Hoenn, Neo's POV
It was another sunny and bright day in the Hoenn region. As always, flocks of Taillow and Wingull flew gently through the calm breeze. Some small mammals like Zigzagoon as well as bug types like Wurmple roamed around the forest areas.
For some, this region was perfect, especially for a good vacation on some random beach. Hoenn was well known for its tropical climate, after all. Some critics say that it has too much water for their liking, which just makes me laugh.
What really bothers me is the hot temperatures. Since I'd lived 15 years in Kanto, I was still not used to this climate.
Nevertheless, Hoenn has been the most pacific region since the fall of Team Magma and Team Aqua and it was without a doubt a good place to live.
I was making my way home, riding the bus back to Oldale Town. I moved to this little town about a year ago, to finish my studies in the prestigious school of Rustboro City.
Not by my own choice, certainly. Kanto was just fine for me; despite not being a famous kid, I managed to survive.
My parents ended up sending me away to live with my aunt. They wanted me to focus on my career, instead of following in their footsteps.
Today, I finally received permission to start my journey. Being able to finish the Poké School with some average grades, I'll be able to choose a good starter Pokémon.
Nowadays it was pretty good for someone to graduate at 16 years old. The exams were pretty tough.
School was now obligatory for every Pokémon Trainer. Some politicians and organizations have been forcing the Pokémon League to change their ways during the past decade.
Sending out kids only 10 years old on a journey full of danger wasn't something that everyone felt happy about.
The League also implemented a rule stating that Trainer needed a back-up plan for their journey and that was why the obligatory studies were implemented.
This topic came about when the number of employed people started falling.
Most of the children were raised hoping for a bright future; putting it more bluntly, everyone wanted to become the Champion or complete the Pokédex by catching them all.
But what happened to those who don't have the skills to do so?
Most of them persisted, continuing to travel throughout the regions trying to achieve their dreams, only to fail harder.
Of course they would still contribute to the economy; everyone needed Poké Balls and medicine to keep their companions healthy. The tradition of giving a sum of money to the winner also kept everything from falling apart.
But things couldn't continue like this. People started to note the flaws in the system: Why was the number of police officers so low? Why weren't there more Pokémon Centers? How come only one big company managed all equipment needed by trainer? Many other questions started to pop up.
This started some protests against the League. Everyone started blaming the system for the events of the past; the rampaging gangs running freely in the past and even some members of high society being involved with them that ended up never being judged by their wrong doings.
Some say that the League supported most of the evil teams' activities so that people would unite against them, instead of focusing their attention in the numerous flaws of the system.
In the past the Elite Four barely did anything to help the original Dex Holders and now all of that has been topic on the news and journals. New crime organizations started to revolt against the League itself.
Anyway, focusing on the main subject; things have changed lately.
People could still go around collecting Badges and challenging the League each year, but now every teenager that graduates and decides to leave on their journey needed a realistic objective for the future. Aiming to join the Police force, training to be a doctor, mastering one type for teaching purposes or not; an infinite of options.
My goal was decided long ago, when I found out that I had a gift for dealing with psychic types. Apparently, I inherited this from my mother; however, she always refused on letting me train under her guidance.
Maybe she was scared that I wasn't as strong as her, or maybe she could tell that I wasn't made for this.
I always felt my self being drawn to these type of Pokémon. I always wanted to find out my true potential as a psychic specialist.
My mother did all she could to prevent me from starting to follow her lifestyle, but being a rebellious young boy I would not do what I was ordered.
I would prove that I could handle it by taking my journey seriously and maybe one day, who knows, I might be able to open my own Gym. Teaching others about this type wouldn't be that bad; maybe people could learn to like psychic Pokémon a little more.
For now, being away and starting my journey in Hoenn was the perfect opportunity for me. I'd be able to choose the starter and career that I wanted, before my mother could do something about it.
She probably already knew that I was on to something, because she can somehow see the future... I was betting that I was going to end up being dragged back to Kanto, as soon as my mother found out the truth. I was now thankful for her busy agenda.
Maybe I could excuse myself for being the son of one of the most infamous rebels in Pokémon history or maybe blame our family genes.
Suddenly, I felt someone pushing me on the shoulder.
I opened my eyes and noticed that the bus had stopped moving. In front of me was the impatient driver with somewhat of an angry glare.
"Hey fella', this is the last stop. Hurry up and leave or you'll be comin' back to Rustboro with me."
Standing up, I faked a yawn and bowed in apology, "Sorry. I felt asleep; thank you, sir!" And with that I left the bus before the man could start lecturing me or even paralyze me with his intense glare.
I thanked Arceus that the last stop was indeed the town where I lived, because this was one of my bad habits - getting lost in my own thoughts.
My teachers always said that I was analytical and that was a good characteristic for a Psychic trainer. I couldn't disagree with that, but maybe I over-think stuff too much.
Moving almost automatically, I arrived at the small apartment where I lived. While removing my shoes I could feel something sneaking up from behind me.
It started moving faster and before I could react I was already being tackled by my aunt's Purugly.
The tiger cat Pokémon seemed to enjoy playing pranks on me since this happened almost every day.
I heard my aunt bursting into laughter after hearing me rant at the damned cat. She also found it funny; on the other hand, I was getting tired of it.
Maybe it was because the female cat always reminded me so much of a dark type or probably because of her eyes- they freaked me out, but I couldn't really like the prankster cat.
Greeting my aunt with a quick peck, I went to the fridge looking for some food, but I was surprised to notice it was almost empty.
"Neo, there are some leftovers on the stove!" my aunt shouted.
I just sighed quietly to myself, wondering about how this woman would survive without my help.
Bringing a dish with me, I took a seat next to my aunt, in the old but comfortable sofa.
I could feel my aunt gazing at me sideways in an awkward manner. She said nothing and just took another sip of her drink.
Knowing that she was even worse than me at expressing herself, I started conversation, "I received the school's permission to go on a journey."
Maybe I sounded way too uncaring or maybe I looked like I wasn't happy, but my aunt grinned at the good news anyway.
"What will you choose?" Sounding more interested, she continued, "Are you starting here in Hoenn?"
I nodded, "I'll specialize in psychic types."
"Haha! I knew it!" My aunt laughed and gave me a look that said that I had just signed my sentence for challenging my mother.
Trying to ignore the sadistic sense of humor of the red haired woman, I turned on the TV and started watching the replay of one specific battle of the semifinals of the Indigo Plateau Conference. This battle recorder option was something else… For me one of the best inventions ever, since I always loved to watch a good fight.
The Pokémon League Conference was a championship hosted annually by the League, in each region, having the goal to find those worthy of taking the Elite Four challenge.
This was something implemented by the League, in order to prevent the huge amount of challengers in wait to face the Elite Four in each region.
In the past, anyone who had collected the 8 gym badges, of one region, automatically had the right to face the Elite Four. Many trainers proved that it wasn't that big of a challenge and, annually a lot of trainers would show up to challenge them, creating a huge mess.
There was a reason for why I was watching this specific battle.
As my aunt's laughter died down, my eyes started focusing on the boy with a spiky blue hair and fiery red eyes dressed in medieval-looking attire, sporting a long cape around his neck.
"Ladies in gentleman, looks like the red side is running out of options!" The commentator said in enthusiastic tone. "The dragon trainer has been cornered by the icy trainer from Johto and his Charmeleon won't be able to withstand many more attacks from Weavile."
The crowd started cheering at this statement. Some wanted the dragon specialist to win, others called out for the ice trainer, and some people just watched in silent as the fight reached its final stretch.
"Indeed. Charmeleon has taken damage from the previous fight against Dewgong and if the red side loses the fire Pokémon, I don't know if he'll be able to stop that weasel." A second voice called out in a wiser and more serious manner.
In the screen I watched Charmeleon taking a continuous combination of Night Slashes and Quick Attacks. The lizard Pokémon definitely had a chance to win this, at least in my view.
But it looked like something was missing...
Indigo Plateau Conference, a week ago, Colt's POV
I felt my body twitch with excitement. Until today I never had such an intense battle.
Both my opponent and I had only two Pokémon left but by the looks of it my Charmeleon wouldn't stand Weavile's rhythm for much longer.
"I should have trained longer with Charmeleon." I thought to myself.
"Weavile, get closer and end this with your strongest Ice Punch." The other trainer said in a firm tone as his Pokémon started getting dangerously close to mine.
Being well aware that Charmeleon's Blaze ability had already been activated due to the damage taken, I shouted "Charmeleon, let's wrap this up with a Flamethrower! Let Weavile come close enough and shoot it down!"
Dashing towards my Pokémon, Weavile closed the gap in mere seconds and, as I ordered Charmeleon spit out a powerful blast of fire and with that I grinned to myself.
"That Weavile probably couldn't take this." I thought, already counting in my victory. I knew it was a risky move but I had to take it.
Much to my surprise, I suddenly saw a hole pop up on the ground right behind Charmeleon.
"Behind you Char-" Before I could even finish my warning, Charmeleon was already being hit from behind by a powerful Ice Punch- which, despite not being very effective, was still enough to finish him off.
I scoffed at my own mistake and recalled my Pokémon, "I'm sorry Charmeleon. You did well." And with this there went my type advantage. My opponent had just used Dig to avoid my fire attack, which was surely smart and proved the lack in experience that I still had.
What were the odds of facing two trainers in this League who specialized in ice and fairy types? Probably very low. Luck wasn't on my side, but this last mistake was entirely my fault.
Reaching my belt, I took the Poké Ball of my starter, hoping that I could still turn this into a victory.
For a second, everything went silent and I couldn't hear the cheers anymore. I was totally focused. I knew this was my last chance.
As I threw my Poké Ball, a large dinosaurian Pokémon popped out. "I'm counting on you Tyrantrum!"
Landing on the floor, my Pokémon stretched his neck and gave a loud roar. "So much attitude." I thought while smirking at the male dinosaur's antics.
Noticing that my Pokémon was also part rock, the other trainer ordered Weavile to keep its distance.
Knowing that Tyrantrum was a slower Pokémon I had to wait and make my opponent make the first move.
"Weavile, bring it down with an Ice Beam!" He finally decided to do something, but he was still keeping his Pokémon away from Tyrantrum's physical attacks.
A light blue ball started to form in Weavile's hands, and as soon as he ordered that move my instinct told me what to do next. "Tyrantrum, before it hits you slice it through with Iron Tail."
It was a very bold move but knowing that Weavile wasn't a special attacker and iron was effective against ice, I was confident that this time I could make it work.
Seeing the ball of light blue beams moving forward Tyrantrum started twitching his strong legs and when it was close enough, I shouted, "Do it now; Iron Tail!"
Turning around in a quick movement, Tyrantrum's tail started glowing white and as I ordered, he cut through Weavile's attack with ease, making the ball of ice disappear in shiny snowflakes.
I sighed in relief, seeing that my decision had worked. In fact, this attack almost looked like something that a trainer would do in a contest to make the other team look bad.
Before I had time to regain composure the other trainer shouted, "Weavile, use Quick Attack to get close!"
Watching Weavile's body outlined in a white glow, as it dashed forward Tyrantrum, I was still not sure what their intention was.
"That Weavile probably knows a fighting move too…" That was what I could come up with. Maybe the other trainer was trying to use an attack that could take advantage of my Pokémon's weight.
I wasn't really sure what to do since I didn't know Weavile's moveset that well.
I decided to go on the offensive too. "Tyrantrum, stop them with Rock Slide!"
As I watched my Pokémon's body glow, multiple white rings of energy appeared above him. The dinosaur let the power out and sent multiple falling boulders in Weavile's direction.
Not really counting with this, the opposing trainer didn't react fast enough to order the dark weasel to avoid the danger and I was able to land some solids hits before Weavile started using its high speed and agility. It avoided being hit, and at the same time it started to use the rocks to get height and to reach us even faster.
Seeing Weavile already close enough to take a physical hit and knowing that it had taken damage from before, I decided to end this in one hit. "Tyrantrum, shoot it down with Head Smash!"
Tyrantrum's body became surrounded by a whitish-blue aura, making it seem black, and he shot forward with his head pointed at the ice type.
As I watched my Pokémon approaching his opponent rapidly, I noticed that the other trainer was still silent, which made me nervous. "What is he planning?"
Suddenly, just before Tyrantrum's head slammed against Weavile, the ice specialist shouted, "Weavile, let it hit you and use Revenge!"
I exhaled forcibly through my mouth, almost falling into my knees in disgust. I had taken the bait and this match was over for us. There was no way to stop the attack; they were already within an arm's reach.
The impact between the two attacks created a curtain of dust, destroying part of the battle arena.
As soon as the dust had calmed down, I saw Weavile already lying on the floor and my Tyrantrum still struggling to keep his balance.
"Did I manage to win this?" I thought to myself, with some hope left that I could still make it to the finals.
Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. Today wasn't my lucky day. Tyrantrum's legs started twitching in exhaustion and my Pokémon fall flat on the ground, fainting from the damage taken.
To be honest I was expecting a move more ordinary, like Brick Break, which I knew would be super effective but we would probably live through it. But Revenge was almost a suicidal attack and that was why I wasn't expecting it.
Revenge was an attack that inflicted double the damage if the user had been hurt by the opponent in the same turn.
Moving my hand through my blue hair, trying to calm myself, I called back my starter as I mumbled to myself, "How did this happen? How am I supposed to face mom now?"
And that was it. The end of my first competition as a trainer. Should I be happy for reaching this far? Well, I don't know, but this feeling of bitterness and disappointment just wouldn't go away.
I sighed as I walked away from the arena. People cheered for the new-found finalist behind me.
Certainly I was jealous - maybe because this trainer had more experience than me, but probably because he had the advantage type.
Well, there was nothing I could do now about this battle. I would need to focus on the next League. I was thinking about Johto, but I didn't know how to face my family now that I lost so I would probably head to Hoenn. "Warm and sunny Hoenn... Yeah sounds like a good place for a fresh start."
Hoenn, Oldale Town, Neo's POV
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we got ourselves the first finalist! What a great showdown it was!" People started clapping and cheering after the battle come to an end and the commentators started analyzing the match.
It was a good match, indeed, but unfortunately my self-proclaimed older brother had made several mistakes, like not training his newly caught Charmeleon and Pupitar, and using those risky moves with his two remaining Pokémons.
I turned off the TV and sighed in a mixture of bitterness. My friend from Kanto did well considering that it was his first time participating in a League, but no matter what I felt it was somewhat unfair for him to fight against someone with more experience, but that was our beloved Pokémon League system.
Colt and I met years ago, back when both of us studied at the same school in Vermillion City. But, being older than me, he left for his journey one year before I did and I was sent to live here in Hoenn, with my aunt and her annoying cat.
We really haven't talked that much since last year. He's been busy on his journey and I've studying to start mine.
"No matter how many times you watch that battle you won't be able to change the outcome, kiddo," my aunt said, teasing me and ruffling my purple hair.
Standing up and heading towards the kitchen, my aunt pointed upstairs and said, "Your father sent you a package with your stuff."
Hearing that made me want to check if everything was in order. I got up and hastily headed upstairs.
Suddenly, my aunt appeared near the doorframe, yelling, "Hey, brat! Your father told me that you might want to get involved in the Dex Holders disappearance story and this new radical group, so... are you going to snoop around that?"
I didn't answer her question; I just froze while looking at her from the top of the stairs. I was about to tell her a lie but I guess I felt too ashamed of doing that and then nothing came out.
I traded a glance with her knowing that lying wasn't going to help me anyway, since she was way more experienced in doing that than I was.
"Mmm, okay, I get it. Just don't end up getting obsessed with the doing the right thing... You know, like your father has become since our father's death..."
This story was indeed difficult. I didn't know what to say. I knew my aunt had noticed my intentions ever since I started to pay more attention to the news, trying to gather more information about the strange phenomena happening all around the world.
"I'll be careful, aunt Mars." That was all I could manage to say. At least I thought I said it with a convincing face.
My aunt shook her head disapprovingly, but decided not to add anything else. Our interactions were always like this, somewhat odd and messy, but that was probably a characteristic that most of my family had.
I decided to let this topic die as well. I made my way to my bedroom and found a huge package with my name on it.
As I started looking at the contents of it, the talk with my aunt started to affect me and I began recalling some of the discussions I'd had with my father, whenever he was home.
Like this one when he once told me about my grandfather. He said that unlike us, he was pretty confident in himself. He was surely one of the most well-known villains in Kanto and Johto, and he used to call himself the Strongest Trainer.
This were just one of the million stories and rumors about my family.
I had to put up with this my whole life. My reputation in Kanto was shitty and I guess that was why I ended up growing somewhat cold and self-centered.
Well, those were just the perks of having almost all your family members associated with a criminal organization. Despite the fact that most of them were stopped decades ago, the stories of their wrongdoings still haunts the history of the Pokémon world.
My aunt, for example, was eventually released from jail but also exiled from Sinnoh, and the only regions that would accept her were Hoenn and Kalos.
Thank Arceus she chose Hoenn. Otherwise, I would have been sent to the other side of the world just to stay away from my father's work.
After checking that I had everything that I asked for, my mind started to focus on something that has been killing me: what happened to my father's friends?
If I could answer this and get them back, I could finally give my family some peace and maybe our household would become stable again.
I threw myself into my bed, sighing in annoyance. Tomorrow was my big day, and here I was getting all worried about this stuff. "I'll end up like him."
Soon after, I felt asleep thinking about what Pokémon to choose and what to do in the upcoming days.