I was dreaming.
In this dream, I was flying through the air, holding Ralts in my arms. My mind was confused, but somehow, I knew I was flying. The world around me was nothing but a blur with shapes and colors constantly changing. I soared through the air like a sound wave or a particle of light, my body randomly thrown in different directions.
I didn't know why this was happening. But one thing was certain: no matter what I tried, I would eventually lose speed and suffer an impact with the ground.
So I focused. I looked at the ever-changing landscape below, trying to find a relatively safe place to land.
Why did I feel the need to do this? Good question. Something inside me was screaming that I had to do it if I wanted to survive.
Still, we were going too fast. It was like looking at a spinning fishing reel, but everything was moving much, much faster… And for just a moment, we suddenly slowed down.
Oh, crap. I'm going to fall!
Panic welled up in my chest, but now I could see the ground below me clearly. I needed to land on a field. Falling into the sea or crashing straight into the ground wouldn't be good. Forests would obviously be dangerous, but if I could aim for a field…
I forced myself to land, hoping for the best. My speed rapidly decreased as we dove towards an extensive rocky ground.
An instant later, I lost consciousness.
(???)
When I opened my eyes, I found myself in an entirely white empty place. Immediately, I knew it wasn't real. It must be some kind of lucid dream.
However, for some reason, my body felt strangely heavy.
"Huh…?" I was surrounded by a strange green energy.
Meanwhile, I heard a rumble and a series of roars.
Now, I was standing on rocky terrain, and in front of me, an epic battle was unfolding.
"Are those!?" The legendary figures - Arceus, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina - were engaged in an intense battle, their swift movements creating sparks in the air.
The energy I felt around me was palpable, a mix of static electricity and a constant buzzing. The ground trembled under the impact of the blows exchanged between these powerful entities.
Arceus, the creator, was at the center of the battle, facing the three responsible for much of the balance in the universe.
The sky above them was filled with dark clouds, swirling in tumultuous spirals, reflecting the intensity of the conflict. Lightning cut through the sky, creating an atmosphere of chaos and grandeur. It seemed like the very world was about to shatter before this titanic battle.
As I watched, I could feel a wave of tension spreading through the air, as if reality itself were being distorted by the colossal powers of these creatures. The clash of their energies created shockwaves, rippling through the battlefield, affecting the surrounding landscape.
Giratina, with its distorted and shadowy form, cast deep shadows over the scene.
Palkia, with its majestic presence, manipulated the space around it, distorting the perception of reality.
Dialga, the master of time, unleashed temporal bursts, causing the present, past, and future to intertwine in a chaotic dance.
Arceus, the supreme creator, stood with dignity, facing its own children in a test of cosmic strength and balance. Every move they made had profound implications for the universe and all creatures inhabiting it.
When it seemed like the fight would drag on, a series of portals began to appear around this battlefield, and looking forward, I saw a Pokémon I didn't know; was it responsible for this?
Time seemed to slow down as, in front of me, a nearby portal opened, revealing something truly extraordinary…
"Supreme Arceus!" I exclaimed in reverent whispers, my eyes widening at the imposing sight of a six-armed Pokémon, surrounded by golden arches. Who was this?
However, before I could fully process the grandeur of that being, other portals began to pour forth an impressive succession of legendary Pokémon, like a procession of gods descending from Olympus.
"LUGIA!?" my voice echoed, almost lost in the tumult caused by the legendary bird majestically emerging from the portal.
From a second portal, Ho-oh appeared, followed by Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno, each radiating a divine aura. Soon after, the legendary dogs appeared, shaking the earth with their presence, while Groudon and Kyogre emerged with a roar that echoed like the awakening of titans.
The ground trembled even more when Rayquaza and Regigigas appeared, emanating overwhelming energy. The grandiosity reached new heights with the majestic entrance of Xerneas and Yveltal, followed by the imposing figure of Zygarde. The scene was imbued with the essence of mythological deities.
And, as if reality itself were bowing to their presence, Reshiram and Zekrom emerged from the final portals, their imposing forms filling the space with an intensity of light and darkness that enveloped us all.
I stood there, witnessing the epic gathering of legendary Pokémon, a congregation that transcended mere existence and resonated like an echo from primordial times. It was an experience that challenged understanding and made my heart race in the face of the magnificence of their presences.
The vastness of the portals opening revealed not only the reunion of the legendaries but also an even more transcendental purpose. The sky, once static, now resembled a celestial battlefield, with the legendary Pokémon facing Arceus, the creator himself.
Attacks began to be launched towards Arceus like a storm of divine energy. Lightning, flames, temporal distortions, and cosmic powers intertwined, creating a chaotic symphony of colliding forces. The ground shook with each impact, echoing the turmoil unfolding in the sacred domains.
Then, at the height of tension, when all projectiles were about to hit Arceus, time suddenly stopped. An oppressive silence enveloped the battlefield, as if the universe awaited the unfolding of a cosmic narrative.
It was in this moment of temporal suspension that Arceus's eyes met mine. An inexplicable connection was established, and its voice echoed in my mind enigmatically, " This is not your Destiny."
Before I could articulate any response, a white veil spread before my eyes, and I abruptly awoke, leaving behind the tumult of the legendary Pokémon and the titanic battle."
( End of the Dream)
When I opened my eyes, I was abruptly pulled from that dreamlike dimension and found myself back in the cold reality. I got up from the couch with a sense of disorientation, my body still adjusting to the transition between the dream world and the harsh tangibility of the room.
"What the hell was that?" I murmured to myself, perplexed. The memory of the celestial vision and Arceus's mysterious message lingered like a fleeting shadow in my mind.
The dizziness that initially enveloped me soon dissipated, and my senses returned to normal. I looked around and realized I was in the room, a setting that had become almost familiar in the past nights.
To contextualize my journey to this point, it is necessary to consider some crucial elements.
Firstly, my name is Ritsuka Fujimaru. I am currently 17 years old and recently completed my studies at a preparatory school for researchers in Hoenn, my homeland.
Secondly, I am the heir to a lineage of respectable Pokémon researchers, a family tradition that, despite my decision to follow it, held different beliefs than those that shaped my parents' lives. However, their research led them to Kanto, where, mysteriously, they disappeared about a year ago, prompting my current quest.
The third point to consider is that I have dedicated the last week to investigating the disappearance of my parents. Why would a 17-year-old embark on such an endeavor? Well, it seems the Kanto police had more urgent priorities.
The Kanto region, the fourth aspect to highlight, proved to be a hostile territory, teeming with wild Pokémon and the infamous Rockets, the criminal organization plaguing it. Given my lack of skills as a trainer and the absence of a Pokémon to defend me, I sought help from distant relatives, finding a generous soul in Kanto willing to assist me, albeit challenging since my family was primarily from Hoenn and Sinnon.
However, a financial obstacle forced me to improvise a resting place, resulting in my stay on the couch for the past few nights… I had indeed spent all my savings on the journey.
With no Pokémon, no defined direction for my search, and few resources, the situation could not be described as favorable. I had done nothing but hit rock bottom in the past week…
And so, despite the uncertainties, I was determined to find my parents and resume my path toward the main goal: completing my internship as a researcher and finishing my Ph.D.
It wasn't the first time my parents had disappeared, but this time the absence of any prior explanation had ignited a concern that I preferred to extinguish at once.
Well, a brief summary.
"Rallll!." Upon hearing the grunt, Ritsuka looked to his side at his only honorary Pokémon and travel companion, a prominent Ralts in the Hoenn region.
This Pokémon belonged to either his mother or father, left in their laboratory for research. As his parents mysteriously disappeared, Ralts ended up hiding in my backpack and, in turn, traveled with me in the search… Quite cunning.
Oh, there was something special about this Pokémon too. It didn't have the naturally green hue found in most Ralts; in fact, its coloring was a baby blue with the lower part in purple and the top in orange. This Ralts was of a type known as Shiny, where a Pokémon has a different coloration for any apparent reason, very rare.
"Is the coffee ready?" I said.
"Rallll." Ralts grunted again, seeming like a positive sign.
"You shouldn't get too comfortable here; we can't abuse hospitality." Ritsuka spoke.
"Alllts." The Pokémon retorted.
"How am I the only one who doesn't help with chores? Yesterday, I took care of the dinner bowls." Ritsuka defended himself.
"Alllts!" Ralts crossed its tiny paws.
"Huh? Breaking the bowls and throwing them away counts as help, and what are you, my mother? You little mushroom!" Ritsuka said irritated.
"Ralll!" The Pokémon continued, but Ritsuka chose to ignore it.
Ritsuka stretched as he got off the couch. He was wearing sports pants and nothing on his torso, giving a view of his slim yet defined body. Oh yes, Ritsuka Fujimaru had a spatial ability; he could communicate with Pokémon. It wasn't unique, in fact, many in his family had the same ability, especially the person who owned this house.
Ritsuka then went to the breakfast table, which was quick as it was only a few steps away. The cabin wasn't very large and didn't have much furniture; it was divided like this: in the middle, the dining table, on the left side, a couch facing the TV, and on the right side, a single bed, currently neatly arranged.
It was a single-person cabin, located in Viridian Forest, a place Ritsuka always wondered how she could live in such a remote environment. Still, he wasn't one to speak, as he lived in a bustling environment most of his life.
The table was set with a steaming coffee pot, some slices of bread, and a handful of fresh fruits.
Ritsuka poured a cup of coffee and took a sip, feeling the invigorating warmth spread through his body. Ralts, curious, watched every move, its large eyes expressing a mixture of curiosity.
"You can't drink this." Ritsuka cut off any potential issues right away. "How much I miss meat…" It had been a week since the boy ate anything related to meat because apparently the owner of the house didn't like it.
What would Ritsuka do for some cooked Seadra right now…
"Where is she?" Ritsuka asked, referring to the owner of the house and generous relative who took him in in Kanto.
Ralts, in turn, made a vague gesture toward the door, indicating she was outside. Ritsuka nodded.
Opening the door, a cool morning breeze caressed his face.
Outside, there was a woman busy tending to the small garden surrounding the cabin. Her gaze met Ritsuka's, and she waved with a gentle smile.
"Good morning, Ritsuka! How was your night?" she asked, still engaged in watering the plants.
The woman possessed truly enchanting beauty, with beautiful features. One of the most striking characteristics was her blonde hair, straight and tied in a ponytail, with a length reaching approximately to her buttocks. Additionally, her fair skin and brown eyes added to her charm. She wore clothes reminiscent of overalls.
"Yellow! As always… A whirlwind of crazy dreams and a lack of meat." Ritsuka replied with his characteristic sarcasm.
The woman laughed, a warm laughter that echoed through the morning tranquility. "I've told you that you need to get used to my healthier diet. It might be a good change of habits!"
"I don't know, Yellow. I'm missing a good Slowpoke barbecue. Maybe that's a necessity for mental health." Ritsuka said, taking another sip of coffee.
Yellow had an impassive expression when she heard but continued to water the plants while talking to Ritsuka.
"How's the plan to find your parents going? Any news?" Yellow asked, maintaining a calm expression.
"Not much, still at ground zero. No Pokémon, no money, no concrete clues. Just crazy dreams and a certain Pokémon nagging me to do more." Ritsuka explained, grumbling.
Yellow stopped for a moment, looking directly into Ritsuka's eyes. "Well, you'll find a way. A long time ago, a friend of mine disappeared, but eventually, he reappeared." she said affectionately.
Ritsuka rolled his eyes, showing his typical disdainful attitude. "Sounds like a self-help lesson. I think I prefer concrete and quick answers."
"Sometimes, Ritsuka, the inner journey is as valuable as the outer one. Learning about oneself can be the key to unraveling greater mysteries." Yellow advised, resuming her work in the garden.
"Philosophical advice in a flower garden. I'm really in an episode of a self-help program, aren't I?" Ritsuka muttered to himself.
Before he could receive a response, Ralts approached, looking at Ritsuka with a curious expression. It seemed to want to communicate something.
"What now, you little mushroom?" Ritsuka teased, but his attitude changed when Ralts started pointing in the direction of the forest.
"Ralts is right. Yesterday when I went out, I met a friend who said he saw your parents last year heading from Viridian to Pallet. Maybe it's a clue for your parents." Yellow commented, as if having a sixth sense that didn't even need to see the Pokémon.
"Your friend? What were they doing in that remote place?" Ritsuka was intrigued.
"Yes, a friend. And don't be rude; many strong trainers come from there, and they don't like people speaking ill of their hometown. I think you should take a look. It might be what we've been waiting for." Yellow suggested, offering a map of the region to Ritsuka.
"I don't respect trainers enough to care." He observed the map for a moment, thoughtful. "Let's go, Ralts. It looks like our day is about to get a bit more exciting," Ritsuka declared.
"Alllts." The little one spoke.
"When you get to Pallet, look for Professor Oak. We're old friends; he'll help you, and your parents were researchers, so if they passed through Pallet, they would have been there." Yellow affirmed. "And be careful; the Pokémon told me there's some troublemaker Pokémon in the region." She then reached into one of her pockets and released one of her Pokémon.
"Dody, take Ritsuka to Pallet City." The Pokémon in question was a Dodrio.
The three-headed Pokémon stared at Ritsuka for a second and exclaimed, "Driooo!"
Yellow blushed and put a hand on her cheek "Dody, I'm too old for Ritsuka."
"Dooo!" The Pokémon retorted.
"What do you mean I'm getting old for men and should grab the first one I see!?" Yellow said blushing and indignant.
Ritsuka looked with transparency, "Your Pokémon are unique, for sure, Yellow…" He then approached Dodrio and whispered, "So do I have a chance with her? We'll have a long conversation on this trip."
"Driooo!" The Pokémon seemed to agree.
In the midst of the bushes, a certain Pokémon was keeping an eye on the duo…
( Meanwhile, in Pallet Town.)
Pallet Town was a city known for great names, especially revered by many champions who were born there. It was a town untouched by pollution, making it a perfect home for Pokemon breeding. That's why it was the location of the laboratory belonging to the greatest Pokemon researcher in Kanto, Professor Oak.
At this moment, let's take a look inside his laboratory, which consists of two floors. Inside the entrance door, there's a hallway with several doors, and on the left, there's a dresser and the staircase leading to the second floor.
Upstairs is the research floor, where all the technological pieces and the heart of the laboratory are located.
"Professor Oak, I think it would be better for you to take a break." the current assistant of Professor Oak suggested, serving him a cup of coffee, the third in the last 10 minutes.
He seemed tired as he continued staring at the screen displaying data about a Pokemon unknown to the assistant, apparently not hearing her.
"Helloooo! Oh, the door was open, so I just walked in." A feminine and energetic voice filled the room.
The assistant turned immediately. "Ah, Miss Blue!" The assistant seemed nervous.
Blue is a beautiful young woman with a slender and curvy figure of average height. She has very pale skin, large light blue eyes, and long brown hair reaching her waist, with bangs as a highlight. She is wearing a shirt with purple and pink ribbons as decoration, respectively, and a black mini skirt.
"Mash, don't be so formal, it makes me feel old!" The woman pouted.
Mash, the young assistant, had short lavender hair, lilac eyes, and fair skin. Her figure is quite athletic. Mash wears rectangular-framed glasses, a gray hoodie over a black shirt with a white collar, a red tie with the insignia of a Pokeball, a black skirt, black stockings, and brown shoes.
"Is he still at it?" Blue asked, and Mash nodded hesitantly.
A fox-like smile appeared on Blue's face as she jumped on Professor Oak, making sure to hug his back tightly and press her body against his "Professor Oak, a man of your age shouldn't spend so much time staring at a screen; there are better things in life." Blue then ran her hands over his torso. "And you need to train to attract the ladies." Blue's voice was suggestive.
"M-Miss Blue!!" Mash blushed and disapproved of the actions.
"I would appreciate it if you let go, Blue." The man spoke with a serious and stoic tone. "And I would appreciate it if you didn't call me Oak; that was my grandfather's name."
Blue, on the other hand, hummed and released the man. "By Arceus, you're as boring as Green! I guess it runs in the family. The old Oak and I didn't get along well either, right, Gary." Green grumbled.
Gary Oak, a 22-year-old young man, tall and slim with fair skin, brown eyes, and tall spiky brown hair pointing in the other direction, along with a beard of the same color as his hair. He wore a classic scientist outfit, basically a white lab coat with blue pants.
Gary was the current Pokemon expert who inherited the laboratory from his late grandfather.
"Did you get the stone?" Gary asked.
Blue stuck her tongue out childishly. "Of course, but it's useless!" The woman carried a black bag and took out a stone that seemed to have something written in an unknown language.
Gary took the stone with his hands and looked at the ancient writings. "If only those two were still here…" The Professor sighed.
Blue then crossed her arms. "You should be thankful now; seriously, you'll be a lousy husband for some poor woman one day." The woman then looked at the computer screen "Still researching about it?"
"With little success so far, nothing but baseless legends." Gary grumbled as he picked up the coffee cup served by Mash.
"Honestly, I don't see what's so fascinating about this Pokemon." Blue commented.
Gary then looked back at the screen containing the minimal data he had about the Pokemon "That's what I hope to find out." The Pokemon Professor then looked back at Blue "I have another favor to ask at the moment."
"Again? You think a young and beautiful woman has nothing better to do?" Blue retorted.
"I know you don't, that's why I'm turning to you." Gary asserted, only to receive the bag that Blue carried straight to his face, and he didn't even flinch. "Anyway, I need you to go to Viridian City. From what I heard, they obtained the last stone, but the Rockets are keeping an eye on their movements."
Blue sighed. "I can't believe there's a day when working in the shadows would be so annoying. And to think I've been kicking these idiots since I was a child; it's almost comical how troublesome they are." The woman grumbled.
"We both know the reason they're so troublesome right now, having that person on their side makes even the international police unable to do much…" Gary spoke with a slightly colder tone.
Blue gave a small smile in response "Nothing stops anyone from doing anything, after all, choices are choices. But I don't deny it could be fun to go back to the old times and battle against all those guys and the current Leader."
The woman then turned around and adopted a serious expression "One side is bad, and the other side is good. I miss the time when it seemed so black and white, but it's not like that for anyone anymore."
Gary just sighed in response, looking at the stone.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Ritsuka's strident scream reverberated through the laboratory, invading it through a broken window in the process, drawing everyone's attention. The Dodrio, still in a frenzy, circled chaotically around the place, causing momentary pandemonium. The young man descended abruptly from the uncontrollable Pokemon, grumbling and dusting off his dusty clothes.
"What the hell happened to this Dodrio?! It's unbalanced!" Ritsuka complained, still visibly irritated by the experience of traveling on the back of the Pokemon.
Meanwhile, Ralts lay on the floor, its stars spinning in its eyes after the tumultuous experience. Ritsuka, noticing his companion's situation, hurried to help him get up.
"Are you okay, Ralts? That was quite an entrance, huh?" Ritsuka asked, gently stroking the Pokemon's head.
While Gary, Blue, and Mash watched the scene with interest and surprise, Gary, in particular, fixed his eyes on the uniquely colored Ralts.
The man is of average build, though more visibly muscular. medium height 1,72. has short unkempt dark brown hair and blue eyes. His clothes are a white shirt with a blue vest and tie, as well as black pants, and black dress shoes.
"A shiny Ralts, huh? Interesting. It's not a native Kanto Pokemon. What's a Hoenn trainer doing here?" Gary asked, curious.
Blue, on the other hand, glanced at the still frenzied Dodrio. A sense of familiarity hung over her, as if something about that Pokemon triggered distant memories.
"Mash, get ready to calm down this Dodrio. It seems a bit too agitated." Green instructed, focused on handling the situation.
Mash, the laboratory assistant, immediately approached the Dodrio with a calm and confident posture. She held a Pokeballin her hands, ready to intervene if necessary.
While everyone was busy with the unexpected dramatic entrance, Ritsuka, still recovering from the shock, addressed the present individuals.
"Sorry for the confusion. It seems my arrival didn't go unnoticed." He commented, looking around to assess the state of the laboratory.
Blue, on the other hand, had a certain feeling of familiarity with the Dodrio; she wondered why.
"Well, anyway… Hello, I'm Ritsuka Fujimaru! Yellow sent me here looking for Professor Tree; are you the hairy one?" Ritsuka said, pointing to Gary.
First the wrong name, and then a nickname… Gary had a feeling he wouldn't like this guy.
( Meanwhile in Vinridia Forest)
"Pika! Chu!" The Pokemon released from Yellow pinched her cheek with its paw.
It was a Pikachu, Yellow's longtime partner.
"Chuchu, there's nothing wrong with sending Ritsuka away while we handle this!" Yellow retorted. "You know he doesn't like me handling everything on my own, he's going through a tough time."
"~Chu," the Pokemon hinted.
"It's not like that at all, I'm just doing my job!" Yellow blushed at her friend's teasing.
At that moment, Yellow was scouring the forest for the troublemaking Pokemon that had been causing chaos in recent days. As she had lived her entire life here, it was something of her duty to protect the forest and its Pokemon, as well as maintain order.
The blonde walked through the forest until a growl caught her attention. "Chuchu… Get ready for battle!" With a somewhat exasperated command, Yellow watched a tree being hurled at her, only to be shattered by Chuchu's powerful thunder.
"There you are… And it looks like you want a battle." Yellow then looked eagerly at her newest opponent.
( With Ritsuka)
Gary raised an eyebrow when called "Professor Tree" and realized that Ritsuka was far from being the most formal conversational partner. The young man displayed a relaxed attitude that contrasted with the more formal laboratory environment.
"The name is Gary Oak, not Professor Tree. And you're right about the hairy one. Can I help you with something?" Gary replied, trying not to let the irritation caused by the nickname show.
Ignoring any potential discomfort his approach might cause, Ritsuka looked around and noticed the peculiarity of the place. His eyes stopped at Blue, and a mischievous smile appeared on his face.
"It suddenly got warmer here." he said, giving a good look at the woman.
Blue, accustomed to his unlikely encounters, simply crossed her arms, maintaining a casual posture with a sly gleam. "Not in your dreams." she said.
"You can't stop that, but don't blame a man for trying." Ritsuka retorted.
"And this dramatic entrance with Dodrio… are you trying to get attention, or do you just have terrible coordination?" she teased.
"Oh, right! Dodrio, I haven't introduced you yet," Ritsuka laughed, turning his attention to the frenetic Pokémon. "This is Dodrio, a bit crazy, but loyal."
Mash, ready to calm Dodrio, looked at Ritsuka and raised an eyebrow with an inquisitive look.
"You mentioned Yellow; we haven't talked in a while. Anyway, how about we chat in a more comfortable place?" Gary offered.
Normally, the Professor wasn't as hospitable as his grandfather, but with Yellow's name mentioned and the potential for more chaos in his lab, he opened up a bit at that moment.
In a few moments, the three were sitting in the neglected area of the lab, where the green sofa and the computer for communication stood out.
Gary, Blue, and Ritsuka were at the table. Mash served cups of coffee with cookies on a tray, and in return, she provided her own special recipe for Pokémon to the two Pokémon.
"Well, let's start from the beginning. How can I help you, Ritsuka?" the Pokémon Professor asked.
"Alright, honestly, I don't expect much, but any information you have will be valuable. I'm currently looking for my missing parents. They're known as the Emiya." he said.
Gary was a bit surprised and replied, "Seriously, those two never mentioned they had a son?"
"You know them!?" Gary nodded in response, and Ritsuka sighed. "They forget to eat; if it's through your research…"
"Altsss!" The Pokémon in Ritsuka's lap added.
"Indeed." the boy agreed with Ralts.
Gary, Blue, and Mash observed the interaction and were initially puzzled.
"Well, your parents have been here a few times to use the lab. We didn't talk much, but they were excited that their research had made progress. That was a little over a year ago. Sorry, I don't have much else to say." Gary shared everything he could with Ritsuka at the moment.
Ritsuka scratched his head "No, this is more than I've had in a long time. Thank you. But Gary, do you know what they were researching?" Gary nodded and took a sip of his coffee.
"Apparently, fossils from the caves near Pewter." "I see, Pewter City then." Ritsuka said, placing his hand on his chin.
"You don't seem too worried, huh?" Blue questioned the boy; he seemed very calm for someone with missing parents and not much information, which struck her as odd.
Ritsuka gave a small smile in response "They used to disappear all the time, but they always came back without much trouble. I'd rather believe it will happen this time too."
"As long as you don't feel bad in case they don't," Blue teased, gesturing her index finger across her throat like a blade.
"Blue, how insensitive!" Mash called her out.
"What? It was just advice!" Blue pouted.
"Don't worry, it's okay, it's nothing serious." Ritsuka said, but he did feel uncomfortable with the comment that sounded tasteless.
"You said Yellow sent you." Gary intervened before the atmosphere became unpleasant.
"Oh, yes! She's been helping me with everything, from Hoenn to here." Ritsuka said.
Blue then, like a fox, smiled. "Hm? My little protégé is helping you, tehehe~" Ritsuka sensed some kind of insinuation in her words but didn't quite understand.
"She's a good person." Ritsuka simply stated.
"I assume Dodrio is hers, then. Why didn't she come with you?" Gary asked curiously.
Ritsuka just looked at him strangely. "Why should she come?"
The boy found the professor's question odd. Yellow really had no obligation to help him in a search he wasn't very concerned about himself. In fact, she had already helped a lot; few would have her dedication.
"I see…" Gary muttered to himself. "Did she ask him to come here by any chance… or?" His thoughts moved his eyes to the stone that was now on the table.
"Rallll!" Ralts communicated with Ritsuka.
"Don't abuse the hospitality, little mushroom," Ritsuka said.
"Tsssss!" The Pokémon seemed to complain.
Ritsuka moved his hand to the small one's cheek and pinched it while saying, "I've told you no!"
Gary, Blue, and Mash again found their communication strange.
"It seems like you understand what he's saying." Blue pointed out, looking at Ralts.
"It's pretty obvious," Ritsuka simply said while shaking Ralts, who was biting his fingers.
"Interesting…" Gary said to himself. It was surprising, but not entirely; he had seen and talked to Pokémon before, but nothing so casual.
"Yellow has a similar ability, although she needs to touch the Pokémon to understand them. Yours seems very convenient for a trainer." Blue said, recalling the past with the girl.
Ritsuka, who was trying to free himself from Ralts, simply said, "Believe me when I say it's not. Pokémon become more laid-back, and personally, it's not very useful right now since I'm not a trainer."
"Hm, whose Ralts is this then?" Blue asked.
"From my father… Or was it my mother? Hey, which of the two captured you?" Ritsuka asked Ralts, finally releasing him and holding him in the air with force.
"Rallll!" The Pokémon responded, hitting its chest, which earned an unpleasant look from Ritsuka "Rallll!"
"What did he say?" Blue asked.
"He said it wasn't my parents who captured him; he captured them. Also said that a human would need to capture at least 255 of his kind before being able to battle with him… Don't ask me why it's so specific; Pokémon are strange." Ritsuka explained.
"He's full of himself, cute!" Blue said with a wink to the Pokémon.
"Ritsuka, do you intend to go to Pewter?" Gary questioned, pausing for a second.
"Personally, I won't be able to continue my studies unless I know that those two are in danger only in the lab. I prefer to focus on finding them quickly and returning," Ritsuka said.
"Tell me, Ritsuka, you're not a trainer, so what do you want to do with your life?" Gary asked, trying to establish a line of reasoning and dissuade him from taking any reckless actions.
"I…" Ritsuka's face lit up for a moment, and like a frenetic child, he began to speak rapidly, his words flowing like a river of enthusiasm. "I'm going to become a great and renowned researcher of humans and Pokémon! They say knowledge is power! And it's true. With my skills, I'll have the source of how the waves of Pokémon recovery machines work in the smallest details and make my own for humans to heal from the smallest to the biggest injuries. The same with Poké Balls. Can you imagine carrying your car or house in a mere Poké Ball? Everything that has been created only for Pokémon and hasn't been able to replicate for humans, I'll find all the mistakes and reformulate it for everyone! Besides improving what already exists!"
Ritsuka's eyes sparkled with the passion of his dreams as he painted a future where science would be the bridge between humans and Pokémon.
Ritsuka dreamed big; many things in his world were convenient but limited only to Pokémon. Why? Pokémon had a different physiology; they could shrink, basically what made something as large as Onix fit in your pocket, as all Pokémon could shrink was a tremendous mystery since it was instinctive, tests were done but there was never significant progress.
"So many researchers look to the past and try to unravel its secrets. My parents and others… I don't care about the past, so I'll perfect everything that has already been created." His voice was captivating, loaded with determination.
The expressions of those present varied. Mash looked at him slightly impressed, capturing the contagious energy of the young man.
Blue had a nostalgic look on Ritsuka, feeling as if she saw the silhouette of a certain boy carrying a Pikachu on his shoulder, as if the future were echoing the past.
But the most attention-grabbing expression was Gary's. His eyes seemed to shine, a flame of recognition igniting within them. His instincts as a researcher awakened, realizing that here was someone destined to leave a significant mark on the Pokémon science journey.
Gary smiled subtly, appreciating Ritsuka's determination and future vision.
"Well, Ritsuka, you have an exciting journey ahead. If you want to become a great researcher, you'll need knowledge and experience. I'll give you something that can help you on this path." Gary asserted.
Gary pondered for a moment and decided to give Ritsuka a special device. He walked over to a nearby table where a Rotom Phone was stored, a highly advanced Pokémon device that served as a kind of personal assistant.
"Ritsuka, this is a Rotom Phone. It's an incredibly versatile device, capable of assisting in your research, staying in touch with other trainers, and providing essential information and observations about your Pokémon and itself. You'll discover the functions when registering. Additionally, it has an advanced navigation system that may be useful in your quest to find your parents."
"But why?" Ritsuka asked a little surprised. A Rotom Phone was much rarer and more expensive to have in Kanto, far superior to a standard Pokédex that was already expensive.
"My grandfather once said that we should always nurture future talents like yours; I believe this device will be very helpful for you." Gary handed the Rotom Phone to Ritsuka, who held it with admiration. The device emitted a slight buzz while displaying a small holographic screen with various options.
"Also, if you need any help in the search for your parents or in your future research, you can call me anytime through the Rotom Phone. I'm here to offer support and guidance. After all, a researcher's journey is full of challenges, and it's good to have someone to rely on." Gary said with an encouraging smile.
"Gary… Professor, thank you!" Ritsuka thanked deeply, feeling honored with the gift and the offer of support. He promised to use the Rotom Phone wisely and turn to Gary for help when needed.
"Just be aware that if you travel through Kanto, you'll have to deal with many Pokémon on each route, as well as possible trainers who will want to battle when they see a potential trainer. And of course, there are some really bad guys out there…" Gary informed. "From what I've gathered, you're familiar with the Pokémon environment, but you're not a trainer, and practice is different from theory. If you really want to find your parents, are you willing to take on this challenge?" The Professor asked.
Ritsuka took a moment to reflect. He knew it was dangerous to walk through Kanto and search in places his parents had been without protection because there could be potential obstacles.
The aspiring researcher had never really thought about the idea of being a trainer… But now, he needed to do it for his parents.
So, with a determined look, he looked at Ralts "Ralts, I can't do much alone right now, and honestly, I don't see myself logically managing alone. So what do you say we explore Kanto?" Ritsuka asked with a determined look.
Ralts looked at Ritsuka intensely, as if evaluating his determination. Then, he turned, initially making Ritsuka interpret it as a rejection.
However, to his surprise, Ralts approached Dodrio, which immediately handed Ritsuka's backpack to the small Pokémon.
Ritsuka arched his eyebrows, perplexed by the unexpected turn. Ralts then took out a Poké Ball from Ritsuka's backpack and offered it to the trainer. When Ritsuka took the Poké Ball, Ralts jumped and hit its paw on it. The scene left Ritsuka with a smile, interpreting it as a positive sign.
"Do you want to accompany me, Ralts?" Ritsuka asked, more as a confirmation than a question.
Ralts responded with a firm nod, as if ready to face the challenges alongside Ritsuka.
"That's amazing!" Ritsuka exclaimed, feeling a mix of emotions, from gratitude to excitement. He then turned to Gary.
"Professor, I'm ready for this journey. And with the help of Ralts and the Rotom Phone you gave me, I believe we can face any challenge that comes our way. Also, thank you for everything. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have received such an amazing boost and support."
Gary smiled, seeing the determination in Ritsuka's eyes. "Remember, Ritsuka, it's a challenging journey. Don't think it will be easy, but don't hide in the dark like a coward. I'm 100 billion percent sure you'll get what you want. Good luck!" Gary wished, extending his hand for a firm handshake.
Ritsuka returned the gesture with a smile. The two were then shoulder-stars by a pair of hands "What a beautiful moment, don't leave me out!" Blue complained with a pout as she hugged Gary and Ritsuka with a smile, catching a glimpse of her childhood where she hugged two people who strongly represented her life in these two boys, one green and one red…
While Mash smiled at the pleasant scene to behold.
[Then, with a feeling of gratitude in their hearts, Ritsuka and Ralts stayed in the laboratory, one step away from embarking on their journey in search of the missing parents and the possible experiences that would be intertwined with Ritsuka's dreams as a researcher. With the Rotom Phone in hand and Gary's promise of support, strengthening their determination. As events that would impact our hero's life unfolded in the vast region of Kanto! To be continued in the next chapter!]
( TO BE CONTINUED!?)
Curiosity: When Pokémon was exported, the names Green and Blue were swapped, causing an unfortunate confusion for fans and losing details. So, I decided to stick to the canon since the fanfiction has a significant part based on Pokémon Adventures.
Curiosity: This universe is based on the manga world, incorporating enjoyable elements from the anime and games, along with my own additions, of course.
Curiosity: Initially, Ritsuka's starter Pokémon was supposed to be a Bulbasaur. I decided to change it because Bulbasaur is native to Hoenn, where I had doubts between Ralts and Agro, my favorites from that generation.
Curiosity: The population of Kanto is predominantly female, with at least 70% to 30% compared to males. This is attributed to the wars of the past centuries. When a significant male population is seen, they are likely tourists, elderly, or children. (Game detail)
Curiosity: Ritsuka is loosely based on Dragon Ball's Bulma, and I jokingly describe him as a "failed ladies' man."
Curiosity: Ritsuka loves seafood.
Curiosity: Ritsuka wears a masculine outfit inspired by Artoria Pendragon.
Feel free to provide revisions, tips, observations, suggestions, or criticisms. I already have some Pokémon in mind for the party, but I'm open to suggestions. I'll try to include iconic Pokémon, but I'll also maintain some competitive aspects. Or do you think the protagonist should conquer the Elite 4 with a Rattata King?