Forward, the World's Will gestation period is starting to end!
Location: Vermillion Bird Sea, S.S. Anne
"Why?!" Joh exclaims his ire inside his cabin. His legs stomped furiously on the floor while he was seated on the bunk of his bed - right in front of Gary's. He found it ridiculous that he was met with an even crueler fate than yesterday.
After finding out that Gary was going to be his roommate for the cruise trip, Joh was livid. Seeing it as a chance for redemption, Joh challenged Gary to a battle.
Twenty-four hours have not even passed while he was once again defeated. This defeat from his bitter rival was even more humiliating than before as Gary's Squirtle took over the reins for the battle.
His partner wasn't faring any better. Flaffy had all the life drained from his body, sitting in the corner of the cabin with a defeated look.
Joh had the type advantage and a desolate plain field on the ship, but his partner was still helpless in their battle.
Flaffy's attacks were unable to even land a single hit before being decimated.
Their rival's Squirtle was simply too mobile. No matter the angle or range of the electric attacks, the Pokemon was undeterred by all things. The arrogance that was bored on that turtle's face was undeniable with the passing of time. In Squirtle's eyes, there was no singular Pokemon greater than him except his big brother.
At this point, Joh was just thankful that the ship was full of foreigners. He wouldn't be able to stand another public humiliation, especially since the whole of Kanto has already been aware of his first defeat. Before his second battle against Gary, his phone was bombarded with messages from his cousins. They were more than willing to tease him about the loss.
"So, are you ready for my request?" The only other person in the cabin inquired.
"Go ahead, what do you wanna ask?" Joh looked at Gary with a frustrated face, but relented.
For Gary, the young trainer would usually not accept a challenge from an opponent he had already defeated so soon, but there was something of Joh's that caught his attention - ancient history.
Tales of the Elementary Flames.
Gary knew that his book caught Joh's attention after he saw it, seeing a glint in Joh's eyes that expressed knowledge of the subject material. The Pallet Town trainer realized that perhaps Joh could help him in his search as a member of the Astrea family.
So, Gary accepted the rematch from Joh after the latter agreed to answer a few questions about the book he was currently reading.
"Do you know about the content of this book?" Gary started to ask.
"What do you want to know?" Joh looked at the book in Gary's hands before replying again.
"The Elementary Flames, what was it?" This was the question that had bothered the young trainer. From the book, the flames were alive, breathing and residing in the mortal plane. And yet, the book was quite vague about whether it was actually a living being or a natural disaster.
"It was like the book described it," Joh said in a nonchalant voice and added, "Depending on the person, it could either be a living creature or a natural disaster."
"And to you?"
"A living creature." The Astrea teen said without hesitation as this was the opinion of his entire clan, and Gary was aware of the significance.
"Why?"
"Because it was killed a decade ago," Joh firmly believed in the teachings of their family, "Three thousand elites, two step-masters, and an invincible god took action to stop the creature."
Although Joh was only a year old at that point and couldn't really remember it, the event was recorded by their family.
"The strange phenomenon of the Pokemon World where the skies were darkened by the many legions that convened upon the earth. The goddess and fiend led the charge while the blood immortal presided over the general situation," Joh recited the beginning passage of the book as it was crammed into his head during his childhood.
"If it happened only a decade ago, why is there so little information about it?" Gary asked after careful contemplation of the information. After looking through numerous libraries since the start of his journey, the event written in the book appeared to have occurred in such an ancient time as there were barely any records kept.
Gary wanted to know the reason behind such an event...he needed to know.
To him, one of the pillars for his journey was that generation of the world- the generation that preceded him. His parent's generation and the answers that his grandfather had delegated him to seek instead of giving.
"..."
Joh hesitate to speak, but his eyes met Gary's. The older trainer can see the glimpse of the abyssal depths inside his rival's eyes that wanted to devour him whole for an answer.
The Astrea trainer gave a sigh before answering, "...the world palace."
"Why did you bring them up?"
"...because the event involved Her Highness, the previous Heavenly Enchantress," Joh reluctantly whispers as he leaned close to Gary from his bed. Had it been another person, Joh would not wish to discuss this subject any further.
"The red hall was also involved," Joh further replies in a quiet voice before leaning back to his seat.
Joh stared at Gary with cautionary eyes, shaking his head to tell Gary not to ask him any further.
Any matter that involves the Heavenly Enchantress must be proceeded with caution!
His father was very stern when it came to teaching him this lesson.
At this point, Gary realized that the world palace was the culprit from Joh's actions.
Who were the Astrea family?
They were once the Imperial Electors of the Divine Radiance Empire.
Few things in this world could be mentioned on the same level as the ancient clan.
If they were not willing to share any major information about the event, then the world would be less than willing to record it in the general records.
Even the book that Gary was reading was already bold enough to consider writing vague accounts for the public to read.
As Gary contemplated in silence, Joh was starting to get intrigued by Gary's goals.
From his two encounters, Joh was a bit more clear on the kind of person Gary was. His rival appeared to be more interested in history compared to Pokemon battles, which annoyed him a bit more than usual. Normally, people would jump for joy at beating someone like him, but Gary was completely cold to that fact.
Arrogance.
That was Joh's initial thoughts, believing Gary was too arrogant to be left alive if he was given the choice. But after seeing him again and having an actual conversation, he is starting to view him in a different light.
The man was direct.
His eyes gave no room for hesitation.
His Pokemon were similar in tone as well.
Absolute confidence in one's abilities against anything.
Joh wondered if that was what it meant to be a genius.
"You have my thanks for answering my questions," Gary suddenly responds from his contemplation, snapping Joh out of his thoughts as well.
"If you want another battle, I'm always up for it at any time." Gary was grateful that Joh was even willing to speak after the last question, which was important for him to set destinations in his journey.
The World Protecting Palace and the Immortal Red Hall.
Gary admits that deep down even he would hesitate if these two giants were to come after him. Though, Gary wouldn't just give up his search for answers just because he was afraid of incurring their wrath.
Ash certainly did not stop back then so he could not as well.
After that conversation, Gary and Joh spent the rest of the cruise trip in relative calm. Joh would occasionally go to the arena to find a battle or just reply to messages from his family in shame. He also attempts to strike up discussions about Pokemon battles with Gary when given the chance, thinking that he might learn a thing or two from a genius. He never did take the opportunity to request another match against Gary, believing he would do it again after gaining more experience later on.
In one instance, the older trainer learnt more about Gary's aspirations while they were perched on the balcony of the the ship.
"Say, Gary. What was your reason for leaving on a journey?"
Of course Joh knew that becoming a Pokemon Master was the absolute dream of the many, but he wanted to know the other reasons as well. To Joh, he needed to learn about the world through his own hands and feet if he is to lead the future.
"I need to beat someone." Gary said with a harsh tone at the question. His eyes glowed in brilliance, wanting to drag all living beings down before him. There was no person greater than him in this world, and he will make sure of it.
"Who?" Joh asked with great intrigue as he never would assume that Gary would acknowledge someone as his equal.
"My greatest opponent for the the title of Pokemon Master," Gary explains further with determined eyes, "His ambitions are greater than mine for sure, but I cannot let him succeed if his ultimate is to become sit on this generation's throne."
Joh was starting to get used to the arrogance coming from this trainer from Pallet, but his heart started to beat faster at Gary's words. He wanted to see it, the man that could bring Gary to a standstill in battle.
While Joh's expression was one of excitement, Gary felt a sense of haste and desire when bringing up his childhood friend turned enemy.
Ash.
What did you find back then?
Another reason that Gary went on his journey was to find the answers that Ash had also reached before. The inquiries into a generation that was locked away from the world.
The generation of his parents and the history that continues to elude him.
After that moment, Gary began to ask Joh of other things that pertained to world's history, seeing that there were many more ideas that he must grasp if he is to succeed against his rival.
And just like that, Cinnabar Island was in sight after a few days of sea travel - Joh has reached his stop.
However, instead of being happy, Joh was somewhat depressed. Although he did miss his family, especially his father, Joh wished that he had more time.
As he started to learn more about Gary's personality, he found his defeat to be bearable. The Pallet Town trainer was meticulous in his plans and decisive in his actions. Their conversations usually end with Joh learning about deficiencies in his strategies, which gave him a newfound appreciation for Gary.
Even his partner, Flaffy, was getting used to conversing with Squirtle and Raticate. Their arrogance was even starting to rub onto his partner.
For better or worse, he was reluctant as of now.
"What's the matter? Aren't you going to pack your stuff? Cinnabar is coming up." Rare was it for Gary to inquire about another when reading, he could see that Joh was thinking deeply about something even though the ship was going to dock on the island soon.
From their interactions, Gary was aware that Astrea was having a meeting on the island soon. If he wasn't in a hurry, he would have wanted to meet Joh's family. Gary was interested in Astrea's patriarch due to Joh's constant praise of him.
Joh did not reply to Gary, but sat quietly on his bed with his head arched over a bit in thought.
Gary found it weird but did not inquire further. He just waited for a reply.
Soon enough, Joh lifted his head to face Gary, having determination plastered in his eyes and asked, "Hey, Gary...do you think I can travel with you to the north?"
"..." It took a second for question to register in Gary's head. He sat straight up from his reading position with widened eyes at the request. This was the first time that someone offered to accompany him on his travels instead of the other way around. He was well attuned to what it meant to ask that of someone else.
"What about your family meeting?"
"Honestly, I feel too ashamed to meet them right now, " Joh said with a wry smile before continuing, "I rather meet them again after I had wash away my shame." As much as he wanted to meet his family again after a year of traveling, he wanted to earn back his right as a future elite of the family. Besides, he did not want to meet his cousins nor his siblings from the messages he's been receiving. It was definitely going to be unpleasant for him if they met up.
After careful consideration, Gary replied, "Why did you suddenly ask that?"
"I have this feeling that I'm going to miss something very exciting if I don't go now," Joh said with confidence.
Maybe it was due to his own experience being on the Pokemon journey for a year longer, but he could sense that this was an opportunity he could not miss.
DING! DING!
"Attention, everyone. We will be docking at Cinnabar Island in a few minutes. Thank you for your patronage." The captain of the S.S. Anne alerted the passengers, who wanted to dock, over the speakers.
"Are you sure about this? My journey had just barely started," The trainer of Pallet reiterates the request he has been asked.
Joh gave a visible nod, confirming that this was his request. There was a force that compelled him to forgo his family reunion for this chance to see something grand.
Gary's mouth curved up a bit, finding this situation to be very amusing. His mind wandered to what Ash would say at this moment.
Gary reached out with one hand.
Joh smirks before doing the same.
The two shook hands and it was set.
Joh and Gary began their journeys together, heading north and towards their desires. One was on the path of battle while the other sought knowledge above all else. So different were their goals, they nonetheless departed together on the endless climb to the world's summit. Their destinations were as endless as the sea of clouds, wandering across the entire cradle of humanity with nothing more than their aspirations for greatness.
XxxX
Inside the great libraries of Kanto:
"Hey, Gary! Could you hurry it up!"
"Five more minutes."
"You said that five minutes ago! We've been stuck here for days!"
XxxX
From the burning crater of the Meteor Dome:
"Can't you do any better?"
"You think I haven't been trying?!"
"Are you actually...inept?"
"Shut it, freak of nature!"
XxxX
Trapped within the inners of the Holy Estate:
"We're gonna die. We're gonna die. We're gonna die. We're gonna die..."
"Can you pray more quietly, I'm trying to read here."
"...If by some miracle we're not dead after this, I'm gonna kick you off the next cliff we climb."
XxxX
Under the stress of victory and defeat:
"Can't you, at least, pretend to be a bit worried?"
"Why?"
"Our next opponents are near the world ranking! Don't you think that is a bit concerning?!"
"It's all the same in the end. I can't lose."
XxxX
Before the doors of the eight Kanto gyms:
"Haven't you been trashed enough? How many losses already? 4? 5?"
"Then why don't you give it a shot?!"
"It's not time ye-"
"Chicken. Bawk!"
"...say that again."
XxxX
Aloof and curious, the two battled and read their way across the entire region. No month passed without the duo getting into some sort of trouble. Though, more often than not, the two would engage in civil arguments.
There were times where Joh wanted to move from city to city faster so that they could enter into as many tournaments and official matches as they could possibly manage. He believed this was the best way to maximize their time while they headed north.
Gary, on the other hand, viewed the tournaments and matches with indifference as his goals lied completely elsewhere. Rather than accumulating battle experience, the young trainer from Pallet wanted to cultivate his knowledge of the ancient past - stories about those that had come before and about the world's evolving culture. Gary was particularly interested in the generation that came before his birth. If not for Joh's pleas and reminders of the time, Gary would have been lost in reading the books of the great halls.
Different from their initial expectations, the two's interests and ideals were constantly against the other. But they still supported one another on the arduous journey.
With Gary's help, the Astrea trainer was able to more efficiently improve on his battle techniques, developing ever so closer to a genius of the generation. His battle style was slowly coming to fruition after exchanging blows and words with the natural prodigy. Even Pokemon elites were starting to notice the young trainer not just for his frightening background but also his growing prowess.
Joh, on the other hand, helped to fill in the gaps within Gary's knowledge of the ancient eras.
'Lost Steps of Ascension.'
'Tales of the Elementary Flames.' and its complementary subject - 'Asgoth.'
'Eastern Emperor's Desolate Expansion Era.'
Discussing and debating against a member of the ancient Astrea family allowed Gary to solidify his understanding of the continued evolution of Pokemon and humans. Joh's help to give Gary a chance to peer into the lost and abandoned ages which he had only scratched the surface of. More and more legends of the chaotic generation started to manifest as Gary traced for answers that had eluded him since his childhood.
To them, the gains outweigh the losses.
"Is this the place?" Joh asked.
"Xian's Palace, " Gary answers as he folds the map that they had been using, "The trail ends here, so I suppose."
"My cousins used to tell me that immortals once lived here before the calamity," the energetic noble said with wandering eyes. He paid attention to the details of the broken palace with careful consideration before finishing, "You think that's true?"
"Who's to say?" Gary replies with little clue in guessing the legality of such claims and adds, "Pokemon Master Xu was said to have battled against heavenly demons during the Ascension Age..."
"...And since we weren't present for such grand events. We can only continue to trace their origins for answers." For the Pokemon World, history did not follow a single direction but the dictation of the world palace. The records of ancient ages were locked behind the vaults in the floating castle. This was the same for the Ascension Age - only myths were ever passed down through the generations.
Joh nodded in agreement.
Whether those ancient tales were real or not, the two trainers certainly can't tell with their limited knowledge. But they were certain of one thing when they first saw the ruined castle.
We're finally here.
The voices inside their heads directed their journey to this obscure location. The ruined remains of a castle hidden in the dense jungle of an abandoned region. Gary found information that the region used to be called Grand Xian - a very old place with history in many books. The old region was now surrounded to its east and north by the East Voyage Sea while the principality of Elvonyard and the Daimyo Province surrounds its remaining borders.
What Gary found most interesting about Grand Xian was how it came to an end.
An ancient wonder that commited a taboo.
Its history dates back to the days before the Hundred Generations and according to Joh's accounts - before its end, the region was in the middle of a golden age.
But the lord of the region, at the time, made a grave mistake which led to Grand Xian's utter demise in a single night.
For one reason or another, they caught the anger of the Heavenly Enchantress of their generation - Chuntian.
And she exercised her authority to its limits.
By brimstone and hellfire, the lords of the World Palace and the armies of ancient Evergreen descended upon Grand Xian with burning retribution. Later scholars were confused by the contents of the crime, but the Heavenly Enchantress clearly made a death decree that signalled the end of all life.
No one was to be spared by the invading forces. They came like a vicious storm, turning everything and everyone into mortal dust. Wherever they walked, death and destruction were always in company. Heads came rolling off by the thousands and bodies piled into mountains.
The Tragedy of Grand Xian.
Old and young.
Humans and Pokemon.
The innocent and the guilty were all subjected to the same fate - death.
It was the starting point for the blood sea to wash over the world.
The two trainers could only imagine the carnage done when looking at this once prosperous region. A place in which only nature dares to come back to inhabit after the desolation. Those that surround the nameless region would simply ignore it like the plague.
In such a perspective, maybe it didn't matter if the palace housed immortals or not as they were certain that none of them survived the massacre. No one in this world can escape the natural disaster that is the Heavenly Enchantress.
And it appears that they were not the only ones being guided to this strange place.
"What do you think?" Joh asked as he heard footsteps coming from within the castle and even around them, "Should we wait it out?"
"Tomorrow..." Gary answers, catching glimpses of moving shadows amongst the dense scenery before adding, "...when the sun rises."
By the time of their arrival, the sun was already setting and the young trainer didn't want to explore an unknown place at night. He also wanted to ensure that they wouldn't be ambushed by would-be treasure hunters and such in complete darkness.
Joh consents to his companion's suggestion, seeing smoke rising up from the trees not far from their location. Although he would love to battle to the death against their rivals, the young noble would rather like to know how he died than being stabbed several times in the dark by complete strangers.
"May we join?"
"Wa-wait a moment, Gold!"
Just as the duo made their decision, they heard two distinct voices coming from behind. And when they turned their heads, they were greeted by a pair - one boy and one girl.
"The young genius..." Joh said after seeing that face so many times before across the web.
"..."
Although both of them were quick to recognize the joyous male, Joh was the one to express hints of shock compared to Gary's stoic expression.
"Hehehe, it seems my fame precedes me," the self-made genius gleamed with pride until it was cut short by a light bump to his shoulder by his companion.
"Stop that already," the neatly dressed girl tries to reign in her partner's ego as she reminds the young genius.
"It's like you're my mom," the boy complains back.
"Well, she told me to keep an eye on you."
"Ridiculous."
"..."
Joh was right.
Traveling with Gary was not an experience he wanted to miss.
And although the two did not know what the world has already preordained, they fearlessly march forward on their relentless climb up the apex. Pokmemon elites, heavenly sages, invincible existences...it didn't matter how many obstacles would come before them, the two young trainers knew that their paths would eventually merge as they got closer and closer to the heart of the generation. Adventures and new experiences that they would have never encountered from the comforts of their homes; their generation stands shoulder to shoulder together, laughing and crying all the same as they seek after the brilliant World's Will.
No matter their backgrounds or upbringings, they all yearn for the same thing.
Location: Eastern Lands, land without a future
Until next time!
