Ultra Megalopolis: Apartment Building, ? Room
Ultra Megalopolis was a massive, otherworldly metropolis that has gone through drastic change since Red Ketchum took charge and forged the Neo Recon Squad. All former residents had been systematically driven out after attempting to free Necrozma.
Despite it seemingly being a drastic action, them unleashing that creature would do the multiverse no favors. It was accepted by everyone who lived here that what Red had done was for the best. After all, everyone who decided to live here had their own worlds to protect.
Some had other things to protect. Regardless, with the minds at Red's disposal, Ultra Megalopolis almost felt like any of their home universes, what with the simulated sky and better lighting. Of course, the architecture was a reminder of where you were.
Right now, we zero in on a tall apartment building within the heart of the city. More specifically, we investigate a sole bedroom where a tall, slender man with crimson red hair, pale skin, and dark eyes had just woken up. He wore a white tank top and black cargo pants.
The man stood up and walked past a TV like device constructed from high tech crystals as he stood before his auto closet to get his proper attire. Before he could start grabbing the pieces to his outfit, the man paused and looked out the large window.
He had a great view of the city as well as Megalo Tower; however, his TV soon gave a couple beeps notifying him that he had a video call from said tower. The display flickered on showing someone he had mixed feelings about.
He looked exactly like Giovani, save the attire, and even shared the man's name; however, this Giovani couldn't be any more different from the various ones this man had met. Among which included his own father. Beyond the similar looks, his attire was that of a pokemon professor.
"Silver…" Professor Giovani began.
"My name is Versil." Versil interrupted.
This was a common occurrence for this Giovani to mistake him for his son. While perhaps that version of Silver had been proud to call this man his father, Versil could not. He never made peace with his own and everything that happened in his own world exasperated that.
"Of course, forgive me Versil." Professor Giovani was always quick to apologize. "I'm calling you on behalf of Red to inform you it's time for another mission. All he would tell me is, 'It's time you returned to Johto'."
Versil paused at that as he knew exactly what mission Professor Giovani was referring to. It was a phrase to be used to let Versil know this was the mission. The one he had been recruited for. The truth is, his Johto didn't exist.
What that phrase meant was that he had the chance to prevent another universe, as like his own as possible, from befalling the same fate. A chance to correct his mistake and hopefully stop another version of himself from making the same mistakes.
What's more, through this he could repay Red by helping to ensure the safety of that man's home universe. A place rarely touched by the Neo Recon Squad at this time, yet it was heavily monitored as a universe desired by their adversaries.
"I understand and will be at Megalo Tower for deployment." Versil responded.
"Understood." Professor Giovani nodded. "I will ensure your personal team of pokemon is accounted for."
The call ended, and Silver went about preparing the special outfit needed for his now long-term mission.
Pallet Town: Morning…
A delivery truck drove through Pallet Town which was a community of houses, small businesses, and even the famous Oak Pokemon Lab. Said lab is where this truck would stop first as there was an important delivery to make all the way from Galar's own Macro Cosmos.
Pokemon Lab: Later…
Ash and James met up with Serena, at the crossroads near the center of Pallet, before setting off for the lab. After taking the time to relax from their first journey, the group were just about ready to take on the next region.
They were still ironing out where they intended to go, but the decision would likely come by the end of the day. Of course, discussions had to wait as Professor Oak wanted them at his lab. The trio walked up to the large building where Ash rang the bell.
Michael opened the door with a smile. "Good, you're all here. The professor is currently working on that GS ball, but he should be down in a bit. For now, would you like to come to the ranch? I am sure all your pokemon want to see you."
Happy with the explanation, the trio followed Michael through the building. Though they did think it sounded a little weird that even Professor Oak seemed to be having trouble with the GS Ball. They could only hope he'd figure it out.
The group were quick to reach the ranch and began walking with the lab assistant to see their pokemon. Pidgeot was roosting atop the lab as she watched over the ranch. Scizor, Zeraora, and Croagunk occupied the same tree though each were on a different branch.
Despite those three being relative loners, Ash and James knew they'd recently struck up a form of friendship which they were happy to see. Charizard, Dragonite, Dodrio, Marowak, Machamp, and Electivire were together in pairs sparing.
Nidoking, Rapidash, Cofagrigus, Sylveon, Magnezone, Growlie, Weezing, Crobat, and Chimecho were simply moving around the ranch together. Hitmonchan and Alakazam were hanging out and relaxing.
Venusaur, Umbreon, Bellossom, Caterpie, Rhyhorn, Alcremie, Victreebel, and Ditto were all basking in the sun with mostly the grass and bug types getting the most out of it. Though the rest seemed to enjoy it just fine. This left Feraligatr, Lapras, Chrysalix, Blastoise, and Spheal.
They were in the body of water together. Considering Ash had found Chrysalix within a body of water, it wasn't all that surprising to see him there. It also wasn't surprising to see Spheal marveling at the evolved water types.
With Professor Oak
Walking down the stairs, the elderly professor sighed. He has spent months looking into the GS Ball from every conceivable angle, yet even the point of origin was still a mystery. He has no clue what it was made of or what could possibly be inside.
Suddenly, the door to the lab opened as Gary entered. "Hey Gramps, I'm back from my trip to Fuchsia City, and I even managed to find something a little unique in the Safari Zone."
Gary had been fine taking things easy, but as soon as Cross left to begin genuinely pursuing his new goal of becoming a gym leader, the boy had become a bit restless in how long Ash was taking. Rather than rush him, the youngest Oak simply took trips around Kanto.
His latest one had been to Fuchsia City with the intention of checking in on people who've become important to him from his prior journey and seeing what the Safari Zone had to offer. While nothing as exciting as a Typhlosion, Gary had caught something.
"Well, welcome home Gary." Samuel greeted with a smile.
Pokemon Lab
The trio and Michael were currently hanging around the water types when they heard footsteps coming up behind them. They all turned to see it was the professor and Gary.
"Hey Ash." Gary nodded to his rival/friend.
"Hey Gary." Ash returned with a smile. "Looks like you finally returned from Fuchsia."
"Yeah, it was great being out there again, but I figured I might as well head on back." Gary smirked. "I even caught a new pokemon."
"Really?" Ash was interested to hear that. "What'd you catch?"
In response, Gary took out a pokeball. "Go, Eevee!"
In a flash of light, Gary's evolution pokemon appeared.
"Ah, you caught an Eevee of your own." Ash declared with a smile.
"They make for great pokemon." Serena stated.
Seeing this did give James an idea. "Say Gary, how would you feel about battling with me?"
"You want to battle me?" Gary asked.
"Yeah." James nodded. "Ash battled you as we traveled Kanto, and Serena got a shot in during that Fuchsia Tournament. Since we're here now, I figured I'd like the chance to do the same."
"Eevee could always use more battle practice." Gary nodded. "Alright, I'll take you on.
With this battle happening, Professor Oak volunteered to referee. The two trainers then shook hands before stepping away and taking their places on the grassy field, as if it was a battlefield. The elderly professor took his place where the ref's box would be.
"You won't beat me, James." Gary declared.
"I'd say I have a fair shot after traveling with Ash all this time." James responded.
"Alright, how about a one-on-one battle?" Professor Oak suggested, and in turn, the competing trainers nodded in agreement. "This battle won't have a time limit or substitutions. It will be over when either side is unable to continue. Let's do a coin flip to decide who will choose first."
"Tails!" Gary called out.
"I'm perfectly fine with heads." James stated.
The professor took a coin out of his pocket and flipped it. He then snatched it from the air and put it on the back of his opposite hand.
Samuel revealed the results. "It's heads, so James will choose his pokemon first."
James mulled over his options between Spheal or Croagunk. They were his pokemon with the least experience, which were ready to battle. He already knew Gary would call his new Eevee, so that would give Croagunk the advantage.
Comparatively, Spheal had only been in training since he was caught. Given what he's seen from Gary's prior battles, James had no doubt he'd get a good battle no matter who he chose. Ultimately, he decided on the pokemon who could use the battle experience.
"I've decided I'll utilize the last pokemon I caught." James looked over to the water type. "Spheal, I choose you!"
The clap pokemon looked up in wonder at being called for his first battle. He instantly leapt from the water, and upon landing on the ground, he was quick to roll on over before stopping in front of James.
Gary nodded to his evolution pokemon. "Come on over, Eevee."
"Eevee vs Spheal, let the battle begin!" Professor Oak declared.
James vs Gary
"Quick Attack." Gary called out.
Eevee charged forward, slamming into Spheal and sending him rolling.
"Move with the roll and use it to rollout faster." James instructed.
Spheal had never thought to try that, but he did now as he moved with the roll, garnering control over it. This resulted in a rather fast rollout heading right for Eevee.
"Detect to dodge and combo it into swift." Gary instructed.
Eevee's eyes shined with fighting energy as he lept over the rolling pokemon in a way that lined him up with it. As he fell back to the ground, the normal type swished out his tail sending stars that impacted with the clap pokemon. While it certainly hurt, Spheal kept rolling.
As he came back around to strike Eevee, Gary gave his next command. "Now, use iron tail and bat that sphere right into the nearest tree."
Eevee's tail shined with steel type energy as he spun around giving his tail all the momentum he could. This resulted in a clean hit on the clap pokemon dolling out a strong blow. The resounding thud against the trunk of a nearby tree was enough to faint the water/ice type.
Pokemon Lab
"Spheal is unable to battle." Professor Oak declared. "The winners of this battle Gary and Eevee."
"Spheal!" James ran to his clap pokemon, who came to rather dower at his loss. "Spheal, you have nothing to be sad about." He picked his pokemon up. "Victory is great, but no one can win every battle. In fact, losing is simply part of the path to victory as it teaches you a great deal more winning all the time would."
Spheal thought about his trainer's words before perking up a bit. "Spheal."
"There we go." James got out his pokeball. "Here, you did a good job so take a rest."
Gary congratulated his newest pokemon before returning him.
"Ah, nothing like a rousing battle." Samuel smiled. "Now, if you don't mind, would you follow me into the lab? Your pokemon can be healed there, and I have a request to make."
The group nodded in agreement before following the elderly professor into the lab while most of the pokemon, except for Pikachu who kept to his place on Ash's shoulder, waited outside. The group consisted of: Ash, Pikachu Serena, James, and Gary.
As they were being led through the lab by Professor Oak and Michael, they were all wondering what request the professor might make. For the trio, the last request had been to collect the GS Ball. Could it be to go and get another mysterious item for him to study?
Michael ended up splitting off as they passed the staircase and took the pokeballs of the pokemon who just fought, from their respective trainers, to heal them. Soon enough, the professor had led them all into the living room.
"Please, take a seat everyone." Samuel stated.
The four humans took a seat on the four-person sofa while the professor stood in the middle of the room. His attention was soon drawn to Michael who entered the room holding the GS Ball. He must've picked up the mysterious item after putting the pokemon in the healing machine.
"Before I start, have any of you thought about where you'd like to go next on your pokemon journey?" Professor Oak asked.
"I'm heading to whatever region Ash is." Gary had made this quite clear before, but his grandpa had asked just now.
"As for us, I want another go at a regional league." Ash spoke up. "James, Serena, and I have discussed it and narrowed our options. Since I can compete in any region, and James can learn to be a breeder wherever we go, we basically just need a region with a Pokeathlon."
"That leaves us with Johto, Sinnoh, or Paldea as our next region." Serena voiced.
"Why not go for Johto?" Gary asked. "Any of us could walk there since it shares the same landmass as Kanto. Let me remind you, you did just say it was a region with a Pokeathlon, and of course it has its league."
"Johto is bound to have a lot of great pokemon." James noted.
Serena nodded. "I suppose if I am going to compete in Pokeathlons, I'd rather do it where they originated."
"Since this is what you guys want, and I can compete in almost any region, I'm in to." Ash smiled as this small discussion had finally led to their decision. "Looks like those of us from the Pallet group, who are still traveling, will be heading to Johto."
"This does make my request of you easier." The elderly professor declared.
He drew everyone's attention to Michael who presented the GS Ball to the group.
"Did you manage to discover its secrets?" Ash asked.
"Unfortunately, no." Professor Oak replied. "That is why I called three of you here. You see, in Johto there lives a man named Kurt who is renowned for his skills with pokeballs. My request is for you to deliver the GS Ball to him. He lives in a small town, Azalea, which happens to hold one of Johto's gyms, so you would likely be passing by him anyways."
"It's not like we don't spend at least a couple days in every town we visit anyways." Ash nodded. "I'd be happy to deliver it for you."
"Since we'll now be leaving on our next journey, we should probably tell our parents." Serena suggested. "How about we meet up at the edge of town tomorrow. This time James will be with us, but it'll still be like when we first left on our Kanto journey."
"Just like our Kanto Journey, I'm going on ahead by leaving today." Gary stood and waved to everyone as he left the room. "This time, I'll make the most of my head start."
"Before you three leave, there is one more thing to discuss." Samuel walked over to his desk and grabbed a black box imprinted with the Macro Cosmos insignia. "Shortly after I sent for you three, a delivery person dropped off the pokemon Ash won from the Mandarin Tournament." He passed the box to the boy. "I've already transferred him to you."
"Oh, I'd completely forgot about this." Ash opened the box and took out a pokeball. "Let's see what the pokedex can tell me before I let them out."
He took out his pokedex to scan his newest pokemon:
Wimpod, the Turn Tail Pokémon. A Bug and Water type. This Pokémon is a coward. As it desperately dashes off, the flailing of its many legs leaves a sparkling clean path in its wake.
Type: Bug/Water
Ability: Wimp Out
Sex: Male
Current Moves: Aqua Jet, Screech, Skitter Smack, Metal Claw
"Hm, that's a rather offensive move set for your average Wimpod." Samuel noted.
"Perhaps Chairman Rose had some of his people work with the pokemon they selected for Ash and Cheren to give them a truly fitting reward." James reasoned.
"Maybe." Samuel agreed.
"Well, let's see how he acts." Ash declared as he stood up and pointed the pokeball at the table. "I choose you, Wimpod!"
The ball opened and the bug/water type appeared. Unlike any Wimpod Samuel had seen, this one wasn't afraid as he instead cast a critical eye at his surroundings. His attention was soon taken by Ash as he knelt before him with a smile.
"Hey Wimpod." The Pallet native nodded. "My name is Ash Ketchum, and I hope you'll agree to be my pokemon." Just because he won the pokemon didn't mean Ash would force him to stay. "My dream is to be a pokemon master, and I'd like to know if you're okay doing that.
If you aren't, I'll give you back to Professor Oak here. He could find you a suitable trainer, or I'm sure he could return you to Galar. If you want to stay with me, I'm sure we could be strong together. What do you say?"
The bug/water type stared critically at this boy who acted nothing like the people who had trained him before. Honestly, he didn't mind that. It's not like those prior people treated him poorly, but there was a warmth to this kid that those people didn't have.
The turn tail pokemon wasn't sure how to truly describe it since he's never experienced this before. His prior swarm was together for survival rather than a true sense of community. Those people who caught him merely helped work out his fear, which he did like.
Ultimately, he found himself wanting to see where things went with this boy. From these few moments with him, Ash had caught the bug/water type's interest. In that vein, the turn tail pokemon gave a reserved nod of approval to him being his trainer.
"Wimp."
"Alright then, from this day onward, you're one of my friends." Ash declared.
Friend was a strange term to the turn tail pokemon, but it was one he liked. As his new trainer returned him, Wimpod felt more warmth. While all this was something he hadn't realized he'd never felt before, it was certainly a nice feeling.
"Alright, I have a new pokemon!" Ash declared excitedly.
Serena always did love how every new pokemon Ash acquired made him excited. With everything now sorted, the group split to return to their respective homes. James simply accompanied Ash back to his place.
Exit to Pallet Town: Next Morning…
Delia accompanied Ash and James to meet the others. Of course, Delia was saddened to see her son and pseudo son, by this point James was truly family, go. In the end, she knew it was within their nature to keep working towards their dreams. They met up with Serena, Grace, and Samuel, who were waiting on them.
"Boys, you're going somewhere none of you are familiar with." Delia instructed them. "I want you both to stay safe and make sure you call home often."
"Delia, I am sure they will be fine." Professor Oak assured as he placed a hand on her shoulder.
"At the very least, remember to change your…" Delia started again, but was cut off.
"Mom/Ms. Ketchum!" Both boys shouted in embarrassment, with matching bright red faces.
This was accompanied by light giggles from Serena, which only added to Ash's embarrassment.
"Serena, I am so happy you've found a new dream." Grace gave her daughter a goodbye hug. "I know you'll become a great Pokeathlete."
Serena hugged her mom back. "Thanks mom."
"Remember, you can call any time you want to make rotations." Professor Oak spoke up as the goodbyes came to an end. "Since you are going to a new region, it is understandable you'd rather make new catches, but don't let that stop you from calling on old friends should you need them.
The trio had discussed what pokemon to bring and ultimately settled on up to three as to leave slots open for new pokemon. Additionally, they resolved that those who needed the most attention should take priority, with starters being a special case should you decide as such.
As for the rest of their pokemon, they were told to keep training together for when they were needed. The three trainers promised they would not forget they had them back home. This was done to allow newer pokemon a priority in bonding and training, which only seemed fair.
Ash decided on only bringing two pokemon since all his others were rather solid and could effectively train without him. His two were: Pikachu and Wimpod. Pikachu was his starter while he just got Wimpod yesterday. Serena decided to go with: Sylveon, Ryhorn, and Caterpie.
Sylveon was simply her starter while the Pinkan Island pokemon hadn't gotten much time to shine. James chose: Croagunk, Togepi, and Spheal. After speaking with Growlie, who he considered his starter, the fire type was fine being left back to let his trainer focus on them.
"We'll remember professor." Ash nodded. "If we ever need or want any of them, we'll call you." He smiled. "Of course, I'm not about to leave them out of the Silver Conference. Once my new team gets us there, they'll work with my prior team to win it."
"Alright, I look forward to hearing about your Johto adventures." Professor Oak smiled in response. "I wish you all the best when working towards your goals."
"I guess it is time we were off." James told everyone.
While the mothers weren't happy about it, they knew James was right. With one final goodbye, the group was off. While heading in the direction of Viridian, they would soon be swerving left to go towards Tohjo Falls and avoid the city altogether.
As the kids disappeared from the parent's sight, the mothers sighed. They were sad their time with their kids came to an end now, but they were also happy all of them would continue to follow their dreams.
Grace walked over to Delia. "Well, they're off again."
"That they are." Delia sighed. "In the end, we could never hold them back."
Grace agreed with that sentiment.
On the Road: Afternoon
The group decided to celebrate being back on the road once more by calling the day early to pitch a good old campsite. This would leave them about half a day away from the falls, but they were all fine with this. Without a word being uttered, the trio got to work on their tasks.
Ash put up their tents and left to collect wood, Serena set up everything to cook the various meals they'd have here, and James began preparations to help care for the pokemon as he usually does and went to fill canteens as well. Despite it being a few weeks, it all came naturally to them.
Wooded Section
Ash had called out his Wimpod to get to know him better as he collected the wood with the help of Pikachu. What he noticed was that Wimpod was a rather reserved pokemon though he did seem interested in at least hearing what Ash had to say.
Considering the rather diverse pool of pokemon he ended up collecting in Kanto, it wasn't like he couldn't work with this. Though he did start thinking about at least attempting to show his new pokemon some fun. Suddenly, the trio heard a cry like the legendary birds.
"Pika?" Pikachu questioned.
They all looked around before turning their attention skyward. There they saw a large, red and white pokemon flying overhead as it radiated rainbow colors.
"What's that?" Ash asked.
He took out his pokedex and got the scan off before one of its rainbow hued feathers fell. It gently glided along the breeze to Ash who caught it in one of his hands. The feather glowed brighter upon his touch before they watched the pokemon leave. Ash looked at the pokedex:
Ho-oh, the Rainbow Pokemon. Legends claim this Pokémon flies the world's skies continuously on its magnificent, seven-colored wings.
"Ash?" Blue's voice rang out.
"Uncle Blue?" Ash questioned as he turned to see the Viridian gym leader walk out of the brush. "What are you doing here?"
"I was off to visit with my father when I heard the mighty cry of a pokemon drawing me here." Blue responded. "Have you seen…" He noticed the wing in Ash's hand. "That's a rainbow wing."
"Yeah, it was dropped by Ho-oh." Ash responded.
"Why am I not surprised." Blue chuckled and shrugged. "Just like your old man, you're getting wrapped up in stuff."
"What do you mean?" Ash asked.
"According to legend, Ho-oh only shed's a wing for someone it favors as a potential partner. A trainer." Blue explained. "If you take it to the top of some tower in Ecruteak City, over in Johto, and present it, Ho-oh will meet you there. Then, he will challenge you to determine your worth."
"Challenge…Ho-oh." Ash smiled before looking at his pokemon. "Sounds like a good side goal to achieve while we're already in Johto."
"That's about the attitude I was expecting." Blue smirked as he walked away. "Anyways, I had thought there might be a dangerous pokemon in the area. Since there isn't, I'll be on my way. Good luck over in Johto…not that you need it at this rate."
"Bye Uncle Blue." Ash called out before looking at his pokemon. "Come on guys, let's go tell the others what just happened!"
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
Wimpod followed them noting his new trainer was stranger than he'd initially assumed. Just as with the warmth he received, the bug/water type didn't hate this. If anything, it only made him more assured of his decision to be this one's pokemon.
The trio's on hand pokemon-
Ash:
1. Pikachu
2. Wimpod
Serena
1. Sylveon
2. Rhyhorn *Pink
3. Caterpie *Pink
James
1. Croagunk
2. Togepi
3. Spheal
Ah yeah, time to head to a new region. One Note I will make is that while this older version of Silver calls himself Versil, he is not the same Versil from the fangame Pokemon Xenoverse. By proxy of the multiverse existing, theoretically even canon says that fan game could exist. In the end, that is not the direction I'm taking this Versil.
As for what happened here with the Ultra Recon Squad, I'll give a hint that in some ways Professor Giovani and Versil are clues to such an answer. Of course, more will come as this series continues into more regions. Speaking of Professor Giovani, again the multiverse is a thing meaning everything is possible. Anyways, hopefully you all enjoyed this start to the next series.