Pokemon : An Unexpected Journey

by Adamos amet

Austin was a kid that loved to watch Anime, especially Pokemon. Annoyed at how the series was going after Sinnoh, he fell asleep before waking up, somehow as Ash the morning he began his journey. In shock at what happened he tries to find a way to get back home and see why he became Ash. [ this is my own take on Sidey's fanfic pokemon : a surprising journey ]

55. Chapter 55

Chapter no.55: Project Z / X

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

The night sky over Celadon City was alight with the glow of neon signs, illuminating the bustling city below in a rainbow of colors. The streets were alive with the energy of the city, as people of all ages bustled about, their chatter and laughter filling the air.

Tall, sleek skyscrapers reached up towards the sky, their windows aglow with the warm light of the city. The streets were lined with shops, their windows displaying everything from the latest fashion to the newest technology. The smell of delicious street food wafted through the air, drawing the hungry to the vendors selling Takoyaki, Yaki-soba, and many more.

As the night deepened, the crowds began to thin, and the city took on a different feel. The bright lights of the shops and billboards gave way to the soft glow of lanterns and the warm light of bars and clubs. The sound of live music and laughter spilled out onto the streets, inviting those passing by to join in on the fun.

The streets were now filled with a different kind of energy, one of excitement and celebration. Groups of friends walked arm in arm, their faces alight with the thrill of the night. Lovers strolled hand in hand, lost in their private world.

But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there were also those who walked alone, their thoughts and feelings are hidden behind a mask of stoicism. These were the ones who found solace in the anonymity of the city, where they could disappear into the crowds and be free.

The neon lights of Celadon City illuminated the dark alleyway as Jessie and James materialized in a dumpster with a thud. The stench of garbage and pollution filled their nostrils as they groggily climbed out, their clothes and bodies covered in grime.

Jessie's magenta hair was matted and unkempt, her once pristine Team Rocket uniform now torn and dirty. Her face was streaked with tears as she hugged James tightly, her body shaking with sobs. James, his normally styled periwinkle hair now disheveled and greasy, held her gently, his injuries causing him to wince in pain.

As they pulled apart, Jessie's words reached James's ears, "I found my mother." His heart skipped a beat as he realized the significance of her words, and a smile spread across his face. But the moment was short-lived as Jessie suddenly pulled away, her gaze fixated on James's roughed-up appearance.

"Doflamingo," she exclaimed, her voice filled with anger and hatred. James's expression crumbled.

The alleyway was silent except for the sound of James's sobs as he broke down, his mind consumed by the events that led to their current state. Jessie held him tightly, her heart breaking at the sight of her partner in such a state of distress. She whispered soothing words, trying to bring him some semblance of comfort.

As his sobs subsided, James pulled away, wiping at his eyes. Jessie looked at him with concern, her magenta hair matted and unkempt, her Team Rocket uniform torn and dirty. "What did Doflamingo offer you?" she asked softly.

James reached into his pocket and pulled out a Pokeball. He held it out to Jessie, his hand shaking. "Growlie," he choked out.

Jessie's eyes widened as she saw the Pokeball and realization dawned on her. Doflamingo had offered James something that he could not refuse, something that he valued above all else. She looked at James, her own heart heavy with the weight of her own decision.

"Did you agree?" James asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jessie nodded, tears streaming down her face. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a picture of her mother. "I found her," she whispered. "But at what cost?"

James hugged her tightly, his tears falling as he realized the gravity of their situation. They had joined something much bigger, something much more dangerous. They could either follow Doflamingo and betray Team Rocket or follow Team Rocket and betray the monster who held the key to their hearts' desires. The answer was clear, they would follow the monster, for he held everything they wanted.

The night was silent, the city was asleep and the only sound that could be heard was the sound of Jessie and James's steps and the beating of their hearts. They were alone with their thoughts, their doubts, their fears, and their hopes.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

[ Celadon City - Hotel ]

The five Pokémon, accompanied by the only human among them, Green, were gathered around a small table, each with a stack of chips in front of them. Lucario, the tallest of the group, sat at the head of the table with a calm and collected expression on his face. Pikachu, the smallest, was positioned to his left, sporting a mischievous grin. Ditto, seated beside Pikachu, appeared to be on the verge of a mental breakdown, his expression wrought with anxiety. Scizor, the largest of the group, occupied the seat to Lucario's right, his countenance stern and serious. Green, the only human, was positioned to Scizor's right, her face exhibiting a determined resolve.

The dealer, a Fearow, was shuffling the deck of cards with its talon, preparing to deal out the hands. Lucario and Pikachu seemed to be enjoying themselves, chatting and laughing as they placed their bets. Ditto, on the other hand, was noticeably nervous, fidgeting in his seat and constantly glancing at the cards in his hand. Scizor, meanwhile, remained stoic and focused, making calculated bets and studying his cards intently. Green was taking the game seriously as well, placing her bets with a confident demeanor.

Even before the game had commenced, the tension in the room had begun to build. The Pokémon and human players were all leaning forward in their seats, their eyes fixed on the cards in front of them as they placed their bets. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation as everyone endeavored to outsmart each other and emerge victorious. Suddenly, a loud snore pierced the air, causing everyone to turn their attention towards Yellow, sound asleep on the leg of Austin, who was immersed in reading a few files on his laptop.

The other players exchanged glances, collectively releasing a sigh of relief as the tension in the room dissipated. "Come on, let's continue the game," Green exclaimed, her sights set on the prize of the money in front of her.

"Hey, Ash wants to join?" Green inquired, while Austin glanced at Burnett, responding with a hint of irritation, "You do realize that all that money you're playing with is mine."

"Oh, don't be such a stick in the mud. What's yours is mine?" Lucario slurred, taking a swig from his drink and hiccuping.

"I think you're drunk," Austin stated, pointing out the obvious as Lucario showed him the middle finger in response.

Austin rolled his eyes, well aware that Green would inevitably clean the table, one way or another.

" Hey, ask Yellow if she wants to join," Green asked as Austin slowly nudged the blonde psychic.

"Come on, Yellow, wake up," He said, trying to gently rouse her. "You're going to miss out on all the fun."

Yellow stirs and rubs her eyes, looking around blearily. "What's going on?" she asks, her voice thick with sleep.

Austin grins and ruffles her hair. "It's just a game of cards, Yellow. Don't worry, you can join in if you want."

Yellow nods before falling back to sleep on Austin's leg which had already gone numb.

The players return to their cards, and the tension in the room starts to build once again.

Austin meanwhile clicked through the files of Jessie's mother, Miyamoto.

While from his meta knowledge, he knew that the woman chased after Mew. The files he had been given from the Boss of Team Rocket, courtesy of Porygon.

As Austin perused the files concerning Miyamoto, they were arranged in a peculiar order, starting with something labeled A2-AnimatedGod and culminating with XX5-ZMoves. Most of the files began with the A2 tag, yet some bore divergent labels.

There was a separate folder devoted to Miyamoto that contained two distinct images: one of Miyamoto beside an unidentified woman, and the other of a solitary flower in a vase. But it was the second photograph that seized Austin's attention. It depicted an expansive painting adorning a wall, a painting so immense it could have hung in the halls of the Louvre.

The painting was an embodiment of the Renaissance style, reminiscent of the works of Michelangelo or Da Vinci. Two Pokémon were depicted in the painting, one colored steel white with shades of blue, and the other a mottled gray with hints of pink. They faced off against one another, the blue Pokémon planted firmly on the ground while the gray one soared above.

The purpose of art, they say, is to elicit emotion. If that's the case, this painting had done its job. A blind fury glowered in the eyes of both Pokémon as if they were prepared to rend each other limb from limb. The sheer intensity of their rage was palpable, and Austin could almost feel their wrath himself.

The pair of Pokémon were portrayed amid a backdrop of ruined, crimson-hued cityscapes, where shattered skyscrapers loomed ominously against a blood-red sky. A chill crept up Austin's spine.

It reminded him of a painting in his world, a painting that had come to be known as "Cronus Devouring His Son." It was a horrifying work of art that had earned a reputation as one of the most terrifying paintings in existence.

The painting before him now evoked that same feeling of madness, with the eyes of the Pokémon appearing to burn through the canvas. Austin tore his gaze away from the painting and closed the peculiar file, intent on investigating the rest of the folders.

Suddenly a document caught my eye. It was named: 'Introduction letter to the God's Project Team.'

As I was engrossed in the file in front of me, Green's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. "Hey, can we get something to eat?" she asked.

Before I could respond, Lucario interjected in a drunken stupor, "Hey, how about chocolate and ketchup and mustard and spaghetti and..." His sentence trailed off as he collapsed onto the table, snoring loudly.

I shot Lucario an exasperated look. "First of all, never let that old man drink again. I never want to hear those food combinations again. And Pikachu, stop even thinking about creating that abomination, or I will ban ketchup in this house."

Pikachu visibly gulped and nodded, looking as if he were at gunpoint. Austin then turned to Green and said, "There's takeout in the fridge. You can heat it," I said before returning his attention to the file.

But Green wasn't satisfied. "Ash, can we get some pizza?" she asked, her voice taking on a shy tone.

"No," Austin replied sternly.

"Please?" Green pleaded.

"You're going to pay for it," Austin said matter-of-factly.

"Forget it, you cheap bastard," Green retorted, clearly frustrated.

Austin's eyes were fixed on the file before him, his mind absorbed in the minutiae of the details it contained. He was oblivious to the shadowy tendril that slithered over his back, as Haunter's mischievous appendage delved into his pocket and retrieved his wallet.

In one swift motion, Haunter hurled the wallet towards Green, who caught it with a smirk on her lips. "So, boys," she said, turning to the assembled Pokémon, "what do you want to eat?"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

The file was opened with a slow and deliberate movement, like the creaking of an ancient door. Austin's fingers, calloused and weathered, moved with a certain reverence as if they were handling a sacred tome.

What Austin didn't know was that everything that lay within these files would change everything he thought he knew about the world.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Dear Colleagues and Partners.

Amidst the annals of our world's long history, mankind has been privy to knowledge of Pokémon beyond the ordinary. These creatures possess abilities that defy the very boundaries of normality, and traits that surpass the scope of our comprehension. Pokémon of such magnitude that many designed them as gods, or at the very least, mythical beings of unparalleled power.

And yet, when one contemplates these so-called divine beings, what do we know of them? Where do they come from, and what renders them so remarkable? What are their motives, and more importantly, can we trust them to remain loyal to our cause? For how long can we continue to place our faith blindly in the hands of these 'gods,' and who will put them in check when they veer off course?

The International League has made it strictly clear that any attempts to investigate these mysteries are to be sternly condemned, citing safety as their foremost concern. But I ask you, are we not already in grave danger? Those who have beheld the ruins of the Orre region can attest to the existence of real threats, lurking unbridled and free to wreak havoc on our world.

However, I have reason to believe that the age of darkness that befell mankind is finally coming to an end. Behind the veil of secrecy, there exist individuals working tirelessly to emancipate us from our shackles and lead us toward a future in which we no longer cower before the unknown. A new world, free from the tyranny of the gods.

In order to achieve this objective, we must rely on the one facet that Pokémon have always lacked: creativity and innovation. The God's Facility has been established with the explicit purpose of devising methods to subdue or capture a Legendary Pokémon, utilizing its powers for the greater good of humankind, and uncovering the true nature of these false gods. We shall leave no stone unturned, and no avenue unexplored, in our pursuit of this objective. We must be willing to cross boundaries that were hitherto unthinkable and venture into uncharted waters.

Let us not harbor any illusions, for in order to vanquish a god, we shall require a devil. If you are reading this, it means that you comprehend the gravity of our situation and have joined our ranks. I welcome you to the fold.

Doctor Musashi Redburn, Site Director.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

"Hahahaha," Austin muttered, the sound reverberating through the room. "What utter nonsense."

Green looked up from her card game, her expression curious. "What's got you so worked up?"

Austin shook his head, his expression incredulous. "This introduction letter I found. It's positively riddled with flaws and assumptions. It makes me wonder how anyone could ever believe this place isn't completely unhinged."

"Pray tell, what does it say?" Green asked, leaning forward in her seat.

Austin rubbed his temples, the absurdity of the letter still fresh in his mind. "It claims that everyone here is crazy, for starters. And then it goes on to say that they were looking for a way to kill or capture a Legendary Pokémon."

Green's eyes widened in disbelief. "Why in the world would they want to do that?"

"Paranoia," Lucario chimed in, his speech slightly slurred from the effects of the chocolate alcohol cocktail he had been consuming. He promptly collapsed onto the

table, knocked out cold.

A sigh escaped from Austin's lips, his mind wandering towards his next steps. Suddenly, a thought popped into his head.

"Green, give me the debit card back," he stated firmly.

Green's eyes widened, a look of confusion spreading across her face. "I have no idea what you're talking about," she said, her tone laced with a hint of irritation.

Austin raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "The debit card you took from my wallet earlier. It's fake."

Green's jaw dropped, shocked by Austin's words. "What?!"

"I'm always one step ahead of you, Green. I knew you couldn't be trusted," Austin replied coolly.

Green pouted, crossing her arms in frustration. "You're such a meanie, Ash."

Austin shrugged, indifferent to her complaints. "Whatever."

Green's stomach rumbled, a reminder of their present needs. "What are we supposed to eat?" she asked a hint of desperation in her voice.

Austin paused, considering their options. "Take out or whatever's in the fridge," he said as he pulled up an archive revealing an enormous list of files with bizarre names, but at least somewhat organized. It was clear that this was going to be a long night.

-Subject001 (Terminated)

-Subject001-Appendix

-Subject002 (Terminated)

-Subject002-Appendix

-Subject003 (Terminated)

-Subject003-Appendix

...

The list was long and foreboding, a catalog of horrors that seemed to have no end. Each entry terminated, snuffed out with cold finality, leaving nothing behind but the empty echo of its existence. The titles, once denoting a subject, were replaced with the sterile word 'project', as if the weight of their terrible deeds could be lightened by such a clinical term. The names that followed were no comfort, offering no insight or explanation for the atrocities committed in their names. They were meaningless, hollow labels that held no solace for the horrors that lay within. Austin read on his heart heavy with dread.

...

-Project106 Imperfect Imposter

-Project 107 Truthful Mimikyu (Terminated)

-Project 107 Truthful Mimikyu-Appendix

-Project 108 Inside-out Dusclops

-Project 109 Dream Chainer

-Project 110 Infinite Snorlax (Terminated)

-Project 110 Infinite Snorlax Appendix

...

The endless list of terminated subjects came to an end, save for one. Project Z. Austin's curiosity was piqued as he clicked on the file, revealing a vast document before him.

[ Project Z ]

[ Synopsis ]

Project Z, or as it was later known, Project Mega, was a dream. A dream of creating a Pokemon that could permanently retain the immense power and appearance of one of the Mega Evolutions of the starter Pokemon, Charmander. The very idea of this species was to possess the unique ability to transcend the normal three-stage evolution and undergo a remarkable transformation into two distinct evolutions. This extraordinary phenomenon had been dubbed Mega Evolution, a concept so breathtaking that it bordered on the impossible.

The Charizard-line, was a rather peculiar line, even amongst fire types. For one thing, there existed no other pokémon to date, whose genetic constitution matched so closely to draconic DNA, as it did in the case of Charizard. One only needed to see a Charizard to understand the draconic parentage in them, what with their entire body anatomy being better suited to draconic species than most dragons out there.

And yet, they were classified as a fire/flying-type species.

Initially, the official record about their classification generated much negative public opinion. After all, if it looks like a dragon, flies like a dragon, and belches flames like a dragon, it must inevitably be a dragon. The answer to that conundrum came from a research report submitted by Lazarus White, a reclusive pokémon researcher from north-east Johto. His granddaughter Liza is presently the current head of the family and the caretaker of the Charicific Valley, a haven for Charizards. The protection and maintenance of the Valley have been with the White family for several generations now.

According to Lazarus, the Charizard-line came showed direct descent from two very specific draconic DNA—the first is Tyrantrum, a fossil pokémon species whose remnants were excavated out in Kalos around ninety years ago. The second, unbelievably so, was Moltres- as was discovered after a detailed analysis of one of its feathers that was gifted to the Wataru Clan some two centuries ago. It is not clear how such a genetic combination came into being, though it is believed, that the amplified potency of the Fire nature in Moltres was somehow able to dominate over the draconic nature in Charizard, giving higher priority to Fire typing than Dragon. The exact answer is still a subject of research, but it is clear that the Charizard line, is the only fire type in the world of pokémon, that is, to put in more crass words, not a glass cannon, like most fire types generally are.

While the draconic DNA turned recessive, it did impart the physical strength and might of dragons to the Charizard line, a fact that becomes extremely distinct with each successive evolution. As a Charmander, almost nothing save a dragon dance, or a paltry dragon breath was what it was capable of, but on further evolutions, a Charizard was capable of performing almost everything that a pure dragon could do.

And yet, its innate Fire nature didn't give way to Dragon to establish dominance.

The answer to this quandary came in the form of Mega-evolution.

Mega-Charizard X, a type where the draconic DNA got access to further evolve, and become much more active than the extremely potent Moltres DNA, gave rise to the form of a black draconic Charizard with a dragon/fire typing. It was, in essence, a quintessential specimen with equal aspects of Fire and Dragon, both enhanced to massive proportions. The other was Mega-Charizard Y, where the Moltres' DNA attained further evolution, making the form the ultimate fire type, second only to the might of the original legendary itself. Its firepower and abilities were superlative, a clear indication that its origins lay in the primordial personification of Fire itself.

These Mega evolutions while currently not fully revealed to the public are beacons of power that can help the God's Facility achieve their goal of killing a legendary Pokémon but the power of mega evolution is temporary hence Project Z was created.

The tinkering with the very building blocks of life, was the baseline of Project Z. And what a project it was. To take the Charmander line, and with a delicate hand, reconstruct it until Project Z could maintain the state of a Mega Evolution permanently. It was a task that was no less than Herculean in scale.

To achieve this, the DNA of Project Z was to be manipulated and altered, all in the pursuit of unlocking the latent potential of either the Tyrantrum line or the legendary Moltres that lay hidden within the Charmander's DNA. The end goal is to create a perfect match to the state of Mega Evolution X or Y.

But it was no easy task. The process of gene editing and reconstruction resulted in a physical toll on the creature, one that was too much for the body of a Charmander to bear. The body would ultimately reject both the activation of its draconic and fire-flying side, resulting in death.

It was a grim reality that demanded a new approach, one that would involve the manipulation of the Charmander's DNA as soon as the zygote was established. For the completion of Project Z, newly born Charmanders were not to be used. The process must begin at the very inception of life itself. ]

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Austin's gaze remained fixed on the screen before him, the only light in the otherwise darkened room. Ignoring the snores emanating from Yellow and the insidious gambling match that Green had ensnared his Pokemon in, he delved deeper into the files, his mind consumed with a singular purpose.

At first, the contents appeared mundane, mere research papers and data sets related to Miyamoto, Jessie's mother. But as Austin read on, he began to realize the sinister truth that lay beneath the surface. These files detailed the experiment that had created his beloved Charmeleon, his loyal companion and confidant.

A maelstrom of emotions threatened to overwhelm Austin as he grappled with the implications of what he had discovered. His promise to protect Charmeleon at all costs weighed heavily upon him, but could he keep his partner ignorant of the truth? Was ignorance truly bliss, or was it a cruel deception?

The conflict raged within him, a tempest of conflicting desires and ideals.

" Go with what you think is right ?" Lucario in his drunken stupor exclaimed causing Austin to turn to the aura pokémon before a smile formed on the transmigrated trainer's face.

" Thanks, I needed that."

" Of course, I have to drop my massive pearls of wisdom on ignorant idiots like you, I think you should add something like that on my marriage proposal to Chocolate. I can deal with idiots or children, both are essentially the same." Lucario exclaimed before falling out of his chair and knocking himself out again.

" I don't know if I like him drunk or not," Green exclaimed.

" And whose fault do you think that is ?" Austin asked as he knew that Green had intentionally made Lucario drunk since he was the only one out of the entire table of idiots that could catch her as she cheated in the game.

" The alcohol," Green said with a smile as Austin rolled his eyes before grabbing onto Charmeleon's Pokémon.

Charmander appeared out of his Pokeball with a burst of light, eagerly looking around for his next training session or battle. His sleek black scales shimmered from the light of the bulb, and his tail flame burned brightly as he took in his surroundings.

Charmeleon suddenly tried trying to mask his excitement with a look of calm and collectiveness.

Charmeleon tried to maintain a regal attitude, befitting a dragon-type Pokemon. He stood tall, his black scales shimmering, and his eyes narrowed as he surveyed the area of the room.

" Don't let Dragonair's words get to you buddy, you are a real dragon," Austin said as he slowly outstretched his hand out causing Charmeleon to crack open a smile as he slowly allowed Austin to touch his rough black scales.

" Char !" Charmeleon exclaimed in happiness as he felt his human touch against his skin.

" Well, I have to apologize but we aren't doing any mock battles or training right now."

" Char !" Charmeleon raised an eyebrow as he curiously gazed upon his trainer who had a grim look in his eyes.

" Buddy, do you remember your time before you meet Damian?"

Charmeleon frowned as he looked at the floor.

The only thing he could remember was his interactions with other Charmanders in a weird place then blank.

He didn't know how he got into Damian's hands or who his parents were.

Charmeleon shook his head causing Austin to take a deep breath.

" Can you take a deep breath for me, buddy ?"

Charmeleon did as his trainer asked of him but he was left in confusion as to what he was doing.

" I found files relating to your birth."

Austin exclaimed causing Charmeleon to freeze up as the fire dragon type looked at Austin in shock.

Charmeleon didn't know what to feel as he realized that these files were about his birth. He had always known that he was different from other Charmanders even so he tried to be like everyone else and not be different because being different was bad until he meant his human. Now, as he looked at the documents in front of Austin, he finally had some answers.

As he read through the files, Austin explained to Charmeleon what he had learned. Charmeleon listened in shock as Austin told him everything about Project Z.

Despite the initial shock, Charmeleon couldn't help but feel a sense of relief as he finally had some answers about his past. He knew that there would be more questions to come, and more challenges to face, but at least now he had a starting point.

As he looked at Austin, Charmeleon knew that he had a trainer who would always be there for him, no matter what. Together, they would face whatever challenges came their way and emerge stronger because of it.

" Well, I am proud to see my short-tempered little guy so mature," Austin said in a teasing voice but Charmeleon thought that it was a compliment as he puffed up his chest.

" Char! Char! Charmeleon!" Charmeleon put on an expression that resembled a child trying his best to act ... mature but failing miserably at it.

Austin placed a hand on Charmeleon's shoulder and said," There are a few more files to remain on Project Z. Want to join me, Sir Charmeleon?"

Austin's words seem to make Charmeleon happy as the dragon type jumped onto the transmigrator's shoulders.

Austin responded by channeling his aura into his shoulders as he supported the dragon type that was using him as a chair.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

Creation of Project Z :

With the new focus on the gene editing and gene activation of a Zygotic Charmander.

Multiple attempts have been made to create Project Z(see document: Births for further reference).

Upon birth, multiple Charmanders have been successfully born that seemed to show signs of the gene activation of the fire-flying type. A few regular Charmanders were born with no special abilities and were quickly disregarded as failures and the command attempted to terminate them by flooding the room as protocol states.

Results on the attempted termination showed the latent potential of the " normal Charmanders" as they were observed during the process of termination to use draconic moves to save themselves for the water.

Further testing is recommended.

PS: If the Project Z Charmanders can display draconic moves, does this mean they can evolve and overwhelm their fire-flying typing to become permanent mega evolution X ? If so, we struck gold.

...

Addendum: New studies revealed that the batch of Charmanders for Project Z is unable to consistently use Dragon-type Pokémon moves other than in situations where its life is in danger.

This quirk was not brought to light earlier due to multiple Charmanders refusing to cooperate. The usage of TMs is advised.

Addendum 2: Project X batch of Charmanders who had been born with the fire-flying type are unable to learn any dragon-type move. Foreign moves taught do simply not function as if they know how but don't have the proper means to execute the move.

PS: I don't get why this one got our hopes up, just a failure like the others.

Addendum 3: Project Z batch has been brought closer to Moltres (see document: Fire Phoenix for further reference)

During a mission on Mt. Ember, a batch of Charmanders from Project Z were able to maintain direct visual contact with the target for a period of 12 seconds. Previous theories regarding its ability suggest that seeing a Legendary class Pokémon would trigger a transformation but the batch for Project Z failed to give any kind of reaction, biological or evolutionarily.

The chance that Project Z succeed is slim.

Addendum 4: The Charmander enclosure was breached due to Doctor Lyndis Flash.

The Doctor and the subjects were confirmed to be terminated

Out of the few that managed to escape to the garbage shoot, most of whom had been recaptured but one of the Charmanders had successfully escaped capture while it is to be noted that this Charmander was heavily injured while it escaped. The guards have expressed with absolute certainty that the creature is most likely dead. Investigation into the matter has been terminated as of now.

...

Austin and Charmeleon gazed intently at each other, their eyes glued to the mysterious words on the page. As they read the text again, a flicker of recognition sparked in Austin's mind.

"I believe you were that fugitive Charmander, Charmeleon," Austin mused, his tone laced with a hint of uncertainty. "Do any of these details ring a bell?"

Charmeleon furrowed his brow in deep concentration, clawed fingers raking at the ground in frustration. But no matter how hard he tried, his memory remained frustratingly blank.

With a gentle pat on the head, Austin offered reassurance to his hybrid companion. "Don't worry, Charmeleon. We'll keep reading. Perhaps something will trigger a memory. And if not, we still have Munna and Abra to help us out. We'll get to the bottom of this, my friend."

"Char!"

...

Austin sat on the floor with Charmeleon sitting beside him, the glow of his laptop screen reflected from the duo's eyes. Austin was completely focused on the task at hand, completely ignoring the outside world. To the duo, the only sound in the room was the faint clicking of the keys as Austin scrolled through the files on the screen.

He sat with his back straight and his eyes glued to the screen, completely absorbed in what he was doing. Now and then, he would pause to consider something or make a quick note on a nearby pad of paper.

Austin's eyes caught a glimpse of a file folder named," Dr. Lyndis's diary"

Curiosity filled Austin as he wondered why Giovanni had a doctor's diary on him.

' It must be important.'

Austin thought as he clicked on the file folder only to be meant with hundreds of audio files. He clicked on the audio file on the top, eager to hear the contents. But as he listened, he was met with nothing but silence.

Confused, Austin checked to make sure the audio file was open and playing. He looked for any visual indicators that the audio was playing, but he saw none.

Just as he was about to give up and assume the file was faulty, the audio suddenly started playing. The voice of an anxious woman filled the room, causing Austin to jump in surprise.

He quickly turned up the volume, his curiosity piqued by the sudden change in circumstances.

Suddenly the duo heard the voice of a woman who sounded like she was in her early twenties.

With a cacophonous burst, Charmeleon recoiled at the sound of the woman's voice emanating from the audio file. As if stricken by some ghastly affliction, he clutched at his cranium, his agony evident to any observer.

At that moment, a series of disjointed memories besieged Charmeleon, flashing before his eyes like an infernal inferno.

The memories shifted, and Charmeleon saw himself stumbling and falling as he learned to walk for the first time.

A woman had been there, holding his hand and guiding him, encouraging him with a smile and a soft voice as the woman's outstretched hands reached towards him with beseeching eyes, that burned into his consciousness like a branding iron.

Austin's countenance contorted with apprehension as Charmeleon unleashed an unexpected outcry, causing him to falter in his attempt to terminate the audio file. The distressed creature's agitation was palpable, his voice awash with feverish desperation.

"Char!" Charmeleon rasped, his breaths ragged and shallow. "Char, Charmeleon!"

A sense of uncertainty engulfed Austin, as he wrestled with conflicting impulses. On the one hand, he was loath to exacerbate Charmeleon's agony, but on the other, he could not turn a deaf ear to the entreaty of his anguished companion.

"Very well," Austin replied, his words measured and deliberate. "We shall continue, but should the pain prove too much for you to bear, we shall desist, agreed?"

Charmeleon's gaze remained fixed on the screen, his affirmation conveyed through a subtle nod of his head.

" What's wrong ?" Green called to Austin as he turned to see the entire table of players looking at him curiously except Lucario who was still knocked out.

" I think we found who rescued Charmeleon from his experiment site."

Pikachu and the other's eyes widened as they remembered the theory their trainer had told them about Charmeleon's past but no one took it seriously since there was no proof.

" Charmeleon!" The dragon roared out causing everyone to stop while Yellow jolted up awake as Charmeleon clicked on the audio file.

" Let's talk later, I'll explain everything for now, let's hear the audio files."

Everyone collectively nodded while Yellow looked around as she was still half asleep before laying her head on Austin's lap and falling back asleep.

...

Recorded on September 1.

Not sure why I even decided to record this. It's not as if I would know and I have already experienced everything I recorded myself. This is stupid.

...

As soon as the audio stopped everyone looked at each other in confusion.

Just what was that?

" Charmeleon, are you alright ?" Austin asked in concern as he saw the dazed look in Charmeleon's eyes.

Charmeleon slowly nodded as he pointed forward at the laptop.

Austin nodded understanding that Charmeleon wanted him to play the other files.

... ..

Recorded on September 8:

Okay, my therapist is a mind reader. Did not even need to see the empty pages of my notebook but somehow she knew I didn't write in that stupid thing. I guess now I'll have to anyway.

Apparently, it is supposed to help me, somehow. I guess I'll just start with the basics even though it is stupid but recording helps me better, so I guess I'll go with recording overwriting but this is stupid since I will be the only one hearing this.

My name is Lyndis Flash and when recording this I am a 26-year-old girl, with no friends and still single.

This should be enough information for now, Guess I'll drabble in here if I feel like it.

...

Austin and everyone sat in a circle around his laptop, their faces etched with concentration as they listened to the recording. The voice of the anxious woman filled the room, causing a sense of unease to settle over the group.

Yellow who had been awoken by the first film was the first to speak up, her brow furrowed with concern. "Do you guys think we should keep listening to this? It feels like we're invading someone's privacy. It's like reading someone's diary or something."

Charmeleon was completely engrossed in his task, clicking through the audio files with ferocity, his claws puncturing the keys on the laptop as he went. He seemed to be in a world of his own, completely ignoring the innocent words of his companion, Yellow, who was sitting next to him.

"Charmeleon!" Austin shouted, causing the fiery dragon to snap out of his reverie and snarl menacingly at his trainer. The other Pokemon in the room looked on in surprise and concern. They had never seen Charmeleon so angry before.

But just as quickly as he had flared up, Charmeleon seemed to realize his mistake. He bowed his head apologetically to Austin, who sighed and patted the Pokemon's head reassuringly.

"Don't worry, buddy," Austin said, his tone gentle but firm. "Just control your anger. I know you can do it." Charmeleon looked up at his trainer, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes.

Austin then turned to Yellow, who looked uncomfortable and unsure of what to do. "But do you have something to say to Yellow?" he asked Charmeleon.

Charmeleon turned to face Yellow and apologetically bowed his head. Yellow was quick to forgive the hybrid Pokemon for his outburst, even though she wasn't quite sure what had caused it.

Looking at Austin for guidance, Yellow listened as he explained Charmeleon's attachment to the files he was so focused on. She nodded, her eyes widening in understanding. "No, no, I didn't know," she said quickly, her voice apologetic. "I'm sorry, Charmeleon. I didn't mean to stop you or anything. I just didn't know."

Austin clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Well, let's just make up for it already," he said, his tone lightening. "Charmeleon, try to be careful. The equipment is fragile."

Charmeleon grunted in acknowledgment, but then Austin's next request seemed to catch him off guard. "And buddy," Austin said, addressing Charmeleon directly. "Can you give me the piece of the key that's stuck to your claw?"

Charmeleon's eyes widened in surprise and he looked down at his claw, where a small piece of the laptop key was indeed stuck.

"Char!"

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

[ Dr. Lyndis's Recordings ]

[ Recorded on September 9 ]

Ugh, it is 5 AM in the morning as I write this but I just can't sleep. Every time I close my eyes with the intention of falling asleep I just wake up after 10 minutes of falling into this half-sleep state.

My body feels tired and my head is spinning but I can't fall asleep for some reason. And if I do I just wake up with cold sweat.

Tonight I think I will just try watching the stars until I fall asleep, maybe that will help me.

Maybe I should ask my therapist, but on the other hand, I don't want more labels attached to my name. Keeping my head down is already a struggle, no need to add fuel to the fire.

...

[ Recorded on September 10 ]

Funny thought, I would rather spend 6 hours scouring the newly released prototype of something called the pokenet on how to fall asleep than talk to my therapist about it. Makes you wonder.

Also, the stars were lovely but it was too cold outside. I would use the telescope but the view from my apartment is just too bad.

...

[ Recorded on September 15 ]

Random question, why does the League even have to psychologically evaluate people? It is a waste of time and money. Maybe it is to prevent someone who is a complete idiot from working with technology that can destroy a whole region. Still, even though that sounds like a solid reason, why did they pick me? I am quite certain that I am not homicidal and my research is not even that special. Regardless, now I am obliged to visit my therapist every week for an evaluation.

That's the amount of time I could be spending on furthering my studies.

Working for the League is just frustrating sometimes, all the secrecy and protocols but it's the only way I'll ever get the chance to work for someone of importance like Oak.

...

[ Recorded on September 16 ]

I had that dream again. The memories of the dream fade away as the day goes on but I know I had this dream multiple times before. Maybe I should have someone take a look at it but I heard the process involves Gengar which… well I wouldn't trust a Pokémon inside my head.

Instead of spending the morning trying to fall asleep, I just went out to the park. It's very cold outside but I managed to see some constellations this morning. The Knight was visible this morning which, according to some pseudo-science, means that a change will come in your life.

...

[ Recorded on September 17 ]

Okay, I decided to record the dream the moment I woke up so I don't forget it later.

So in the dream, I am back at my childhood home. I am sitting at the table and drawing Shady with crayons. Shady herself is sleeping in the corner of the room with a few half-eaten berries lying next to her while my parents are arguing on the couch. Just as I am done with the drawing, the lights inside the house go out. I look outside the window and see the sky darken all of a sudden. A huge wave forms outside of the city and crashes towards the shore, maybe twice the size of a skyscraper. It storms towards our house, I try to turn around and warn everyone but when I look again everyone is gone. My Umbreon is gone, my parents are gone and I found myself on some kind of ship. The sound of thunder ripping through the air fills the room and I look outside. Behind the wave I can see the mythical Lugia flying above the ocean, its eyes glowing red as lightning flashes through the sky revealing the jet-black body of the legendary Pokémon which was unlike the pictures or illustrations I had seen for the God of the Sea.

It looked ... no, it felt evil.

I don't understand why I would dream about this. It can't be a forgotten memory because I was asleep when it happened. Maybe I should go outside and take a walk today, might as well enjoy the weather and the city while everyone is still asleep.

...

[ Recorded on September 20 ]

So I keep coming back to this recorder, not sure why but recording in it does help me feel a bit calmer, it also does make me feel a bit childish but hey, my therapist commands me.

Though this recorder is still stupid, yes I am talking about you.

...

[ Recorded on September 21 ]

Hearing back I think I know why I keep recording in this stupid recorder but it is not like I have anyone else to talk with. My colleagues have avoided me ever since I started working here.

I had hoped that coming to Kanto would have been a fresh start but nope, the pokenet is soon going to be available to the public and the rumors keep following me once someone forms an opinion you are stuck with it, no matter what you do.

Besides my supervisor, no one ever talks to me at the center unless it is absolutely necessary. And I swear I can see the disgust in their eyes every time they walk past me in the dinner area. Like everything is my fault.

Just great.

My therapist advised me to go out and have some fun, I tried to do so but the stories of going to a bar and being picked up by a handsome guy are not true at all. I just sat there and got drunk until the bar closed.

Even had two guys who were asking for a Pokémon battle. I first thought they were flirting with me but they actually wanted a Pokémon battle with me. They thought I was recording down strategies in my recorder instead of " research", They were quite disappointed when I revealed I did not have a Pokémon.

When the bar closed I just spent the evening on a bench while gazing at the stars until I felt tired enough to go home and cry.

...

[ Recorded on September 24 ]

So I tried drinking multiple brands of tea to help me sleep but they don't work at all. I just wasted a lot of money.

Meditation ain't working for me either. I feel calm for about 30 seconds and then my toes start to itch.

The only thing that seems to work is staying up long enough so my body will tire itself out. Which happens around 4 in the morning which leaves me with 3 hours of sleep.

...

[ Recorded on September 26 ]

Alcohol does help, as long as I drink enough I won't wake up once during the night. The only downside is the massive pain headache in the morning but at least I get some rest.

Not making much progress in my study because of all the procedures I have to follow, now I just spent most of my time crunching numbers and digging through old archives and files until the League finally approves my request.

My boss actually had to ask what I was actually looking for with my research. I swear, I need hand puppets or something to explain it to that manchild.

...

[ Recorded on September 32 ]

Finally got access to the files I requested. I know I haven't been writing here a lot lately but honestly, there was not much to write about. Quite a boring week with me waiting for League approval. It sucked to wake up with a headache every morning but hey, it beats not sleeping at all.

Today I actually did receive it and they sent the files I requested which were about time. Though when I actually skimmed through them I discovered that they were not nearly what I was hoping for. Most of the research the League did is incomplete, shit quality, and outdated but there was some useful stuff in there.

I do wonder why they would go to such lengths to keep it a secret. It is not like the information is that special or dangerous.

...

[ Recorded on October 6 ]

My therapist brought an Emolga from the Unova Region to the session this time. She asked me to take care of it even though she knows damn well I don't do well with Pokémon. When I reluctantly tried to pet it the little shit actually gave me an electric shock.

I told her to find someone else and left the room.

...

[ Recorded on October 7 ]

Okay, I know it is not healthy to drink this much but I really need every single hour of sleep while I can, especially now since my entire career depends on this case. If I fail now it might take years before I'll get another shot at it.

When I am done with this project I'll stop drinking, and no, that is not an excuse. I actually need it to show up at work without looking like a wreck.

To make it even better, I'm on my period right now, so I've been feeling awful for the past few days for multiple reasons. Just my luck.

...

[ Recorded on October 10 ]

Question: It's a well-known fact that Pokémon have a lot more Aura than humans but what about people with psychic powers? How is their Aura level? Similar to a Pokémon or higher? Maybe it's high Aura levels that allow a person to use Psychic abilities. Same for other people with weird abilities like Aura guardians from Rota for example.

Why has no one bothered to question that?

If their Aura really is higher than the average person then this news could be huge. People could be tested to see if they have Psychic or other supernatural abilities. Then they could be provided with the help they need. And a lot of collateral damage.

Although, while I am recording this sentence I just realized how hard it would be to actually verify this theory. Finding enough people with anomalous abilities that are willing to help would be a struggle but then you also have to add a control group.

Besides that there is also the question if they have higher Aura levels, is that because of their abilities or did they get the abilities because of the Aura? Which comes first?

Just a random thought.

...

[ Recorded on October 20 ]

I feel good today, so good that I even picked up this recorder to record again. I should actually record this on a daily basis but work takes up all my time lately.

Making some real progress now that I finally went through all the data.

The weather has been awful the past few days, with a lot of rain and storms. Times like these make me feel good about not being a traveling Pokémon trainer.

While I am sitting inside with a cup of hot tea, they struggle against the forces of nature. The bus stop is right outside my apartment which is a small blessing.

I am even growing numb to the headaches! And I know that booze is not the solution to my problem but it is working damn well.

...

[ Recorded on October 22 ]

I woke up today at my desk and got caught by my supervisor who usually opens the building in the morning. He told me to go home and get some rest. Of course, I refused, I was so close to my study but that asshole sent me home anyway. I was about to take my research with me but he told me to leave my work and take a day off.

So here I am, bored and not knowing what to do. The bottle of wine is looking at me from the kitchen and I am not sure I can resist the temptation.

...

[ Recorded on October 23 ]

It is all over the news, a volcano eruption occurred in the Hoenn region that engulfed an entire island of people resulting in the death of thousands.

Apparently the native people of Hoenn are claiming that the legendary God of Earth, Groudon stirred in his sleep and caused a volcano eruption in Hoenn while claiming if he had stirred twice he would have destroyed 85% of Hoenn.

This terrified me.

I was a scientist who leaned heavily towards Professor Oak's study on the hierarchy of Pokémon that goes from normal to Pseudo Legendary to Legendary Demi-Gods, legendary Pokémon resulting from the conception of a legendary Pokémon and an ordinary pokemon, to the Legendary Gods.

While this study was heavily criticized and controversial for it's lack of actual evidence other then ancient artifacts, painting and riddles, this study was something that alot of people like me believed in.

Sometimes I get these absurd thoughts that a bunch of weirdos will find the Legendary Gods before the League could by only using a bunch of ancient artifacts and riddles.

The League claimed that volcano eruption was due to a tectonic plate being pushed down under another and this was just something they hadn't prepared for but it was all under control as a new department had formed to keep check of such disasters by predicting them before they occurred but terrifying thoughts kept looping through my mind while I kept watching the news.

Was the Pompeii Island disaster due to some legendary Pokémon?

How many more of those Legendaries are out there?

...

[ Recorded on October 27 ]

I called in sick today… again. The dream I've had for the past few months has changed. No longer am I in my childhood home, instead, I am falling down a volcano. The heat of the magma on the bottom, I swear it felt so real. As I am falling the magma underneath me boils and begins to rise, revealing a huge creature that slowly rises from the lake.

When I woke up, I was bathing in sweat. I immediately checked the news to see if there was an update on the situation but it seemed the world had already moved on. "It was mostly handled" by the Hoenn League and nobody seems to care about it anymore.

The question is, why does it bother me?

I don't understand, there is nothing to be done about it and the situation is over, every rational part of my mind agrees but the moment I sit still or try to sleep my thoughts drift back to that monster hiding underneath the earth's crust.

I called my therapist this morning, expecting her to use that disappointed voice of hers but surprisingly she was very understanding. She did use that condescending tone when she said, "with your condition" but that could also just be me. On the flip side, she did advise me to focus on my work to keep the matter off my mind which might be the most useful advice she has given me so far.

My research is important, now more than ever.

...

[ Recorded on November 2 ]

I feel a little bit better today. I am still terrified by the knowledge that my life could be ended at a moment's notice but with the right amount of booze and work, I can push it out of my mind.

The sky outside still looks grey, like it is about to rain for a long time.

...

[ Recorded on November 4 ]

I am so close with my research. I finished up all the drafts and testing models, and now I only have to wait for the Aura print, if that gives me a negative result then I will know for certain my theories are correct. I do not dare to think I am right, scared that it might influence the outcome of the test but I truly do hope I am.

If everything works out, this will change the way we see the world.

...

[ Recorded on November 8 ]

My hands are shaking. I cannot believe this, even as I am writing this down it still feels like I am in a fever dream but the results do not lie.

I used multiple methods to verify it, to prove myself wrong but my theory still stands. Legendary Pokémon do not have Aura. Instead, they have some sort of variation of it, a stronger version that dispels normal Aura.

I am almost done with finishing up my scientific journal and plan to send them to the League this evening. I haven't been this excited since, well... ever.

I think I'll treat myself to a deluxe cupcake today.

...

[ Recorded on November 16 ]

The response came quicker than I thought. This morning the League sent a response in which they wanted me to explain my findings in person.

I look like a mess. How on earth am I going to attend a scientific symposium in which all the attention is on me? I am absolutely not a public speaker and I have almost no time to prepare something.

I called my therapist but her advice was mainly 'you got it girl' which was not useful at all.

I really hope this works out fine.

Now if you excuse me dear recorder, I have a plane to catch.

...

[ Recorded on November 17 ]

I feel like dying right now. Just jump over the edge and don't look back.

How on earth did I manage to fuck things up so hard? I mean, I had the entire script written on the plane but the moment I stepped onto the stage I could no longer understand my own handwriting. I even stuttered for the first few seconds as I saw the entire room fill up with people who had their eyes on me.

However, I did manage to pull through, using the bullet points behind me as guidance.

When people started asking questions I actually felt like I had the situation under control.

I talked about how this new revelation could affect our current technology, how we could develop more accurate satellites and track down unknown pure God Legendary Pokémon, unlike the known Demi-God Legendary Pokémon before other villainous groups could and secure them.

Everything was manageable until one person came with a question I didn't want to answer.

"If we can gain control of this 'new' Aura and use it to track down Legendary Pokémon. How can you be sure this technology doesn't fall in the wrong hands?"

My answer was short. "We can't."

The tension in the room exploded.

...

[ Recorded on November 18 ]

Today the letter came in.

It was a long letter with a lot of official terms and expensive words but it all boiled down to a "cease and desist"

Fuck, I can't actually believe it, they funded this research and now they want me to erase it. Pretend it does not exist and wipe it under the rug. Why?

Because it's too dangerous! Because nefarious groups might use this technology to find Legendary Pokémon and harm them because they rather have no one knowing what Legendary Pokémon are than everyone knowing it.

This is just top-level bullshit.

Damnit, I don't want to burn all my work but the League made their point very clear.

Either stop or we will force you to stop.

Ugh, why do things always end up this way?

...

[ Recorded on November 19 ]

Fuck.

...

[ Recorded on December 1 ]

I didn't go to work today. I wouldn't be able to ignore their looks, their faces, and their rumors. I just want to sleep so that's what I am going to do.

My therapist keeps calling me but I just muted her, I really don't feel like talking to anyone.

...

[ Recorded on December 2 ]

Got a weird email today. The person who had sent it was actually someone I had seen during my symposium. I didn't pay him much mind that day but he was the sender of that email. I think his name was Redburn or something.

The email in itself was an enigma as well. I nearly deleted it before opening it but boredom and a drunken mind made me open it instead.

The contents were straightforward. He introduced himself as a 'representative of a private research facility' and said he was very interested in my research.

I of course first thought this was a joke, some kind of mock mail one of my colleagues sent but then he started talking about logistics and requirements. The kind of things my co-workers can't even properly spell.

The point is, this research facility is as illegal as it gets and to join I have to cut off all contact with the outside world to maintain secrecy which is not a problem for me at all.

Doing so would allow me to work on my research and more, unrestrained by laws and ethics. The point is- why does he care about my work so much? I feel like there is more behind this.

I should inform the League.

I really should.

But a part of me feels like they don't deserve it. I know it's wrong to think that way but the thought doesn't leave my mind.

For now, I just keep the email inside my inbox. I truly don't know what to do with this.

...

[ Recorded on December 13 ]

The stars are cold and distant tonight. Uncaring about the world in a beautiful way. They're not even shining anymore. Just specks of colored dust in the sky.

...

[ Recorded on December 14 ]

I just feel tired today, I kind of don't want to deal with all this shit but the League is practically forcing me. I tried to reach out, to find another way but they refused to respond to any of my messages.

My supervisor doesn't care and threatens to fire me if I don't comply.

I just want to do my job, and carry on with my life but I can't burn away all my work. At this point, it is practically my child.

Today I am packing my stuff and following the instructions sent to me by Redburn. Maybe I am making a rash decision, either out of desperation or adrenaline but I just want a new start. No old baggage and do some actual science.

I have no idea where I am going but I do know that this place will be isolated. I can't take too much of my belongings but I guess I'll take this recorder with me.

I don't even know why I am taking this notebook with me but going without it feels wrong.

...

[ Recorded on December 15 ]

Alcohol is not allowed down here. I don't feel like writing at all, despite so much happening. I think I might relapse.

...

[ Recorded on December 16 ]

So, while I am now officially a criminal there are two things I regret. Not being able to drink and not seeing the stars at night.

...

[ Recorded on December 20 ]

Not much time to write today. My life has been busy lately and I don't think I am supposed to leave written evidence of what is going down here but it is my audio diary, no one knows I have one and if it ever gets discovered then the secret's out anyway.

It is actually almost surreal, how I became part of this conspiracy. Part of a mad group looking for a way to capture or even kill a legit God. Although calling them mad would make me the blackest kettle.

The God facility is so big, I still haven't even explored the entire floor and there are two more to go! Although I am not allowed to go everywhere without permission. They even have guards which originally I thought was fucking crazy but makes a bit more sense now I know what kind of monsters they keep down here.

Most of what I know is rumors but if even a small percentage is true then I should be glad we have those guards.

Regarding my research, I have actually managed to make hardware compatible with locating this special Aura Legendary class Pokémon have, it's a bit chunky still but it is more than I could have ever done under the League's watch. The equipment they have down here is top-notch which made me question who pays for all of this.

I asked the person in charge, Charles Redburn, and he told me that a powerful organization had a lot of interest in the work done down here. I asked who the organization was but he told me that something better remain a secret.

This does make me worry. I know that we merely want to capture a Legendary to prevent a calamity but the people who are pumping money into this. What are their goals?

...

[ Recorded on December 22 ]

Damn, there's so much going on down here that I didn't know. For example, we perform experiments on Pokémon and not common Pokemon but rather rare and endangered Pokémon.

I haven't seen it myself but I heard the people in the hallway talk, they, of course, refuse to talk with me about their work and the files on the experiments are rather scarce, not sure why they would bother with more secrecy but I did get my hands on some files anyway. And the Pokémon down here, well they are on a whole new level.

Yes, I realize experimenting on Pokémon sounds messed up but honestly, it is not that bad. They are taken care of a lot better than they would be in the wild and it is not much different from breeding them, just a few extra steps, and the things we learn from them are just mind-blowing and can revolutionize everything we know. Although, sadly most focus is on finding a 'strong' Pokémon rather than finding out why they are stronger it isn't my department so I can't really be vocal about it.

It does make me wonder though, where they get the Pokémon from especially with the rarity of some of these Pokémon like the starter Pokémon Charmander that to my knowledge could only be attained from high-ranking league breeders or people like Professor Oak.

...

[ Recorded on December 25 ]

So apparently this entire place was an abandoned diamond mine. Not sure what to do with this information but maybe I find that useless gem and tell myself that it means something to me.

...

[ Recorded on January 1 ]

Happy New Year, I don't have a kiss but I do have a bottle of whiskey with me. I like this year so far like I like a shot of whiskey first thing in the morning: it's good for about 10 minutes and then I want my coffee to give me the energy to walk through this hell again.

...

[ Recorded on January 2 ]

The nightmares haven't gotten any better. The dreams became an intangible mess of memories and feelings that I cannot begin to describe. I just know that I wake up bathing in sweat at 4 in the morning.

No one down here really cares how I look which is a blessing in disguise. As long as I keep getting results I can just sleep in if I need to and take regular breaks whenever I feel like it. Of course, I can't go to the surface or drink some good stuff but this place has left me with a lot more free time. I even picked up a few books, although I cannot seem to focus on them anymore.

Every Time I try my mind keeps asking questions I rather not want to answer.

...

[ Recorded on January 13 ]

The days move fast, yet so slow. Looking back the days passed by in a blink of an eye. There is honestly not much to do here except work on science. I haven't managed to build any meaningful connections here but at least the people here treat me neutrally. And I can do what I always wanted to do, my job.

Then why do I feel so hollow?

...

[ Recorded on January 15 ]

There are rumors in the hallways, people talk with each other in hushed tones about Project 107, also known as Truthful Mimikyu. Apparently, a team down here took it upon themselves to find out what is hidden underneath the cloth.

Personally, I think it is horribly childish to ponder about such trivial things but I can't help but be curious myself after I read this alolan pokemon's pokedex entry online.

...

[ Recorded on January 20 ]

Word is that they figured out what a Mimikyu truly is. I heard two guards in the hallway talk about it but when I asked what Mimikyu really looks like they just shrugged and said they only knew the rumors the secret was discovered, not exactly what the secret was.

...

[ Recorded on January 26 ]

Okay so whatever was underneath the cloth of a Mimikyu, I won't get to know it. Everyone involved with the experiment has transferred and left without even saying a word. Curious about what they found I asked Redburn, the person in charge of this facility. I told him that the results might be significant for my own research which was a bold lie but it's not like there isn't a whole lot more to do down here.

He took the bait but sadly he could not provide me with any juicy details, all he could share with me was that whatever was underneath a Mimikyu's cloth had been designated a 'memetic hazard' and the findings have been erased for everyone's safety.

I swear they keep up making these terms sound more interesting.

...

[ Recorded on January 29 ]

I woke up today with tears in my eyes. I have no idea why but I feel like I am missing something.

...

[ Recorded on February 1 ]

Today Redburn came to my lab with a request. Apparently, he wants me to take on a side project and work with the Pokémon that are a part of something called Project 125: Z.

I was surprised by this offer and asked him why on earth he would approach me, I mean I already have my own work. Sure I am not making as much progress with my work as I want but it does keep me busy enough.

Redburn told me that 6 others had quit working on Project 125 and that the board was desperately looking for other people that could get Project 125 to work and produce some ... results.

Not sure why he thought I would be a good fit considering, well my trouble with Pokémon in the past. I initially wanted to refuse but he handed me the files related to Project 125 anyway, telling me to take a look at them before making my decision.

Guess I'll have something to do during the sleepless hours tonight.

...

[ Recorded on February 3 ]

Project 125, nah let's just say Project Z. Much easier to write. I read through the files which made me raise an eyebrow multiple times. Apparently, Project Z is a large project to create a permanent mega evolution from the Charmander line since they are they only ones are known to have 2 Mega Evolutions which for the record I didn't even know like a form beyond normal Evolution that is awakened through the bond between trainer and Pokémon, that sounds like it was taken from a movie not gonna lie. Apparently, the entire Project Z has been taken into multiple sections with how they approach the creation of the permanently mega-evolved Pokemon from forceful breeding between a mega-evolved Charizard ( not sure how they even got that to work ) and dragon types like Garchomp, etc. which produced normal Charmanders as far they are concerned, attempts have been made to genetically modify the Zygotes of Charmanders with the DNA of a Moltres ( how the fuck did they even get that ), something with junk DNA scanning, pretty wild stuff already which has produced the greatest results by creating Charmanders with the fire/flying typing but these Charmanders only have a life span of 4 days before they literally combust themselves to death. They have also attempted to gene-edit zygotes by removing the genes of the fire typing leaving behind only the dragon gene which creates ... an abomination that dies at birth.

There have been other attempts to create a permanently evolved Charizard by even combining some of the methods to create Charmanders.

This little project is Project Z where now I have been put in to seemingly create something that shouldn't exist. Great, they want us to play Mew, just Great.

The last Project Manager left a note on the file saying "fuck this shit, I'm out. I can't handle seeing more of these abominations."

This managed to make me smile and now I remember why I need therapy.

...

[ Recorded on February 25 ]

I decided to take Project Z as a side project. Although I am still scared of...well dealing with my fears hasn't gotten any better down here but at this point, I am just looking for something to break the slur of everyday life down here. Something that can keep me entertained, for a lack of better words.

I asked Redburn about the conditions I will work in and he told me that they couldn't be safer. I am not sure how honest he is with me but hey, what's the worst that can happen?

Redburn also told me that if I could prove my worth with Project Z he could give me some extra privileges.

The real question is; how the fuck am I supposed to make this work?

...

[ Recorded on March 2 ]

Today I saw the Charmanders' of Project Z for the first time. They gave me a keycard to its containment cell and I am officially registered as one of the people responsible for Project Z.

While I haven't met the others that are working on it, I guess I am alone on this.

The Charmanders in question were kept inside a rather large cell that simulated the Charmander line's natural habitat, with reinforced glass walls on all sides. These were the first Pokémon I saw in months so I was a bit nervous.

I was expecting to see abominations that would kill me the instant I laid my eyes on it but instead I was met with small Charmanders playing with each other.

'What's so scary about this?' I wondered.

That was until I literally saw a Charmander spontaneously combust and die in front of my eyes.

Did you know that a Charmander skull greatly resembles a marowak's skull?

Yeah, great now I have to take sleeping pills to fall asleep.

...

[ Recorded on March 17 ]

Okay, it is official. Project Z is insane and ambitious dream that is only going to result in the death of Charmanders; nothing else.

...

[ Recorded on March 23 ]

Ok, so I don't have to actually do the how breeding, gene editing, etc. Thank Mew, I just have to either come up with new methods on how to approach the topic of creating Project Z or just take observations and give them to the other scientists.

I must be patient, today I think I will just try to talk to the other scientists on Project Z. The previous obviously will not work, those things have already been tried so a different approach is required.

...

[ Recorded on April 15 ]

I still have made no progress on Project Z but I do have one thing going in my favor... trauma, a lot of it.

The other scientists refuse to talk with me ever since the first day and only grin at me whenever I enter the room. No matter what I do, they just stare back at me with challenging grins. Redburn provided me with some options about what my tasks are in the project which mostly involves the observational study of the modified Charmanders such as how they react to things like electric shocks and simulated starvation but I like to think I haven't sunk that deep.

Still, now I finally understand why the guys before me quit.

My sleeping schedule is getting worse as well. I don't know if these two are related.

...

[ Recorded on April 17 ]

Every time I leave room Project Z, I feel like I have lost another part of my humanity.

...

[ Recorded on April 19 ]

I can't stop thinking about Project Z. I am not afraid of the modified Charmanders like I would be with a regular Pokémon, maybe because I can see that they are treated like nuisances by everyone, I can relate since everyone in my life treats me like a nuisance? I came so close to pressing the button this morning for the observations that would deliver a painful shock, the thought of doing that to what were essentially babies scared me.

While my hands were shaking, more and more Charmanders were being brought in.

Where the fuck are they breeding all of them?

I'm pretty sure it costs a fortune just to breed a single Royal Pokémon so how much money is being spent on this project and who the hell has that kind of money?

...

[ Recorded on April 20 ]

This cannot continue. I need to find a way for the project to succeed. I can't stand watching more Charmanders die.

...

[ Recorded on May 5 ]

Pain doesn't work in awakening the genes of either Moltres or Tyrantrum, previous tapes have shown Charmanders in various life-or-death situations yet they can't awaken but some have seemingly awakened the genes on birth or in a simple fucking argument over a berry... why ?!

My other projects are suffering from this as well. I was told to read through a file about space radiation but my mind kept thinking of these damned Charmanders.

...

[ Recorded on May 13 ]

This day while I was eating lunch alone in the dining area I got an idea. An idea so crazy it made me wonder if I had finally lost it.

The point is, I am fed up with not being taken seriously. Just being pushed around like I am part of the furniture. And at this point in my life I am pretty much sure I cannot sink any deeper.

Wish me luck dear recorder.

...

[ Recorded on May 15 ]

This morning I went to Project Z's lab, where I pitched a different approach to the creation of a permanent mega-evolution.

Mega evolution is normally achieved when a strong bond is created between trainer and Pokémon so why don't we use a similar approach in which two Pokémon form a similar bond to that of a trainer and Pokémon and they breed to form a Pokemon that is permanently mega evolved.

Ok, now that I have said it out loud. It does kind of seem stupid.

Great, I should start preparing for my eventual unemployment after the disaster that was my pitch.

...

[ Recorded on May 16 ]

This is a joke, right?

Redburg congratulated me on bringing the intellectual idea to the table which is currently being revised and refined since the approach is " feasible "

Mew damnit, why am I suddenly so lucky? Oh no, I think something bad is going to happen to me.

...

[ Recorded on May 17 ]

Great, I have been assigned to watch over two Pokemon; A Gible and a Charmander.

What did Redburg say?

I pitched the idea, now it's my responsibility.

Damnit and I am all out of my booze.

...

[ Recorded on May 21 ]

Taking care of these two is a pain.

The Charmander is one of the rowdiest things I have ever seen while the Gible is always grinning at me like she was looking at a big joke.

...

[ Recorded on May 22 ]

Attempt 15 at getting the trust of the duo.

For the Gible and Charmander that were staying in reinforced glass cages, I simply locked the door behind me and opened the door to their cell.

The confusion and shock on the duo's faces were honest enough to make me scream from excitement. However, I didn't show it. Instead, I moved in closer to the duo, fighting back my fear of Pokémon, who was still too shocked to react.

I sat down in front of them and put down the mug of coffee I had brought along on the ground.

Charmander and Gible began blinking profusely, the grin wiped off Gible's face. She actually backed off, as if she was afraid of me while Charmander stood in front of me. Oh, that moment I wanted to laugh like some evil scientist.

However, I managed to maintain my calmness and just sat there, looking my demons straight into their eyes.

After a long minute, they had finally managed to understand the situation. The Gible and Charmander sat down in front of me and looked at the cup of coffee I brought along.

"No sugar," I said.

They eyed it suspiciously, probably suspecting it to be poisoned but it wasn't. Eventually, the duo reached out for the cup but before they could I lifted it from the ground and began sipping from the coffee.

It actually tasted awful, I don't really get what people see in coffee.

I gave the duo a pitiful look, "If you want your own, you actually have to ask for it."

A long silence followed and the adrenaline began fading away. I actually realized how crazy it was. These two could kill me without even moving a muscle. There were a thousand reasons why this was insane but at the same time, it felt so good!

Just seeing the confusion on their faces was worth it.

The duo looked me back in the eyes and for a moment I thought those would be the last thing I'd see. However they didn't kill me, instead, Gible just smiled at me while I got a nod from Charmander.

I spoke dryly as if I wasn't having a mental breakdown last week. "My name is Lyndis Flash, I am your new caretaker. I hope you will cooperate with me?"

Charmander happily modded before running around the entire room while the Gible had the same smile on her face before she pointed at the coffee mug

" Next time, I get you one."

Gible smiled as she let me touch her head.

That day I left the cell with a grin on my face.

...

[ Recorded on May 22 ]

Oh god, I can't believe I've actually done that. I must be crazy! I was talking to Pokémon that had all the reasons and powers to kill me. Oh, what has my life come to?

...

[ Recorded on May 23 ]

I brought coffee this morning and entered the cell again where they were waiting for me, this time Gible was without that eerie grin.

I put down the coffee and started talking, asking questions, and trying to understand the two Pokémon. I didn't start with the big things, instead, I just took some measurements so I could build a frame of reference.

Meanwhile, I was making notes, not only about their physical state but also about the duo's psyche which was, well a mess.

These two trusted each other enough to share a cage which told me that the duo wasn't taken from the wild.

So where were they from?

Mew, I wish Pokemon could talk so I didn't have to go through so much trouble to understand the duo.

Trainers who claim to have such a bond with their Pokémon that they could understand each other... I call tauros shit.

Well, at least I could try to understand the two.

For example, Gible asked about the weather outside, I think, while Charmander asked my opinion on the color blue, I think.

At first, I thought I had finally lost it but now I start to doubt that as Charmander and Gible would snuggle up to me without any hesitation whenever I would walk in.

...

[ Recorded on May 27 ]

Today, Redburg gave me the files for the two and they were well ... shockingly sad.

They had been taken from their dens as eggs that had been raised in cages, knowing no one but each other and the occasional scientist that would come to collect samples from them.

Am I the bad guy here?

...

[ Recorded on June 3 ]

My nights are slowly getting better. I don't wake up covered in sweat anymore but I still have trouble getting enough hours of sleep.

I did manage to advance my research regarding this new Aura which has been dubbed Black Aura. Turns out, Black Aura is undetectable to almost every conventional technology, not only that but it is highly resistant to Pokémon effects as well, up to 98%. No wonder why most precogs fail at seeing Legendaries, their powers cannot simply grasp a Legendary.

I made some files regarding the duo's mental state and their anti-social behavior but they got scrapped. Not sure who's in charge of reviewing my work but Redburn shared with me in an email that I should refrain from adding "unnecessary information"

Which is ridiculous! If they wanted to create a permanent mega evolution then a bond was required and a Pokemon's psyche is a key component of said puzzle. It's already a known fact that emotional states can influence a Pokémon's growth and abilities so why aren't they concerned with the mental health of these Pokémon?

...

[ Recorded on June 4 ]

I spend most mornings with Project Z, I usually bring along breakfast for all of us. Apparently pokemon stomachs can easily digest human food of all kinds but they won't get the same nutrients due to the physiological and anatomical differences between the digestive tracts of humans and pokemon, not sure why or how but it's at least one new thing I learned.

For now, I am still trying to figure out what makes the duo tick and hey, when they aren't trying to be as offensive as possible the two are quite good company. Or maybe I am just starving for attention. Makes you think.

...

[ Recorded on June 10 ]

I got an email from Redburn, he was asking me if I could speed up my bond creation idea, to be honest, I don't think it could work because the bonds that Pokémon have with each other even under the care of the same trainer are different that bonds between trainer and Pokémon.

What should I do?

I can't just leave the two or they would be horribly experimented on.

I have heard what those people do to young Pokémon.

Forceful evolutions and breeding.

I never what my two little buddies to go through any of that.

What should I do?

...

[ Recorded on June 15 ]

I have a weird idea and I don't know if it could work but with Redburg's permission a few Pokémon trainers were brought in.

A few days prior, I had convinced Gible and Charmander into playing a game where one Pokémon would command the other in battles.

I had taken the concept of trainer and Pokémon and replaced the trainer with another Pokemon.

Pokémon commanding Pokémon to battle ... oh, Mew I feel stupid just coming up with these ideas.

With Redburg's permission, a few trainers were brought in and battles were fought between them and Gible since Charmander wanted to fight.

The results were ... utter defeat.

Maybe I should focus a bit on my other projects today.

...

[ Recorded on June 20 ]

I think I mapped out most of the information regarding this Black Aura. I still don't understand how it is generated or why it works the way it does but I think I figured out most of the properties it has.

The most significant property is maybe the fact that Black Aura ignores the type match up with a rough 89%. This goes only for absorbing damage and is stacked above the additional resistance. However, this statistic is brought down to a meek 10% when faced with a second Black Aura.

This does explain where the saying: 'Only a Legendary can beat a Legendary' comes from.

Of course, I do realize that my sample group is rather small but I am convinced this trait is shared amongst all Legendary class Pokémon.

...

[ Recorded on July 1 ]

"So, you must be getting bored in this empty cell," I told the duo.

Gible shook her head as she yelled out a command that Charmander followed to a tee.

No way, were these two actually practicing Pokémon battles?

...

[ Recorded on July 7 ]

This day was something special as under the command of Gible, Charmander had won his first Pokemon battle. For some reason, I felt so proud as the duo hugged it out after they had won.

Redburg had sent me an email that my post had been shifted to observe the new Charmanders while different personnel would take over my idea of bond evolution.

Were those results not enough?

Damnit!

It was hard for me to say goodbye to the duo so I didn't ... no, rather I couldn't bring myself to say goodbye.

I promised myself that I would try to visit them daily.

Damnit, why couldn't I have things that make me happy?

Why? Mew! Why ?!

...

[ Recorded on July 8 ]

I tried to visit the two trouble makers but I couldn't get passed the door. Maybe it was a sense of guilt I had for leaving the two after promising them that I would show them the outside world... Mew! I am such a horrible person.

...

[ Recorded on July 10 ]

I started having nightmares that night. I wonder if the events of yesterday have something to do with it. I hope not.

...

[ Recorded on July 11 ]

Today I met up with Redburg, who told me that my work on black aura was especially well received by the higher-ups.

After receiving all the praise, I asked Redburg a question that had bugged me about this facility.

Why don't the Pokemon try to escape?

And the answer I received from Redburg was something that sent chills down my spine.

"Nothing is waiting for them outside."

...

[ Recorded on July 14 ]

Ever tried studying energy that comes from an unknown source? It's hard. Just imagine trying to figure out a puzzle that changes its outline every few minutes, that's my current situation when studying black aura.

...

[ Recorded on July 15 ]

Redburg sent me a weird file today, from its looks I knew that these files were old but the information hidden behind these old pages left me in a state of shock when I realized that these papers were on a black aura of legendary Pokémon.

Someone discovered it before me ?!

Huh, who is Doctor Ein?

...

[ Recorded on July 16 ]

Shock ... that was all I could feel when I read through Doctor Ein's papers and research on the black aura.

This, Doctor Ein is someone crazy with how vast his knowledge of black aura is but unlike me who is trying to find a method to detect the black aura of legendary Pokémon, this Doctor Ein was looking into the manifestation of black aura in normal Pokémon.

Was that even possible?

That must be more of his research ... right.

What happened to Doctor Ein?

Who was Doctor Ein?

Why have I never heard of him?

...

[ Recorded on July 17 ]

I need my booze ... Redburg is so fucking useless that he can't even provide me with more of Doctor Ein's research.

Months and months had been spared while my understanding of black aura has skyrocketed ever since reading those research papers. If only I had a little more then I could start theorizing how to build a device to detect black aura.

...

[ Recorded on July 18 ]

Every time, I needed something or wanted to know something. I could rely on the pokenet even though this was something that wasn't available to the public, only league officials and scientists could access it.

Even with the small window of an audience, the pokenet was something that was always a great source of knowledge for me but when I search up Doctor Ein.

Nothing comes up.

But how was such a brilliant man not known to the Pokémon league?

His research, calculations, and method of approach were too modern for Doctor Ein to be someone that existed before the establishment of the Pokémon league.

If even a picture of Doctor Ein didn't exist, did that mean he was someone beyond the jurisdiction of the Pokémon league ... how ?!

...

[ Recorded on July 19 ]

These last few days ... I have been having these nightmares ... no, these visions of this remote island where I saw this unknown pink, mammalian Pokémon sleeping in a cave protecting two eggs.

I don't know why but I jolted up awake when that unknown Pokémon turned to face me as if it could see.

I think I just had a dream about Mew.

I don't know why but I feel like this wasn't a dream.

...

[ Recorded on July 20 ]

I bought a plush Pikachu today. I wonder why we even have one of these down here but looking at it at least helped me keep my anxiety down.

...

[ Recorded on July 21 ]

I've been getting amazing results with my black aura project with Doctor Ein's research.

Not only do those papers confirm my long-running theory that legendary Pokémon have a different aura than normal Pokémon.

I actually managed to build a prototype design on a device to detect Legendary Pokémon. I hope Redburn will be pleased with the results… and even if he's not, I had a blast making it.

...

[ Recorded on July 23 ]

While I was eating lunch in the dining area a man sat down opposite me. This is highly unusual because I've been eating alone since I got here.

"So, why does a girl like you sit alone?" He asked with what I assumed must have been a charming smile but honestly, it left me cold.

"Eating and looking over my notes, what do you want?" As I said, I came to the realization that I haven't had a conversion with another human for a longer time.

I shook my head, trying to get my gears to work. "Sorry, I don't talk to people, excuse my bad habits."

He smiled as he took a bite from his potato. "No problem. Your name is Lyndis right?"

I nodded. "Yours is?"

"Soren." He gave me a confident grin. " May I ask if you're the one who works on the legendary detection?"

"Yes, what of it?" I raised my eyebrows. I remember wondering if he was here to scrutinize my research. If he was then he could piss off.

"Relax." Soren pushed his hands up in mock surrender. "I was just wondering if you could help me."

"Help?"

"With Project 96." He said.

"96? Isn't that Fate Cleaver?"

It was a bit messy to remember which was which, considering they all had cryptic names and numbers.

Soren shook his head. "No, that's 86, I am talking about Missingno ."

"Huh?"

"You don't know about her?" He frowned. "I thought everyone knows by now."

I frowned, knowing I was out of the loop. "What is to know ?"

"Nothing important," he shrugged, "The point is, I need help since Missingno is something of an anomaly if you will and I think it will pique your interest since Missingno was created when we replaced the bone marrow of an aerodactyl skeleton with artificial bone marrow created from the blood of Ho-oh and the blood of Eve."

" H, How ?"

" Oh, our team brought in a Ho-oh feather that was granted to some trainer from Johto by the Legendary Pokémon and the blood of the entity of Project Eve that is located down is Floor Zero. Do you want to see the result ?"

Not gonna lie, I was tempted but seeing the result of Charmanders literally being burned alive due to a little gene editing to awaken a legendary's genes was enough to tell me whatever this missingno is, is going to result in something gruesome.

...

[ Recorded on July 25 ]

I missed my two little buddies.

Funny since when did I consider a Pokémon mine? Am I truly going crazy down here? Have I forgotten my fears?

I just don't know anymore.

I can't deny it. I have felt attached to my little troublemakers and now I want to see them.

Will they forgive me?

...

[ Recorded on July 26 ]

Today is the day, I, visit my two little troublemakers.

I even have a proper excuse ready to get the two on my side.

Now, I just have to see them before I meet with Redburg, and by tomorrow evening I will have my two buddies by my side.

Wish me luck, my dear recorder.

...

[ Recorded on July 27 ]

As the recording on July 27 played, a silence was accompanied in the beginning before the sounds of a woman's sobbing began to play.

( ~ Sob ~ )

( ~ Sob ~ )

( ~ Sob ~ )

" Why does this keep happening to me ?! Why? Mew, Why do you keep taking away all those dear to me? First Mom, then dad, and now this !"

...

The recording ended as a shrill scream played out sending chills down the spine of anyone hearing it.

...

[ Recorded on September 1 ]

( ~ Sigh ~ )

Hey, there recorder. Long time no hear, I guess; life has taken quite a sharp turn for your girl.

( ~ Sigh ~ )

I don't want to record.

...

[ Recorded on September 5 ]

You know when I was a kid, I quickly wanted to grow up and be an adult because adults looked so free, they could do whatever they want but as I got older, I learned that this freedom is accompanied by a lot of responsibilities that sometimes we can't handle.

Personally, I was never that in love with Pokémon, I was actually afraid because when I was a little girl, I got chased around by a rabid Snubbull and my family's umbreon came to save me unfortunately she got infected by the rabid Pokémon and she had to be put down because she was suffering so much as her body battled against the virus. Ever since then, I always blamed myself and never got too close to Pokemon; thinking that they might die because of me.

Well, Little Lyn, you were right about something. The Pokemon that I am close to always dies just like my two buddies Gible and Charmander.

...

[ Recorded on September 7 ]

Evolution is such a weird phenomenon when it comes to Pokémon, rather than saying it's an evolution; a better term would be metamorphosis as Pokémon go from one form through another.

There are two morally correct ways to " evolve " your Pokémon. One is through rigorous training and battles as the body of a Pokémon becomes strong enough to withstand the changes to the physiology of the pokemon and the other was age.

But when looking at the morally incorrect methods, one could find so many different ways to evolve pokemon. There are even drugs available to evolve a baby that had just been born to its final evolutionary peak. I think the layman's term for these drugs is " Rare Candy " but these drugs have one small issue; if they are fed to Pokémon that are not ready to withstand the physiological changes to its body then the result was obvious... death by aneurysms, hemorrhage and cardiac failure caused by the physical exhaustion brought by forceful evolution.

( ~ Sobs ~ )

What kind of monster would use such a thing on a baby?

...

[ Recorded on September 8 ]

Well, recorder we have a special guest today.

Sorren.

" Is this recording going to be confidential?"

Yes, Sorren.

" Good."

So, this is my friend sorren, he is a fellow scientist specializing in ...

" Pokémon obstetrics and gynecology."

In other words, a creep.

" Hmm."

What? Not going to refute me.

" No, It's just that you look better than you were before."

Yeah.

" I am sorry if my words reminded you of that."

No, it's nothing ... Sorren, can you please tell my talento the recorder, I just don't have the strength to.

" You know, if someone checked up on us, they would think we have gone insane."

Yeah, I am surprised we haven't.

" Ok, so recorder I guess. I am going to tell you the tale of a depressed and sleep-deprived woman, Lyn."

( ~ Silence ~ )

" No, clap, none. I even hyped you up."

Just tell the story.

" Ok, a month or so ago, Lyn went to see the Pokémon Gible and Charmander but due to the unwillingness of the current caretaker to go through Lyn's ideas, they were transferred to the breeding bay where they were given rare candies as the two were forcefully evolved into their final states. Charizard was given a special serum to activate his dragon genes as the two Pokémon were put up for breeding but the result was something unexpected, to say the least. Charizard died due to his forceful gene activation while Garchomp died giving birth but unlike a normal pokémon birth, Garchomp died before the egg could even be hatched which created a new kinda problem. The breeders were going to dispose of Garchomp but Lyn was quick enough to arrive at the breeding ground where she and I tried our best to save the baby who was born without an egg inside the body of Garchomp.

Cesarean delivery was our only hope of saving the child but the issues arose after. Isn't that right Lyn? ... Lyn, is something wrong? Hey! Lyn, oh Mew! you're having a panic attack. Here sit down !"

...

[ Recorded on September 9 ]

" Are you sure you want me to do this ?"

Yes, Sorren.

" Fine, looks like we're meeting again, recorder and I have definitely gone insane talking to an inanimate object."

Just say it!

" Fine, no need to yell. Cesarean delivery was our only hope to save the child but there was a slight problem. The child was without an egg but it was alive somehow and we had to quickly think of a way to save Charmander or it would have died due to its lack of an egg for its development. Thankfully, I know someone who has been working on these artificial egg containers that replicate an egg's natural conditions. He aimed to use his " Exoeggs " to be able to change the genetic makeup of Pokémon but it was incomplete. Luckily the Exoeggs could house a baby Charmander easily and now it's a day " I lost count" of taking care of a Charmander inside an artificial Pokémon egg which is connected to an umbilical cord of Garchomp's corpse that is being kept "alive" via machinery.

Franklin said that this wouldn't work but maybe it was the love of a parent even in death that was keeping baby Charmander alive.

Yeah, I am sure those two would have been such good parents.

...

[ Recorded on September 10 ]

Redburn wants me to find out if the Exoeggs can change the genetic makeup of a Pokemon as intended he didn't seem to be interested in the other results I got.

Prick.

...

[ Recorded on September 11 ]

Today I asked Soren what Redburn's deal is. Wondering if maybe he heard any interesting rumors. According to him, he lost his daughter to a power outage caused by Zapdos. The bird caused an EMP while fighting Articuno.

It sounds like just a rumor to be but if it's the truth then it does explain his obsession with Legendary Pokémon and taking them down

...

[ Recorded on September 12 ]

I did some digging. My last conversation regarding Soren made me think about Redburn. I left my old life behind to work for him but what do I really know about him?

I think I'll try looking into the logistics of God's facility.

...

[ Recorded on September 14 ]

I couldn't sleep this evening so I thought, 'why not record down what I found already in my recorder? It might even serve as evidence at some point. Okay, who am I kidding, I just need something that can help me put my mind at ease during the late hours.

Anyway, God's facility is not a private research facility. It is actually part of Team Rocket which I previously thought was just a shallow umbrella company. Turns out, it's not. I thought God's facility was the head of Rocket's operation but I think that was a lie.

We are not in control. I am not in control, the strings just changed.

Still, with the League, I knew at least what they wanted. Or I thought I did, I guess. Point is, I don't know who Redburn works for or what Team Rocket truly is.

What are the goals of Team Rocket?

And could this organization be the same Team Rocket that had served under the Orre region during the Great Kantonian Wars ?!

...

[ Recorded on September 16 ]

On July 28, with the assassination of the Orrenian Archduke Franz, the ruling dictatorship party of the Orre Region had an excuse to launch a full-scale war on the region of Kanto and Johto.

They say that this war was one of the greatest tragedies of this century and the death toll it brought surpassed even the great hisuian plague for both Pokémon and humans.

The dictatorship party that ruled over the Orre region with an iron fist was called Team Cypher and with the attack on Vermilion harbor, the Orrenians established a base in the Kanto region that was named Team Rocket.

After the war ended 5 years later, it was believed that many of the team rocket members were arrested for crimes against humanity and other offenses. Some were executed while others were imprisoned for life.

Was the God facility working for one the same team rocket or was this some new group founded by their sympathizers and supporters?

Oh, mew what have I gotten myself into ?!

...

[ Recorded on September 20 ]

You know, I thought that things couldn't get worse after finding that the place I work for might be related to Team Rocket which if it's the real thing then this place is related to Team Cypher; a party made of who was responsible for one of the greatest tragedies in history but a new fear has come to life.

The baby Charmander that we were taking care of in the exoegg was ... fire and dragon type and it was stable, unlike all the other attempts.

No complications in the physiology and genetics except for the weak inner flame that could be attributed to the dominant draconic genes.

Damnit is the child of my two buddies going to be used by these sick fucks to create more weapons ... No! I can't let this happen.

...

"Project God's child," Soren sat down and put down a stack of papers on the table, "Look at this."

I made sure no one was peeking before gazing over his files. They described some sort of unknown Pokemon that I had this weird feeling I had seen somewhere

The papers had weird pictures of an unknown island alongside multiple pages depicting what I could presume was the lifestyle of that weird pink Pokemon.

"Where did you get it?"

"Redburn's personal server," Soren grinned.

"What!?" I hissed.

"Not important," he waved off, "Instead, look at the Project number."

"Project 372." I said, "How, the highest number we have is 125 and that is Project Z."

Soren's eyes darkened as he drew a red circle around a sentence.

Collaboration between XX5 and Final Destination

"There was never just one," I whispered.

As expected, I couldn't sleep that night.

...

[ Recorded on October 7 ]

Soren made the promise to look into the matter until then he still had his business with Project Missingno. We conducted an alternative plan to start communicating with his Pokémon.

Our new plan is actually almost the same as Soren's old plan but instead of using some sort of bonding tactics to communicate with it, we opted to use Project 103, an Exeggcute existing out of only one egg. Not sure why Redburn still kept this pitiful mismatched Pokémon but it had the Telepathy ability. I requested access to it and got it, it took a few bribes but I got access to it and the Exeggcute was already on the point so it is not like anyone will miss it. Soren's face lit up as I told him of my plan. He had already given up and accepted that he wouldn't be able to find her secrets; Seeing him smile made it worth all the fuss.

...

[ Recorded on October 14 ]

I wonder how Soren's communication attempt went. I didn't see him this morning.

Was Doctor Ein a part of team cypher?

These thoughts filled my head as I worked on recreating some of his experiments which had led me to make quite the discovery due to the modern era's tech which I presume Doctor Ein didn't have access to.

Black aura is quite a volatile source of energy unlike normal aura but did that mean that legendary Pokémon when using a normal pokémon use normal aura and they use black aura when using a different move that is unique to them? I have seen murals of the God of the Sea, Lugia firing a laser beam that many consider to be a normal hyperbeam but maybe it is a unique move of Lugia that can only be done through the use of black aura.

At this point, it's just a thought and I don't know any evidence to back it up.

...

[ Recorded on October 20 ]

I still haven't seen Soren. I am getting worried.

...

[ Recorded on October 21 ]

I knocked on his door for the first time, wondering if maybe he was just too busy to have lunch with me.

He didn't open the door. I am fearing something is wrong.

...

[ Recorded on October 22 ]

Soren got transferred.

That's how the story goes but I don't believe any of it. There was no reason for him to suddenly leave and even if there was, he would have said goodbye.

What's going on?

...

[ Recorded on October 23 ]

I forced my way into his room. Hoping to find clues. Instead, I found all his belongings, everything was still there. If he had left he would surely pack some clothes right?

I tried seeing Project Missingno, hoping she could shed some light on his disappearance but she is locked away and is no longer allowed to come into contact with anyone.

Did someone make him disappear?

No one appears to know it. They are lying, they must be.

...

[ Recorded on September 24 ]

I just miss the feeling of fresh air running through my wind. Never thought I'd say it but I really miss my shitty apartment. I at least knew what was going on. Now, I feel trapped.

At least I still have my baby Charmander.

...

[ Recorded on September 26 ]

Why am I crying right now?

...

[ Recorded on September 27 ]

I found baby Charmander this morning with burn marks on his scales. He was badly damaged and could barely stand.

Redburn was watching the Charmander from behind the glass. Holding the remote that activated all the security measures inside the cell.

I still find it hard to believe that I actually pulled the remote out of his hands but at that moment I didn't care.

"What are you doing?!" I cried out as I deactivated the remote.

"I am just trying something," Redburn answered absentmindedly. "I needed to see if your exoegg baby could at least show characteristics of their lineage."

He pointed at various monitors on the screen.

"I got no results," he went on with a dead tone.

I exploded.

"Out!"

"Now calm-"

"Out!" I insisted as I balled my fist. "This is not science, this is straight-up torture."

"Let me expl-"

"NOW!"

He left with an uncaring and slightly confused expression on his face.

When he was out of sight I entered the cell and for a moment emotion took over. I hugged the baby closely.

That was the first time baby Charmander was out into the world and now it was crying.

...

[ Recorded on October 3 ]

I don't think I want to be here anymore. I know I made a choice but I regret it. Taking care of baby Charmander does help me forget my problems for a short time but reality catches up the moment I make him go to sleep.

...

[ Recorded on October 5 ]

I don't feel like recording anymore.

I don't feel like doing anything anymore.

Focusing on any of my tasks is hard. I just wanna lay down and close my eyes. Maybe see the stars again.

...

[ Recorded on October 7 ]

Project Missingno. escaped today but she was stopped by the guards. I could hear the gunfire from within my lab.

Missingno's escape is the most interesting thing to happen this week. I wish I could have seen it but I was more worried about baby Charmander's safety.

...

[ Recorded on October 8 ]

There is a big event coming up. I was told to pack my stuff and get ready.

Redburn said it was time for me to meet the man behind the screens.

I feel like it might be a trap but I can't see any reason why he would want me dead. On the other hand, I still don't know where Soren went.

It is a change of scenery I guess. It will be the first time baby Charmander will get to the surface. Maybe that will get some excitement out of him.

...

[ Recorded on October 9 ]

More experiments, apparently. I am still packing my stuff. We are going to the surface to test something regarding Legendary Pokémon.

...

[ Record on October 10 ]

So Soren was right. There are more remote facilities. This expedition is not just for us, it is to perform multiple tests by other facilities as well. I can't deny that I am curious about what the others are testing but I feel like it won't be good.

I wanted to know but Redburn said that their research was none of my business.

I think he is pissed. I don't know, he doesn't look like himself anymore but like a shallow ghost.

Sometimes I really wonder how I got into this mess. More importantly, how to get out of this mess.

We are leaving in a few hours

I still have so much to pack and decide what not to pack. I heard that we are going to Celadon City. Brings back quite the memories but I fear I won't have time for nostalgia, considering the people I am with.

I think I'll bring this recorder with me. Maybe it will bring me any luck.

...

[ Recorded on October 13 ]

Okay, a quick update before we get started. I met the man behind all of this! Never would I have guessed that Lionel Giovanni, the current Viridian City Gym Leader, is the founder of Team Rocket.

He didn't speak to me directly but I heard multiple rumors about what is going down today. They had found the Legendary Goddess of Birth and Fertility, Mew.

Also also, Giovanni's speech. I think I should add it here if I ever want to present this as evidence.

It began with a question, "What do you see in Legendary Pokémon." Of course, it was a rhetorical question.

"Every time I think of the Legendaries flying through the sky or swimming in the ocean I feel disgusted. They represent everything I hate, suppression, a barrier we can not pass. A dead future." His eyes skidded across the room. "I believe in humanity's potential but when I see legendary Pokémon, I see our end. They are something we can never hope to achieve. A skill barrier, no matter how great we or our Pokémon are. They can never be like them. We are purely at their mercy."

He took a deep breath before continuing. "We call them Pokémon but they are not, it is simply our way of coping with beings we can not reason with, understand, or ever hope to cross. We can only hope they do the right thing and hope that one day they won't turn on us."

He closed his eyes. "That's why I despise them, they represent the end of us."

I don't know if he's right but I know one thing. This man isn't scared ... no, no, no, this man is pushing the idea of fear into our mind and making us think that what we are doing is for the betterment of others.

Everyone wants to be a hero and this man is pushing this idea onto us that we are heroes and I am afraid to say it worked, I saw the eyes of so many people in that conference room, scared, and when people are afraid they are pushed to do horrible things.

...

[ Recorded on October 14 ]

We are monsters.

...

[ Recorded on October 19 ]

I don't know what to record. I can't get the imagery out of my head. Those two bodies, those were fucking babies, pokemon pups of Gods that were put up as a display.

What sin have we committed?

What sin have these people committed by putting the corpses of the children of God on display?

Hell ... no, what awaits us in death isn't hell, I can feel it in my soul, it is something much worse.

Giovanni said that those were the children of Mew ... they killed the children of God and now they want to make an entity that can use Mew's powers.

No, we aren't creating new Pokemon as a way to combat Legendary Pokémon, no; we are creating monsters for someone who wishes to have control over everything.

Nothing can justify our goals.

It's just like all those years ago when I lost everything to that tsunami. Except now, I am the one responsible.

I don't know, I don't know. I just don't know it anymore.

I know one thing. God's facility is not safe! It is not a safe haven, I can't believe how I fell for all their lies.

Free research?

Trying to make a new god?

We are monsters making more monsters from the corpses of true Gods, we are trying to become one.

...

[ Recorded on November 7 ]

I was so tempted to take a couple of extra sleeping pills so I wouldn't wake up but in the end, I couldn't put myself to do it.

I think I know why.

It is the baby of my two buddies. He is still here.

...

[ Recorded on November 18 ]

I am gathering resources and evidence, trying to upload as much as I can onto a hard drive. This entire place is built like a maze but maybe if I just get lucky enough I can get out of her and expose the secrets of Team Rocket before it is too late.

Before I do that however there's still one thing I can't leave behind.

...

[ Recorded on December 1 ]

Can you believe it? I searched the damn entire day for a Pokéball but couldn't find a single one down here. I could try to use one of my own designs but they are unstable and meant to hold entirely different creatures.

...

[ Recorded on December 12 ]

I know I screwed up badly and I don't deserve a second chance. The things I have done and created, I regret.

The only thing I don't regret is meeting my buddies and now this baby.

If there is a true god, I hope it does spare baby Charmander at least.

...

[ Recorded on December 25 ]

Today is the day.

I am leaving this in case I don't survive this will be my suicide note.

If anyone found this it means that our escape failed. Maybe my contingency plans worked, maybe not.

So, it is a bit weird to write a note but it isn't too dissimilar from writing another diary entry in the end, only it will be a future day.

I'm at a bit of a loss here. Never been good at this so I just keep it short so I don't screw it up like everything else and yes, that was a joke.

Baby Charmander, thanks for everything you gave me and I am sorry for everything I couldn't give is only one thing I can give you right now and that is my advice.

Don't try to go through life alone as I did. Learn from my mistakes and find others you feel comfortable with. Life, ironically, is just too short.

...

As the recording cut out, an unsettling stillness pervaded the room, pierced only by a bloodcurdling shriek that sliced through the air like a serrated knife. Charmeleon writhed in agony, clutching at his head with frenzied desperation, but Haunter and Scizor sprang into action, pinning the anguished creature down before he could inflict further harm upon himself.

As Charmeleon's cries echoed through the chamber, Austin approached him slowly, his heart pounding in his chest. The dragon's piercing wails rattled him to the core, but he summoned the courage to reach out and touch the writhing creature's head. Tears streamed down Charmeleon's face, mingling with the sweat that drenched his trembling body.

"Charmeleon," Austin whispered, his voice trembling. "I know it hurts, but you have to let it out. Don't fight it. Just let it go."

But the dragon's screams only grew louder, more intense, more frenzied. Haunter and Scizor struggled to hold him down, but the other Pokémon in the room rallied to their aid, joining forces to subdue Charmeleon's violent outburst.

Yet Austin remained steadfast, his hand never leaving Charmeleon's head, his eyes locked on the writhing creature as he cried out in agony. And then, slowly, gradually, the screams subsided, giving way to ragged sobs as Charmeleon collapsed into Austin's waiting arms.

Ditto was the first to approach, enfolding Charmeleon in a warm embrace. And then, one by one, the other Pokémon stepped forward, joining the circle of comfort that surrounded the wounded dragon. As they huddled together, Austin held Charmeleon tightly, his tears mingling with those of his beloved creature.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

[ A Few Months Ago ]

[ POV Change ]

Lyndis walked through the sterile, white halls of the research facility, her lab coat rustling with each step. Her eyes were bleary, dark circles etched under them from the countless nights she had spent awake, pouring over data and conducting experiments. She was an insomniac, and the constant hum of the machines and the bright, artificial lights only seemed to exacerbate her condition.

As she approached the elevator, she saw another one of her co-workers standing there, fidgeting with a stack of papers. Lyndis clicked her tongue in irritation, her mind racing with the endless possibilities of the woman joining the elevator. She stayed silent, her eyes glued to the elevator doors as they slowly began to open.

The elevator was small and cramped, the walls lined with mirrors that gave the illusion of more space. The floor was a dull gray, and the buttons for the different floors lined up in a neat row. Lyndis stepped in, her co-worker following closely behind. The elevator doors closed with a soft, mechanical whir, the sound of the gears turning and locking into place.

Lyndis's co-worker tried to make small talk about her latest project, but Lyndis barely registered the words. Her mind was consumed with a growing sense of unease, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the other woman's gaze on her, and she knew that she needed to act quickly.

Without warning, Lyndis lunged forward, jamming her taser into the other woman's side. The woman let out a scream, her body spasming on the ground as the electricity coursed through her. Lyndis watched, her face contorted in a mixture of fear and hesitation, as the woman's body convulsed and then fell still.

The elevator stopped on the fourth floor, the doors opening with a soft ding. Lyndis stepped out, her heart pounding in her chest. She quickly scanned the hallway, making sure that no one was around before pulling out a strange, black USB. She inserted it into the USB port on the side of the elevator, her fingers shaking as she typed in a series of commands.

The elevator's TV flickered to life, displaying a series of strange symbols and codes. Lyndis watched for a moment, her heart racing, before turning and walking away. The elevator doors closed behind her, the sound of the gears turning and locking into place once again.

Lyndis walked down the hallway, her heart racing.

She was really doing this.

...

[ Redburg's Office ]

Redburg sat at his desk, surrounded by rows of bookshelves and filing cabinets. The room was large and imposing, with floor-to-ceiling windows that looked out over the sprawling research facility. The walls were adorned with various degrees and awards, showcasing Redburg's impressive accomplishments.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Redburg looked up, his brow furrowed in confusion. He got up from his desk and opened the door to find a group of men standing there, their faces serious and grim.

"Sir, we have a problem," one of the men said, his voice tight with tension. "The elevator system has stopped working. We can't figure out what's causing it."

Redburg's heart sank as he heard the words. He knew that this could be a major problem and that he needed to act quickly.

Redburg's fingers traced the contours of his desk, coming to rest upon a drawer. With a deft movement, he slid it open, revealing the drawer's hidden contents. A face mask of Redburg's face. Beside it, a radiotelegraph, its keys glistening in the dim light.

His gaze shifted to the real object of his interest—a solitary Pokéball, nestled among the artifacts. As his fingers closed around the spherical device.

"Come on," he said, making his way toward the elevator. "Let's go see what's going on."

The group made their way to the elevator, the sound of their footsteps echoing in the sterile, white halls. When they arrived, they found that the elevator was not working and that the doors were stuck open.

Redburg walked closer to the elevator, his eyes scanning the area for any signs of what could be causing the problem. He then opened the Pokeball and sent out Rotom, a ghost-electric type Pokémon. Rotom had a round body with a red and blue coloration, the blue part had a white "eye" on it, and it had a small tail which was also blue and white.

"Rotom, enter the elevator and destroy whatever is causing the elevator system failure," Redburg commanded.

Rotom obeyed, its body flickering as it passed through the elevator doors and into the machinery. Redburg and the men watched as the Pokémon's ghostly form seemed to move through the gears and wires, searching for the source of the problem.

After a few moments, Rotom emerged from the elevator, its body flickering its body creating a frequency to create a human voice. "I found it, sir," it said, its voice echoing in the elevator shaft. "There was a kill switch installed in the system. I destroyed it."

Redburg breathed a sigh of relief as he heard the words.

" Is there something else to report ?"

" There seems to be an unconscious researcher in one of the elevators."

" Which one ?"

" Elevator 420 "

...

Lyndis's pulse raced as she hurried through the dimly lit corridors toward Soren's laboratory, the shadows playing tricks on her peripheral vision. The eerie silence weighed heavily on her, pressing down like a smothering blanket. Her breath came in shallow gasps as she clutched the stolen vial, its contents a damning secret that could not be discovered. Time was of the essence, and she could feel the tendrils of fear wrap around her heart, threatening to squeeze the life from her if she failed to act.

A sudden chill cascaded down her spine, halting her in her tracks. The cold sensation spread through her body like tendrils of ice, gripping her limbs and forcing her to confront the heavy dread that had settled in her chest. In the darkness, her eyes were drawn to a door she had never noticed before. Etched in peeling paint on the decaying wood was a label that sent a fresh wave of terror through her: "Project Eve."

As she stared at the door, an insidious whisper slithered through the air, penetrating her ears and burrowing deep into her mind: "Kill me."

The words echoed in her skull, their sinister tone chilling her to the bone. She could feel the presence of something malevolent lurking just beyond the door, its malignant energy radiating through the decaying wood like a dark miasma. Her heart pounded violently, threatening to break free from her ribcage as she struggled to maintain her composure.

Ignoring Project Eve's voice, Lyndis quickly entered the password, her fingers shaking as she typed in the sequence of letters and numbers.

The door to the laboratory slid open, revealing a strange, otherworldly scene. The room was filled with strange, alien-looking machines, their surfaces covered in wires and circuits. In the center of the room was a large, cylindrical pod, it's surface shimmering with a strange, blue energy.

Lyndis knew that this was it. This was the moment that she had been waiting for. She quickly made her way to the pod, her heart pounding in her chest. She reached out and touched the surface, her fingers sinking into the soft, pliable material.

Suddenly, the pod began to lower, its surface opening up to reveal a strange, alien creature inside that looked like an Aerodactyl skeleton but it was changing shape in such an uncontrolled manner that it seemed like it was glitching from reality itself. Missingno's body was writhing and twisting in the pod.

As the pod lowered, cryogenic gas began to be released, filling the room with a thick, white fog. Lyndis could feel her eyes starting to water, her throat closing up as she struggled to breathe. She knew that she had to get out of there, that she had to release as many of these entities as she could before it was too late.

She turned and ran, her lab coat flapping behind her as she sprinted through the laboratory. She could hear the alarms beginning to erupt, the sound of panicked voices and rushing footsteps filling the air. She knew that she had to get out of there, that she had to release as many of these entities as she could before it was too late.

Lyndis ran through the halls, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the panic rising inside of her, her mind racing with the possibilities of what could happen next. She knew that she had to get out of there, that she had to release as many of these hybrid Pokemon entities as she could before it was too late but she paused at Project Eve's door.

" Kill me." A begging voice called out to her as Lyndis gulped feeling the hairs on the hair stand as she realized that Project Eve's door was locked by a visual, audio, and fingerprint inscription.

Whoever wanted Project Eve to stay in its cell had made sure that it wouldn't get out.

...

Redburg stood in the hallway, his mind racing as the alarms blared in his ears. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his mind consumed with thoughts of what could be happening. Suddenly, he found himself face to face with the head of security, a look of panic etched on his face.

"Sir, we have a major problem," the man said, his voice tight with tension. "The entity known as Missingno is going on a rampage in the facility. It killed multiple officers that were trying to contain it."

Redburg felt his heart drop as he heard the words. He knew that this was a major problem and that he needed to act quickly. He could see the fear in the eyes of the security chief, and he knew that he needed to take control of the situation.

"I need you to call in every available officer and get them to the facility," Redburg said, his voice calm and steady. "We need to contain this thing before it does any more damage."

The security chief nodded, his face pale as he turned and ran down the hall. Redburg knew that he had to act quickly, that he needed to find out what was going on and stop this thing before it was too late.

As he made his way through the facility, Redburg's mind raced with thoughts of what could be happening. He knew that he needed to find out what was causing this thing to go on a rampage, and he knew that he needed to stop it before it did any more damage.

Suddenly, he heard a shout from one of the unconscious women, her voice weak and barely audible. "Lyndis," she said, her voice barely a whisper. "She tased me "

And then... it clicked for Redburg. He knew that Lyndis was behind this, that she had somehow released this thing and caused it to go on a rampage.

"Go towards Project X," he shouted, his voice filled with a sense of urgency and determination. "We need to find Lyndis and stop her before it's too late."

Redburg led the way, his heart pounding in his chest as he made his way through the facility. He could hear the sounds of the alarms blaring in his ears, the sound of panicked voices and rushing footsteps filling the air. He knew that he had to act quickly, that he had to find Lyndis and stop her before it was too late.

As he made his way through the facility, he could see the fear in the eyes of the other researchers as they scrambled to get out of the way, their faces pale and panicked as they tried to figure out what was happening. Redburg knew that he had to act quickly, that he had to stop Lyndis before it was too late. He could feel the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, and he knew that he had to do whatever it takes to save the facility and the people inside.

Redburg entered the Project X lab, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that this was it, this was where Lyndis had gone to. He looked around the room and saw that it was empty and destroyed, flames licking at the walls and smoke filling the air. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, his mind consumed with thoughts of what could have happened.

As he looked around the room, he noticed something strange. There was a strange, baby Charmander lying on the ground, its body writhing and twisting in the flames.

It then hit Redburg, the baby that Lyndis and Soren had been working on before. He realized that this must have been the reason for Lyndis's actions, that she didn't want the baby to be used as a weapon.

Redburg thought about how Lyndis could have escaped the facility. The elevators were not working and guarded, so it must have been something else. Then it hit him, they had a weekly garbage disposal and that was today. He quickly used an earpiece to tell his subordinates to go to area 970 and capture everyone there. Before he could give a command to shut down the automatic garbage disposal unit, a bullet shot through the air. Redburg's heart skipped a beat as he saw the bullet coming straight toward him. But before it could hit him, it was deflected by Rotom.

Redburg breathed a sigh of relief as he looked up and saw Rotom, its body flickering with energy. But as he looked back at the bullet, he realized that it had punctured a hole through his ear.

As the pain hit Redburg, he screamed out in pain, his hand going to his ear as he felt the warm blood trickling down his neck. He looked up and saw Lyndis staring back at him with a glare.

" It's over !"

...

[ A Few Minutes Ago ]

The room was large and sterile, with bright fluorescent lights illuminating the space. The floor was made of smooth concrete, and the walls were lined with glass windows that looked out onto the bustling laboratory beyond. In the center of the room, a group of Charmander was playing together, their small bodies darting and leaping with energy. They chirped and squeaked to one another, their tails flickering with the bright orange flames that were their defining characteristic.

In the corner of the room, however, one small Charmander sat alone. He gazed upon the glass that separated the scientists from them, his eyes wide and curious. He watched as the scientists bustled about their work, their lab coats flapping behind them as they moved from one experiment to the next. He longed to play with them, but they didn't want to play with him due to his weak flames.

Suddenly, alarms began to blare throughout the laboratory. The scientists panicked, running to and fro in an attempt to shut off the alarms. The Charmanders, meanwhile, looked on in confusion, their small heads tilting this way and that as they tried to understand what was happening.

Just as the scientists were about to flee the room, the door to the Charmanders' enclosure suddenly swung open. The small Charmander in the corner perked up, his eyes lighting up with recognition as he saw the woman who had raised him. It was Lyndis, the woman who had taken care of him since he was just a hatchling. She had an apologetic look on her face as she mouthed "I'm sorry" to the Charmander, before suddenly throwing a strange smoke bomb into the field.

As the smoke billowed out, the Charmanders' eyes dulled and they began to run around the room in confusion. They were drawn to the strange new smell that was emanating from the smoke bomb, their minds have temporarily overridden by the device that Lyndis had used. It was a transport device, designed to move large numbers of Pokemon from one location to another by using a smell that overrides their minds and makes them temporarily animalistic, allowing them to be easily controlled and moved.

Suddenly, the Charmanders all stopped in their tracks, their noses twitching as they caught a scent that was unlike anything they had ever smelled before. It was a heavenly aroma, sweet and tantalizing, that seemed to call to them from beyond the walls of their enclosure.

Without hesitation, the Charmanders charged toward the smell, their small bodies moving with lightning speed. Some of them leaped over the glass walls of their enclosure, their bodies protected from the flames by a thick layer of ash. Others burrowed through the concrete floor, their sharp claws tearing through the hard surface with ease. Still, others smashed through the glass windows, their tails flicking with flames as they broke free from their prison.

Lyndis watched in sadness as the Charmander escaped, her heart heavy with the knowledge that she had been the one to release the smell that had driven them to freedom. She had hoped that everything will work out. The small Charmander that she had raised was among the group, running alongside his fellow Pokemon as they followed the heavenly scent.

As they ran, the smell grew stronger and more alluring, drawing them closer to their destination. The Charmanders were wild with excitement, their tails flicking and dancing as they ran. They were free at last, and nothing could stop them now.

The scene was chaotic but also beautiful in a strange way. The orange tails of the Charmanders left trails of fire behind them as they ran, creating a sea of orange and yellow. The sound of their chirping and the crackling of their flames was almost like music. They were a force of nature, unstoppable and wild.

Lyndis couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as she watched them go, knowing that she had played a part in their liberation. But she also couldn't shake off the sadness and guilt she felt for the unintended consequences of her actions. She knew that most of the Charmanders would die due to their unstable DNA except for her baby, who she prayed could find someone to care for him.

As the last of the Charmanders disappeared into the distance, Lyndis was left alone in the now empty and silent room.

" Goodbye."

...

The group of Charmander ran through the facility, their small bodies moving with a fluid grace as they followed the heavenly scent that had led them to freedom. They charged through the metal doors that stood in their way, their combined flamethrower melting through the barriers with ease. The guards that tried to stop them were targeted by the flames, their screams of pain and terror echoing through the halls.

The facility was a maze of metal and concrete, with narrow corridors and high ceilings that made it difficult for the Charmanders to navigate. But they were determined, and they used their small size and agility to their advantage, darting and weaving through the tight spaces as they made their way deeper into the facility.

As they ran, some of the Charmanders' bodies began to combust, their flames growing larger and more intense. The heat was intense and the air was thick with smoke, making it hard to see. But the Charmanders didn't slow down, they pushed on, driven by their desire for freedom.

Finally, they came to a large open space, where a group of Rhydons stood between them and the source of the heavenly scent. The Rhydons were massive creatures, their rocky bodies towering over the small Charmanders. They bellowed and charged toward the group of Charmanders, ready to defend their territory.

The Charmanders didn't back down, they charged toward the Rhydons with fierce determination in their eyes. Some of them fought against the massive creatures, their flames licking at the Rhydons' rocky hides. But many of them were able to slip past the Rhydons, using their small size and agility to their advantage.

The battle was chaotic, with blasts of flames and the deafening roars of the Rhydons filling the air. The Charmanders' bodies were slick with sweat and ash, their tails flickering with flames as they fought for their freedom. The Rhydons were relentless, but the Charmanders were fierce, and they pushed forward, determined to escape the facility and find the source of the heavenly scent that had led them to freedom.

The facility was made of metal and concrete, with narrow corridors and high ceilings that made it difficult for the Charmanders to navigate. But they were determined and they used their small size and agility to their advantage, darting and weaving through the tight spaces as they made their way deeper into the facility. The architecture was designed to be both secure and efficient, but it was not designed to withstand the combined power of a group of determined and agitated Charmanders. The metal doors and walls were no match for their flamethrowers and the guards were quickly overwhelmed by the group's sheer numbers and ferocity.

As the battle raged on, the Charmanders continued to push forward, their bodies slick with sweat and ash as they fought for their freedom. Finally, they broke through the Rhydons' defense and made their way out of the facility, their bodies ablaze with the fire of their freedom. They ran towards the source of the heavenly scent, their hearts full of hope and their minds set on the future.

The scene was both chaotic and beautiful, the orange and yellow flames of the Charmanders illuminating the dark corridors of the facility, the heat and smoke making it hard to see. The sound of their chirping and the crackling of their flames was almost like music. They were a force of nature, unstoppable and wild.

The facility was left in ruins, the metal doors melted and the concrete walls blackened by the fire.

...

Lyndis stood with her gun in hand, her eyes locked on the screaming figure of Redburg who was writhing on the ground, clutching his bleeding ear. She had been about to pull the trigger, but his words had stopped her. "Don't shoot, I am on your side," he had shouted, his voice desperate and pleading

Lyndis hesitated, her finger hovering over the trigger as she saw that Redburg was wearing some kind of face mask.

Redburg saw her hesitation and seized the opportunity. "Killing me won't accomplish anything," he said, his voice low and steady. "If you kill me here, Team rocket wins. But if you spare me, I can pull some connections in the league to have your baby Charmander spared."

...

The room was dark and musty, filled with the stench of rotting trash and the sound of buzzing flies. It was the disposal room of the facility, where the trash was collected and disposed of weekly. The walls were lined with metal bins, filled to the brim with garbage, and the floor was slick with the sludge and grime of the waste.

Suddenly, a group of Charmanders burst into the room, their small bodies moving with a fluid grace as they ran through the maze of bins and piles of trash. They were wild and panicked, their eyes wide and desperate as they searched for a way out.

But their freedom was short-lived. As they ran, many of the Charmanders suddenly combusted, their small bodies consumed by the flames that were their defining characteristic. The guards watched in horror as the small creatures were consumed by the fire, their screams of pain and terror echoing through the room.

The largest Charmander of the group, however, kept running towards the disposal shoot, determined to escape. The guards, realizing that the Charmanders were attempting to escape, aimed their weapons at the largest Charmander, ready to fire. Suddenly, a gunshot rang out, and the Charmander dropped dead, the bullet having hit its mark.

The guards breathed a sigh of relief that none of the Charmanders had escaped, but they failed to register one small Charmander that had jumped into the shoot just before the shot was fired. The small Charmander landed on the other side and as it landed, it caused the bullet that was fired to hit the gas pipeline, cutting a hole in it. Suddenly, a giant gas explosion engulfed the entire facility, with fire and debris flying everywhere.

The guards were thrown to the ground, their bodies battered and bruised by the force of the explosion. The room was consumed by the flames, the walls and ceiling caving in as the fire spread. The sound was deafening, with the roar of the flames and the crash of the collapsing building filling the air.

The heat was intense, and the air was thick with smoke, making it hard to see. The facility was quickly consumed by the fire, the metal and concrete melting and bending under the force of the explosion. The guards were trapped, unable to move as the flames closed in on them, the sound of their screams lost in the roar of the fire.

The explosion was catastrophic, with the entire facility falling to the ground, the metal and concrete melting and bending under the force of the explosion. The fire was intense and the heat was unbearable, with the sound of the flames and the crash of the collapsing building filling the air. The smoke was thick, making it hard to see and breathe. The area was covered in debris and ash, making it impossible to tell what was left of the building and what was just rubble. It was a disaster, with many lives lost and a facility in ruins.

...

Amid the chaos of the crumbling facility, Lyndis steadied her trembling hand, preparing to fire the decisive shot. The ground quaked beneath her feet, and walls shuddered as debris cascaded from the ceiling. A disembodied voice echoed through the facility's monitoring system, "There's been a gas explosion in the lower deck. There's a collapse of debris." People dashed to and fro, their screams cutting through the cacophony of destruction.

As Lyndis's finger inched toward the trigger, a sudden thundershock enveloped her, sending her crumpling to the ground in agonizing convulsions. Redburg, his face alight with triumph, snatched the gun from her unresisting grasp.

"Now then, Miss Flash," he said, his voice dripping with condescension, "let's discuss this like civil humans. I am not a member of Team Rocket; I have been sent here by the league."

Lyndis, her eyes flashing with fury, retorted, "So what? Do you think just because you're from the league makes you the good guy? Hundreds of Pokémon suffered and died under your command, and you think that all of your crimes vanish in thin air just because you're from the league? Tell me, whoever you are, if the league knew this was all happening, why didn't they stop it?!"

"You wouldn't understand," he replied, his gaze pitying as he looked down at her.

The sharp, metallic sound of a pin being pulled rang through the air. Redburg's eyes widened in terror as he registered the small grenade in Lyndis's hand. "Well, since I can't understand the benevolence of the league, I don't have any reason to trust you, do I?" she asked calmly, her voice steady as a rock. "For the record, I quit. You can accept this as my resignation letter."

An explosion engulfed Lyndis and Redburg in a searing inferno, the force of the blast devastating the room. Redburg perished with regret, haunted by the knowledge that his actions had led to his demise. Lyndis, however, died with a serene smile, secure in the knowledge that she had done all in her power to protect the baby Charmander. Her final wish was for the Charmander to find not a trainer, but a family—a place where it would be cherished and safeguarded.

As flames consumed the room and the walls and ceiling crumbled, a deafening roar filled the air. The intense heat and thick, choking smoke rendered visibility nearly impossible.

...

Engulfed by the explosion, Lyndis felt her consciousness slip away from her body. Her vision blurred, and she found herself standing in a place she had never seen before. She was at the Pillars of Creation in Sinnoh, an ancient, mystical site surrounded by towering, intricately carved stone columns. Each column was adorned with elaborate patterns and etchings, reflecting the rich history and culture of the region. The air around her pulsed with an energy that seemed to reverberate through her very being.

As she observed the scene before her, she realized that the world was consumed by chaos. A Mega Charizard X, its body an imposing combination of black and blue, its wings spread wide like a dragon's, and flames erupting from the corners of its mouth slammed into one of the pillars with a resounding crash. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, causing the other pillars to tremble in response. As it slumped down, the Mega Charizard X released a Poké Ball from its maw. The ball sprang open, revealing an injured Pikachu that limped forward, its yellow fur singed and its small body battered.

The Pikachu moved toward a figure Lyndis couldn't quite discern, but she could tell it was a teenager in his late teen years, sitting in a lotus position.

A mysterious red chain of Fate encircled the teenager's head like a halo, shimmering and casting an eerie glow in the dim light. Each link in the chain seemed to be formed from otherworldly energy, pulsating with an intensity that hinted at a deep connection to the unknown forces that governed the universe.

The injured Pikachu, its resolve unwavering despite its pain, slammed its paw against an aura bubble that enveloped the teenager. The protective sphere seemed to be made of impenetrable energy, resisting the Pikachu's desperate attempts to break through. Undeterred, the small Pokémon continued to strike the barrier, again and again, its paws gradually becoming bloodied and raw from the relentless assault.

" Pika !'

With each blow, the Pikachu's desperate cries echoed through the air, carrying the weight of its concern and anguish for the teenager trapped within the bubble. The intensity of its emotions reverberated in the very air around them, manifesting in tiny sparks that danced and crackled with a life of their own.

" Pika !"

The Pikachu's voice quivered as it pleaded with the teenager to stop whatever he was doing, to release himself from the forces that held him captive and threatened to consume him completely.

Lyndis's breath hitched as she bore witness to the unfathomable: reality itself seemed to fracture and crumble around the teenager, the familiar world disintegrating into particles that vanished into the ether. In its place, a limbo void emerged—a vast, infinite expanse of nothingness, devoid of color, sound, or any other sensory experience.

This void was an eerie, unsettling realm that seemed to exist outside the boundaries of time and space. It stretched on for eternity, swallowing any semblance of the world Lyndis had once known. As she stared into the abyss, a creeping sensation of disorientation and insignificance washed over her, a stark reminder of how fragile the fabric of existence truly was.

The impenetrable darkness of the void seemed to pulsate with an energy that was both ancient and unfathomable as if it were a primordial force that had always existed just beyond the veil of the mortal world. The longer Lyndis gazed into the emptiness, the more she felt drawn into it, as though the void itself were beckoning her, whispering secrets that humankind was never meant to comprehend.

And there, in the heart of the void, Lyndis beheld a sight she could scarcely comprehend.

A divine creature towered over everything, its form a magnificent display of unparalleled power and grace.

Its body, a magnificent fusion of gold and gray hues, was adorned with various symbols and markings that hinted at its omnipotence and ancient wisdom. The swirling, circular pattern that spanned its body pulsed with ethereal light, casting a celestial aura around the deity that seemed to radiate cosmic energy. A hundred limbs that extended from its central form appeared to be made of a substance that was neither metal nor flesh, and they radiated pure power, each one poised to command the elements or shape reality at a whim.

Its face, both serene and stern, bore witness to countless millennia of existence, its eyes seemingly holding the knowledge of every secret of the universe. The horns that adorned its head resembled the branches of an ancient tree, twisting and reaching skyward as if they sought to pierce the heavens themselves.

It seemed to embody the very essence of creation and destruction, a testament to the boundless potential of life and the inevitable fate of all things. Its very presence seemed to vibrate with an energy that resonated through the void, a primal force that connected every living being to the mysterious fabric of the cosmos.

As Lyndis stood in the presence of this supreme being, a sense of awe and wonder washed over her. Though her life was slipping away, the memory of this extraordinary vision would remain etched in her mind until her very last breath as she heard the boy mutter.

" Arceus !"

...

Amidst the smoldering ruins, a figure stirred. Redburg, alive but gravely injured, struggled to his knees. His body was a tapestry of first-degree burns, and his once-imposing presence had been reduced to a pitiable shell. As he staggered to his feet, the remnants of his flesh facemask peeled away, revealing the tortured visage beneath.

As the charred remains of Redburg's flesh facemask fell away, a gasp would have escaped from Lyndis if not for her the small inconvenience of death.

There, beneath the mask, the countenance of the man she'd known as Redburg was gone. In its place was a face Lyndis would have recognized all too well, though she was no longer present to react to it: the face of Blaine, the Gym Leader of Cinnabar Island, and a renowned Pokémon researcher.

The revelation of Blaine's identity would have shaken the very foundation of what Lyndis had believed about her enemy. Blaine, a man she had admired for his knowledge and dedication to Pokémon, had been masquerading as Redburg all along. The truth was now as obscured as the air around them, thick with smoke and dust.

Blaine, or Redburg, or whatever name he went by now, staggered to his feet, his injuries severe. The weight of his deception bore down on him like the collapsing walls of the facility, but the fire that had always driven him still smoldered, even in the face of such devastation.

••●••••●••••●••••●••••●••

[ Weeks Later ]

The snowy day was a picturesque one, the streets covered in a blanket of white powder that glittered in the pale sunlight. Damian walked through the streets, his head down, his hands buried deep in his pockets. He looked at the few coins in his hand, the cold metal biting into his skin. He almost laughed at himself, thinking that maybe he could save enough money to get a starter Pokemon, but his fate was to be a nobody in this world.

As he walked, he heard a sound from the back of the street. It was a faint, pitiful sound, but it caught his attention nonetheless. He turned and walked towards the sound, his curiosity getting the better of him. As he turned the corner, he saw a sight that would change his life forever.

There, huddled in a small alleyway, was a malnourished Charmander. The small creature was shivering, its body thin and weak. Its tail flame flickered, barely visible through the thick layer of snow that covered its body. Damian knew at that moment that his fate was not to be a nobody but to be someone.

He took out the last piece of bread he had for the day's meal and called out to the Charmander. "Hey there, little guy," he said, his voice gentle and kind. "Are you hungry?"

The Charmander looked up at him, its eyes were wide and hopeful. It saw the bread in Damian's hand and its body trembled with anticipation. Damian threw the piece of bread toward the Charmander, who eagerly ate it.

As the Charmander ate, Damian introduced himself. "My name is Damian,"

he said, holding out his hand. "What's yours?"

The Charmander looked up at him, its eyes were wide and curious. It seemed to consider Damian's words for a moment before nodding its head, as if to say, "Yes, I am hungry."

Damian smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spread through his body. He knew that this small creature was going to change his life forever. "Do you want to come with me?" he asked, holding out his hand. "I'll take care of you and make sure you're never hungry again."

The Charmander looked at Damian, and for a moment, Damian saw the face of Lyndis in the Charmander's eyes. It seemed to understand, and it nodded its head again, this time with more conviction.

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

[ Author Note: So, I want to thank CaptainMoonshine or the writer of " Welcome to the insane world of pokemon" for permitting me to use his storyline of Project Z in my way. ]

0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0

[ Author Note: Wow, this is a big chapter. Well before we get to the omake Paragraph, I want to clarify some things and I want to give some info about things.

• Arceus's form was taken from his beta sprite art. I will post the image in the comments of web novel, as for the readers of Royal road, Scribblehub, and , you guys can just search beta Arceus fanart on google.

• Yes, that teen was Austin, this was a short glimpse of the insanity that will come in the future sagas after Kanto.

• Lyndis has the psychic ability to see into the future so the shadow Lugia and beta form Arceus are going to come later on in the story. let's see if you can guess what is going to happen with these monsters.

• Plot twist Redburg was Blaine, but why? out of universe reason, Blaine in the manga is connected to Mewtwo as he completes Mewtwo's DNA with his own and gains control over it in the manga hence why Red can only use Mewtwo for five minutes or Blaine dies in the manga hence why I find it weird that people especially power scalers pull out the Mewtwo card when discussing who is stronger Ash or Red. What do you guys think? I believe that Ash is stronger since the anime verse is stronger than the manga because the strongest feat in the pokemon manga is city level ( which is debatable since I have seen scans of the manga where Lance's Dragonair destroys a city block and the tidal wave destroys the city ) whereas the pokemon anime has shown levels of power in the planetary to universal ranges, for example, Mewtwo in the first movie and legendary trio threatening to destroy the entire universe even though Ash is obviously weaker than Mewtwo or the Legendary Trio but his Pikachu has many feats of dodging legit lightning bolts and a large Nuke level feat when he lit up the entire night sky in the movies and if we look at Red, in the manga, not a single pokemon ever even legendaries were shown to have been able to replicate Lance's arguably city level feat so I am putting my money on World Monarch Ash to win. Who do you guys think would win, Ash or Red? And if we are talking about Austin vs Red vs Ash, obviously current Austin would win if given enough prep time and this isn't an official battle inside a tournament but if it's an official tournament then Ash would win against current Austin and Red may tie against current Austin depending if Austin convinces Lucario to fight for him. As for the future Austin, let's just say Anime, Manga, and Game Ash and Red all at the same time wouldn't make future Austin break a sweat physically in a fight or a pokemon battle