Chapter 1: A Fresh Start

Nate was very frustrated. The trainer recalled his last interaction with the Elite Four at their mandatory weekly meeting, which was usually more social and less professional. Grimsley and Caitlin were constantly bickering and flirting simultaneously, which Nate found rather weird. Shauntal and Marshal were dating, and while Nate felt happy for them, he couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. Ever since Yancy and him broke up, he hadn't gotten back out there and met anyone. Finally, Nate recalled the events of the meeting, which happened a few hours ago.

Shauntal spoke first. "This has been a rough year for the league, not a single challenger has defeated more than two Elites, and fewer trainers are completing their gym challenge. We're down almost 80% on competitors in league-sanctioned matches. From what I can tell, this generation of kids are poor trainers." Grimsley cut her off. "Well, what do you suggest we do? Because complaining accomplishes nothing" Caitlin opened her mouth to object but didn't speak and let Grimsley continue. "What we need is for our Champion to do his job." Grimsley glared at Nate. Marshal scowled and replied, "What do you mean by that Grimsley?" Grimsley shrugged. "He's nothing like Alder was, which is good in a way. He's a far better battler, the best Unova has seen ever since the Hero who defeated N." The whole room went silent upon hearing this. Caitlin glared at Grimsley. "He has a name, you jerk! Hilbert isn't dead or anything, and he'll come back to Unova eventually." Grimsley snorted, "Just because you had a slight crush on him for the two weeks he was Champion doesn't give you the right to act this dumb. You know for a fact he hasn't been seen in almost five years. Wherever he is, he doesn't want to be found." Caitlin yelled at Grimsley, "So what does this have to do with Nate? He did nothing wrong?" Grimsley shook his head. "Nate has no identity as Champion. He's not an international badass like Red, who travels across the world seeking asses to kick. He's not an esteemed celebrity like Cynthia. He has no passion for projects like Steven Stone or Wallace. Nate isn't even like Alder, who was so involved in Unova. He just sits in his office at the league, waiting for something. Don't take this the wrong way, Nate, but you need to be better." Nate felt tears well up in his eyes. Was he really that bad? The Champion of Unova stood up and ran to his office. He hadn't talked with any of the elites since then.

That had been early in the morning. And now, the sun was starting to set. He sort of expected Caitlin to come and talk with him. He was closest with her out of all the elites. She was kinder than Marshal, more social than Shauntal, and not a jerk like Grimsley. But no one came. Nate turned on his Pokedex and scrolled through the news. Something was going on in Kanto with Team Rocket again. The Unova news was dull as usual. Nuvema town was getting a makeover and a new gym. Some news about invasive Pokemon species near Undella and more boring news. Nate was about to turn off his Pokedex before he saw an article about him. The press didn't often write articles about him, so he clicked on it out of curiosity.

Champion Nate: Champion Malpractice

By Trey Lannister: It's well known that trainers in Unova have been lacking for the last few years. The reason? Leadership, Plain and simple. Unova has no leadership from its champion and it is seen clear as day here. Nate ascended to the title almost five years ago and still acts like a newcomer. He never participates in Unovan culture and does absolutely nothing in the slightest to encourage other trainers…..

The article went on to disparage him and point out all of his flaws as a champion. He wondered if Grimsley had read this article and that was why he said those things about him today. For the first time ever, Nate wondered if he was meant for this job. As much as he hated what Grimsley said, he brought up a valid point. He needed to talk this out, it was clear he wasn't great at his job and maybe needed some new scenery. He reached for his belt and released one of his Pokemon for some company and conversation. Nate's Lucario emerged and immediately sensed his issues and spoke to him telepathically. "Master Nate, what's wrong? I can sense you're feeling awful." Nate sighed. "It's just….. I don't have a purpose right now. I'm an awful Champion, and truth be told, I'm not happy right now." Lucario shook his head. "That's not true at all, and I think you know that. You had an incredible showing at the PWT, and you're one of the strongest trainers in the world! Runner Up against the legendary Red is no small feat." Nate shook his head "I'm not talking about battling Lucario, I'm talking about the other duties of a Champion. I'm not like the others, I'm not social like the rest of them, I'm not a traveler like Red…wait" Lucario looked at Nate with a confused expression. "What's going on master?" Nate put his hands on his hips "That's it! That's the last time I was truly happy!" Lucario looked even more confused. "What do you mean? Talk to me master!" Nate laughed, "Lucario don't you see! I've been going at this all wrong! Maybe I'm not meant for this job!" Lucario looked even more confused. "Explain now or I beat you up" Lucario said this in a joking manner but Nate wasn't sure. "Well, the last time I was super happy was when I traveled all over Unova for the first time. Just me and a team taking the world by storm." Lucario sighed "Maybe you haven't realized but you have responsibilities here in Unova. You can't just get up and leave! You're almost 17 Nate!" Nate looked at Lucario and shrugged. "Who cares! Red still travels and no one seems to care." Lucario went silent. "Well….. I suppose another journey could help. Plus, you might find another girl and Arceus knows you need some positive human interaction" Nate rolled his eyes with a slight smile on his face. "Fine, but no promises. So, any ideas for where we could travel to?" Lucario smiled. "Oh…. I have an idea alright….. We should visit the home of all Lucario. The Sinnoh region." Nate shrugged "I mean I was looking at Alola but it seems like they have a brand new league." Lucario shook his head. "We aren't challenging the league right? We'd get recognized instantly." Nate laughed "Of course not! Not with you guys!" Lucario sighed in relief. Nate spoke again "I'm gonna train a new team! And then take on the gyms with them!" Lucario sweatdropped slightly. "Oh come on!" Nate laughed again. "I haven't smiled this much in a while. What do ya say that we start packing up? We'll leave tonight."

Caitlin and Shauntal stood outside of his door with shocked expressions on their faces. "What should we do?" Caitlin asked Shauntal. Shauntal spoke quietly, making sure Nate wouldn't hear her. "We confront him before he leaves tonight. We only heard the last bit of the conversation, but if he leaves, that'll be bad. He'll have been the second Unovan champion to abandon their post, and that reflects badly on us." Caitlin nodded in agreement. "Either way, we can't let him leave his post. Until he's dethroned by a challenger he isn't leaving Unova without our permission." Shauntal spoke softly. Caitlin started to walk away "I'm going to get Grimsley and Marshal. I'll have them here soon and then we can confront him before he tries to leave the region.

Midnight…..

Nate was packed. Poke Balls in his bag, a change of clothes, suitable funds and a new outfit he bought. Nate was dressed in a navy blue hoodie with black pants and a new hat. He took one last look at his room. Not many good memories in here. Spare his first battle in this room against Iris, he hadn't ever really had a challenge in it. Nate sighed and put his hands in his pocket and walked out of the room. He was greeted by his four co-workers. Nate looked at them sadly, it was obvious what he was doing. Marshal spoke first, "Nate….. We don't want to have to do this, if you turn around and stay here, we'll help you grow into a proper champion. With enough time you'll excel, and your actions today will be something we laugh about." Grimsley joined in. "Look, Nate, you can't beat us all at once. Now drop the act." Nate sighed "Ya know Grimsley… I used to have a poster of you on my wall when I was a kid." Grimsley showed a second of regret before he reached for his pocket. "Arceus forgive me. Let's go, Bisharp!" Nate took a step back as a large Bisharp emerged. Nate grabbed a Poke Ball in his pocket. "Lucario, you're up!" Nate's Lucario emerged and faced down Bisharp. Lucario growled. He clearly knew what was up. Shauntal reached quietly for her belt and a Golurk emerged and stared silently at Lucario. Suddenly, a Sawk emerged and a Metagross next to it. All four elites had sent out their Pokemon. Nate looked at them sadly. "I will do what I must." Marshal got in his preferred battle stance "You will try."

"Sawk, use superpower!" Marshal yelled out. Nate pointed towards Sawk "Lucario, dodge the attack and use swords dance! Get away from Sawk!" Lucario growled and jumped away and started glowing red, aura swords flashing above his head. Caitlin pointed at Lucario "Metagross! Use Psychic and fling Sawk towards Lucario!" Metagross picked up Sawk and threw him at Lucario. Nate yelled out "Extremespeed! Dodge and go for Bisharp!" Lucario dodged the attack and slammed into Bisharp, sending the dark type back. Bisharp swung at Lucario and the two steel types met and started pushing against each other, each trying to move the other. Shauntal yelled out "Golurk, earthquake!" Just as she yelled out this command, Sawk got to the scene and tried to slide tackle Lucario. All three Pokemon were struck by a powerful Earthquake from Golurk. Lucario fell back and hit the wall, Bisharp fell on top of Sawk and Metagross was fine. Caitlin yelled out "Metagross! Use Psychic on Lucario, hold him up in the air!" Metagross levitated a dazed Lucario up in the air. Shauntal yelled out her order "Golurk, use shadow ball!" Golurk launched a ball of shadow energy towards Lucario. Lucario was struck with the shadow ball and yelped in pain. Marshal yelled out "Sawk, use close combat!" Sawk rushed in and punched Lucario, but he made a mistake and accidentally got trapped in Metagross's Psychic attack. Lucario used this opportunity to grab Sawk's head and punched him with a powerful Thunder Punch. Sawk yelled out in pain and Lucario grabbed Sawk and threw him to the ground where Lucario struck him with another Thunder punch. Sawk didn't get back up and Nate saw the swirls in his eyes. One down, three to go Nate ordered Lucario forward "Lucario, advance on Metagross with extreme speed! Don't get trapped!"

. Caitlin yelled out her command "Metagross, use Psychic again! Hold Lucario down on the ground!" Metagross's eyes started to glow, but it was too late. Lucario had reached Metagross and punched the Pokemon with a powerful Thunder Punch. Metagross stammered back before Lucario was sliced with a brutal slash from Bisharp. Grimsley chucked "Forget about me?" Nate gritted his teeth. It was time for Lucario's final move "Lucario, use close combat!" Lucario swung brutally at Bisharp and knocked him down. Lucario fought with his hands and feet, knocking Bisharp out. Grimsley gave Nate the evil eye as he recalled his Bisharp. He was struck with a Shadow Ball and fell to the ground, clearly feeling the sting of the attack. He'd have to end this fast. Golurk and Metagross could do some serious damage. Nate yelled out "Lucario, hit Metagross with a Thunder Punch. Give it all you have!" Lucario sped towards Metagross and landed a powerful Thunder punch, sending the steel type back and its eyes swirled. It was a one-on-one now. Shauntal yelled out "Golurk, he's weak! Earthquake!" Nate yelled out "Jump up high with Extreme speed and use swords dance again." Lucario obeyed, flying high with Extreme Speed and using swords dance on the way down. Lucario landed and stared Golurk down. Nate pointed at Golurk. "Finish this Lucario!" Shauntal yelled out "Golurk hit him with a Hammer Arm!" Golurk swung his massive fist down towards Lucario who dodged it. Lucario s moved away at the last second with Extremespeed and let the Golurk fall down on its own. Lucario grabbed a pillar and jumped on Golurks head and struck it with a pillar in each hand. Golurk fainted from the blow and Shauntal recalled her Pokemon. Nate walked forward and called out his Braviary "I'm champion for a reason." Nate smiled at the humiliated elites "Now if you'll excuse me, I have a flight to catch." Nate jumped on his Braviary and flew away quickly

Shauntal looked at Marshal "So what now?" Marshal sighed "We stay here. No sense in trying to find someone who doesn't want to be found. Remember how that worked out with Hilbert?"

Caitlin gazed sadly at the ground "Maybe Nate will find Hilbert, wherever he may be." Grimsley snickered at this. Shauntal interrupted his laughs with a yawn. "Guys, it's the middle of the night. We should get some rest."

Grimsley and Marshal gave her an annoyed look, but Caitlin eagerly ran off to get some sleep.

Marshal looked towards the moon "Well, let's meet up tomorrow. Maybe some sleep will help us think up some new ideas."

Meanwhile in the Alola region…..

Moon was sick and tired of work. Six years ago she ascended to the title of Champion, and Alola had changed drastically in that time. The trials had been replaced with gyms, and Z crystals were handed out in place of badges. Team Rainbow Rocket had made an appearance in Alola and she had to spend almost a year trying to bash them into the ground. But, this past year had been the worst of all her years in Alola. She didn't mind her role as Champion, beating challengers and competing around the world. She found battling as fun as the day she started. What she did not find fun was running the league, endless politics between the Alolan Council and the Elite Four and Kukui. Moon was just an (at the time) twelve-year girl who was caught in the most important politics of a region. The Alolan Council were to put it plainly, sticks in the mud. It was a group of old people who were obsessed with Alolan tradition and keeping things the way they were. Kukui wanted Alola to take its place on the world stage, sometimes at the expense of traditions. A few months after the establishment of the Alolan Pokemon league, Moon was invited to compete in the Pokemon World Tournament in Unova. To put it plainly, she had her ass beaten into the ground. She got unlucky and drew a match against Red from Kanto, a former Champion who ended up winning the world title. She lost all of her Pokemon and only defeated one of Reds. Moon returned to Alola and rededicated herself to training, catching, and raising more Pokemon, including several Ultra Beasts. But, after so many years of nothing but politics, it seemed like battles weren't really the priority she was supposed to chase as Champion. The Alolan Council wanted her to act as a figurehead for the region and be their puppet, and eventually become a leader that would share their vision for Alola. It didn't help that everyone she knew was pulling her in a different direction, her mom agreed with the council and wanted her daughter to stay in Alola and establish herself as Alola's leader. Her friends were all doing different things also, Lille was off in Kanto and hadn't been back in Alola in almost two years. Lana, Mallow, and Kiawe were all gym leaders and were firmly in Kukui's camp for his vision of Alola. Kukui was encouraging Moon to travel more and establish a more consistent identity for herself, he claimed that with enough time and fame she could be a legend. Gladion had taken over the Aether Foundation and was one of the league's primary sponsors. Hau was now an official Kahuna and elite four-member after old Hala retired. Moon had an "interesting" relationship with that boy. They had been best friends for almost four years before he had asked her out, she said yes and they dated for a year. Everything was going great until she caught him cheating on her with Mallow about a week ago. She had walked in on them "cuddling" in his Elite Four quarters.

She hadn't left the peak, where the champions' quarters were ever since. She had plenty of time to think about life during her exile. She realized that she wasn't happy! Her boyfriend had cheated on her with one of her friends, her work was dull, and she found herself less and less happy with life. Her Pokemon hadn't been given a good battle in forever. She was being forced into a position of power she wasn't ready for. At the end of the day, she was only Eighteen! "No wonder Red left his title at such a young age." Moon always considered herself a bit of an introvert, and all of the public speaking and dinners with powerful people never helped. Hau used to be a rock in her life that she went to for support, but after the incident, Moon doubted that she'd ever see him the same way ever again. She sat up from her bed in the bedroom and office adjacent to the champions peak, which featured a throne and a massive battlefield. Moon wiped dried tears from her eyes and walked towards the fridge for some more food. She'd probably have at least two or three more days before she'd be forced to get some. Everyone was worried sick about her, but she refused to come down despite all of the texts from her mom. She locked the entrance to the quarters, only able to be unlocked if a challenger was able to pass all elite four members. Moon sighed and walked towards her throne, suddenly she heard a loud click and the door slid open. A very angry Kukui walked out, with Hau walking behind him with an emotion that Moon couldn't identify.

Moon mustered a fake smile and waved at Kukui "Alola, professor! What brings you here?" Kukui glared at Moon "Cut the crap Moon. You've ghosted the world for a week and didn't tell a soul. May I ask WHY? You're sort of an important person in Alolan society." Moon sighed "Look professor, I've been having some personal issues." She emphasized personal and glared at Hau. The Professor sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Moon, here's the thing. You aren't being professional at all and this behavior is childish. What could be so awful that you need to isolate yourself for a week?" Moon started tearing up and mustered out hate-filled words. "I caught Hau having sex with Mallow." Hau looked down at the ground and away from Moon. The professor sighed "Really Hau? Really? You cheated on the Champion with a Gym Leader and now you've caused this whole debacle!" Moon looked at Hau with tears in her eyes "Why Hau" Hau raised his voice "Yeah I messed up, but at least I didn't hide my face from the world for a whole week! Honestly Moon, this sort of behavior is exactly why I cheated on you. You're such a stick in the mud." Moon felt her heart shatter, if the pain from before was bad, this was on another level. Moon tensed up and reached for a Poke Ball on her belt. Moon felt something snap in her, and she made a decision in that very moment." Moon expanded the Poke Ball and glared at Hau "By my authority as Champion of Alola, Hau Honi, I motion to expel you from the Elite Four. Unless you can defeat me in a one-on-one battle, in which case my title is yours" Hau looked panicked "You can't do that! Right Professor?" Kukui shook his head. "Sorry, Hau, it is within her rights as Champion." Kukui raised his voice and stepped towards Moon. "Look, Moon, you're being incredibly foolish right now. Drop the act and we can figure something out, I know you're hurting but don't do something you'd regret." Moon gave Kukui the evil eye. "I already have Professor. Now, Hau please send out your Pokemon or I'll kick you off this mountain myself." Hau reached for a Poke Ball. He made eye contact with Moon for the first time since the incident. "Moon, you're my best friend, please don-" Moon threw her Poke Ball. "Ninetales, let's go!" a majestic Alolan Ninetales materialized. Hau grinned, "Fine by me, Flareon let's do this!" A powerful and muscled Flareon emerged and gave a growl. Flareon and Ninetales circled each other, neither daring to make the first move. Eventually, Hau lost his patience. "Flareon, use quick attack!" Flareon flew towards Ninetales and Moon didn't give a command. Hau looked confused and scratched his hair before composing himself. "Fine by me if you don't want to talk! Flareon, hit hard with Flare Blitz!" Moon stayed silent yet again. Flareon roared and crashed into Ninetales, the Ice Type went flying and landed with a roll before flinching and falling down. Flareon trembled slightly from the recoil but composed itself quickly. Moon looked at Ninetales and still stayed silent. Kukui was watching the battle horrified, trying to figure out a peaceful end to this. Hau looked at Moon who was still silently observing her Ninetales getting beaten up by Flareon. Hau looked at Moon angrily and yelled "What's your plan here?" Moon shrugged and Hau groaned in anger. "Fine! Have it your way! Flareon, use Flare Blitz again! Flareon surrounded itself in a fiery aura and rushed Ninetales, slamming into the poor Fox who had just composed itself again.

Ninetales went crashing down and didn't move. Moon sighed and recalled her loyal Pokemon. Hau yelled at Moon "Why Moon, why! It's almost like you intentionally lost that battle." Moon gave Hau a smile. Hau took a step back "Wait. No. No no no, Moon don't do this!" Moon smiled and walked towards the professor, ignoring Hau. "I'm leaving, don't try and find me. I can't stay here any longer." Kukui grabbed Moon "Please, don't do this! Alola needs you!" Moon slapped him away. "Goodbye Professor, and Hau….. I'm not sorry"

Moon pulled out a Master Ball and released Dawn Wings Necrozma and flew away, heading away from her old life.

Meanwhile, in Sinnoh….

A storm was brewing, Professor Rowan was scared of what it could mean. Extreme weather had been occurring near all three of Sinnoh's lakefronts. This was out of his realm of research, and he had no clue how to stop the oncoming storm. There was increased activity outside of Sinnoh as well, on a conference call with Professor Elm, he mentioned that a legendary Pokemon from Johto had an incident, whatever that meant. Whatever the case, Professor Rowan had a job to do, and people in charge of society needed to know what was going on.

Rowan grabbed his phone, he had a call to make.

Authors Note:

Character Ages

Nate-19

Moon-18