Legend of The Dark Prince

[Dracoflare]

Greetings my dear friends. This is my third attempt at fanfiction. While my other story Romance and the Pokémon Master has just begun. I wanted to write this piece. Sometimes Ideas just don’t like to stay in your brain don’t they? So please read, review, rate and recommend.

New Edit: Chapter one has been released.
A word of introduction : I could say a lot about myself, but I am pretty sure you have clicked this to read my story and not me. I will just say that I am very new to this, but I have read enough fanfictions to see how good mine is. The story shall involve many characters, most of them in their own individual struggles but all of them tie up to the main story, at least that's what I am planning. The first part of my planned trilogy: The Legend of Dark Prince involves Ash,Giovanni and Darkrai.
Rating: PG-13

List of Chapters

Chapter One: Darkness, Desire and Despair (http://www.serebiiforums.com/showthread.php?568837-Legend-of-The-Dark-Prince&p=14474490#post14474490)




PROLOGUE: Wedding of the Gods

The dark sky looked as if it was being ripped in half by the white trail of the comet. Like the people of the world of that time, two thousand years from the present era, were split into two factions the comet’s trail seemed like it was splitting the cluster of stars into two groups.

“Tomorrow is the seventh and the last day before the son of god bids us goodbye, Great Dragon.” The Old Emperor said with a content look and a smile of victory. “And the day of your wedding.” He looked at the huge creature standing beside him watching the comet. Its grey scales shone under the moonlight. The golden eyed dragon looked at the Emperor.

“Your Highness,” The Dragon’s masculine voice passed through his head. The mythical dragon being a beast like any other does not possess the ability to speak, but has the power to put its thought into the human language and speak directly into the person’s mind. “Your act to unify the two great empires through the marriage between me and Fènghuáng is brave and commendable. But lest the people of the two empires attack each other in hatred they have buried in their bloods for centuries, this will turn into bloodshed.”

“It shall not. I the supreme emperor of the world will ensure that. The people of the eastern empire will abide by my commands now that I’ve slain their emperor. The people of either empire will join hands like brothers and sisters for they are all my subjects, and my children.”

The mystic dragon smiled at the emperor’s confidence. For years he served the emperors of the western lands. But never did an Emperor rise till now who unified the entire world without bloodshed. And the mystic creature responsible for it was Jirachi, called the son of god who appears once in thousand years.

The son of god possesses the power to grant any wish asked with the help of its third eye. When the third eye of the god’s son meets the comet a tremendous power is born, that is said to flow from the heaven itself. A power that is said to grant any wish true. And the wise emperor chose a simple wish, to end the unending feud between the empires of East and West. Without raising either a sword or an axe the eastern empire fell under his control.

A world ruled by one ruler, a world where everyone lives happily.

‘That was the emperor’s dream. The grand wedding shall be the beginning of a whole new world as the emperor wished.’ The dragon thought. But even the great mythical creature didn’t know the darkness lurking behind the shadows.


***

“A wedding between the great dragon and the great bird.” The soldier in black clothes said looking at the beautiful comet. “Even if they are legendary they are just beasts why don’t they just mate like other primal beings do? Why this marriage?” He asked the man standing beside him. They were camping outside the Emperor’s castle. While the high lords were inside the huge castle in their warm beds, their unfortunate soldiers could only wait outside in the camp.

“Fool,” The other soldier said mockingly. “This wedding is merely a political one. The legendary bird and the dragon are above common desires. They are not wedding to mate but to ensure peace between the two empires.”

“It only makes sense.” A third soldier appeared from behind. “The legendary bird worshipped as the god in the eastern and the dragon worshipped as god in the western. This is indeed a marriage between gods and beliefs.”

“Alas, we have come to ruin everything.” A voice appeared interrupting their conversation.

“Your Highness.” The soldiers bent down on their knees greeting the man dressed in black.

“Throw those formalities into the ash for now soldiers.” He smiled at them signaling them to rise. “No one would like to know that the exiled heir to the Camelot is here.”

His face turned serious suddenly as he looked at the sky. “Tomorrow the soldiers of darkness shall rise.” The bright comet continued to shine brilliantly in the sky. “Darkness shall engulf everyone.”


***

“Henry, take a look at this.” Mary pointed out to the leaflet in her hand. A list of the nobles invited to the grand wedding was written. She was the in charge of the next day’s events. A responsibility forced onto her as the Prime Minister’s daughter.

“What is it?” Henry looked at the name she was pointing out.

Legendary Magical Creature Darkrai.

“Darkrai?” He said surprised. “Why would they invite the creature that represents evil?”

“I don’t know.” Mary shook her head. “The emperor might want to invite everyone, friends and foes alike to this wedding. But Darkrai…” The woman fell into deep thought. Darkrai is a creature that represents evil. Inviting such a creature to the wedding is inviting trouble itself.


***

The day of the grand wedding. People from all over the world gathered at the capital of Western Empire. The City of Opelucid which literally was a combination of Opaque and Pellucid. The walls are Opaque and everything inside the grand city is invisible to outsiders. Pellucid, everything inside the grand walls including the king’s castle was made of glass. A rich capital worthy of the Western Empire’s pride.

Men and women of various creed, caste, and regions gathered with their magical creatures in tow. This was a grand day not only to the men but also to the magical creatures who were witnessing a great event, the wedding of their gods.

The large size doors to the castle were opened with people standing on the either side of the path in between. They were ready to pour showers of flowers on the incoming visitors.

“Your Highness.” Mary spoke to the emperor. They were watching the entire arrangement from the top of the castle from which the huge collection of people and magical creatures looked like a bright painting on the background of the beautiful city of Opelucid. “The phoenix has departed from their residence. The bride will be here shortly.”

“Very well,” The emperor said as he continued to watch. “Make sure the decorations of the groom are finished. I will be waiting in the wedding hall.” He said as he proceeded to take the stairs to the ground.


***

“The Emperor showed a nice gesture in inviting me to this wedding.” The voice spoke out from the shadows as the soldiers bent in fear to the creature. “However I am nothing but a spreader of evil.”

The creature rose slowly from the shadows. Its body was pitch black like the night sky. If one were to see this creature at night they could only see its red scarf, its blue eyes and the white ghostly hair.

“Gilbert, you have promised to take the path of blood. I will help you with my power. It is up to you on how well you use my powers.” He said to the leader of the small group of soldiers.

“Lord Darkrai, I swear as the prince of Camelot and as the seventh Aura guardian that I will not waste your power. I shall triumph over the foolish emperor who wants to unite the world. An ideal world is possible only when it is split into smaller kingdoms. A great empire will only lead to people backstabbing each other. ”

“I do not care about your ideals or truths, human. I merely chose you because you wanted to take the path of evil. Your purpose maybe good but it is your deeds that people note and that is why I support you.” The creature slowly returned back into the shadows.

“Soldiers!” He turned towards his men. “We shall disguise as soldiers of the West and attack the people of the East. Once we create the confusion, escape from here as planned. Is that clear?”

“Yes, sir!”


***

The people eagerly waited for the bride’s arrival. The grand magical creature called Fènghuáng was about to descend from the sky in a short while. A blacksmith from the East was enjoying the grand wedding with his wife and children. Little did he know of the danger that was coming towards him.

“Aaargh!” He shouted in pain, his cry was accompanied by his wife’s screams. The people around looked at him aghast as a spear smeared in blood emerged from his body where his heart would normally be. The spear was pulled back by its owner. A soldier dressed in black.

The attack was followed by a group of soldiers who slaughtered the innocent people.

“The West is attacking our people!” A soldier of the East exclaimed as he saw the horrific scene. Hundreds of soldiers of East took out their weapons and charged at the soldiers attacking the innocent people.

Then suddenly out of nowhere a rain of black spheres each the size of a man came from the sky. The spheres engulfed the people inside it, who emerged out falling to the ground, unconscious. The shadow-like creature appeared with more spheres of black ready to fire.

The terror of the soldiers attacking the innocent and the appearance of Darkrai made the people go frenzy and run for their lives. Only to be attacked brutally by a horde of magical creatures of various species like Arcanine, Mightyena, Tyranitar. If one were to closely observe they would notice something wrong with these magical creatures. Their bodies were engulfed in a dark aura that resembled Darkrai.

The entire situation turned from grand to bad to worse. The armies of either kind attacked each other in frustration and anger ignoring the commands from the upper ranks.


***

The legendary phoenix Fènghuáng watched in horror as what should have been a grand wedding scenery turned into bloodshed. The nominal bride adorned in gold, watched as innocent people were slaughtered by mystic creatures and soldiers alike.

Its beautiful wings turned bright silver in color as its red eyes were filled with rage. The creature lunged towards the scenery at monstrous speed.
It’s body engulfed in flames the phoenix attacked with a move unique to it, the Sacred Fire. The target of the holy attack being the horde of creatures attacking the helpless humans. Just as it was close to the ground a power jolt of electricity that barely missed its head stopped the phoenix in its tracks.

“YOU!” The phoenix roared in anger. The grey dragon stood before the bird.
“This wedding was just a farce, your emperor wishes to slaughter the people of East.”

It opened its mouth wide open preparing a powerful attack that resembled a tornado. Another move unique to the phoenix called Aeroblast.

The Grey dragon silently took the attack head on. The huge dragon that was as huge as the gates of the castle itself was engulfed by the Aeroblast. The dragon closed its golden eyes and remained silent. Its tail suddenly shot out bright flames. A blue flame emerged from the dragon’s mouth destroying the force of the tornado created by Aeroblast.

“Do not let fury get the better of you Fènghuáng.” He warned. “My Emperor would never lay a hand on innocent people.”

“If you still insist that it is my Emperor who created this massacre, feel free to battle me.” The dragon stretched his arms. Its tail slowly reverberated with electricity that replaced the flames. Its stretched arms slowly created a long streak of electricity that resembled a lance, the move called Bolt strike.


***

The massacre threw everything into chaos. People and mystic creatures alike ran helter-skelter and so did the attackers who were chasing them. But one man had a clear idea of where he should be going. Gilbert was riding his Salamence and flew towards the top of the castle. Entering the castle from the top was a wiser decision in this situation.

Darkrai jumped from one tower of the castle to the other putting as many castle guards as it can to sleep with its signature Dark void. His main being clearing the path for Gilbert. Darkrai looked into the sky checking Gilbert’s situation.

That was when he noticed a couple of Skarmory appeared out of nowhere from the sky attacking him. Before the legendary had any chance to react a power flame engulfed the metal birds frying them to death.

“You owe me one, Darkrai.” Gilbert said smiling sitting atop his Salamence who was responsible for the flames.

“We do not have time to chat. The legendary Pokémon won’t take much time in figuring out that it is my doing. Hurry up and slay the emperor. We need to leave as soon as possible.”


***

“Why did things have to turn like this?” The emperor said massaging his forehead. His dream for a joyful world was shattered on the first day itself.
“Our people say that it was the Easterners who attacked us first.” The Prime Minister said to the king. The entire court was in silence worrying about the situation that engulfed the beautiful wedding.

Suddenly, A Rhypherior came flying into the court and landed on the red carpet on its back, the impact shaking the entire court.

“What is this?” The Emperor stood in shock. The Rhypherior wore a golden bracelet indicating that it belonged to the guards guarding the court’s chambers.

“Ah, it’s nice to meet the grand emperor of the world in person.” Gilbert said walking into the court with Darkrai and Salamence following him slowly. “Isn’t it?” He asked in a mocking tone.

“Darkrai!” A courtier exclaimed. “Seize them!”

A couple of Machamp jumped into the scene. They charged at the trio of intruders.

“Fools.” Gilbert said snapping his fingers. The Salamence understood the command and intercepted the incoming creatures. Seconds later the Machamp were engulfed in flames.

“Do not make any more mistakes, Emperor.” He said as he calmly walked towards him. “You have made a big mistake in trying to bring the world under one rule. It is time for you to put away your greed to bring glory to your family’s name and think.”

“Why you?” The emperor answered back in exasperation. “You dare mock my vision with the thoughts of pathetic like you. A man sided with Darkrai has no right to even look at me.”

“Fool,” He said calmly looking at the emperor in disgust. “An old fool who lives in his dreams, that’s what you are. Do you think the people will be happy once they come under a single rule? They will only start hating each other and fight each other for freedom and end up killing each other like they are doing it now.”

“I will kill you first.” The emperor reached for the pendant around his neck. The Emperors of his family always carried one in case of emergency. A pendant which carried the magical power to kill a man.

“As if I will let you.” Gilbert stretched his hand, his palm facing the emperor. “The power of Aura is mine.” He muttered as a blue sphere of energy was formed in his hand.

Before any of them could blink their eyes the energy was sent smashing into his face. The emperor fell down dead, his face mutilated and his hands still clutching onto the pendant. The old emperor could not match in speed to the attack that never misses the Aura sphere.

The courtiers watched aghast as their emperor fell down dead. Some of them fell down to the ground begging for mercy while some tried to attack Gilbert in rage. Moments later the court was filled with dead bodies of the nobles who revolted against him.

“Not everyone in this court is as foolish as the emperor it seems.” He smiled looking at the courtiers who were spared with their lives. A sudden rumbling in the sky shook Gilbert from his victorious mood.

“The legendary creatures must have realized the situation by now.” Darkrai spoke to Gilbert. “You have shown me enough chaos to satisfy me, Gilbert. It is my turn to protect you now.” He said handing out a sword to him.

“You are going to battle the two legendaries alone?” He asked taking the sword. “What is this sword, Darkrai? It seems to me as if it wasn’t meant to kill.” He said looking at the sword. The sword was blunt, it was impossible to kill with such a sword. The only thing special about the sword was the symbol of yin-yang on it.

“It is not meant to kill. It is a special sword originated from the tree of beginning like me. In a way I and the sword are like brothers.”

“A sword from the tree of the beginning? Is this one of the swords of the god?”

“Yes, the sword is called Rezeholu. Use it when I tell you to.” Darkrai said as he headed out to fight the creatures waiting for him. He turned back before he left. “As for your first question, I am not a fighter. I am just a servant of god who spreads evil. The legendaries will have their hands full with something else other than me.” Saying so, the shadow like mystic creature faded into the darkness.


***

The Grey legendary dragon and the rainbow-silver colored bird waited above the castle. They have already sent their warning cries. Darkrai would be coming up anytime. From the top the only sounds they could hear were disturbing cries from women and men alike as they ran for their lives. The smell of blood attracted a couple of Mandibuzz who fed on the dead bodies.

“You have finally showed your face, Darkrai.” The dragon said as a shadow rose from the roof of the castle. Darkrai stood on the peak of the tower facing the phoenix and the dragon.

“Your sins have gone beyond forgivable. You shall be burned in my sacred flames.” The phoenix hissed. “You will die a painful death for all the innocent people over here.”

“Do you have anything to say before you fall into ashes?” The dragon asked.

“I have always been misunderstood.” The shadow creature said looking at the bloodshed. “I make no plots, Fènghuáng. It is the desire of a man that destroys another. I am nothing but an agent who spreads it. The destruction you saw was inevitable. My presence had nothing to do with it.”

“It doesn’t matter Darkrai, today you shall die.” They roared at once as they prepared their respective fire attacks. The Blue Flame and the Sacred Fire.

“Before you do that, there is something else want to show.” Darkrai pointed to the sky. The giant creatures looked at the sky. At first it seemed as if there was a red star in the sky. But stars do not appear in the daylight.

A giant meteor was making its way towards the ground as it gained velocity slowly. The creatures widened their eyes in surprise. They realized immediately, if the meteor were to make its way to the ground nothing will be left of the Opelucid city.

“It seems god himself was angry at the emperor’s idea of combining the two countries. The stone falling from heavens is a punishment for making the god angry.” Darkrai said. “Only a man is responsible for the death of another.”

“I knew it. I knew from the beginning.” The legendary bird said. “This marriage was a bad idea, but those men convinced me to it. It is my fault to accept this and I shall be the one to stop this.” The bird flew into the sky towards the rapidly falling meteor.

“The mistake is mine too.” The dragon flew behind the bird.


***

The sky slowly turned dark as night approached. The large meteor that was supposed to destroy Opelucid was being stalled by the two legendary magical creatures. Men from both the empire watched as the meteor approached the ground slowly. Death was closing in on them but the brave creatures fought hard. Splinters of rock crashed from the impact between the moves of the creatures and the meteor.

“The time is approaching, Gilbert.” Darkrai said to the young prince riding his Salamence. “Use the sword and stab the dragon and the bird while you can. Once you do that your life will have no danger.”

“Why so?” He asked.

“The sword Rezeholu has a unique power.” Darkrai answered. “Everything in the world is split into two forms of energy. This is the principle of duality. Every existence has another counter existence to it.

Sun- Moon

Sky-Ground

Masculine-Feminine

God-devil

Good-bad

Truths-Ideals

Myself and Cresselia.

Likewise everything in the world has two energies in it. Every man has masculine and feminine qualities in him. The same applies to a woman. This sword has the power to split a creature into two counter parts. Once you stab the creature with this sword it breaks into two forms. Once you use this sword they shall split into two forms. These forms will be complete opposites and shall hate each other. They shall not remember their hatred on you.”

“Wait but, do I have to do this to save my life?” He asked incredulous.

“Yes, but not just yours. But also the entire country of Camelot. The anger of these creatures is fearsome. They shall not let you nor your people live once this ends.”

“Why are you doing this for me? Aren’t you evil?”

“I gave my word that I will protect you and so shall I do.”


***

After that everything went as the shadow Pokémon planned. The bird and the dragon fought till the end and saved Opelucid from major destruction. A mysterious rider on a Salamence stabbed the legendaries while they were unconscious.

The people then watched the greatest scene they ever imagined. The birth of four new mystic creatures took place in front of their eyes.

Taking their names from the sword Rezeholu that split them they took the names Reshiram, Zekrom, Ho-oh, and Lugia.

The grand empire was split into smaller countries as people everywhere declared their own kingdoms. The great eastern empire turned into a smaller kingdom, now called the Johto region. People worshipped the new gods that were born. Ho-oh and Lugia perched on the grand towers of the Ecruteak City, capital of the former Eastern Empire.

The western empire fell down into chaos. The emperor’s twin grandsons each claimed the throne for themselves. Taking the aid of Reshiram and Zekrom they fought to death destroying the entire region in the process. The region then slowly split into two smaller regions now known as the Eastern Unova and the Western Unova.


***


That night, the shadow reached the crystal filled region of Forina. There waiting for him was the Wish-maker Jirachi, claimed as the son of god.

“I have been waiting for you, Darkrai.” He said in a playful voice.

“The meteor came down as you predicted, Jirachi.” Darkrai said. “It became the key to Gilbert’s victory.”

“It does, because it was my fault.” He said sticking out his tongue. “I seemed to have done a mistake while using the comet’s power to grant the emperor’s wish.”

“Humph.” Darkrai grunted at his response. The little kid’s mistake almost cost the lives of ten thousand people.

“It seems you have won this time.” Jirachi said with a cheerful look on his face. “Aren’t you happy evil won?”

“Winning and losing do not matter to me.”

“I know you are just a servant of god who spreads evil. You have said that over million times already.”

“Do you understand me then?”

“No. You are really hard to understand. I still wonder to this day, Darkrai what are you? Good? Bad? Evil? Vigilante?” He said looking at the shadow Pokémon. He turned to the other side. “And with that question in mind, I am going back to sleep.” He said cuddling into a ball. “Meet you after thousand years Darkrai.”

“Farewell.” Darkrai smiled. “Son of the god.”

‘You are perhaps the closest to understanding me.’ He said looking at the sleeping Jirachi as a powerful shield of crystal enveloped the sleeping legendary.


***

Two thousand years later. The ship S.S Kanto was on its way to Kanto from Unova region.

“We made it to the finals this time.” The young trainer said his partner, Pikachu as he watched a school of Basculin pass by the ship.

“Pika.” The Pokémon nodded in agreement.

“We’ll win the next one for sure.” He said in determination. That was Ash Ketchum. A trainer from Pallet town who received his first Pokémon five years ago. He made it to five leagues in five different regions. Although he couldn’t win any of them he was always determined to win the next one.

“Greetings, Prince of Darkness.” A voice whispered in his ear.

“Whoa.” Ash turned around surprised. The shadow standing behind him jumped few steps back.

“D-Darkrai!” The trainer exclaimed trembled by its presence.

[Dracoflare]

Ding!

It's chapter one time!

Note: If you are one of those who actually bothered to read this, make sure to throw a reply. I would love to know if people are reading this.



Chapter One: Darkness, Desire and Despair



“Father, I am going to set off my journey pretty soon.” The young boy who was days away from his tenth birthday said to his father. Like any ten year old would be, he looked forward for the day. The day he would receive his first Pokémon from Professor Samuel Oak, a friend of his father.

The father laughed watching his son’s excitement. It reminded him of his own tenth birthday. He patted him slightly on his head. “Alfred, I am about to set on a journey too.” The father said looking at the child. The innocent kid titled his head in confusion.

“You are trying to be a Pokémon Master too?” He asked, the boy didn’t know any other reason as for why his father would set on a journey. If his father was aiming for the same goal, they would have to fight each other shouldn’t they? The boy disliked that.

“No, my goal is something different,” he said smiling understanding his son’s doubt. He ruffled his hand through the boy’s bushy hair. “I am researching our family’s history, I am leaving for Camelot.” He didn’t want to tell what exactly he was going for, at the same time he didn’t want to lie to him either.

“Isn’t Camelot very far away?” He asked. Camelot was situated somewhere in the north-east parts of Kanto, somewhere beyond Cerulean city and is on the border between Hoenn and Kanto. He has never been there but the boy knew it wasn’t something one could reach by walking a day or two.

“Yes Alfred, a man has to travel a long distance to achieve his goal. You should be going to farther places like Sinnoh if you want to be a Pokémon Master.”

The boy nodded. “I will father.” If his father was going to places as far as Camelot for his work, as his son he must not hesitate to travel long distances. He was willing to reach the end of the world for his goal to be a Pokémon Master. Such was his determination.

“Here, I have a birthday gift for you.” He gave the boy a small gift box wrapped in red. “I won’t be here for your birthday, so a gift in advance.”

“Thanks, Dad.” He took the gift with a wide smile. He unwrapped the packet wondering what might be inside. The boy was clueless to what was waiting for him inside.

“Wow, the new model Pokéball.” He exclaimed as he opened the box. The Pokéball was half red and half white in color. It was different compared to the old apricon balls people used till then. They were made up of synthetic material which was easier to find than apricon and hence were cheap. On top of that they were designed so that newbie trainers could handle them with ease.

“It is not an empty one, Alfred.” His father said. The boy’s eyes widened in surprise.



***


“Alfred.” A ghostly dark voice called out to the man. The room was gloomy and dark. The man sitting on the chair turned around. The room was dark, but the darkness was nothing compared to the creature that called him. A normal person wouldn’t be comfortable with the darkness, but for this man it was like home.

They were inside the Team Rocket’s new base in Unova region. Giovanni always preferred a dark room for himself. He secludes himself most of the time brooding over many issues while brushing his Persian’s back.

“Nobody calls me that anymore, Darkrai.” He gave a stern look with his lifeless black eyes. His brown hair was neatly combed and matched his black suit giving him a dignified look. The letter ‘R’ was etched on the emblem attached to his suit.

“I simply wanted to see your reaction.” The dark Pokémon circled around the wooden table slowly. “Besides you are still Alfred, no matter how far you run away from yourself.” Its blue eyes were fixated on the feline Pokémon Persian who was comfortably sleeping on a couch.


***


“Dolly.” The boy shouted as he ran across the green field. A little girl of his age was chasing a couple of Caterpie. She looked up when she heard a familiar voice.

“I told you many times, it is Delia not Dolly.” She frowned. The young boy grinned at her.

“Guess what my Dad gave?” The boy did not pay attention to her frown as he took out the Pokéball from the pocket and showed her.

“What is that?” She tilted her head, which made her twin pony tail dangle. An expression Alfred was always fond of.

“It is a new model Pokéball.” He said enlarging the Pokéball.

“Wow, Mr. Oak gave your first Pokémon already?” She wondered as the boy’s birthday was still due.

“No, my dad gave this,” he said proudly. For some reason he didn’t knew he always wanted to look strong in front of her.

“Cool.” She said with a smile. “What kind of Pokémon is in it?” She asked out of curiousness.

“I don’t know.” The boy scratched his head. “I came running here after my father gave it.” He answered honestly. Ever since they were little kids Delia was one of his best friends, she was the first person he would always share good news with. “I wanted to open it with you, Dolly.”

“I told you, it is Delia.” She pursed her lips in anger. That was one of the other things Alfred liked, she was beautiful when she was angry but making her mad was the difficult part as she was more of a jovial person. This was why he made it a habit to call her Dolly.

He threw the Pokéball into the air. He planned to say something while calling the Pokémon out as it was supposed to be a memorable moment.

“Pokémon, I choose you!”



***


“I gave you a whole year, Giovanni.” Darkrai said. “You told that you have discovered something new in the Unova region, the Meteonite was it?”

“The project was a failure, Plasma attacked my team.” The Team Rocket’s boss stood up. Yes it was true that all his plans backfired and Team Plasma ended up taking the Meteonite from him. “But Darkrai there is still hope for activating the power I am seeking for.”

“You are a soft man, Alfred.” The Pokémon said. The mention of his other name stung the cold-blooded criminal. “You still do not use the power I have wished to grant you, the dark Aura is a formidable weapon.”

“Those powers are too dangerous.” He stood up from his chair. “Those powers are meant for destruction. It could cost innocent lives.” Giovanni knew that the powers would help him greatly, but he also witnessed the danger that comes with them. He might be a terrorist but should he kill people because he couldn't do his job without an extra hand to help?

“And why should you bother? You have made a contract with Darkrai, human.” He closed in to the latter. His blue stared deeply into the shallow depths of Giovanni’s eyes. That was the truth that Giovanni knew all along.

A year ago Darkrai approached him as he realized that Giovanni walked the path of blood. He didn’t care about the lives of others and simply wanted to reach his goal. The kind of person the Dark Pokémon wanted. But as the year passed his doubts grew. Ever since he lost to Team Plasma Giovanni doubted whether he could still achieve his goal. He always rationalized his thoughts by telling himself that all the murders he had done directly or indirectly were sacrifices to reach his goal. But if he doubted whether he would reach his goal or not, the question of sacrificing lives turned more and more painful.

“You are not fit for this, you are too soft.”

“I am not soft. I have blood in my hands.” He shouted pushing back the Pokémon. “I killed hundreds of people indirectly or directly with these hands. I have illegally captured thousands of Pokémon, all for my goal!”

“And what is it? To be a Pokémon Master?” Darkrai asked back in a mocking tone.

“NO!” He roared. “You maybe a legendary Pokémon but you don’t dare to mock me again Darkrai.”


***


“It’s cute isn’t it?” The little girl said as the boy chased the Pokémon around.

“Wait, Meowth I need to brush your fur.” He called out to the feline Pokémon. “Mom’s going to scold me if I don’t.” He paused to catch his breath. “Yeah.” He said turning towards her.

The Pokémon looked back noticing that its pursuer stopped, only to bump into a pair of legs.

“Meow.” The Pokémon purred rubbing its head. It looked at the person responsible for the bump. A tall man dressed in blue stood in front. He wore a grim expression as he looked at the boy who came to pick up the Meowth.

“I need to talk to your mother, son.” He said. The boy nodded to the strange man and ran inside to fetch his mom.

He appeared moments later with his mother in tow. The man cleared his throat as the woman approached.

“Madam, we are from the Camelot Police agency. I need to talk something about your husband.”

Alfred looked at his mom worriedly. She appeared to be feeling the same too.
“Come in.” She called the person in. “Alfred go play with Delia. Don’t forget your journey starts tomorrow.” She tried to comfort him by remembering his important day. It worked like a charm as the boy took the girl and left to the Pallet fields.

The day passed, the sun was in the west ready to retire for the night. Alfred and Delia walked slowly back to his home.

“Don’t forget to pack that Town Map, it will be very useful.” Delia said as they were about to say goodbye to each other. The couple noticed that a large group of people stood near the house. They were all dressed in black.
The worried boy ran as the girl followed him silently.

“I don’t care. I am the daughter of Don Winston.” He heard his mother yelling on the top of her voice. “I shall take revenge for my husband’s death. I shall capture whatever it is. Be it a legendary Pokémon or the Queen of Camelot herself.”

The running boy stopped in his tracks immediately. Nothing else went through his frozen mind.

Father died? He was aghast, tears rolled down his cheeks before he knew it. “F-father...” His voice trembled. It felt like the end of the world for him. Everything seemed to collapse around him. He suddenly felt something painful pouring out of his heart like a flood.

Sorrow.

Two soft hands clasped his arms. At that moment he needed someone to vent out the feelings inside his heart, before he knew it he was sobbing on the girl’s arms.


***


“Professor Zager told me. He has a hero complex and constantly meddles with us. He managed to ruin many of our plans. He rushes to help people in need. Can someone like him take in darkness?”

“Giovanni.” The Pokémon in the shadows answered in a deep voice. “Do you know what darkness is?”

Giovanni looked at him interested, listening about darkness from the god of darkness itself? That should be interesting.

“Every man has a goal. Good or bad he would try to achieve it, this is what they call desire. However, to satisfy your own desire is to stomp another’s. A Pidgeotto fills its stomach only when it could successfully kill a Caterpie. Does that mean the Pidgeotto is evil? “

He laughed dryly, “Are you telling my goal is a good one?”

“The goal to bring the entire world under your control is no less or better than a Pidgeotto’s attempts to fill its stomach. Your son has a goal too, doesn’t he?”

“He does.” Giovanni smiled as he remembered his son’s goal.


***

“I’ll be a Pokémon Master like I promised my dad.” Alfred clenched his fist, he renewed his motivation again. He ended up in the top two of the Sinnoh league.

“You recover quickly, don’t you?” A man in his mid-twenties approached him.
“Hey, Mr. Richard.” He greeted. The brown haired person standing before him was Samuel Oak’s son. He has followed his father’s footsteps and became a researcher.

“So, what are you going to do now?” He asked.

“I am going to Unova region, this time. I will definitely win this time.”

Richard Oak nodded at his spirit. “That’s how you must be.”



***

“I don’t understand how my son will make a difference?” He asked.

“He is young and has an ambition like you. He can be a good person to lead my darkness.”

“Please put him away from this. I will do things as I promised, I have returned to Unova to capture the hero’s treasure. It shall definitely give me the power to control world.”

“You are getting yourself into a losing battle. Unova is not your stronghold. Plasma has proved you what would happen if you try to take their treasure. Team Rocket will be crushed. You will die before you reach your goal.

But if your son might accept—no, if you convince him to join me. I will lead him to his goal, in exchange you can achieve yours and I mine. See that, unlike the Pidgeotto and Caterpie we need not stomp over each other’s goals.”



***


“Alfred, it is rare to see you taking a break.” Richard Oak said to the young boy who grew into an eighteen year old young man.

“I am just a bit frustrated. Losing to Lance three leagues in a row is annoying.”

“You need to try harder and one day you’ll beat him.” Richard said. Suddenly a Spearow dropped by and landed on his arm.

“Oh, it seems dad has some important news.” He said removing a piece of paper attached to the Pokémon. It was a special way of communication between the two Oak’s in those days when Poke gear and mobiles never existed.

Richard started reading the slip, his eyes widened in surprise; he looked at Alfred for a second and read the letter again to confirm it again.

“You oaf!” He said smacking Alfred on his shoulders. Alfred took time to realize that it was good news. Judging by Richard’s initial expression he thought it was a bad one.

“I never knew…” He laughed loudly. “I can’t believe you got Delia pregnant!”
“What?” Alfred shouted in disbelief. His mind didn’t want him to register it as reality and made him feel like a dream.

“Now I see where you have been releasing your frustration.” He said mockingly.

“But not everyone is taking this as good news. The old men seem to be angry about it. You got to go to my dad’s lab immediately.”

“I-I will go.”

Alfred ran all the way to the Oak’s lab. He still couldn’t know how to take the news. Should he be happy? Or feel guilty? Or feel stupid?

As he entered the lab he noticed that there were about four to five people with glum expression on their faces. The first one was Samuel Oak, who sat with his eyes closed and arms folded. Next to him was Ben, Delia’s father and to the right Delia stood with her eyes down as if she were caught red-handed stealing something. Her mother stood as a support to the poor woman. The city mayor also happened to be present. He had a stern expression and was continuously tapping his stick against the ground.

“There he is, that little bastard.” Ben shouted pointing his finger at him. Alfred hung his head. For some reason he felt guilty then.

He looked at Delia. The usually cheerful girl wore a painful expression.

Why should I feel guilty? She is mine isn’t she?

“Calm down, Ben. We’ll talk this out.” Samuel Oak lowered the hand. He turned towards the culprit.

“What is the meaning of this, Alfred Ketchum?” The Mayor asked him with a glum face. “I saw you as a role-model to children till now.” He nodded his head indicating his disappointment.

“Alfred I understand you have been going through a tough phase and you are in the most important phase of your youth but this isn’t the answer.” Samuel added.

“What am I to do with my daughter now? I wanted to marry her off to a great family.” He yelled. “Not to a yakuza family in the least.”

“Watch what you talk about my family!” Alfred shouted spontaneously. He was surprised by his own temper.

“Oh, what will you do? Will your grandfather and mother conspire to kill me?” He retorted. “Well here is the news, I am not afraid of you or your f—“

“Stop it, father.” Delia requested in a weak voice. “Please.”

“Shut up you *****! Whose fault do you think I have to face this disgraceful day.”

Stop him! Just shut his mouth! Alfred’s inner voices screamed.

“I will marry Delia.” He announced suddenly. The old men stared at him in wonder. Delia and her mother were equally shocked too. “Tomorrow evening in the mayor’s office.”

Alfred stormed off from the lab not waiting for anyone else to respond, leaving the dumbfounded old men and a slightly happy Delia in silence.


***


“Look at this.” He showed an emblem to the dark Pokémon. The emblem had the letter ‘P’ on it.

“This has been my doom.” Giovanni said. “These people call themselves Team Plasma.”

“I know that already. I want to know more.”

“The worst enemy one can ever dream of. They have managed to thwart every of my plan related to the Meteonite in Unova. The worst part is none of the members of this team have criminal warrants on them.”

“Which means…?”

“Yes, while my men have to work in the shadows, these people do their work openly. They are even planning an open to all speech.”

“Their goal?”

“I don’t know but they have been to places which were all rumored to link with the Unova hero’s legend.”

“They are after the same thing you are.”

“Yes.” Giovanni frowned. “I can’t fight another organization and the police at the same time.”

“If you had used my powers, things will be a lot simpler.”

Giovanni silently stared at him to which Darkrai laughed. “You have really become soft. I badly want your son.”

“I-I can’t do it. “ Giovanni said strongly. “I promised her.”


***
“What do you mean by a new journey?” The woman screamed.

“I am going somewhere far away, I won’t be seeing you again.” He said.

“You can’t do this to me, Alfred. Ash is still five. You don’t expect me to raise him alone?”

“You can do it, Dolly.” He embraced the crying woman. “You will raise Ash to a great man, and a Pokémon master.”

“What if he runs away like you are doing now? Like your father did from your mother?”

Alfred realized it then, the Ketchum’s always grew without their fathers. Is this a family legacy? He wondered.


Five year old Ash Ketchum was playing in the Oak’s ranch. He made it a habit to visit the Old professor every day and play with the Pokémon.
Alfred slowly approached the boy.

“Ash.” He called him. The boy looked at the person who called him.

“Dad.” He went running and hugged his father. “Did you bring a new Pokémon dad?” He asked.

“No.” He said. “But soon you will become a Pokémon trainer and then you can search for new Pokémon yourself.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”


***


“The first person I killed was Richard Oak.” Giovanni said. The dark Pokémon looked at him in surprise.

“He knew too much, about my mother’s plans to capture Mew.”

“It was your mother’s ambition?”

“My father died mysteriously while researching about the tree of beginning and Mew, my mother wanted to capture Mew in revenge. That was how Team Rocket was born.”

Darkrai looked at him, analyzing him. “I still remember looking at Gary’s face. The poor kid couldn’t believe his father’s death. The horrifying part was that I am the person responsible for his death.”

“How did you end up taking Team Rocket into your hands?”

“My mother died before she could capture Mew. She spent her life for a goal she couldn’t achieve just like how I couldn’t become a Pokémon master and she died. I wanted to run the organization. But the power I had, I felt I could do something more.”

“You were led astray. Your frustration that you couldn’t want to become what you wanted to become made you to try something else, like putting the world under your control. An overwhelming goal but something that gave relief to your heart. I understand you completely, Giovanni.”

“Very few people can do that, Darkrai.”

“Understanding you? Yes.”

“I will do as you say. I’ll order my men to capture Ash. But Ash won’t become Team Rocket’s leader or unleash your dark power until I say so. I will try to capture the legendary Pokémon again.”

“And if you fail?”

“Things will happen as you wish. My son will become the leader; you can unleash as much darkness as you want.”

“I don’t care, Giovanni. I don’t mind if you achieve your goal without my help. It is the goal that matters me the most.”

“I will tell my men to capture Ash.” Giovanni took out his phone to call his executive.

“Giovanni stop.” Darkrai softly ordered him. “You will do this assignment yourself.”

“Don’t worry I’ll be with you.” The Pokémon assured.


***


“D-Darkrai! “ Ash’s voice trembled.


“Pika Pikachu” The mouse Pokémon stepped in between the two. Its cheeks sparkled with electricity, indicating that it was ready to battle.

As the one who provoked the situation, Darkrai decided to lead the attack, lifting its arms it prepared a rain of Dark voids.

“What the heck!” Ash shouted in surprise. “Pikachu, Thunderbolt!” He ordered immediately. When against an opponent whose caliber is unknown Ash always used the same tactic, attack head on.

Pikachu let out a jolt of electricity which was shot at Darkrai. The Dark Pokémon ducked aside carefully avoiding not to touch the railings on the deck. The Pokémon moved its arms sending the Dark voids that have been stationed above at the rodent.

“Dodge!” He ordered the Pokémon. Pikachu jumped between the rain of dark voids avoiding them carefully. The dark void much to Ash’s surprise did not create any impact as they hit the wood, but were absorbed into the ground like water against sponge.

“These attacks are dangerous, Pikachu.” He warned his Pokémon. “Be careful.”

Various question crossed Ash’s mind. Why was the legendary Darkrai here? Why was it attacking him? But the situation was too dangerous for him to worry about it. He looked at the Darkrai. The Pokémon watched him with calm blue eyes as if it were waiting for his next reaction.

Ash couldn’t hold it anymore, he wasn’t the type to sit and figure things out. The only way he knows to react to situations like this was attack and attack!

“Volttackle!”

The Pokémon began its charge immediately. Its body was engulfed in electricity as it ran towards the Darkrai. An attack with an impact that could rival a moving truck’s.

Darkrai simply placed its right hand in the Pokémon’s way as the rodent lunged at it. When the Pikachu was only about few centimeters away from Darkrai, the Dark Pokémon released a powerful wave of black energy from its hand smashing the mouse Pokémon flying back into the air.

“Pikachu!” Ash shouted as his beloved partner landed on the deck with a thud. He rushed to check whether the Pokémon was alright. The Pokémon groaned in pain trying to get up.

“Game over, Ash.” A voice came out of the darkness behind. Ash looked at the silhouette as it came closer.

“N-no way.” He said in disbelief as he recognized the person coming closer. The man’s hair was ruffled and swayed with the wind. His black cloak fluttered as a strong breeze hit them.

“D-Dad.” Mixed emotions of surprise, happiness and doubt hit the young trainer.


***


Hours later, the shadow Pokémon and the man called Giovanni were back in their dark room.

“You did well, Alfred.” The Pokémon said. Giovanni nodded, he didn’t complain about the name as he was more Alfred than Giovanni today. He met his son and captured the boy who was still in deep sleep in a special chamber allocated for him.

“His face was funny when I told him I was Giovanni.” Alfred said smiling as he remembered his son’s shocked face. “He met me as Giovanni once but he couldn’t identify me.”

“He remembers you as a powerful Pokémon trainer, not as an old man in his business suit. You can’t expect much from his memory as a five year old.”

That was true, Giovanni nodded. Alfred was a kind hearted father who constantly brought new Pokémon home and stories of his adventures. Giovanni was a selfish cruel man who cared only for his power, and desire.

“You seem troubled.”

“I just wonder how the same eyes can look at the same person in two different ways.”

“Heh, I thought you were worried about your wife.”

The flash of thought then struck him. What would Delia do now that he took away her only light? “I will send two grunts to watch after her.” He wanted to make sure she doesn’t do something stupid.

“Why should you care about her, I thought you left human emotions for your goal.”

Giovanni fell into deep thought. Yes, what Darkrai said was true but his heart couldn’t accept it. He wasn’t that cold-blooded after all.

He suddenly looked at Darkrai angrily. “You really know how to provoke a man’s thoughts.” He said calmly. Darkrai was the one who made him think about Delia and he was the one who asked him why he should care about her.

“Provoke? See, this is how everyone has misunderstood me from ages.” Darkrai shrugged. “I merely brought out the thoughts that you were inevitably about to get. I only made it faster and less painful. I have been doing the same for centuries, and yet every two-legged idiot with a mouth manages to accuse me for it.”

Giovanni looked at Darkrai wondering, what are you Darkrai?

“Take care of your son, Alfred. He is vital to me in case you fail.” Darkrai said leaving the room.

“I won’t fail. I will save Ash from you, Darkrai.” He said after the Pokémon left.


***
“Seven badges! One more to go!” Eleven year old Max exclaimed. It has been about more than a year since he has begun his journey. He has travelled throughout Hoenn with his sweet and sometimes annoying elder sister May and their new acquaintance Dawn, from Sinnoh region.

While he was trying to become enter the Hoenn league, the two girls were participating in the Contest Master’s tournament, a new set of Contest tournaments organized by Wallace.

“You have seen how all these Gym leaders battle when we travelled with Ash.” May said shaking her head. “It’s not a big achievement.”

“But still, defeating seven gym leaders isn’t an easy thing.” Dawn supported him. Max looked at his sister with a crooked smile.

“Yeah, yeah whatever.” The brunette shrugged.

“Where shall we go next?” Max asked.

Dawn checked her Pokégear which has been upgraded with the PokéNav facilities. “Sootopolis gym and then back to Lilycove for our contest in one week, what do you say?”

“Sounds fine.” May said, Max signaled his agreement too.

“Well then it is Sootopolis time!” Dawn exclaimed.


***


Inside the Team Rocket’s secret base in Unova, the secret room which was unknown to any Rocket member except its boss Giovanni.

Ash Ketchum or at least that’s what he remembered his name to be, was desperately trying to figure out where he was. The chamber he was in was gloomy but huge. It consisted of a swimming pool, probably a water battlefield, and a rock battlefield. There were three doors, one leading to a bedroom, one to a bathroom and the third was locked.

He had a slight idea of where he was, the man who captured him was Team Rocket’s boss and his father. Such a fool he was. Why couldn’t he identify his own father when they battled the Rocket’s when they were defending the Meteonite?

The room’s door opened slowly as a man accompanied by a shadowy figure entered the room. The shadow’s presence amplified the dullness in the already gloomy room.

“I have explained you everything the first time, didn’t I?” Giovanni said.

“Yes.” He answered politely. He didn’t have any plans of escape nor the fighting spirit to oppose the man. He was Ash Ketchum as far as he remembered but he didn’t carry the same spirit he carried few hours back.

“You must realize that you are the Dark Prince and that you are no longer Ash Ketchum.”

“I do.” He said his eyes to the ground, they carried a defeated expression.
“Good it seems, my magic has been working.” The shadow said. “I have taken that Pokémon beloved to yours, Prince. It shall ruin you with useless emotions. It is good to have emotions, just not ones that weaken you.”

The Pokémon started circling the boy. “You are now a soldier of Darkness, who lives solely for his goal, remember that.”

“What is my goal?” He asked.

“Good, I am glad you didn’t lose any of your sharpness along with the passion. Darkness can have sad side-effects sometimes.”

“Your goal is to be the Pokémon Master, and help me as my son in achieving my dream.” Giovanni said.

The boy nodded silently.

Later after they left the room, Darkrai said to Giovanni. “It seems I have removed any passion present in that boy’s heart, but still a man needs passion. Find something that could excite him.”

“I am planning to collect all his Pokémon and bring them here. I shall send expert executives on this one.”

“At all costs, avoid any Pikachu from him.” Darkrai said to which Giovanni nodded. “I am leaving somewhere far away as I have some important work. I am taking ‘her’ with me; make sure your son sinks in the ways of darkness.”

“I shall, but I am afraid all of that will be in vain.” Giovanni said confidently. If he were to achieve his victory he would need not use Ash.

“Let’s see.”


***


Somewhere in Unova, in a castle that belonged to the descendants of the Royal Unovan Kings, seven old men gathered in the chamber that used to be the king’s council room.

“Let us begin with Bornius.” The man with green hair led the meeting as he said looking at the sage. The six other sages shared a common trait. They grew white long beards and wore cloth of different color. Bornius wore Orange.

“My lord Ghetsis, the plans for the speeches in Nimbasa, Accumula and few other cities has been made. We shall make a tour soon.”

“Good, these speeches shall have definitive effect on the people. And with the hero’s help these people shall follow us into the world we desire.” Ghetsis said,
“May the god’s power rest with us in this holy mission.” They said together with eyes closed.

“Lord N has been pestering me to visit the outside world, Ghetsis.” Giallo the sage with the yellow robe said.

“It is dangerous to expose him to the outer world now.” Ryoku of Green said.
“But at the same time, binding him inside would make him suspicious.” Zinzolin clad in Violet conferred
.
“I shall take care of it then, I will take him to Accumula with me.” Ghetsis said ending the topic.

“On other matters, our research on the hero’s legend continues. We will find the Dark stone soon.” Rood the seventh sage and the only one to wear a passionate color, red told to Ghetsis.

“Take care of it, Rood. We shall depend on your expertise on this. I want N’s coronation to be done in the legendary Dragon’s presence.” The other sages nodded in agreement looking at their compatriot.

“Another thing of concern, Is the Rocket Team.” Gorm said who was an expert at the human relations issues of the team Plasma. His job included maintaining the Grunts and spies.

“That fools again?” Ghetsis didn’t want to concern himself with them. Their team fell down to mere grade-two plasma grunts.

“They have motioned their entire force into Unova this time. Their boss is after the treasure too.” Zinzolin said. He had ears all over the world. His powerful spies moved everywhere from the police department to the street beggars, the parliament to the gutters. Team Rocket was no exception.
“How many men do you have in there?”

“Twelve, but only one of them could be useful. The Rocket leader doesn’t send proper information to the grunts. We can only hope things from executives and one of our men is one.”

“Very well, Zinzolin. You and Ryoku shall take care of that mess.”

“Yes, My lord.”

The seven sages stood and prayed as their council ended. No matter how the situation was they made it a point to discuss with each other through councils. They were all brilliant masterminds who possess great knowledge, yet they were humble to Ghetsis and share their knowledge and help each other. A reason why Plasma was extremely superior to Team Rocket.


***


“Mommy, who is that weird man.” The little kid asked his mother. The mother looked at the direction her son pointed wondering who might have grabbed her son’s attention. A man with a brown coat stood behind the door. He looked form one side to the other wondering if anyone was watching him. He suddenly jumped from behind the door of the Supermarket and moved swiftly into an alley and disappeared.

“Be away from people like him, okay?” She warned her son after noticing the suspicious man left.

But little did she know that the man was supposed to capture suspicious people. He was the officer from Interpol, Agent Looker
.
Looker slowly examined the surroundings from the alley. He was to take the main road to his room from the supermarket where he brought his groceries. But he knew better than to walk home straight away. His eyes scanned the crowd around him to detect anyone suspicious. What he failed to notice that he was suspicious looking himself.

The sudden buzzing of his phone made him jump almost freezing his heart. No matter how alert he thought he was, he always jumps in surprise when his phone rang. It was a message, Looker checked the message he received.

Message:

Sent: Agent Zero Four Six

Re: Rocket in Alder’s Pocket.

Rocket has landed in Unova along with the boss and all the executives. Something big is happening. I will inform the location of the base once I get there. Sources say Giovanni has already reached the place.

--A406

Looker deleted the message immediately. That was his policy. Always delete a message after reading it. He doesn’t save numbers either. That saves him a lot in case he gets caught during his undercover operation. He looked around to check if anyone else has peeped while he read the message. Sometimes his common sense gets clouded by suspicion.

The person who messaged him, A406 was one of the best undercover agents in Interpol. However she has been sent into Team Rocket on a long term basis. While she simply overlooked petty things like stealing Youngster Joey’s comfy shorts and his multiple Rattata. If something on the scale of legendary Pokémon happened she tipped the police.

But it was after a gap of a year did she message him. After the incident of Meteonite and losing to Plasma badly, Team Rocket fell silent for a year. This time they were shifting the entire Team Rocket supplies to Unova. Something must definitely be wrong over there.

A sudden connection hit like a spark to him. Few months ago he received an invitation from Cynthia regarding some Legendary Dragon discovery she made.
Perhaps they may have a connection. He thought. He rushed to the library immediately. Ignoring the pleas of the librarian to make him buy a card, he glanced though the Telephone directory searching for the person’s number he wanted.

“C-Cynthia.” He tapped on the book after he found the name. He immediately dialed the first Cynthia he saw on the list ignoring the rest.

The person on the other side lifted the phone.
“Hello, Cynthia. It is me Looker.” He said. “N-no I am not a plumber and no I can’t fix your tap...” He paused as the person on the other side spoke again. “…or your marriage. I am sorry, I can’t give you company tonight.” He cut the phone immediately.

“I expected a great Public figure’s name to be first in the list.” He shrugged at the librarian.

“There is a special section for them in the back pages.” The librarian grinned sheepishly while he desperately attempted to gather Looker’s attention towards the membership card.

Looker took the card and examined it carefully. “I am sorry, I have enough cards.” He said tossing the library card and showed his I.D card.

“Agent Looker… Interpol!” The librarian exclaimed as he read the details on the card.

“Wait.” Looker said pushing him back. “How did you know my codename?”

“Eh?” The librarian looked at him confused. He was about to open his mouth to say something when Looker stopped him suddenly, “I know. You must be one of those agents of Team Cipher sent spying on me.”

“I am just a…” The person was gone before the librarian could speak.

“You must work harder than that to catch me, my friend. Let’s hope we shall not meet again.” A distant voice came as the librarian saw Looker slowly creeping out of the door.

“Hey! Return the directory at least!”


***
“Mrs. Ketchum.” Misty was in the Ketchum’s residence in Pallet Town. “I have some bad news.”

“What happened?” Delia looked at her seriously.

“I-I think Ash has been kidnapped.”

“What?” She shrieked.

“I don’t know exactly. The police say some guy claims he watched someone take away Ash. He was on the ship from Unova to Kanto.” Misty was the first one to receive the information. After taking the report from the eye witness the police checked Ash’s belongings and found out a lure that resembled Misty, the special Misty Lure.

Delia Ketchum sat down on the couch in shock. Ash was kidnapped?
“Oh god! I am in deep trouble.” Professor Oak suddenly came inside the Ketchum residence.

“What happened, Professor?” Misty asked as the Professor danced around panicked.

“Many of the Pokémon in the lab were stolen. I
don’t know if that is a coincidence or not but all belonged to Ash.”

Delia’s eyes widened in realization. Didn’t Alfred disappear the same way too?
After informing that he was about to go for a new journey, Alfred one day suddenly disappeared taking all his Pokémon with him.

Could Ash be? She didn’t want that to happen.

[Dracoflare]

The True Beginning


Delia

The Futura Unova landed gently on the runway on its three wheels causing the first-time passengers to sigh in relief at the safe landing.

"So this is Unova, huh?" The redheaded girl, Misty muttered getting down from the plane. Brock, the former gym leader of Pewter and Delia Ketchum followed her.

They quickly managed to get their luggage out of the security check point and met up with their welcoming party.

"Welcome to Unova, Brock and Misty." Professor Juniper greeted them with a warm smile. She turned towards the middle aged woman behind them, "Nice to meet you again, Mrs. Ketchum. Although the circumstances aren't quite fortunate." She added with a dry smile.

"Unova is a beautiful place to visit, Juniper. It is sad that my son disappeared like that." Delia Ketchum tried maintaining her usual humor.

"First of all, I would like to introduce you to these guys." She pointed to the two standing behind her. "Meet Iris and Cilan, Ash's travelling partners."

Both Iris and Cilan shook their hands with Misty and Brock. The group proceeded to the car waiting for them outside the airport while familiarizing with each other.

"So how did it happen?" Misty asked the Professor as the car was on its route to the Professor's lab.

"The police have been investigating but the progress is very little." She said. It has been one week since Ash Ketchum mysteriously disappeared from the S.S Kanto, the passenger ship which was set on a voyage to Kanto.

Iris gave a depressed look, "We were with Ash till the day before, I can't believe this happened."

"Was there anyone with personal grudge against Ash?" Brock asked.

"No. Being Ash's friends I am sure you know the kind of taste his behavior leaves, that boy can never have enemies." Cilan answered him. The Pokémon Doctor nodded in agreement. Ash never had enemies and he always managed to make the people who hate him to understand him. Paul was the best example for it.

Mrs. Ketchum looked out of the glass window, worried about her son. Unlike the others she had an entirely different theory in her mind. But if her notion might be true Ash would never return to her again, like his father. The pain struck her heart like a knife. Deep down she wished that her son was kidnapped by someone.

Professor Juniper sighed as she looked at Delia from the rear view mirror. "We will go to the location today but we need to take a boat for that." She said.

"Location?" Misty asked surprised. "Wasn't Ash kidnapped in the Royal Unova? The ship would still be in Kanto right?"

"After the kidnapping he was taken into a boat which went to the nearest shore. Three eye witnessed told that they have seen someone take away a fifteen year old."

"And that's not it." Cilan said. "There is a lot more of mysterious tastes along with—" He was suddenly interrupted by Juniper's phone ringing.

"I am sorry." She apologized before taking the call. "Hello?"

"Ah yes, Barry have you reached Nuvema?" She stopped to listen the other side speak. "Eh, what do you mean by that? Your cousin is supposed to receive you in Nuvema, not Accumula." She frowned. "I'll tell her to meet you in Accumula, take care." She turned off the phone and sighed.

"What is it?" Brock asked.

"This trainer called Barry from Sinnoh region. He is supposed to meet his cousin in Nuvema. But he was hasty and got down in the previous station."

Hasty and Barry? Brock connected the two links. "I think I know that trainer."

"He is quite troublesome isn't he?"

"Yes." Brock agreed.


Giovanni

The prince's chamber.

That was what Giovanni called the large room which contained nothing but rubble and a pool of water. The room was designed to be a stadium to test the battle skills of the exotic Pokémon he was planning to catch. He has indeed used a similar one for Mewtwo back in Viridian. But now, the sole occupier of the room was The Dark Prince.

Everything went on Darkrai's orders. He isolated Ash from everyone including Team Rocket. He hid his presence from every Rocket member including those who are very close to him and know his past.

After kidnapping Ash Ketchum, Darkrai and Giovanni together transformed him into the person they wanted.

He was different from Ash Ketchum. He acknowledges himself as Giovanni's son and the Dark Prince.

In the first two days after his kidnap, he simply sat in the large chamber. Even Giovanni couldn't figure what went through the boy's mind. Darkrai talked with him a lot in the span of two days.

Then the boy changed, it was obvious because he was brain-washed by Darkrai itself! He accepted his destiny to be of assistance to Team Rocket, engulf himself in darkness and release the demons which Darkrai has been hiding for them. His second aim was to be a Pokémon master, but this time he would be training as the Prince rather than as Ash Ketchum. All of his Pokémon were stolen from the lab and brought back to him with the exception of the electric rodent.

When the boy asked its whereabouts Darkrai promised that it was in a safe place, out of harm. But it will stay away from him.

And ever since, then he has spent the entire time training and training. The boy didn't know what his duties is as a Dark Prince and surprisingly so does his father.

Darkrai left once the two days have passed, the Pokémon was nowhere to be seen, but it was normal to the Rocket leader. The Pokémon leaves suddenly and comes back when the time is ripe.

Perhaps, Darkrai is giving me this test time to let me complete my goal by myself, he thought. Then he can save Ash from this wretchedness. He was still somewhat true to his original personality, but soon the innocent boy would die and the person Darkrai needed would be born.

But why?

The question haunted Giovanni for the last few days. A year ago Darkrai approached him and said that he could achieve his goal by capturing the Hero's treasure in Unova. In the search for this treasure he faced Plasma and lost. It was when this started, his continuous pestering to use Ash.

'What was it that Ash has and I had?' He lost it when he lost to Team Plasma and this is why Darkrai wanted to replace him with his son.'

His thoughts were interrupted as he watched his son's Pokémon knocking out a Rocket Pokémon. The Dark Prince looked in enthusiasm as he got ready for another round of Pokémon battle.

The Prince's chamber was filled with a blood curdling cry as the monstrously large Pokémon stood up with difficulty. The Pokémon was a Tyranitar stood two foot above the Pokémon it was facing, an Infernape. The Godzilla-like Pokémon gave out a menacing roar as it glared at its opponent. A dark shadow engulfed the Tyranitar as it raged to attack again.

"Close Combat!" The boy commanded his Pokémon Infernape to attack. The burning ape attacked the huge Pokémon with repeated punches and kicks. Even if it were called the Armor Pokémon, Tyranitar couldn't withstand the array of punches aimed at it. The menacing Pokémon fell to the ground growling in pain.

"You are doing well, Prince." Giovanni commended his son. Darkrai made it a point to remember him as a prince, which is why he repeatedly addressed his son with that title.

"These Pokémon are behaving weirdly." The boy said wiping the sweat off his face. "They seem to get up even after taking attacks that should normally knock them out."

"Those Pokémon are samples of Darkrai's power. Once afflicted those Pokémon will remain in that state till he commands it off." Giovanni paused. He looked at his son with a stern expression. "And you can control that power if you want."

He looked at his father, surprised. The power is good to use but the suffering the Pokémon would face would be terrible.

"Son, will you use this force to strengthen your Pokémon?" Giovanni asked him. "You could easily be the best Pokémon trainer in the world."

"No." He said without even thinking twice. "But I would use these Pokémon's help to train mine. But they shall not use that power."

Giovanni smiled at the answer. He wasn't completely changed like he expected. He would have to finish things before Ash gets too deep into things.

"That's how a prince would be. Make me proud, my son." He said. The prince nodded in approval.

Suddenly the trans-receiver on Giovanni's belt buzzed with an annoying sound. He took out the gadget from his belt.

"What is it?" He asked the person on the other side.

"Yes," He said turning off the phone. He then turned on the video option on the receiver.

"What happened?" The Prince asked, wondering what Giovanni was looking at.

"The police have been investigating the village we were extorting for money and food. We have managed to silence them but it seems your mother is at the investigation center."

"Why would she be there?"

"She would if the investigation is about you." Giovanni showed him the video. The footage of Delia Ketchum, Professor Juniper and a couple of trainers getting down the boat. Giovanni unconsciously rubbed his thumb softly on Delia's face on the screen. "Are they your friends?" Giovanni asked removing his thumb, realizing his son has been watching.

"They are Ash's friends, not mine." He said boldly. "Father I will go to the location and help your men."

"Why?" Giovanni asked, "They will be fine with the escape."

"Your grunts are pathetic trainers they wouldn't stand a chance against them." He clarified it to him.

"Some of them have guns." He said and laughed, "I hope at least one of them could use it."

"I would love to test a new power of mine, father."

"Power?" He asked incredulous. He isn't a Pokémon to have powers, what on earth was he talking about. There was a smile of confidence in the boy.


Agent 009

"What on earth is he doing inside?" The blonde woman was getting more impatient as time passed. She put her ears to the door to check any sounds coming from the inside. Much to her suspicion she could hear some muffled voices from the inside of the room.

Her name was Domino, known as 'Black Tulip' and Agent 009 of the Team Rocket. Her jobs were mostly undercover jobs for Team Rocket. But nobody sans her knew that she was actually an undercover cop appointed by the Interpol seven years ago.

While she was dedicated as any Rocket executive would be she constantly tipped off the police and thwarted many of Giovanni's plans. But she never had an opportunity to capture Giovanni once for all. Thing was Giovanni never joined his team on those missions.

Giovanni's main source of security was unbelievably his Persian. The Pokémon on hindsight looked like an ordinary pet. But she has changed opinions when she saw it take down a Dragonite on its own. She later came to know that Persian was actually his starter Pokémon, a gift from his father.

She gave up hopes on seducing Giovanni in any other way within one year of joining. He was the boss of Team Rocket, but he never touched a woman, surprisingly.

The closest she came to getting him caught was when they were on some mission in Johto, but her memories of that day disappeared for some reason and she found herself with Giovanni and a hundred grunts who were clueless too.

But something caught her eye yesterday. Ever since their arrival in Unova he has been constantly going into a secret room, the keys to which were not found anywhere in his closet or clothing, he must be carrying it even he went for a bath.

What is it that is so precious for him to hide like that? It was something he was hiding it even from Sarah, his personal assistant. That was when she started constantly observing the room.

After hours of patient research she came to a conclusion, the door must have an electronic lock. Her doubts were confirmed when she asked Zager, who established that he was the one who built the security system which needed a password, a finger print and a voice recognition system.

The security system was however impossible to hack by her. While she could get her job done if she could get her hands on the lab techno but all of them were left behind in Kanto, bar Professor Zager who was constantly being assisted by the trio of newly promoted Executives Jessie, James and their Pokémon Meowth.

But when there is a will there is a way, Domino believed in that. She was an undercover cop but she managed to reach the position of an executive. She attached a small electronic camera near the left end of the door at the hinge. It was in the shape of a small bead attached to her necklace.

The door opened and Giovanni came out, he stopped suddenly when he saw Domino standing near the door.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I was wondering what you were hiding behind that door." She answered frankly, while looking at him in the face. She couldn't seduce Giovanni but she apparently got closer to him than many other executives. She got close enough to the point that she even called him names once when she was mad at him. Their relationship became more intimate as she successfully led Team Rocket to victory many a times.

"It is none of your business." Giovanni said walking away after closing the door. She heard a small click as the door closed completely.

"You wouldn't tell me?" She asked with a twisted smile on her face as he left. She slowly picked up the bead she stuck to the door and put it back onto her necklace.

"I will when the time is right." Giovanni said calmly.

'Or I could find it myself.' She smirked.


Paul

"Six…five…four…three…two….ONE" The pyramid king roared as the doors of the S.S Anne opened.

"Stop it my ears are going to explode." The trainer warned him off. His hair was a dull purple color. Although his expression gave an air of arrogance which was backed by his expertise as a Pokémon trainer, Paul of Veilstone city was in fact a humble trainer. The reason he appears arrogant is because he simply doesn't care about others.

Paul was currently like a devotee following a god. He sought for an answer that haunted him since he met a trainer, Ash Ketchum.

After seeing his brother, Reggie losing to Brandon he resolved his battle style. To catch strong Pokémon and then catch even stronger ones. He never felt his battle style had faults and that bonding with Pokémon was only a weakness. He failed to win the Kanto, Johto and Hoenn leagues but he always thought his battle style had only slight flaws which prevented him from winning them.

But things changed when he met Ash. He was exactly the trainer Reggie was and what he wanted not to be. He always encouraged his Pokémon no matter how useless they were. Paul thought it was only a waste of time till he saw his Staraptor in action. The Pokémon was one of the most pathetic of its kind and couldn't beat his own Starly before it evolved twice.

His doubts only grew when he met Brandon in Snowpoint. That is when Ash revealed that he has defeated Brandon. If he is the same as Reggie how could he beat Brandon? He wanted to test his doubts and fought Brandon immediately, and lost.

After losing to Ash in the league he followed Brandon under whom he has been training for one year. While he has defeated Brandon within a month, he wanted to learn the difference between him and Ash, and Ash and Reggie.

Brandon hummed few tunes as the duo was checking out the port city's Pokémon center. "You seem to be in a good mood," Paul asked. Normally he wouldn't bother about trivial stuff. But Brandon's behavior was a completely erratic from his usual stoic expression which was identical to his. In fact he saw women giggle at them when they walked together. They even happened to face the misfortune of being called 'the sullen face duo' by the announcer in a local tournament back in Kanto.

"This is where I have met my wife," he said. "She died few years ago." He added when the young trainer stared at him with slight suggestion of surprise.

Her death must have changed him, Paul thought. He always knew Brandon had a reason to be so stoic and strict with others. Although he liked it, he wanted to know the reason behind it. As for himself, Paul was born that way.

He was always a loner, who was on his own right since his play school days. He always stood away from others while they played, reading a book or thinking about something. Thinking was a power Paul had. He always sat alone planning various combinations of Pokémon teams and attacks. But he never could plan absolutely ridiculous stuff like Ash does, for example the counter shield. His strategies were normal and didn't involve using the special body characteristics of Pokémon's body but only the ordinary attacks it would be able to perform but involved a lot of other factors like pressure, trainer's mentality and so on. His strategies were so intricate that he baffled his own brother many a times with his plans.

Another power of being alone was observing things. He mostly didn't use his mouth which caused his eyes and ears to develop sharp senses. He could observe minor things like how there were three holes in the false celling of the Pokémon center they were currently in and how the woman who was tending to her Cottone had a part of her bra sticking out of her shirt.

"This region is known to bring hidden romance in everyone; you are no exception I think." Brandon said, he was still in his good mood swing.

"I don't have time for that stuff." Paul said, romance was out of question for him with a big goal in front.

"Come on, just watch Ash and learn. He enjoys while he still works hard to become a Pokémon Master." Brandon said and then he gave a cunning look. "Besides you were staring at that woman's things till now."

Paul's cheeks flustered, "That wasn't intentional." He said trying to maintain his calm. "And I don't think Ash would be spending his time with romance."

"Ash is a different story, that kid is just naïve and hopeless." Brandon paused. "But you, I don't think so." He said with a crooked smile.

"I don't know." Paul said getting up. He gave a hard look to the map on the wall. "I came here to get stronger, I will win the Unova league and that's that."

"Alright, I think this region is getting me side-tracked," Brandon said getting up, his usual stoic expression taking its place back. "But getting side-tracked is good sometimes."

"There's a town, next to this one." Paul pointed to the map, "Let's head there so we can go into the Eastern woods tomorrow."

"Fine by me," Brandon smiled at him softly.

Paul saw the considerable change in Brandon's expressions. Maybe he was like this before his wife died? How on earth could a life be so powerful that it could change a man like this? Then again what about him? Would he ever be able to talk with people normally like everyone else does?

He shook off the thoughts as he remembered Brandon's words.

"Paul why do you think what you are now is wrong?"

"There is nothing wrong with you or your current battle style. Just because Ash defeated you doesn't mean his battle style is better than yours. While it is good to have emotions in a battle, one must not be carried away by it. That is the flaw in Ash's battle style."

That was true, Ash always gets carried over by raw emotion, and in fact he has used the same weakness to defeat him in the Lake Acuity full battle. But the same emotion made him win with the help of Infernape.

"Ash realized the mistake in his battle style, Paul. I have seen him battle in the Sinnoh league, his battle style changed a lot from when he battled me. He constantly switched his Pokémon when they were helpless against a certain other Pokémon. Where do you think did he learn it from?"

It was the full-battle in Lake Acuity, Paul knew. Which means Ash learned it from him?

"In exchange you lost to him in the Sinnoh league battle. Now Paul what do you think is your flaw?"

Bonding properly with Pokémon. Something he loathed till then.

No he has actually attempted it many times. He praised Electivire for its work despite the loss against Infernape. That was his first attempt to correct himself. His first attempt to accept Ash is right.

'I am neither inferior nor superior to Ash, I am just different.' Paul thought.

"What are you gaping at this time?" Brandon shouted from a distance, "Let's hurry, we have a whole new region to explore!"


Delia

Several hours later, the group comprising of Misty, Iris, Cilan, Brock, Delia and Professor Juniper managed to reach the location.

The coast was craggy, very difficult for ships to dock and was surrounded by a large forest. The normally deserted area was filled with police everywhere. It has been a week since the incident but the Police still searched for clues in vain. A couple of villagers watched the entire scene in awe.

"I would like you guys to meet you the lead investigator of this case, Officer Jenny." Juniper introduced them to a young woman. She wore a cream colored uniform and a matching cap which covered her short green hair.

"Nice to meet you all." Jenny greeted them.

Brock was having a tough time. His heart was racing like a mad Tauros or to be more fitting with the surroundings like a mad Bouffalant. But the situation wasn't appropriate. He was having a hard time choosing what to do.

As if to help him with his problem, a Croagunk popped out of his belt and raised its arms preparing to jab him. Brock shook his hand vigorously begging the Pokémon not to. The Pokémon looked at its trainer's face and turned away croaking silently.

"You are having pervert thoughts in this situation too?" Misty whispered into his ear. Brock nodded desperately saying no.

"Officer Jenny, these people would love to listen to the case details, if you can." Juniper urged her.

"What to say?" She adjusted her hat. The information she had on the case was a lot but explaining them to someone could be slightly difficult. "Well let's start with what the witnesses told us.

On June 6th, 2012 which would be one week ago, three people on the ship saw a man carrying an unconscious boy, the boy without a doubt was Ash Ketchum, which we identified thanks to his hat and baggage. They kidnapper escaped through a life boat and managed to reach this place, where they boy seemed to have regained consciousness as per what they saw," Jenny paused for a second and looked at them, the expression on her face turned into a frown.

"What is it Detective?" Misty asked.

"This is where the weird part starts. The three witnesses then according to what they have said lost their consciousness." She said leaving the rest of them gasp in surprise. "That's not it, in addition to that the villagers heard screams that night."

"Villagers?" Cilan questioned.

"There is a village beyond these trees which lead to the forest." She pointed to the north, "They are tribes of the ancient East Unova."

"But they wouldn't help us in the investigation. They seem to be scared of us." She looked dissatisfied. "And on top of that Team Rocket case has turned out to be a big issue to the department. The department is forcing everyone to focus on that case."

"Team Rocket? What are they up to this time?" The mention of the name irritated Brock. One look at their faces can tell that the rest were feeling the same way.

"According to our spies, Team Rocket's boss Giovanni has moved their entire forces to Unova, they are planning something big."

"I am afraid they won't leave many officers for me to help in this case. They gave me one week at maximum."

"In that case I will help you." Iris interjected. "I think I can get information from these people."

"Yes, we would love to." Misty insisted. Brock nodded in response.

"As a detective Sommelier I can't sit and watch it either." Cilan counted himself in. "We will join forces with you, Detective and save Ash from the immoral villain who did this."

"All of you." Mrs. Ketchum said stepping forward. She slowly wiped the tears that somehow managed to place themselves into her eyes at some point. "I am very proud that my son has such great friends. As long as he has friends like you, nothing will happen to my son." The young trainers beamed proudly at her.


Looker

"It's me." The man in brown coat whispered into his phone. "Where are you? Did the Ferrothorn poke you yet?"

"I am right here." A female voice came from behind, startling Looker. "And that's the lamest code one can ever come up with."

"I am sorry. I don't know who you are." He pretended to look away.

"All right, I'll say it." She sighed. She was a blonde, a lot taller than your average woman. Her hair which covered one of her blue eyes was set loose which reached up to her hips. Her stature could even intimidate men who approach her sometimes.

"The Ferrothorn's barbs were so sharp that I had to visit a doctor." She said with disinterest.

"Very well." Looker finally smiled, "Trust me Cynthia these things can be annoying but are very crucial."

"Looker nobody knows who you are in Unova."

The Interpol officer laughed at her as if she was a little baby who fell down trying to walk. Cynthia frowned at him as he grabbed the unwanted attention. Sooner or later someone or the other is going to identify her and then she will be busy battling them for no reason. Luckily her fame didn't extend much in the Accumula town. The town is a rather calm place and perfect for beginning trainers who come from Nuvema to rest.

"So, what is this legend you were researching in Unova about and what the heck is the connection you think is with Plasma." He asked her.

"This isn't an appropriate place. Let's go to my hotel and talk."

"It is appropriate for me as it is inappropriate for normal people."

"What do you mean?" She asked, ready to give a sarcastic reply to his answer.

"Well people tend to setup spies in comfortable places like café or your hotel room."

"Who would spy you Looker?" She said with slight irritation. "Nobody knows you are here."

Looker suddenly looked around as if he could scan the entire place outside the Pokémon center with his eyes. "You might be true." He bobbed his head, to which Cynthia rolled her eyes.

And then as the two spoke, few loud screams could be heard as people moved away from someone rushing in and cursed the person in the process. Before Looker realized the person was coming towards him.

"Get out of the way." He screamed. But he was too late, the rushing boy bumped into Looker, hitting him straight in his head. The lean Interpol agent fell down to the ground screaming.

"Are you okay?" Cynthia asked concerned, she then turned towards the boy who bumped him.

He got immediately and shouted at the top of his voice, "Team Cipher! How dare you send a boy to assassinate me?" He immediately got and caught the boy by his green scarf.

"Hey let go of me. I am going to fine you a million for this." He tried pushing Looker away.

"Eh?" Looker pulled him closer. "So you Team Cipher are resorting to extortion now?"

"Looker stop!" Cynthia pushed him away from the boy who had a short blond hair. "I know this trainer." She glared at Looker to make him go back. He slowly calmed down and looked at the boy who looked at him with an annoyed expression.

"Out of the way!" Another set of screams shook their attention, out of nowhere another blonde hit Looker. This time he was thrown off a long distance and fell to the ground on his face.

"This is definitely Team Cipher's doing!" Looker screamed.

Cynthia sighed as she saw the ruckus created by Looker. She knew this was going to be a long day.


Misty

"I can't believe there is actually a village here." Misty looked at her surroundings. Misty, Brock, Cilan and Iris decided to go by themselves because younger people have easier time convincing the tribe. They were inside the village hidden in the forest. There were huts built on the sturdy branches of the large trees. Dozens of eyes were looking at the visitors with meek eyes.

"Go away." A rough voice suddenly stopped them in their tracks. A burly old man in his fifties stood against them with an intimidating look.

"We are just traveling Pokémon trainers, we came here to rest." Brock tried convincing the angry elder.

"My name is Iris." Iris moved ahead, "I am from a tribe like you guys, the Dragon tribe."

"The Dragon tribe?" The old man's face calmed suddenly. Iris turned around and gave a thumbs-up.

The entire tribe was soon gathered at the old man's house. The four trainers were given a seat opposite to the place (check) the elder was sitting on.

"Three days ago a group of people dressed in black clothes attacked us." The elder said as everyone else listened silently. "They were having dangerous weapons like guns and bombs even. We thought they were government agents who were trying again to mix us with the so-called 'modern culture'."

Cilan listened to him intently. It was after so many days that he finally got a chance to use his Sommelier skills; he didn't want to be anything less than spectacular.

"But they said they call themselves Team Rocket and were planning to control the world or something." The mention of the name caused them to raise an eyebrow. "What they talked didn't make sense." He nodded in disbelief. "But they had weapons they killed some of my brave men who tried to stop them."

"Why did they do that?" Cilan literally put his thinking cap on.

"Food. They said they were on a long journey to their place. They are plundering us for food and told us not to raise a word about it to the police."

"Are you telling that they are still here?" Cilan questioned.

"Most of them left, but there seems to be some of them left, they were escaping through an Airplane."

"Wait do you mean a copter?" Cilan inquired.

"Yes. I am sorry I am bad with those names." He apologized.

"This is a lot bad than we thought." Brock turned to Misty. She shook her head slowly.

Iris agreed with them, "We need to head back and inform Jenny about this."

The quiet atmosphere was suddenly disturbed by a rumbling sound. The sound felt as if thousands of Beedrill were swarming in that place.

"Those people must have come back with their vehicle." The old man panicked. "They must be taking their last men this time."

"This is our only chance, let's go and stop Team Rocket before they leave." Cilan turned to the three others. "I will contact Juniper through the Live Caster while we are at that," The group was soon running deep into the forest. The Village elder refused to send any of his men along.

Their fear is justifiable, Cilan thought. Although the presence of a gun would scare him too, but a Pokémon can be swifter than any man could be, they won't be even finding time to shoot their bullets before his Simisage start shooting its bullet seed or so he expected to happen.

The rumblings grew louder indicating that they were getting closer to the helicopter. The line of trees was getting thinner and thinner as if that part of the forest was cursed by Landorus or Celebi.

If they were to move further they would soon be facing a clearing nearby. A perfect natural spot for the helicopter to land, they realized.

But their joy was cut short. Iris who was on the lead barely noticed the helicopter landing. She started running faster but just as she made a couple of steps her instincts suddenly warned her. She turned to her left and widened her eyes as she saw the approaching danger and jumped up immediately with all her might.

The rest of the three watched in horror as Iris jumped against a powerful jet of water aimed at her. The attack struck against the tree behind her. She landed softly on the ground and looked at the source of the attack.

Standing there on its two rubbery legs was a giant blue colored Pokémon. Its fingers resembled a toad's and bluish-gray colored bumps were present everywhere on its body which was contracting and expanding as the Pokémon breathed.

"Is that a water type?" Misty asked the Unovan standing beside her. The features of the Pokémon were unmistakably those of a water types.

"Yes." Cilan said, "It's a Seismitoad."

"Then that must have been a Hydropump." Brock stated. The Pokémon looked at the four trainers eye to eye and gave an ear deafening cry.

"It must be a lost wild Pokémon." Misty said taking out her Pokéball and enlarging it. "In that case I will catch my first Unova Pokémon right now."

"Not so fast." Iris stopped her. "Seismitoad doesn't stray away from water bodies much. It could be owned by someone."

They looked around to see if there is any trainer around, but the forest was empty with the exception of a Unefezant in the sky. The Pokémon nearby have fled because of the rumblings of the copter.

"If it is a trainer's Pokémon he definitely won't mind a battle from a top-class gym leader." Misty tossed her Pokéball into the air. "Go! Golduck." The duck Pokémon materialized out of the Pokéball and faced the Seismitoad.

"Calling yourself a top-class, what a child." Iris shrugged.

"Let's see how strong your Hydropump is, Golduck." She ordered her Pokémon. The Golduck took immediately took in a heavy breath and stretched its beak wide open. A powerful torrent of water emerged from the Pokémon's mouth. As if to show its power the Seismitoad attacked with its own Hydropump, the two currents of water struck against each other.

Misty watched the struggle between Hydro pumps with a smug look on her face. She was confident of her Pokémon's prowess as she was one of the best water type trainers in the world.

"It has gotten really strong after evolving." Brock knew how strong the Pokémon was before evolving. It barely could use water gun.

"Strange." Cilan muttered.

The Hydro pumps were still up against each other trying to dominate each other. The attacks stopped at the same time when both Pokémon paused to take a breath.

"Impossible." Misty clenched her fist, Golduck was one of her better Pokémon and to think that a Pokémon which could be wild or has been abandoned by its trainer matched it in power hurt her pride.

"Screw it." She said impatiently. "Aqua Jet." Enveloping itself in a layer of water the Duck charged at the Seismitoad. But the stout Pokémon dodged the attack by jumping to the side as if its huge size was just an illusion.

It released powerful bullet like projectiles made of mud from its mouth. The shots hit the Golduck throwing the Pokémon away.

"Golduck!" Misty yelled out of concern. The Pokémon slowly struggled to get onto its feet.

"That Pokémon's speed. It is well trained!" Brock exclaimed as he realized about the Pokémon's strength.

"There is no way someone would abandon a Pokémon like that." Iris took out her Pokéball. "This is no wild Pokémon; it must be Team Rocket's"

"Yes, we can't take any risks." Cilan took out his own Pokéball with Brock following the suit.

"My Vintage, Simisage!" Cilan threw the Pokéball into the air gracefully as the Pompadour Pokémon emerged out of the ball.

"Crobat!" Brock ordered his own Pokémon out. The bat like Pokémon emerged out into the air and flapped its quadruple wings to retain its balance in the air.

"Let's go! Excadrill!" Iris's Pokémon emerged in the shape of a driller. The mole Pokémon changed to its normal bipedal stance with a cry.

"Simisage let's start with our first course, Bullet seed." Cilan snapped his fingers. The Primate Pokémon released hundreds of bullet-like seeds from its mouth.

The toad-Pokémon jumped into the air with its spring like legs.

"Drill Run!" Iris ordered immediately. Excadrill took the shape of the drill again and charged at the Pokémon in the air while rotating with a machine-like speed.

The Seismitoad responded with a powerful energy filled punch knocking the Excadrill out of its path in mid-air. The Excadrill spun around avoiding a head-on crash into the ground and landed onto its feet. The Seismitoad found its way to the ground again.

"That was Drain Punch!" Cilan exclaimed.

"We won't lose after that humiliation," Misty was back into action and so was her Golduck. "Hydropump!"

"Watch it move, Simisage and then serve another course of Bullet seed."

Golduck sent out a Hydropump. The Seismitoad promptly responded by ducking aside.

Cilan snapped his fingers in excitement. "Now!" He ordered his Pokémon. The Simisage shot out its move again only to be obstructed by a powerful wall of Hydropump."

"Use Whirlwind!" Brock was on the line this time. The Bat Pokémon flapped its wings creating a whirlwind literally. The Seismitoad who was still in air struggling to maintain its balance from the Hydropump was knocked forcefully into the ground.

But instead of crashing with a loud thud the Pokémon inflated itself with air and bounced of using the enlarged bumps on its body.

"I have never seen a Seismitoad move like that!" Cilan said astonished.

"There is no way a Pokémon could move on its own like that." Brock looked around to confirm if its trainer was really not around. But even if he were around he could only communicate without them listening with hand signs. Then again the Pokémon would lose a lot of time watching his hand signs and gets distracted in the battle. None of this made sense.

Unless, they could be having a telepathic conversation. That was the only possibility Brock could think of, the only possibility that could explain what was happening there. He has indeed witnessed trainers with such abilities, the Battle Tower's frontier brain Annabel being the best example.

"We will have to finish it off with one powerful strike." Cilan said, looking at the Pokémon as if to analyze how it acted so brilliantly on its own. His scientifically inclined brain didn't come across the telepathy theory that easily.

"Distract it with double team, Crobat." Brock knew how to react to the situation the best thing he could in this situation was to confuse the Pokémon.

"Solarbeam!" Cilan decided to use the opportunity and ordered his Pokémon to prepare for the charge and strike attack.

The Seismitoad meanwhile panicked as five Crobat images continued to surround it and flap its wings to annoy the Pokémon. It looked panicked looking to its left and right, back and front trying to figure out the real one.

It is working. Brock thought. Or not.

The Pokémon which was nervous till then suddenly recognized its composure. It stretched its mouth and let out powerful supersonic waves from its mouth. Unable to take the waves the Crobat flew away from the Pokémon.

"Attack!" Then came an abrupt command. Iris's Excadrill charged at the toad with a Drill Run.

The Seismitoad caught the Drill Run by its left hand which was still active. Bearing the pain created by the Drill Run Seismitoad prepared a Drain Punch with its right hand.

"Excadrill, get back!" Iris commanded. Ducking away from the Drain Punch Excadrill quickly jumped back and looked to its left in surprise.

A blindingly bright light suddenly enveloped the entire area which was dull because of the trees partially blocking the sunlight.

The Seismitoad was freaked away by the powerful grass attack against which it has a quadruple weakness. No amount of defense and expertise will be able to protect it from that.

As if to prevent it from dodging the source of the light, the Simisage lunged at it and pitched the beam of light on it.

The four trainers and their Pokémon as the beam of light approached the helpless Seismitoad. Just as the bright light engulfed the Pokémon a bright orange light appeared out of nowhere and struck the Solarbeam, the two attacks exploded as they collided followed by smoke caused by the explosion.

Misty coughed lightly as the smoke got into her. She was fairly positive that the attack she just was flamethrower and it was perfectly timed to strike the same time as Solarbeam did, which was impossibly difficult. She looked in the direction at what should have been the source of the flamethrower. The smokes slowly cleared out revealing the silhouette of a Pokémon equally large as the Seismitoad which was slightly taller than Brock or Cilan.

The Pokémon which revealed itself out of the smokes was one she has never seen. It has a bulky torso which ended up into an egg shaped head. Flames decorated the part below its lower jaw as if the flames were its beard. Two large tusks protruded out of its mouth. Sparks of flames came out of its pig-like snout between its heavy breaths. The Pokémon as a whole would resemble a boar in construction except it stood on its two legs.

"E-Emboar." Cilan said its name in surprise. The doubts in his mind were slowly being confirmed, the Seismitoad must have a trainer who has been commanding from some distance….but how?

The Emboar immediately charged at Simisage who was still tired from the last Solarbeam. The Pokémon's body was slowly enveloped in flames as it charged which slowly turned blue in color. Soon only the outlines of its body were barely visible from within the flames.

"Get out of the way, Simisage!" Cilan ordered immediately, terror-struck. The Simisage barely managed to get away from the charging Pokémon with its slightly superior speed.

"Hydropump!" Misty ordered from behind. Golduck immediately started releasing a flood of water from its beak.

As if to return the favor Seismitoad used its own Hydropump to protect Golduck's Hydropump from hitting Emboar.

"Drill Run!" Iris commanded her Pokémon to strike as soon as the Hydro pump's died out cancelling each other.

"Follow it up with Brave Bird!" Brock followed her lead.

The Emboar was struck in confusion between which attacks it should be stopping, the Drill Run or Brave bird. But it suddenly made its mind up and charged at the Crobat which was doing the same. The charge made Emboar dodge the Drill run at the same time.

Irritated by the dodge, Iris commanded her Excadrill, "Use Focus Blast!" The Pokémon concentrated a ball of energy between its claws as the charging Brave bird and Flare-blitz struck each other.

"Stop!" Iris stopped the Excadrill, afraid that the focus blast could damage Crobat at the same time.

Meanwhile Seismitoad was facing a difficult situation on its own, it dodged a rain of bullet seeds by the recovered Simisage and the powerful Hydropump from Golduck. The Seismitoad now stood between the Golduck and Simisage with its back to the Golduck.

"Confusion" Came Misty's order. Golduck held the Seismitoad under its control which wriggled to free itself from the water Pokémon's grip.

"Time for seconds, Simisage. Solarbeam!" Cilan ordered his Pokémon.

The Emboar which was still struggling from the collision impact between the Brave bird and flare-blitz got up suddenly as if its own life were on the run. It immediately ran towards the Simisage preparing the Solarbeam with yet another flare blitz.

"Stop it, Excadrill." Iris was surprised by the sudden decision of the Emboar to attack the Simisage. But she didn't want to watch Simisage's effort go down the drain either. "Drill Run!"

Excadrill did as it was told. It performed the high speed attack, Drill Run and attacked the charging Emboar from behind. Or so did they expect to happen.

Emboar suddenly jumped in midst of its charge, its movements seemed like it had eyes on its back. The Drill Run shot past the Emboar in air.

"Cilan, watch out!" Iris screamed.

Then it all happened in an instant. Cilan noticed the Drill Run coming onto the unaware Simisage; the attack didn't do much damage as Excadrill held back most of its energy to lessen the damage, but the Solarbeam was interrupted. But the Emboar in air was now inside a ball of energy. The ball of energy was deep reddish-brown in color and resembled the sun itself.

The attack came crashing down onto the two Pokémon watching it in surprise. Excadrill quickly dug its way into the ground. Simisage tried following suit, but the primate Pokémon wasn't lucky enough. The heavy Emboar crashed onto the grass type with sheer force. The impact itself would have knocked the Simisage out, the fact that it is a fire type move only added to the misery of the Pokémon.

Simisage was soon unconscious as the boar looked onto its victim proudly.

"No way." Misty was still shocked by the scene. Her Golduck wasn't an exception either. Taking the chance Seismitoad freed itself from the confusion bind and used a powerful Mud shot on the startled Pokémon causing the Pokémon to completely lose its focus.

"These Pokémon are very dangerous, Crobat attack." Standing surprised is not an option now, Brock thought. The Crobat attacked the Emboar with a powerful whirlwind.

Emboar struggled to maintain itself against the powerful whirlwind. It desperately used a flamethrower to attack the Crobat. The Crobat skillfully avoided the flamethrower and continued the whirlwind.

"We'll not let you rest either, Confusion!" Misty commanded the Golduck which was soon back on its feet. The toad found itself bound in the psychic attack again. A powerful rumbling from the ground revealed out the Excadrill which smashed the boar Pokémon into the air. The burly Pokémon landed with a loud thud onto the ground.

"It's time for me to use my next Pokémon." Cilan prepared to send his next Pokémon out after taking Simisage inside.

"My vintage…" He stopped suddenly. Then like a robot that just lost its batteries he fell down to the ground, unconscious.

"Cilan!" Iris ran to his rescue. Much to her surprise the Pokémon sommelier was snoring deeply.

"Eh? This isn't a great time to sleep, what a child." She complained.

"Exca!" Excadrill's cry brought her attention back. Emboar barely missed smashing the Pokémon on its face with a powerful Hammer arm causing the Excadrill to trip and fall on its back. The mole slowly got onto its feet and got away from the boar.

"Damn, I only took my eyes off for a second and this already!" Brock said frustrated. "Crobat Whirlwind again!" Crobat resumed its attack on the boar.

"Strike it with Drill Run!" Iris commanded the mole Pokémon.

On the other hand Golduck was having a tough time controlling Seismitoad's movements. The Pokémon was squirming hard to get out of the confusion's grasp. Being a non-psychic the confusion didn't carry the same power it normally would do. The toad even managed to shoot a mud shot in the process of struggling.

Excadrill charged against the Emboar with a powerful Drill Run. Emboar turned around desperately fighting against the whirlwind facing the attacking Pokémon and shot out a flamethrower. It fell to the ground in the process.

The attack was fierce but was not timed well, Excadrill stopped its own attack and dodged the flamethrower and leaped into the air.

"Focus blast!" Iris ordered. Positioning itself well in the air, Excadrill prepared a focus blast to hit the Pokémon which was now on all its fours struggling to fight the whirlwind.

Suddenly something hard tugged the mole's legs and pulled it to the ground. The next thing it knew it was on the ground, the focus blast managed to land far away causing a small bang. The Pokémon looked around to see the culprit responsible for it to trip down.

[Dracoflare]

Continuation


It was there looking at the mole with haughty red eyes. One could easily not notice its presence amidst the greenery which matched its body color. With its serpent-like body Serperior crawled slowly towards the center of the battle area, it whipped its two vines in the air showing the mole that it was behind the pulling. The Excadrill returned an angry grunt in response.

"Another Pokémon?" Iris sighed. Things weren't going their way, especially with Cilan now asleep.

"What in the world is going on here?" Brock asked. The one on four battle slowly turned into a three on three. Only god could tell how worse it could turn out.

The Emboar got up slowly as the Crobat's were not troubling it anymore. It snorted to the Serperior in thanks.

"We won't lose even if ten Pokémon oppose us, Golduck release Seismitoad and attack with Aqua jet on Emboar." Misty knew it was time to ignore her pride and consider type advantages.

"Metal Claw." Iris commanded. The mole readied its claws which shone in a deep silvery color ready to rake the serpent.

"Use Whirlwind on Seismitoad!" Brock commanded. Crobat nodded at the commanded and flapped its wings.

The attacks began Golduck was the first one to move it charged at Emboar at great speed. The boar glanced at Serperior.

The Serpent with its serpent like movement slithered quickly into the grass with great speed in the boar's direction. Realizing its intent Excadrill blocked its path with a metal claw. The serpent raised its head and tried to move from the mole's left the mole blocked it with its body this time. Taking a step back Serperior rushed at the mole this time, to which the mole responded by trying to slash it with its metal claw, but the serpent was too clever. It used its slender body movements and ducked below the mole's hands and then crawled up its arms and jumped using its shoulders.

Meanwhile Emboar took the incoming super effective move bravely and pushed the Golduck back with a flamethrower. Just then Serperior which avoided the mole's attacks entangled itself around the duck.

"Golduck!" Misty shouted anxiously.

"Focus Blast." Iris told the mole.

Meanwhile Seismitoad dodged the whirlwind aimed at it and entered the fray. Because of its ally Pokémon being around Crobat couldn't use the whirlwind anymore. Seismitoad noticed the oblivious Excadrill preparing to attack Emboar and shot out a Hydropump at it.

But the Pokémon noticed it in the last minute and jumped away from the attack, to its surprise the boar was in the air too which crashed onto the Pokémon with a Heat crash. The Pokémon landed on the ground unconscious.

"This is your chance attack, Crobat!" Brock ordered the Crobat which charged at the Emboar in air with a Brave bird only to be stopped by Seismitoad's barrage of Hydro-pumps.

"You have done a good job," Iris muttered taking the Pokémon back into the ball. The next moment she fell into the ground beside Cilan sleeping.

"Use Confusion and get out of the Wrap!" Misty roared at her Pokémon. Understanding its trainer's impatience Golduck used Confusion with all its might and threw the wriggling serpent away.

Two on three, Brock knew the situation would go worse. But why on the earth did those two faint? He could only wonder. He looked at Misty. She was carrying the same desperate expression.

Golduck and Crobat stood on opposite sides with the three opposing Pokémon in between. Misty analyzed the situation carefully. Emboar was a moderately fast Pokémon, but not fast enough to dodge Aqua jet. Serperior however was very fast and could also use the long grass to its advantage. It is the presence of this serpent that changed the tide of the entire battle. Seismitoad was even with Golduck and she couldn't afford a two on one with Seismitoad in the fray.

The only option that seemed well to her was to attack Emboar first while Brock took care of Serperior. But Crobat's physical attack could be easily stopped by Seismitoad's projectile attacks which negated every speed advantage the bird Pokémon had.

"Charge in with Double Team!" Brock took the initiative for the indecisive water trainer.

"All right! Strike Emboar with Aqua Jet." Misty ordered. Golduck jumped at the boar with huge speed.

Meanwhile the serpent immediately dived into the grass to hide its presence as the Golduck shot past it to attack Emboar. It tried to retract Golduck by using a vine whip to stop it. Meanwhile Seismitoad was busy attacking the fake Crobat which pushed past the Pokémon. The bat's main attention being Serperior.

The Aqua jet surpassed the whip in speed and struck the Emboar which was thrown away in pain. The damage it took from the previous aqua jet and Drill Run took its toll and caused the Pokémon to faint as it fell face to the ground.

Serperior immediately caught the Golduck with its vines and slithered at the duck with high speed. Crobat suddenly shot past between them causing the serpent to back a little. It then attacked the serpent with a Brave bird. The serpent promptly ducked back into the field.

Meanwhile Golduck got back onto its one on one with the Seismitoad. The two Pokémon played with a struggle between Hydro pumps and Confusion, Mud shot.

Crobat used a whirlwind to draw out the Serperior from the ground, the Pokémon shot its vines at the bat to capture its wings but the Pokémon promptly dodged the grass attack with ease.

A smirk of victory was on Brock's face. He could notice the Pokémon losing its motivation slowly, or so he thought. The Pokémon which was about to lose its confidence got its haughty look back. It stared at the Crobat with a slight smirk.

What on the earth, could its trainer be planning? He wondered.

A pinkish aura suddenly surrounded the serpent which slowly winked its eyes at the bat.

"No way! Not that attack!" Brock shouted.

The next second Crobat started waggling around the Serperior as if it were requesting the Pokémon to be its mate. The reason for it to behave like that was Brock's worst enemy. The attack called Attract.

"Of all the Serperior why does this one have to be a female?" He moaned. The battle was over, he realized.

"What the heck are you doing Brock?" Misty shouted at him, "I can't believe your Pokémon behave the same way too and that too in a situation like this."

"I can't help it. It is an attack that always manages to attract the opponent."

Serperior then lunged at the flying Crobat and bound the Pokémon with its slender body, the Crobat never complained in the process and rather enjoyed the pain.

As soon as the Pokémon fell unconscious Brock took it back into his Pokéball.

"Do you think I'll faint too?" He asked turning to Misty.

"I think…" She paused as the Pokémon doctor fell to the ground, "Yes."

"Looks like I am the only one left." She said looking at her Golduck, "But we won't lose shall we…" Her words were interrupted by a powerful tornado made of leaves striking Golduck. The duck fell down unconscious. Misty knew she would suffer the same too.



Paul

Unova continued to surprise Paul, even the so called rural areas look as well developed as his own native city, Veilstone City. They were currently in Georgetown. A place recently transformed by the Unovan government from a tribal area to a small town, which had no more than ten houses which were lined up neatly.

However, as if it was famine struck the entire town was empty with almost every door locked. Noticing how empty the place was, Paul and Brandon looked around searching for any living soul. Brandon shrugged at him, when Paul looked at him questioningly. The duo normally spent more time shrugging and scowling at each other than talking. Brandon was a man of action and Paul simply hated noise.

Their eyes suddenly met a short figure trudging in the middle of the road with the help of a stick. It was a short old woman with hair as white as the clouds.

"Excuse me, Miss." Brandon called her from behind. The short statured woman looked around turning her back with utmost difficulty. She scowled at them as if they were some annoying Bidoof gawking with its long teeth.

"Where is everyone in the village?" Brandon asked. The old woman stared at him for a second scanning him. Paul meanwhile observed the surroundings impatiently waiting for an answer.

"They all left for the village meeting." Her lack of teeth made it difficult for the men to understand what she was saying, along with the added bonus of some spit on their shoes. They felt lucky as she wasn't tall enough to reach their faces.

"Meeting?" Brandon asked.

The old woman then stared at Paul and then stared back at him, "Is he your son?" She asked.

"NO." Brandon roared. Paul looked at the old woman to check if she was alive.

"Why do you scream like a little girl? Just say no." She looked at him angrily.

Paul looked at Brandon to check how he handled that insult. His face showed him more colors than a rainbow ever could.

"Anyway, since you guys seem to go there, why don't you carry me to the meeting?"

Brandon turned to Paul and patted him, "Paul helping others in need is vital in your journey to become the best trainer."

Paul took his hand away immediately, "I am not going to piggy back an old woman."

"But Paul, helping others…" Brandon was about to say something again but the old woman interrupted him.

"What kind of a man are you to throw off your job on a boy." She hit him on his legs with her stick.

"Watch your words woman." Brandon shouted at her, he was one of the most dedicated people in the history of Pokémon world, or so he thought of himself. Certainly an old woman questioning his diligence hurt his pride.

Minutes later.

"Hurry up, when do you think we will reach the place?" She smacked him on his head. Paul indifferent to the frontier brain's yelps and yells continued to think about something.

"Why are they holding this meeting?" He asked, he should at least know what kind of meeting they were going to before barging in.

"A couple of our Pokémon have been stolen. We thought it was some thief but it seems the wild Pokémon around are doing something. We didn't know what to do but this sweet little travelling trainer girl said she would help me." She smiled which exposed her non-existent teeth, "She is such a sweet and energetic girl, not like the likes of this piss of a man." She scowled at Brandon and smacked him again.

"STOP!" He shouted.

"Drop me off if you don't like, then you really would be one." She yapped.

As they approached the 'meeting place' which was a small platform under a large tree, they noticed a large crowd surrounding someone in the center; they were all silent listening to the person in the center.

"Alright, everyone listen to me and do as I say." A quirky voice commanded the twenty-some people around.

It certainly belonged to a little girl, Paul thought. Brandon suddenly dropped the old woman ignoring her smacks and watched in interest.

Noticing the sudden change of interest, Paul followed Brandon who quickly walked towards the large group.

"Now, let's do this together." The voice ordered them again. And then the group started humming together as if she was some goddess who has come to their rescue.

"We all love the Electabuzz no other team's the same.

The players charge the field and electrify the game.

They pitch and catch and…"

"What the heck is this?" Paul asked Brandon, who looked as stunned as Paul was annoyed.

After bearing through the song Paul and Brandon managed to get to the center of the commotion. Standing before them was a girl about a year younger than him, perhaps. The sea blue-hair colored girl wore a yellow with black stripes loose shirt with a white cap which bore a spark as a symbol.

'I wouldn't be surprised if that was some lame baseball jersey.' Paul thought.

"So what is the problem?" She asked, with her arms folded and eyes closed indicating that she was going to listen to their problems with keen interest.

"Like I said earlier, a couple of our Pokémon went missing," An elderly man spoke out. "A Cottone, a Servine and few Maractus." They all weren't rare Pokémon in this forest, Paul thought trying to figure out a motive. His interest on the subject was bare minimum but his mind could use some small exercise. He immediately noticed the pattern.

"I see." Brandon murmured. The frontier brain figured out the pattern too, in fact no one could miss that pattern.

"I see a pattern." The girl said placing her hand on her chin as if she was thinking something deeply.

'They are all grass types.' The pattern was obvious, Paul thought.

"They were all green colored!" She announced throwing her fist into the air.

The girl's proud declaration made Paul facepalm. Even Ash couldn't be this stupid.

"Indeed, what an insightful child you are." The old woman from earlier joined her. Soon the rest of the townsmen joined the old woman and started praising the girl's intelligence.

Giving up any hope on the subject Paul decided to head back, he didn't want to bother about some Pokémon he never even met. But unfortunately for him Brandon was heading in the opposite direction.

"Indeed, you are a smart girl." He announced, the rest of the crowd moved aside to give way to the new stranger.

'What the heck is wrong with him?' Paul wondered. Normally Brandon doesn't stand stupidity, but now he seems to be embracing it. Then again his behavior was weird ever since he came to Unova. Something must be wrong with the air here, he thought. Maybe it had stupidity instead of oxygen.

Unable to leave alone, Paul thought it was best to stay and watch.

"Who are you?" The girl asked without any hint of respect. But much to Paul's surprise Brandon smiled at her question.

Then the idea struck, Paul. 'I knew Brandon was weird, but this. I never took him for a pedophile.'

"The name's Brandon. I am the King of the Battle Pyramid." He announced proudly.

"You call yourself king?" The old woman sneered at him. "How old are you, five?"

But the reaction from the girl was different, she knew what the King of battle pyramid meant. "Wow, what is a Kanto frontier brain doing in Unova?" She asked, her eyes shone in excitement. "Can I battle you?" She fired questions.

Ignoring the old woman's remark Brandon laughed at Casey's excitement. "You can if you tell me your name."

"Oh, sorry for my poor manners." She apologized, "The name's Casey, I am from Johto's New Bark Town."

The mention of the name Johto caught Paul's attention. Normally only trainers who travelled through the four regions of Sinnoh, Johto, Kanto and Hoenn come to Unova. And if someone travelled four regions, they would be better than average trainers. Maybe she could be a good trainer, maybe like Ash.

"You are from that far away, you are indeed a brave girl." Brandon admired her. The girl took the compliment with a blush.

Unable to watch Brandon's flirting Paul turned away and decided to leave on his own.

"You are planning to catch the thief aren't you?" The girl nodded at his question. "Well in that case, I and my student, Paul will help you catch the thief." He said.

Paul stopped immediately. He was furious enough to actually hit him now. None of this is his business. He glared at Brandon who was chatting with the girl at a distance.

'What is the meaning of this?' He wanted to fire the question at Brandon, and charged towards him with heavy footsteps. But he was suddenly stopped by a couple of townsmen.

"Thank you for the trouble, boy. We really need a Pokémon trainer's help for this." One of them said.

"Yeah, thank you very much, in the name of Reshiram." Another one clasped his hands. His eyes were teary, the particular person happened to lose three Maractus he has been raising to enter the circus festival in Driftveil.

Paul didn't know how to react to that, "I-I would love to help others." He lied.

He immediately rushed to the Frontier Brain and pulled him to the side, "What is this? We are here to make me a better trainer."

"What is wrong with you?" Brandon shook his arms and glared at him. "Don't be so selfish, Paul. You wouldn't lose anything by helping others."

"I would lose precious time." He glared back. "Besides I think the girl is good enough to catch some random thief."

"Don't be stupid, what if they turn out to be more dangerous than petty thieves?" He asked, "The girl is head strong, she is most likely to end up in trouble."

"Isn't that her problem?"

"It is this attitude that is hindering you from becoming strong." He roared. The people stared at him in surprise. Paul simply looked away to avoid embarrassment.

"Hey I know you!" Casey suddenly shouted. This time everyone stared at the Johto trainer. "You are the one who lost to Ash in the Sinnoh league."

'So that is how people remember me now?' Paul frowned.

"You know that kid?" Brandon asked her, surprised.

"Of course, he is a friend of mine," She said remembering him from their previous encounters in Johto.

"This could be interesting." Brandon said. The girl can certainly be helpful to Paul, and he can teach Paul to help others.


The Dark Prince

"I am surprised, you did exceptionally well." Giovanni said as he watched the video on the screen. The dark prince smirked at his father's remark. "Controlling three Pokémon a time is really difficult."

"Unefezant made it easy." He said, "Plus I had the surprise factor. They surely couldn't expect a combination of telepathy and a hidden camera."

"You may even have to thank Zager for making that artificial scent that made sure your Pokémon weren't identified."

"I will, when I can meet him." Ash said.

'You won't'. Giovanni didn't want to say it loudly. His son was exceptionally talented. Although he claimed to help him by stopping the four gym leaders, he attacked them first and defeated one Pokémon of each, and made sure they didn't send another by putting them to sleep with Bulbasaur's sleep powder. While he could have done that in the first place before they sent out any Pokémon, he sent Seismitoad to attack them first. He actually battled the four trainers for his amusement.

On top of that much to Giovanni's surprise he seems to be able to 'talk' to Pokémon with telepathy. He could even understand how his Pokémon felt and understand its thought by just looking at it.

What on earth did Darkrai do to him to make him like that? The question was on him, now. He needed answers but the one to answer wasn't anywhere near. Darkrai seems to be busy haunting people in their dreams.


Looker

"So you are Barry from Sinnoh region, who has come to Unova region to win the league." Looker asked as if he was interrogating a thief. He had a pen and the pocket notebook in his hand.

"Yep." Barry nodded. Looker turned to the older girl who was sitting beside her.

"And you are his cousin, Bianca?" He pointed the pen at the girl standing beside Barry.

"That's right," She smiled which exposed her squirrel-like teeth slightly.

Barry turned to the girl with a frown, "What made you come so late? I should fine you already."

"What do you mean?" She retorted. "I wasn't the one to get down in the wrong station."

They glared at each other as if they were going to eat each other up.

"What a noisy bunch of kids," Looker said to the long blonde who was busy eating an ice-cream. Cynthia's fetish for ice-cream was well known among her fans.

She slowly licked the strawberry flavored cone and looked at him, "I think we have found help for our mission." She winked at him.

Looker's eyes widened, then he suddenly turned and looked around, then realizing nothing special was present he looked up expecting something to be present.

She sighed and took another lick, "I am talking about them." She pointed at the bickering cousins.

"They?" Looker looked at her as if she revealed a grave secret. "They are a noisy bunch, we can't take them." He declared.

"I trust Barry I know he is a friend of Ash. And Bianca says she knew him too." She removed the cover containing Choco bar and started eating it. "It's hard to find trusting trainers in a region not known to you."

"I am an Interpol agent and I don't need anyone's help." He scoffed folding his arms.

"Listen, Looker." Cynthia's face was serious. "We are not doing your regular police work this time. We are not spying on any teams or something."

"Then what are we doing?"

"We are to investigate the missing link of the Unova legend."

"What the heck does that have to do with me? You may have chosen a Pokémon Professor's help."

"I very well told you that day, I have a wild theory, I think Team Plasma's actions have everything to do with the research we will be doing."

Looker silently looked at her, "Meet me tomorrow afternoon if you are interested." She slowly walked away and approached the quarreling cousins.

"Bianca, Barry." She called them out of their world.

"I need to talk something to you guys."

"What is it about?" Barry asked clueless.

"I would gladly do anything for you, Cynthia." She jumped excitedly.

"Hey, why are you so desperately trying to grab her attention?" Barry complained.

"Don't be silly," She cut him off. "So Cynthia, what is it about?"

"I want to say something important to you guys, tomorrow. Will you come here at the same time?"

Bianca gave a smile indicating her agreement. Barry looked annoyed for a second he wanted to get his first gym badge in Striaton by the next day, but he himself couldn't resist the Champion's invitation.

"Alright."


Misty

A sudden chill on her face woke Misty up again. She was still in the same forest again, but this time there were lots of police men and villagers around. She noticed that Brock and the others were up too.

"What happened?" She asked the officer who woke her up with a splash of cold water.

"We found you people, unconscious when we came here. We then saw the Team Rocket helicopter leave." The officer said as he got up onto her feet.

"I am glad you are safe. Misty." Delia Ketchum handed her handkerchief. There was concern in her face.

Soon they found themselves back in the warm tents the Police have arranged. The four trainers accompanied by Juniper and Delia were talking to the Detective Jenny who was taking notes on the day's events.

"Telepathy?" Jenny exclaimed.

"Yes, that was the only possibility." Brock explained

"Ok, let's assume your theory on this would be true." Cilan interjected. "How was the trainer watching the battle in the first place, some telepathic power that could let him see through the Pokémon's eyes?"

"I think so." Brock said.

"That would be impossible, because the Pokémon in the battle are bound to miss seeing something." Misty told him.

"Like the time when Excadrill attacked Emboar, the Pokémon noticed it coming behind and jumped in time. The timing was too good." Iris added.

"Not if he were watching through a fourth Pokémon." Brock smiled at them.

"That Unefezant!" Cilan snapped his fingers. "I should have noticed something was wrong, all the Pokémon around that area left that place because of the copter, but that female Unefezant was watching the battle all along."

"How did you know it was a female?" Misty asked him.

"Simple, female Unefezant are completely blackish-grey in color while male ones have red color mane on the top."

"Yes, Ash's Unefezant is a female too." Iris said.

The sudden mention of his name suddenly shocked the Pokémon breeder.

"What's wrong, Brock?" Cilan inquired.

"N-nothing." He said looking away.

"I am sorry to dampen your mood but, the department has told me to wrap the case, I am sorry but we have gotten nowhere." Jenny interrupted them, she wore a helpless look. "You guys have to leave tomorrow morning."

"But Detective my son is missing." Delia clasped her.

"I am sorry Mrs. Ketchum. I can understand your pain. This is why I have been helpful till now." She nodded her head saying she couldn't help.

"Team Rocket is on the loose; our department needs our utmost attention." She lowered her hands and freed them from Delia's and walked away.

"I am sorry. It seems I wasn't able to do anything." Juniper said dejected.

"You've done everything you can." Cilan encouraged her.

"Professor, I have a question." Brock asked suddenly, Juniper turned to him. "Is it possible that Pokémon that have already met and known each other for some time not identify each other in a battle?"

"Huh, no." She said, "Pokémon identify each other through their smell rather than their features. This is why your Crobat will be able to identify Iris's Excadrill even if there could be hundred others of those."

For some reason Brock sighed in relief as he heard the answer causing Cilan to frown at him. Brock has been up with strange theories and most of them somehow had enough reasoning to explain the situation.

Could he know something I don't? Cilan wondered.



The Black Tulip, Domino

"Oh my god!" Domino exclaimed as she saw the three seconds of footage from her video camera. She has re-watched the same three seconds for the last half day.

She placed her camera near the hinge when Giovanni opened the door, due to which the camera partially recorded what happened inside till it was closed. Three seconds was what she got.

The amount of view the camera got was very low, but she deciphered that there was a fainted Tyranitar and a Scizor standing beside it in an attacking stance. Both the Pokémon were filled in a dark Aura. The portion opposite to Scizor which wasn't recorded had a hint of bright red color which resembled fire.

"A Pokémon battle!" She gasped. There were two Pokémon shrouded in a mysterious dark aura and some fire type move being aimed at the Pokémon standing. One could easily come to that conclusion.

So someone was indeed inside, her doubts became true. Domino decided to take another look at the room.


Paul

"I am glad that the three of you have decided to help us." The town's elder said to Brandon, Casey and Paul who were set to leave to the Eastern woods, where all the missing Pokémon went before disappearing.

'A worthless trifle' was Paul's opinion on their current mission. But then again he was leaving for Eastern woods anyway, so he wasn't losing much. Besides Brandon seems to show a weird interest towards that girl, it could be fun to watch, he supposed.

They waved goodbye to the old man as they prepared to leave.

"Well in that case, it's time for a song marking our journey's beginning." Casey was in high spirits.

'Journey?' Paul was planning to ditch her somewhere before he reached the next city; he didn't want to go in an annoying group like Ash does. He was happy being alone. Brandon was of course an exception.

"Ok, sing the theme with me, guys." She commanded them. Paul turned away and started walking leaving the super-energetic girl staring at his back.

"What's wrong with him?" She asked Brandon.

"Maybe he can't sing well." Brandon chuckled. "So what are the lyrics again?"

"We all love the Electabuzz no other team's the same."

Casey and Brandon slowly followed, singing the Electabuzz theme song, while Paul walked with a grumpy face.


Max

The Lilycove beach wasn't a crowded place in the nights. Most of the young couples use this chance to spend their time together in solace.

However eleven year old Max was currently running across the beach. Why? Because it was the regular training regimen he planned for his Marshtomp whose speed was considerably lacking. The green trainer chose the place as his training spot for today. They were about to set back to Petalburg as he still had two months left for the league and he already collected the eight badges he wanted to enter it.

The young trainer ran tirelessly like the waves that hit the shore. Unfortunately the trainer's running came to a halt as he accidentally stepped on something soft and landed on his nose to the sand.

"Ow," He rubbed his nose wondering what tripped him. His Pokémon approached him worried if he was alright. Then under the moonlight, he saw something he wouldn't forget for ages to come.

Lying before him was the body of a naked woman; her wet blonde hair was sticking to her body which trickled down her hips.

He stared at the body in surprise not knowing what to do. He noticed her body was slightly moving, as she heaved for a breath.

'She is alive!' He realized immediately and ran for help.