Ashes in May 4 Secret Meeting.
Ages:
Ash = 17 May = 17 Gary = 18 Prof. Oak = 57 Max = 14 Elio = 6 Kukui = 32 Burnet = 32 (Anyone else based to be around Ash age will be 17.)
[A month ago, from present]
Gary Oak a man as handsome as he is intelligent. That's to say that women threw themselves at him by showing them his smile. Believe it or not, he had a way with words that had people gravitate to him and his confidence made him all the more appealing. He would be lying if he said he'd never taken advantage of the men and women who wanted him. It had been a bit over a year since he last had a serious relationship. To be honest he did care for her deeply and it had been a bit of a shock when she ended things. He didn't know what else to do but to bury himself in his research and he quickly gained fame in the scientific community; one of the youngest to ever. He was been studying directly under his grandfather and even making new discovers by himself. His intellect had gotten him the attention he had never gotten as a trainer. It was strange, he still loved training with his Pokemon he'd never truly let that go, however learning about Pokemon and learning about them really felt good. Gary like getting praise for his work, he took pride in that. When he had been ten, he had love getting praise just as now, but now it was different. The praise he received now, he true had earned making it all the greater. If you ask Gary if he'd always been a prodigy he'd say yes, it was a fact, but he would say the important difference isn't even the prodigy part, but the humility. He would tell them that back then he took many things, many people, his best friend for granted. He was an irritable arrogant child, and now he understood that his personally, the relationships he builds are more important than being lone prodigy.
In fact, that was what had just finished saying those exact words to the couple before him. They gushed over him about being so honorable and humble, etc.
"Ah, Professor Oak, welcome we are very honored to have you here tonight," an older with voluminous red hair man said coming up to the young Pokemon professor in suit and tie. The man took a sip from his glass stopping before Gary and at this point, the couple he had been talking took this as their cue to leave. Gary dressed in a black suit and red tie, a white dress shirt, black dress pants and shoes. His suite had a white trim and white buttons. (A/N for better understanding he's dress like he does in Pokemon Academy which is a fan-made game. I'm going, to be honest, I haven't played it, I saw the pic on Pinterest) His clothes had been trailered to fit his fit body perfectly thus allowing him to look dashing, and of the higher class; which was a great help in itself because he was surrounded by the world's elite. No, not the Elite Four of each region, oh he wished they were; at least with them, he'd have something in common with them.
Gary replied extending out his hand to acknowledge his presence, "Thank you, the honor is all mine. I must admit I am not used to this kind of scenery." The man gave the boy an amused smile as if trying to say, 'of course you're of a lower class,' but continued on. "Mmm, yes, I suppose it's not for everyone. Nevertheless, we are happy you could attend the gala tonight. There are many investors tonight as well as many looking for sponsorship. Is your grandfather around? I assumed your grandfather is an investor this year, hmm?" Gary bit his tongue to control the irritation he felt by talking with his man but of course his face showed none of it. Gary had gotten very good at acting especially in situations like this to keep appearances. "My grandfather sends me tonight as a representative of Oak Laboratories and this he had given me the authority of our investments," the auburn-haired young man said speaking ever so confidently, "What we might invest in? Well, we'll just have to see what we have this year, Mr. Lysander Prideroar." "Haha, very wise professor Oak. I must admit I like how knowledgeable you are of not just Pokemon but business as well," Lysander replied with a chuckle. 'I didn't even say anything impressive, though,' Gary thought knowing full well he hadn't said anything along the lines of business knowledge.
"Good thing too, there are many great ideas to be sponsored tonight. I myself and Lysander labs are in cooperation with the cabinet members of the Black Tower in Unova," the redhead said suggestively, "We're working very hard to create new and exciting ways to help the world. I due hope you take the opportunity to invest and join the making of the future." Taking one more sip of from his glass he departed leaving Gary alone at the table. Gary stared as he walked ways and was sure the man knew he was. Ash told him that after the event in Lumious city he was never found; neither the Champion nor the Elite found him after searching for over a year. Suspicious enough, the terrorist was never brought to trial, even declared as a criminal; all the while Lysander Labs continued research and production of all its listed products as if he was never absent. Lysander did eventually come back announcing his return to the world, with an apology speech, then returned to his routine life. He got back to work as if he hadn't threatened Kalos or the world and its inhabitants, though his appearances in public were almost nonexistent.
When Gary first came to one of these galas he had been with his grandfather and granduncle, Pallet's mayor. Professor Oak had told him to beware of their conferences. See, galas in which incredible technologies and research are, essentially, up for grabs and it's here where people and organizations take action to get their hand on them. Just as many illegal investors come as legal investors all with different motives. For example, he was going to meet up with Wike from the Aether Foundation who are looking for more investors. Prof. Oak told him that he would need to learn to hide his reaction and put on a show whenever around this crowd as if was difficult to tell who was planning what.
Shaking his head Gary stood up downing his drink walking out of the ballroom into the halls. On his is way to the restroom he noticed that he was alone, yet it shouldn't be since there were over 200 people in the building not including the working staff. Instantly, his body tense ready for a fight, but visually his body looking relaxed. Taking a few more steps a man at the end of the hall walked around the corner walking at an even pace until he stood in front of the teen. The man was easily recognized by the young professor, still remained silent. The man wore a black fedora and held a stoic expression as he spoke in his deep and intimidating voice. 'How the hell did I end up in a hall along with the head of the Rocket mafia boss,' thought Gary trying to not freak knowing this man was not someone to mess with. Giovanni may not have been a person of dealing direct physical damage he had an entire army at his beck and call. Also, he never admits he was feeling like running with his tail between his legs, nope never.
Giovanni spoke softly surprising the young adult, "Listen, the investment show itself will not begin for another hour and a half I request your company in a private conference. (Gary scream bloody murder in his mind, but simply nodded) Good, I see you understand that I was not suggesting. Now follow me," the intimidating man spoke walking back the way he came, "I do not need to mention this but will, do not try anything that I would not find amusing. I know you're under the protection of your own famous and powerful figureheads like your grandfather, more importantly, a boy you're intensely fond of, the Champion of Alola…however I have other ways of causing you distress without actually disposing of you."
Okay, if Gary had not lost his shit before he definitely had now and like he said before about this man Gary was more terrified of this man on a political level then straight up death level; and so was lead into a small office-like room yet it looked old, dirty room, unbefitting a building of this standard. In the center of the well-lit room, there was a table with two chairs on either side. Apart from the mafia boss and him, there were five other men that looked like they could bend iron beam as easily as Gurdurr one for each corner of the room and on at the door. Each man wearing their own suits however their ties had the Team Rocket logo. "Great I'm now part of a cliché action movie interrogation by the shady man," Gary mumbled as he took a seat across from Giovanni. Giovanni looked smugly saying, "I don't think I'd use the word shady to describe myself and much less cliché, but one does let things slip out when in a state of fright." Gary pales and swallowed hard. "Let's begin."
[Input serious tension music]
Slam! Gary did tense every muscle in his body to keep from flinching or looked more frightened than he already was. Giovanni grinned internally impressed at this body strength to keep up appearance. In all honestly most he would interrogate would have broken by the time they had been told to follow. So, before them was a large silver briefcase with a mega symbol that confused the boy. Giovanni said nothing opening the locked case and turning it to show Gary the contents. The inside was padded by black foam and hade quite a few things inside. Giovanni pulled out what looked like a jewelry box confusing Gary even more. Upon opening it three smaller objects where revealed. One was a necklace, a ring, and a pair of earrings. The necklace itself was beautifully crafted and looked to be made of gold chains. The pendant attached to it the amazing part. See, the jewel itself was crafted into the shape of Icosahedron with hold lining each other edges which incase and kept the gem attract to the necklace. Upon further inspection, Gary noticed that the semi-translucent crystal was a Mega keystone. So, he looked at the ring and earrings and just like the necklace they each had a keystone. The earrings were designed after Beautifly and one of them seemed to be mainly of stained glass to give it it's beautiful colors as well as lined by silver. The second of the earrings had a thin cut keystone to fit the earring and looked just a beautiful. Lastly, the ring itself did not have any metal to it, no it was just the gem. See the gen had been crafted into the ring itself. See, the had carefully crafted the ring so that the mega symbol would remain in the center top of the ring while the rest was the band itself.
"Well, Professor I assume you know what these items are, am I correct?" the mafia leader said. Gary nodded and dared to look at the man in the eye, "They're keystones. If I may, how were you able to get a hold of one let alone three? Forgive, the rashness, but why have you brought me here." "That information is not for you to know as it may compromise you in an unnecessary way don't you think? Now, I'm allowing you to choose one of these and have Ash take one of these as for the third I would like you to give to a person you believe deserves this kind of power. Take it as a gift." He paused for a moment letting the young man taking what he said.
…
"What do you want from me. You are a king amount the shriveled, you do as you like and get what you won't with little help. What do you need to obtain at you would need to ask me…"
"Oh, Prof. it seems you still need to learn that a lesson. You're still young so do understand one is truly weak if one tries to be strong without help. To be strong one must have help from others," the team boss taught almost like a father, "Alright, with that nugget of wisdom let proceed with business, shall we?" Giovanny reached into the case and pulled out a small file with one or two packets worth of pages. He slid it over to the young man who took warily before opening it. In it where some older looking documents as well as new ones. On the very first page, there was an ancient-looking document that read, "Trust in one trust in three, Taken by the Heart and Soul." Gary skimmed over the other pages real quickly before looking up to the man in front of him. With a bit of hesitation but wavering no more Gary cautioned, "A legend of the chosen. (Small frown forming) I hope this doesn't have anything to do with Ash…" At this, the Team Rocket leader grinned glad this young man was catching on fast. The man nodded before leaning back in his seat smuggle, "Precisely. I'm sure you are familiar with a few of my agents, Jessie, James and Meowth? Well, Ash Ketchum had been an interest of mine for a while now, especially after his daring rescue of Mewtwo. So when those three decided that following Ash to steal the Pikachu, I allowed it."
"Mewtwo?" Gary began but was cut off.
"Never mind that, please refrain from interrupting," Giovanni commanded coaxing a raised eyebrow from the redhead.
"You may not believe it, but Jessie, James, and Meowth are my best agents. I can see it by your incredulous expression you don't believe but they are; maybe a bit dimwitted at times but best nonetheless. Due to this when they reported that they would get this Pokemon I had no doubt that this Pokemon was powerful. However, you as having been a trainer know that a Pokemon power is best cultivated by a trainer of equal standards. After Ash Ketchum willingly confronted me, whether he was very brave or foolish, he did catch my attention. With that, I officially ordered to follow the child…to keep tabs of him and his travels. As a bonus, they reported information on regions all over the world which proved essential to Team Rockets' expansion, haha."
The last laugh was surprising, still, Gary said nothing but little by little his eyes narrowed into a scowl. Oddly enough the man got a thrill out of it as not many would be willing to put up a front against him, Ash is one of them. He knew that knowing that he kept tabs on Ash was making the young professor prepare in defense and protective instinct.
"Now, I had purposely ordered them not to truly harm the boy but instead act in a way that would help push him to step out of his comfort zone. Yes, he may have the motivation, yet as I said everyone needs help to be strong. I'm sure you've noticed from what Ash has told you, Team Rocket had gotten strong at about the same rate as him. (Gary's eyes widened slightly in understanding trying had not to undo his scowl.) The steady gain in strength was also part of the original order. Also, ever notice how many times they actually took part in helping you friend on his adventures; while other organizations would take advantage of the chaos to steal his and other's Pokemon..."
"Anyway, let's continued, over time Jessie, James, and Meowth continued to report their encounters with more and more legendary Pokemon, Ash's involvement in the defeat of other organizations, and even sacrificing his own life a few times. All this more that brought on my curiosity and I began to look into him and even other legends and myths about a certain person. Someone blessed with adventure, growth, and love. I even have spies within Rota's court gathering information of legends residing with the Guardians of Aura. I eventually found this legend, this prophecy (Giovanny extended his arm using his finger to tap the files. With that, I'd like you to review it and prepare yourselves. I am a man of business and other science and logic, however when Pokemon are involved thing logic and physics get thrown out the window. Somethings have been happening and Ash know of a few of these things, but not of this Prophecy, and as things are culminating, I'm inclined to believe it."
Lastly, the man brought out a small rectangular prism-like device and tapped it. In a flash, a holographic screen appeared with bountiful files and data. The screen glowed a blue color similar to the Holo caster yet more advanced. "This is containing information of Lysander labs and many other organizations. These organizations are all aligned with those of the Black Tower. The Black Tower itself was built anonymously in Black city a city located near the white forest with a large tree rivaling the tower in size and height. Now the tower's construction was in fact ordered by me, funded but Team Rocket's own funds. Though after a year of running the town remotely the tower was somehow no longer under my control, still somethings remain as they were. Now, to summaries what exactly I want you to do professor is this…I need to prepare your allies for disaster to come. Whether you prepare them by directly telling them of the prophecy direct or not that is up to your judgment. Second, I need you to infiltrate the black tower in any way you see fit to find out what they're planning. All the information we have is inside this device, and from what we've gathered they are experimenting on Pokemon genetically and creating inventions that could potentially strip a Pokémon's free will."
With that, Giovanny packed everything back into the briefcase, locked it, then stood up. "Well, be taking briefcase with us for the moment and it will be in your hotel room when you arrive; this is nothing but a way to protect the contents of this case. As for the code to open in the case you'll receive it. Finally, I must warn you, that once this case it in your possession you and you alone are responsible for the contents held by this briefcase. If this information where to be stolen, we are all in quite a serious problem. Thankful for you time Professor Gary Oak, we'll see you got there during the investments, have a goodnight."
The mafia boss left the room followed by his henchmen leaving Gary alone to his thoughts. "Fuck!" he cursed at how fucked up his life had gotten in an hours' time.
[Present on a Plane]
'Ash, I can't wake to see you, hehe, I've missed you and we're going to have fun no doubt,' Gary thought before frowning, 'But there something I need to talk to you about."
[Present at Aether Paradise in private]
"Pikachu, I'm…I'm scared, what if we can't do it."
"Pikachi Pika Pikach cha. Cha Pikapi chuu pika pikachu!" ("I'm scared two, a lot. But Ash we have to win!")
"You're right…this will be the battle of a lifetime…"
"Pikachu…."
[Present at Aether Paradise: Thinking]
'I don't understand. Take action…this new life…I'll protect you…'
Alright, this is the chapter to build up the stakes, I hope you like this chapter and joy you come back to join Ash and friends on the journey of a lifetime, as the JOURNEY CONTINUES!