Chapter 1 - Enter: 'Kuroi Senshi'
HERE LIES PIKACHU
HE WAS A POKEMON
AND WAS LIKE A BROTHER
TO ME
MAY ARCEUS WATCH OVER HIM
乡
Location: UNKNOWN, REGION UNKNOWN
A tall man in a black jacket stood over a stone tablet with that inscription, thinking back to all the times he had with his Brother. As he stood in place, a white person walked over to him. This person wore a white dress with blue sleeves. She had blue hair and an orange spike on her chest. This is the man's Gardevoir, a Pokemon he had since… since his fresh start.
{Master, you've been here all day again. I believe you should get back inside and rest awhile. It would do you some good.}
"No. I want to stay here. Today makes six years, did you know that?"
{I did, Master, and I have already paid my respects to Brother Pikachu.} The man smiled.
"Please, Gardevoir. I've asked you to stop calling me Master, and Pikachu isn't your Brother. How many times have we been over this?"
{I cannot recall… Master.}
"You're not gonna stop, are you?" She shook her head.
{I don't believe so, no.} The man slightly chuckled before turning back to the slab.
"Pikachu…" he whispered.
{I know Brother Pikachu is watching over us from Lord Arceus's side. He'll always protect you… protect us.} He nodded.
"I know he will." He finally turned around to face his Pokemon, and she stared at him.
{You still look as menacing as ever, Master.}
"What, this?" He said, lightly touching the scar that went from his left eyebrow, through his eyelid and ending on his left cheek; a simple vertical line.
{Yes, Master. It always gives me the chills when I see it, but its proof of your bravery and heroism.}
"I suppose, but I'd rather not have it. I'd rather have my buddy here than this scar." Hours passed by like this, the man still standing in the same spot with his Gardevoir by his side. They stared past the stone tablet which indicated where Pikachu rested. The view was breathtaking. A vast forest could be seen for miles in either direction and over the horizon stood tall, peaking mountains which had a pure white snow covering a good portion of it. A river of fresh water came from the mountains and ended in a large lake that rested in the heart of the forest. Hundreds, if not thousands, of Pokemon, lived in said lake and forest. During late afternoons, the sun could be seen lowering behind those mountains, making the snow shine like millions of diamonds, the sky changing colors from blue to a red, from a deep purple to an obsidian black, the sky sprinkled with millions upon millions of stars.
{You could not have chosen a better spot for Brother Pikachu,} Gardevoir said. The man nodded.
"I made a promise to Pikachu just before he died. I'm not sure if I ever told you this. I promised him that he would rest where everyone was always happy, where we could watch the sunset every day and a place where we could have fun. I promised him that I would always look out for those who couldn't watch for themselves. That's why I'm the protector of this forest. I, along with a few Legendary Pokemon, watch over this sanctuary for all, be it human or Pokemon."
{I wasn't aware of this, Master. I'm glad that you've kept your promise to Brother Pikachu.} A single tear fell from his hard, rigid face.
"Yes, I am too. Come on, it's late and we have to go get some supplies in the town. Would you come with me?"
{Of course, Master.} He smiled.
"Please, stop calling me 'Master'."
{Of course… Master.} He sighed, smiled and walked into the cave not far from the tablet.
Morning came all too early for the man, as he groaned and turned in his cot to avoid the rays of sunlight falling upon his face.
{Wake up, Master. We need to go into town today, remember?} He moaned, not wanting to get up. {Please, Master, the sun is rising, and I know you don't like going into town when it's full of people.}
"Go away," he mumbled.
{Fine, Master, you asked for this.} Her eyes immediately glowed a light blue, and soon enough, the man was surrounded by this light as well. {Last chance, Master.} There was an inaudible mumble. The Pokemon sighed, and gently tossed him on the floor. He screamed at the feeling of falling, a feeling he had always hated. He quickly got up and glared at his companion. She stared back at him with an innocent look, pretending she didn't know what had happened. With a light growl, he walked past her to get ready for the day. The Gardevoir smiled in success.
Minutes passed and the man still hadn't come back, making the Gardevoir somewhat irritated. She knew she couldn't just barge into his private room, he may not be decent at the moment. She crossed her arms, tapping one hand on the other As she waited for her Master, another Pokemon walked into the room. This one was similar to the Gardevoir, except she was brown, had long ears and looked like a bunny.
{Master still in his room?} Gardevoir nodded. {Be patient, sister. He'll come out eventually. Are you two planning on going in town?} Gardevoir nodded. {Ooh, could you please bring me some Pecha Berries? I've been Craving some for a long while, and I keep forgetting to ask Master.}
{To be honest, I'd like some too. I really like how sweet they are.} As they talked about their berry preferences, the man walked out of his room, ready for the day. He wore what he always did: a black leather jacket with a tight black silk t-shirt, dark blue jeans, and black knee-high boots. He wore black leather fingerless gloves and a black breathable cloth mask over the bottom half of his face*. His black hair was always a mess, sticking out everywhere. Lastly, he wore a necklace with a plain Pokeball hanging on it… which had a lightning-bolt sticker on the front. In town, the people called him 'Kuroi Senshi', which meant 'The Black Warrior'. To them, he was a mysterious figure that lived high in the local mountains that showed up from nowhere six years ago. Many were friendly with him, battling him and sometimes giving him supplies he needed for survival. Although he kept denying these gifts, they insisted, and eventually, they won. Today was such a day when he had to go back to town to restock on food, drink, medicine and much more.
"If you're done talking about berries, I suggest we go now." The two looked up, startled, for they had not heard him enter the room.
{Master… you shouldn't scare us like that.}
"Oh please. I bet the most you got was a little shock." The bunny stared at him, eyes twinkling.
{Well, I never could hide anything from you.}
"Never. Come on, Gardevoir. We're leaving now." The Pokemon nodded as she walked over to his side. "Lopunny, I need you to take charge of today's training session. I'll check up on you to see how far you've all come today." The bunny nodded, jumping in place.
{Of course, Master. Leave it all to me!}
"Thanks. Gardevoir, could you teleport us outside the Pokemon Center?" His Pokemon nodded again before a flash of light enveloped the room. Seconds later and they were gone.
{Oh, wait! My berries!}
Many people were starting to wake up for the day, few having nothing planned out, others continuing on their journey. The local Nurse Joy was one of these people, already up and watering the plants outside her little Center. She was humming a cheery tune when a flash of light slightly blinded her. She was not scared, for she knew who it was. As the light faded, she stood up to face him.
"Good morning, Mr. Harper. Good morning to you too, Gardevoir."
"Morning, Nurse Joy." Gardevoir waved to acknowledge the Nurse.
"Are you here for your monthly supplies?"
"Yes, I am. Also, is there any news about Team Rocket?"
"Good, I've already collected your supplies in preparation for your next visit. As for Team Rocket, I've heard little. Just some Grunts here and there, but easily overtaken by local trainers." Mr. Harper grunted. "If I may ask, why are you so interested in Team Rocket?" Mr. Harper took a glance at Gardevoir. She gave a slight nod and turned away from Nurse Joy.
"If you want to know, I wouldn't say no to a cup of coffee." Nurse Joy smiled before walking into her Center, followed by Mr. Harper and Gardevoir.
"Thank you for the coffee, Nurse Joy."
"No problem at all, Mr. Harper, I'm always glad to help. Now, why don't you tell me about your interest in Team Rocket?" He took a long sip of the hot, bitter drink.
"It actually started years ago. About eleven, actually. From the day I got my starter Pokemon, a group of them followed me for years trying to steal my Pokemon, especially my Pikachu. But my problem with them didn't start until six years ago… when I lost almost everything. But for now, I'll tell you how I happened to come across Gardevoir here."
"Give it up, Harper! You'll never be able to stop me! My empire is too large for you to stop alone!" Harper ran through a white hallway, looking for a place to hide. A large group of grunts was on his tail, and Team Rocket's Leader was talking to him through the base's PA system. In his arms was a Pikachu, badly hurt from the Grunts that now chased him. He sighed with satisfaction; there was a door at the end of the hall. If he could enter before the Grunts turned the corner, he might be able to get away. The door opened with ease when he kicked it, and just as quickly he closed it behind him. He ran behind some boxes as the sound of the Grunts ran past the door, slowly fading away. Harper fell to the floor, exhausted from running and battling. He looked at his Pikachu; he was barely breathing.
"C'mon, buddy… don't do this to me… please go inside your Pokeball… you'll be in suspended animation… you'll live!" The mouse barely moved.
{You know… I don't… like that thing…} Pikachu could barely whisper.
"Pikachu, please! Save your strength! Go inside, I beg you…" Tears fell from Harper's face and landed on Pikachu's yellow fur.
{Jack… promise me something…}
"Anything, buddy… anything."
{I don't think I'm gonna make it… I feel my energy leaving…} Pikachu lightly coughed.
"Don't say that!"
{Please, Jack… leave me where I can see the beauty of the world… protect those that can't protect themselves… just like we've always done." Pikachu was taking in deep breaths by this time, he has strained himself too much.
"Buddy… don't leave me… we've so much more to do… like… like… we still need to win a League, we've more places to go…" Pikachu barely smiled.
{Jack… Harper… thank you for everything… I love you…} With a final ragged breath, Pikachu went limp in Jack's arms.
"Oh, Arceus! I'm sorry about your Pikachu."
"Thank you, Nurse Joy. It means a lot to me."
"So this is why you're so interested in Team Rocket? I would be too if I lost a friend to them."
"This is but a small reason to why I'm after them. Care to listen?" Nurse Joy nodded, saddened by how his story was going.
Harper cried for what seemed like hours, calling for his friend over and over, not wanting to believe Pikachu was gone. Suddenly, a rustling jolted him back to reality. Anger quickly clouded his reasoning, his senses now clouded with bloodlust. A light rustling came from a box to his left, and thinking it might have been a Grunt on the other side, he tackled the large wooden box. A loud squeak came from inside, and upon not seeing a Grunt, but rather a scared Pokemon inside the caged box, Jack calmed down quickly. He looked at the Pokemon no taller than his knees. It had a white body, a light blue bowl-cut hair with an orange spike across its head.
"Ralts…" he whispered. The Pokemon crawled away from him, afraid of him. "No… it's okay, I'm not going to harm you…" He immediately looked for a way to open the steel cage and found none. He frantically looked around and saw a wrench laying in a nearby corner. Quickly picking it up, he raised it over his head and swung at a corner of the cage. The Ralts jumped in fright, squeaked and tried to get as far away as possible. Quickly picking it up, he raised it over his head and swung it at a corner of the cage. The Ralts jumped in fright, squeaked and tried to get as far away as possible. Jack kept swinging at the cage, slowly bending the metal bars and making an opening. The Ralts kept squealing, thinking something bad was going to happen to it. When an opening wide enough was made, Jack stuck his arm in, reaching for the frightened Pokemon.
"Don't worry," he whispered. "I'm not going to hurt you. I'd never hurt you." His voice slightly calmed it down, but the Pokemon was still untrusting towards the human. Jack quickly reached for his bag, producing an Oran Berry from it, offering the fruit to the Pokemon, "Here, eat this… it'll make you feel better." The Pokemon snatched the berry away, eating it in large bites. In mere seconds, it was all gone. It quickly stretched its small arms out, asking for more. Jack wiped some tears away. "Okay, okay. Let me see if I have some more." Searching through his bag, Jack took out a few Oran Berries, Pinap Berries, and a single Lum Berry. The small Pokemon eyed the food hungrily before devouring it all within moments.
{Thank you, Mister.} Jack smiled.
"You're welcome, Ralts. How did you come across Team Rocket?"
{They took me from my home… from my mommy Gardevoir and daddy Gallade. From a forest that you humans call in the Sinnoh Region.}
"When was this?"
{About thirteen cycles ago.}
"So that's… thirteen days?" Ralts shook its head.
{No… in human terms… it's exactly one year.}"
"Ah… I'm sorry for everything you have gone through…" The Ralts stared at him in confusion.
{Why do you apologize? You've done nothing wrong. You seem to be a good human, and your Pikachu there seems to be resting after a long battle.} Jack's eyes started to water again. Ralts noticed this. {Why do you cry?}
"I cry because Pikachu is no longer waking up…" Ralts stared at Jack.
{I am truly sorry for your loss.}
"I am too… Pikachu was like a brother to me… we went through so much together...he was my very first Pokemon… my first partner…" Jack slumped down, placing his back on a crate. Tears fell, staining his shirt and pants. "Pikachu," he whispered. Ralts climbed on his lap, and with its small arms wiped some of the tears away. Jack opened his eyes, slightly smiling at the small Pokemon. "Ralts… would you like to come with me? I promise to care for you." The Pokemon froze, not believing the offer. True, he seemed like a kind man that would protect her, but at the same time, she had just met the man. But, he didn't seem to be from Team Rocket, or else she would be punished by now. But wait…
{How are you able to talk to me?} Jack smiled.
"Because I'm an Aura Guardian." To prove his point, he raised the sleeve of his jacket. There, branded in his right wrist over his veins was the mark of an Aura Guardian, ' ᕛ '. The Pokemon started jumping up and down.
{Yes, of course, I'll go with you!} Jack nodded approvingly before pulling out a Love Ball.
"This is my last empty Pokeball. This is called a Love Ball. It's pink because… well… a friend gave it to me before we parted ways. Anyways, you'll be safe in here." Ralts nodded before tapping the button and a red light sucked her in. The ball didn't even twitch before signaling a successful capture. Jack placed the Pokeball away before he heard a door open. Remembering where he was, Jack quietly made his way towards Pikachu. Unable to carry his friend, he pulled out Pikachu's Pokeball and sucked his body inside. "I'm sorry, Pikachu, but I can't carry you." Quickly standing up, he reached into his bag and pulled out a kunai. The Grunt slowly made his way towards Jack, unaware Jack was behind a crate next to him. As the Grunt stepped forward, he looked and walked away from Jack. Quietly, Jack stood up and placed the kunai on his throat. The Grunt froze. "One false move and I swear to God I will slit your throat." There was so much anger and malice in Jack's voice that the Grunt quivered in fear. He dropped the Pokeball that was in his hand and slowly raised his hand in surrender. "Good choice." Jack grabbed the rope that was hanging off the Grunt's belt and used it to tie him in place.
"You know you'll never escape, right?"
"I'll take my chances." Jack ripped a section of the Grunt's uniform sleeve and tied it over his mouth, disabling him from talking. Securing the Grunt on a shelf, Jack grabbed his kunai and walked to the exit. Slowly opening the door, he counted a grand total of eight Grunts. Jack sighed. "Great, more than I can handle. Why is it always more?" Getting his kunai ready, Jack prepared himself to attack the Grunts and, if he had to, their Pokemon. As he slowly opened the door, he heard a scream.
"Hey, who's there?" Jack turned his head to see who spoke but had no time to see the Grunt's face before he was enveloped in a red-hot flame. There was an unholy roar as a Charizard turned the corner, engulfing everything in its path in fire. The large Dragon-like Pokemon saw Jack and smirked.
"Go get 'em," was all Jack said before Charizard went off, roaring through the halls. "Atta boy," Jack whispered. He went through the halls, looking for a way to the organization's Leader… the infamous Giovanni Sakaki.
"This is just terrible!" Nurse Joy gasped. Harper, now identified as Jack, smiled.
"Yes, it is, but it also represents the hardships I've been through." He grasped the Pokeball hanging from his necklace. "Not one day passes when I don't think of my friend Pikachu." Gardevoir placed her cup down, having once contained a very delicious Pinap juice with honey.
"Gar, Gardevoir," she said.
"Gardevoir said 'Thank You for the juice. It was very tasty.'" Nurse Joy smiled.
"You're welcome! Anytime you want more, don't hesitate to come. That includes you, Mr. Harper."
"Thank you, you are too kind. I better get going. Are there any Trainers looking for me?"
"Fortunately not. Seems like you have the month free."
"Seems so. Thank you again for your hospitality."
"Anytime, Mr. Harper. Please come again!" Nurse Joy walked back to her post as Jack and Gardevoir walked outside. Jack took a deep breath, sighing in relief at the scent of the nearby woods.
"Ready, Gardevoir?"
{Yes, Master.} A blinding light covered them both before they were instantly teleported back to their home.
"We're back!" Nothing. There was no response when there usually was. Normally Lopunny would have already tackled him to the floor with a hug, but she was nowhere to be seen. He closed his eyes and relaxed. There… in the training field, everyone was gathered there… along with a small Pokemon...and Charizard had it in his claws. Jack quickly ran to his fire Pokemon before he did something to the Pokemon. As he got closer, he could start making out their conversation.
{... Was sent here, so someone knows where Master is, and we can't have that!} Charizard roared out.
{P… please… I'm just a messenger Pidgey… I don't know who your Master is!} Charizard snorted.
{A likely story.} Charizard looked at the others. {Can I just eat it now?} Pidgey gave off a small squawk, fear written all over its eyes and face.
"No, you can't." Charizard looked up, and upon seeing Jack, released the bird, which flew away from Charizard's reach as fast as it could. Charizard started grumbling.
{I was joking, you know…} Jack walked up to the flying bird, which he now identified as a Pidgey.
"Why are you here? How did you find me and who sent you?" Pidgey, noticing that he was only safe while the human was near, landed on his shoulder.
{I'm here to deliver a message tied to my feet, as I've told the idiot Charizard of yours.} Charizard growled, causing Pidgey to hide behind Jack's head.
"Continue."
{I am from the Pokemon League, and I am the President's personal messenger bird.}
"Goodshow… I should have known." Jack removed the capsule from the bird's foot, opening it and grabbing the letter.
Dear Mr. Jack 'Kuroi Senshi' Harper,
I am pleased to announce that you have been selected to participate in the upcoming Pokemon Centennial Tournament. This tournament, as suggested in its name, is held once a century, at the turn of the new century. As some Trainers know, this is a prestigious event where one can win and claim the prestigious title of Pokemon Master.
You have been chosen from thousands of candidates for the following reasons:
Kanto Region Gym Badges - 8/8
Indigo Plateau Conference - Top 16
Orange Archipelago Badges - 4/4
Orange League - Winner
Johto Region Gym Badges - 8/8
Silver Conference - Top 8
Hoenn Region Gym Badges - 8/8
Ever Grande Conference - Top 8
Hoenn Region Frontier Symbols - 7/7
Sinnoh Region Gym Badges - 8/8
Lily of the Valley Conference - Top 4
Unova Region Gym Badges - 8/8
Vertress Conference - Top 8
Kalos Region Gym Badges - 8/8
Lumiose Conference - Runner-Up
Multiple Legendary Encounters
Given these astounding achievements, you are one of only 2,048 carefully selected Trainers competing. If you decide to attend, please make your way to Hau'oli City in the Alola Region by the end of the month of March. Registration will be from April 1 - 3. Introduction Ceremony will be on April 5. The tournament will begin April 10.
Congratulations on being invited to the
Pokemon Centennial Tournament.
Sincerely, President Charles W. Goodshow
CEO, World Pokemon League
P.S. - Dammit, kid. Do you have any idea how many favors I had to call in just to find out you are the Senshi? At the very least you could show up. You owe yourself that much.
-Charles G.
"Dammit, how did Goodshow find me? I've been off the radar for years!" Jack crumpled the piece of paper, along with the envelope and invitation inside, throwing it as far as possible. "I told Scott to leave me out of tournaments and such!" The nearby Pokemon could feel Jack's anger slowly seeping out, especially Gardevoir. As the Embrace Pokemon was about to walk over to him, a small pink, four-legged Pokemon had already reached him, wrapping her feelers around his arm.
{Please calm down, Master. I know this has greatly upset you, but you need to face the reality of it. We can't all just stay here our whole lives, living in secrecy as we take Team Rocket down. I, for one, want to explore the vast world Lord Arceus created. I want to meet your friends that you speak of, and not just see them on the light box.}
"It's called a TV. And you really feel like that?" The pink Pokemon nodded. "Do all of you… feel like that?" He got a few nods, and a roar from Charizard, a Flamethrower sprouting from his maw. "Overkill."
{And I'm proud of it,} the fire Pokemon responded. Jack looked over to where the envelope lay.
"I'll… I'll think about it," he whispered. He turned to walk to his room when he felt a hand on his shoulder.
{Thank you,} he heard Gardevoir say.
Jack lay in his bed, which was a mattress on the rock floor of the cave. He stared at the rock roof, the stalactite hanging in clusters. Gardevoir's Pokeball was in his hand, gripping it as tightly as he could. He remembered the day he got it. It was the last day he saw her… no… he can't be thinking about his past… not now at least. He has a mission to complete first, then he can go looking for her.
{Master, may I come in?} That voice startled him, waking him from his thoughts.
"Yeah, come in." A bipedal Pokemon walked in, almost as tall as him. It had blue fur mostly covering its body and a tan chest and stomach. Metal spikes were on its hands and feet, and one protruding from its chest. "What can I do for you, Princess?" The Pokemon lightly blushed.
{I've told you already, just because I used to be Queen Ilene's personal aide doesn't mean I should be called 'Princess'.}
"Well, Queen Ilene of Rota told me to treat you like a princess, so I will." The Pokemon sighed.
{Do as you wish, Master.}
"So, what can I help you with?"
{Um… I was talking with Charizard and Pidgeot yesterday… he told me about some of your travels around the Kanto and Unova Regions… and I wanted to tell you that… that… thatIwanttotraveltoo…}
"Well, that's a huge request from you. I think this is the first time you're ever saying something like this."
{Well, all of Charizard's talks and brags about how he was your strongest in the group… it got me thinking… I'd like to experience the rush of traveling, the adrenaline of battle…}
"Alright, alright… I get it." Jack sighed and looked Lucario in her eyes. "Tell the others to meet me at the cliff… I've got something to announce to you all."
Jack stood at a cliff that overlooked the vast forest below. At his feet was a stone tablet… Pikachu's final resting place. One by one, his Pokemon arrived. Lucario came first, followed by Gardevoir and Lopunny minutes later. Sylveon came second after, a Mawile riding her back. A roar erupted from the forest, and in the distance came Charizard, followed closely by a Pidgeot. Once the two landed, Jack turned to face them all.
"Well, you all know I've been invited to Centennial Tournament. After little thinking… and some persuasion," he took a glance at Lucario, who turned away, "I've decided that, for your sake, we shall compete." All of the Pokemon broke out in cheers. A large Flamethrower was launched into the sky. Dante smiled. "Settle down, settle down. As you know, we are headed to the Alola Region, which is pretty far from here. Charizard and Pidgeot will fly us there. We have about a week before we have to leave. During the day, we will train, and at night, you will all have to decide what you want to take with you because we can't take everything." The Pokemon nodded and broke off. Dante looked over at the tablet.
"Pikachu… I will win… for you…"
