"Pardon my language but... damn." Tabitha gawked. "This is fucking cool. How'd you make all this?"
"This particular cave is natural, believe it or not." Tosh responded. "The system of caverns has existed for over thousands of years, preserved underneath the ocean. The Pokemon that live here likely traveled on the backs of larger sea animals and spread before any of the regions were ever conceived!"
"How would they be able to get down here?" I asked as the elevator reached its destination. Tosh stepped out onto the raised platform, signaling for us to follow him."
"The entrance from that island was admittedly larger in the past." Tosh explained. "It was definitely man-made, though. Some sort of catastrophic event happened that blew open a huge hole into this system. That event also introduced the gems lining the cavern walls."
"They're so pretty! Are they diamonds?" Yamka asked.
"No, they are not." Tosh replied. "They are deposits of Meganite. Special gems that are the 'key' in Mega Evolution."
A moment of silence followed the professor's attempt at humor. He looked back at us to make sure that he had our attention before turning back.
"Anyways." Tosh continued. "The island formed from that event, and numerous species from other regions travelled here. With the help of my scientists, we opened up three more pathways to connect some isolated areas that were either filled with native species or ones from other regions. Every other area, though, is completely natural."
My mind shifted away to a huge waterfall we were passing. The mist that it produced did not taste salty, however. It had to be completely clean.
"Is this a fresh water-fall?" I asked, pointing at the fall.
"Yes, indeed." Tosh cheerfully informed us. "There's a salt cave above us where the water is naturally purified, for the most part. It's still a bit salty."
"Hey, fresh water in the middle of the ocean's pretty cool, even if it's not perfect." Peter remarked. "So where are we, and where are we going?"
"Normally a place like this would be given a route name, but that's no fun." Tosh began. "This is Stride Passage. It's probably the most mild and calm cave of the system due to its connection to the entrance above. We're heading to the capital, where we have our base of operations. We have maps spread out everywhere so people don't get lost, but I'll show you it when we get there."
"How long of a walk is it?" Tabitha asked.
"Not much." Tosh responded. "But we have some time. I've been talking a bit, so how about you folks tell me about yourselves."
"Well, my name is Tabitha." The girl began. "I've always thought about being a trainer, but my family wasn't too keen on the idea. I loved to play around in the park when I was young, so exploring isn't anything new to me."
"I don't think this is that kind of ball game." Peter replied. "But the name's Peter. I'm pretty much in the same boat as the rest of these guys; we've been friends all throughout our later years of education. I for one am very thankful to be given this opportunity."
"So you all know the ropes then?" Tosh asked.
"Yep." Yamka replied.
"Oh thank goodness." Tosh sighed. "Tutorials are a pain for me, and I already have to explain so much. Thank you for being patient with me, my friends."
"No problem!" Yamka cheered. "I'm Yamka, by the way. I hope that my friends and I can have lots of fun here. Our lives aren't exciting enough."
"With you, maybe too much actually." I joked. "My name's Nathan. What I can say has already been said."
"Don't worry, this will most certainly be an exciting experience for the lot of you, I promise." Tosh continued. "We're coming up on the ridge. Take a good look."
The walkway deposited us on a raised wall of the cave, leaving behind the grassy area. Tosh finally stopped his walk at the edge of a cliff, near what appeared to be a cable car, looking down. After joining him, I was gifted with the view of the most amazing city I had ever seen. Countless houses lines the walls of the cave, with wooden walkways strewn about to connect them. Cable lines holding cars sat idle on some, positioned to make traversing the maze easier. The buildings' size, shape, and color varied intensely, with a few in particular sticking out. At the bottom of the cliff sat a huge lake, supplied water from the water flowing down on all sides. Some infrastructure sat on stilts over the lake, with more soaked platforms allowing easy movement between them.
"This is Aicam City, the biggest city of the region." Tosh explained, placing his hands on his hips in triumph. "It's able to house about three million people at the moment, and we can always expand."
"How many people live here right now?" Peter asked.
"About two hundred." Tosh sighed. "But as people keep coming, I'm sure we'll have a more lively region. Every great work of art must begin with one flick of the brush. Now, if you could please get on the lift, everyone."
I followed Tosh, with Peter behind me. Yamka was too busy admiring the view to notice Tabitha grab her arm to drag her in with us. A press of a button sent the lift to life, speeding us off towards a large platform on the cliff to our right.
"This lift moves between Stride Passage and the main square of the city. There are a few more cars there to get to other places in Aicam City or other areas." Tosh explained. "This lift is the strongest out of them all, being the main method of transport to and from the main exit. It can hold up to a hundred decently-weighted people and Pokemon."
A second car suddenly flew past us, heading back towards the cliff. Tosh grabbed onto his hat to prevent it from flying off.
"The dual car system makes operation more efficient." Tosh continued. "But as for the city, construction began over ten years ago. Massive amounts of power from both man and Pokemon were required to build everything to pristine condition. Water is purified from the bottom of the lake below the city to be used by residents. It helps to prevent flooding, too, if the water cannot flow out fast enough. If the flow is too slow, we can purify ocean water instead, and we have plenty of that. As for food, miniature farms line the waterfalls. They're completely automated, meaning that we just have to come and harvest the stuff when it's done. The routes we constructed ourselves are also used for food production."
"It sounds like you made the city to be very independent." Peter commented.
"Well, we need to be." Tosh replied. "We're not exactly near another region to get help from. We have to make our own electricity, which hydropower more than allows. To save power we only use indoor lights. Natural light from the salt caves above feigns a day-night cycle, so things shouldn't be that hard to get used to."
The cable car stopped, its doors opened, and Tosh continued to his destination. The large building directly opposite the line of cars with labels of destinations was where he entered. The doors slid open in anticipation for us, letting everyone inside. White walls made up most of the entrance, a desk occupied by a worker who probably wasn't doing their job, and a waiting area with a few plants and a newspaper taking up the rest.
"I'm back, Beth." Tosh said, waving. "We have some guests."
The woman immediately returned to reality, focusing on us. She too wore an ebony lab coat, but no headpiece. Her red hair was thrown back as she got up, revealing her slender form. I wasn't infatuated by her, but I wasn't one to shy away from admiring the female form.
"Hello, Toshley, everyone." Beth greeted us. "Welcome to the Pokemon Lab."
"Name pending." Tosh added.
"Yes, yes, sir." Beth sighed. "I assume you want to give them the tour?"
"No, they're already experienced enough from what they tell me. Let's just go back and tell them about the place." Tosh suggested.
"Right. This way, everyone." Beth requested, bringing us deeper into the lab. A few other scientists passed by, giving friendly waves that we returned to them. Everyone wore the same black coat, something I couldn't help but find strange. When I thought of scientists, a white coat came to mind. Whatever, I bet they have a good reason.
Beth stopped to turn to a door, pulling it out. Tosh walked inside, with us a short distance behind him. The man went to the opposite side of the room towards a table adorned with a computer and a few journals. Right behind the professor was a glass wall, and on the other side sat an array of different colored gems and stones at filled the room with a multi-colored glow. He grabbed his hat, placing it on his desk before turning back around with his hands in his pockets.
"Now." Tosh started. "I want to thank all of you once again for coming here. As a Pokemon Professor, I want to learn about the many different kinds of Pokemon found on the planet and unravel their secrets. It's what I love. I came across this mysterious land a decade ago when journeying between the Sinnoh and Kanto region. The stones I found here reshaped how Pokemon do combat, introducing Mega Evolution to the world. The money I made allowed me to construct an entire region from the ground up, one which I can call my own. And now that it's complete, my research may continue. With you."
"What do you mean?" Peter asked.
"The stones found here do trigger Mega Evolution, yes. But the huge stones themselves are extremely unstable. They've done strange things to the wildlife, things you couldn't imagine. Things I want to learn more about, and what you can teach me. You see, I've already gotten a filled Pokedex, the device used to record information about every species found in the world. That's such a boring job. You, I want to give you a more interesting task."
"Ooh~! What is it?" Yamka asked.
"Let me explain. The way that Mega Evolution currently works is this: A Keystone made of the gems found in Stride Passage among other places interacts with a specific Mega Stone found in one of the other caves. This interaction gives massive power to the Pokemon, giving them a stronger form, a stronger mind. This is only temporary, however. The challenge I give you is to find a way to make your Pokemon have an increased state of power permanently."
"You weren't kidding, that is quite interesting." Tabitha commented. "So how would we do that?"
"Well, there's a very interesting tidbit about Mega Evolution. I didn't just stick two stones together to find out what happened. What do you think made the discovery?"
"Ancient writings?" Peter asked.
"No, but you're not going to guess it." Tosh replied. "The answer is actually sex, believe it or not."
None of us responded to his statement. As for me, I wasn't sure if he was joking or being serious.
"Yes, yes. It's weird." Tosh continued. "But hear me out on this one! The stones actually react to high amounts of emotion! Mega Evolution is, after all, impossible without a good bond. I just happened to be experimenting when it happened.
"S-some science you have there." Yamka stuttered nervously.
"Look." Tosh said calmly. "I know it's not the thing you were probably thinking of, but affection is the only lead we have to learning about Mega Evolution. I'm not asking you to walk out of this laboratory to get right to work, no. I want you to ease into it over time. Don't force it to happen, or else you'll end up regretting it."
"Is sex with Pokemon even legal?" Peter asked.
"My region, my rules." Tosh informed him. "And besides, I don't think it is. I mean, do I look hurt or insane to you? Wait, no. You should see my partner, that'll convince you."
Tosh pulled out a cyan Pokeball, opening it. A flash of blue light released an extremely large serpent. It was almost twice his size, with tan skin and bright red hair. The scales on its tail opened like a fan, and when I saw its eyes, I couldn't bring myself to look way.
"It's beautiful..." I swooned. Immediately I regained control of myself, planting a slap on my own face. Peter might as well have seen a ghost, observing my reaction.
"Thank you." Tosh replied. "This is a Milotic. It's my favorite and only Pokemon, and also my special someone. Her name is Infinity."
"He loves that girl to death." Beth added.
"S-so, how does one... have sex with a Pokemon?" Tabitha asked.
"It comes naturally." Tosh answered. "When you get to that point, you'll know what to do. If you don't you could always experiment on each other."
That comment shut us up even more. Now that he brought it up, Yamka and Tabitha definitely had their own perks to them, both in appearance and personality, but no. If it was going to happen it wouldn't be now.
"Too soon?" Tosh asked, returning his Pokemon to its ball. "I understand. Don't worry, you'll come around. And if you don't, at least you have an epic adventure to live. Speaking of which, I have gifts for all of you."
Tosh grabbed some things off of his desk before approaching us. He held out a device, but we were still startled by the turn of events.
"Hey!" Tosh shouted. "These are completed Pokedexes. They have information on every species, plus a few... additions if you need them."
I took the device from his hand, examining it. It was very basic, only the size of a card, but it would do. Everyone else took theres, and Tosh went back to his desk.
"Those also have holo-casters built in, and you're all registered to each other." Tosh continued. "Now, we get to the fun part."
Tosh returned to us, holding out four Pokeballs. Each one was perfectly identical, and completely featureless. What was inside was anyone's guess.
"I don't do starters like the rest of the professors, because they are found naturally here." Tosh explained. "Instead, I like to make things interesting. Go ahead, Yamka. You pick one."
"Me? Okay." Yamka responded. She stepped forwards, her eyes scanning the Pokeballs in Tosh's hands. She moved to grab the one on the right, but hesitated for a moment. Finally she reached a conclusion, picking the one second to the right. The woman backed off, looking at her prize.
"Do not it yet." Tosh asked. "Now for you Peter."
"I'll take this one." Peter stated, grabbing the far right one. He spun the ball on his finger, almost dropping it if he hadn't caught on and stopped.
"Now Tabitha."
Tabitha took the ball closest to the left before walking back in line. I stepped forward, attempting to take hold of the last one. Instead the professor jerked his hand away, placing the last ball into his pocket.
"No, Nathan." Tosh commented. "I have something special for you."
He reached into his coat this time, pulling out a cyan-colored ball that he placed in my palm. It had a few wave patterns on it, with the button shaped like a seashell.
"This is my gift to you." Tosh whispered. "I want you to promise me something."
"What?" I whispered back.
"When you open this, don't try to give it away." Tosh asked. "Never, never think that you can't love it. Everything deserves a chance, so don't judge a book by its cover."
"Why?"
"Can you promise me that?"
"...Yes. I promise."
"Good!" Tosh shouted. "You can all open them now. See what's inside!"
"We should take turns." Peter suggested. "Mind if I go first?"
"Go for it." Tabitha responded. Peter released his Pokemon, materializing it on the ground in a flash of red. What it created was a small rabbit, one ear tucked in while the other extended. It looked around the room before noticing Peter. It looked up at him, raising its arms towards his towering body. Peter reached down at grabbed it, letting the small creature scurry around to sit on his shoulder.
"A Buneary." Tosh said. "A normal type. What do you think?"
"I think it's rather sweet. I don't see why I shouldn't keep it." Peter said. "Is it a girl or a guy?"
"It's female." Tosh answered.
"I'll call her Blanche, then." Peter stated.
"Glad to hear it." Tosh cheered.
"Now it's my turn!" Yamka yelled. She threw the Pokeball up, bashing the ceiling before it released what was inside. It was around the same size as Peter's Buneary, except strangely cat-like. It had red and yellow skin, something like a protruding mustache, and a stubby tail. Yamka took hold of it, squeezing it like a teddy bear. I was surprised to find that the creature didn't mind its near strangling hug.
"I love it!" Yamka cheered.
"That would be a male Mienfoo." Tosh said. "A fighting type."
"I'll name him Santa!" Yamka stated.
"Santa?" Tabitha chuckled.
"Yeah!" Yamka answered. Tabitha sighed, shaking her head.
"You go ahead and open yours, Nathan. I'll go last this time." Tabitha recommended. I nodded, pressing the seashell button. A flash of blue light brought forth another small figure. But this one was not what I was expecting in the slightest. It was a purple fish, with a hollow fin above its head and grey fins everywhere else. There really wasn't anything else to say about it except that without water it started madly flopping around. It did sparkle every so often, but so dimly that it didn't even matter. I grabbed hold of it, but it still madly shook in protest.
"That would be a Feebas, and a shiny one at that." Tosh stated. "They're incredibly rare, I'll let you know."
"I think I saw you fish this up earlier." I said, having reminded myself of my first sighting of Tosh."
"That would be correct. Trust me, though, it's a really good catch." Tosh said. "It's a very hard Pokemon to train, but I know you can do it."
"You might want to think about giving him some gloves." Beth recommended.
"Ah yes!" Tosh shouted. He ran back to his desk, running through a draw before pulling out a pair of blue gloves. He ran back, handing them to me as I put away my Pokeball.
"These are gloves that Beth made." Tosh explained. "They secrete water to keep some Water Pokemon safe and refreshed. Some don't need it, but yours does. Just wear them and hold her, and you should be good to go."
I slipped them on, the rubber unpleasing to my skin. I lowered the flailing fish into my hands instead of my arms, and almost instantly it stopped. With it calmed down, I gently pressed the fish to my chest, feeling its weak heart beat against my own.
"What will you name her?" Tosh asked.
"I'm no good with nicknames, I'm afraid." I lied. I could very easily give this Pokemon a name, but all of them would probably get me thrown out of the building. I had to hold onto my word and just accept it, unfortunately. With all due luck I could get something a bit more impressive to stand a chance against my friends' Pokemon.
"Alright then." Tosh sighed. "You can always change your mind in the future, so no worries. I will tell you that your Feebas is more experienced than your friends' Pokemon, so it should be good for now. However, since it's a high level you will need to show it care for it to take your advice in battling, and it will level up slower. Consider getting another Pokemon to cover for it."
"Yeah, I think I'll do that." I groaned.
"Now for me." Tabitha said, opening her ball. Another flash of red revealed a small quadrupede, blue and black with its own fur covering its eyes. It was somewhat intimidating, but that feeling was broken when it nudged its head against Tabitha's thigh.
"That would be Deino." Tosh informed her. "Dark slash Dragon type."
"Cool." Tabitha responded, petting the creature. "He's a guy, right?
"Yes Ma'am." Tosh replied.
"I'll call him Jane. Unlike you I'm good at names." Tabitha commented, smiling at me.
"To each their own." I responded.
"Now." Tosh began, stepping away from us. "This is a place unlike any other. You'll meet lots of nice people and Pokemon, and you can take this journey at your own pace. This world is mine to share with you, and I hope you enjoy it!"
"Thank you." Peter said. "But let me ask you something. What do you gain from all of this?"
"Me?" Tosh asked. "If I were to have a goal, it would have been completed. I have friends, family, and my guests. The fact that I was able to do this makes my heart feel warm. I didn't have to do something illegal to make this region, and yet it was almost effortless. I owe everyone their help in creating Vibreal. And I need your help to make it all worth it. Will you become great trainers, and maybe honor my request?"
"I can't speak for everyone, but I'm more than excited to be here." Tabitha replied. "And I promise I'll keep your words in mind."
"That's all I want." Tosh said. "I know it's a private matter, but please do tell me and my scientists. We have a lot to learn, and we need everything we can get. Don't worry, your secrets are safe with us. We're a bit experienced in that area ourselves, and we do our fair share of experimenting. It's definitely a fun activity, that much is true!"
"I'll think about it." Peter said.
"I-I'll do it if you guys wanna. But if you don't that's fine, I..." Yamka stuttered.
"Calm down, Yamka." Peter suggested. "Let's do one thing at a time."
"What about you, Nathan?" Tosh asked.
"I don't know. I think I'll just be friends with my fish for now." I groaned.
"Don't be that way. Remember what you promised me." Tosh replied. "But I want you guys to stay in Aicam City today. Admire the sights, get something to eat at one of the restaurants that are currently working, and have a nice rest. You four have your own square where your houses are; you'll find the keys and a few non-perishables inside."
"Thanks so much." Peter said.
"No problem. If you need me, I'll be greeting some other guests for the rest of the day. Just catch me going around."
"Alright. See you." Tabitha replied as Beth opened the door again. As we were stepping out, I stopped for a second.
"What's with the black lab coats, anyways?" I asked.
"Lab coats are supposed to be white so you can see if something splashed onto you, for safety reasons." Tosh replied. "That doesn't help much if we're dealing with white stuff!"
"What do yo… oh. Right."
