AN - Hello everyone who stops to read this! First of all, I'd like to introduce myself. I am Panthershade, and though this is my first story here, this is not my first time writing. This is an AU, so things will be brought up that no one who has played the games, watched the anime, or read the manga will know about. I promise to cover at least in small detail anything I bring up from my "Head-Canon" I have separated the regions as well, not necessarily location, but in language and culture, though they all share an international language, that does not mean they will always speak it. It's a thing I like to do, and I promise to not get heavy on accents and such, I'll just note them and move on. Also an important note, I do tend to be inspired by other works I have read/seen, so If something strikes you as familiar, then don't flame me. I'm saying so here, though I never just copy/paste, that's rude as hell and I myself wouldn't want that done to one of my works.
As I introduce Characters, I'll do a short little thing at the bottom that sheds a little more light on them. I know this is a lengthy author note, and I apologize for it, but bear with me and I'll try to keep the future ones short, but I heavily advise you to read them, as they'll contain important information. Also, all questions you have will be answered at the bottom :)
Rating - T for Ethan's mouth and violence. I mean, come on. These are teenagers. They will swear, though I'll try and keep it at a minimum as I myself don't necessarily enjoy it. XD Anyway. Enjoy!
Broadcasted Across Kanto and Johto Television and Radios.
New Bark Town, Johto.
"Rocket, as we always say, is the future." A woman's voice Gold recognized as a lead Executive of Rocket Industries. "Rocket Industries were one of the pioneers in the high-tech field when it was first established thirty years ago. Ever since then, the company's unique approach and groundbreaking ideas have made it over the years into the number one tech company on the planet. Producing nearly 70% of all Pokemon related technology and revolutionizing our world with every new step it takes."
Gold gritted his teeth as Ethan, his younger brother crossed his arms and glared at the ceiling, the youth could almost hear the same smugness in Ariana's voice she had when he'd faced her three years ago. "But Rocket, even though established as a private company, isn't all about profit-it's about the idea. Rocket Industries is all about pushing the limit of human knowledge, and by doing so, bringing unison and protection to our world. It's about extending humankind's reach even to the stars above. We did all of this through supporting corporations like Silph, who created the modern Poke, Great, and Ultra Balls, funded Devon in Hoenn to help them take Silph's ball project several steps further in customization and also fossil reincarnation all the while donating to various causes like the Pokemon Centers, Museums, and other trainer and pokemon owners alike enjoy."
"Which is why no one fucking believed us...evil bitch..." Ethan growled his ash-grey eyes on the red-haired woman on the screen.
"Calm down, Ethan. There's no use in re-opening old wounds. We stopped their plans at least. And one day, we'll get proof, until then let them continue to make everyone's lives easier." Gold said dismissively.
"As you see, Rocket Industries is more than just another corporation. We are one of the major elements that keep pushing our society forward. Rocket is the future – the future of our world." Ariana finished with a bright smile, one that wooed the nation, but made Gold and Ethan queasy. The elder boy flicked off the TV with his remote and let out a sigh.
"They're up to something, I can feel it." He announced as he stood up. "Scars are aching, means there's gonna be trouble for us." Ethan's glare only intensified, knowing exactly what scars his brother was talking about. The ones Proton had left on him after Gold had stumbled across him in Azalea Town. Thankfully, he'd been found before he bled to death in the middle of Ilex Forest with only a half-dead Cyndaquil to protect him.
"How can you just sit here and do nothing while they continue to go about their business? Even after everything they've done to innocent people and Pokemon, done to you?!" Ethan shouted the last word accusingly, making Gold frown and fold his arms defensively.
"Back off, Ethan. Let it go. There's nothing we can do about them. They're untouchable, remember what they did to Red after the Silph Co. 'invasion'? They demonized him. Silph Co. demonized him, even though what he did actually saved hundreds, possibly thousands of people!" Gold sighed as Ethan let out a snort and threw himself back on the couch in anger. "Face it, they've ingrained themselves too deeply with too many important people and have done too much good for anyone to ever believe a bunch of kids who accuse them of the outlandish things we've stopped. All we can do is continue to silently and stealthily step up and stop them when they begin to push the boundaries."
"That's bullshit..." Ethan said but seemed to be calming. Gold shrugged in answer, not having much more to say on the topic. The elder brother stepped into the kitchen and began dinner. "When's mom coming home?"
"No idea. She's working late tonight."
"Damn, stuck with your cooking again, then?"
"You'll eat it and bloody well like it, or go to bed hungry." Gold answered with a shrug as he laid out the supplies. Ethan flipped the TV back on, flicking past the report on the Bidoof Rebellion in Sinnoh, as far as he knew they'd sent in Dawn and Lucas to put an end to it. The boy didn't really know either of the Sinnoan Dex Holders personally, but their adventure had been...impressive to say the least. So far, no one topped the amount of work those three did toward saving the world and shutting down an evil organization. At least their region believed them...they had proof.
"Hello, Professor Elm." Gold's voice snapped Ethan out of his reverie. The younger boy's eyebrow raised as he straightened himself up from the couch and listened into his elder brother's conversation with the esteemed Johtoan Professor, and in all technicality, their boss. "You want me to come by the lab? Well...I suppose I could. No, no...not too busy, was just cooking dinner. I'll finish when I get back...Oh, I'll pack then in that case..." Ethan could hear the strain in his brother's voice as he uttered the last sentence after a very long pause. "You need me to infiltrate one of Team Rocket's secret bases?" The young boy was on his feet in an instant, he raced for the kitchen and tried to grab the phone and volunteer, but the sharp look his brother gave him and the fact that he was a little over a foot taller than Ethan, kept the phone from the thirteen year old's grasp. "I'll do it." Gold said to both Ethan and Professor Elm. Ethan's eyes widened in disbelief as Gold hung up the phone.
"What the hell?"
"What?" Gold snapped in annoyance. "I can infiltrate a stupid base, Ethan."
"Yeah, I know that, but this is their base. What happened to you saying, 'oh, they're untouchable, Ethan. Might as well not even bloody well try.' You hypocritical prat." Ethan yelled in frustration. "Honestly, I can handle this. I'm the ruddy Champion, not you." The boy snapped folding his arms, enjoying the brief flare of anger in Gold's eyes.
"Listen here you little twit. I'm not sending my little brother in there alone, and that's exactly how Elm wants me to go, alone. I'm just grabbing some information and seeing what they're up to then I'll be back." Gold's anger cooled down as he gave a shrug, "It's my job to protect you, Champion or not. If we send you in, you'll start a bloody riot and then we'll all have to go in because you can't keep your temper in check for more than five minutes. Seconds when near them. That's why. If I need help, I'll send for you first, alright?"
Ethan glowered up at his brother for a few seconds before giving in to the truth. "Fine, whatever. Don't have too much fun without me."
"Yeah, sure." Gold snorted as he turned off the stove and headed toward his room. "You might want to call in pizza for the night. Elm wants me to leave now."
"Awesome. Better than your cooking at least." Ethan laughed as he turned away. "How long are you going to be gone?" He called once he hung up the phone.
"No idea." Gold replied as he reappeared, dressed in his traveling outfit, Pokeballs secured on his belt. "I'll try to get back quick though, before mom misses me too much and starts calling." The older boy stated with a sharp grin.
"She called me every five minutes until I 'accidentally' dropped my phone in the Lake of Rage." The Ethan chuckled.
"Well, that might have to do with you running away from home to go on your adventure." Gold pointed out with a laugh. "She kept calling me as if I'd know where you were. It wasn't until you bulldozed your way through the Elites that I knew for certain where you were at any given time during your grand tour of Johto."
"Kicked your ass too." Ethan smiled as he remembered his victory over his elder brother. "Found Team Rocket's base in Mahogany, shut down their Lake of Rage experiment, and kicked your ass all in the space of a month. Not bad. Not bad at all." The boy said proudly. Gold rolled his eyes as he slung his bag over his shoulder and headed for the door.
"Whatever, don't burn down the house while I'm gone."
"No promises."
Alright, first chapter is done. It introduces Gold and his little brother Ethan.
- Gold, would be the male hero of GSC, and though the storyline from the game is HEAVILY twisted. (I.E. Don't bother trying to follow it, just work with what you're given.) He is 17 and defeated Lance to become Johto Champ, only to have his title snatched away a year later by his driven little brother. Gold is not a strong character, as he is timid in personality and though he is a good battler, he becomes easily intimidated by stronger opponents and hesitant in his commands. (It took him a while to gain that champion title...) He was the first one of the Johto "Taggers" (as I like to call them instead of the Special/Adventures "Dex Holders". Why? Because I thought it sounded cooler and they, as Brendan will point out, "Tag information for the Pokedex." as that is how I'll describe them doing so. If anyone else has a better idea, I don't mind hearing it!) who came across Team Rocket, namely Proton outside of Azalea's Slowpoke Well and suffered a terrible defeat, which in turn was a crushing blow to his confidence he never fully recovered from. (My Team Rocket are absolutely ruthless, as I feel they should be.)
- Ethan, Gold's younger brother. 13. Current Champion of Johto. He is based upon the male protagonist of HG/SS (Yes, I'm aware that HG/SS and GSC male protagonists are supposed to be the same people and I say to that. Nope.) Ethan, along with Lyra and the hesitant help of Silver, is responsible for the taking down of TR's plans in Johto. (At least, the shifty plans that had nothing to do with Rocket Industries. I.E. The Lake of Rage and a few other incidents. The only one that did not happen was the Goldenrod Radio Tower. Giovanni never disbanded.) He's headstrong, mischievous, and highly ambitious.
