Author's Note

So, radical of me I know. But this thought entered my mind and I couldn't continue anything else until I wrote and posted it. I'm not even sorry...

LEGEND BELOW

"Challenge accepted!" = Normal speech.

''He looks intimidating...'' = Normal thoughts.

Thunder Bolt = Pokémon moves.

Pokémon.

A word that you probably couldn't go thirty minutes in life without hearing uttered, and with good reason. Pokémon were creatures of all sorts, shapes, and sizes. Some small, some unimaginably large, and some so powerful you'd rather be left in the dark then learn of their true power. They inhabited the entire earth, from each corner they lived, and sometimes alongside humankind as well.

In a world filled with such wondrous creatures, you could only imagine the events that could, and would take place with power like that existing. It was many, many years ago, that humanity decided to cement their relationships with their Pokémon. With the creation of a highly advanced piece of technology locally known as a Poké-Ball, and normal person was suddenly capable of safety capturing and containing Pokémon of all sizes in a ball that could fit in your palm. It also helped that it legally bound the creature to you, to prevent any unwanted issues.

This technology allowed for people to take their Pokémon with them wherever they went, even across the world. Eventually, as the years went on, it became apparent that the creatures weren't meant to be as civilized as the rest of humanity. Pokémon lived, breathed, and ate to fight each other. Mind you, they didn't fight to the death, nothing so brash.

Pokémon, as creatures of earth, were fighters. Even the little ones. They loved the thrill of a good fight. This realization eventually led to the creation of the now common, Pokémon Trainer. A Pokémon Trainer was someone that usually traveled abroad, seeking out strong opponents to battle in a Pokémon Battle, which were legal sanctioned fights between Pokémon.

And as the world would have it, years down the line there was practically an entire world built around Pokémon battles. But not everything was as perfect as it initially seemed.

With the ability to capture and train Pokémon to do your bidding, it was only a matter of time before some began to abuse humanity's still budding relationship with Pokémon. Thieves, gangs, street punks, and eventually, terrorist groups arose that all abused their relationships with their own Pokémon, and forced them to help them commit heinous crimes in their names.

These villainous groups eventually went on to make big names for themselves, and you could bet that each big region across the world had their own gangs or even massive terrorist groups that they desperately strived to put down. Some regions had better success then others, and some seriously suffered under the chokehold that these groups held over them.

But everything aside, you couldn't deny that the world of Pokémon was indeed a mysterious one. And in a world such as this, anything could happen, even something so crazy it shouldn't be right.

It's with thoughts like that in mind that directs your attention to the outback region of Orre, one of the least populated and explored main regions in the world. It wasn't too well known, and for a while it served as a place where those that didn't want to adapt to the changes the world was experiencing would retreat to for shelter. Because of this, not too many Pokémon Trainers lived in the Orre Region. And that was they way the locals liked it.

However, that brought with it many critical flaws. Flaws, that the types of people mentioned earlier would definitely abuse once they learned of it. With no powerful Pokémon Trainers to defend it, it wasn't long before the region of Orre was almost totally controlled by gangs and thugs that abused their Pokémon for power. And with an underpowered police force, it was apparent that it was fated to stay that way…

Unless, of course, someone powerful enough existed and cared enough to put a stop to it. It truly didn't seem that way however. In Orre alone there were two separate big evil group powers, powers that fought against each other, and dominated the poor unsuspecting people. One was a, potentially, budding group by the name of Cipher, a team that unsurprisingly, had the goal of controlling all of Orre.

Then on the other side of things there was the pink gang group known as Team Snagem. Unlike Cipher, Snagem was nothing but a bunch of gang members throwing around their power, of which they had a surprising amount. But the thing that brought Team Snagem above the rest, was their control of an extremely controversial piece of technology.

For a gang of thieves, they had power, too much power in fact. Snagem owned a device, nicknamed the 'Snag Machine'. It was a device that somehow allowed for the user to steal Pokémon from their Trainers. Such an outcome should have proven impossible, because if a Trainer were to attempt to capture an owned Pokémon in a Poké-Ball, the device would reject it, every time. But the Snag Machine bypassed this system, and allowed for the user to snag another Trainer's Pokémon right from under their nose.

You can now start to understand just how such a power would skyrocket Team Snagem from a bunch of thugs, and in turn into a group to be feared. It didn't matter how powerful your individual Pokémon were in a battle, if the enemy could simply steal them from your side, and turn them to their own. With such power in play on the field, dire times were indeed in store.

Truly, the region of Orre, and potentially the rest of the world, was in dire need of a great defender. Someone who would stand up to these vile groups and their heinous plans. A person that would finally put these groups into the ground. And one day, someone did indeed rise to the challenge…

It was just that you couldn't imagine where that someone actually came from. The eventual downfall of all these evil powers, originated within an evil power in and of itself. The hero that would eventually put an end to the evils that ruled the world, started out as the highest ranking admin in the criminal group known as Team Snagem.

It was a handsome young man, who went by the name of Wes. Wes had fought his way to the top of Team Snagem, all for one sole reason. He proved to be the best in the usage of the coveted Snag Machine, and because of this, the group gave him leniency. It didn't matter where he went, or what he did, because he brought them Pokémon in the end, and that was all that mattered to them. However, it was their trust they placed in him, that he eventually used to his advantage.

One day, when the rest of the team was out in an operation, he made his move. It would be far too late for them to stop him once they learned of his plans. When Team Snagem returned to their base hidden in the mountains, all they could do was stew in their anger, and watch as their base went up in flames. Wes was long gone, taking with him his experimental hoverbike, and the Snag Machine as well. In just a single day, Team Snagem suffered a critical blow, something that would set them back years.

This, this was only the very beginning of Wes's war against those that do deeply wronged him. This was the beginning of the end for those that sought to bring the world under their control. If someone didn't stop him soon, Wes's power would grow beyond anyone's control. And there was nothing they could do to stop him.

He would have his revenge. In his eyes, they were all guilty…

The dry and wispy desert lands of the Orre region were a quiet wasteland, difficult, and or nearly impossible to sustain life. The only people stupid enough to travel the lands were either complete and utter fools, or desperate enough that you saw it as the only way out.

But it was neither for the ex-admin of Team Snagem. After his raid of the hideout, he quickly sped off into the dangerous badlands of Orre, where no one, not even Snagem would dare to follow. With him he had his trusted partners, the psychic cat Pokémon Espeon, and dark dog Umbreon.

His initial plans pertained to the upheaval of Cipher and Snagem's control over Orre. But that plan would have to be put on hold for the time being. He was a strong Trainer, but held nowhere near enough power to stop those groups as he was now. He needed to lay low, and accomplishing that while staying in Orre world prove extremely difficult.

That was why he ended up traveling Orre's wastelands, to leave the region entirely. He would gather power elsewhere, then one day return to enact his revenge against those deserving of punishment. He would not fail, he made a vow that he would uphold, even if it cost him everything.

As of now, he was going to make his way to the region of Kanto, which just so happened to be located on the same mountainous land as Orre and Johto. It would be a long journey there, but he had all the time to kill. Once there he planned on doing everything he could to grow in power, and that included stealing Pokémon from those he deemed unworthy of being Trainers.

He threw one last glance at his most loyal ones, the only family he had left in the entire world. Seated in a little side car attached to the side of his vehicle was his precious Pokémon. The brother and sister duo of Espeon and Umbreon stared back at him resolutely, their eyes burning with the same level of determination held within his own eyes. They were in this together, all the way, no matter what. Family did not abandon family, and they were all that was left.

With cold golden eyes set on the horizon, he revved his engine harder, speeding into the distance. It would be a while before the region of Orre ever truly saw the wielder of the Snag Machine again…

Kanto.

The region heralded as the region that first invented the idea of Pokémon battles, as well as being the land that served as the homestead for some of the more powerful Pokémon Trainers. It was a beautiful coastline region that was identified by its massive mountains that served as the backdrop of the land, and its massive forests.

Kanto was easily one of the prettiest lands across the world, and compared to the dry deserts of Orre, there was no question about looks. Of the many cities that dotted its landscape, there was one that bordered its mountains. That city happened to be named Pewter, and was home to many Rock-Type Pokémon Trainers.

As a civilian settlement, it was one of the nicer looking locations in Kanto, and was often a place many new Pokémon Trainers would pass through on their journey. Large and small buildings alike lined the city limits, and within the city was a Pokémon Gym. Pewter City's Gym was known as the perfect testing grounds for aspiring Trainers to test their metal.

Many Trainers pass through Pewter every day, some worthy of note, and some not. However, one such Trainer worthy of notice had decided to challenge the Gym Leader to a battle. It was a new Trainer by the name of Ash Ketchum, a kid that had only within the last month truly began his adventure across the land.

He wasn't some Pokémon master, not even close, but he did claim that his goal was to become one. It at first seemed difficult to believe such a statement, especially coming from a fourteen year old. But it was only after seeing him battle that you learned that he might just have a chance at that future.

The kid's conviction gained him a rather whiny yet valuable friend in the form of Misty, the fourteen year old little sister to the Gym Leader's of Celadon City. Together the duo set out on a journey to become Pokémon Masters, and their first step was the difficult trial of defeating each Gym Leader Kanto owned in a one on one fight. Much easier said then done, but the two kids weren't ones to give up easily.

So good was Ash's determination, that after fighting the Pewter City's Gym Leader, Brock, the young man was inspired to join young Ash and Misty on their adventures across Kanto. With the group having grown to three, the newly made friends began to set out on their journey together.

However, with the sun hanging low in the sky, they decided to forgo their adventure until the next morning. After all, there was a nice little Pokémon center on the far northern side of town that offered a place to stay for Pokémon Trainers. It also just so happened to be the first stop anyone would make if coming from the Orre region located on the far end of Kanto's mountain range.

Of course, no one really ever came from that road. The path to get to from there led straight through the wastelands of Orre, a road never traveled due to the extremely dangerous weather that constantly struck the land between. So yes, no one ever came from there…

"Ash! Come on! Brock already got us rooms, get inside already!" The distinctly high pitched voice came from a cute young orange haired girl, who was standing in the doorway of a Pokémon Center. She and her new friends had just decided to retire for the night, and the only mature one of the group went ahead and secured them all rooms in the center.

But last minute the raven haired boy seemed to become distracted with something. He was standing just outside the center, staring curiously at the mountains that lined Pewter City.

"Justa' sec Misty!" Ash called back, not even turning to look at the girl. The orange haired girl simply huffed hotly and crossed her arms. No matter what she said, Ash was just too stubborn sometimes. Although she supposed that she was exactly the same way, so who was she to talk?

"What're you even doing?" She hissed back, face red. "I already told you, there's nothing there!" Ash had stayed back, claiming to have heard the sound of an engine coming from the forgotten road. Of course, he was obviously wrong, since not even cars could make it through that desert. But he swore vehemently that he heard something.

"Hey hey, what's the holdup?" Finally a third person joined the chat, a taller brown haired man dressed in brown and green. "What's going on Misty?"

"Oh Brock.." The Water-Type Trainer complained. "Ash is seeing things. He keeps saying that he heard something… out in the… the…" She trailed off when, completely confirming Ash's statement, off in the distance there was a noise. In fact, it sounded like a large and loud engine revving.

"Haha! See! What did I tell you Misty!?" Ash exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. She stuck her tongue out at him I'm retaliation.

It seems that Ash was completely correct, as not too long after, followed by the sound of the engine was a pair of lights, shining through the darkness. And only a short while after that did the vehicle finally enter their sights.

"Woah…" Brock muttered, sharing the same general thought running through Ash and Misty's head. Out of the darkness came a… well, it sure sounded like a motorcycle, but it definitely wasn't. The only part of it touching the ground was the massive rear wheel, while the front half was held aloft by two large hover pads. And mounted on the front was a massive and certainly loud engine.

Riding atop the monstrous vehicle was a young adult, dressed in a tight blue tailcoat and tight black punk pants with black boots that easily added three inches on his height, of which was topped with massive studded ankle cuffs. He wore long black gloves that extended up into the sleeves of his tailcoat, and his left arm was covered in a large armored red and black gauntlet that extended up into a large red armored shoulder piece.

He had a thick pair of titanium looking shades on, covering his golden eyes. A large head of waved spiky silver hair billowed furiously in the winds.

It was only when the rider got closer that they all realized that he was slowing down. Something about the situation made Brock step in front of the other two defensively. The unknown rider slowed to a stop just shy of the curb next to the Pokémon Center, before disembarking. Brock didn't know why, but the air surrounding this guy set him on edge. He couldn't help but notice annoyingly how excited Ash and Misty seemed to be. He should be prepared if this guy suddenly try's to-

"Hey, you." Brock's eyes snapped to the man in blue, suddenly aware of just how close he was. Was this guy for real? Was he seriously going to start a fight in the middle of the roa-

"Is this Pewter City?" Brock felt all his sudden pent up worry fade away at the completely normal question. The Gym Leader's eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the two Eeveelutions that flanked the stranger. Ash suddenly brushed past Brock when he realized that he wasn't responding.

"Yeah, this is Pewter. Where'd you come from?" Ash exclaimed, while simultaneously asking a question. The young man regarded the short raven haired boy coolly, before speaking up.

"Orre." Was the only thing he said, before moving past Ash.

The younger Pokémon Trainers couldn't help the sparkle that entered their eyes at his statement. Orre? As in an entirely different region from Kanto? That meant that he was a foreign Pokémon Trainer. In inner fanboy inside Ash was suddenly bursting at the implications.

"O-Orre? Do you mean that rough and t-tumble land in the desert?" Misty almost squeaked, staring at the complete stranger in a different light. The Trainer stopped, before moving his titanium shades to the top of his head, and regarding the now blushing girl with his golden eyes and his handsome face and sharp jawline and tanned milky white skin and those tired ey-

"Unfortunately, yes." He responded indifferently, giving the girl a once over, before facing the oddly tense Brock. Their eyes locked for a moment, before he silently moved away, his Umbreon following after him while the Espeon retreated to the hover-bike to act as a guard. It was only Brock that noticed how intensely the Espeon was staring at them all. It wasn't playing around, that was apparent.

Without saying anything more, the Trainer moved into the Pokémon Center. Brock's shoulders finally slumped after he left, only then turning to his new friends. He facepalmed immediately afterward, when turning to face the younger Trainers, who's faces were both star stricken. Misty looked like a school girl when first meeting the hottest guy in class, and Ash was fist pumping wildly, looking ready for a Pokémon battle. He couldn't believe what he was seeing…

"Let's just go inside… And Ash, don't ask him for a Pokémon battle." Brock sighed. He knew the kid was going to anyway, he didn't need to see the future to know that outcome. Ash just grinned widely behind his back. The Rock-Type Gym Leader knew him too well already.

The trio of Trainers made their way inside the Center. The Trainer from Orre was standing at the receptionist desk, talking to a pair of oddly red cheeked young nurses. They only caught the tail end of the conversation, but the Trainer was simply seeking a safe place to rest for the night.

Brock couldn't help the small path of jealousy that arose when looking at the man. He himself was the leader of a Pokémon Gym, and self proclaimed romantic, yet some girls wouldn't even talk to him. Yet here was this total stranger from a foreign region, totally wooing the staff at the Pokémon Center without even trying to. Hurt his darn pride it did.

"Thank you both." He said, nodding slightly to the nurses. They simply waved him off, unable to stare him in the eyes any longer, lest their blushes grow. Working as a nurse in a hospital or Pokémon Center, you rarely ever got out. So most tended to flirt a lot when someone they found hot entered into their space. So a powerful looking Trainer that didn't carry the ego of a champion and that's also not from around here? Sign them right the neck up. Brock was crying tears of mixed sadness in the corner, much to Ash and Misty's confusion.

He vanished out the front door for a second, before returning with his Espeon in tow. He didn't even give the trio a second glance before moving down the hall towards the guest rooms. Brock got the feeling that he was exhausted from his trip. Ash went to run after him, but an arm on his shoulder stopped him.

"Ash, that guy looks serious. Don't bother him this late at night." The Gym Leader said seriously, giving the kid a meaningful look. Ash looked upset, but understood. "Challenge him tomorrow if you really want to. Now come on you two, let's go to sleep…"

When the morning sun finally arrived, the trio were up and ready to begin their journey anew. Ash was obviously the first one ready and out the door. He was hoping that he didn't miss his chance to battle the Trainer from Orre. Ignoring the calls from his group, the raven haired teen ran out the center doors, catching the young man before he had a chance to leave.

"Hey, you! Orre guy, battle me!" The Trainer stopped just short of mounting his ride, turning to face the kid shouting after him. Was this kid serious? He didn't look like much on his honest opinion, but he'd hold true judgment until he tested him in battle.

"Ash, what did I tell you about challenging random people?!" Misty shouted, having apparently run out after him. Her hair was frazzled, and she was only partially dressed. Ash was in such a hurry he practically burst down the door to catch the guy.

"Aww, but Misty! I bet he's really strong! This will be a good test of how far I've come!" Ash exclaimed. He could sense it, this guy had to be stronger then anyone he'd previously faced. Misty went to repute him again, only she was stopped before she even had the chance.

"The name is Wes.. Don't disappoint me." He said indifferently, squaring up next to Ash. Brock barely made it outside in time to hear of the battle, and prepared to be a referee. There was a small plaza in front of the Pokémon Center, a perfect size for a small battle. Brock had his head in his hands, he had a deep seated feeling that Ash was about to lose, horribly.

"Let the battle begin!" Brock declared rather reluctantly.

"Haha! This should be good!" Ash cheered with a massive grin! "Go Butterfree!" If the Trainer was expecting a difficult battle, he was going to be disappointed.

"Hmph.. Umbreon, don't play around." He stated. The Dark-Type Pokémon seemed eager to battle, and quickly put himself between the Butterfree and his master.

"Alright Butterfree, let's do this right! Use Gust!" Ash declared confidently. The silver haired Trainer didn't even blink.

"Evade and use Feint Attack." The Umbreon effortlessly avoided the winds thrown its way, before retaliating with a burst of dark energy. Ash couldn't even get a word of warning out in time before the Bug-Type Pokémon went down.

"W-Woah.. Uh, Brock..? Butterfree went down in one attack. Ash has never lost in a single move before, not even to you…" Misty muttered nervously. She had a feeling that the stranger was powerful, but this was a bit much.

"I noticed. Ash will have to pick up his game if he wants any chance at victory." Brock deduced. He was serious now, analyzing the fight professionally.

"Ah no! Butterfree, return!" Ash exclaimed, returning the downed Pokémon to its ball. "Wow, you're not messing around huh..?" He thought his Butterfree was tough, so losing in a single turn threw him off.

Ash nervously reached for his second Pokémon when he saw his opponent cross his arms impatiently. He probably shouldn't keep him waiting.

"Hah, alright then! Pidgeotto, I choose you! Take that Umbreon down with a Quick Attack!" Ash shouted. The large bird Pokémon quickly rushed the Eeveelution, rapidly approaching it with hostile intent. Wes frowned.

"Return that with Quick Attack." He called out clearly, nonplussed and still seemingly not taking Ash seriously. The Umbreon waited for the bird to get within striking range, before dodging faster then it could react to. Pidgeotto couldn't react in time to avoid the powerful body slam the Dark-Type delivered. It went crashing down to the ground, completely knocked out.

"What!? Pidgeotto no!" This was crazy! He'd yet to fight a Trainer even his Pidgeotto couldn't at the very least put up a fight with. This was absurd.

"Oh Brock! This isn't looking good! Ash is getting destroyed out there, he's going to lose!" The orange haired teen cried out. She'd seen Ash lose before, but Ash wasn't just loosing here. He was being played with. And to make matters worse, his enemy wasn't even trying. She hadn't seen him make anything more then two separate commands in battle so far, both of which offered him an instant victory.

"Are you done?" Ash's eyes snapped up to lock with the sharp golden stare from his opponent. The silver haired man was tapping his platform boots impatiently, awaiting Ash's next Pokémon. He was riling him up, and Ash fell right for it.

"Hah, as if! That was just a warm up!" The raven haired teen boasted. But he was lying, to his opponent, and to himself. "Alright, Pikachu, let's show this guy a real fight!" The yellow mouse Pokémon that had been sitting on his shoulder the entire time cried loudly, jumping to land in front of the Umbreon. This, actually got his opponent to crack a grin.

"Alright Pikachu, no messing around! Let's show this guy what for!"! Ash declared, throwing his arm out dramatically. "Use Thunderbolt!" The little creature grinned, before firing off a blast of electricity.

"Huh.. Umbreon, dodge." He commanded coolly. The dark Pokémon nodded in affirmation, easily escaping the initial attack. "Use Quick Attack again."

"Not again, this is over already…" Misty sighed from the sidelines. Brock silently watched on. This time it felt different. Ash was silent, watching as the Pokémon got closer, waiting. Then, when the Umbreon was right upon him…

"Pikachu, use Iron Tail!" The Umbreon couldn't stop itself fast enough to avoid a direct and powerful hit from Pikachu's attack. The attack hit true, sending the Dark-Type flying back to its Trainer.

"Yeah! Take that! Alright Pikachu, that was awesome!" Ash cheered. Finally he had gotten a hit to connect in this fight. It was time to even the odds a bit, because no one messes with his Pikachu!

"Yeah, go Ash!" Misty cheered from the sidelines. That turnaround got her heart pumping.

"Hold on Misty, it's not over." Brock spoke up. And just like that, both and Misty's optimism was shot down, when the Umbreon got back up and shook itself off.

"Umbreon, use Double Edge." The Orre Trainer called out seriously. Ash felt his heart drop into his stomach. Pikachu tried to evade, but the powerful attack hit true, and the little yellow mouse was knocked out cold. Umbreon retreated to his master with a small limp, but was otherwise ok. Ash looked distraught, but knew that he had been defeated.

"Ash, was it?" Ash was suddenly aware of how close his opponent was, standing only a few feet away. He looked up to the silver haired ace, suddenly nervous and at the same time, excited.

"Yep! That's me!" He exclaimed, throwing out a grin. Wes merely blinked. ''This guy doesn't emote much, does he?'' The raven haired teen thought dryly.

"You were better then I expected. Let's fight again when you get stronger." He commented, before turning on his heels on making his way back to his hover-bike. Ash stared slack jawed in awe at the blue and black wearing Trainer. Ignoring the fact that he just lost brutally, he couldn't help the admiration that grew when looking at him.

The sound of the bike's massive engine starting startled all the local Pokémon, the powerful rumble echoing off the building walls.

"Hey, wait! Where are you going?" Ash called out. Wes threw a quick glance at the defeated Trainer, face betraying nothing.

"Off to find trouble." He stated completely honestly. Before Ash could get another word in edgewise, the guy revved his engine and sped off. From the direction he was going, he was most likely heading towards Mt. Moon.

"Where do you think he's going?" Misty asked aloud, hands behind her head nonchalantly. Half the fight she spent worrying over her friend, and the other lost in the new guy's eyes...

"I'm not sure, but someone that powerful is not to be messed with. You're lucky you seem to be on his good side Ash…" Brock stated seriously. He didn't even need to fight the guy to know that he'd probably lose to him too, even as a Gym Leader. But something about him just didn't sit right with Brock. Perhaps it was his parental instincts kicking in from his time raising his little brothers and sisters.

"Brock, Misty, whatcha' waitn' for? We'll never see him again at this rate!" Ash yelled. Brock just sighed.

"Ash he just beat you, why would you want to chase after him so soon? You'll just lose again. You don't even know where he's going…" The Rock-Type Gym Leader pointed out. The Trainer laughed.

"That's the point! If I continue to battle with him, I'll get stronger for sure!" Ash declared. Brock facepalmed again. This was apparently what he signed himself up for…

"Sounds good to me!" Misty agreed, throwing Ash a supportive thumbs up. Brock felt his eyes twitch.

"Misty, you're only going along with this because you think he's hot…" Brock accused pointedly. Misty didn't deny it, and the small tint to her cheeks confirmed his statement. He suddenly came to the conclusion that he might have made a poor choice when deciding to pair up with the two teens…

Chapter

END