Escaping the Kanto Region

Vermilion City prepared itself for the oncoming storm as the more coastal areas closed their doors and shutters in fear. Pokemon disappeared underground and into their homes with the last remaining cruise ships leaving in only a matter of hours. The night crept up on Kanto like a ghost preparing to feed on the souls of the living, but it wasn't the rain or thunder which frightened people the most. The remaining public still awaited to escape the Region now riddled with Team Rocket and lacking the Kanto Government completely. They were powerless when Giovanni led his army of Grunts and Officers into the City Centre, commanding everyone to bow beneath them as they all could not defeat him. They were each struck with fear and returned to their homes afraid to leave as they begged Rocket Grunts to leave them alone. Most of Vermilion City had been taken, but a few areas still remained liberated for now, and the remaining cruise ships would leave as soon as everyone had been evacuated. Coast guards braved the windy docks as boats were flipped to one side with waves growing in size and strength smashing the walls of rocks surrounding the beaches. There was once light here, but now it had truly gone and Team Rocket had truly completed what they desired.

Giovanni stood on the roof of the Pokemon Fan Club building as he witnessed Steven Stone and Cynthia burst through the iron gate of the City. Rain poured down around him as he pushed damp hair to one side and smiled as his own Grunts and Officers were pushed aside with true ease. He expected some sort of force, and the battling prowess of the Hoenn and Sinnoh Champions was a truly powerful sight to see. So much strength and hard work had gone into training their Pokemon, but they had wasted their time. Easier methods had always existed to ones who looked for true power, and Giovanni had discovered it years ago and only a few had this strength. Turning around he saw Koga lined up behind him along with Daniel as they looked on in the darkening skies and screaming clouds above. The rain intensified, and as another Grunt was pushed aside with his Golbat partner, Giovanni knew it would soon be time to intercept.

He called loudly, his voice spluttering in the downpour: "Daniel, any sight of our targets yet?"

Daniel coughed, shivering in the rain as he felt sickness appearing throughout his body, before replying: "Not yet, Giovanni. The weather has prevented us from surveying the area."

Koga turned to him and spat: "You idiot. These Champions are here to protect them, they must be already here. Giovanni, let me take these two on."

The Team Rocket leader nodded as Koga smiled and jumped off the building with tremendous agility. His background of ninja training in Fuchsia City had helped him out countless of times against challengers at the old Gym and even the Elite Four. However, it would be time to really test out his skills against the Champions of other Regions. Were they really that stupid to attack Team Rocket at a time where they were so strong? Koga never questioned the actions of who he worked for as the money rang around his mind, if he was paid then he would act, simple as that. Blaine failed to take these two targets, and now he would prove that the right man for the job was himself. Landing on the ground without a sound, Koga dashed forward with puddles of rain exploding around him due to Earthquake and Flash Cannon attacks, but they were easy to avoid. Predictably, Metagross and Aggron were very slow Pokemon and even a Champion like Steven couldn't make them faster.

Running directly into the centre of battle, Koga took a Pokeball from his pocket and chucked it into the air as he whirled his black cape around. Everything seemed to slow down instantly as Team Rocket Grunts were smashed aside by oncoming attacks, their Pokemon completely powerless against the Champions. Koga's Pokeball exploded as a purple light emitted from it with the onrushing screech soon after as he laughed maliciously to the broken road of Vermilion Central. Everything began to blur as Koga jumped high to avoid another wary attack as his Pokemon appeared out of the small Pokeball. One of the Grunts gaped in shock, crawling backwards, as a Garbodor appeared and landed with an almighty shake on the ground. The Trash Heap Pokemon roared loudly as its body unleashed dirt, trash and toxic everywhere as human screaming could be heard. The scenes got more terrifying as the skin of a Grunt burned with the toxic catching him, but Koga did not care, he would always fulfil the task given to him.

Koga called, as he landed back down and raising a hand at the Aggron: "Drain Punch, Garbodor!"

Steven Stone saw the oncoming attack and ran forwards as he cried desperately: "Aggron, get out of the way!"

His Iron Armour Pokemon raised its arms to block as the oncoming Drain Punch forced it to buckle down as the world shook again. Windows smashed under the vibrations and power of the attack with shock waves riveting throughout the Kanto Region. Steven fell to one side as he coughed in pain with Aggron, now heavily bruised, trying to push off the onslaught of the super effective attacks. Steven looked up and saw Metagross finish its Gravity attack before charging down through the rain and landing a powerful Tackle on Koga's main Pokemon as it was pushed aside, charging down a wall of a nearby building. Aggron breathed heavily as Steven ran in front ready to continue battling with his Iron Leg Pokemon landing heavily as it screeched in anger, preparing for battle once again.

Koga walked out from the darkness as Garbordor recovered from ease, and called at the limping Steven Stone: "Oh Steven it has been so long! Unfortunately this will be a quick end for you!"

Steven laughed, wiping blood from his leg before standing up with the search lights falling on them both. Aggron shivered as its bruises began to gleam in the light, and its partner Metagross took a step forward preparing to land another move. Garbodor prepared for the attack as it awaited commands from Koga, knowing its power was overwhelming for anyone. Steven responded loudly: "Koga, you made a mistake joining Team Rocket. What a poor example for your sister, Janine."

"Don't you dare mention my sister in front of me!" Koga spat on the ground in front of Steven as the Pokemon all screeched angrily at each other. "You will pay, and your cause will fail! Garbodor, use Focus Blast!"

The Trash Heap Pokemon screeched loudly as its two junked arms glowed red to form a large orb between them. Charging the energy quickly, it unleashed a jet of energy as Aggron was pushed backwards immediately as it called in pain. Metagross skilfully avoided the move, tucking its legs into its body so it could fly with ease and agility. Steven replied instantly: "Metagross, Iron Head!"

Charging in, Steven could feel the anger and adrenaline in its body, as it made powerful contact against the larger Garbodor. Koga was forced to jump aside again with surprise as his own Pokemon was sent through a building as the rubble of brick hit the ground. The rain increased its downpour from above as Steven continued his onslaught of attacks against a helpless Koga who seemed to have no response. The former Elite Four member gripped his fists hard feeling the cold skin on his body and called loudly for Garbordor to stand up. The Trash Heap Pokemon followed the commands as it regained balance but struggled due to the health loss from the onslaught.

Steven called: "Had enough yet, Koga?"

"Is that all you have? I will defeat you now!"

Another voice called from above as powerful Hyper Beam struck Garbodor down once again: "Koga, your time is up!"

Cynthia had appeared on the scene at last with Gengar's Smog attack being lifted by the rapid falling of rain from above. Her damp blond hair sparkled in the search lights as she appeared on her Garchomp, being lifted lower to ground level, the Mach Pokemon screeching loudly and sending another jet of Hyper Beam hurtling down at Koga who failed to avoid it as expertly as he did beforehand. Steven waved and ran ahead through the piled up bodies of Rocket Grunts as Aggron and Metagross followed him through the curved streets. Lightning cracked from above as Giovanni looked down at the scene from above feeling no regret but pure enjoyment. His organisation was being taken apart easily, and everyone would have expected that, but they had no idea how little meaning this meant to him. Vermilion City would be destroyed, and Team Rocket would lose, but he had something so powerful just waiting to appear that would win with no doubt whatsoever.

He gazed down at Koga desperately trying to lift rubble from his body with Garbodor unconscious to one side and smiled. Turning around and completely ignoring Daniel, he made his way back down the ladder into the Pokemon Fan Club building as he flicked on a light to illuminate the room. The door was already open as he expected and ignoring the presence of the other individual in the room, Giovanni made his way to his desk and sat down with a distinct smile on his face.

Steven Stone looked across the room with his two Pokemon returned back to their Pokeballs as he breathed heavily: "Giovanni! Your time with Team Rocket is up once again, your line of defence is gone."

Giovanni leaned back, relaxing completely in the soft leather chair, and replied with confidence: "Steven...so wise and experienced, but still so aimlessly stupid."

Steven ran forward, ignoring his words as Giovanni chuckled and released a Pokeball from damp sleeve. At that moment the whole of Vermilion had finally figured out that something was wrong and danger was approaching. The Pokemon Fan Club building exploded into a mushroom of fire and smoke as the ground shook and the waves intensified towards the ocean. Windows cracked from the shock waves as the building turned to dust in front of everyone leaving a black outline of what had been. Cynthia looked down from Garchomp, flying above, as she covered her mouth in shock at what had just happened. A single individual was left standing there, covered in dark ash, as he laughed loudly before looking up at Cynthia and smiling widely.

…

Rod and Forrest stopped in their tracks as the saw the building completely disappear into dust, the final remaining brick walls completely evaporating into thin air. Their expressions shocked, the cruise ships in the distance lit up from the lightning once again as the rain increased from above. Swirling wind caught the dust and ash in the air as a black mist took over Vermilion City, and they had to buckle down to avoid the worst of it. They had witnessed, from afar, the two trainers battling through Team Rocket with ease before one of them had ran into the building looking for something. They hadn't expected it to explode with such power in front of their very eyes, but they had to continue pushing forward.

Rod called, turning to his friend: "Did you feel the shock waves from that blast?"

Forrest nodded wiping his face clean of the dark rain before shuddering, the ground still shook below them: "I've never seen an explosion that tremendous in all my years of being a Gym Leader."

"Let's make a move, we have to find out what is going on!"

Forrest agreed as they both released Pokemon from their respective capsules with Steelix appearing first and roaring loudly as it fought the rain back from its body. Rod's Bulbasaur appeared, much smaller than the Steelix, in front as it looked up at its trainer and gained confidence and hope. Under their command they ran ahead through the broken iron gate of Vermilion City with the Team Rocket Grunts laying all around them, not moving and very still, with that destroyed building in mind. Steelix ran ahead screeching loudly at the surviving Golbat which disappeared into the shadows in fear as their trainers had been knocked aside. Bulbasaur unleashed a flurry of Razor Leaf, under Rod's command, as they made decisive contact forcing the Bat Pokemon away. The road curled around as the street lamps flickered above them creating horrific shadows that flashed in the night along with the lightning from above. Rod felt the wet puddles sinking into his worn trainers as they sprinted before the road opened up and the ground became dark with ash and rubble.

Slowing down sporadically, the leftover remains of the building was truly in dust but they were no long alone now. A single individual stood there gazing around as something seemed to fly around in the air high above in the rushing black skies. The person wheeled around and saw Forrest and Rod standing there with Steelix towering behind them and Bulbasaur down below ready to attack. Rod adjusted his headband before calling: "Who are you? How did you survive that?"

It was a man, Rod instantly recognised it from the tone of his voice, and he spoke: "So you both have finally arrived! You both are in time for the show!"

He laughed loudly, a piercing cry that echoed around the whole of Vermilion City as Rod ignored it completely and turned to Forrest. The Pewter Gym Leader responded: "Tell us who you are!"

"He is Giovanni, and you both must step back." The voice came from above as Rod looked up and saw something large descending from the sky with bladed wings and red scales. He had only seen this Pokemon on the television, and now in real life it was so much larger than expected. The Mach Pokemon, Garchomp, landed with its trainer who whipped off her black hood, throwing it to one side as Forrest gasped first. She looked at them, her electric blue eyes full of fear and hurt as she continued: "Step back! You both must get out of here, head to the Cruise ships and leave."

Forrest gasped again and called: "Cynthia! The Sinnoh Champion, what on earth are you doing here?"

"Here to save you both, now you have to run! I can hold him off!"

Garchomp screeched as Giovanni took a Pokeball from his pocket as it mysteriously glowed red in his lands and hovered as if psychic energy was emitting from his body. Rod looked on in confusion as to who this man was and how he could perform that with his Pokeball. Giovanni laughed maliciously and called: "Cynthia you are so ignorant! Steven Stone has been vaporised right before your very eyes, and you think that you stand a chance against me?"

Cynthia raised a hand, taking a step in front of Rod and Forrest as if defending them and replied angrily: "I will avenge Steven! Garchomp use Hyper Beam once more!"

Forrest called: "Steelix use Flash Cannon!"

Rod and Bulbasaur watched on as the two powerful Pokemon fired jets of energy towards Giovanni who smirked before releasing the Pokeball in front of him. Something materialised from the white light before the two attacks struck, completely blocking it from view, as smoke appeared as a result. Giovanni's laughter continued to appear from within as the dark smoke vanished in an instant to reveal a Pokemon standing on its large hind legs. It was nearly the size of Forrest's Steelix with a spinning horn on its head and a rocky body, however it seemed to be glowing red slightly. A Rhydon, the Drill Pokemon, and a hybrid Ground and Rock type stood against them, completely unnerved by the two attacks from before. Cynthia looked shocked as Garchomp looked on ready to strike once more, but that red energy seemed to shake everything around.

Cynthia called in horror: "What is this strength, what have you done, Giovanni?"

Giovanni wiped his slick black hair to one side before taking a deep breath and replying, his eyes bloodshot: "What have I done? I've become invincible, Cynthia! Rhydon, use Thunder!"

The skies lit up around them all as Rod fell to his knees feeling weak and useless as he pulled Bulbasaur near. A massive crack of thunder appeared from the sky that hit Garchomp and Steelix together as they tried to naturally resist it. The power was enormous as Rod saw darkness everywhere as he rolled away yelling out in pain from the shock waves. Steelix and Garchomp both fell with ease, their bodies fried and burnt from the strength of the move. Forrest sank to his knees coughing blood from his mouth as he took out a cracked Pokeball and returned his Iron Snake Pokemon safely away. Garchomp looked back up, fury in its eyes as Cynthia's torn cloak flickered in the wind.

She turned to Rod and Forrest and desperately cried: "You two! Get out of here, get on the last Cruise ship! You have to go!"

Rod called in response as he returned Bulbasaur: "We can't leave you here! We have to help you!"

"You both are more important right now! GO!"

Forrest dragged Rod who pushed against him before his legs gave in as the rain began to empty down once again. Each step seemed like a large gasp of energy as they sprinted towards the cruise ship leaving the port. Rod saw light and dark appear around with the audio of the world flipping in and out of sight and mind. From Forrest's desperate cries to the cruise ship, Rod heard the roar of Rhydon and Garchomp in the distance as incomprehensible voices appeared in his head crying his name. Everything faded from colour to grey as Rod suddenly saw and heard nothing, but felt sudden warmth appear in a place that had so much horror...