Beta: Gerald_of_Revea

AN: Changed name on from Icedev to 1celess. Iceless was taken, and I didn't consider 1celess at the time. If you are looking for my content on QQ, Iceless is my username. Also, updates are going to be a bit later from now on. I'm aiming for at least a chapter every 2 weeks.

-Meowth-

"This isn't real," Meowth's voice trembled as he called out into the darkness. "I will destroy you!" he tried to scream. His words echoed faintly, bouncing off of walls but he wasn't sure if it was real or if his imagination was playing tricks on him.

Meowth thought himself as a Pokémon with thick skin. Time and time again, he had failed. But the difference between him and those other cronies was that he never gave up.

Using the Master Ball on himself was the ultimate power move at the time, the thought alone lifted his mood even if it was only slightly. He regretted making that decision within the same hour he was in the Pokéball.

A Pokéball is constricting. It's uncomfortable. Based on the couple of times trainers have tried to catch him, he would only describe it as being locked in a closet, and the only way out of it was breaking down the door.

The Master Ball is different. To call it claustrophobic would be an understatement. It is suffocating.

He felt as if his body was surrounded in concrete. No matter how hard he tried, he wasn't able to move from his position even once. Attempts to do so seemingly forced him back into a fixed point in space.

He was only able to breathe in controlled breaths. He didn't think it was possible for him to sleep. If he inhaled too much in one breath, the space he was in would get tighter, further constricting him in the tight space.

Meowth's whiskers twitched as he strained to detect any sign of an exit, but all he felt was the oppressive stillness.

As moments turned into minutes, Meowth's anxiety only grew. The darkness was suffocating, and he felt a sense of helplessness he had never experienced before.

He craved for something to change. The time seemed to stretch on endlessly as Meowth wrestled with his thoughts and fears. The feeling of being trapped in the heart of a cave, with no hope of escape, gnawed at him.

And then it disappeared.

It was slow at first, as if the ball was allowing him to have a slight bit more space. Immediately taking the opportunity to do so, he yelped when he felt himself go in the slightest bit of freefall.

With the walls beginning to recede, so did the darkness. The sense of freedom he longed for suddenly felt like it was in his grasp.

And then he was at peace.

The pains and aches in his body were no longer there. His ability to breath was no longer constricted. He could speak and be able to hear his own voice.

He was free.

"Shit mate, do ya need a drink?" And Meowth froze in place.

Turning to the voice, he readied his claws. The brief worry that Red had taken him in the Master Ball had abated when he saw the man.

His features were different. Messy black hair, black jacket, a concerned expression that showed a level of care.

The man that he would later learn was named Cloud was not the psychopath he was most afraid of.

Retracting his claws, he let out another few deep breaths. The fact that he was talking should have been the first clue it wasn't Red, but his tunnel-vision set on the situation was clouding his judgement.

"Where is Jessie and James?" He demanded, but it came out more like a croak. Without his prompting, Cloud took a water bottle from his bag & gave it to him.

"Hospital. For both of 'em," Cloud said and Meowth couldn't help but feel his heart clench at the words. "Jessie is more or less fine. James got hurt pretty badly."

"Is he okay?" Meowth asked in panic, ignoring Cloud's own questions.

"He got Dragon Claw'd," he said, and Meowth felt as his breath hitched.

To any normal Pokémon, a Dragon Claw would hurt badly. But to a human?

"How deep was the cut?" Meowth pressured, but Cloud just waved him off.

"He's safe for now. I got him to the hospital, but the Jenny's know about the Rocket Hideout and are clearing the place out as we speak," He spoke matter of factly. "Not only that, the league now knows that Giovanni is the boss," he said, and Meowth felt as his heart sank.

"Boss was arrested?" he mouthed, Cloud shaking his head.

"Not arrested, but they know he's the leader. But that does beg the question," he said, juggling the Master Ball in his hand. "Why did James of all people have this? And more importantly, why did he use it on you?"

At the time, Meowth didn't realize Cloud was speaking of him like they knew each other. That he knew who he was talking about despite 'Being there for a job interview.' That he didn't react to a Pokémon being able to talk. There were many things Meowth realized about Cloud later in life that didn't add up. Meowth is a very smart Pokémon. Normally, he would have easily picked up on this. The reason why he didn't in the moment is obvious.

He was angry.

"Do you think I wanted to be inside that thing!" Meowth asked venomously. "I did what I had to! If I didn't let myself get captured, Red would have taken it!"

Cloud remained quiet after that, but Meowth couldn't care.

His boss was on the run, his friends were going to be captured by the Indigo league and he had failed to do the one task he was personally given by the Boss to protect the Master Ball and he had spent the last few hours stuck in a hellhole of his own making. And there is nothing-

Meowth paused at the thought, disgust at his own thought process making him want to stab him.

'Nothing he can do.' That's wrong. There's always something he could do.

He, Jessie & James learnt that a long time ago. They were the best of Team Rocket. They could make robots stronger than other Pokémon in a matter of minutes. All of this could be done due to the synergy of three genii at work.

He refused to think there was nothing he could do.

If he could make machines for capturing Pokémon.

...Then he could make a machine to stop one.

Permanently.

"There's one thing I can do to make things right." Meowth said, breaking the silence. "It's why we needed the Master Ball in the first place. I'm going to need your help."

"Guess I can't say no then," the man shrugged, seeming easily willing to go along with him. "I promised James I would keep you safe at the very least."

He felt a brief burst of affection for his friend, a small smile coming onto his face before disappearing as quickly. At this moment in time he needed to stay focused.

There was only one destination he needed to go. The world will be saved.

"We need to go to New Island."

-Cloud-

"You know, out of all the things you have ever done to me, I think this is the evilest." I groaned, Sonia just rolling her eyes in response.

"If you are going on stage to talk with the Elite 4 & the Champion, then I refuse to see you dressed like you don't care."

To say I was annoyed when I found out Rotom & Sonia had brought a suit for me would be an understatement. I hadn't worn a suit in years and I liked it like that. As soon as I saw the tie I immediately wanted to burn the thing.

I was able to meet them halfway, a black shirt & trousers. A casual-formal if you will.

"I look ridiculous." I sighed in acceptance, Sonia playfulling nudging my shoulder.

"You look like a respectable young man," she said gazing thoughtfully into the mirror. "I could get used to this."

"And I could get used to seeing you in a cheerleading outfit, but sadly we don't all get what we want," I replied, in which Sonia just rolled her eyes.

"If you are ready, I think we should go now. Best not to leave the officials waiting."

"Is Psyclone coming?" I asked, getting a slow shake of the head from the girl.

"He didn't return here last night," she frowned. "And Meowth didn't get enough sleep last night, either. Looks like it's going to be just the two of us."

"And once again, I am forgotten about." Rotom buzzed, making the two of us jump in place.

Rotom had taken over one of our cameras, and promised to be our cameraman. Rotom being in the camera actually led to the picture being of higher quality than normal.

"Please tell me you are not streaming," Sonia panicked, to which Rotom snorted.

"And let everyone know where you are staying?" he asked in amusement. "Please, I am a professional. I do not make mistakes."

"Good to know," I nodded. "Then let's do this."

Time to meet a Champion.

I was disappointed.

I was hoping that I was able to meet with the Elite 4 of Paldea before journalists started asking questions.

'Life just can't be that simple, can it?' I thought idly, watching as more and more people took their seats.

Geeta hasn't arrived yet. The Elite 4 were there as well but they seriously did not look happy to be there. Especially the child.

I forgot that there was literally a child in the Elite 4 of Paldea. Her name escaped me, as did most of the Elite 4. I only remembered the one that was actually cool.

We were all on a slightly raised stage and sadly, there were two people between me & Larry, so actually walking over there to talk with him would have been cringe.

Clavell had taken his spot beside me on the very edge of the table. A very interesting man, and a great conversationalist as well.

I can't wait to see him in his Clive persona.

"She's taking her sweet time isn't she?" I turned towards the kid Elite 4. "I mean, we've been sitting here for 20 minutes."

When I first saw her, I thought that there must have been some type of nepotism going on for her to be in the Elite 4. I mean, they literally hired a 5 year old to be part of their Elite 4, why not choose someone else?

Then I realized it just meant that a 5 year old was better than the other 99% of trainers in Paldea, and then everything seemed to make a lot more sense.

"She's doing it for me," she giggled. "If these meetings are super long, I don't have to go back to school!"

I blinked, turning to Clavell who was rubbing his forehead, seemingly not knowing about this little detail.

"Really?" I grinned. "So you don't just say it's 'League Business' or something to your teachers to get out of class?"

"You have to use those sparingly," the girl whispered. "I keep it to once a month per teacher," she admitted and I had to forcibly stop myself from bursting out into laughter.

But it seemed my little conversation was enough time for the woman of the hour to arrive.

Making her entrance onto the stage, reporters rose from their seats and cameras flashed. A few were taken when I made my own entrance but not nearly the same amount as Geeta's.

Whether that was because we were both on the stage or she was that popular, I didn't know. I didn't care either, I'm just happy she finally came.

"Greetings everyone," she said, taking her seat at the table. "I am sorry for the delay."

She was taller than I expected. Honestly, I had mostly forgotten what she looked like. I tend to forget people's faces, as it was easier to remember a person by their team composition.

Considering how many sailors, ace trainers, scientists & hikers were basically identical, I think most would cut me some slack for thinking that way.

But looking at Geeta, there's only one thought that crosses my mind.

'She really needs a haircut.'

"Now then," she said, breaking the silence. "Questions are open."

"What do you mean when you say "Gogoat is the smart car of Cyclizers?"

"It means they're a trash Pokémon to travel by. Next-"

"But you don't own a Cyclizer!" The reporter fired back. "So what Pokémon do you travel by?"

"I travel exclusively by Helicopter," I rolled my eyes. "If you are going to ask questions, don't make them so fucking boring."

The squawk of indignation I got from the reporter was music to my ears. Doubly so when other reporters were outraged at my 'behaviour.'

It turns out Rotom was correct once again.

In the 5 minutes since questioning has begun, all of them have been directed towards me, mainly pertaining towards my 'rant.'

I've had 3 different variations of the question: "How can you possibly think Geeta is the weakest Champion," and it was annoying me greatly.

For fuck sake, just watch the fucking clip.

"Champion Geeta, what is your opinion on Cloud?" A reporter asked, making me look towards the woman with interest.

"When it comes to analyzing Pokémon battles, he flourishes," she paused, allowing her words to hang in the air.

"However, that is the only positive thing I can say about Cloud."

Oh?

"Cloud is what we call a savant. Again, when analyzing Pokémon battles he gives insightful takes on the recommended strategy for both trainers. I don't doubt he would make a terrific battlecaster." she said with a flourish.

"However, beyond that lies a shell of a trainer that does not care for his Pokémon."

…Excuse me?

"If you knew anything about me you would know that's not the case," I chuckled. "But I gotta ask, when did you start thinking that?"

"It's the way you see Pokémon." she says, directly addressing me now. "You hold no empathy for Pokémon you see as weak." she said in a soft tone. "To you they are numbers on a piece of paper, and I can't help but feel sorry that you think that way."

Her tone carried a lot of empathy. Whether it was actual empathy or her putting on an act, I didn't know.

Her words were clearly swaying the crowd however, judging from the mixture of anger/sadness from the crowd.

As before, the crowd was largely filled with reporters, but it seems that the students were in class right now, so I didn't have to worry about any children.

It was for a brief moment, barely a second, but the brief expression of doubt Sonia had on her face sent a chill through my heart.

Then it clicked for me.

'So that's the angle she's going for,' I thought, my momentary sadness gone in the wind.

Geeta is playing games. But this time I'm not the target.

It's the crowd.

She plans on turning the crowd against me before the battle even begins.

And as much as I disliked her for doing that, I had to give her credit for coming up with the idea in the first place.

Well, two can play at that game.

"You mean whether or not a Pokémon is viable?" I blinked, getting a practiced sigh from the woman. "Yeah, I only train viable Pokémon. I mean, it would be fairly disrespectful to think I could beat a Champion using a shit team."

"And that will be your downfall," she smiled sadly at me. "It is clear that someone like you has never bonded with their Pokémon. You don't understand the power a bond between a trainer and their Pokémon can be," she chuckled softly. "It's saddening to see."

"You're just salty I called your Pokémon shit, aren't you?" Amusement lacing my tone. "You don't even believe half the stuff you are spouting. Because where's the correlation between only training good Pokémon and not caring for them?"

"It seems you are more thick-headed than I thought." she blinked slowly, her tone remaining calm. "But in regard to your comments about my team, I can assure you, you are wrong."

"Cope." I smirked. "I'd feel pretty bad too if I found out the team I've trained for years is as trash as it is," and I would be lying if I said I didn't enjoy the outrage that I drummed up from the crowd. "But don't worry, I'll show you what a good team looks like."

"So you believe your team is better trained? That it will beat my own?" she asked, a strange glint in her eyes at the question.

"We fight for what we believe in," I smiled, inwarding cringing at how punchable I sounded. "And I believe in my Pokémon."

"Then how about a bet?" She asked, leaning forward. "Just you and me?"

"...What do you have in mind?"

"You believe that you are able to beat me in Pokémon battle," she said calmly, raising my intrigue. "But I don't think you actually believe that," she said with amusement. "You accepted my battle for one reason and one reason only. Clout. When you lose the battle, you will still come out a winner. You will have gained clout, perhaps more people would watch your show, and in turn receive more money. I do not want my students thinking people can do these things without consequences." She paused for effect, turning to me. "That is why I propose a wager."

"Hold on for a moment," I smirked, realizing she was trying to trap me. "You're saying this like you didn't escalate the situation. Hardly anything would have come of it if you didn't get salty and challenge me to a Pokémon battle."

"That's hardly the case," she tutted. "Within the day, your words were seen by ten million people. After my challenge was issued, instead of apologizing for your drunken ramblings, you went on another rant on my Veluza."

"Yeah, fuck Veluza." I scowled. "Those fuckers are even worse than Avalugg & Gogoat."

I winced when I saw the glare that the blonde Elite 4 member was giving me. He was glancing between me and the child who was covering her ears.

"Then let us see if that is the hill you are willing to die on," Geeta smirks, pulling out a briefcase from under the desk.

"I wager 10 million Pokédollars."

-Geeta-

The expected outcry made her smile. It was an inward smile, but she always did enjoy catching people off guard.

It was a shame the idea to challenge Cloud to a bet wasn't her own, but she was considerably thankful towards Rika for suggesting the idea.

It did not do to simply teach the boy a lesson. Instead, it would be a lesson that the boy would never forget.

If it was any other trainer, it would be forgotten in time. However, Cloud's unique circumstances allowed her this opportunity.

It was very clear that Cloud was well off as a trainer. He has made that abundantly clear with his streams. Most trainers would have refused the wager outright. Cloud may eventually be able to pay off the debt, although it would take time.

However, it won't be done without the help of his dear viewers, who will constantly remind him that he lost 10 million Pokédollars making a gamble that didn't pay off.

On top of that, she can use this experience as an example to teach her own students on how arrogance can be their downfall.

Seeing the look of befuddlement on the boy's face was beautiful. A thrill jolted down her back as the boy continuously looked between the briefcase and herself.

She had wondered how the boy would respond. Accepting the wager was her preferred choice, but denying the wager would mean that he did not believe in his Pokémon, or had a chance to win in the first place.

There was even the flickering thought that Cloud would refuse to battle outright after the wager was laid, but she hoped that wouldn't be the case.

However, out of all the possible responses the boy could make, the one that she received was not what she expected.

He was laughing.

It was not a small chuckle, to try and ease the tension, it was far from that. He did not simply laugh, he howled. He roared as if he was told the funniest joke in the world.

"Geeta," he said through choked giggles, and stunning her with his next sentence.

"Are you fucking retarded?"

-Cloud-

A bet. A wager. An absolute powermove that would floor the opposition.

For Geeta, it was a mistake.

Looking towards Clavell I saw his head in his hands, thoroughly done with this situation. I was more surprised that he hadn't reprimanded me for using 'expletive language', seemingly allowing me to let me say what I want.

'Or was he told not to do anything,' I wondered, looking back towards Geeta.

Matter of fact, none of the Elite 4 has said anything. They haven't been called upon nor contributed to the conversation. And again, Clavell has been completely silent this entire conversation. It was something that was putting me on edge.

Shaking my head, I realized I was jumping to conclusions again. This whole conference is here because of me & Geeta. Of course we would be the targets of conversation.

All I have to do is be the better shit-talker.

Pro debate tip: If someone says an argument you can't argue, just do ad hominem and start insulting them, how they look, and their character. None of their arguments are viable if you discredit them as people.

"Petty insults will not-"

"Geeta, honey," I interrupted. "Let me tell you something. Do you know what the odds are in your favor for this match?"

She paused briefly, a frown appearing on her face.

"I'm afraid I don't make a habit of gambling, nor do I-"

"It's 13:1 Geeta, 13:1. That means for every dollar I bet on myself, I will get 13 dollars in return when I win."

"Which you won't win. Since-"

"Since that's a fool's bet," I cut her off. "Why bet with you when I can win 130 million elsewhere?" I chuckled. "Besides, 10 million Pokédollars is a lot of money. But in the end we would both be able to recuperate this. This isn't the slam dunk you think this is."

The hall fell into silence, a profound hush settling over the audience as they absorbed my words.

Most didn't like me, that was true. I was talking shit about their Champion in their home territory and they didn't like that.

Geeta didn't quite know how to respond to what I said either, seemingly put on the backfoot for the first time in the conversation.

So I pressed even further.

"So why don't we wager something that will actually make headlines?," I smiled, a devilish plan coming to mind. "No money, no titles, but something that we can't replace when the battle is over."

"Our Pokémon."

-Sonia-

Disbelief.

She couldn't quite put a word to exactly how she was feeling, but that was what came closest.

It didn't make sense. Cloud wasn't the type of person to risk losing his Pokémon on a bet. He loves them too much for that to be the case.

She had seen how he acts with his Pokémon. He sees them with a kind of reverence usually held only by children. The ones he owns are well cared for and even have nicknames.

'Is he deliberately going to throw the match?' Sonia thought, before she shook her head.

Cloud is much too prideful to do that. But then why would he make the bet in the first place.

'Is… Is he trying to force Geeta to go all out?' she stilled, realization settling in.

[GrimmGambles: This just got interesting]

[Spike: Holy shit, I fucking love this guy.]

[ToTheMoon: Cloud is bluffing. He has to be.]

[SweetDrems: GrimmGambles This is disgusting! How can someone so frivolously put their own Pokémon on the line for a bet.]

[Caliburr: SweetDrems This is called entertainment. Probably the quickest way I can think of to get strong Pokémon.]

[Lava: This is beautiful.]

[Gerald_of_Revea: Fuck. Yes.]

[CurrentlyHuman: Cloud, please don't do this.]

"Is he out of his mind?" Sonia hissed, although she doubted it was heard by anyone over all of the other voices in the room.

"We wager the six Pokémon that we are going to use in our battle," Cloud said with a calm smile. "The one that wins keeps the other trainers Pokémon."

"I accept," Geeta responded, and Sonia felt her heart drop. "If only to save them from you."

"Save them from me?" Cloud mouthed. "Save them- what the hell does that even mean?"

"You don't get it, do you?" Geeta said, a look of pity on her face. "This is no longer about how wrong you are. Or the insults you've made to my Pokémon. This is about teaching you one thing, and one thing only. Bonds."

She watched as the hold room paused. Everyone seemingly entranced by Geeta's words.

"The bond between trainer & Pokémon is unbreakable. It's a partnership built on trust, friendship, and understanding. We celebrate each triumph and support one another through every challenge."

"They are our confidants. Our Allies. They are an integral part of our everyday lives. That bond can never be broken. It is etched into our hearts & souls, it defines us as trainers as individuals."

"Those with the strongest of bonds go on to become great. You see, Champions are not born, they are made. They are molded into becoming strong trainers by going through the trials of fire that is the Gym Circuit. Those with the strongest of bonds are the ones that are titled as Champions."

"Then there are trainers who have failed. Those that failed to improve themselves. They have hit a roadblock in their journey, and instead of trying to get around it, they turn back. They give up on everything. Including trying to develop bonds with their Pokémon. Those like you." Geeta finished her speech, self-righteousness rolling off of her form.

"So what you are saying is… the trainer who has the stronger bond is the one that will win this match?" Cloud pressed, seemingly nonplussed by her speech.

"I assure you, there is not someone with a stronger bond between their Pokémon in all of Paldea."

Cloud just chuckled at the response, bringing out a small marble that made a few people in the crowd gasp.

"Then why is it that I can mega-evolve my Pokémon and you can't?"

-Psyclone-

'What a waste of time.' Psyclone thought bitterly, crushing a nearby boulder to alleviate some of his anger.

He knew there was a chance they were not there. Cloud's memories and the world he is in is not the same.

Thus, it was not guaranteed that Legendary Pokémon would lie within the caves.

Mew had not come for him. He did not once visit New Island nor appeared in front of him. He had hoped another Legendary Pokémon would have the answer. It did not.

He had only met one other Legendary Pokémon, and it is now in Cloud's possession. The bird was not worth his time.

The bird did not know of his own origins. Its memories were jumbled. Unhinged. Fragments of a once worthy Pokémon was all that was left.

Neither Koraidon or Miraidon were in these caves. Both would have been fine additions to his team. But he was not searching for Legendary Pokémon for their abilities.

Closing his eyes, he teleported out of the cave to a lone room in Uva-Naranje Academy.

The Ruin Pokémon will give him his answers.