Chapter 3: Thus, The Chain Has Broken


-Ars Bastion POV-

"Here's some tea. Careful, it's still hot." I said while offering cups of tea towards my unexpected guest while watching them in amusement.

After the ruckus upon the revelation of my second pokemon, both Magnolia and Sonia were finally able to calm themselves while laying on the sofa with tired sighs. Elaine is pinching her nose in frustration while mumbling about something.

Professor Magnolia took the pokedex back while also taking a laptop from her backpack. Which is probably to start processing the data gathered in pokedex and move it towards her personal laptop for further research later.

Though I didn't notice when she occasionally sent an annoyed glare towards me, as I am busy thinking about how to train Sliggoo and Zorua.

After all, I was so excited!

"Boy, expla-"

I cut professor Magnolia who's about to ask me with my own rumbling.

"From her data, Sliggoo might already strong enough to learn coverage like Flamethrower, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt,or Sludge Bomb… I could probably teach her how to manipulate her draconic energy, in a different method like increasing the amount of pyrokinesis inside her to learn Flamethrower possibly… As for Ice Beam, probably the best method is to use Water Gun as a base while telling her to lower its temperature-" I start to mumble while thinking about what I need to teach Sliggoo. Not knowing that there's four pairs of eyes who are starting to pay attention to what I say.

Though I did not expect for this cutie Slime Dragon to know a freaking 13 moves, and on top of that, having three abilities instead of one like most pokemon.

She's truly special, on top of being an extinct pseudo legendary. And I was lucky to have successfully convinced her to be my first pokemon.

But now, the challenge that I must face is what kind of method should I use to teach some moves that could benefit her, as I never tried to teach a move to pokemon.

The most popular method for trainers to teach their pokemon is by using TR.

Technical Records, or TR, also exist in this world as the most popular method for teaching pokemon any moves. It's a one time use item that instantly teaches pokemon a move. The method of creating TR is by taking the knowledge of a specific move from a pokemon onto a computer where it later processes the move data and transfers it into a data form, where it can be applied later by using a computer and connecting it to a pokeball. The only downside to it though, was that upon creating the TR, the pokemon who participated would lose the knowledge on how to perform the move.

And on top of that…It's expensive as hell!

With how much money I had, buying a single TR is currently out of question.

So the only way to teach Sliggoo is by using her current move as a base for references. For instance, I could teach her to use Dragon Breath while at the same time, tell her to increase the pyrokinesis energy inside her so she could learn Flamethrower. The same method could be applied to teaching her Ice beam and Sludge Bomb since she already knows Water Gun and Acid Spray.

"Given our snowy environment, Ice Beam probably will be easier than flamethrower since the cold environment could also affect her usage of Water Gun… Sludge Bomb might be easier since it basically just expanding the amount of energy she must spend to execute the move, but-"

"Ars!/Boy!"

I felt a jolt of shock when suddenly two sets of voices were calling to me loudly. Looking at the perpetrators, I noticed how both professor Magnolia and Elaine are currently looking at me with intense looks.

Zorua yips in fear as she quickly turns invisible in response, although I can still feel her in my embrace.

I also notice there's a different glint coming from Elaine's expression.

"I apologize, it's very unbecoming of me to talk to myself like that." I replied to both of them while trying to calm Zorua down.

"I wonder if I should start to regret or rejoice coming here because of this massive discovery that I am about to document…" Magnolia muttered while glaring at me with annoyance, while looking at the Hisuian Zorua who is currently snuggling in my embrace as she makes herself visible again after I manage to calm her.

I looked at her with confusion.

"Explain. Where and how did you get another Hisuian pokemon. Quickly if you please.."

Ah, so that is her intention.

I just smiled awkwardly at how her eyes sharpen, as it is directly piercing towards me.

"Well, It just happened while I was doing my job as a lumberjack," I started explaining as everyone's attention in the living room including the Gardevoir are now fully on me. "It was noon when I was cutting trees in areas nearing Frostpoint. Sliggoo was with me at that time, accompanying me by playing by herself nearby when suddenly Sliggoo antenna perks up. At first I ask her what's wrong, but she just ignores me, cooing happily and suddenly glides to the forest near Frostpoint field."

Professor Magnolia listens to me seriously while Sonia hurriedly takes her phone out and places it far too close to my mouth. Recording everything I've said. Beside me, Elaine is also listening to my explanation.

"Naturally, I followed her while asking what's wrong, but she didn't explain anything and just kept gliding towards the deeper part of the forest-"

"Before continuing," professor Magnolia cut me off while staring at me with an intense look. "Did you even consider the danger you could have been in, entering a dense forest filled with wild pokemon?"

Everyone present started to give me concerned looks. Elaine grabbed my palm, holding it tightly. I also felt the concerned gaze of the Gardevoir, sitting on the table

"I understood the danger, professor." I nodded at her question. "But on the other hand, I couldn't abandon my pokemon, especially because I didn't understand her sudden change in behavior."

"Good. Continue your story, boy." Professor Magnolia nodded at my explanation, seeming pleased as she told me to continue my story.

I nodded at her.

"Right then I was about to call her back to pokeball, but a small cry had come from one of the huge trees. I was so worried and scared I just froze. From there, a Ghost Orb appeared and floated towards Sliggoo, who looked happy seeing it. The Orbs glowed briefly before it turned into a small gray fox with red and white accents on its fur. Its golden yellow irises shone brightly as both of them quickly cried in happiness while rubbing on each other."

Zorua perks up upon hearing her own description, giving me a look of curiosity that manages to peek through her usual melancholic expression. I gave her a warm smile while gently caressing her head, earning a pleased yip from her. "After some time, Zorua had finally realized my presence and she quickly hid behind Sliggoo's shell. Though I'm sure she was startled when Sliggoo just laughed at her. Sliggoo had sensed poor Zorua using her antenna then approached me while pulling Zorua with her."

"You should have seen the look on her face, and how panicked Zorua was when Sliggoo 'betrayed' her. I had to hold my laughter when I saw Zorua's nervous expression as she struggled to release herself from Sliggoo's Antenna." I laugh lightly as I recall that memory.

While it didn't ease the tension in the living room, it did bring a smile to Sonia's face as she imagined my Hisuian Sliggoo picking up a wild Hisuian Zorua.

From the dining room, I can hear a slight giggle from Gardevoir.

Sliggoo, who has been behind me the entire time, also releases a high-pitched cry, as if she's also laughing alongside Gardevoir.

Zorua didn't like it though. She pouted at me because I just told everyone about her moment of embarrassment. She huffed and jumped out of my arms. She then walked in a tight circle before settling between me and Elaine before laying down.

Cute.

Though, professor Magnolia didn't seem to care about the small details, and after hearing my explanation she snorted in mild annoyance. "And let me guess, you just picked this Zorua and caught her with Sliggoo's help."

I shake my head in response. "As much as I would have wanted to do that, I refuse to just force a pokemon to join my team like that."

Professor Magnolia hums in disinterest, despite her eyes glinting in approval. "Continue, boy."

"So, after Sliggoo picked up Zorua and brought her to me, I told Sliggoo to release her friend because I saw how uncomfortable Zorua was. Initially, Zorua was really uncomfortable with my presence. I can count her turning invisible several times and the few times I could see her she was literally looking at Sliggoo, like begging her to escape. But Sliggoo just kept shaking her head while talking with her scared friend Zorua. While both of them were talking in their own language, I decided to wait and see, sitting on the nearest tree."

"Then you tried to talk with Zorua when your pokemon and her finished their conversation." said professor Magnolia, guessing it correctly as I nodded at her speculation.

She holds the title for a reason.

"Then what did you do to basically tame a ghost-type? You do realize that not many people are able to do that without the necessary preparations?" professor Magnolia asked me again, but with more intensity than before. "Did you know about ghost-type history and how they were creat-"

"Professor."

Professor Magnolia stops her rambling, glaring. She looks pissed off that I had interrupted her mid sentence.

It didn't deter me from looking at the older woman with a firm expression. Completely ignoring the looks I got from Elaine and Sonia, who were looking at me as if I had grown a second head.

"Yes?"

"It might be impolite for me to suddenly cut your speech short, but please do not continue the topic." I smile lightly while caressing Zorua who is now staring curiously at me. Beside me, Sliggoo is also cooing softly, as if she agrees with me.

Professor Magnolia did not immediately reply. Instead, she simply stared at me with an unreadable expression. The living room goes silent with an uncomfortable atmosphere surrounding it, and as the time passes,both of us are still staring at each other without uttering a word.

Sonia was constantly switching her glances from her grandmother, then to me, and Elaine just stared at me. I could sense a weird emotion from the girl due to the glint in her eyes.

'Is she actually enjoying the fact that I chose to cut professor Magnolia's speech short?'

But I didn't have the time to think further on Elaine's behavior, as professor Magnolia had snorted in amusement, regaining my attention.

"Fine, have it your way, brat." professor Magnolia says with an uninterested tone. "So basically, you talked with that Zorua for a bit, where you managed to tame her, then asked her to be your second pokemon, which is when she said yes, am I correct?"

I started laughing lightly at her dismissive attitude, but still she had managed to correctly guess it once more. "Yes, after Sliggoo brought the frightened Zorua to my place, I began to talk with her. At first, she was very uncomfortable with my presence, but it didn't take long for her to warm up to me after I gave her several headpats." I said while I took Zorua and put her on my lap, patting her soft fur.

Both Sonia and Gardevoir squealed in delight watching how cute Zorua was. The tiny fox let out a pur as she squirmed in my hands while closing her eyes, and even showing her belly for me. This allowed me the room to give it a gentle rub. Zorua was really enjoying my treatment as she yips in happy content while licking my hands.

Professor Magnolia silently watches the entire ordeal before letting out a huf. "Alright, I do not need to ask any further questions, seeing that you are already licensed to own them."

"B-but professor Magnolia-!"

I raise my eyebrow when Elaine suddenly stands, looking distraught after hearing what professor Magnolia said.

But I wasn't surprised.

"It's just as I thought," I said.

Every pair of eyes is now focusing on me, But I paid no mind.

"It was mom who called you to come here. From what I observed, mom is also the one who informed you about Sliggoo, as well as placing doubt on my capacity for owning pokemon, am I right professor?" I finished.

I can see professor Magnolia is now staring at me with a glint in her eye and a smile on her face. A stark contrast to what she usually looks. On the other hand, Elaine looked down at the floor with a pained expression, unable to directly face me with both of her hands gripping the corner of her clothes tightly.

"Wh-what do you mean?" Sonia asks, flabbergasted. "I-is it true, grandma? T-that she is basically setting up the whole thing for her own son, t-to take his pokemon that he legally caught?"

The look that professor Magnolia gave to her granddaughter had pretty much confirmed Sonia's question. As she quickly turned to Elaine, who didn't say anything, with an outrageous look she yelled

"H-how could you do that!"

I raised my eyebrow as I didn't expect Sonia to suddenly raise her voice.

"Thinking about robbing your own son's dream by trying to indirectly take away his pokemon like That! With all due respect, ma'am, after hearing the various things from Mr. Ars, even someone like me who just met him, realizes how much potential that he has! Such talent at handling pokemon with so much ease is something that should be nurtured, not squandered with such an underhanded method!"

'Wow…' .

I didn't expect Sonia to suddenly chew out Elaine like that, and she did it without any mercy.

Although I silently enjoyed the whole fiasco, I think Elaine probably didn't expect someone who is so much younger than her to admonish her with so much righteous fervor.

The conversation I just had with professor Magnolia was probably a hidden procedure to test whether I am eligible to keep my pokemon or not. If I am deemed be incompetent, then professor Magnolia probably could use her authority as regional professor and a legal employee from Pokemon League to legally take my Hisuian pokemon since both of them are probably one of a kind, given their extinct status.

Honestly, I am not ashamed to admit that I held some resentment towards Elaine.

But on the other hand, I also have been suspicious about her odd behavior.

She's a caring mother who had raised her only son without any husband to support her at all, similar to my mother in my previous life. I actually asked her about where her husband is, or technically, where my father was. But the only reply that she gave me was just a bitter smile and never explained anything at all.

But her demeanor changed instantly when our conversation shifted into pokemon-related stuff.

I just couldn't help but think it was such an unusual reaction. It's as if something happened to her in her past that caused her to react in such a manner.

Anyway, I think I should stop Sonia before she goes too far.

"Miss Sonia!" I say out loud, which stops Sonia from further admonishing Elaine. "While I am grateful for you saying so much in my defense, I would like you to stop harassing my mom, even if I know what she did."

"B-but Mr. Ars!?" Sonia looked at me in disbelief.

"She is still my mom who has raised me by herself since I was a baby, all by herself. Even with what she did to try and end my fantasy to be a pokemon trainer, she is still my mom." I replied firmly.

That shuts up Sonia immediately, as she turns her attention between myself and Elaine with a conflicted expression.

On the other hand, I catch Elaine staring at me with a guilty look. As she probably didn't expect for me to stand up for her despite knowing that she was plotting against me, her only son, to take my pokemon away. A few tears flow freely from her eyes, which she quickly wipes away with trembling hands as if to hide her tears.

I did not expect for professor Magnolia to suddenly bellow with laughter, and neither did Sonia it seems, as she is currently staring at her grandmother with astonishment.

"Oh dear me," the aged professor wiped her tears in amusement as she looked at Elaine with a sarcastic smile. "To think that your own son is much more mature than you. How far will you make a fool of yourself, foolish student of mine?"

"I-I just-"

"By trying to forcefully take his dream of being a pokemon trainer? And with such an underhanded method, foolish girl? By trying to manipulate me to take his rights as a trainer?" Professor Magnolia bellowed in a sardonic manner, as her elderly eyes glaring menacingly at Elaine, making her squirm in fear. "Never thought one of my brightest students would end up this low, giving yourself to self-wallowing, even as far as to degrade yourself, defiling your son's dream."

"How far will you fall on your journey of self-annihilation, Oh, foolish girl…?"The elderly woman takes a deep breath, trying to control her emotions after her intense outburst.

No one uttered a single word. Not even the pokemon. The pokemon, me and Sonia could only stare at the furious professor Magnolia with awe as she berates her former student without mercy. Elaine did not reply to anything that professor Magnolia said. Her hands are gripping the edge of her blouse tightly, her lips tightening pitifully.

"P-professor… I-I only tried to-"

"Enough."

I gulped hearing that word said so much venom coming from professor Magnolia. Just hearing her unforgiving tone makes my blood run cold. Sonia tensed from the tone her grandmother took. Even my pokemon are pressing in against me, as Sliggoo is looking on at the scene with silence, one of her antennae on my feet, while Zorua leaps into my hands while turning herself invisible to hide.

Gardevoir is probably the most affected, as she suddenly stands up, trying to approach Elaine. But one single glare from professor Magnolia stopped her from moving further.

Elaine probably taking it the worst, given that word is directed towards her.

"I am beyond disappointed in you," Anything that Elaine was about to say, dies in her throat as she stares at the absolutely livid professor in front of her. "From now on don't even dare to call me your mentor. Not till you properly apologize, but not to me. You have to apologize to your own son and Gardevoir as well. Your son is free to be a pokemon trainer whenever he wants along with my personal approval."

That is the last straw for Elaine.

Her stress combined with harsh words from professor Magnolia was already burdening her enough. But the fact that a regional professor was giving me her tacit approval was too much for her. The stamp of approval from any regional professor cannot be overridden without a serious case as it is the highest form of legal means to be a trainer.

Which means, any attempt to stop me is literally meaningless from now on.

Without even looking back, Elaine quickly runs toward her room, closing the door with a thunderous thud, leaving the rest of us outside and looking at the door of her room with a forlorn expression.

I was left pinching my nose, while professor Magnolia just sighed tiredly.

"I apologize for this whole thing, professor." I said, looking at professor Magnolia. The old woman just snorted after hearing my apology.

"Arceus above, the son is much more mature than the mother itself. I really had a field day after deciding to come here."

"I will try to convince mom later after she calms down. Before that, please make yourself comfortable, professor. And you too as well Ms. Sonia."

Sonia just smiles while waving her hands. "Ah, please don't be. I am grateful for your hospitality, Mr. Ars."

"Bah, no need to be polite with me. I was already happy to experience such a precious discovery. Having data on two supposedly extinct pokemon, that alone is enough to satisfy me." Professor Magnolia scoffed in mild amusement, as she turned her attention back to her laptop.

"Boy." Professor Magnolia suddenly called without looking at me. Her tone is much softer while laced with a pensive melancholy as she throws 6 pokeballs towards my direction. "Here."

"Yes?" I answered the aged professor, looking at her before catching the pokeball she threw at me. I almost dropped Zorua in the process. Thankfully Sliggoo helped me by catching five of those pokeballs with her antennae.

"Like I said before, I gave you my approval," She said while taking the pokedexes on the table, typing the device with a moderate speed before also throwing it to me, which was surprisingly caught by Zorua using her mouth. "This pokedex, the 5 pokeballs I tossed to Sliggoo And the pokemon inside that pokeball, is the evidence of my personal approval. Even though you already have two pokemon, those are not official starter pokemon given by a regional professor, thus I am using my authority to give you one."

I took the pokedex from Zorua, before looking at Professor Magnolia in shock. Never once crossed my mind that I would get such a precious item like pokedex. This item is basically the best tool for any trainer to train their pokemon. It reveals their basic stats, is a digital encyclopedia that records every move a pokemon could learn in a video and this alone, allows a trainer to teach pokemon any move it is capable of learning. It can even be used as your trainer license, and allows you to send pokemon to your pokebank without needing to go to the nearest pokemon center. This item is basically the source of joy and jealousy for trainers, and professor Magnolia just gave it to me. And on top of that, she gave me a starter pokemon!

"Don't say anything, just open your pokeball so your new pokemon can meet you." Professor Magnolia says,says, cutting off any attempt for me to talk and deny these precious items.

Weighing my options, I decided to just concede to her command and I threw the pokeball which has a whirlpool mark on it to release the pokemon inside it.

"Ralts!" the pokemon cries out.

It is a familiar humanoid pokemon with a white body with thin arms and legs. It has a wispy extension trailing off the back of its feet, giving the impression of an oversized dress. Its face is mostly covered by short green hair, making a pair of red eyes hidden behind it as it glowing with an innocent curiosity. There are two flat, red horns on top of its head, with a large one at the front and a smaller one at the back.

I am not expecting to get a Ralts for my official starter. They are known to be very hard to catch due to their shy demeanor and ability to sense people's emotions.

Taking my pokedex, I scan her.

[ Ralts, Feeling pokemon. Psychic/Fairy-type Pokemon. Gender: Female. Modest Nature. Height: 0.4 m. Weight: 4.5 kg. Ability: Trace; Moveset: Disarming Voice, Confusion, Hypnosis, Double Team, Thunderbolt, Disable (egg move) ]

She has a good moveset and the best ability for Gardevoir. It makes me happy since Ralts is also a good addition for my team, as a trained Gardevoir is one of the best offensive fairy-type among other fairy pokemon. Not to mention with her wide movepool, I could set a lot of strategy with my future team, giving me a wider option.

"Well, aren't you a cutie?" I smile at my starter.

"Raaa~" Sensing my good mood, she also smiles, before yelping in shock and hiding behind the sofa after looking at Sliggoo and Zorua. Probably due to their nature being opposite to hers.

Though I also noticed a particularly unusual move that she has.

"Professor, does this Ralts have a parent in your lab?" I ask curiously as Ralts jumps forward where she landed near my right hand.

Professor Magnolia just smirked hearing that. "Why are you suddenly asking about that, boy?"

"Well, I believe that a Ralts on this stage is not supposed to know a high-leveled move like Thunderbolt. Because of that, I assume she was born in your laboratory, and that her parents have taught her this particular move. Especially since I doubt you would waste a TR on a young pokemon like her." I explain my hypothesis, getting another laugh from the aged professor.

"Boy, you should start your journey soon before I change my mind and take you as my newest apprentice. Talking with you is intriguing because you have just shown me that you have a remarkable analytical ability and an extremely in-depth breadth of knowledge on a large amount of pokemon." Professor Magnolia laughs while shaking her head.

I smiled hearing that. "Unfortunately, I don't wish to be late for the Gym circuit since I plan to participate in the Challenge Cup this year."

"Hah! What an honest arrogance! Claiming that you could finish the entire Gym circuit in less than a year!" snorted professor Magnolia, as Sonia giggled hearing my bold claim. "As for your assumption on Ralts's lineage, you are right about that. In fact, this Ralts is a child from your foolish mother's Gardevoir in there."

I turned my head towards the saddened Gardevoir who's been staring at the mom's bedroom door. She gives me a polite smile after hearing professor Magnolia talking about her. "It's unfortunate that I must introduce myself in this unpleasant situation, but it's nice to meet you, son of Elaine. Please take care of my daughter."

She shifted her attention toward the young Ralts, excited to see her mother. "As for you dear, I hope you don't forget my advice, and keep training your psychokinesis energy so you can start learning to transmit your thoughts before you evolve later."

Ralts nodded with a wide smile, intending to please her mother with a determined look.

Seeing that I wouldn't be able to start training today given the whole situation, also having guests in my house, I decided that I should start making dinner soon. I stand up leaving Zorua on the sofa so she can start interacting with her newest teammate, then walk towards the kitchen to start preparing dinner.

"Let me help you, Mr. Ars!"

Seeing me walk to the kitchen, Sonia also stands with the intent to help me, which I gratefully accept. "Your help is very appreciated, Ms. Sonia."

"Please, just call me Sonia." Sonia said while taking off her jacket and placing it on the sofa.

I nod while I start smashing the garlic to peel it, then cutting it into small pieces with a knife. "Then you can also call me Ars."

Both of us then made dinner while chatting animatedly about many things. Glancing at the living room, I can see professor Magnolia simply focused on her laptop. Meanwhile, both Ralts and Zorua are now playing with each other after a brief awkward introduction while being supervised by Gardevoir and Sliggoo, who are currently talking with each other in a manner akin to adults.

Weird.

Is Sliggoo actually older than I thought?


-Magnolia POV-

After taking a fine dinner which was cooked by my granddaughter alongside the son of my foolish student and a hot bath, I finally have time to relax.

Sitting on the living room table while watching the upload of the data to the group chat composed of other regional professors, I found myself recalling everything that just happened, making me scoff in irritation when I remembered about my former student.

Never once crossed my thought that she would end up in a remote village like this while living in the shadow of her former self who was graduating in a remarkable grade while displaying excellent behavior about handling her pokemon.

Wasteful, truly a waste of her excellent talent being pathetically wasted like this.

On the positive side, I made an unexpectedly massive discovery by meeting her son. And from such a short talk in order to gauge his abilities, I've found myself mesmerized with his display of knowledge and skills. Normally I wouldn't let someone keep two extinct ancient pokemon who are probably the only ones left of their kind. I would have preferred to take it using my authority to preserve the pokemon and attempt to revive their lineage like what the pokemon league did with other ancient pokemon.

But after talking to him, I abandoned the plan due to my rapidly growing respect for him, even as far as giving him a pokedex and starter without having a second thought.

Such an incredible talent must not be squandered, not like what happened to his mother.

And this time, I will make sure of that.

In fact, I am about to brag about being his newest mentor. My eyes watch in glee as the uploading process is completed, smirking deviously as numerous ping sounds reach my ears, signaling that other professors are online, reading my documentation.

[Ding!] [Ding!] [Ding!]

I laughed in exhilaration as I answered the group call, Immediately getting assaulted with high-pitched voices and a cacophony of words and sounds that I couldn't even understand.

"Shut the hell up! I can't hear anything you idiots are spewing with all this ruckus!" I shout loudly, quickly shutting them up as I relish in their annoyed expressions, greatly enjoying the whole farce.

[Where is it?] The first one who talks is, as always, the old Oak from Kanto. [No, the exact question is, how did you find it?]

I suppose I can humor him by telling the truth, no need to aggravate them any further.

"Would you like to believe that it's not me who found it, but the son of my former pupil?" I answered him while smirking.

[... So what you have said is, that an unknown youngster-]

"A sixteen year old, a bit late to be a Pokemon trainer."

[-A sixteen year old teenager just found not only one, but two extinct ancient pokemon which originally from Hisui legend…?]

"Yes, exactly like that."

[And where did he find them?] Another one asking. This time, it is the old Rowan who asked it. [Did you also go to his place to examine the specimens?]

"Indeed, I am still sitting in his living room." I answered old Rowan. "Got a call from Freezington Village where his mother report that his son found an unusual Sliggoo-"

[W-wait a minute, Dear! Where are you going-!]

Suddenly I heard a ruckus coming from one of the video calls as every professor is now watching a hilarious scene from old Carolina who seems to be trying to stop her granddaughter from leaving in a rush.

[To Freezington Village, Grandma! I really want to see those new pokemon!]

[Wait, dear! We could go together-Darn it! She's already gone!]

I laughed in amusement seeing such enthusiasm from such a young trainer. "Your granddaughter seems to be in quite the rush to meet me in this small village."

[Oh just shut up, Magnolia.] the old Carolina huffs in annoyance at my small jab. [I am partially blaming you for finding a specimen that originated from Sinnoh, which is the field of study my dear Cynthia chose.]

I smiled in delight, savoring this feeling of triumph. "You can't blame me for finding a gold mine in my own region, old Caroline."

[Enough of this meaningless banter, we need to take this information seriously.] Old Rowan cut both of us with a serious demeanor. [The thing we need to discuss now is how to deal with this young trainer who currently has two extinct ancients which are probably the last of their kind.]

[I read from your report that you also decided to put this young man in your mentorship program, isn't that a bit too hasty, especially given he hasn't had proper teaching about how to handle his pokemon?] This time, the eccentric Elm joined the conversation.

"No need to be worried about such trivial matters." I said with utmost confidence. "I tested him myself by asking him a few questions, and he passed with flying colors. Not only that, he just told me he thinks the starter I gave him was bread in my laboratory using the tiny hint that she knows thunderbolt at such a young age. He was right too."

[... Isn't this basically playing favorites, Magnolia? You know about our procedure of choosing a new batch of trainers who will get a pokedexes. I don't think simply asking questions to the boy is the correct method for giving him your approval and mentorship program. Even if he manages to find such an incredible discovery, that also didn't giving him a qualification to-]

"Then maybe you should go meet the boy by yourself and see how capable he is in handling the ancient pokemon." I fired back at the young Sycamore with a firm expression. "I saw it with my own eyes, how he makes those two ancient pokemon behave like a growlithe pup with astounding efficiency."

[... That's impossible. Such thing should be impossible for a new trainer-]

[Unless, this young man has dual affinities that correlates with those ancients.] Old Oak decided to cut young Sycamore with a serious expression.

[... That is probably the most plausible theory about how this young man can handle both pokemon with ease…] young Spencer expressed his opinion, albeit with some degree of disbelief. The moment he said that other professors also started to express their disbelief about old Oak's theory, but were unable to reject the possible theory .

[Judging from the types from these two ancients, the young man probably has two affinities from these four types: Normal, Steel, Dragon, and… Ghost.]

[The last two of those types are amongst the most dangerous pokemon types to ever exist, is such a thing even possible?]

"Possible or not, old Oak's theory is probably the only plausible answer until there's any further research about the ancients behaviors towards the boy." I added my own thought, effectively making other professors seem to come in temporary agreement with old Oak theory, as they started to discuss this discovery and making quite a ruckus in the video call.

[I've decided.] Old Rowan suddenly cuts the conversation. [I would like to offer this young man a mentorship as well.]

'... What?'

His declaration has caught every professor off guard, including me, as I can see everyone staring at old Rowan in stunned silence.

[... Wait a minute, Professor Rowan!]

[Isn't giving another mentorship too much? even if this trainer currently owns two ancients?]

[Please give yourself some time for consideration in regard to giving your tacit approval.]

The conversation now shifts to everyone basically questioning old Rowan's decision to give the boy another apprenticeship. I also never thought that old Rowan would do something as unthinkable as this, but after considering it, I think I understand why he suddenly decided to give the boy such a privilege.

"Old Rowan," I called out to him while increasing the volume of my mic, making other professors flinch at my loud voice. "Did you do this in order to protect the boy from those bastards? I couldn't think of any other reason for giving a dual approval for the boy except to protect him, since I recall, the young Cynthia also having the same privilege due to her starter being a Gible."

Murmurs begin to float around among other professors, after hearing my contemplation about Rowan's decision. Some agreed with the notion, while others disagreed to approve the notion, while reasoning about the boy being an unknown figure and such.

[Honestly, why not just invite him to the next meeting?] I heard the young Juniper decide to give her opinion on this matter. [That way, we could see whether the young man is capable or not.]

[That's acceptable.]

[Yes, that sounds like a splendid idea, professor Juniper.]

[Then all of us are in agreement about doing another meeting in the near future with Magnolia bringing the young man.]

Young Juniper's suggestions are quickly being accepted by other professors, as they quickly plan for the next meeting while reminding me to bring the boy as well.

"Aside from our decision regarding the boy," I smiled deviously. "Do I need to remind you all that one of the ancients, the Sliggoo, is an Alpha? It is mentioned at the end of my documentation."

There was silence.

Then, another huge commotion erupts as I laugh heartily at the video call, enjoying another batch of triumph in satisfaction.


-Ars Bastion POV-

The next day, I decided to take a day off from my job in order to train with my pokemon. Even if I was an adult trapped in the body of a teenager, I still couldn't wait anymore because I was too excited to start training with my team. Fortunately, the owners were kind enough to let me train my pokemon after hearing my explanation.

With that in mind, I went to a location near Frostpoint field and took out my entire pokemon team. I was immediately greeted by various cries from Sliggoo, Zorua, and Ralts.

Not far ahead, I can see Gardevoir silently observing me while sitting on the nearest wooden log.

"Alright girls!" I said aloud. "Thanks to this pokedex that professor Magnolia gave to me, I have plans for what I want to do! And since now I have complete information about all of you, I will list about a bunch of things that I will try to teach!"

Both Sliggoo, Zorua, and Ralts perk up when hearing me with Zorua quickly jump from my shoulder, looking at me with curiosity, Sliggoo beaming with excitement, and Ralts nodding with an interested look.

"Sliggoo, you are first," I pointed to her, which made her coo with an energetic tone. "First, you have a wide variety of offensive and defensive moves. I want you to expand your move arsenal even further by learning a bunch of move types for coverage. Since we didn't have a TR, we will have to do it manually."

I felt everyone's gaze on me, especially from Sliggoo

"The first move that I will teach you is Ice Beam. For that, I want you to repeatedly practice Water Gun on that rock while lowering the temperature. That way, I am sure you can unlock Ice Beam. And after you unlock Ice Beam, I want you to start using Ice Beam repeatedly in order to increase your mastery over it. Do you understand?" I said while pointing at a particular boulder not far from us.

Sliggoo answered my question by cooing happily. She then starts to glide over to the rock to begin her training, and throws a bunch of Water Guns on it. Creating loud noises every time her Water Gun hits the rock.

After that, I continue my plan and focus on my second pokemon Zorua, who is currently wagging her tail in anticipation.

"As for you, Zorua. I want you to start mastering your current moves, starting with Snarl." I can see her excitement going downhill after being told what to do, but I wouldn't let that happen. "By repeatedly using Snarl, it will expand the miasma energy inside your body, where it is necessary for you to learn a new move."

That made Zorua pay full attention to me, and even a hint of excitement, if her tail wagging is anything to go by.

"The move that I am going to teach you is called Dark Pulse. It is a powerful dark move which unleashes a single concentrated dark energy wave to your opponent. Your training is to use Snarl on the tree near Sliggoo repeatedly, do you understand?"

Zorua yipped in anticipation, as she ran towards the tree I mentioned, starting her training and growling while unleashing dark energies from her body.

With Sliggoo and Zorua's training plan in motion, I turned my attention towards the third member of my team, who was looking at me with the same enthusiasm.

"Lastly for you, Ralts!" I turned my attention to my third pokemon, enthusiastically waiting for my order. "Since you also have the similar type with Zorua, needing to properly build up your energy, I will start with the same routine. For now, you can pick any nearest tree in this area while hitting it with your confusion, in order to build your endurance like Zorua, and also to unlock Psychic moves as well, understand?"

Ralts cried in anticipation as she took a small run towards the tree near Zorua, which honestly looks pretty cute to watch her run like that. But before she's going too far, I stop her while also giving another note. "Also, later, try to help Sliggoo by teaching her Thunderbolt, it might be handy for her to get another coverage move."

"Ralts!"

She replies by giving a salute which earns me some laughs.

After that, I paid attention to the training of all three of my pokemon as they do their training in each of their respective places. But suddenly, I heard a high feminine voice from a distance.

"Excuse me! Can I see your pokemon?"

I turned my attention to the source of voice, where I found a silhouette of a blond haired girl with black outfits running hastily towards my location. Her breath labored in each step, probably due to not being used to thick snow in this area, making her need to take a hefty leap for each step.

As she drew closer, I quickly recognized who she really was.

"Ah-!"

But before I even have a chance to greet this girl, an incident suddenly occurs.

"Watch out, Miss!"

I reacted quickly by running towards her when she suddenly tripped on a log that was hidden beneath the thick snow. Worse, the location where she's about to fall is toward a crevice around ten meters deep.

"Ahhh-!"

"I got you Miss-Whoa!"

The girl was mere inches from falling into the rift before I managed to catch her hand. I quickly pulled her up and away from the chasm with all of my strength. Unfortunately, I didn't calculate my strength and her weight, making her fall on top of me in an awkward position.

Both of us ended up pressing our bodies against each other with our faces less than an inch away, and our lips were almost touching.

"I-I am sorry!"

The blonde haired girl reacted by jumping backward in panic. Red hue marring her cheeks due to her embarrassment for suddenly hugging a man who she had just met. I also feel my cheek getting warmer, but I manage to reign myself in by standing as well.

The first thing that I notice is the two of us have a considerable amount of height difference. My height totally eclipsed hers by being a full head taller, bringing her head around my upper chest. Secondly, I also notice that she looks younger than what I remembered from my past life. Especially with her currently wearing a thick jacket, coupled with baggy jeans and shoes on below.

"Thank you for saving me, I didn't expect there to be a cliff nearby…" the girl muttered as she tried to regain her composure.

I just smiled at her, while offering my right hand. "Don't worry about that, I also didn't expect to actually meet the youngest champion from Sinnoh, especially in this small village."

The girl looked surprised after hearing me correctly guess her identity, but got over the surprise quickly and smiled as she took my right hand with her own.

After all, it is not everyday that you just meet the infamous Cynthia after saving her from falling into a cliff.


Beta Reader: Hipnyah, Old Man of The Mountain

Beta note: Fuck yeah, let's go! Well done chapter by the one and only, Botan!

-Hipnyah

Excellent work! I already love this chapter Botan, keep up the great work.

-Old Man of the Mountain

Author Note: First of all, I would like to note several things after some reviews and pms I got.

First, about changing Ars' mother name from Rose to Elaine. I did that because a reader jokingly mentioned Chairman Rose having a similar name, and that just a big nope. Hence, the name changing.

Second, this is probably a bit more important regarding Elaine's behavior about Ars and why she is very adamant of not letting Ars to be a pokemon trainer. I am not trying to spoil it, but all I can say is, there is a reason why she does it. And it is not due to any form of hate, or anything similar.

Alright, that we go to another part about how Ars got Zorua off-screen which kind of ticks some readers. Well, it is now explained in this chapter.

Basically, Type Affinity is something that exists in every person in the world. Most people only have one affinity, while there's also people who have two affinities, which is more rare. Type Affinity also helps any person to get closer and easier to form any bond with pokemon who are in the same type. Feel free to guess what kind of Type affinity that Ars have.

And lastly, Ars finally got approval from Magnolia and also got another pokemon, which is Ralts. With this, we finally have three pokemon on the team, which we will work with them for a few chapters until Ars finally leaves Freezington to start his journey.

Oh, and also here comes the first winner from the first poll, our Cynthia!

Anyway I guess that's it. Thank you for all of your reviews, leave it a lot since it makes me a happy man. Adios


Ars' Pokemon:

Hisuian Sliggoo, Steel/Dragon-type Pokemon
Gender: Female,
Relaxed Nature
Ability: Hydration, Shell Armor, Gooey
Moveset: Shelter, Absorb, Acid Spray, Water Gun, Dragon Breath, Water Pulse, Protect, Rain Dance, Dragon Pulse, Curse, Acid Armor, Body Slam, Life Dew (Egg move)
Warning, the size indicates this pokemon is an Alpha pokemon.

Hisuian Zorua
Normal/Ghost-type Pokemon
Gender: Female,
Timid Nature
Ability: Illusion
Moveset: Torment, Shadow Sneak, Snarl, Extrasensory (Egg move)

Ralts

Psychic/Fairy-type Pokemon
Gender: Female,
Modest Nature
Ability: Trace
Moveset: Disarming Voice, Confusion, Hypnosis, Double Team, Thunderbolt, Disable (egg move)