrod City, Johto
Badges: 1 (Plain Badge)
New Team Member: Leo (Legends Z-A Lucario)
Mega Evolution Status: Self-sustaining (BROKEN)
Legendary Beasts: Watching, judging
Kenneth Communication: Decoded
Team Dynamics:
Zippy: Jealous but impressed Fluffy: Approving of violence Leo: Serene, philosophical, devastating Steve: Still existential, still powerful Kenneth: FINALLY understood
Whitney Status: Crying (as is tradition)
[A/N: LEO THE TIME-TRAVELING LUCARIO HAS ENTERED THE CHAT! He can Mega Evolve at will, tank Rollout like it's nothing, and understand KENNETH! Next chapter: The Johto journey continues! Will the Legendary Beasts accept Marcus? Will Zippy and Fluffy get their revenge battles? And what happens when Team Rocket's Johto remnants make the WORST possible decision? Leave a comment about your favorite new team member!]