The Grand Opening
His eyes opened blearily, and he dazedly gazed at the plain ceiling, the sound of birds chirping clearing his head. His pose was all weird, his shirt pulled up so high that he was exposing his belly. He groaned, and heaved himself up to stare, blankly, out of the window, his head trying to compute and discern his current location. Pikachu was still curled up in a ball at the corner of the bed, and the trainer left him be and headed towards the door, staggering as he tried to fight off sleep.
Out of habit, he scratched his neck and suppressed a yawn, his shoulders rolling back in an attempt to warm up for the day. After swinging open the door, he looked up, just to see Green Oak opening his own bedroom door. Green's hair was flat, the usual spike clearly gone without his trusty hair gel. The two teenage boys looked at each other for a long while, trying to register who the other person was.
"...Morning…," both finally said in unison before the two of them shuffled towards the toilet. At the entrance, they bumped into each other's shoulders, and Green immediately shot Red a glare.
"My house, my toilet. I'll go first," he growled, looking irritated.
"I'm the guest…," Red retorted as he tried to squeeze in. "...I'll go first."
"No, I'm first!"
"No... I came first!"
The two started to wrestle each other, Red pushing Green's face away, Green grabbing Red's arm and trying to land a punch onto him. They fought for a bit, and after finally deciding that neither was going to win such a meaningless fight, both came to compromise to wash up and use the sink together.
After a while, both trainers were done dressing up, Red wearing a casual white shirt and pants, while Green wore a wide-necked dark green shirt and ripped jeans. Even the Gym Leader's hair was back to usual, after he had spent quite some time styling it.
"So... where are we going?" Red asked as he tied his sneakers, Pikachu perching on his shoulders.
Green smirked, and then explained, "First, we'll shop for something stylish at Celadon. Then we'll go to a hair salon, and afterwards, straight to the party."
"Aren't we... too early...?"
"Bro, it's already eleven o'clock," Green pointed out. "We've slept plenty."
The next moment, both left the Viridian City Gym via the backdoor, and without further ado, Red let out his Charizard, while Green let out his Pidgeot, and both trainers were soon flying through the skies towards Celadon City.
"Magnifique, oh, tout simplement magnifique!" the shop owner cried out as he did a flamboyant twirl. His eyes sparkled as he saw the wonder of how well his suits looked on the two young trainers. He could recognize one of them as the Viridian City Gym Leader, although the other looked familiar but the man could not quite get a hand on where he had seen the young boy.
"These are pretty nice," Green said with a satisfied grin. His outfit composed of a grey suit jacket, which had the perfect cutting and showed off his broad shoulders, a white dress shirt, an eye-catching blue-green tie, and a pair of grey trousers. Even the shoes were sleek, stylish but comfortable to wear.
"...I'm not too sure about this…," Red muttered as he glanced at his own outfit, then at Pikachu, who shrugged his shoulders. The electric mouse did not understand fashion, after all.
"Monsieur, you look superbe!" the shop owner cried out, a french accent rolling off his tongue. "Even in Kalos, I had never seen such a perfect fit on anyone! Look into le miroir, Monsieur, look into le miroir!"
The shop owner pushed Red towards one of the mirrors, and pointed excitedly at the trainer's reflection. Red looked at it, and could not quite believe that he would ever be so well-dressed in his whole life. His suit jacket, trousers and shoes were black, his tie striped with black and dark grey, while his dress shirt was of a maroon red, which complemented his eyes surprisingly well.
"...I guess…," he murmured, as he glanced at Green.
"How much?" the Gym Leader asked. The shop owner squealed as he danced towards the cashier.
"Monsieur, I am in such a good mood!" he sang. "I shall give the two of you a discount, let me see... the total is nine hundred thousand Pokédollars."
Both trainers froze, while Pikachu glanced at their stoney expressions.
"Hey, mister," Green suddenly said as he strode over and banged his fist onto the counter, nearly creating a dent. "Could you repeat the price?"
"It's nine hundred-"
"Six," Green hissed. "Your suits are overpriced."
"But monsieur, they are h-handmade!" the shop owner protested. "I need to make a living-"
"The average cost of making a suit is less than a hundred thousand, and even if yours are handmade, they won't cost you more than two hundred thousand. Surely a profit of two hundred thousand for each suit can help you survive—no, live in luxury?" Green said as he glared at the shop owner, who was now cowering in fear behind the counter.
"A-Alright, eight-"
"Six." Green inched closer, menacing.
"S-Seven?"
"Six," the Gym Leader emphasized one last time, and with that, the shop owner finally gave in.
"Two hours spent on shopping," Green murmured. "An hour on lunch, and now, we're left with only three more hours."
"..." Red stared at his friend, who looked somewhat worried. The two of them were now heading down the shopping district, each with two bags of clothing and shoes. Their next and final destination was the hair salon.
"...It's just hair…," he said softly.
"Precisely!" Green said, agitated. "It's because it is the hair, that I need the hair salon! And you! That bedhead, those abominable strands that are sticking out, they have to be removed at all costs!"
The Gym Leader pointed accusingly at Red's hair, and the trainer sighed. At the corner of his eye, he noticed a crowd forming before a big advertising screen atop one of the buildings, as many were pointing towards it with awe and amazement. He looked up, and Green did the same, just to see a news reporter announcing the arrival of the Hoenn trainers.
"The Hoenn trainers have arrived this morning at Vermilion City in Kanto, on the S.S. Anne. Currently, the estimated number of trainers is sixty," the female reporter said. "And right now, we have the Hoenn Champion with us."
Brendan was soon displayed on the screen, multiple mics before him.
"Pfft," Green chuckled. "That guy is pretending to have arrived today, what a joke."
"...Don't be mean, Oak Junior..." Red lightly commented, causing Green's cheek to turn red out of embarrassment, and the male punched his friend in annoyance.
"So, Champion of Hoenn, what are your thoughts about the clash between Deoxys and the regions?" another reporter asked.
"It is definitely something unexpected and worrying," Brendan answered calmly. "But I am sure that with our collective effort, we will be able minimize damage and bring home a big victory."
"What are your thoughts about Johto and Kanto?"
"Oh, it's a beautiful place. I would love to see how much my hometown has changed."
"Lies," Green murmured. "He has obviously seen it yesterday."
"Are there any trainers you would like to meet during today's Welcome Party?"
"I would like to meet the Johto Champion," Brendan said with a smile. "I've heard many things about him."
"Lies, again," Green drawled. "He met Ethan yesterday and has first-hand experience on how annoying that kid was."
"...It's for the media…," Red reasoned.
"I know that," Green spat. "I just wanted to diss him."
"... Mean."
"Oh, shut up," Green sighed, before he started walking off. "Let's go, my hair needs styling."
The Indigo Plateau was bustling with well-dressed trainers, from crimson silk ballgowns and stylish suits to casual attires and the Main Hall itself was resplendent with majestic colors of red, gold and white. The area was massive, with the hardwood flooring gleaming with a shine that enhanced the glow of the whole place. A glittering chandelier hung high up at the ceiling, radiating a warm, cheerful light that was further justified by the soft, relaxed music. A plethora of food was set upon the white, clean buffet tables, the aroma of the delicacies enticing many trainers to gather around. Many Pokémon were also roaming around with their trainers, some hogging the buffet table filled with Pokémon snacks and desserts. Conversations popped out at every corner, while the gigantic ornate doors swung open, and the chattering stopped instantly.
The appearance of the many famous trainers of both the Kanto and Johto regions ignited many gasps and cheers. Falkner, Bugsy, Jasmine, Misty, Erika, Brock, Janine walked in, a formidable aura surrounding the group of strong trainers. All of them wore former, beautiful clothing fit for the occasion, and were exchanging few words among themselves.
Following after, one by one entered the venue. Morty sported a casual attire, his scarf around his neck as he sauntered in, while Whitney was trying very hard to move around in her dress. The other Gym Leaders came in, and it was when Lance and Clair strode in that many started pointing at the Dragon Master out of surprise and excitement.
Soon, the Elite Four made their entrance, with Koga still wearing his ninja attire, Bruno donning an oversized suit, Will strutting in with his queer bartender outfit, and Karen was a show-stopper with her gorgeous looks.
Now, the only missing Kanto trainers were the Champion, and the Viridian City Gym Leader. Many held their breaths, awaiting for the two strong trainers to come in.
Two figures slowly moved in, and everyone's eyes were instantly fixated onto them expectantly.
Green smartly walked in, his charming appearance earning squeals from many female trainers, but he wasn't worried about himself as he glanced at the other trainer who was hesitantly walking in, looking extremely nervous.
"Relax," Green said.
"... But," Red said as he tried to keep walking. "Everyone's staring..."
The Viridian City Gym Leader turned his head around and looked at the crowd, realizing that almost all of trainers were gazing at Red.
"Who is that?" Misty asked. "He looks... kinda familiar."
"He looks good," Karen commented as she fiddled with her hair. "My agency has been trying to get Green Oak to model for us, and with that other boy, they'll be thrilled."
On the other hand, Falkner, Bugsy, Whitney, Morty, Chuck and Jasmine exchanged knowing looks, and Lance whispered to Clair, a look of shock appearing on the Dragon-Type Gym Leader's face the next moment.
Meanwhile, Brock waved towards Green and the Pewter City Gym Leader walked towards the teenager.
"Hello, Green," he greeted. "Great to see you."
"Likewise," Green replied with a grin. Brock then turned to the other trainer, and was immediately surprised at the intense color in the trainer's irises.
He could recognize those fiery eyes anywhere.
"Red?" he said out loud, looking incredulous.
At that instant, all the other Gym Leaders and Elite Four froze, while the trainers standing nearby were obviously stunned by the mention of the name, that this teenager before them was the very trainer who had disappeared three years ago. Red uncomfortably shifted his foot, his shoulders sinking and he got ready to hide somewhere, anywhere at all.
"Is that you?" Brock continued to ask. Red glanced up at the adult before he reluctantly nodded his head. The Gym Leader's eyes lit up in joy, as he pulled the teenager into a big hug.
"Oh, man, I missed you!" Brock said heartily. "How have you been?"
Red's eyes widened in surprise, before he looked up at the earnest expression on Brock's face. He smiled, and softly answered, "...Not bad."
"It's great to have you back, Red," Brock grinned. "How was Mount Silver?"
The two conversed a little, and when Brock excused himself to get a few bites from the buffet table, Green winked at Red.
"See, socializing doesn't hurt." He laughed. "Especially with a good guy like Brock, there's no need for you to be so nervous."
"I wouldn't count on that..." Red sighed as he noticed Misty running towards him. Green flinched a little, suddenly reminded of the horrible punishment Misty had given him after he and Morty played that prank onto her and he was quick to excuse himself. Red frantically tried to get his friend to come back but he was soon left completely stranded. The Water Type Gym Leader stared at him from various angles, frowning as she tried to ascertain that this well-dressed individual was indeed the former Champion.
"No way," she began. "It's you."
Misty then stared straight at Red, jabbing a finger into his face, "Betcha had fun up on Mount Silver, didn't you? Disappearing on us like that?"
"..."
"Still can't talk much even after three-"
"Misty, be nice," Janine cut in, the younger trainer shooting a smile towards Red. "She's a little cranky today, if you don't mind. This must be the first time we're meeting each other, I'd reckon."
"...Yes," Red said with a nod of his head. Misty grumbled a little, before she stole another glance at Red, and then headed off to talk to Erika.
"I'm Janine, Gym Leader of Fuchsia City," the girl said proudly. "You know, I remember that time after you defeated my dad, he got home looking sullen-"
"Ahem."
The two of them turned, just to see Koga walking up to the two of them.
"Oops," Janine said, her face pale. "I gotta go."
The girl then disappeared all of a sudden, surprising Red. Must have been some sort of ninjutsu technique.
"That daughter of mine, she's always so quick to run," Koga said, his face stern, but a small smile appeared on his lips when he turned to face Red. "I'm pleasantly surprised."
"A pleasant surprise indeed," Bruno said with a rumbling voice, the large man appearing behind Koga. "You look sharper, Undefeated Champion."
"And more beautiful then ever!" Will cried out, doing a small twirl, which humorously reminded Red about the suit shop owner. "I can see stars around you, and the mesmerizing beauty of faith and power!"
Red blinked repeatedly, confused by the strange man's words and actions. Until an attractive-looking lady with Carolina blue hair lightly pushed the man away, her heels clicking.
"You're weirding him out, Will." She said, raising a brow in disapproval. She flashed a pretty smile towards Red as she introduced herself. "My name's Karen, and this weird man is Will. The both of us are part of the current Elite Four. Welcome back to the League, Red."
"... Thanks," Red replied, his knees feeling rather weak from the number of people surrounding him.
"By the way, would you like to model for my agency? We've been searching for young, good-looking trainers-"
"Ahem." Both Bruno and Koga cleared their throat in unison. Karen froze, but was quick to get the message and give the trainer some space to breathe.
"Talk to you again, Red," Bruno said, and the Elite Four members went off. Meanwhile Red stood there, still trying to accept that he was right here, standing in this League building, attending a party. He could feel the stares of many, many people, and he felt himself shrinking, hating that all the attention was on him. Some trainers were trying to get closer, ready to strike up a conversation with the trainer.
And before he knew what he was doing, he ran off.
Green Oak stared at the incoming stream of Hoenn trainers, who were awestruck by the sheer size of the Main Hall, the many colours and trainers that were greeting them. He caught a glimpse of Brendan, who was leading the large group, and his eyes visibly narrowed. Shaking his head, the Viridian City turned left and right, wondering where could Red have gone. Even Ethan was uncharacteristically not in the spotlight, and Green immediately turned to Falkner, who was standing beside him, the Violet City Gym Leader stuffing himself with more cream puffs while giving small claps to welcome the Hoenn trainers.
"Where's Ethan?" Green asked.
"Ehrthan?" Falkner said through a mouthful of cream puffs, and he quickly chewed the food, swallowing it in a jiffy. "Ethan has a speech later so he won't be joining us now."
Green shrugged in response, and meanwhile, a team of scientists and professors had walked in, an intelligent air surrounding them. He spotted his grandfather walking at the front, with Professor Elm and the professor from Hoenn, Professor Birch. Lyra and his sister were walking along at the back, both of them looking extraordinarily delighted.
He continued to search through the crowd, for any sign of a tall, red-eyed teenager, but to no avail. He folded his arms, trying to think of the possible places where Red could have hidden himself. And he was fast to decide that Red will only go to places where nobody will go. He slowly walked through the crowd and out, towards the balcony where no one was in the vicinity. A cold wind blew at him when he stood out in the open and gazing upwards towards the rooftop, he caught sight of a flaming tail. Sighing, he let out his Pidgeot, the bird staring at his trainer curiously. The trainer pointed a finger up, and Pidgeot understood immediately.
Upon landing onto the roof, Green carefully tread across and saw the lone trainer, staring at the sky with a forlorn expression, his Charizard, Pikachu, Espeon and a Bayleef staying close to him.
"How's your social energy level?" He chuckled. Red shot him a glare, and then sighed. He could hear the crowd, the chatter, the concerto playing in the background, and he could not help but to stay somewhere quiet and peaceful. Espeon nudged his chin, purred and curled itself up on his lap, while the trainer lightly ran his fingers through the Pokémon's silky smooth fur. Bayleef was leaning against Red comfortably, its leaf swaying with the night breeze. Green Oak then arrived next to him, his friend carefully sitting down on the edge of the roof.
"There's no need for you to stay here…," Red muttered. If there was one thing Green was absolutely better than Red, it was socializing. Green Oak was one of the most social creatures the trainer knew, so it felt strange that Green would sit here to accompany him, even though parties were his thing.
Green snorted, and he took out a Pokéball, releasing his Arcanine, the mighty beast growling. Green beckoned it over, and the Pokémon trodded over, laying down, its heavy weight creaking the tiles. Its bushy, heavy tail positioned itself, and Green sank into the fluffy tufts of fur, letting out a gasp of satisfaction.
"I prefer to have some peace and quiet occasionally," he said as he prodded at the soft lump. "Plus, because of a certain someone's game of hide and seek, my hair's all ruined by the wind."
Red gave him a sheepish look, and then looked at Bayleef, who was slowly trotting over to Green. The Gym Leader glanced at the creature, and rubbed Bayleef's leaf. The Pokémon cry out happily, and started tickling Green's side with the leaf. The trainer chuckled, before he looked up at Red and said, "So this little guy is your Johto starter?"
Red nodded his head, and replied, "...I'm trying to search for something... inside of him..."
"Something?" Green asked, quirking an eyebrow.
"...I got proud, Green... complacent... I changed so much from three years ago, that... I feel like I've lost something," Red said softly, remembering his match between him and Whitney. "But I don't know what is it..."
The trainer then stroked Bayleef's back and continued, "...I want to properly train Bayleef."
Green glanced at both Pokémon and trainer, before he propped a leg up and said nonchalently, "Well, that's what you want to do, it's not really of my business anyway."
Red smiled and then stared up at the blue-black sky, Bayleef lying closer to his trainer. It was a cloudless night, and the stars were shining their brightest.
"...You know, I often come up here to relax... when I was still the Champion three years ago…," Red said softly.
"Hmm…," Green muttered in reply. "So, do you regret leaving?"
Red became wordless for a moment, and after a full minute, he slowly shook his head.
"Well, I do," Green said. "For not stopping you, that is."
Red swerved his head around and stared at his friend, surprised.
"Even though you're such a weird, dense, and annoying person, and in the past you irritated me greatly, I do regret for not reaching out to you," Green said softly as he gazed at the sky. "Because, you see, our values and ideals were different. You and I were different. My ideal was to not be influenced by the feelings of Pokémon no matter what. I wanted to be a force that would never lose."
Red blinked his eyes in surprise, confused about how he should react, but he kept quiet. Espeon opened an eye, and glanced at Green, the intelligent creature quietly observing, while Bayleef's round eyes stared at the two trainers curiously. On the other hand, Pikachu was complaining to Charizard on how he couldn't get all the Pokémon treats that were all over the buffet tables in the Main Hall.
"I hated you, Red. I really did. That year when the both of us first set out as trainers, I hated you. You always went further than I did, even though I was sure my team was put together for the purpose of being the strongest. You have something I don't. You can change the hearts of Pokémon, like what you did with your Pikachu, and Mewtwo. I could have tried harder at that, but I was so fixated on my ideal of 'the strongest', and failed."
"..."
"We never talk much after our match, did we? Just a few words here and there, and nothing else," Green said, his arm reaching out to pet Arcanine's head, the Pokémon purring out of glee. "I think I was afraid of facing you, Red. I was a sore loser, and I hated myself for it. Maybe, if I tried to support you better, as a friend, as a rival, maybe you wouldn't have to carry the burden all by yourself."
"... No, I...," Red began. "... I never blamed you for anything that happened."
"I know," Green sighed. "You would never blame anyone. You're too kind to do so, and that's why it ticks me off. You always carry all the responsibilities, you keep things to yourself and you never speak your mind. You can rely on us, you know? The Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, Gramps, and... me. You're not alone, Red."
"...Yeah."
"So, promise me that this time, don't you dare go off alone." Green glared at Red, who held his breath. "This time, rely on us. We're all here to fight the same enemy, and protect the same home."
Red solemnly nodded his head.
"And, don't die," Green murmured.
Red found his friend trembling, the trainer's eyes filled with fear and grief. At that instant, Red knew what sort of thoughts was haunting Green Oak.
He was thinking about her. And that fateful day.
Red immediately grabbed Green's hand tightly.
"I won't."
Brendan wound his way along the grand-looking corridor, embellished lamps lighting up the long path, and he turned his head left and right, wondering where was the door that will lead him back to the Main Hall. After receiving instructions from Will, one of the Kanto Elite Four, he was making his way to the washroom, but ended up being lost. He turned back, yet he was confused by the many doors and split paths on the Indigo Plateau. It will take an experienced person to know how to walk around this place.
Suddenly, he stopped, body erect and alert, his blue eyes steely and wary.
It all happened in an instant, and the air became dangerous, cold, and impending. Brendan's hand was aimed backwards, a sharp spear-like weapon inches away from the cloaked figure's exposed neck, his hand already gripping one of his Pokéball, ready to release his Pokémon to tackle his assailant. Yet a gun was also pressed close to his back, the firearm ready to kill.
"My, my, this is unexpected, Champion of Hoenn," a low, smooth voice spoke. Brendan gritted his teeth, as the gun was shoved further into his back, nearly bruising it.
"Are you... Licinius?" the trainer asked, his finger ready to press the button on the red-white capsule. The spear similarly went closer to the man's throat, and the assailant merely chuckled.
"Seems like my master has been exposed," the man replied. "But no matter, the likes of you can never hope to find us."
"Are you sure?" Brendan threatened. "You can be captured, right here, right now, and we can get all the information out of you."
"Oh, clever, clever," the man laughed. "But you do know that I can kill you any second."
"Likewise, mister," Brendan hissed, the sharp and pointy tip of the weapon getting even closer, and the man's neck leaned back to avoid it. "Plus, you can't kill me now."
"Oh?" the man said, visibly surprised. "How can you be so sure?"
"Because you would not want to risk exposing yourself by killing me in such a highly guarded venue," Brendan replied calmly. "And secondly..."
Brendan gave a small smile, and at the next instant, a crackling sound was heard, and the man glanced down, shocked. The gun's muzzle was crushed, like it was collapsing inwards from an unknown force. Before he could say anything else, the man felt his whole body being pulled upwards, and soon he was thrown over Brendan's shoulder. He let out a cry of pain, while the trainer locked the man's arms behind his back, his Sceptile materializing from the red light that emerged the very moment the capsule was opened.
"Sceptile," he said, and the Pokémon nodded his head immediately in response, while a tough, leafy vine was produced from his tail.
"I see, the Iron Plate," the man growled as he was pinned under Brendan, the vine slowly binding him. "You can control all things metal. The master will be pleased with this information."
"Only if you can return to him. Now, talk. What is your agenda?"
"Hahahahaha," the man chuckled. "You are indeed clever, Champion of Hoenn."
"Don't change the subject," Brendan warned, his tone dangerous, while he put more force to hold the man down.
"I'm here with a solution," the man said with a grin, his face obscured by the dim light. "A way to break the Lovers' curse."
Brendan's eyes widened, the grip on the man's arm loosening.
"What are you trying to play at?"
The man smirked, and said, "It seems to me that you are interested."
"I don't trust you," Brendan muttered through gritted teeth.
"Of course you don't. But you want to know, you want to know how, how in Arceus can you save both you and your lover," the man said with an even tone. Brendan's knuckles went white, the trainer wanting to say something to retort, but instead fell silent. Sceptile wanted to intrude and hold down the enemy himself, but Brendan held out a hand, prompting the Pokémon to stand still and wait.
"Tell me," Brendan said. "What do I need to do?"
The man smiled in reply, and then answered, "A life for a life."
Brendan's eyes dimmed, for this answer was exactly the same as what the ghost had-
"Kill another card."
Instantly, the trainer ordered Sceptile to unleash Leaf Storm, and soon the man was pushed against the wall, the tornado of leaves that encircled him glowed, ready to attack at a moment's notice.
"Say that again," Brendan growled.
The man seemed unfazed by the deadly leaves surrounding him as he spoke, "Did you not hear me? I said 'kill another card'."
"I will never do that," Brendan replied, resolute. "There is no way, I will ever kill someone to save ourselves."
The man let out a chortle, startling both Brendan and Sceptile. The leaves continued to spin around the man, gaining momentum.
"The human heart is most unpredictable, Champion of Hoenn," he said, a mysterious smile stretching across his lips. "And if you excuse me, I have a grand opening to attend."
"Wha-"
Sceptile let out a cry, alarmed, while an violent shadow charged towards the three of them. Brendan shouted for the Pokémon to retreat, and Sceptile obeyed, as he quickly held his trainer and jumped back, hitting against the other wall. The shadow howled, a frightening, nightmarish howl, and the man was soon whisked away, the fearsome creature rendering the storm of leaves to be broken.
Brendan winced, his arm hurting from the force and he looked at the empty space before them, the man gone with the creature. He frowned, gritting his teeth hard, the teenager frustrated that the man had escaped.
"Sceptile, are you alright?" He turned to his Pokémon, concerned. The Jungle Pokémon shook his head in reply, and Brendan heaved a sigh of relief. After picking himself up, the trainer turned around to face his Pokémon, until he realized that Sceptile was glaring at the night sky, hostile, his tail swishing angrily. He let out a low hiss, the leaves on his forearm glowing a bright green, and Brendan immediately recognized that the Pokémon was in combat mode, and was so hostile and cautious towards something unknown that he might have been about to unleash Leaf Blade.
"What is it?" Brendan said softly, and Sceptile jerked his head to the left. The Hoenn Champion nodded, and soon the two head down the corridor.
Meanwhile, back in the Main Hall, the many trainers were going about chatting, eating and dancing. Those who had seen Red were speculating amongst themselves, all of them trying to search for the trainer himself.
Erika was nodding off to sleep while she sat in one of the chairs. A slight tug at her dress woke her up and she drowsily looked at her Bellossom. The Pokémon started pointing upwards, clearly distraught about something.
Bugsy's Scizor was similarly frantically trying to drag its trainer away from something, and the Gym Leader looked around, confused about whatever his Pokémon was trying to do.
Sabrina herself stared upwards at the ceiling, her wristbands glowing green. She glanced at her Espeon, whose canines were showing, its whole body tense. The Gym Leader immediately used her psychic powers, and telepathically communicated with her Pokémon. A few seconds later, her face went deathly pale, before she waited not a second more to head towards the stage.
Clair noticed the erratic behavior of the lady, and immediately, the Blackthorn City Gym Leader stopped her in her tracks, brows furrowed as she asked Sabrina what was wrong. Sabrina gasped, her face appearing to slowly drain of color, but she managed to muster her voice and relay whatever she had heard from her Espeon.
Clair's complexion similarly paled, the Gym Leader stunned as she released her grip onto Sabrina, who brushed past the Gym Leader, and continued to make her way towards the stage, which was still a distance away. Clair, on the other hand, turned around, just to see her cousin Lance standing behind her, the perceptive man already catching on that something has gone horribly wrong.
Meanwhile, the Pokémon in the Main Hall were agitated and upset, many letting out warning cries, while Sabrina finally made it to the stage, the Gym Leader grabbing and tugging at the mic. A shrill electric squeak resounded from the mic, gaining the attention of everyone in that instant, and with a trembling hand, Sabrina shouted into the mic, her voice filled with urgency and worry.
"Everyone, get away from the Main Hall, now!"
Up on the roof, the two boys had been star-gazing and conversing for quite a while, the party long forgotten. Pikachu, sitting atop of Charizard's head, was pointing at the stars in glee, while the draconid Pokémon occasionally growled back, the two of them having a conversation of their own. On the other hand, Arcanine and Espeon sat comfortably, quietly admiring the bright, twinkling sky. Bayleef was fiddling with Red's tie, the Pokémon wondering what was the use of this piece of human clothing.
Until all five of them went still, their eyes widening, and Espeon immediately set up the telepathy lines and rushed to grab onto Charizard. Pikachu and Bayleef held onto Charizard for dear life, and Charizard grabbed onto Red, who glanced left and right, confused. Arcanine bit onto Green's collar, the trainer letting out a yell in surprise as he was tossed backwards before landing perfectly on Arcanine's back. Before Red and Green could understand what had gotten over their Pokémon to make them behave like this, a deafening, alien-sounding cry rang out across the sky. A streak of light came racing over, purple waves of psychic power emanating from it.
Incoming! Espeon shouted in their heads, and on cue, both Charizard and Arcanine leaped off the roof, while the streak of light came barrelling downwards, colliding with the center of the roof. As both Pokémon landed on the balcony, Red and Green stared in horror as the roof shattered apart, the light plunging downwards into the Main Hall.
The same deafening cry resounded seconds later from inside the Main Hall, along with screams and shouts of shock and fear. Both trainers exchanged glances, and soon the two of them tore off, into the Main Hall. And the moment they witnessed the scene before them, both let out a collective gasp.
In the Main Hall, the ceiling was busted with a sizable hole, the chandelier already fallen to the ground, shattered. The music was halted, and all around the Main Hall, non-trainers were panicking, many of them dashing off towards the exit. The trainers were all on edge, all transfixed onto the human-sized creature that stood in the middle of the debris, its white circular eyes glaring at the trainers and Pokémon scattered around. It's reddish-orange body seemed to change shapes again and again, its tentacle-like arms coiled in a double helix shape. The crystalline purple orb in the middle of its chest glowed, its psychic powers picking up a few pieces of debris, before shooting them towards the people around, who desperately tried to defend themselves.
"Protect!" Lance cried out, and his Kingdra immediately conjured up a few barriers, blocking the attacks. The former Champion then took in a deep breath and bellowed, his voice reverberating throughout the Main Hall.
"Everyone, stay calm! Prepare yourselves!"
Numerous white flashes dotted the Main Hall, an array of Pokémon of the Kanto, Johto and Hoenn trainers ready to battle and defend themselves. Charizard, Pikachu, Espeon and Arcanine got into combat mode, Bayleef shakily trying to stand in the face of the threat before them. Green clenched his fists tightly, while Red fingered the ultraball in his pocket.
"All trainers are to engage in battle with Deoxys!"
I don't put a writer's note nowadays, but anyway, I feel like we've come a long way with this story. The events at the Welcome Party has been one of the milestones I've been trying to reach, and now we're here! Thank you all for supporting this story and I sincerely hope that you have enjoyed this chapter, and you will look forward to the next :)
Cheers,
onetimetrip