Legends:
" " - This symbol is used to indicate characters' thoughts.
- - The dash indicates characters' speech.
Italicized text is used to indicate Flashbacks.
Pokédex:
Kricketot: An insect-type Pokémon native to the Sinnoh region that migrates frequently to the Hoenn region. It rubs its legs together to produce a sound that captivates both people and Pokémon at night, especially near forests or villages surrounded by vegetation.
Glossary:
Cherish Ball: A highly rare Poké Ball created to commemorate special occasions or for awards, containing event Pokémon inside.
Pokémon League: An organization that oversees the world of Pokémon competitions, establishing rules, penalties, and events for Pokémon battles. Not only that, but it is also responsible for creating gyms, the Elite Four, and the prestigious title of Region Champion.
Prologue - Bond
As far as one can know or remember, there are numerous realms and dimensions inhabited by living beings, some bearing resemblances to each other, while others contrast starkly, making them unique. One of these worlds is inhabited by humans alongside creatures called Pocket Monsters, more popularly known as Pokémon. These mysterious creatures are said to possess the ability to manipulate all kinds of powers known to mankind, boasting countless forms, sizes, and even unseen unique characteristics. These magical creatures can be found in every corner of the world... soaring high in the skies... swimming alongside underwater currents... climbing along steep mountains... brightening the densest forests. Heck! Even vast cities are bustling with them.
Since time immemorial, humans and Pokémon have worked together in harmony. For some, Pokémon are friendly companions and cooperative workmates, while others sometimes unite and battle against others similar to them. However, just as there is good, there is also evil. Unlike some humans who wish to live in harmony with Pokémon, there are others who seek to control Pokémon for their own selfish ambitions, endangering the very balance of the world. But now, a new story that will be forever remembered in the Pokémon world is about to begin.
Slateport City - 3:55 PM
Slateport City is a city on the southern coast of Hoenn. A market formed due to the abundance of food and fresh water in the region, and soon a port with a lighthouse in the south illuminated the way for ships entering the harbor, leading to the emergence of a bustling bazaar – as much from the sea, whose proximity made the city a reference in maritime activity. Suddenly, a port, shipyard, and even an Oceanic Museum had been inaugurated.
As a result, the city now receives thousands of tourists every year, enjoying its beautiful natural beaches and tourist attractions. It didn't take long for the Pokémon League of Hoenn to eye the profit Slateport was generating, and in the blink of an eye, a Pokémon Contest had been built for young challengers to compete in beauty contests with their little monsters.
Still not satisfied with all the income generated, they started holding annual events of classic Pokémon battles between young trainers, where the winner would have the opportunity to win Pokémon from other regions. However, no one knew what would be inside the Cherish Ball. Unless you are the champion, of course.
To spice up this year's competition, the champion of the Sinnoh Region, Cynthia, herself. Chose the Pokémon that awaited the current winner of the Slateport tournament.
— Mightyena! Use Dark Pulse!
With a fierce roar, he obeyed his trainer's orders, releasing a dark spiral blast from his mouth towards his opponent, who took the hit head-on and was thrown back by the impact, caught quickly by a young man who had thrown himself and grabbed it before falling to the dry earth of the battlefield.
— Rem... Are you okay — He said with tenderness in his tone, capable of calming even a Hydreigon on its worst day.
His worried expression over the small Ralts with an orange crest and blue bowl hair indicated not only that his Pokémon was Shiny but also that she was much more than a battle tool. To this young man, his little psychic monster was his long-time companion.
— What pathetic to give names to your Pokémon, — mocked the opponent, crossing his arms while trying to assert superiority over his enemy. — No wonder you still have only one Pokémon; it must have been beginner's luck for you to have come this far.
— Do you have a little more in you? — Completely ignoring what that arrogant boy said, he looked gently at his partner after she had nodded positively and immediately jumped from his lap, positioning herself again in front of the inevitable battle.
To stir up the audience in the stadium, one of the narrators decided to speak up to excite them even more.
— It looks like Ralts is at a great disadvantage against Mightyena! — He emphasized. — The Dark type will always prevail over the Psychic type! Isn't that right, Captain Stern?
— You'll have to excuse me, but I disagree with your statement in parts. Thanks to the Fairy type that Ralts holds, Dark types will never be effective against her; on the contrary, any opening that Mightyena's trainer gives... The match will be decided.
—With this information, it seems that the game has completely turned around! — He exclaimed, sending the audience into a frenzy. — But Captain...
— Tell me.
— Even though Ralts has this advantage in typing, don't you think that Mightyena is still stronger because it's an evolution, while she is still in her first form?
— In theory, he would be, but this Ralts alone defeated all the other five trainers, each of them with more than two Pokémon. And even though I'm not an expert on the subject, her power level is on par or may even be stronger than Mightyena's!
— But that's incredible! — He shouted into his microphone in excitement. — Indeed, this young trainer is a prodigy!
Adjusting himself in his swivel chair, Stern rested his elbow on the backrest of his seat and supported his face on his hand. He could easily carry the sleepless nights he must have spent working on his projects for Slateport in his dark circles, and with a slight smile, he looked intently at the boy and his Ralts.
"Steven, wherever you are... I hope you're seeing how much your little brother has grown."
In the corridors above the stands, a figure of average height, dressed in a black, high-necked and grayish overcoat, wearing an unusually large hat, and only their long strands of hair as luminous and silky as the dawn light stood out from the blackness that concealed their true appearance.
As they continued their path, they overheard the fast discussion between the tournament narrators, spurred by the course of the final battle. They leaned against the railing that prevented a row of seats from falling on the other, and devoted some of their attention to the little show.
— Use Dark Pulse again, Mightyena! — He extended his arm in front of him, showing his conviction that this would be his final blow. — And finish off these failures!
And once again, black and purple rays came from the quadruped creature's mouth towards his opponent, who received minor scratches on her frail body.
— Rem! Use Calm Mind and hold on! — Relying on his Pokémon's resilience, he transmitted all his calmness and confidence to his partner with his respective words.
— I trust you.
Taking in all the confidence that her trainer had placed in her, she felt secure enough to raise her head, revealing the magnificence of her hidden pink eyes, like cherry blossom petals, against the approaching attack.
Suddenly, psychic energies represented in beams of light, as colorful as a rainbow, surrounded the little Ralts.
Then, at the exact moment the powerful rays of Mightyena's Dark Pulse were about to collide with the frail Pokémon, a bright flash momentarily blinded everyone on the battlefield, preventing any view of the outcome of both attack and defense.
To the surprise of the audience, the narrators, his opponent, and even the trainer himself.
Standing on the field, in a short tutu and on tiptoes, like a ballerina. The little Ralts no longer existed. Instead, a beautiful and confident Kirlia stood there.
— Rem... You evolved! — His sapphire eyes shone with happiness and surprise.
However, with no time to celebrate her evolution or think of a counterattack, in hysteria, her opponent, who was almost tearing tufts of his hair as big and spiky as a hedgehog's, made a desperate attack.
— In a winning team, you don't change! — He shouted angrily, clenching his fist. — Not one or two evolutions will stop me from winning! Dark Pulse, Mightyena!
— Rem! Tele— He interrupted his own command. After receiving a confident look from his Pokémon, he said to her, "Don't worry, I can handle it." And without questioning her, he smiled as he punched the air, relying on the trust of his best friend. — GO, REM!
It is said that the greatest power attainable between a Pokémon and its Master does not come from combat experience or the most powerful attacks it can learn. The greatest power is obtained when both break the taboo of Order and Obedience and both deposit all their hope and trust in each other, creating an unbreakable bond of partnership, extracting 101% of their strengths.
As the dark rays of Mightyena's attack were unleashed one last time, Kirlia, inexplicably shocking everyone present, began to redirect the potent Dark Pulse with both hands, spinning like a spinning top around it, transforming the darkness into a light as bright as a star, gripping it with both her small and delicate hands, then firing a beam of light, as luminous and as fast as a shooting star, towards her enemy.
Even open-mouthed at what he witnessed, the young man with dark and messy hair tried to prevent the inevitable blow to his Pokémon.
— Mightyena! Dodge! — Sensible decision, but it was too late.
The Dark-type Pokémon had taken a hit head-on, throwing him towards his trainer, and the weight made them both fall to the ground with Mightyena unconscious in his arms.
Regaining his composure, the battle's referee raised his small flag in favor of the young trainer and his newly evolved Kirlia.
— With Mightyena out of combat, Kirlia is the winner!
With the declared victory, everyone in the audience went wild, and high above all those ecstatic people, the mysterious figure still remained observing the battlefield.
"Reflect? Impossible! Mightyenas are immune to Psychic types, that was clearly a Fairy-type attack I've never heard of. No, this is more impressive; what I witnessed could be a new, yet undocumented move."
Lost in thought, they soon put their hands in their pockets and descended the stairs. However, the announcer's announcement caught their attention, making them stop in front of the steps.
— Naruto Stone from the city of Rustboro is this year's champion!
— Stone? Don't tell me he's Steven Stone's brother? — The surprise of discovering who that young man on the field was finally made them speak up in their feminine voice.
— It was quite a battle. — said the narrator. — Who would have expected Ralts to evolve in the middle of the battle? And to counterattack with such magnitude!
— They truly are an incredible duo, the trust he placed in his Pokémon is absurd. I have never seen such a strong bond between a Trainer and a Pokémon in my entire life.
Slowly, on the earthy ground, the trainer acclaimed by almost everyone present in the arena was walking towards the waiting Kirlia. Upon reaching her, he crouched down, gently placing his palm on her head, caressing her while giving the most comforting smile, making her not only see but also feel it in her little Pokémon heart.
— You were amazing, Rem! — praised her companion. — Once we find Steven and defeat him, we will be immortalized together in the grand Hall of Fame of Hoenn. I promise you that.
— Ki Kirlia!
It was obvious that Kirlia couldn't speak the human language, but from the clear expression of happiness on her face and her joyous response, there was no doubt that she would go to the distorted world of Giratina with Naruto if she needed to show how much she trusted and loved her trainer.
— Tsc. I can't believe it... — muttered the losing boy, returning his Mightyena to its Great Ball. Walking towards the exit of the arena, he made a point to pass parallel to the winner. — I don't know how you managed to defeat my Rhyhorn and Mightyena with just a Ralts... and on top of that, evolve it into Kirlia.
Naruto didn't respond to him or even turn around to face him; he just stood up, observing the assistants bringing the beautiful and luxurious Poké Ball to the award area below the commentator's booth, where he would be rewarded for his resounding victory.
— But... the next time we meet, I'll make sure to crush all your Pokémon. — He finished his threat, angrily kicking every stone he found along the way.
— Naruto Stone, please come to the podium for your award ceremony.
— Let's go, Rem.
With the announcement from the announcer, he decided to walk with his Kirlia to the stairs at the end of the arena, heading towards the podium, where his Cherish Ball awaited him along with a man holding a microphone, presumably the narrator, next to Captain Stern.
However, the sight of dozens of Pokémon photographers and journalists eagerly waiting for him, like hungry predators about to devour their fragile prey, didn't please him. But at this point, all he wanted was to leave, so he decided to take the risk.
— HEY! Make way for the boy! — the chubby commentator shouted. He was furious with the press, almost blinding and suffocating poor Naruto with their photographs and questions — After he receives his Cherish Ball with the mysterious Pokémon from Sinnoh, you can ask him whatever you want. For now, I want him whole to receive his award!
Normally, Pokémon journalists wouldn't let go of a possible magazine headline featuring Mr. Stone's youngest son, the irresponsible heir of Devon Corporation. However, the greedy idea of having all this plus the revelation of this year's mysterious Pokémon from the grand annual Pokémon battles event in Slateport got them all worked up.
With much discomfort from the camera pressure, Rem decided to stand behind his trainer's legs.
— I'm Dodger, the announcer who had the honor of commenting on your legendary battle for the entire audience! — He grabbed Naruto's hand without waiting for permission, shook it, and quickly let go, pointing with the same hand to the man with straight brown hair on his right. — This is Captain Stern, the most important man in Slateport, the creator of the entire water system and its contraptions that contributed to the glory of our city!
Stern smiled at the young man, extending his hand, which was soon shaken by Naruto.
— Without a doubt, you are Steven's younger brother; it's a shame he's not here to see how incredible you are. — Said the adult, receiving a small and forced smile from the Pokémon Trainer in front of him.
— Enough with the talk! — He said, picking up a golden cushion with the long-awaited crimson Poké Ball at its center. — It and whatever's inside are entirely yours! You deserve it.
— Thanks — Naruto said, taking it and hesitantly asked — Do I really need to reveal the Pokémon inside?
That surprised Dodger, what kind of Trainer was he? He had never met a winner from previous editions who didn't have the slightest curiosity about the mysterious Pokémon inside the Cherish Ball. Even though it was abnormal, no one could stop him from choosing not to reveal it, after all, it wasn't against the rules, so he couldn't enforce them.
— You're someone very peculiar, I must say. — He let out a little laugh. — But you have the right not to if you don't want to, after all, they belong to you now.
That permission was a relief for Naruto; he really wasn't in the mood to entertain the horde of journalists in front of him. But he swallowed his short moment of peace when he heard a question.
— Can we know why you don't want to show the Pokémon?
— Is it a personal reason or a trauma from the past?
— Maybe it's a fear of surprises!
Seeing the flood of questions that would be thrown at Naruto, Dodger tried to alleviate the situation.
— Everyone! Everyone! Let's give him a bit of...
— Why did you give up the opportunity to inherit the Devon Corporation?
— Could you tell us what attack your Kirlia used?!
— Do you know where the former champion is? Everyone wants to know where Steven is!
It was too late; as the rain of questions fell upon him, the photographers advanced along with the cameramen, closing the distance between them even more. In desperation with so much attention, questions, and flashes all at once, directed only at him, Naruto picked up Rem in his arms and ran towards an exit that would lead him to the corridors inside the stadium.
— He's running away! After him! — Someone shouted and pointed in Naruto's direction, and like a herd of centaurs, they followed him.
— I hope he manages to get out of this. — Stern wished.
—
"Where to? Where the hell is the exit!"
Lost not only in thoughts but literally while running through the extensive and wide galleries of the stadium. Naruto didn't even realize he had been pulled into a detour from the straight path he was following, and in an instant, he felt the softness of a petal covering his face, and soon a sweet fragrance filled his nostrils. A rose, perhaps? He thought, but it didn't take long for him to feel a gentle grip and realize that a delicate hand had silenced him.
In a few seconds, all the reporters who were looking for him passed by, finally losing sight of them. Rem, who was on his lap, looked to his right and was startled by the attire of the unknown person who had rescued them from that predicament.
— I think we lost them — the female voice finally gave a gender to the mysterious individual who slowly brought her hand to her waist.
— Thanks for the help, but I have to get out of here before they find me again — he said, resuming the path he was following.
— Aren't you forgetting something?
Suspicious, Naruto decided to search himself with the help of Rem. Then he realized that his prize was no longer in his possession. He quickly turned around and saw his Cherish Ball being continuously tossed and caught by the mysterious person as she walked towards the steps of the wide staircase ahead.
— Do you know it's not polite to take things from others without their permission? — he asked with a hint of sarcasm as he started following his thief.
Kirlia looked confused at Naruto, unable to understand her trainer. She had stolen something they both worked so hard for. Why did he act as if the situation was under control instead of getting angry or desperate to get his prize back? She really wanted to know the answer.
In a sudden memory flashback, Kirlia remembered something that would help solve her puzzlement.
FLASHBACK ON
Like trying to remove mud from the sole of a boot, Naruto tapped with the tip of his shoe on a clean wooden floor that gradually became dirty with dry soil.
— Do you know why we came to Slateport, Rem? — he asked his companion, who was still a delicate Ralts. Without a response, she shook her head from side to side. — Because maybe... just maybe. I feel that the Sinnoh Champion will be around. And since she was the last to battle and defeat my brother, my intuition tells me that she might give us information about where Steven could be now.
Rem not only knew of his great affection for his brother but also felt the deep and profound sadness he held in his heart since his disappearance. Six long months ago, Steven had vanished from the Pokémon world without a trace, and Naruto was determined to find him even if all he had left was his hope.
— Ral... ts. Ralts! — she tried to comfort him, hugging his leg.
That small gesture made the negative cloud hanging over Naruto dissipate with a comforting breeze, bringing him the warmth of the small but persistent rays of hope from a sun full of hope.
— Thank you, Rem.
And without saying another word, the two of them just enjoyed the relaxing symphony that the small Sinnoh immigrants, Kricetots, composed for that beautiful and starry night in Littleroot Town.
FLASHBACK OFF
However, the question about the thief's question ended that melodic symphony of their memories.
— But isn't denying a favor to the person who helped you beautiful, right? — She asked with the same tone as before, eliciting a small smile from him.
— I just don't have the habit of doing favors for strangers. — He paused briefly before continuing. — After all, this is real life, not an MMORPG game.
— You know... You're less annoying than I thought you'd be. — She let out a small and cute laugh. — Anyway, there's something I need to know about you and your Kirlia.
— Can't it be here? — He asked, following her as they descended the stairs.
— It's too crowded. There's a parking lot at the end of the stairs; it'll be perfect for the test.
— Test? What kind of test?
— I thought you'd be as smart as you are charming.
This last comment caught him by surprise; he might have been embarrassed, but he really didn't expect that.
Naruto might not be the epitome of neatness; his clothing wasn't luxurious or eye-catching. Perhaps that was because he had abandoned all the luxury of his father's money when he ran away from home. But his cerulean eyes held such a beautiful and deep blue that once you looked at them, there was a good chance of being hypnotized. His beautiful blonde locks subtly covered his left eye; they were as splendid as the first rays of dawn. An archangel, one might say.
— Kirlia!
While Naruto was taken aback, Kirlia was trying to get out of his lap, jealous that she had flirted with her trainer. The sad life of a female Pokémon and her gallant master.
Continuing through the parking lot, the mysterious figure guiding them stopped in a more secluded area without parked cars around and signaled with her hand for Naruto to wait there. Then she opened a standard Poké Ball from her pocket, and as it was in its compressed form, she stylishly twirled it between her fingers.
— We'll have a quick battle. If you win, I'll consider whether or not to give you back your prize.
— And if I lose...
— If you lose, you'll give me your beloved Pokémon.
Naruto stared at her. Clearly written on his face was a "Are you kidding me? You stole my prize, and now you want to bet my Pokémon?"
After letting out a frustrated sigh, he decided to speak up.
— Unless you change the rules, you can keep my prize; I don't care. — His conviction and lack of fear in his words made the mysterious woman back off a little. — I'll never give my best friend to a stranger, never.
— Alright, alright. If you don't want to give up your Pokémon, I have another proposal — she tried to ease the situation — In addition to considering giving your prize back, I'll tell you the location of your brother. A tempting proposal, isn't it?
Naruto was surprised by her new offer. The suspicions of who she might be pointed more and more in his mind to...
— Rem! Can I count on you for this battle? — He looked seriously at his companion. — I know it's asking a lot from you after everything we've been through today, but I beg you. Fight just this one more time, please.
Without needing to be asked again, Kirlia stood in front of her trainer once more. Rem was tired, but she made sure not to show it to avoid disappointing Naruto.
— Let's see if you're as strong as I witnessed today — Pressing the button in the middle of the Poké Ball, causing it to grow, it suddenly opened, and a red beam of light teleported a Lucario to the improvised battlefield.
That blue Pokémon exuded an intense aura of a warrior and was completely unknown to the young Hoenn trainer; he had never seen anything like it in this region. But he had to admit that the nearly unbreakable confidence shining in Lucario's eyes had impressed him.
— I can give you a few seconds to use your National Dex. You clearly don't know what a Lucario is.
That made Naruto freeze, but so cold, so cold, that Articuno would envy. Yeah, he didn't have one. He didn't even have one for his own region; how could he have a National Dex? Or better yet, he wasn't even an official trainer; he still had to get his license from Professor Birch in Littleroot Town. But the rogue trainer wouldn't let that deter him. Swallowing his inexperience, he tried to appear confident in his victory.
— No need. All I need is Rem's trust.
— If you say so...
Then the silence of a senseless wait took over the place; Lucario and Kirlia exchanged glances as their respective trainers looked on. The uncertainty of who would initiate the battle ended with the sunset; they weren't friends, they weren't acquaintances, and they hadn't battled before, but both had rivalry and excitement in their eyes, making it seem as if they had been waiting for this for years.
Then the two posts that divided the two rows of parking spaces started flickering and malfunctioning before their artificial lights turned on, illuminating the place at the same time the sun set and starting a fervent night. Breaking the silence and igniting the much-awaited battle.
— Lucario, advance with your Bone Rush!
Extending his left paw, an extensive shining bone appeared and headed toward Kirlia in a monstrous display of speed.
"He's fast!" Naruto thought, impressed with his opponent.
— Rem, use Reflect!
By crossing her delicate arms, a bright blue sphere-shaped light appeared, growing larger until it prematurely collided with Lucario's attack. Trying her best, Kirlia attempted to resist, but her effort was overcome by fatigue.
A small explosion of flash erupted upon the impact of the attacks, repulsing Lucario a few meters back along with his false bone staff that flew in the opposite direction while Rem was thrown against the cold, hard steel of a light pole, hitting her spine.
— Don't let her get up. Use Extreme Speed!
— Darn it... — Gritting his teeth in anger, he couldn't do anything but watch a green blur head toward Kirlia, who was still recovering.
As soon as the little ballerina got up, her eyes widened as she saw Lucario surrounded by a green aura with one of its arms ready to accept her. Unfortunately for her, the punch she took to her stomach knocked her to the ground, cracking the concrete.
— Don't waste time; finish her with Aura Sphere.
After landing with impeccable balance on the metallic part of the light post, Lucario moved his arms back as if reaching for something on his back. With his two paws united, small luminescent residues began to come together in the space between them, forming a large and beautiful dark blue sphere with its interior glowing like neon blue.
— Roar! — Lucario roared as he launched that devastating spiral towards the defenseless Rem.
Continues...