As I mentioned previously, this is the second of chapters in my return upload!
In the last chapter, a flashback occurred! A very long and thorough flashback detailing the first ever glimpse of Stan and Rowan's journeys when they were kids! Set fifty years prior to the events of the story, we got to see Stan's first attempt at obtaining his final gym badge… and he loses horribly. But also during this chapter, we get a ton of world-building, lore-setting, and hype-creating! It was more of a sadder chapter for various reasons, but the whole thing was a welcome change-of-pace, I think. The story had to have a flashback at some point, and I think with the mysteries that the Season 3 finale opened up, now was as good a time as ever!
In this chapter, it's time to return to present day Sinnoh, though it's not exactly the time to return to our protagonists. One of the things I hyped up at the end of Season 3 was the introduction of two supporting characters; Barry Cedric and Professor Kukui. This chapter will finally continue where the previous season left off! With the last chapter being a (very very very long) Stan-centric chapter, this will be a (not as long) Rowan-centric chapter! Not a past-Rowan chapter, but a present-Rowan chapter. It's time for a bit more world-building, lore-setting, and hype-creating!
Not only will this chapter properly introduce Barry and Kukui, BUT it will also contain other faces old and new. The premise of this chapter is hard to talk about without spoiling, but just know you'll get to see how Sinnoh's government works!
Okay, I promise it's more interesting than it sounds. Trust me. This is more of an expositional chapter but it's not filler, never filler! Filler doesn't exist in this story, everything happens for plot or character reasons!
Phew, I've been rambling. Without further ado, I present a nice kickback-and-relax chapter that will surely provide insight on what's in store for the rest of the story!
Now, on with the show!
-Chapter 37: The Council-
There was a brief moment of silence, before Barry busted out a slew of questions.
"Whooooa, what's up? Who are ya? Isn't it like, twenty degrees out all the time? Why are you dressed for eighty degree weather? Wait, why are you here? Are you two gonna battle?! Old man, you NEVER fight! What's your team like?! C'mon, cmoncmoncmonCMOOOON, show meeee! You totally gotta- OW!"
Barry's jumpy antics were stopped the moment Rowan lightly bashed a rolled up news paper into the young man's face. "Calm down, don't be disrespectful."
"Nyeeeh…" Barry sighed and slumped down in a chair, still tapping his foot out of pure impatience. "Fiiiine… sorry young dude, sorry old man…"
Kukui rubbed the back of his head. "Hyper dudes like you are all over Alola… I can't say it's a surprise to me. Don't worry about it."
Rowan held out his hand. "Thank you for coming, professor. I understand you must be busy with your own studies, so I appreciate you taking the time to aid me in my research."
Kukui firmly grasped Rowan's hand and gave one firm shake. "Likewise, brother! Always willing to help out."
And Barry shot right back up again. "Wait, WHAT?! You two are BROTHERS?!"
Another smack to the face. "No need to shout, Barry. Please. No, we're not brothers. It's called a verbal tic."
The foreign professor yawned, walking across the lab. "Graaah, I'm tired… you dudes got any coffee?"
"I'll prepare a pot. The meeting won't begin for another hour or so." Rowan returned to the kitchen in the living space to the side of his lab.
"Oh, kid, is this your first?" Kukui twirled on his heel and flicked up his hat.
"Huh? My first…?" Barry blinked in confusion. "Oh, yeah! It's my first government meeting! And don't call me a kid, I'm twenty-two!"
"Oh believe me, Mr. Barry, I've heard a lot about you." Kukui smirked, taking a seat. "Mr. Tower Tycoon."
Barry was about to retort before he went silent. Then, he smirked and pulled out a Pokéball, slamming a hand down on the table. "Oh yeah? Pretty impressive, eh? Enough for a battle?"
"Not for a battle, but still pretty neat." He leaned back. "For your dad's hand-me-down."
"H-Hey! Don't diss it, I've had so many good ideas for it! I'm making it better than it ever was!" Barry stumbled back, flustered. "A-And my dad's retired now, too, so it's not like he can outbeat me!"
Rowan returned and set down the pot of coffee, passing a mug to Kukui, who took a swig. "Eugh, decaf. I guess it'll do."
"Your father isn't completely retired, he's still the overseer in Johto, is he not?" Rowan asked.
"Well… yeah… but he's not in charge or anything… even if he was the one to start the revitalization movement." Barry smirked. "Still, he left me with SOMETHING. And that's a 'something' that used to be a 'nothing'. Remember when it was just that random old tower ten years ago?"
"So who built the frontier then?" Kukui asked. "You, or your pops?"
"Palmer approached me about it." Rowan answered, Barry shuffling to the side, eyes darting about. "We signed off on the pass for it, but only for that area. That island is only so much land, far less than any region. It was constructed over the course of five years, after the crowning of a new champion."
"... I only took over a year ago." Barry shrugged, facing Kukui with a more humble expression. "I've been working hard though… I wanna make him proud. I wanna make everyone proud. Even if it's… far away, and not… a part of everything."
Silence. Kukui tipped his hat with a smirk. "Don't sweat it, kid. Welcome to the big leagues- the big ol' regional government. I may not have a place here like I do back home, but this is your home. You've earned your place."
Not yet I haven't…
Barry shook his head. "I have a lot left to earn. A title won't make me a real man yet, I've gotta earn my keep!"
Rowan huffed a neutral grunt. "Your energy is the one thing about you that will never fizzle out."
"Ten years of running around everywhere and I've got to see a lot!" Barry's boastful adrenaline returned almost as soon as it had left him, as he proudly jabbed a thumb to his chest. "I've seen just as much as I have yet to see!"
"Doesn't it cancel out then?" Kukui laughed to himself as Barry's demeanor flopped again, and whatever loud yet very disheveled argument he could think to follow up with didn't seem to get through to the foreign professor.
And amidst the comedic setting, Rowan was off to the side, standing in the entryway to his living quarters, located on the right of the laboratory, with a door leading to stairs up to the second and third floors. He quietly stared at the bookshelf located closeby, the light from the lab failing to hit that corner, as the professor had gone unnoticed by others.
Rowan stared at the dusty memorabilia. Photos from his journey. Self taken ones, some with Stan. Others he had torn. The torn photos were turned away slightly, instead of facing front. He'd have to want to look at them if he were to do so. His eyes held a serious somberness, and Rowan couldn't exactly find himself looking away.
The center of the top shelf had a dusty Pokéball. Once presented on a stand, fifty years ago, following the conclusion of his journey, said stand had since been worn or broken, and the ball weakly teetered off into the corner, tilted into the back and collecting dust all around. The ball itself, though it could function, was purely decorative for him; both halves were red, with a semi indented, thick metallic black line rounding the ball, only separating for the red button in the center, and semi-faceted red lines running through the black metal as well.
"Old man?"
Rowan turned, seeing Barry standing nearby. The professor was internally startled. Had the argument really ended? He didn't even notice it stop. Silence with Barry around was a modern day miracle.
"You're spacing out again…" The boy brought his voice down low, feeling concerned. "Everytime I come here, this happens at least once."
Rowan turned back to the bookshelf, looking over the various objects scattered throughout. Each of his eight gym badges were properly displayed in an open badge case, angled up against the back wall for proper viewing. A few ribbons from contests were pinned up as well. Various postcards and newspaper clippings, too. Even if his personal photographs stuck out to him, there was so much more.
"If I remember the bad, I remember the good." Rowan murmured. "And if I remember the good, the bad comes along. But no matter what, I always remember…"
Barry watched the man in silence, before he brought up his wrist. A small, rectangular device with curved, half circle ends on the horizontal sides sat on his wrist. Colored primarily orange with a black indented screen, and strapped tightly to his wrist with a white band, was his Pokétch.
He pressed the first button and the screen lit up, activating the device. And he opened his photograph module. Scanning through the various images he had taken with everyone throughout his journey made him smile.
"It's always good to remember…" Barry chuckled, shutting off the device and looking back up to Rowan. "I hate seeing you mope, old man. I'm starting to think I'll have to fine you if you do it anymore."
That earned a soft chuckle out of the naturally stern professor, as he turned away and walked back into the light, towards the main table. Kukui looked up from reading the local paper and grinned.
"The news here is awesome, brother! Look at all this stuff!" He flashed the main article to the other two. "Your league champ must have tons of time on his hands; people been spottin' him all over!"
"Huh?!" Barry slammed his hands on the table and leaned in, eyes scanning the article.
CHAMP SPOTTED! Lucas Walker On Third Journey?!
The primary photo was of Lucas himself, in what appeared to be Veilstone City. The article went on to discuss his history as champion, with a photo taken from ten years ago at the bottom. The younger, twelve-year-old Lucas standing within the Hall of Fame grinned back at the young man, holding a golden trophy proudly as two hands were on his shoulders, though their bearers were cut off by the picture frame, even though Barry knew clearly who it was. The article ended before going into a smaller article about some kind of criminal event in Veilstone, but that was all Barry needed.
"What the heck's HE doing going around?!" He stumbled back with wide eyes. "P-Piece a'shit acts like he can just… be the top of the region!"
"Watch your tongue." Rowan huffs. "And don't insult your best friend."
"But why does HE get to walk around freely while I have to be stuck in a government meeting?!" Barry groaned and collapsed into his chair. "Third journey…? The island just wasn't enough for him?"
"Island? Yeesh, brother, didn't think this ice cap region had anything tropical about it." Kukui folded the paper and set it aside. "You oughta show me sometime!"
"Knock yourself out." Barry dejectedly flicked a passcard at the man, and he caught it swiftly. "That'll take you from Snowpoint."
And at that moment, the front door opened and two scientists walked in. One male, one female, both dressed in lab coats, black pants, and a pair of glasses; the man's black, and the woman's red.
"Oh, Rolland, Martha, thank you for coming." Rowan greeted, turning to the two and bowing. "I'm sorry to call you back from the mountain on such short notice."
"No need to worry, professor." The scientist known as Rolland waved a dismissive hand, bowing with a smile.
In another hasty burst of energy, Barry shot up with a stumble and bowed as fast as he could. "M-Mr. and Mrs. Berlitz, th-thank you for coming!"
The two scientists were a bit taken aback by Barry's sudden outburst of what could only be described as his best attempt at a formality of any kind. But they simply smiled.
"Oh, Barry, you don't have to be so formal with us…" Martha said, taking a seat at one side of the table, her husband across from her. "We've missed your enthusiasm in the time we've been away."
"... oh, uh… eh?" Barry stuttered as he rushed back to his seat, clasping his hands together on the table and twiddling his thumbs. "R-Right, sorry…"
Kukui eyed Barry, before looking to Rowan. "Why's the kid super nervewrecked, brother?"
Rowan sighed as he approached the two scientists, shaking their hands where they sat. "Professor Kukui, I'd like you to meet my two head assistants; Rolland and Martha Berlitz. I've worked with them for years, though they are mostly independent in their research. Barry's formality comes from their lineage. They're one of the richest families in Sinnoh, and one of the biggest suppliers of information and devices alike."
"We don't flaunt our fortune like other venture capitalists would." Rolland adjusted his glasses. "We simply enjoy research, learning more about the world and figuring out how else we can improve our lives here, as people living alongside Pokémon."
"I've known them since my journey, a decade ago…" Barry mumbled, before he pulled out a orange Pokédex, of what appeared to be an older model than the current kinds seen by newer trainers today. "I've still been hard at work, filling up the National Dex, Mr. Berlitz."
Rolland chuckled, adjusting a few documents. "So I've heard. The Battle Frontier must do wonders for your Pokédex, with trainers all over the world coming and showing their skills."
"Oh, totally!" Barry stood up and grinned with excitement, his typical energy returning in yet another wave. "There's waaaaayyyy too many new trainers swarming the place, but it's all worth it! They've all got tooooooonnnssss of new and powerful Pokémon! And I've battled none of them!"
Martha blinked, sharing a look of confusion with her husband before turning back to Barry. "Erm, Barry… I wouldn't say that last part is something to be proud of."
"Well… I'm not! Cause nobody ever gets to the top of the tower…" Barry crossed his arms and sunk back down into his seat with a pout. "Sometimes I hate my job…"
"Don't sweat it, brother." Kukui waved a dismissive hand. "If you don't go to the fight, you'll never bring the fight to you."
"... what." Barry wasn't entirely sure how to respond to that for a moment. "... oh! Like, actually go up and challenge the trainers! I see!"
Rowan placed a hand on the young man's shoulder, silencing Barry and making him look up at him. "I know you're excited to get back to work. But you cannot forget that our meeting will begin soon. I need you to be focused."
"Oh… right." Barry nodded. "Is anyone else gonna show up? Or is this it…?"
"We'll be having another professor join us through video call." Rowan replied, returning to the head of the table and activating a small laptop, connecting it to the video messaging program. "Professor Augustine Sycamore, of the Kalos region. He's visiting our homeland in Veilstone City at the moment."
"... um, old man, what's with all the professors?" Barry asked curiously. "I mean… is it normally like this? All the professors get together? I thought this was for Sinnoh government only…"
"Sycamore, Kukui, and I all study different branches of Pokémon research, but they all have certain similarities to them." Rowan replied. "Today's topic of discussion will primarily be about the connections regarding Pokémon evolution, as well as our region's current conundrum with Team Galactic."
The room fell silent, eyes darting around as the inhabitants of the room looked at one another, unsure of what else to say. The threat of an organization as big as Team Galactic had yet to be fully addressed until now? Nobody was really sure how to feel about the whole thing… other than that they all knew the group had to be taken down as soon as possible.
The laptop's screen flickered, and a few "blip" sound effects came through the speakers, as the screen clicked to show the somewhat grizzled but content face of Professor Sycamore. The awkward, perturbed tension in the room seemingly dissipated as everyone looked to the screen.
Sycamore waved with a grin. "Sorry to keep everyone waiting! Things have been pretty hectic in the city since my arrival. Is this everyone?"
Rowan sat in a seat to the side, clasping his hands together and shaking his head. "We will have a few others arriving shortly. We should, anyways."
"... oh yeah!" Barry grinned. "Aren't we also gonna be joined by-"
He was silenced as the front door of the laboratory opened, and all heads turned to see who had entered. A tall woman, dressed in a slender black coat, with long, blond hair.
"Whoa… it's been forever…" Barry blinked, unsure of what else to say.
Rowan nodded. "Indeed Barry. It's been quite some time since we've last seen you, Cynthia."
Cynthia crossed her arms, approaching the table, before she smirked. "I think the last time we've been in the same room together, Professor, was ten years ago."
"... if I may." Kukui pointed a thumb at the woman. "Who's she, brother?"
"Cynthia." Barry muttered, his calmness rather surprising, and unnerving. "She used to be the champion… before Lucas beat her."
Kukui looked Cynthia over before smiling. "Your whole league thing is pretty neat."
Cynthia placed a device on the table; a small screen. She turned it on and it connected to a rather flickering video feed from some location nobody could really tell. Someone was in front of whatever camera was connected to the screen, and by the time the static faded, everyone realized who it was.
"-aybe we- ven't gotten through? Is it on?" Looker cleared his throat as his voice became clear. "Oh, there everyone is… can you hear me?"
"Cynthia, you called the international police?" Rolland looked up at the former champion, somewhat surprised. "Is this because of Team Galactic?"
"That's right, we need all the help we can get." Cynthia nodded, a serious look on her face. She walked around the table and sat down, angling the camera for Looker to face the council members. She had taken a seat beside Barry, making the young man fairly unnerved.
"We have to tackle this issue however we can. InterPol is heading up a private investigation, but we haven't been able to track down their leader to take them down. Not to mention, they're already a terrorist group, with the destruction of the Valley Windworks building, the arson crime against Floaroma Town, and underground funding that we can't source. They started as petty thieves, but with all these inconsistencies… I can't even tell what they're trying to do now. But they're more dangerous than we thought…"
Barry blinked before he slammed a fist on the table, glaring at Professor Rowan. "Dammit, old man! This has to be related to the Genesis Template! That's where they're getting their funding!"
Anger took over Rowan's face, and his voice boomed. "Watch your tone! That goddamn martyr company is gone, we don't speak of them!"
The room was silenced, many taken aback. Barry's fist shook as he grit his teeth, but he exhaled, slamming a palm to his temple. "... goddammit…"
The tension grew in quantity fast, and the silence was now incredibly discomforting. Nobody could make eye contact with each other. However, among the council members, Sycamore and Kukui were the most confused.
"Genesis Template? What's-" Sycamore was cut off as Rowan slammed his fist down hard on the table, as he huffed out an angered breath.
And yet, when he spoke, his voice was quiet. "... please, nobody ever speak of that ever again. We have more important matters to address."
"They were a problem, and they were dealt with." Cynthia closed her eyes, tugging on her sleeve. "We can't rule out their influence may have spawned Team Galactic as a form of… a copycat syndicate. But they themselves… are gone."
"Old man, I'm…" Barry swallowed, and sighed. "I'm… sorry. I didn't mean to-"
"It's fine… really." Rowan held up a hand, his eyes shut. "We must figure out how to deal with the new threat. There is no reason to revisit the old. InterPol must have a lead or two ready, of some sort at least."
"... yes, right." Looker shifted through documents until he found what he was looking for. "Their buildings are stationed in Eterna City and Veilstone City, with the Veilstone City building most likely being the main headquarters. These buildings were constructed over the course of a few years, though they were not active until recently."
Cynthia nodded. "The first record of activity from Team Galactic's members, outside of constructing buildings, was in Jubilife City not too long ago, when a series of minor robberies were committed over the course of a few days. Even Professor Rowan was a victim of a failed attempt."
"And then from what I've heard… Floaroma was…" Martha shuddered.
"They took control of the Valley Windworks, trying to siphon power for unknown usage. However, they were stopped before they could recover enough. But in an attempt to make a get away… they became desperate." Rolland adjusted his glasses again. "They blew up the Valley Windworks and… set the town on fire. Everyone was lucky to make it out alive, and very few were injured."
"That isn't enough to bring them in?!" Kukui stood up in a haste, glaring at Looker. "These Galactic bastards… they're terrorists, brother! When do you have enough proof?!"
"It's not about finding proof!" Looker yelled. "It's about finding the leader and shutting down the whole operation. But no matter what, we cannot seem to pinpoint him, nor game proper access to their headquarters in Veilstone. Not to mention their executives have repeatedly evaded us… only so many of their lower peons have been arrested, but they refuse to tell us anything of value."
Sycamore nodded, a hand to his chin in thought. "They continue to run amuck unless you can imprison the ringleader… and no matter how many members you catch, they'll continue to wreak havoc. But for what purpose?"
Barry fidgeted, twiddling his thumbs and trying not to speak the forbidden name. "I won't… bring up the… thing, but…"
"There is no relation." Rowan said gruffly. "None. Whatsoever. Now stop bringing it up. Please."
Barry opened his mouth to protest, but Cynthia silence him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Barry, please. The Professor doesn't want to talk about it…"
Silence took over the young man once more. His eyes twitched a bit in impatience, lip wavering as he wanted so desperately to speak his mind. But he took in a deep breath through his nose, and exhaled, calming himself. "... how's Floaroma Town doing?"
Rolland smiled. "Thankfully, they're a powerful enough beacon amidst their terror. The town is being cleaned and rebuilt and is almost completely back to normal. The windmills from the Windworks are still intact though they're on backup generators from the normal town. A new Windworks building is in construction, too."
"Pokémon are returning to the land around there, too." Martha adds with a nod, before looking to Rowan. "Though the ecosystem was disturbed by debris and soot, it is showing a fast recovery. More and more Pokémon appear there every day…"
Barry stared at the table for a moment, before he reached into his parcel and pulled out a Pokéball, holding it in his hands. "... is, um… is Drifloon still showing up?"
Rolland nodded, looking at a clipboard he had pulled from his lab coat, before beginning to write on it. "It returned last Friday, and I think it's going to stick around this time."
A smile crept onto Barry's face, and he set the Pokéball down, several others' eyes locked on it. Kukui smiled, tipping his hat. "Care to share who ya got there, brother?"
"Just… and old friend." Barry kept staring at the Pokéball, his smile still remaining. "An old friend from long ago… and I think he'll be happy to see everything again."
He clicked the button on the Pokéball, and it opened in almost an instant, a large flash of light shooting out of it as it took the form of a large floating sphere. In seconds flat, the light dispelled and the form revealed was that of a purple balloon of sorts, with some kind of face with an 'X' for a mouth.
Kukui blinked, surprised to see a Pokémon he had seen very little of in his homeland. "Sheesh… a Drifblim? Shoulda expected that, heh."
Drifblim had a large, spherical, purple body with the lower quarter of its body being a lighter purple. The colors were separated by a repeated semicircle pattern all around its body. On the top of its head was a puffy, white mass, which closely resembled a cloud. In the center of its body was a large yellow 'X' and on either side, just above the 'X' were its small, red eyes. On the lower portion of its body were four long, thin arms that stemmed outward diagonally in four different directions. Its arms were tipped with yellow and had three short points each. The bottom of its body narrowed into a short, red extrusion that fanned slightly outward.
Barry chuckled a bit as he watched his teammate float about around the laboratory, before a thought crossed his mind. His head jerked to the side to look at Professor Sycamore on the PC screen. "Hey, Sycamore! Can Drifblim do the thing?"
Professor Sycamore blinked and brought a hand to his chin in thought. "... I, um… care to elaborate, Mr. Cedric?"
"You knooooow…" Barry held up his Pokétch, pressing a button that made the screen slide into the device. Underneath was a small marble, with what appeared to be a DNA strand-type symbol embedded within. "Mega Evolution!"
After a moment, Sycamore laughed, shaking his head. "Ha ha, I'm afraid a stone for Drifblim hasn't been discovered, Mr. Cedric! At least not yet!"
Though the young man pouted, his spirits were lifted rather quickly as the balloon Pokémon perched itself right on his head, finding itself rather comfortable. Barry closed the screen on his Pokétch, and it lit up once again in moments.
"Ah, yes, that reminds me…" Rowan clasped his hands together. "That was what we were originally planning to discuss per your request, Augustine, correct? Aside from the Team Galactic situation."
Sycamore nodded from behind the screen, smiling. "Mhm, I know we were already going to collaborate, but I feel now is a better time than ever to begin the discussion, all things considered."
"Hold up, if this is all about evolution, than why'd you call me in?" Kukui leaned forward, bringing his feet down from the table and placing his arms down. "I specialize in attacks, not evolution."
"Precisely, which correlates with our combined studies and theories…" Rowan nodded. "The relationships between Mega Evolution… and Z-Moves."
"Z-Moves…?" Barry muttered to himself, his curiosity piquing.
"A professor who studies Evolution, a professor who studies Mega Evolution, and a professor who studies attacks and Z-Moves…" Cynthia smirked a bit. "Three different areas of expertise that are a lot more connected than you think."
Looker finally piped in from the monitor, smiling. "I see this is where my time is up. I'll report back if any new information about Team Galactic arises."
Cynthia's eyebrows raised. "Huh? Leaving us already?"
"Mega Evolution and Z-Stuff and the like sound interesting… but it's not my field of expertise. Plus, I have an investigation to head." The eccentric policeman saluted from the other side of the screen. "Best wishes to you all for now!"
The screen clicked off. Cynthia sighed, closing the screen and placing the small PC back in her bag. "He's incredibly rushed with his farewells…"
"WaiwaiwaiwaiWAIT." Barry shook his hands in an outward motion, overemphasizing himself and surprising his Drifblim enough it retracted itself to its Pokéball. "What happened with Mega Evolution? What's a Z-Move? Why was I never told any of this?!"
Kukui laughed. "Jeez, you've got more energy than an Arcanine striking with Extreme Speed!"
Rowan nodded to Barry as the young man sat back in his seat. "There was a rather… notable incident in Veilstone City just yesterday, in which an escaped convict used Mega Evolution in a Pokémon Battle against a minor."
"... wait, huh?" Barry leaned in, curiosity skyrocketing once again. That felt oddly specific. "That's, uh… interesting?"
"Indeed, quite interesting, yet quite petty." Rowan agreed. "Yet, what stings for me is that both parties that were involved are two trainers I personally know."
That got everyone's attention.
"Huh? You KNOW who did it, Professor?" Cynthia was a bit startled by the information. "But… the news just said it was between two foreign trainers, no names given."
"Ahem…" Sycamore cleared his throat from the screen. "I was there when it happened, so I know who partook in the battle- one participant I, too, know somewhat personally."
Rolland adjusted his glasses. "Well… this is all new information to Martha and I. We were unaware something major happened in Veilstone City at all."
Everyone looked to Rowan, waiting for the new information to be dropped, and the reason why this was important to the man. The professor exhaled, closing his eyes as he clasped his hands together on the desk. For a moment, he felt overwhelmed. Two trainers he trusted with starter Pokémon… ending up in a battle like that. The trainers he sent out on journeys were… basically his own responsibility. In a sense… what happened, though not a massive, impactful event, felt like a failure to him.
Yet he found himself able to keep searching for words, to find anything to say to keep the conversation going, as his mind began to scramble again. This council meeting was taking a toll on his stress levels.
"Dipper Pines, the trainer, and Robbie Valentino, the convict." Rowan breathed. "I was hoping they'd grow into fine young men, and remember their journeys and learn from them. That's what any professor desires, outside of the research that comes with the territory.
"Yet… the promise I saw in Robbie appears to dwindle every day now, as the choices he continues to make… land him in such pitiful situations. Japan may handle legal proceedings very differently, but… he doesn't understand his actions. He may appear to be a coming young man, but I can tell he's still a boy.
"With Dipper… I see his determination. His internal struggles, however, continue to shine. I've been monitoring them periodically, and with Lucas with them… he tells me how they're doing. They're some of the first trainers I've enlisted in a long time. To look at them and see how they grow… they all stem from one tree, with various different roots that brought them all there. And now, they form various branches, each and every one of them, moving forward on their own paths. Making new discoveries. Growing off of each other…
"To watch these two… collide, two drastically different boys, on the same road but walking separate paths, made me feel… proud, and sad, completely at the same time. Yet it reminded me of ten years ago, when I sent a few trainers out on journeys way back when…"
His eyes fell on Barry. The young man blinked in surprise. "... eh?"
Rowan… smiled.
"Barry, you and Lucas had such spunk when you went out into the tall grass that fateful day. I remember it well. I could tell you two would go on to do incredible things. Very rarely have I ever seen that in a trainer… but I hadn't seen it quite like I had in you two ever again, until recently."
He moved a clipboard into place and looked over the information on the attached paper. Various names and other information were scattered across it in the respective boxes. The professor was looking at what appeared to be written copies of trainer cards.
"Mason Reginald Pines, Mabel Alison Pines, Jesús Alzamirano Ramírez… it was just those three at first." He spoke quietly. "Then others came, and then even more… and now, so many of them all, friends and family alike, gathered in one region, all having one big experience together… it's glorious. It's stunning, interesting, breathtaking… beautiful. Even if some wander down darker paths… I can see it in them, through it all, that they'll wander back into the light. They'll find the road again."
Silence enveloped the room again. Nobody was really quite sure what to say to that… but they all found themselves quite moved by the professor's words. Very rarely did he ever show his softer side… but this was the first time he voiced his inner thoughts on a deeper manner that had gone over the heads of them all. Though, it was something none of them had ever thought of. Something that… only Rowan could know, with his history and experience.
From the other end of the PC screen, Sycamore smiled. "... Mr. Valentino did do something remarkable. He harnessed Mega Evolution with such ease… and brought forth a new evolution I had never even seen before."
After a moment, Rowan nodded. "Robbie managed to somehow acquire a Mega Stone for his Feraligatr. I can't even fathom where and how he got it, or how he knew what it was… but he managed to get it, and he used it in his battle."
"Whoa, seriously?" Barry's eyes widened. "Feraligatr can Mega Evolve?!"
"Apparently so…" Rolland nodded. "This was something that had come up in my personal studies, actually. The thought that most Pokémon classified as 'starters' could be capable of Mega Evolution… with the first documentation being in Kanto, and later in Hoenn, it began to seem more and more plausible."
"A theory like this being proven… it excites us greatly." Martha smiled. "Mega Evolution has such… varying information. Plenty of people use it, but not many people know how. Plenty of people know of it, but could not entirely understand what it is. It's an ever-evolving enigma, and to crack more of the code to it is riveting!"
"It makes me wonder if the rest of them will ever harness it." Sycamore pondered. "I can only wonder where they'll go from here… where our studies will continue."
Barry noticed Rowan staring at something in his hand. "Um… old man? What're you looking at?"
Rowan glanced at the boy, before he closed his fist and pocketed… whatever it was. "Just thinking, Barry. Thinking of something I should probably get a head start on."
"And what's that, brother?" Kukui asked curiously. His eyes were practically beaming along with his smirk. "Jeez, first Galactic, then Megas, now what? Alola's got nothing like this, outside'a Z-Moves! This rocks more than a Rollout!"
"Someone's still gotta tell me what those are…" Barry crossed his arms in a pout.
Rowan pulled up another small laptop and activated it, entering a list of contacts and opening a video call. Barry eagerly jumped up and went to look at the screen, right over Rowan's shoulder. Within seconds, the two people he called answered, and two different windows opened to show Roark and Gardenia's faces.
"What's up, professor?" Roark greeted.
"What's with the sudden call? Whatcha need?" Gardenia asked.
Barry smiled. "Ahh, hey guys! Been ages!"
"Eh? Is that you Barry?" Roark chuckled. "It's been some time! What're you up to?"
"Well, we're actually calling from the middle of the council meeting." Rowan replied. "We're currently discussing the incidents involving Team Galactic, and recent discoveries related to Mega Evolution. With that, I have an important favor to ask the two of you."
"Uh… sure thing, professor." Gardenia nodded, the two gym leaders becoming confused. "What's up?"
"Roark, I ask of you to check any of the coal found in the Oreburgh Mine, and to search around in the Underground. See if you come across anything resembling a Mega Stone." Rowan replied. "Gardenia, if you could please, investigate the Galactic building in Eterna, and see if there's any information you can find about Mega Evolution, or Team Galactic's plans for the future. It's unlikely they abandoned their plans and belongings, but you can never be too thorough."
The two were silent for a moment, unsure of how to respond to Rowan's large and sudden request. The Rock-Type specialist was the first to speak up, however. "Mega Stones… here? In Sinnoh? They're primarily found in Kalos, aren't they? And even then, they're incredibly rare… you think I'd be able to find any?"
"Stranger things are always happening, Roark. You'd be doing our studies a great service if you could try." The professor nodded. "And as for you, Gardenia, are you up to handling such an investigation? You are closest to the current source, after all."
"Oh, uh… yeah, no problem! Aheh…" Gardenia chuckled somewhat nervously. "Just seems… pretty sudden. It's been a little while since they skipped town, but they could always return…"
"That's highly unlikely, young lady. If they were to return, they would have never left in the first place. Something tells me they've acquired all the information they needed from the area… which is a good thing, and a bad thing." He replied. "I know you'll be able to manage."
"Yeah, totally…" Gardenia nodded, the unease still in her voice. "Is there… anything else you needed us for?"
"Not at the moment, but I expect you two to check in regularly if you find anything of interest." Rowan answered. "Are we clear?"
"Indeed, professor." Roark nodded.
"Yeah, gotcha." Gardenia added.
"Perfect, then I hope you'll begin as soon as you're able to. See you soon." The professor finished the call, closing it out and shutting the device off.
Silence filled the laboratory once again. Was that it? Nobody was sure of what to say now…
"So… is the meeting over now?" Barry asked quietly. "Cause… it seems like we've talked about everything…"
"... well I'll be in the area for a few more days." Cynthia stood up. "I'm sure something new will turn up by tomorrow, if it's possible for us all to reconvene by then."
"Our business up at the mountain isn't quite finished, but I'm sure Martha and I can spare a day or two if necessary." Rolland said.
"I'll still be in Veilstone for a bit, so don't hesitate to call if you need us." Sycamore smiled.
"And my business here in Sinnoh ain't gonna be over for a while, brother, so of course I'll be around." Kukui smirked, slumping back in his chair.
Rowan stacked his PC on a shelf, adjusting a few papers as he did. "Well then, if we all agree… meeting adjourned."
Cynthia smiled and stood up, heading for the door and opening it slowly. "... until we meet again, professor."
She exited the building, followed by Martha and Rolland, who waved goodbye. Sycamore also bid farewell before signing off. Rowan closed the front door, leaving only him, Barry, and Kukui within the laboratory.
"If you don't mind, brother, I've gotta make a call to my lab." The foreign professor stood, stretching his body rather dramatically. "Mind if I use your phone?"
Rowan nodded and pointed to the entrance to his living space. "On the wall by the bookshelf." Kukui nodded and walked off towards the far corner.
"... so what now?" Barry's voice was soft, and he leaned against the wall. "That kinda… ended really abruptly."
"Well it's not really over. We'll gather tomorrow morning." Rowan noted, closing the second PC and sliding it into a drawer.
"... but that's it? I didn't really… do anything. I was just kinda…" Barry tried to find the right words. "... just… kinda here."
Silence fell between the two. Rowan briefly stopped what he was doing; organizing more papers, before he continued and set them aside near his primary computer. He walked over to the seemingly lost young man and placed a hand on his shoulder.
Barry blinked and looked up. "... old man?"
"I want you to investigate, then. See whatever leads you can turn up." The professor said. "Can you do that for me?"
"... oh, yeah, definitely!" Barry smirked and pumped a fist in determination, his trademark enthusiasm returning. "You can count on me old man, I'll investigate them so fast, you might just have to fine me for speeding!"
However, Rowan tightened his grip on the young man's shoulder.
"But listen here, Mr. Cedric…" He spoke at a near whisper, but his voice became far more gruff and stern. "I want you to stay away from them, okay? If you go anywhere near information regarding the Genesis Template, I will see to it your investigation is terminated and you are ejected from your position on the council. Do I make myself clear?"
Barry's eyes slowly widened, almost feeling like he was shrinking before the professor more and more with every threat he uttered from his mouth. "... P-Professor Rowan, really…?"
Before Rowan could respond, there was a knock at the door. The two looked up, and Rowan dusted off his jacket before approaching the door and unlocking it, pulling it open.
He was greeted by a taller young lady, with green hair. "Oh, this is Professor Rowan's lab, right…?"
"... yes, I'm him." Rowan nodded. "Who might you be?"
"Oh, right, um… my name's Cheryl, and I was thinking- I mean… I heard there was a meeting today, and um…" The girl seemed a tad flustered. "... sorry if I'm bothering you."
"We just finished, so you're not bother. Please, come in." Rowan stepped aside, allowing Cheryl to enter. "If you were looking to view the meeting, I'm afraid that it was private."
"No no, I was coming to talk to you about… well, related matters." Cheryl kept her head down as she entered. "I've been on a journey for a while now, but… my studies are catching up to me. I've neglected preparing for college or searching for careers… but I think I know what I'd like to do."
"And that is?" Rowan held up a hand as Barry was about to interject.
"... well I want to become a professor's assistant. Or at least, become involved with the government." She quickly turns to face him. "I live in Floaroma Town, and I wasn't able to stop Team Galactic's attack! And then just as quickly as they left, I left too… acting like I was a happy trainer on her journey. But I want to find them, make them pay for attacking my home."
"... how amicable of you." Rowan offered her a hand, which she carefully took. "Ms. Cheryl, I'm terribly sorry for what's happened to your hometown. The pursuit of Team Galactic grows more intense every day, so I can assure you the police are doing everything they can in the matter."
"But… but is it enough?" Cheryl frowned. "My mother almost lost her Blissey in the fire… and she gave me Chansey to protect. But I can't do anything by just… idling by and waiting for the police! I want to help, I want to learn! I want… to prove myself."
"Then investigate with me!"
The two turned quickly to face Barry, who smiled and hurried up to Cheryl. "Cheryl, right? I'm new to the whole government thing but… I'm investigating Team Galactic too! I could use a hand with everything, and maybe apprenticing me would help you in the long run. Right, old man?"
Rowan scoffed at the informality, but was pleased by Barry's enthusiasm. "As sudden as everything has been right now, I don't see the harm in that. Ms. Cheryl, I can tell you mean well. If this is the type of opportunity you've been seeking, I suggest you take it."
Cheryl stared between the two for a moment before she smiled, outstretching a hand that Barry promptly shook. "I'd love to work with you then, Mr… um…"
The young man cockily jerked a thumb towards him, smirking. "Barry Cedric! Don't forget it, or I'll fine ya!"
"... fine me?" Cheryle blinked in bewilderment.
Rowan softly chuckled. "I was approached by those fiends in Jubilife City a while ago, see if any more of them are still stationed there, or at least find out if there was some ulterior motive to them being there. None of my theories or ideas have turned up anything."
"Roger that!" Barry saluted the professor, before taking Cheryl's hand and promptly running out of the lab. "C'mon Cheryl! We've got work to do!"
"O-Oh! Um, right, b-bye professor!" Cheryl waved as Barry dragged her out, the door slamming behind them.
Rowan waved after them, being left alone until Kukui approached and surprised the older man with an arm over his shoulder. "Ahh, I'm back! What'd I miss?"
"Nothing much." He cleared his throat and removed Kukui's arm from around him. "Would you excuse me for a moment? I have to go check on something personal."
"... oh yeah, sure thing brother." Kukui blinked and nodded. "Mind if I kick back? Or would you rather I hit the road?"
"Make yourself at home, professor." Rowan nodded, before departing for his living quarters.
He entered through the door and closed it, turning on the light to the stairwell. It spiraled upwards, and he slowly ascended. Upon reaching the top, Rowan rounded a corner, passing the living room and heading through his small kitchen. The professor entered his bedroom, and sat down at a small desk against the back wall, adjacent to his closet.
Activating an old PC monitor, Rowan opened a slot on the side. The machine buzzed a bit at first, but the slot popped open and had an indentation. Reaching into his pocket, he took out something small and placed it into the slot, closing it off.
A program began to run, and Rowan sighed as he put a hand to his head.
"There's no going back, Kamado… there's no going back."
"I didn't know Team Galactic was stationed in Jubilife…" Cheryl muttered, stepping on to Route 202 with Barry.
"I don't think they are, like how they weren't in Floaroma outside of the information harvesting." Barry noted. "They were stationed in Eterna though."
"... I saw their headquarters in Eterna, but… I couldn't bring myself to face them. I was too weak. So I left town. I should've done something…" Cheryl sighed, before something caught her attention. "... wait, you said 'were', right?"
"Huh? Oh, yeah." Barry turned and began to walk backwards. "Some random trainers beat them and they skipped town."
"... wow, they must've been very powerful then." Cheryl chuckled a bit. "Not like me… all I did was run away again."
"... hey, don't beat yourself up, alright? We don't have to run anymore." Barry smiled. "We can confront them head on! Through the power of investigating, anyways."
"Well then… what do you propose we do?" The girl asked. "I wouldn't know where to begin…"
"That's why we need a plan! Not where to begin, but what to look for! And I think I have a pretty good lead…" Barry smirked.
"A good lead?" Cheryl stopped and faced him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, tell me Cheryl…" Barry looked around, before leaning in and bringing his voice down to a whisper. "Do you know anything about… the Genesis Template?"
-(End Of Chapter)-
To be continued…
HOLY BEACH BALLS I HONESTLY DID NOT THINK THIS CHAPTER WOULD BE AS LONG AS IT IS BUT OKAY I'M PROUD OF IT REGARDLESS.
… so I think it's safe to say a CRAP LOAD of stuff happened! We got to follow a group of de-facto main characters as we got our first glimpse at… the government.
Doesn't SOUND fun but hey, it was full of foreshadowing out the ass and serious exposition dumping!
In addition to a lot being revealed, we got to see the return of Looker, Cheryl, and Cynthia, all of whom have been absent since the second season. It was time they all return, and I can assure you they haven't been forgotten! They'll play more into the story going forward.
We also got to formally meet Professor Kukui, reconnect with Professor Rowan, get a feel for Barry, talk with Professor Sycamore, and even meet Rolland and Martha Berlitz, a married couple that references the two scientists working for Rowan in the original games! Jeez, so much stuff…
This chapter also asks tons of questions. What was the item Professor Rowan had? What was with Cynthia's cryptic goodbye? Where will Barry and Cheryl go next? How does Kukui factor into all of this?
And what the heck is the Genesis Template?
All will be revealed… in like 800 chapters… or something.
Anyways, here is the Caesar Cipher. It's more of a challenge this time…
JAJWDYMNSL NX WJQJAFSY.
Go ahead and solve it.
This chapter is the second and last chapter in my brief return, but since the next chapter is in progress and nearly done, I shouldn't be gone again for very long... I hope not, anyways. I refuse to abandon this.
I hope you all have enjoyed these last two chapters, reviews are highly, highly appreciated, and as always…
Stay Tuned!
~087-B