I don't own Pokémon. I only own some of the characters in the fanfic.
(*)
Pierre ran into the Pokémon Center before stopping to catch his breath. Looking around he took note of the countless other Pokémon Trainers and wondered whether or not they were all here for the self-proclaimed World's Strongest Trainer.
Unsure of what to do he took a seat near the entrance and began scoping out the competition, trying to judge from their appearance who'd be going to the same location. Hearing a commotion to the back he looked and saw that some of the other Trainers had found an indoor training field and were using it to practice.
Curious, he got up and sat near the small crowd watching the battle taking place.
"Pinsir use Vice Grip!" a boy dressed as a samurai ordered.
His opponent, a kid in navy blue tracksuit, winced as his Pokémon darted forward. "Rattata use Hyper Fang."
The purple Pokémon jumped up and latched onto one of the Pinsir's horns before it bit down hard enough to splinter it. The Pinsir fell forward, already out of energy, and the crowd cheered as Rattata's Trainer was declared the winner. He ignored the announcement to give his Pokémon a Potion, but when he took out a bottle Pierre identified as an Antidote the Rattata shook its head. The boy put the Antidote away, but his expression suggested he'd tried to use it before.
A girl dressed in all denim stepped forward. "Alright everybody, simmer down," she said to the gathered Trainers. "Since the challenger couldn't beat Gary here does anyone else want to give it a shot?"
The boy looked like he wanted to say something but before he could another Trainer stepped forward with a Pokéball in hand. "I'll give it a shot," she said. "Not sure how you keep winning, but you're not going to beat me!"
The girls sent out a Kadabra and the boy kept his Rattata on the field. Their referee took a second to announce the participants and flip a coin before the battle began. Pierre watched as they battled and wondered why he thought the boy looked so familiar. Maybe they'd met somewhere before?
He was shaken out of his musings when the boy was again declared the victor. Instead of backing out the boy and his Rattata stayed in and Pierre stood up and strode forward when the referee called for another challenger.
"I'd like to give it a shot," he said, watching the boy's face. He looked surprised to see him, but quickly gave his Rattata another Potion.
"Alright challenger," Denim Girl said. "What's your name?"
"It's Pierre Anderson."
"Pierre then." To the crowd she said, "On this side we have our reigning champ, Gary."
"My name is Marty!" the boy declared. Pierre remembered where he'd seen him before and looked around for Lucien, but he couldn't find the Trainer from Sinnoh.
"And on this side we have the challenger, Pierre! Both contestants will be using one Pokémon each." She took out a coin and flipped it. Pierre called heads and won, sending out Goomy first. He didn't know how long Lucien's travel buddy had been training, but it would give Goomy a chance to train.
"Goomy use Sludge Wave!" Goomy puffed itself up before blasting a wave of black and purple goop at Rattata.
"Quick Attack!" Marty commanded. Rattata's muscles tensed and it shot around the attack before striking Goomy's side.
"Not bad," Pierre noted. "I thought this might be a good fight for Goomy. I'm trying to get him up to the level of my other Pokémon, you know?"
Marty didn't answer, carefully watching his Pokémon. Pierre looked and saw darker purple marks spreading across Rattata's fur. When he looked back to Marty he saw a steely resolve in the boy's eyes.
Realizing with a jolt what was happening he ordered, "Goomy Protect!"
"Quick Attack!" Rattata bolted forward faster than he could see. The only thing that saved Goomy was the barrier he hastily threw up, knocking Rattata back.
Pierre took the opportunity to observe the Normal-type and sighed. If its ability was what he thought it was it would explain why the Rattata kept refusing Antidotes.
"Goomy use Absorb!"
Goomy fired a green beam at the Rattata, sapping its energy. Marty ordered another Quick attack and the battle wore on, Goomy alternating between Absorb and Protect. Despite the boost to its strength the Rattata couldn't keep it up for long and fainted.
"Our winner is Pierre Anderson!" Denim Girl announced, drawing a few cheers from the crowd.
Pierre frowned. The battle had been more troublesome than he'd expected, though he was more annoyed that he hadn't figured out the Rattata's ability at the beginning.
"Hey," someone called and he looked up to see another Trainer across the field. "You're the one to beat now, so bring it on!"
Pierre shrugged. If nothing else it would give him something to do.
He only had to do two more battles before he quit, leaving the group to their impromptu training. He healed his Pokémon up with some items before looking around for the boy from before. A familiar face would do wonders to help him relax.
He found Marty near the entrance, looking out at the rain. Sitting down next to him Pierre asked, "So, where's that friend of yours?"
"Huh?" Marty turned to look at him. "Oh, he's gone home. Said that he got what he needed, but he promised to keep in touch."
"It took him this long to get something?" Pierre asked, puzzled. "What happened to keep him so busy?"
Marty was quiet for a moment before answering. "He said something about wanting to help me, then he started ranting about somebody called John and the conversation fell apart."
Pierre took a minute to consider what Marty had told him before looking around and sighing. "So, I guess we're the only ones here…"
"I wouldn't say that," a familiar voice said from behind them.
Pierre turned to see Ash Ketchum, his Pikachu on his shoulder, and grinned. "Ash! How have you been?"
"I've been doing well. It's good to see you too." Ash sat down next to them and Marty promptly turned away, drawing Pikachu's attention. The Electric-type hopped off his Trainer's shoulder and began looking at the other Trainer. Ash leaned forward and grinned. "Hi there, who are you?"
Marty lowered his eyes and said, "Marty Stu, from Viridian City."
"I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."
The other boy nodded and abruptly stood up, hurrying away. Pierre watched him leave before sighing and turning back to Ash. "So, I guess it's just you and me. How has your training been going?"
"Me and Pikachu have been getting stronger," Ash declared, clenching his fist. "And Charizard's been doing amazingly too. I think this island, whatever's there, will be good for them."
"That's cool," Pierre agreed. "So, what about your other Pokémon?"
Ash stared at him for a second. "Other Pokémon?"
Pierre sighed and put a hand to his forehead. "Do you at least have a ThunderStone for that Pikachu of yours?"
Pikachu growled at that, his cheeks sparking with electricity, and Ash glared. "That's his choice."
"You're right." Pierre grinned. "Still, I guess you can put it off for just a little bit longer. After all I got pretty far when I did it."
Ash looked like he was about to ask him something, but before he could they heard an announcement over the speakers. "Attention everyone, due to adverse weather conditions no ships will be able to leave the harbor tonight. I repeat: due to adverse weather conditions, no ships will be able to leave the harbor tonight."
Both Pierre and Ash looked up at that and the older Trainer stood up to look around. Spotting a police officer and a nurse speaking to some Trainers he made his way over to talk to them.
One of the Trainers detached herself from the group and Pierre asked him, "So, what's happening?"
"The storm looks like it might be – and I'm paraphrasing here – 'the worst one ever'," the girl explained. "There's no point arguing, these guys are just delivering the message."
Pierre groaned and hurried back to Ash, informing him of what was going on. As soon as the police officers moved they were out of the doorway and made their way to the harbor, trying to think up a way to get to the island.
"Do you have any water types that could take us?" Ash asked.
"My dad has a Gyarados," Pierre commented. "Maybe he could send it over. I'll be right back."
Pierre ran back into the Center and - one phone call and an explanation later - he had his father's Gyarados and was standing on the docks next to Ash and Pikachu.
"So, where exactly is the island?" Ash asked.
Pierre took out his invitation and pushed the button. A map popped out and he took a minute to determine which way they would go.
"That way," he said, pointing out at the sea.
Ash looked doubtful. "Are you sure?"
Pierre shrugged. "Mostly. I did some research before I got here, but those islands aren't very well known."
Ash shrugged and Pierre sent out Gyarados. The younger Trainer took a step back as the gigantic Water-type appeared, though he looked more excited than scared. Pikachu grinned and cheerfully greeted Gyarados.
Pierre quickly explained the situation and Gyarados lowered his head so the two of them could climb aboard. As soon as they were comfortable Gyarados left the docks.
Pierre sat on the Water-type's back, Ash and Pikachu in front of him, and lay forward, doing his best to hang on. While Gyarados was at least trying not to throw them off the howling winds and violent waves they encountered had no such qualms.
Pierre had no idea how long they travelled, Gyarados moving slowly but surely forward while pushing through the storm, but eventually the wind and the rain and the waves suddenly stopped. Surprised at this he sat up and almost fell off, Ash catching his arm to stop him. He looked around and spotted what looked like a castle in the distance, but was more interested in the fact that the storm wasn't moving anywhere near the island.
"Hey Pierre," Ash asked, "is that the place?"
Pierre shrugged and said, "I'm not sure. There are supposed to be a series of islands, but even if it isn't we can't pass up a chance to rest."
Gyarados seemed to agree and was already moving towards the island. When they arrived they found a cave with a wooden dock, a light and a woman in a brown dress waiting for them. They hopped off Gyarados and Pierre recalled him before facing the woman.
"My master bids you welcome to New Island," she intoned. "Would you kindly present your invitation?"
Pierre nodded, relieved they'd found the island, before pulling the device from his pocket. As soon as he did it created a miniature hologram of the woman in front of him and said, "The bearers of this invitation may be admitted to New Island."
Pierre looked around. Aside from the lady in front of them there was little to be found except for a set of stairs in the back that looked as if they'd been carved out of the island.
The woman in front of him nodded, apparently satisfied, and turned away. "Come this way. My master awaits your arrival."
She headed for the stairs and Pierre and Ash followed her. As they travelled Pierre grew increasingly uncomfortable with the silence. Finally he asked, "So, how long have you been here?"
The woman stopped suddenly, bringing the procession to a halt. "I have always been here. I have always been in service of my master."
Pierre frowned. "Okay, but where were you born? What do you do for fun?"
"Do you like jazz?" Ash asked from behind him.
The woman was quiet for a moment before she continued upward. "Come, my master awaits your arrival."
Pierre frowned at that but followed anyway, and they made their way to a courtyard overlooking the ocean. Ash excitedly ran to the fence and peered out at the sea with Pikachu on his shoulder. Suddenly he stiffened and turned back to Pierre with a frown.
"Hey Pierre, didn't they say there weren't any boats leaving the harbor?" he asked, pointing out to something on the horizon.
Pierre hurried to Ash's side and followed the direction he was pointing until he spotted the boat in question. It looked like a fishing boat, something that had the best chance of surviving the storm. As he watched however a wave capsized the boat and it sank beneath the roiling sea.
Pierre turned back to their guide and pointed out at the ocean. "Hey, isn't your master going to do something?"
"My master sent the storm as a test," she said dispassionately. She turned to the door and said, "Come, my Master-"
"Awaits our arrival, I know," Pierre finished, following her as she entered the building. "I'm not done by the way."
She didn't answer and Pierre paused to take in the interior. The room was huge, bringing to mind the stadiums typically used in Pokemon League battles. Lavish fountains were set up to both his left and right, looking large enough to release Gyarados in, and a massive dining room table was set up in the centre. Beyond that Pierre took note of a. spiral staircase that dissappeared into the ceiling.
Ash and Pikachu rushed past him and Pierre turned to their guide. "Where is everyone?"
"Please release your Pokémon from their Pokéballs." The guide stared straight at him. "It will not be long before my masters intentions are made clear."
"Figures," Pierre scoffed, heading for the table.
Sitting down he sent out his Pokemon. "We're at the island," he said, waving them off, "so go wild."
Immediately they ran off and began amusing themselves. Charizard was playing with Goomy while Pikachu and Magmar did some light sparring. Gyarados meanwhile was resting in one of the fountains.
After some time had passed more Trainers were led into the hall by their guide, many of them soaked to the bone and shivering. After he and Ash came only a few more people showed up, a boy in a strange red outfit and a group of three in what looked like school uniforms.
Suddenly a chattering started up as a group of 4 were led into the hall, 3 boys and a girl. One of the boys had spiky green hair and a Sandslash, while another was dressed like an old school samurai with a net on his back and a helmet that looked suspiciously like a toy. The girl had green hair tied up in twintails and was wearing a red shirt with a bright yellow star on the front. The last boy, Pierre noted with some surprise, was Marty. They were instructed to send out their Pokémon and did so immediately before making their way to the table.
"Sure was lucky we had that debris to float on, right fellas?" the green haired boy asked.
"To make it here without using a Pokémon of our own was shameful,' the samurai cosplayer insisted. "We should get a Water-type Pokémon if we wish to leave."
"At least we got here," the girl waved him off. "I saw some people turn back before they even left the harbor!"
Marty caught sight of him then and waved as his group settle into seats closer to the door. Pierre waved back and observed the Pokémon they'd sent out. The samurai boy had sent out a Butterfree, Beedrill and Pinsir, two of which looked fearsome. The green haired boy, aside from his Sandslash, had sent out a Butterfree and Beedrill of his own, as well as two Raticate and a Rattata. The Star Girl had only sent out a ditto, which was jumping at and transforming into every Pokémon that it could get to. Marty's team seemed to comprise of a Cubone and Beedrill who both wanted to be seen as more hot-blooded, an Abra that seemed as if it couldn't tell whether it wanted to sleep, and a Rattata that constantly stood behind a strange berry looking Pokémon.
Curious, Pierre stood up and walked to Marty. "Excuse me," he began, "but what kind of Pokémon is that?"
"Well, it's a Ditto," the girl with green hair spoke up. "They aren't very common, but that one's a perfect fit for me."
"You dummy," the green haired boy said, crossing his arms over his shirt, "he was obviously asking about Marty's Bounsweet." Focusing on Pierre he stuck out his hand and said, "I'm AJ, nice to meet ya"
"Pierre Anderson." He shook his hand before turning to the other two. "So, who are you?"
"I'm Duplica," the green haired girl answered, "live performer extraordinaire. And that's Jack."
"I'm The Samurai," the boy snapped.
"That's too long," Duplica waved him off. "From now on you're Jack."
The Samurai looked to his companions for help but Marty just shrugged. "It is easier than calling you Samurai."
"If you were Ninja I'd have called you that," AJ told him.
The newly dubbed Jack sat back with a huff and Pierre returned to Ash.
"So, what should we do when the 'World's Strongest' shows up?" He looked up and down the table and grumbled when he noticed that none of the berry bowls were near their seats.
"Well, I thought I'd start off with Pikachu and see where it went from there," Ash said with an excited grin.
"If that's the case my Raichu should still get a chance to battle today." Pierre smiled mischievously as he said it.
Ash laughed before glancing at their Pokémon. "How has it been training that Goomy?"
"Tiring," Pierre admitted. "I called a friend of mine and she warned me that Pokémon like Goomy take longer to grow, mostly because it's so much harder to evolve them."
"Friend? Where's she now?"
"Well, last I heard she was in Hoenn harassing the locals." He frowned as he remembered what she could be like. "I'm sure she's fine."
It was then that a bright blue light shone down from through the centre of the spiral staircase and as he watched a strange creature he assumed to be a Pokémon floated down as if carried by the beam. Pierre stared at it curiously, wondering why it looked familiar to him as he felt a headache start to develop.
"That's right," their guide suddenly spoke up, moving to stand in front of the staircase, "the world's greatest Pokémon Master is also the world's strongest Pokémon. This is the ruler of New Island and soon the whole world, Mewtwo."
The Pokémon she'd called Mewtwo had a purple belly which connected to its tail. It had a pair of blunt grey horns and what looked like a chest piece but was probably a part of its rib cage. It had only two arms, each of which ended in a three fingered hand.
Suddenly a deep voice reverberated through his mind. "Greetings humans, it appears you are the few who've made it to this island. You have my congratulations."
"Who are you?!" one of the schoolgirls burst out, her Cubone brandishing its bone threateningly.
The strange Pokémon regarded her slowly. "The World's Greatest Pokémon Master. Were you unable to hear my servant?"
"Wait a second now, back up." AJ walked forward and carefully regarded Mewtwo. Finally he asked, "How can you be the World's Greatest Pokémon Trainer and The World's Strongest Pokémon? You can't mean to say that you're the best because you've made yourself that strong can you?"
Mewtwo's answer was to point at AJ, covering the boy in a bright blue glow. It raised its arm and AJ floated up, and when it threw its arm forward he was thrown into one of the fountains.
"Now then," said Mewtwo, lowering his arm as his eyes glowed brighter, "let us begin."
(*)
End Chapter 07