Life.
What is life?
Power.
What is power?
Existence.
What is the purpose of my existence?
Life. Power. Existence.
To be the strongest Pokemon in the world.
The Viridian Gym's battlefield bent and cracked under immense pressure. Nidoking and Arcanine floated above. The trainer could only look hopelessly as his entire team crumbled like pests before him.
FWOOSH.
CRACK.
The two slammed against the wall, a sickening sound echoing as flesh and skin collided with harsh stone. There was silence then. A meaty slap reverberated on the battlefield as the human's servants flopped down to the ground. Nothing needed to be said. Horror encroached upon the child's face. He witnessed true strength that day and his mind struggled to comprehend it.
Mewtwo ignored him.
Another victory. Another fight. Another day of senseless violence.
XXX
What am I?
The whirring of machines surrounded him. Metallic wires entered plated armor. He could feel his mind and body changing from technological interference. The cage shackled around his body clicked tightly into place. Undeniable power weakened for the safety of humanity and the world.
Why do I serve humans?
"You were created by humanity." He looked up to see his jailer stare at him from above. Far enough to keep himself from harm yet close enough to prove who was master and who was servant. Giovanni looked down as if some sort of deity. Was he? "Your creation was in service of us."
I was made to serve humans, Mewtwo stared back. Then I am a tool. I am a weapon.
"That is what you have become."
But I am a Pokemon.
Giovanni nodded. "Artificially made, but still a Pokemon nonetheless."
I am the strongest Pokemon. His master narrowed his eyes when the metal around him groaned. Mental power asserted itself to his command, regardless of the limitations that were placed upon him. Why should I listen to you?
"Because there are others far stronger than you."
The twisting of metal stilled. He watched his jailer's expression. Not a single lie showed on his face. He couldn't comprehend his words. He was the strongest, but there were others stronger? It did not compute.
Explain.
"I do not need to explain," Giovanni said. "If you let me, I can show you."
Temptation was offered on a silver platter. Mewtwo narrowed his eyes.
He knew this was an attempt to control him even further. He knew that his jailer wanted nothing more than to keep his weapon under his thumb. This human was a master of deception, a king that reigned in a shadow empire that spanned regions. Everything he said should be held under scrutiny.
However, if he chose to rebel against the world, to defy the subject of his creation, would he be able to contend with those that his jailer thought his superior? The doubt stalled him.
His abhorrent master knew how to push his buttons. He would let the human play god. For now. The plated armor around him tightened. He dismissed the discomfort in favor of the human above him.
Show me.
XXX
One by one, his Elite Four fell to him.
He sat on one side of the stadium, arms crossed and eyes closed. Alder ignored the roaring of the crowd and the flashing of cameras. Such attention dulled over the years. He was the conquering champion. It was normal for his region to support him, even in a competition built to test his reign.
His keen ears picked up the sound of approaching footsteps amongst the noise. A grin grew as he opened his eyes to see him.
Red met his gaze openly. The challenge was clear. This man climbed to the top to complete the last trial in the mountain called the Pokemon League. He broke through every obstacle, conquered every gym, triumphed over the conference, and vanquished his vaunted Elite Four just to clash with the strongest across the land.
Best tread carefully now. You might be dethroned at this rate.
Heh. Guess he had this coming.
Alder stood up. Just from one simple motion did the roar of the stadium reach a crescendo. "Red. It's nice meeting you again."
"Alder." Despite the gravity of their situation, Red still looked happy to see the elder. "I came for that rematch."
"I can see that," he laughed. "You weren't content drawing with a champion?"
"Would you?"
He smiled. "No, I would not be. I'd soar higher, be better than last time, every single time."
"Then you know my answer."
He did. "You have the mindset of a champion, Red." Alder grabbed a pokeball. "Let's see if you can live up to it. May the best trainer win."
"To the left, we have Challenger Red Satoshi of Celestic Town." His reputation preceded him. The stadium cried out in delight. "To the right, we have the defending champion of Unova, Alder Adeku!" His region backed him with wild abandon. "This is a six-on-six battle. The first trainer to lose all their Pokemon loses the match. Are the two trainers ready?" At their nods, "Then begin!"
"Give me a hand, Escavalier!"
"Decidueye."
CLINK.
Lance clashed with talons the moment they came out. Both trainers glanced at each other, a knowing grin growing between the two. They came out swinging and their responses did not disappoint.
The conqueror came for the defending king. Red wanted the crown. He'd have to take it from him.
Decidueye flew off, preferring to keep its distance. He'd let it as Escavalier armed himself with Swords Dance. Space was made. Lances were sharpened. He tensed when the owl began nocking one of its quills.
FWOOSH.
In the blink of an eye, it landed right next to his bug-type and darkness swelled up from below. Spirit Shackle latched onto him. He pondered the situation before noticing a flurry of arrows striking the armor of his bug-type. Alder nodded.
So distance was his answer, eh?
"Smart Strike the quills, Escavalier."
SCHINK.
With precise and automatic movements, the steel-type's lance swatted away the projectiles. Not a single one landed. Immobile but unflinching, his knight held an unwavering defense against the swift and agile archer. Arrows were sliced by pinpoint steel. His advance was slow but methodical. Despite the sluggishness of Escavalier, he was known as the Cavalry Pokemon for a reason.
The floor shattered around him as Escavalier dashed with Aerial Ace. The owl flew back, surprise clear on its face. It looked like that of a tale of ancient Unova. Armored and heavily armed, the warrior gave chase to the fleeting rogue.
Nonetheless, a champion's Pokemon should not be underestimated. He reached Decidueye in a flash.
CLANG.
The archer had daggers.
Leaf Blade collided with Smart Strike. Standing its ground, Decidueye struck metal with hardened feathers. Indomitable defense endured against the onslaught of strikes. His Pokemon took on worse. For every rapid bladed slash, his Escavalier responded with an unavoidable thrust of his lance.
He pierced through its defenses like paper. Speed saved the owl's life as it flew back once again, releasing a flurry of arrows. Escavalier shut down the offensive with Smart Strike. It gave chase with Aerial Ace.
SCHINK.
CLANG.
SHINK.
The cycle repeated itself. Alder's insurmountable wall would not be broken through the guerilla tactics of the bird. For every exchange, the owl grew slower while his knight barely felt the onslaught of grass and ghost.
He would win through a slow and stea-
"Decidueye, to the sky."
Alder's eyes narrowed when Red's wrist started glowing with purple intensity. What were those things called again? Z-rings, he believed. That meant a Z-move! Decidueye blasted off into the air. They stood and observed. A counter was planned instantly. "Swords Dance, Escavalier." He smirked. "We're going to fight it, buddy."
Escavalier looked at his trainer and a spark of excitement was shared between them. His warrior accepted the challenge. Power radiated off of both Pokemon. Decidueye moved as one with its trainer while his own sharpened his lances for one massive blow.
Red gave Alder a look of respect before returning the champion's smirk with a challenging grin of his own. "Sinister Arrow Raid."
"Megahorn!"
Energy transferred from trainer to Pokemon and a storm of arrows flew down along with the archer to meet the charging cavalry head-on. Super-powered lance slammed into the encroaching barrage.
CRACK! BOOM!
Dust flew outward. The archer crashed to the floor, a deep bruise on its chest. The knight skidded through the dirt, dozens of arrows embedded through untouchable armor.
There was silence.
Decidueye stood up. Escavalier stayed down.
Fair game. He smirked and threw out his next ally. "Help a friend out, Boufallant!"
Stomp.
He allowed no time to recover. The buffalo slammed into the exhausted owl mercilessly. Decidueye groaned in pain before smacking the normal-type with Leaf Blade. Sap Sipper absorbed the blow and turned energy into strength. The last match was a knight against ranger. Now the archer faces a behemoth.
A knight was honorable.
He would not give his challenger the same courtesy this time.
A juggernaut disregarded honor for violence.
The beast fought back against the hunter. Ardent and unrelenting, Bouffalant mauled the owl to its demise. It tried to retaliate with Brave Bird, but the softness of his mane and thickness of his skull allowed his great warrior to take on the attack with nothing but a simple Head Charge.
CRACK.
No words were needed to be said as the swift hunter toppled.
"Krookodile."
Predator and prey collided.
Bouffalant was the bravest of his companions. He stood his ground as the Krookodile swam through the earth with Dig. The ground predator learned the hard way that the behemoth would not stand for it. Earthquake sent the dark-type tumbling.
Sharp fangs tried to crush flesh. He used his fluffy fur to mitigate the Crunch. Rocks pierced the crocodile's scales as Stone Edge dug deep into skin. Dragon Claw slammed down only to be met with an upward Head Charge. The champion's monstrous normal-type took everything and dealt back just as much. He was his berserker.
Bouffalant accepted nothing but the best and in return, Alder would receive only the best from him.
BOOM!
Krookodile held onto the buffalo's horns as he was thrown from the Head Charge. Crunch dug deep into his beast's flesh, but Bouffalant ignored it as his stalwart ally slammed the predator deep into the stadium walls.
The wall cracked as his beast pushed the ground-type deeper into hardened stone. The crocodile growled as his fangs dug deeper in retaliation. It was a game of endurance. Hardened stadium rock tested scale. Razor-sharpened teeth jabbed into fur.
Despite the reinforcements made for a stadium meant to test champions, his Bouffalant casually formed a crater with a single charge.
CRACK.
Krookodile's body slackened. Prey overcame predator.
"Infernape."
The great ape closed the distance in an instant. Bouffalant only had enough time to use his thick mane to mitigate a Mach Punch to the face. Alder grinned at the fire-type's aggression. Let's cool that heat. "Rain Dance."
"Don't let up, Infernape."
Bouffalant took the Close Combat while rain formed over the arena. It was only his training as a champion's Pokemon that kept him from getting wounded so heavily. Head Charge collided with Mach Punch. Stone Edge was blocked by Close Combat.
"Pin him down, Bouffalant!"
"Ride him."
Alder paused when the Infernape jumped over another Head Charge and mounted his Pokemon. When the ape began throwing Mach Punches on the raging Bouffalant's body, he chuckled. That was one way to avoid his Pokemon's thick mane.
Smart.
But not enough.
The battlefield shook as his beast attempted to overthrow the fire-type with Earthquake. Stone Edges rained down. Infernape ignored it all and opted for a full offensive. Close Combat, Flamethrower, and Mach Punches were thrown in an attempt to take his rampaging monster of a Pokemon down.
Two bodies crashed into the ground. Both took their toll. They returned them and Alder had to smile when Red glanced at his closest companion.
Something in him told the old champion that the battle was only getting started.
"Druddigon!"
"Pikachu."
XXX
"Pikachu?" The mouse turned to see his trainer walk up to him. They were in a Pokemon Center, recovering and planning for their next journey. Their first conference went better than they thought. It surprised him that they were even in the top sixteen trainers. "What're you watching, bud?"
"Pika!" The mouse pointed at the TV displayed.
"And Pikachu starts off with a powerful Thunderbolt! What's this?! Alder responded with Outrage! Can Red's ace deal with this, Rob?"
"We've seen that mouse handle worse, John!"
Ash's eyes widened. "That's Red! His championship fight was today?!" He groaned in realization. "Ugh, I completely forgot." Pikachu did not blame his trainer. They were too busy with their own conference. Ash grabbed a seat and sat down. The yellow starter placed his focus on the Pikachu before him.
Overwhelming strength combined with deceptive grace clashed with a beast many times its size. He would have been nervous facing that, but the Kanto rodent took on the menacing beast in stride. That just might be the most powerful Pikachu in the world. He was confident in his abilities, but that one was in a league of its own.
He wondered if he could reach that.
"Ash! Pikachu!" Misty found them after having her Pokemon treated. The two completely ignored her. The water-type specialist blinked. "Are you two okay?"
"Hey Misty," Ash didn't turn away from the screen. "Is Serena and Brock with you?"
"Serena's still with Nurse Joy and Brock's coming in a second," Misty turned to the display, "Watching another Pokemon battle, Ash?"
"Not just any battle," Ash grinned as the monitor flashed when Iron Tail and Night Slash collided. "It's the championship fight between Red and Alder! I didn't realize it was today."
The water-type specialist hummed noncommittally, studying Red's face before comparing it to Ash's. Pikachu noted the odd expression on her face. "Blaine wasn't wrong when he said you two looked similar."
"What was that, Misty?"
"Nothing, Ash," she shook her head. "Just thinking of stuff. Say, are you related to this guy by any chance?"
"Me? Related to Red?" Ash blinked before thinking about it. The Kanto starter wasn't the only one to pick out the odd resemblance. The mouse remembered some of the older gym leaders react with surprise whenever they saw his trainer. "No, I don't think so."
"Are you sure?"
"I'd think I would know if I was related to Red, Misty." Ash rolled his eyes before perking up when a huge explosion occurred on screen. The dragon slammed the mouse to the ground, only for intense lightning to explode outward. Pikachu gasped as magnificent golden light formed into a tightly controlled sphere.
"And Druddigon used Payback! Golly, Rob, that looked like it hurt!"
"Pikachu's not done just yet! Look at that Electro Ball!"
The mouse heard footsteps behind him. "Hey, guys." Brock stopped when Misty nudged his shoulder before pointing at the screen. The man stared before humming. "That's Unova's league, isn't it?"
"Take a look at who it is," she tilted her head at the screen and the former gym leader noticed the combatants.
Brock made a noise in understanding. "Red, right? My dad fought him once. Nice to see him rise in the rankings."
"You didn't tell me your father battled him," Ash tore his eyes away from the screen to look at the rock-type specialist.
"It was before my time," Brock shrugged, "and you never asked. I thought you knew, considering that my dad mistook you for him when we first met."
Ash flushed with embarrassment. "Oh right."
Boom!
The scene shook as the tiny force of nature ripped through thick hide with a tail made of steel. Pikachu memorized every technique shown, mesmerized at the experience and skill displayed by the battle-hardened veteran. Druddigon reacted with Superpower, its claws digging deep into the earth before pulling out a large chunk to throw at its smaller adversary.
Pikachu shuddered. He would have been defeated there.
But not this veteran mouse. The massive boulder was thrown. An Electro Ball soared. Thunderbolt connected with the flying energy sphere, enlarging the attack to even greater heights. Like a drill, the electric combination bore a hole through the rock before pushing itself against the dragon. Another explosion occurred and Pikachu's eyes widened when the large beast crashed to the ground.
"Druddigon's down! I repeat, John, Druddigon's down!"
"It's an even match. They both have three Pokemon left!"
How?
Pikachu had no idea. This looked absolutely unreal to him, like a battle from myth. Was this what the best of the best looked like? To casually lift large chunks of the arena just like that, only for such a mighty attack to be blown back by something far greater? His trainer wanted to be a Pokemon Master. Pikachu would do his best to help him reach that goal.
But as he watched both champion-level trainers clash, he realized that they got a long way to go.
XXX
"Accelgor, I need your assistance!"
Alder's heart thundered. Dust and great gusts of air swept throughout the stadium, the resulting collision between Druddigon and Pikachu still causing aftereffects despite its conclusion. A manic grin was stuck on his face. Yes, this was what he wanted. This was what he waited for! The epic clashes, the legendary standoffs! He hadn't felt like this in years.
"We've got a worthy opponent in our hands, my friend. Let's give it all we got," Alder smirked at his Pokemon. Accelgor gave him one nod before vanishing.
VROOM.
Pikachu's instincts saved him as he reappeared nigh instantly. The mouse blocked a Focus Blast to the face. Smoke covered the field. He appeared above him. Another Focus Blast slammed down. A Focus Blast came from behind. Another to his right. Then the left.
Blinding speed rammed into the exhausted mouse. Water Shurikens rained down. Pikachu blocked all of it with Iron Tail. Accelgor crashed into him with Bug Buzz. Pikachu groaned. The screeching sound stunned the electric-type.
Swiftly and decisively, two Focus Blasts formed on both of the bug-type's palms. He clapped down on the mouse with both.
The resulting explosion rattled the electric-type.
Accelgor jumped, Water Shurikens at the ready. Pikachu responded with Quick Attack. Despite being wounded and sluggish, the mouse perfectly dodged every projectile. The Shell Out Pokemon maneuvered away from the assault.
"U-Turn!"
Pikachu's breath was forced out of his lungs from one more slam before Accelgor vanished.
Vanilluxe descended with Ice Beam.
CLINK.
Blizzard covered the arena. Thunderbolt soared. Light Screen mitigated the blow. Ice and snow snuffed out thunder and lightning. With one final Flash Cannon, the rushing blast finished off Red's ace. Alder's grin grew.
What was next?
"Greninja."
Torrents of water exploded outward. Alder's thundering heartbeat accelerated. Greninja evolved before his eyes.
So this was the mysterious Kalos shinobi that he heard about.
Perfect.
Like a riptide, Greninja swept forth in an army of illusions. Vanilluxe struck them all with a neverending Blizzard. The cold barely registered in the Kalos starter's mind. The shinobi jumped, reaching the floating ice-type. He landed on his face and with the frog's extremely strong legs, pushed the ice-type to the ground.
Ice Beam shot upward. Greninja used his massive shuriken as a shield. Completely frozen, the Water Shuriken covered the water-type as it descended to meet his fallen foe.
CRACK.
Like a sword, Greninja shattered the frozen Water Shuriken into Vanilluxe's face before summoning another one. Flash Cannon was hastily released to meet the ensuing onslaught. The constant Blizzard slowed Greninja enough to cause minor injuries. It didn't deter him, however.
The moment the ice-type rose, Aerial Ace came from below, an uppercut that sent the floating Pokemon tilting before the ninja slammed down with Cut.
SCHINK.
Ice and snow came off of his companion as the shinobi picked off pieces with makeshift daggers. Snowstorm met a tidal wave. Water conquered.
The Blizzard vanished as Greninja pummeled the ice-type to the ground. Like an assassin, their strikes were designed to obliterate their target as fast as possible. The shinobi slowly stood up, both trainer and Pokemon beckoning Alder for their next opponent to slay. Haha! Such confidence. He'd entertain them.
Fight fire with fire.
"Accelgor."
Both Pokemon vanished.
XXX
"Where did they go?!"
"I can't believe it, Rob! Golly, they're going so fast that the cameras can't pick them up!"
"A clash of ninjas, John! What a spectacle!"
"All I can see are afterimages! I can't follow them! Cameraman, get on this quick!"
Mewtwo stayed silent as he watched the battle before him. Giovanni's words were true.
Because there are others far stronger than you.
He could take on one, two, maybe three of those mighty servants, but six? He didn't know if that was possible alone. He was foolish and arrogant for believing himself above the world's strongest masters. That didn't factor in the fact that they weren't the only ones he had to be wary of. His eyes gazed at other screens.
"And Steven's Metagross felled Wallace's Milotic! I cannot believe it, folks! This is the end of the Ever Grande Conference! Steven Stone stays the champion of Hoenn!"
"Cynthia's Gastrodon somehow survived that Hyper Beam!"
"Charizard has done the impossible! After a close battle with his rival, Leon is now Galar's monarch!"
So many of them.
If he were to enact his vengeance on the world, could he emerge the victor? His jailer protected his presence from these insurmountable odds, but once he was out in the open, defeat looked to be the only possible outcome. It felt inevitable. What was the point of being the strongest Pokemon if he had to face odds like these?
CLING! CLANG! CLING!
The camera did its best to keep track of the battle. The unnatural Greninja stayed toe to toe with the agile Accelgor. It was a test of speed and both competitors were evenly matched. Water Shurikens met Water Shurikens. Cut collided with Focus Blast. Aerial Ace struck Bug Buzz. It was only his highly adapted eyes that allowed him to locate these dueling shinobis.
If he wasn't tracking them, he'd have missed it.
"Do you understand the gravity of your situation?"
I do. Mewtwo looked above to see his jailer looking down on him. Never had his master looked as smug as he was now. He swallowed his pride. Giovanni was right, he was wrong. He'd accept that and move on. I am not the strongest entity in existence.
"The world is large," Giovanni said. "There are things beyond me, beyond you. You are naive; inexperienced despite your unparalleled intelligence." His jailer narrowed his eyes. "If you break your chains and flee, I won't stop you. Be my guest. It would be entertaining to see you break before we retrieve you again."
He hated the arrogance in his voice. It was mocking; demeaning. If he escaped now, Giovanni wouldn't dare interfere. The criminal knew that his psychic powers were enough to break through the prison that was his armor and there were no Pokemon that his jailer had that could match him in combat, but he also knew that Mewtwo would not last long out there.
Even if he won against his jailer, he would lose. Endure this torment and be subservient forever or grasp freedom and risk opposition when he sought the truth. He could flee and hide, but Giovanni would find him. He could flee and fight, but then Team Rocket didn't need to raise a finger to stop him. The cunning mind stored in his master's head frustrated the psychic-type.
Boom!
Greninja grabbed Accelgor and dragged the bug through the dirt. He watched Accelgor struggle, clashing and parrying the Greninja's strikes despite being on the back foot. He didn't plead for forgiveness nor did he surrender. The massive Water Shuriken sent the ninja bug flying. The human champion's Pokemon stood back up. He continued to fight despite knowing the end.
Why?
"They fight for many reasons," Giovanni answered and Mewtwo realized he asked that question out loud. "Loyalty, vengeance, mercy, defiance, necessity, hate, love; They fight because they carry the weight of something greater than them. They have a cause and if there's one thing that can rally any man or Pokemon, it is a cause they believe wholeheartedly."
Greninja formed a dagger from Cut and dug deep into the bug shinobi. Soft skin was torn. Accelgor grabbed onto the frog's arm and started vibrating violently. Bug Buzz ripped through Cut. Both weren't deterred. None gave an inch to the other. They took each other's hits. Determination was clear in their eyes. None were willing to back down. Mewtwo watched it all in silence.
Both Pokemon fought for something.
Wasn't his freedom worth fighting for too? Even if the chances of victory were 1%, it was odds worth fighting for. At least, he liked to believe so. Was his cause just? Was his cause selfish? Did he care? His own happiness should be his priority.
SCHINK.
The water-type towered over the fallen bug-type.
It is better to die standing than to live kneeling.
Giovanni was already gone when metal started bending around him.
XXX
Volcarona's ascent promised the end. Greninja breathed hard, his battles with Vanilluxe and Accelgor taking a toll on his labored body. Red looked just as exhausted, the trainer wincing as he massaged his arm. So the rumors were true. They were connected beyond anything the world had ever seen.
He was honored to fight such a phenomenon.
One Pokemon left against two. Not odds Alder was used to, but he had pulled off miracles before. He'd just have to do it again.
"Volcarona, our backs are against the wall." Instead of lamenting this fact, the champion beamed. "It's just us now, my ace, so let's give the world a show they'll never forget!"
His greatest Pokemon said no verbal response. There was no need for that. Both preferred to speak through their actions instead. The entire battlefield started crumbling as Volcarona's psychic powers lifted all of the rubble off the battlefield. The stadium was silent as his ace gently lifted the gigantic boulder that his Druddigon tore off.
His great moth's feat made Red and Greninja tense.
This was a champion's strongest.
And it was motivated to win.
"Grenin-"
"Fall!"
The rocks descended.
Double Team was attempted to avoid the onslaught. Volcarona denied them, a sweeping Heat Wave scorching through the illusion with but a single flap of the great bug's wings. Harsh stone dug into amphibious flesh. He was too tired to avoid them all.
Volcarona was the judge, jury, and executioner. Greninja was mercilessly crushed before h-
FWOOSH.
His ace was pushed back by a single Water Shuriken. Alder blinked in surprise before watching the frog stare challengingly. Heh. What a gutsy shinobi. Such defiance would serve him well in the future. It was unfortunate that it was aimed against him.
A good parting shot, but his ace was nowhere done.
CRACK!
Any smooth flooring the arena had was destroyed as Volcarona took the entire battlefield and turned it into his personal weapon. With immense mental power, blunt rock was sharpened into bladed shards. In response, Greninja summoned one last Cut.
Resistant to the end. Alder could respect such warriors.
SCHINK.
The execution was swift. Greninja was able to slash through dozens before it was too much. The ninja reverted to normal. Red groaned as he fell to his knees, tired and dazed. The referee watched the trainer worryingly. The man looked close to passing out. Alder couldn't blame him.
If he felt every single strike his Pokemon did, then taking a hit from a champion's ace would take its toll on anybody.
"Challenger Red, are you fit for battle?" When he got no response, the referee's concern grew rapidly. "I-"
"Give him time." Alder crossed his arms. He refused to let it end here.
No.
Exhausted as Red might seem, he knew that this man was not done.
Not yet.
Red took a deep breath before grinning as he took out a pendant beneath his shirt. The glint of the Key Stone embedded into a dragon fang told Alder all he needed to know. This man was not out of the fight. He had one more card up his sleeve.
"I choose you," Red said, "Garchomp."
XXX
The dragon bellowed the moment he came out.
He knew this stage. He knew this foe.
Volcarona!
The championship!
Red!
Garchomp looked behind him. His throat growled at the sight of his trainer. He had never seen his kin in such a lowly state. Instincts beckoned him to do something about it. The dragon's eyes zeroed in on the Volcarona. The moth was not intimidated. It even glared back. They remembered one another and they would not let the past repeat itself.
Both trainers were down to their last Pokemon. This was not a casual match between two warriors. They were the last ones standing between victory and defeat. There would be no draw here. They were willing to rip and tear through the other for their own goals.
He demanded vengeance, for the sight of his trainer and for their previous fight. He promised Red that he would be there when they reach the top. He refused to be the reason why they fell. No. He would be the reason why they won.
The Mega Stone on his neck began resonating with Red's Key Stone. The strength of their bond manifested into a solid form. The goal between trainer and Pokemon was one.
"I place my hopes on you, Garchomp." Red gave an exhausted smile. "Let's make this one count."
Of course.
We will win.
We will become champions.
Together.
Garchomp was no more.
SCHINK.
Mega Garchomp closed the distance. Boulders descended through mental willpower. He reaped right through. Heat Wave collided with dragon scales. He barreled right through. Nothing would deny him. Volcarona flew back, a Quiver Dance at the ready. He wouldn't let it.
Hardened jaws bit through burning hot wings with Crunch. Thick arms hugged the moth before both crashed onto the ground. Draco Meteor struck down. Heat Wave was unleashed. He ignored the sweltering inferno as claws dug into flesh. He stomped. The scarred battlefield shook from his Earthquake.
BOOM.
Volcarona sent Garchomp flying with Psychic. He responded in kind with Flamethrower.
Boulders were thrown. He cleaved them. Draco Meteor erupted upward. Every single one of his meteors was deflected by a wide-sweeping Heat Wave. He dashed forth. Rampaging dragon clashed with volcanic sun. Light and energy exploded outward with every collision. A mere swing of his claws formed craters. One flap of Volcarona's wings generated hurricanes.
Brute force met mental willpower.
The rapid vibrations of Bug Buzz caught the dragon in its tormenting sound. Psychic moth dropped half the battlefield on top of him. His knees bent from the weight. No. Not like this. He could feel the taste of victory. Dragon Claws formed.
SCHINK.
He cut it in half. Dust and dirt flew. Garchomp's legs ached as he took a step forward. A scorching Heat Wave slammed into him. The dragon took a deep breath as he tried to get his bearings together. His breath left him when he was slammed against the wall by Psychic. Quiver Dance activated before his eyes. Volcarona's mental hold on him grew stronger.
Exhausted muscles struggled for control. Vision blurred. He tightened his jaws as he released another bellowing warcry.
Stomp.
His foot took one step forward. Psychic pressure increased. Another step.
Stomp.
And another.
Stomp.
Stomp.
Stomp!
Stomp!
Garchomp felt like he had the weight of a mountain on top of him. Five of his brothers-in-arms opened up the path. It was his job to end it. His kin, his family, were cheering him on. If he couldn't run, walk. If he couldn't walk, crawl.
Just reach Volcarona!
He bellowed with such volume that it drowned out all noise. The weight of the mountain grew and the floor below him turned into a fine dust. He was walking through sand. Garchomp's knees felt indescribable pain. He refused to go down.
Stomp.
He was in front of him now. The dragon towered over Volcarona. The moth focused all of its thoughts on pulverizing him. Garchomp lifted a single cleaver against oppressing pressure. Dragon Claw glowed.
Once the moth knew it was all for naught, the psychic hold was released in favor of Bug Buzz. He swung down.
SCHINK! CRACK! BOOOOOOOOM!
Silence.
A body fell.
"Volcarona is unable to battle!" The referee screamed in disbelief. The stadium's roaring jubilation finally reached the dragon's ears. "That means Red Satoshi is the victor and our newest Unova League Champion!"
He did it.
It was only when Volcarona was returned to Alder's side did Garchomp finally fall to his knees.
XXX
Unova's Hall of Fame was old. Made of ancient rock and stone, the league existed in this region for generations. It had a proud history with plenty of fine warriors and even finer champions. Hung along its walls were paintings and pictures of Unova's best, from the very first to last. At the very end held a picture of a younger Alder with his original team. These sacred halls were meant to commemorate those that reached the pinnacle of what it meant to be a Pokemon trainer.
Another would be added to these hallowed grounds.
Alder walked alongside the newest champion. All six of Red's Pokemon were beside them. Recovered and rested, both trainer and team still looked equally exhausted. He couldn't blame them. They threw everything they had to be here.
Their efforts would be rewarded.
"When I was younger, I could not help but be awed by the names engraved on these walls," Alder said with a smile. "I still am." They reached the end. "I made a promise. To surpass everyone before me and become the strongest in all of Unova. My name was placed here as a result; my achievements and efforts were finally made manifest. I will be immortalized as a champion."
His picture was displayed at the front. He walked up to it, firm hands gripping the edges before taking it down. He glanced at the empty spot on the left wall and chuckled. "Every day, I waited." He placed his picture there. "I inevitably had to pass on the mantle and my only desire was for that person to be stronger than me. So I trained, I grew, I fought with all my strength so the next generation will be better than the last. That was my only wish."
Alder beamed at him as he unveiled the portrait of Red and his Pokemon that lay on the table before them. He grabbed it and placed it at the front for the entire world to see.
"Thank you for fulfilling that wish." He offered his hand and the champion took it. "Welcome to the Hall of Fame."
The Pokemon around them cheered. Red smiled before letting go. "I am honored."
"There are a few things I must teach you." The former champion grinned. "Every region gives its champions different responsibilities. Some regions hold no obligations for you to fulfill, some do. I will get you up to speed on Unova's."
"Of course."
"There is one issue that needs to be addressed, however, and this job is yours alone to do."
Red blinked. "And what is that?"
"Well..."
XXX
"Elite Four?" Caitlin set down her cup of tea. Red was sitting across from her, the two of them relaxing in a Pokemon Center. Pikachu was munching down on some Pokepuffs nearby. Ever since his crowning as a champion, the man had been busy understanding just what that entailed. Having a moment to sit and talk with one another became somewhat of a novelty.
Not that it was a problem. His battle was legendary and all of Unova watched with bated breath. They wanted to know more about their newest champion. His popularity had been growing silently, but it accelerated in the wake of his accomplishments.
That popularity came with its own drawbacks. Red underestimated the number of fans he truly had. Some were fanatical. When he specifically requested her presence, she accepted and that led to them speaking in a private room for their leisure. His mere attendance would have distracted the trainers in the building and Nurse Joy was kind enough to give them a place to speak without interruption.
He nodded. "Apparently the old Elite Four were planning to retire soon. Alder's defeat gave them all the more reason to do so. That leaves Unova without one and they want me to pick the next generation of them."
She connected the dots. "You want me to be one."
"Yes," Red said, "I know I'm asking for a lot. You probably want to do more before settling down like this, but I couldn't think of anyone better than the person that I've personally seen grow into a fine trainer throughout my journey."
His words touched her.
"There is no need to plea," Caitlin shook her head. Her answer was obvious. "It would be an honor to serve among your royal guards."
"That's not really the purpose of the Elite Four."
"It is still a role that must be fulfilled." Her eyes shined with determination. "This is my way to repay this enormous debt. Your reign as king of this region shall be peaceful. I'll make sure that no challenger passes me." Not a single one would reach her mentor. That was the least she could do.
Red looked surprised at her conviction but nodded nonetheless. "Thank you."
"Who are the other candidates you've chosen?"
"The apprentice of the former champion, Marshal. He's a promising trainer and has experience handling the duties required for the role due to his connection with him." Caitlin nodded. That made sense. "Shauntal is also proficient enough. She could see things that I may not be able to." The psychic could understand that as well. "I was also thinking of Grimsley."
She made a face. "Really?"
"Marshal's an honorable individual and Shauntal's honest. So are you. I need that, obviously, but a man that sees the world from a darker perspective is useful too." Red's reasoning was sound, much to her dismay. "I will need his cunning."
"I suppose you are right," she sighed. "I will acquiesce to your wisdom."
Someone cleared their throat. Her mentor blinked before turning to see an apologetic Nurse Joy. "Excuse me, Champion Red, I know you asked for some privacy, but a Dragonite outside is asking for you."
"You can just call me Red," he grinned before looking befuddled, "and a Dragonite? Is it with a trainer?"
"No, it's just a Dragonite."
How odd. What would a lone Dragonite want with her king?
"I see," he hummed before nodding. "I'll handle it. Thank you, Nurse Joy."
They stood up to meet it. It must have traveled far for the nurse's Audino was treating the exhausted beast's wings.
The first thing they noticed was its satchel. Caitlin clapped in realization. "A messenger?"
From who though?
Her action alerted it and excitement lit up on the dragon's face. The courier charged forward and Audino did its best to drag it back, but the strength of a Dragonite could not be underestimated. Luckily, it stopped and pulled out two envelopes. To her surprise, one was for her.
Pikachu hopped onto Red's shoulders and took a sniff at the casing. It was dark in color and the design was sleek and complex. Cold, thin steel touched her fingers. Metallic? Not normal at all.
It started glowing.
XXX
Dear trainers...
XXX
"What's this?" Lance took the mail offered to him from the friendly Dragonite. He raised a brow at the hologram. That was some state-of-the-art technology. Bruno poked through the three-dimensional image as if playing with magic.
XXX
Please forgive this surprise message from a stranger.
XXX
"Stranger's the right word for it," Steven hummed to himself, staring at the mail sent to him with suspicion. Shiny Metagross was by his side in the PokeMart. When a Dragonite requested his presence, this wasn't the first thing he had in mind.
This technology could rival Devon Corporation. Quite a feat.
But who sent it?
XXX
Your skills and achievements have been acknowledged. Due to your potential, you were selected for a party held by my master, the world's greatest Pokemon trainer.
XXX
Leon set down the trophy and leaned forward from his chair at those words. "World's greatest Pokemon trainer, huh?"
"That's ridiculous," Oleana huffed. "Clearly they haven't met you. Rose and all of Galar proclaimed you the greatest."
"Galar's not the whole world," Sonia rolled her eyes, "but whoever it is, they definitely got style."
XXX
The location? Pokemon Palace on New Island.
XXX
"That's rather far," Diantha tapped her cheek. "Kathi Lee, check my schedule please."
"Already ahead of you."
XXX
We ask that you RSVP whether you're attending or not by checking the box on the return card. More details are included in a second paper inside the envelope.
XXX
"Steven!" Wallace barged into the Pokemon Center, waving something in his hand. The steel-type specialist could guess what it was. The coordinator widened his eyes, "Looks like you got one as well."
"So it would seem."
"Are you going?" Wallace joined his side as they watched the same hologram together.
"It sounds interesting," he acknowledged, "but I am too busy to entertain the words of the self-proclaimed best Pokemon trainer in the world. Maybe next time."
"That's a shame," his rival laughed. "I'll be going, myself."
"I wish you the best of luck then."
XXX
The greatest Pokemon trainer alive invites you.
XXX
"But I'm the greatest!"
"Hush, Flint." The blonde electric-type specialist nudged his best friend. Volkner, Flint, and Cynthia stared at their open invitation with curiosity. "You think Lucian and Aaron got one as well?"
"Everyone who placed well in this year's conference seems to have gotten an invitation," the newest Sinnoh champion noted. "It's just a question if people are going to buy it or not."
"Even if it's some rich dude, I wouldn't mind checking it out for myself." Flint shrugged. "It's a party, right? Besides, if it is the world's best, the battles would be amazing."
Volkner sighed in feigned exasperation. "I'll pass, personally. Not my cup of tea. Cynthia?"
"I might."
XXX
We beg you to accept.
XXX
Brock swooned at the sight of the woman in the hologram. "I think we should go."
"Of course, we will," Ash grinned, glancing at Pikachu with excitement. "Did you hear that, bud? The world's greatest Pokemon trainer! I can't wait to see what they're like!"
"Pika!"
"I wonder who it is?" Serena tilted her head. "You would think we'd have heard of them."
Misty shrugged. "Only one way to find out."
XXX
"Caitlin, I have a favor to ask of you."
She looked to her mentor. "What is it?"
"I'm sorry for springing this out of the blue," he sighed, "but I'm going to need you to watch Unova for a while."
Dots started connecting. "You're going to accept?"
"Yes," Red nodded. He gave an apologetic smile. "It's curious. I've heard of New Island before but..." He looked at Pikachu. The mouse stared back. Something was said between them, but for the life of her, Caitlin couldn't figure it out.
"There is no need to apologize." She handed hers back to the Dragonite. Her king felt that she was needed here. She'd trust him. "I'll take care of everything while you're away."
"Thank you. Please relay my offer to Marshal, Grimsley, and Shauntal while I'm gone. This shouldn't take long." The psychic froze when her king bowed to her in gratitude. Red turned to his faithful starter. "Come on, Pikachu."
The two ran off. She waved them farewell before turning to Nurse Joy. Caitlin had a lot of things to do while he was gone. Plenty of people to meet, things to check, and trainers to invite. It was going to be a tiring affair, but from her experience with Unova, the place was generally self-sufficient. The people here could take care of themselves. That was why Alder could afford to act like he was.
"Is there a PC here that I may borrow in private?"
"Of course," Nurse Joy bowed.
Might as well start by recruiting her king's Elite Four.
XXX
Was it arrogance to foolishly challenge the best Pokemon trainers around the world? Perhaps.
Was it arrogance to call himself the greatest of them all? Undoubtedly.
But he needed answers.
What was he? What was his purpose? Why did he exist?
Giovanni's answers rankled him. He was not just some weapon. He wasn't a tool to be used and discarded for the means of humanity.
But he didn't know what else it could be.
Combat was the only thing he knew. Destruction existed ever since he was born. He was produced and manufactured for limitless potential. Every biological function he held was designed for strength and power. His might could topple armies. His intelligence was forged for the downfall of his enemies. His instincts desired competition. He would never accept anything but a complete victory.
Was that why he wanted this? Could he find his answers by fighting the world's greatest humans?
Scientists and researchers betrayed him once. He would never trust them again. Schemers and criminals failed him too. They wanted nothing more than to imprison him for their own purposes, but warriors and champions held strength and he could respect strength.
Machines whirred around him as multiple screens lit up. Data, information, and visual aid connected to Mewtwo, his mind studying those that accepted his invitation. He wouldn't have bothered learning about his potential foes if not for seeing their power firsthand. To think his hubris could have been his downfall. He was wiser now. He would plan for them.
He was not confident he could best them, but that didn't mean he would come without advantages.
Mewtwo bought time to prepare. He waited until their foolish competitions were completed and used the information collected to accurately understand his opponents. Televising their bloodsport was a boon he took full advantage of.
Their servants would be neutralized. Their strengths would become their weaknesses.
He would dismantle everything they had in search of an answer and if their answers were not satisfactory, then he would simply strike back.