Her Rival

by Casual One

The first time she met him, he moved into Celestic Town. The first time he met her, she was in her twenties.

9. Chapter 8

Her Rival

By Casual One

Disclaimer: Casual One does not own Pokemon.

XXX

Champion.

It was a single word yet the weight it held was worth a thousand more. Hundreds of stories were built upon the title. Trainers from all over journeyed and trained to become one. His predecessors forged a history of strength and power. It was a legacy that demanded respect. What was once a simple word became more as time contributed to its significance.

When Leon became a champion, he vowed to never diminish its legacy. When he became monarch, he felt the heavy burden of responsibility.

Could he carry it? He was only seventeen.

People all over the world came to watch him. He was Galar's golden boy. Rose called him the greatest trainer that the region ever produced.

But was he truly as strong as they claimed or was there someone out there greater than him? Leon trusted Rose. How could he not? He guided him; helped him realize his potential, but he always felt that his mentor was overconfident in Leon's capabilities.

He wanted to find out for himself. Galar was just a small part of a bigger world. There must be someone out there that was far stronger. The invitation rekindled that curiosity. The strongest trainer in the world. The thought alone was tantalizing. How could he not be curious?

It was as if his greatest wish was granted and all he needed to do was find it.

"Hm..."

There was one problem though.

"Don't tell me that we're lost, Leon." Sonia's sigh alerted the seventeen-year-old monarch to her presence.

"We're not lost." He lied as easily as he breathed. His confident grin faded when he took another look at the map. Where were they again? His false bravado did little to convince his friend and rival. Not ideal. "We're supposed to head to the, uh, yeah here. I think." He was pretty sure they were at least in the general area of Old Shore Wharf.

Heh.

"This is what I get for letting you lead for once." She had her hand out. "Give it here."

The tone of her voice brokered no room for arguments. He sighed and handed her the map. "Is this how you treat the champion of Galar, Sonia?"

"You were my friend first, champion second." She rolled her eyes. Despite his question, he was grateful for the normalcy. "You get plenty of compliments from Rose and his lackeys. As your friend and rival, it's my job to keep you grounded in reality."

"Funny. Raihan says the same thing," Leon laughed. "I get it though. Rose always said to be humble. There are probably stronger trainers out there. Like this one!"

She looked away from the map. "We don't know if this person really is who they say they are."

Right. That was a possibility his mentor mentioned when he pitched the idea to him.

"But it gets you interested, right?" He said with barely concealed excitement. "The world out there is vast. I've only fought a small part of it. If this person really is who they say they are, then who wouldn't want to meet them?"

"That sounds just like you."

"You came with me too," the Galar champion said with a grin. "I shouldn't be surprised. You said you wanted to be the strongest champion when we both started out."

"That was a long time ago."

"Yet you're still here."

"I won't deny that I am curious," she admitted. The Galarian stared at the map before sighing. Uh oh. That look normally spelled trouble. "Leon, this isn't even the correct map."

"It isn't?"

"We're in Kanto," Sonia folded the parchment. "You're using a map of Galar."

Huh. "In my defense, I've never been good at reading maps."

"That's not an excuse," she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Are we even in the right port?"

"Maybe," Leon said before wincing at her glare. "Okay, probably." They were close to the sea so that had to count for something, right? He began mumbling to himself. "This is why I use the Flying Taxi."

"I'm going to ask around. Stay right there." She crossed her arms. "I don't want you getting lost again."

He pouted. "I'm not that bad."

"Trust me, Leon, it is that bad."

He got lost sometimes. Fine. He always found his way eventually. Maybe not on time, but he did! As he was about to retort, he noticed a group of four passing by. Two boys and two girls. What caught his attention was the map in the younger boy's hands. Probably the correct one too. What luck! His spirit soared as he nudged Sonia toward their direction.

"Why don't we ask them? They look like they know where they're going." He motioned to the group. Before Sonia could respond, he raised his hands and waved. His companion released a deep sigh. "Hello! Hi! Excuse us, but we need some help!"

The group seemed startled at first but was more than happy to approach the duo. He took that time to observe them. The one leading the pack was a young boy with black hair and amber eyes. He was tagged along by an older youth with spiky hair and two female companions. The girls looked quite distinct with their orange and honey-colored hair respectively. He waved at the Pikachu on the boy's shoulder. It waved back.

Adorable.

"Hey there," the champion of Galar grinned, "I'm Leon and this is my friend, Sonia. Just wanted to ask some questions if you don't mind."

"Sure thing," the boy said. Was he the leader of this group? "I'm Ash and this is my partner, Pikachu."

"I'm Brock!"

"Serena."

"And I'm Misty."

"It's nice to meet all of you." He chuckled good-naturedly. "My friend and I are a bit lost, you see. We're supposed to go to a place called New Island. Are we in Old Shore Wharf by any chance?"

"You're going to New Island too?" Ash blinked in surprise before smiling. "That's our destination as well. The Pokemon Center is close by. We can take you there."

Relief showed on both of their faces. Leon took the boy's hands and shook them gratefully. "We would love that. Thank you so much."

It felt much better letting these more experienced natives lead them to their destination. As they talked, he noticed the four staring at him curiously. They must seem odd to the boy. While Sonia might appear somewhat normal with a tan trench coat and teal blouse, seeing a cape that held the symbols of numerous sponsors must look strange to someone outside of his home region.

Nonetheless, he was able to glean tidbits of information from the group. To think that he was in the presence of two former gym leaders! The ones in Galar had a reputation as formidable fighters. Living and breathing in a culture of renowned combatants made him appreciate the title.

"So both of you were invited?" Misty asked.

"We were," Leon said. "I wanted to meet this self-proclaimed strongest trainer and I had time so I decided why not?" He peered into the curious youths. "I am guessing you all were too?"

"Ash was the one invited," Serena said with a small smile. "We're just tagging along. The letter didn't say anything against it."

Truly? Sonia blinked before focusing on the child. "You must've been very impressive to be invited this young."

"I guess," Ash flushed before waving it off. "I could've done better. I only got top sixteen in my first conference."

"That is quite the achievement," Sonia said. Leon couldn't say he disagreed. "You competed with dozens if not hundreds of trainers. Coming out of it as one of the top sixteen in your first attempt is nothing short of talented."

Out of everyone Leon knew, Sonia understood that the most. He was held up as a trainer seen once every generation. Among a region full of talents, he was above even them. Peerless trainers like Raihan, Peony, and Mustard existed yet Galar claimed he was greater. He had the skill, training, and potential. An absolutely terrifying combination.

At least, that was what Rose told him.

But Sonia, despite her best efforts, didn't have what he had. As time passed, the gap in strength grew and their relationship along with it. He wasn't ignorant of it despite what Sonia might think. He liked to think he was more perspective than that.

She never was able to collect all eight gym badges on her first journey, but she got up, got stronger, and over time, through some effort, she was able to stand on her own two feet. She would know talent if it was thrown in front of her. She sought it out for herself.

"When you put it that way, it does sound amazing," Ash blinked. He grinned. "You hear that, Misty? I'm pretty good!"

"Don't let it get to your head, Ash."

"With you around, I know you wouldn't let me," he rolled his eyes with feigned exasperation. Leon smiled at their dynamic. He was reminded of his childhood with Sonia and Raihan. Ash turned back to them. "So where are you guys from? I didn't see you two at the Indigo Plateau Conference."

"We participated in Galar's gym challenge," Leon answered. At the boy's confusion, he continued. "It's pretty far from here. I'm not surprised you haven't heard of it before. It's a beautiful place though. Why don't I show you some of the Pokemon from my home?"

That caught their attention. He could always count on people's fascination with Pokemon to break the ice. He grinned as he sent out two of his most trusted companions. Intense orange flesh formed into a monstrous icon while ghastly scales became a serpentine warrior. Charizard and Dragapult were with him from the start. Who better than them?

"It's a Charizard!" Ash gasped. Leon wasn't surprised. Kanto was famous for them. Intrigue and awe showed on the child's face before turning to his other dragon with wonder. "I've never seen you before."

"Dragapult," Sonia answered. The boy was quick to whip out his Pokedex. The ghost-type floated toward Serena and Misty, letting the two marvel at the brilliant yet translucent scales of the beast. "They're one of Galar's most distinctive dragons."

"These Pokemon look well taken care of," Brock observed.

"They deserve everything and more," Leon said. He meant it. Without them, he wouldn't have become the champion that he was now. "Nothing but the best for my team."

"What do you feed them?" Brock pulled out a notebook and Leon had to jump at the man's sudden studious nature. "The flame on that Charizard is one of the biggest I've ever seen and that healthy orange hue...that has to be the work of an extraordinary nutritionist."

"Brock wants to be a Pokemon breeder," Misty clarified with a soft laugh. He made a noise in understanding. "He's many things, but he takes his passion very seriously."

"I've never heard of a gym leader that's also a breeder," Leon mused before nodding, "but if I can help with your dream then I certainly don't mind sharing. Rose gave me some recipes. I think I have them somewhere in my bag."

"Thank you so much!"

He waved it off. "Think nothing of it. You and your friends are helping us so this is the least I can do."

"That's awesome," Ash grinned, "I can't wait to try them!"

"I think those recipes are for Pokemon, Ash," Serena giggled.

"Oh, right." He scratched the back of his head before brightening at a thought. "Well, Charizard will definitely like them."

"You have one as well?" Leon asked.

"I do," Ash grinned and took out a pokeball. Pikachu perked up at the sight. Leon had to raise a brow when the electric mouse looked worried. "We should let them meet. Come on out, Charizard!"

Bright red light revealed a familiar sight and the champion took his time to observe the orange titan.

Leon was no expert in Pokemon, but he liked to think he knew a fair bit about his ace's species. Charizards were exemplary warriors. Ruthless and competitive, these great beasts spared no expense when it came to the pursuit of power. Earning their respect was a roadblock for many trainers, but the rewards reaped were worth it.

Ash's Charizard burned bright. He embodied everything that a Charizard should. His tail held a healthy inferno and while nowhere near the level of his own, with enough training, he could see this great beast soar to even greater heights. There was no mistaking those eyes. They held the desire to rise above everything the world had to offer. With great muscles, Charizard roared a cry that lifted his cape lightly aloft. The boy had an impressive capture.

Not bad.

Unfortunately, while he embodied all the good things about Charizard, he also embodied all of the worrying ones. The competitive glint in his eyes told Leon and his own everything. Leon's ace looked like a threat and despite Ash doing everything he could to stop him, the warrior encroached upon them with unrelenting fury.

"Charizard, what are you doing!?"

Leon's Charizard blocked a Flamethrower to the face.

Oh boy...

XXX

The second time they met, she didn't expect it.

"Dragapult, hold him back!"

"Come on, Charizard, here of all times!?"

Though to be fair, he probably didn't expect it either. Stuck in the madness that was two Charizards duking it out in the small harbor, Serena could do nothing but watch as Ash and Leon did their best to calm down the blazing beasts. It was that commotion that stopped anyone from noticing the Pidgeot that flew overhead.

Fwoosh.

Not her though. She saw him and while he looked older, there was no mistaking his identity.

The flash of yellow on the man's shoulders took her full attention. A small gasp left her lips. The change in clothing did little to hide who he was. How could she forget Red and his Pokemon? It was his advice that led her to join Ash on his journey through Kanto.

It was a decision that she would never regret. She already made so many friends! The ever-reliable Brock and the blunt yet caring Misty helped her over the course of her year here. With Ash by her side, they learned and grew more than she could ever believe possible. Even Gary, rare as his appearances might be, was a welcome sight every once in a while. It was nice.

Seeing him here ignited all sorts of emotions. She wanted to thank him. He probably thought nothing of it, but she wanted to thank him all the same.

Red's Pidgeot landed closer to the Pokemon Center than he was to them. It didn't matter to her. She could make the trek. She took a glance behind her to see everyone still dealing with the clashing fire-types. They'd calm down eventually and there wasn't much she could do anyway. She could talk to him before it was over. She nodded to herself and took a small step toward the Unova champion.

Was it a good idea? She didn't know. The anxiousness in her heart began to fester and her heart raced with every step. Would he remember her? What would she say if he didn't? He probably talked to so many kids and met so many people. She might as well be another face among hundreds.

"Pika."

Serena jumped at the familiar voice. When Red hopped off the Kanto bird, it was his Pikachu that noticed her first. When their eyes met, she froze.

Wow.

Misty wasn't wrong.

He really did look like him.

They said nothing as they stared at each other. Absolute shock met nerve-wracking stillness. Words escaped her. Whatever she wanted to say turned blank as the man watched her with disbelieving eyes.

Say something!

"Ah."

Serena almost facepalmed.

Embarrassing as it was, it did the trick. Red broke out of his trance and smiled. "It's been a while."

So he did remember her. She sighed a breath of relief. "It really has."

He petted the proud Pidgeot before offering his hand. She took it and gave a firm shake before letting go. "I'm...surprised to see you in Kanto. Kalos is a long way from here."

"I-I followed your advice," Serena said. She shyly looked down before continuing. "I joined my best friend, Ash, on his journey."

A breath left him and an unknown emotion shined in his eyes before it vanished. "I did say that, didn't I?" His smile softened. "I hope he's been good to you."

"He has!" She nodded enthusiastically. "I got to meet so many people and Pokemon. You were right! It has been so much fun." A genuine grin blossomed before she flustered and her next words were nothing but a whisper. "I've been thinking a lot about what I want to be and Ash has been so helpful with that too. You were right about everything."

He heard it nonetheless and gently shook his head. "It might have been my words that drove you, but it was your actions that got you this far." He hesitantly patted her head. It was the faintest of touches. Almost ethereal. "It was all you. Think nothing of it."

"Even if that's the case, I wanted to thank you," Serena looked up at him with grateful eyes. "I never would have thought of it if it wasn't for you."

"You don't have to thank me for anything, but I will accept it gratefully," Red chuckled. Serena blinked when she felt soft fur beside her. She looked down and gasped at the mouse's presence. She giggled when he hopped onto her shoulder and affectionately rubbed her cheek. Red watched it with an amused yet exasperated sigh. "Pikachu, you can't just jump on people like that."

"No, it's fine," Serena grinned. "Ash has a Pikachu too. He's also just like this."

"Is that so?"

"Mhm," she nodded. "It's quite funny. They started off on the wrong foot, but they became absolutely inseparable. He doesn't like staying in his pokeball too."

He hummed in understanding. She noted the contemplative expression on his face. "And what of you? Did you get your starter here in Kanto?"

"Ah, actually my mom told me I should get one from Kalos," she said. "The earlier the better, she said. She was right. Fennekin is the best partner I could ask for." While Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Charmander were amazing Pokemon, the Kalos fire-type was absolutely adorable. She was so soft and fluffy! Taking care of her fur was one of her favorite pastimes.

Red nodded in understanding. "And I'm sure she's glad to have you as her partner as well."

"I want to introduce you to my friends." She jumped excitedly. "You've heard of Ash and Pikachu, but there's Brock and Misty too. One is training to be a Pokemon breeder and the other wants to be a water-type master. They would love to meet you." She turned to show him only to blush when she saw that their Charizard problem still hadn't been resolved. Urk. "On s-second thought, maybe another time."

Amusement danced in Red's eyes. "Your friend's Charizard is a rowdy one."

"We're normally not like this." She stared at her idol with embarrassment. "I'm so sorry about that."

"Don't be," he shook his head. "It tends to happen. A consequence of their nature, but you won't find a more loyal Pokemon once you've earned their respect."

"Respect, huh?" Serena gave a nervous laugh. "Ash is working on it."

"I'm sure he is," Red said. "Let's go and meet them."

"N-Now?" Serena paused. "Wouldn't it be better after they calmed down?"

"No time like the present." He offered a small smile before walking toward her party. She could do nothing but follow. Hello, anxiousness, her old friend. The closer they got, the more she winced. Ash's Charizard wasn't going down without a fight. For such a large target, he was doing a good job of evading Ash's attempt of retrieving him.

"Get in the pokeb-Serena?" Ash paused at her reappearance. She waved at him. He tilted his head. "What're you doing?"

She gave him a small smile. "I brought some help."

He gave her a look. "What help?"

She laughed nervously and pointed ahead. Confusion set on his face before turning to the source.

Any words that her friend was about to say died in his throat at the man's approach. She couldn't blame him. It was the same trainer they watched all those years ago. He was one of the many reasons they decided to go on a Pokemon journey in the first place. They weren't alone. Misty and Brock stopped what they were doing as he reached the rampaging Pokemon.

"Brock, isn't that...?"

"Yes, it is, Misty."

"Woah there," Leon sidestepped a Flamethrower. Dragapult blocked one heading for Sonia while Leon's ace pinned Ash's to the ground. The struggling fire-type could do little against the superior beast. The Galarian trainer had to sigh at the predicament. "Rebellious one, isn't he?"

"Mind if I help?"

Leon blinked when a man appeared by his side. Serena stayed behind Ash as she watched. Her best friend had no words. It was a rare sight for the normally energetic boy. The Galarian eyed him curiously. "And you are?"

"My friends call me Red." He smiled. "I was passing by when I noticed the commotion. I'm not sure how much I could contribute, but I've had some experience with Charizards like these. May I try?"

Leon hummed before taking a step back to allow the Unova champion free access. "Be my guest. Careful though, this one is rather hot-tempered."

"I've noticed," Red said, amused.

The struggling beast stopped and stared when he took a step forward. Despite his confidence, he gave the fire-type a cautious smile. Still pinned under the immense power of Leon's Pokemon, the fire-type spent his energy analyzing the man. Serena could see confusion in Ash's winged Kanto starter. She wasn't surprised.

She saw the resemblance almost immediately. Charizard surely would too.

"You're certainly full of energy," Red observed. Charizard huffed in annoyance. "Let's get you out of there, shall we?" He turned to Leon and nodded. "Let him go."

Leon had his doubts. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure."

Charizard tilted his head when the weight on his back lightened. He stood back up and continued to observe the trainer. Serena had no idea what he was doing. Ash's fire-type was a wildcard throughout their journey. Unpredictable yet intense, it was a source of many of their victories alongside many of their defeats.

Everyone waited to see what he would do next with bated breath. She turned to Ash. He was entranced.

"Better?" The Unova champion smiled at Charizard. The beast grumbled to himself. He laughed. "You want to fight. I get that, but doing it here amongst so many people isn't going to accomplish much." His palm touched the beast's shoulders and Charizard noticed the crowd of people. "You'll have your chance. It would be a much better fight if the two of you were at your best, don't you agree?"

He huffed a plume of smoke. He was actually listening to him. Unbelievable.

Red turned to Ash and she couldn't help but notice her friend tense. "You must be Ash."

His eyes widened. "You know about me?"

"Of course," Red grinned. "Serena mentioned you. You're quite the boy, I heard."

"Serena? Wait, the letters!" Ash swerved to Serena. She gave a nervous laugh. "You didn't say anything embarrassing, right?"

"I didn't mention much," Serena assured. "Just a few things and none of them were that embarrassing. I think."

Her words didn't assuage her friend's worries and Misty snickered. "That's one way to meet the champion, huh, Ash?"

Ash groaned. Leon perked up at the water specialist's words. He turned to Brock. "Champion?"

"Not Kanto's if that's what you're wondering," Brock explained. "He's Unova's. Won it recently."

The Galarian's mood brightened. Sonia looked at the man in a new light. "Is that so?"

"You have a powerful Charizard," Red continued. "Be sure to take good care of him."

"Yeah," Ash nodded, staring as the brooding fire-type walked up to him with no issues. "I've never seen him listen to anyone before." He stopped his muttering to look at Red. "Well, I guess if it's you, it makes sense. You have a Charizard too."

"Strength begets respect. This is especially true for dragons, even if Charizard doesn't technically count as one." He smiled and patted the starter's head. Reluctant as Charizard might seem, he didn't shrug it off. "Show him why you're worth listening to and he'll move mountains for you."

Ash was silent as he allowed the words to sink in. He stared at his Charizard who glanced back before looking away with a huff. He sighed. Serena laughed. They got a long way to go.

The champion and his Pikachu noticed a similar rodent beside the trainer. "And this must be Pikachu."

"My best friend," Ash grinned and Pikachu returned it with a cry of his own. The mouse jumped up to his shoulders and waved at Red's Pikachu. The yellow mouse waved back with equal enthusiasm. "I can't think of anyone else for a partner."

Red observed the two and his smile grew. "That's wonderful."

"Were you invited too?" Ash asked with boundless excitement. After waving off the shock of seeing the man, he was back on his feet. Meeting his idol for the first time must have been an exhilarating experience. Not even Misty wanted to berate him for it though she still looked ready to keep him in check.

"I was," he nodded.

"I can't say I'm surprised," Brock said with a contemplative note in his voice. "I wonder who else was invited."

He glanced at the former gym leader. "Are you one of Flint's kids by any chance?"

The rock specialist paused at Red's question. "I am."

Red offered his hand and he took it. "I can see the resemblance. I battled your father a long time ago. He was an impressive man back in the day. Sturdy, like rock. Is he still the gym leader there?"

"He was and still is," he smiled and let go. "I took over for a while but I decided to follow Ash on his journey."

"He must have really impressed you."

"You could say that," Brock laughed.

Red returned it with an amused smile before turning to Misty who straightened at his attention. "Misty, right?"

"That's right," she nodded.

"I heard you're trying to become a water-type master," he said and Misty's eyes widened before glancing at Serena. Serena offered a small wink. "It can be a tough type to raise."

"Better that than bug-types." She made a face at the thought before remembering who she was talking to. "Not that there's anything wrong with them. Leavanny and Butterfree are really cute, but it's just not my thing." She shivered. "Water-types are my passion. I think I can be the best. I know I can."

His smile widened. "I understand. Everyone has their preferences. Wallace would adore you."

She choked. "You know Wallace?"

"I do. He has some of the most beautiful water-types I've ever seen. Despite his glamorous persona, his intellect is far beyond many of his peers. He's even given me insight into my own water-types from time to time. I can share them with you later." He turned to Leon and Sonia. "I don't believe we've properly met."

"I'm Leon and she's Sonia," the man's curiosity seemed to have heightened after observing the trainer. "You're the champion of Unova?"

"It hasn't been long since I became one, but yes."

"So the invitation has some legitimacy," Sonia said. "A gathering of some of the greatest trainers in the world sounded farfetched, but a champion is standing right before our eyes."

"Perhaps," Red nodded. "I came to find out."

"Same as us," Leon said and there was a hint of anticipation that Serena never saw before. "I would love to talk more. Champion to champion. It'd be an honor to talk with the strongest trainer in Unova."

Ash blinked and he wasn't the only one to process the Galarian's words. Serena looked at the man with the same confusion. "Wait, champion?"

"Oh, didn't I mention it?" Leon paused and thought about it. He chuckled. "Guess I didn't. I'm the champion of Galar. Nice to meet you."

The expression on Ash's face when he discovered he was in the presence of two champions was adorable.

XXX

Today was full of surprises for Lance.

"Cynthia?"

"Lance?"

This was the first of many revelations. Lance stared at the approaching woman with intrigue. When he came here, he expected to see a wide variety of trainers. Maybe a few he recognized. To see her of all people was a pleasant surprise. "It has been a while since I've last seen you. How have you been?"

"I've been doing well," Cynthia smiled. "I heard you became the champion of Kanto and Johto last year. Congratulations."

"And I heard that you became Sinnoh's this year." Lance smiled. "I can't say I'm surprised. Your accomplishments speak for themselves."

"I work just as hard as any other trainer," Cynthia laughed. "I assume you are here for the same reason?"

"Being invited by the greatest Pokemon trainer in the world isn't something that happens often."

"If the person really is who they say they are," she said and he couldn't help but agree. He had doubts as well, but whoever could pull off inviting so many promising trainers at least had some legitimacy. Lance decided to give whoever this was the benefit of the doubt. He could spare a few days for idle curiosity despite his busy schedule.

"At least we won't be alone," he offered, noting several other trainers in the Pokemon Center. He could see his old friend Bruno conversing with a confident man with a red afro. Speaking of the color..."Do you think Red was invited as well? It would be nice to see him again."

He personally took time out of his schedule to watch his rival compete. It was a true spectacle. The skill and power both trainers exuded were in a league of their own. They held nothing back. Red deserved his title after such a showing.

The topic of Red seemed to sour her mood. "I haven't heard from him ever since he became champion," Cynthia sighed. "I figured he might be busy and he has done this before, but it can be worrying sometimes."

"Trouble in paradise?"

Cynthia feigned a glare. "You too, Lance?"

He raised his hands in faux surrender. "In my defense, I always assumed you two would end up together." They had chemistry and it was clear to see.

"We're not in a relationship."

"Really?" Lance tilted his head.

"Really," she nodded.

"You kissed him."

"I confessed," she admitted. "That doesn't mean we're together."

That was news to him. Lance always considered Red to be a direct, confident man. To hear that the new Unova champion hesitated when it came to love was a new side of the trainer he hadn't heard of before. Nonetheless, he knew him enough to assure the woman. "I'm sure he'll respond to your feelings. He's not one to avoid what's in front of him for long."

"That's not what I am worried about."

"You think he'll say no?" She gave a hesitant nod. He hummed in understanding. In his opinion, the woman had nothing to be worried about. He saw how Red looked at her. Even if he never realized it, he cared for her greatly. "I am not one to talk, but sometimes people can be so woefully dense. He most likely used this time to think. He didn't reject you immediately. I would like to think that is because he cared enough about your feelings that he wanted to respond to you properly."

At least he thought so. Even after years of knowing the trainer, there were moments when reading whatever was going on in Red's head was all but impossible. His words seemed to have a profound effect on the Sinnoh native, however, and he inwardly nodded to himself. He'd consider that a victory.

"I suppose you're right," Cynthia slowly accepted. He could see a million thoughts go through her head at his words. "He didn't say no straight away." She smiled at Lance. "Thank you. I needed to hear that."

"We champions have to stick together." Lance chuckled before returning a smirk. "For what it's worth, I think you and Red would make a cute couple."

She rolled her eyes before wincing when a jubilant voice came from behind. He raised a brow when the woman sighed.

"Cynthia! Is that you?"

"Wallace," she turned to see the glamorous man stroll towards them with delight. So she knew this man. He hummed. He looked familiar. "You're here too?"

"You know me, darling," he laughed, "why would I say no to a party? Especially one with such an interesting premise. A gathering filled with promising trainers is one I rarely deny and it seems that my decision was the correct one. It has been years! It's so good to see you!"

Despite herself, the woman had a small smile at the boisterous words. "It's good to see you too, Wallace. I saw your match. You were close."

"Don't remind me," he glamorously bemoaned. Lance never thought someone could be so extravagant. "Steven's my finest rival for a reason. I'm content with letting him stay at the top for now. Next year will be a different matter."

Steven was the name of the Hoenn champion, was it not? He took another look at the man. Boisterous with a thematic theme of sea green and blue with an influence so large it extended to Kanto and Johto. There was only one that fit the bill. "You're that top coordinator from Hoenn. The champion's rival."

"And you're Kanto's greatest dragon master," Wallace's words made him blink in surprise. The man offered a small yet dazzling bow. "I'm honored to be in the presence of this region's best."

"And it's great to meet one of Hoenn's." He heard of his reputation. Balancing Pokemon contests along with the league looked like an impossible task, but this man not only tried but flourished in both. No ordinary trainer could reach such a level in two competitive fields and he did it with ease. Lance was impressed.

"You flatter me, but my last performance isn't anywhere close to satisfactory. I will do better," Wallace smiled. "Steven would've loved to meet you, but his duties as champion and heir to a massive corporation made him unable to attend. He'd be quite jealous of the invitees."

Another added to the list of impressive trainers. He mentally took note of the coordinator's words.

"How do you think we're supposed to head to the island," Lance pondered. He could easily fly there with his Dragonite, but not everyone had the same conveniences he had. The host must have something prepared.

"I asked the sailors here and no one was willing to take me there," Wallace said. "Honestly, I've considered swimming there myself."

"That is rather odd," Cynthia admitted. Before Lance could add to it, the doors of the Pokemon Center opened once more and the youthful yet familiar voice caused a sense of deja vu that he couldn't help but feel.

"Sorry about Charizard."

"Don't worry about it. It happens."

Red?

No.

That was Red's voice, but it wasn't. It wasn't the mature, controlled tone that commanded respect from those around him. It was excitable, innocent, and inexperienced. Judging by the stunned expressions on Cynthia and Wallace's faces, they noticed it too. He turned to the source.

The surprise hit him like a Tauros.

It was a boy. Black hair, sun-kissed skin, and amber eyes. Must have started recently. He had different clothing, but he was the spitting image of an eleven-year-old Red. He should know. He met him at that age. He fought him at that age.

Cynthia looked to be in a state of shock. He couldn't blame her. Lance was too.

"Did Red ever mention having siblings?" Wallace asked.

"No," Cynthia shook her head. "He may be related? Red mentioned living in Kanto."

Possible. Highly probable. They looked too alike not to be.

"You think we'll get to battle there?" The boy's question and expression were so familiar yet so foreign. He never saw a younger Red look this innocent before! It was oddly adorable, but also horrifying. As if to further cement their theories, a third surprise struck Lance like a thunderbolt when he walked in.

"Maybe," Red said. "We'll find out when we get there."

Any doubt he had completely vanished.

"They're definitely related," Wallace concluded. Lance couldn't disagree. Having them side by side only emphasized their similarities and differences. It was the only logical conclusion.

Then the boy pointed at him and Lance swore to Arceus that he had a heart attack when the youthful Red-lookalike stared at him in complete and utter awe. Red never looked at him like that. Seeing it now was utter chaos.

"No way, it's Lance!"

When the boy ran up to him with eyes so familiar yet so different, did he realize that he lost his voice. Cynthia didn't say a word, enraptured by the oddity in front of them. The day just started and things were not going as planned. His expectations were broken before him. Just what had the day in store for them?

He had no idea. His mind was already trying to comprehend an energetic, excitable Red. He couldn't handle any more than this!

XXX

"Funny seeing all of you here." His voice brought her back from the puzzle before them. Red was as collected as ever though she knew him long enough to note the surprise in his eyes. "Old Shore Wharf isn't exactly a tourist's destination."

"I find the ocean to be calming wherever I go," Wallace said, distracted by the boy taking up all of Lance's attention. "Any relation with the child?"

"He's not my brother, cousin, or nephew if that is what you're asking."

Really? Cynthia had a hard time believing that. "He looks and sounds just like you when you were young."

"The oddest of coincidences."

"I have two working eyes," Cynthia said with a deadpan expression.

"It can happen."

"The chances of such a thing are absurdly low."

"But there's a chance."

"You cannot think that I could possibly believe that."

"The world works in mysterious ways," Red smiled those knowing smiles that appeared from time to time. She gave him a disbelieving stare, but he wouldn't budge on the topic. She pouted. He laughed and gave her a hug. She started at the touch but melted into his arms. Her face turned warm. "It's great to see you again, Cynthia."

"Mm," she subconsciously deepened the hug, "It's great to see you too."

Her heartbeat accelerated despite her attempts at stopping it. Would he notice it? He probably did. Stupid heart. Ever since she confessed, she became actively aware of how her body reacted to him. Take her back to the time when she wasn't so aware of her feelings! She was suffering here! Argh.

Wallace cleared his throat when they both stayed together for longer than what was considered proper. They let go instantly. The water-type specialist gave them a look. She glared back, an action that Wallace effortlessly ignored as he sent a dazzling smile Red's way. "Red," He paused and his smile became teasing, "or should I say champion?"

"Red's just fine, thank you." The man's sigh made her giggle. "I've already got enough people calling me prince or king of Unova already. I don't need another added to the list."

"It's great to see my title for you spreading."

"I should've known you would be the one to start it." He rolled his eyes before looking behind him. The boy wasn't the only one with Lance now. Several more joined alongside him. "I've entered alongside some other trainers. I wouldn't mind introducing you to them. You already saw Ash, but his friends are just as interesting. Some gym leaders and even another champion. From Galar!" The tone of Red's voice was tinged with fascination and even confusion at the thought.

"Well, I wouldn't mind meeting them," Wallace grinned. "A friend of yours is a friend of mine!"

"Galar is rather far from here," Cynthia said, "It'd be great to learn about it from their very own champion."

"I've had the exact same thought," her best friend agreed. "I've alrea-"

"Red!" Flint tackled him with a midair hug. The man grunted at the red-haired Elite Four's form. Bruno picked both of them up with ease and gave the Unova champion a bone-crushing embrace.

"Flint?" He looked at him in shock before turning to the other man. "Bruno?"

"It's been so long, man," Flint beamed and there was a hint of vindictive glee in his smile, "You're not escaping this time. We got a lot of catching up to do."

"I understand, but there's a lot of other people I have to gree-"

"You got plenty of time," Bruno smirked. "Come on, Red, let's talk."

He sighed in exasperation before turning to Cynthia for help. She ignored him and turned to Ash and his friends. The betrayed look he sent as Sinnoh's burning star and Kanto's fighting legend stole him away was cute. Honestly, it was a long time coming. He hadn't returned to Sinnoh in years. Flint wasn't going to show him mercy and neither was she.

Sorry Red, but that's a problem you'll have to deal with yourself!

XXX

When Diantha first saw the invitation, she thought it was one of her many fan letters or invitations from the rich and wealthy. It certainly had the flair of one. She wasn't new to large gatherings and this certainly wouldn't be the last. Nonetheless, the sophistication of the invitation intrigued her, and she had nothing else going on during the time so she accepted.

She met him again under the bright clear sun of Kanto.

"Most people won't recognize you here, you know?"

"It never hurts to be cautious," she smiled at the familiar voice. Her sunglasses, black coat, and hat were a disguise he was all too familiar with. She turned around to see him staring at her with amusement. "I suppose it's become a habit."

"Not a bad habit to have considering your fame," Red mused. She was watching all the ships pass by on the dock. She could see her destination in the distance. New Island was a large and formidable landmass, though she couldn't help but feel something off about it.

"You look tired."

"I had a run-in with some old friends and they wanted to catch up."

"That doesn't sound so bad."

"It's been close to nine years since I physically saw him."

"Ah." That would do it. "So you came here to take a break."

He chuckled. "Just a small one."

"I could leave if you need me to."

"No, I always appreciate your company." Red stood next to her, basking in the calm ocean breeze. "What do you think of New Island?"

So he was curious about it too.

"I've never heard of it before," she admitted. "It's quite large. My manager couldn't find out a lot about it and the locals don't know much other than some rumors and hearsay."

He hummed, "You would think the people that live here would know more. What rumors have you heard?"

"It was a simple island a few weeks ago. Some people would come and go. No one from here. Seemingly in a few days, it became a fortress." She looked at him when he was oddly silent. "Sailors avoid it. Bad luck they say. It didn't help that their Nurse Joy vanished ever since it occurred."

"Do you believe them?"

"I have an open mind," she said. It could be true or it could simply be a wealthy eccentric throwing their money around. Sailors were a superstitious bunch, but it was a result of their time on the seas. She learned to trust their intuition at times. "I do find it strangely foreboding. The architecture isn't anything I've ever seen."

"Almost alien compared to human structures."

"You make it sound like a human didn't build it."

"It was just a thought," he chuckled. "Why don't we meet up with the others? I saw Malva on my way here. Was she with you?"

"Yes. She was just as interested in it as I was." She never was one to deny a potential story. She sent a teasing smile his way. "She'd be all over you if she saw you here. Her interview was a hit. She'd want to thank you personally."

"I avoided her the moment I saw her," he spoke without shame. "Good to know that was a wise choice."

"I would've kept her in check."

"My guardian angel," he laughed.

"Kathi taught me many ways to manage the growing fame that I would eventually get." She took his hand and lead him to the Pokemon Center. "I wouldn't mind sharing them with you. You'll probably need it now that you're champion."

"You do not have to," Red said, "but I appreciate it."

With all the things he did for her, this was the least she could do for him. The soft smile he sent her way made her heart skip a beat before she squashed it instantly. She shouldn't get too attached. His heart belonged to someone else.

Cynthia really was a lucky woman.

XXX

When she entered the Pokemon Center, she wasn't surprised by the large group of trainers.

She was surprised by the people in them though. Her friend and rival, Cynthia, was speaking with a star-struck girl and her Fennekin. Was that the top coordinator of Hoenn and the champion of Galar as well? There seemed to be no shortage of famous trainers here.

"Now this is a story."

"We're here to enjoy ourselves, Malva."

"Oh I know, but my reporter's intuition demands I know the truth." Her friend and rival looked like a kid that walked into a candy shop. "I wanted to learn more about the strongest trainer in the world, but it seems I got more than I bargained for."

"Malva..."

"I won't do anything," she rolled her eyes before noticing a familiar figure in the distance. "Your boyfriend's here too. You walked with him. Got something to share?"

"You're teasing me," she nudged her playfully. "He's taken."

"Do we know that really?"

"We have pictures to prove it."

"There's usually more to a picture than meets the eye," Malva pointed out. "Until I hear it from their own lips, as far as I can tell, he's free game."

"I think a kiss on the lips is explanation enough." She left Malva to her own devices and walked toward Cynthia. The girl by her wore clothes similar to Kalos fashion. Was she from her home region? She ignored that for now and instead sneaked behind Cynthia for a small tap on her shoulder.

The blonde woman jumped at the touch but turned toward the Kalos star. Shock flashed in the woman's eyes before a smile graced her lips. "I can't say I'm surprised to see you here."

"I'm flattered you think so highly of me," Diantha grinned. "I'll be sure to take the praise of the champion of Sinnoh to heart."

"As if you need anyone's praise to begin with."

"I'm not immune to a little bit of praise from certain people. When it comes out of a champion's mouth, people tend to listen," she said amusedly, "It just so happens that I find your words worth listening to."

"I'm only speaking the truth," the Sinnoh champion laughed, "there is no reason to lie about it. You're almost as good as me."

"Almost?"

Cynthia smirked, "I haven't lost to you yet."

"Yet," she emphasized before feigning a sigh, "though I suppose you've beaten me in other ways." The blonde blinked in confusion and the Kalos star returned it with a sly wink before moving on to the girl right next to her. "And who's this cutie?"

"This is Serena. Apparently Red met her during his journey in Kalos."

"That's a long way from here," she noted before offering her hand. "It's nice to meet you, Serena. I am Diantha."

"I-I know who you are," she stared at the Kalos star with stars in her eyes. She took the attention in stride. She was used to it. "I've seen your movies!"

"Really?" She tilted her head. "Do you have a favorite?"

"The Princess and the Froakie," Serena spoke in an instant. There was no hesitation in her voice. She loved something and she loved it well. Good for her.

"You have good taste." She returned the smile before whispering, "That's my favorite too." The memories she made while filming it was some of the best she had. It certainly helped that Cynthia clearly didn't agree with them. Haha! The face of the blonde was adorable. "You must be here for New Island. It's always nice to see promising young trainers like you. You must've done well yourself."

The girl gave a nervous laugh before shaking her head. "If only. I'm here because of my friend, Ash." She pointed behind her and Diantha's eyes were drawn to the sight of a boy that looked eerily like a man that she had gotten to know for some time now.

Huh.

Diantha glanced at Cynthia. She stared back at her.

"I want an explanation."

Cynthia sighed. "You're not the only one."

The star raised a brow. How interesting. Red never mentioned anything about this. Did he intentionally hide this from her? No, it was apparent that even Cynthia didn't know. He hid it from everyone. He never acknowledged it then. Another mystery from her friend. Just how many secrets did he have?

She sighed as well.

He was lucky that she liked a good mystery.

Tap.

Tap.

Tip.

"Rain?" Serena's confused voice broke her out of her thoughts and she turned to the window.

What was once clear skies and a cool breeze turned dark and ominous as a storm cloud circled New Island. The star of Kalos hummed in thought. The news didn't mention any bad weather today.

XXX

It happened in an instant.

The first thing they noticed was the sound. Vast and thunderous, the sky rumbled as howling winds and torrential downpours rattled the windows of the Pokemon Center like a judging deity. Ash could see people running to the closest shelter. Sailors, trainers, and police officers hunkered down as the weather turned sour.

Ash listened halfheartedly to the pier master and Officer Jenny as he watched through the windows. He winced as the sky roared and lightning danced. It was a primal sight for the boy. It was so sudden, so spontaneous, that he questioned if it was truly natural.

Pikachu nudged his face and he blinked out of his thoughts as he gave a grin to his best friend. "Quite a crazy storm outside, huh?"

The electric mouse cried in confirmation before both turned back to the window.

The sea looked jagged and unstable when it was once flat and peaceful. The bright blue skies were grey and intimidating and crackling light hid within a blanket of storm clouds. It was mesmerizing as it was daunting. How were they supposed to get to New Island now? Was it canceled?

"Maybe."

Ash jumped when someone joined his side. Did he talk out loud? He must've if someone answered his thoughts so clearly. He turned only to shiver at the presence of a champion. Even after getting used to seeing him, his mind never failed to fizzle out for a moment at the sight of Unova's strongest.

Red gave him a small smile. "Sorry if I'm intruding."

"No, you're not intruding at all," Ash grinned. "I was just thinking."

The champion's smile became teasing. "Really? Misty wouldn't believe it."

Oh, come on now. Hearing his idol say that made him pout. "She really needs to cut me some slack. I didn't get as far as I got from being dumb."

"I know and in some ways, she does too." Red chuckled before patting the youthful trainer and his Pikachu. "What were you thinking about?"

"Just how I'm going to get to New Island," Ash sighed. "It's probably canceled, right? This storm's so strong."

"You would be right under normal circumstances," Red acknowledged, "but if this person truly is the strongest trainer in the world, it isn't farfetched to believe that they could make a storm this turbulent."

"Can Pokemon really do that?"

"Definitely," Red's voice was so full of doubtless confidence that Ash could do nothing but accept his words as gospel. "I've seen Pokemon generate blizzards, trigger volcanoes, and create lightning out of skies like these." The champion winked at the awed boy. "There are even Pokemon that can manipulate space and time and some can even travel through dimensions. I wouldn't doubt that the strongest trainer in the world could pull off something like this."

"Then this has to be some sort of test."

Red nodded with approval. "Perhaps. What better way to prove your worth as a trainer?"

It made sense though Ash wondered why someone would do something like this when they were already given an invitation. Was it to show off their strength? To prove that they truly were the greatest in the world? After all, Red had a point. The strongest trainer probably could pull off something like this.

After seeing two champions clash before on TV, he could believe it!

"Guess we'll have to find a way to New Island, ourselves, eh Pikachu?" He smirked at his electric companion. The mouse returned it with a look of determination.

"You're going to try then."

"Yeah," Ash turned to stare at the champion. "They invited me for a reason and I'm not going to run away. We'll get to New Island. You can count on it."

"It's dangerous."

"I know my limits." Red gave him a look and he flushed. Okay, maybe that wasn't exactly true. "I'll be careful." His correction was received with an amused sigh.

"I'll meet you there then."

"And maybe we could have a battle afterward." His words seemed to have caught the champion by surprise. He couldn't blame him. He surprised himself when it left his lips without a second thought. It was instinctive. He wanted to see how he would compare to the man he watched on his little TV at home ever since he was six. Fighting Red would be a dream come true.

Maybe there were trainers better than Red. Maybe it was the person who invited everyone here. It didn't matter. Red held a special place in his heart. He was his childhood and what trainer didn't want to test themselves against the trainer they looked up to?

That sincerity reached his idol and as the champion gazed at Ash's determined look, Red couldn't help but chuckle. "Sure." The boy's eyes widened at his words. "Once this event ends, find me." Red gave him a small grin. "Let's see what you got."

Yes!

When Ash returned to his group with the unrestrained energy of an excited Pichu, he was the first person to notice Red's disappearance an hour later.

XXX

Mewtwo could feel the rattling of unnatural metal as waves and harsh rain battered his almighty fortress. He watched as those he challenged began their preparations to surpass his test and enter his realm. He would let them. He had a lot of questions to ask and they were the only ones with the answers he was looking for.

He would not accept cowards.

If the humans could not brave the storm, they were not humans worth his time.

He needed warriors, the bravest and strongest. He wanted justice, freedom, and answers.

There was a desire within him, a jaded need for vengeance against humanity, but there was also another part of him that wanted to give humanity a chance to prove themselves.

Not through science, not through crime, but through the one thing he could completely understand.

Combat.

Violence. Raw and unrelenting violence. Mewtwo frowned. He never enjoyed it, but it was something he was used to. It was familiar. He held intelligence but lacked worldly experience. Knowledge could only go so far without wisdom.

He would use his strength because it was familiar and he would test his power against those his previous jailor claimed were his equals or even superiors.

The fanciful Wallace was the first, a trainer that demanded his acknowledgment despite his fleeting nature. He had an eye for talent and an even keener eye when it came to his chosen professions. His Pokemon specialized in an element that dominated most of the planet's surface. Underestimating him would be Mewtwo's downfall.

Lance's acceptance was a surprise, but one that he understood the grave significance of. Mastery over dragons meant a strong, unyielding personality yet his dominance on the battlefield showcased a mind beyond his years. He was a champion and a leader in two regions, Kanto and Johto. His home was this man's domain and if he wasn't careful, it would be him that he would be truly afraid of.

A performer on a stage and a star in battle, Diantha and her Gardevoir held a special bond that went beyond natural evolution. Key Stones and Mega Stones were two special items that unlocked a power that he had never seen before. He had to take into account his inexperience with such a tool. He would not fight her unprepared for the possibility of such a technique.

Cynthia caused him a great amount of concern. Her track record and experience spoke for themselves. An archaeologist and a champion. She would identify his origins and her knowledge and skills would undoubtedly give him trouble. Nonetheless, he would face what came his way with stalwart defenses. She was overwhelmingly powerful, but so was he. He was created to be the strongest Pokemon the world had and would ever see.

SLAM!

His body tensed when he felt something land on his fortress with surprising strength. He turned to look at his servant. The controlled nurse was still in his chambers.

Impossible.

He planned to greet his guests the moment he felt them close in on his island. He thought he had time. When did someone reach his fortress this quickly? No. He could not panic now. This was unexpected, but he had precautions for this. He took a deep breath and used his psychic will to discover the identity of his first guest.

Ah.

It was him.

His most curious invitee.

Welcome him. Mewtwo's command was obeyed without question. She bowed her head and left him to his thoughts.

Red. Champion of Unova. A man that traveled the world and experienced what it had to offer before finally joining the ranks of the world's strongest. His hard work and talent made him stand out from the rank and file. He turned unpredictability into a skill and with every loss was an opportunity to grow even stronger. He was just as powerful as the rest.

He could sense the man following his servant to the room he had prepared.

Everything was going as planned. He could feel the others traversing the ocean to get to his island. Even with the small surprise of a human's early entrance, everything was happening within the expected parameters. Everything was perfect.

Mewtwo frowned.

So why do I feel the opposite?

XXX

Cynthia and Garchomp stared down the storm with calculated indifference.

Her coat and hair were dampened from the onslaught of rain and wind. She ignored it as she planned her next course of action. Several of her peers already went ahead, courageous and confident in their methods. She knew they would make it. Out of all of them, Lance and Wallace definitely had the Pokemon for it. They could take care of themselves.

The storm rumbled and she watched as trainers backed off or took on the challenge in front of them. It was a terrifying thing to behold. Even the most hardened trainers would be wary of its intensity.

She would make it though. Her Garchomp trained in similar conditions before and they'd experienced comparable weather during their travels. They'd fly their way through.

"Come on, Brock! Let's go!"

Her concentration shattered at the familiar voice and she looked behind her to see that peculiar group dash out of the Pokemon Center and to the edge of the dock. Staring at that boy never failed to confuse her.

"Oh hello, Cynthia!" One of the boy's companions, Serena, noticed her and gave her a wave even as she wrapped her coat tightly around her to endure the battering of water and wind.

Cynthia returned it with a smile of her own. The harsh conditions did little to dim the warm aura that wrapped around the girl. An admirable trait. "Off to New Island as well?"

"Yeah. Ash was raring to go." She nodded before laughing. "Red promised him a Pokemon battle afterward so he's more fired up than ever."

"Did he now?" Cynthia hummed in thought. It was clear to her that there was more to the connection between them than Red implied. She wondered what though. "Is this the first time they both met?"

"Mhm," Serena said and Cynthia had to hold back her surprise. The girl caught it and giggled. "You'd think they'd know each other, huh? They look so alike."

"It may have crossed my mind."

Serena shook her head. "That's understandable. My friends always point it out to him, but he swore that he's never met him before. Ash doesn't even think they're related."

"Red said the same thing," Cynthia noted. It was odd. Both parties claimed to be strangers, but they were so similar that it was eerie.

"Anyway, how will you be going to New Island?" Serena tightened her grip on her jacket as the storm somehow grew even stronger.

Garchomp stepped forward to help block off the forceful gusts for the girl. Cynthia smiled at her ace. "I'll be flying with my Garchomp." She knew her Pokemon's strengths inside and out. Her dragon had the strength to survive something like this with ease. "And how about your group?"

"No idea," she chuckled, "but we're working on it."

Cynthia frowned, "I could have Togekiss, Milotic, and Gastrodon take your group with me if you want." A test this might be from the so-called greatest trainer in the world, but she didn't want to see children in danger.

Serena shook her head. "I think Ash might have something planned, but thank you for the offer though."

"If you're sure," Cynthia nodded. She'd watch them as she begins her journey across the sea instead. Just to be safe.

"Serena!" That familiar yet foreign voice spoke out again and she couldn't help but straighten. She knew it wasn't Red's voice. It was too full of energy and lacked the calm, comforting tone she associated with him, but it was similar enough to catch her attention. Ash waved over to them by the docks. It seemed they discovered a method of travel. "Over here!"

"I guess they found something," Serena said before doing a small bow to the Sinnoh champion. "It's nice talking to you again, Cynthia. I'll see you at New Island."

She reciprocated the action with a smile. "Safe travels, Serena."

"Yes," she nodded, "thank you!"

Cynthia watched as the youth ran back to her group before turning back to her faithful partner. The dragon didn't look bothered at all by the raging weather. That was a good sign. "You ready to go?"

Garchomp nodded.

XXX

Greninja opened his eyes to a torrential downpour.

"Not the most accommodating weather."

His eyes blinked away the rain before staring at his trainer and the ever-present Pikachu on his shoulder. They stood at the shores of an alien fortress. Red offered a small smile before calling out Incineroar as well. Curious. What did his trainer want?

"I have a job for the both of you," he said, "It is something I know you can do, but I won't force it if you believe you are not up to the task."

Incineroar puffed his chest and barked a confident cry. It was clear that the Alolan starter was more than willing to do whatever his trainer wanted. Greninja took more time to mull his trainer's words. He trusted him above all else, but the tone in his friend's voice implied a sense of solemness that he rarely used.

This task must be important. Greninja looked at Red, waiting for further explanation. The Unova champion sensed their curiosity and nodded.

"I need you to infiltrate the lower levels of a fortress of one of the strongest Pokemon in the world," Red said, and this time Incineroar listened. Red wasn't one for hyperbole when it came to this. If he claimed that inside this island held one of the strongest, no one in his team would deny it. "He knows this island, inside and out, and his senses are one of a kind."

Understanding dawned on him. He could see why Red chose him. He was quick, stealthy, and had training from real shinobis. That didn't explain Incineroar though. He was loud and rambunctious, and while his strength left no room for doubt, Greninja would've preferred a partner like Sceptile or Decidueye.

Red noticed his concerns and smiled. "The Pokemon who dominates this fortress is a psychic-type and as such, he has a harder time tracking both of you due to your typing. I also chose Incineroar for another purpose."

Pikachu's ears twitched and nudged their trainer on the cheek. Red paused and if Greninja listened hard enough, he could hear the sound of footsteps reverberating through alien stone and metal. "There isn't much time left, so I will make this brief."

Incineroar and Greninja listened closely and both tensed as Red explained his plan.

XXX

How daunting.

A shiver ran down Lance's spine as he stared at the looming structure. The fortress that towered overhead felt like an all-seeing overseer. It was beautiful, yet cruel. It painted a dour picture in his mind.

Indifferent.

Uncaring.

With the thunder, lightning, and fervent waves that could be heard in the distance, it created an intimidating and suffocating atmosphere. Whoever owned this place seemed to have a flair for dramatics.

His suspicions rose as he followed a woman that looked eerily like the missing Nurse Joy into a well-decorated room with tables and chairs for their leisure. There were even some fountains that the water-type Pokemon could use. He spotted Wallace treating his Pokemon near one. He wasn't surprised to see him here early. The coordinator's Pokemon journeyed the tempestuous seas unfazed.

"If you would, may you please place your Pokeballs in this machine for a moment?"

Lance stared at an odd box-like machine that wasn't too dissimilar to the ones Pokemon Centers owned. Was it for the same purpose? He looked back at the woman. "May I ask why?"

"It checks for the health of your Pokemon and it treats them for any exhaustion they may have received when they crossed the ocean," she answered simply, "You will have it back immediately."

He saw no harm in that. He handed them and watched as the lady placed all six in. Bright green light coated them before finishing with a small beep. She handed his team back and bowed. He nodded in return before entering the room.

His eyes noted Red and Leon in the distance. He picked up their words as he neared them.

"That's essentially the World Coronation Series."

"Fascinating," Red said, curiosity clear in his voice. "And you're the current holder of the title. You're the strongest in the world."

"According to the competition, I am," Leon laughed, "but while the tournament showcases some of the best that the world has to offer, it's not a perfect system. The annual championship is determined by registering online so that means that we could only have so many trainers and not every strong trainer participates every year."

"Ah, a smaller sample size of opponents. Nonetheless, champions and the Elite Four compete in this tournament. For you to be able to win against competition that fierce is especially impressive for someone your age."

"I am proud of my achievements," the Galarian champion acknowledged with a grin, "but as we can clearly see, there are many that did not compete. Like the one who invited us or even you."

"I wasn't aware of its existence," Red said, amused, "and I was busy completing my league."

"Oh I know, but definitely keep it in mind in the future. I would love to face you there!"

"I will," Red said, "It's not every day that I hear about a tournament of this scale." He smiled. "Keep that crown warm for me until then, Leon."

The man smirked at Red's proclamation. Even Lance couldn't help but chuckle. He took a step closer. "You'll have to beat me to it first, Red."

"The more competition the better." Red's gaze didn't falter at his challenge. Ha! Such defiance. The amused glint in the Unovan champion's eyes changed to delight at his presence. "It's good to see you make it to the island, Lance."

"Something like this can't stop me. You know that."

"You wouldn't be a champion otherwise," Red agreed, "and how're the others? I can imagine not everyone wanted to leave the safety of the town."

"I saw Bruno, Flint, and Cynthia on my way here," he answered. "I also saw your clone and his group as well. Seems like Cynthia's keeping an eye on them and everyone else going through the challenge."

"He's not my clone," Red rolled his eyes. Leon snickered in the back and Lance cracked a smile. The champion of Unova gave the both of them a look before sighing, "I'm glad that everyone is fine though."

"How do you feel about the place so far?" Leon inspected the great expanse of the room with fascination. "I will admit, of all the parties and events I've attended as the monarch and champion of Galar, none have ever looked like this."

"It's different," Lance admitted. Suspicious as well. The woman raised some alarms in his head and the fact he only saw one employee so far for a domain this large created some questions. "There is no doubt about our host's power though."

"The sudden change in weather is not coincidental," Red nodded. "As host of this event, I guess they have the right to show off just a little bit."

"It at least makes their claim somewhat believable." Leon grinned and the youth's excitement was clear to see. "I wonder what Pokemon can do all of that? Just thinking of fighting it is making me excited."

Lance could think of several at the top of his head and while a powerful enough Rain Dance could blanket the sky, he didn't know of any that could do it at this scale and at this intensity. His list of suspects lead him to the thought of legendary Pokemon and if the host had some of them, it would certainly explain their confidence.

More footsteps could be heard and he turned to see the woman from before lead more trainers to the room. Ash and his group ran up to Sonia and Diantha while Cynthia sighed as she greeted both Bruno and Flint. Several others flooded in including some sort of reporter that was taking pictures of the room in wild abandon.

Lance's eyes trailed the suspicious woman as she walked to the far end of the room. All conversations were muted as she turned to face them. She looked at everyone for a brief moment before speaking, "Thank you for attending the party of my master, the world's greatest Pokemon trainer. For all of you that have made it this far, my master congratulates you. You are among the chosen few worthy enough to face him."

"So we do get to fight," Flint said. Lance watched as everyone took in his words. Most were intrigued or excited. Leon's smile grew tenfold. Lance couldn't deny being curious.

Foom.

"Yes," the woman answered and Lance tensed when something began descending from behind her. His eyes went up and the atmosphere around them changed as something landed. "You will be battling the strongest Pokemon and Pokemon trainer in the world."

Thud.

What was that?

The pressure spiked around them and Lance narrowed his eyes at the sight of the thing. Humanoid in appearance with an unnatural grey and purple hue. Its long tail and three-digit fingers held steady as its eyes landed on each and every one of them. The Galarian champion beside him looked at the...Pokemon with a sense of awe while Red watched the entire thing with a frown.

What are you?

Lance clutched his head as something invaded his mind.

I am the master of this domain.

It could speak. He could understand it. Lance's eyes widened as he stared at the Pokemon in shock.

I am the greatest Pokemon trainer. I am the greatest Pokemon.

This Pokemon invited them? He looked around him and saw everyone tensing as he spoke through their mind. Telepathy. They were all getting his message. He knew their language.

"I've never heard of a Pokemon that is also a trainer," Red spoke up and Lance swerved to see the champion unfazed.

Is that a problem?

"No," Red shook his head. "Just different."

The odd Pokemon narrowed his eyes before the floor behind him opened up.

Vrrr.

Foom.

The dragon master straightened when a small army of Pokemon were lifted before them. They all looked familiar and the power they exuded was clear from a single glance.

He spotted a Dragonite among them and he couldn't help but note the similarities to his own. Despite some imperfections, it was a spitting image of his ace. His Dragonite was one of his closest companions. He knew how to tell his own apart from the others and this Dragonite was too alike to not be a coincidence.

How?

Clones.

Lance turned sharply to the Pokemon and noticed their mysterious host looking straight at him. He read his mind. How concerning. Lance took it in stride and frowned. "You cloned our Pokemon?"

He nodded. Yes.

When? He scoured his memories before recalling that machine at the entrance. There? It had to be. He couldn't help but click his tongue at the thought. How careless of him.

You have questions, Mewtwo noted. I will answer them. If you can beat me.

That was a tall order. Lance knew his power at a glance. It was boundless. It might even be enough to be considered legendary. That was a frightening thought.

I invited all of you for one purpose. The telepath began to rise. Prove to me humanity's mettle.

CLINK!

Lance jumped back when he felt the steel beneath him crumple at the weight of the Pokemon's mental strength. Red was already in front of him as Pikachu took a defensive position.

He winced when he heard the roaring cries of the clones, some of them bearing the strength and power of a champion's ace.

BANG!

The next thing he knew, there was an explosion.

XXX

An ominous rumbling shook the tunnels as Greninja and Incineroar darted through the maze-like fortress.

Something was happening. He glanced at his fellow dark-type who discarded his confident grin for grim determination. They both knew what that meant. Their trainer was in danger.

Greninja expanded his senses, trying to hear abnormalities that could help the both of them locate their target. It wasn't doing him any good. The sounds of combat from above were slowing his progress.

The three took another turn as they went deeper. He needed to hope that they were getting close enough for his senses to pick something up.

Bang. Boom.

A small earthquake shuttered the metal.

Greninja saw a ladder and slid down. He tried again. Nothing.

His legs sent him even deeper in. He could hear the grumbling of Incineroar as his comrade did his best to catch up to his rampant speed. He would apologize later. His partner might be in trouble and he could not afford to slack in his duty.

Time is of the essence.

He took another turn and this time he could hear voices.

Did Mewtwo control more than what Red expected? He motioned for Incineroar to slow down and summoned his daggers through Cut. With the grace and finesse of a masterful shinobi, he leaped on the walls until he reached the tunnel's ceilings. He crept forward.

He waited. Precious minutes passed. There was nothing but silence.

...

Until the voices continued.

"Can you go any faster, James?"

"I don't see you helping, Jessie." The sound of tapping was heard. It was faint. Keyboards. "Whoever made this thing is obviously a genius. It's harder than it looks!"

"Well, we gotta' scram before it starts making more of those things!" A third voice? Two masculine voices and a feminine one. It couldn't be. Team Rocket? A sense of immense deja vu flooded his head. "D'ya hear what's happenin' up there? Whoever's running this joint's got some guts to challenge several champions and I don't wanna' take my chances with that."

This had to be it. He looked down at Incineroar and nodded. The fire-type took it as a sign and ran ahead. He dropped down to join him and followed. There was a door ahead. Good, they would just-

Incineroar smashed his way through with Darkest Lariat.

Of course.

"Sweet Arceus!" A Meowth fell on his back in shock as the confident Incineroar looked down at his fellow feline with a grin. The cat's jaw dropped in shock. "It's an Incineroar!"

"Wait, really?" James stopped typing at the alien computer and turned to see the duo. His eyes sparkled. "And a Greninja too!"

"James now is not the time!" Jessie took a step back at the intimidating sight. The shinobi couldn't help but feel an odd calm seeing them. As dastardly as they were, his past journeys wouldn't have nearly been as exciting without them. They were a welcome sight.

That wasn't something he would've thought possible.

He shook his head to banish away the fond memories. Meowth understood them. He knew that. The frog turned to him. He discarded the daggers as a sign of peace and the gesture calmed the cat enough to hear his words.

"You came here to stop the machine?" Meowth blinked. He looked at the only humans here, "Well, we can't really stop you."

"But Meowth, weren't you the one that wanted us to extract all the data of the champions' Pokemon this thing scanned for the boss?" James tilted his head and the cat couldn't help but glare back.

Even now, they were up to their old tricks. How amusing. Some things never change.

"Nope, nu-uh," Meowth shook his head, "You musta' been hearing things. We were actually...shutting it down as well! Right! Of course! Nothing suspicious about that. Right, Jessie?"

"Uh, of course!" She clapped her hands together in cheer, but Greninja was used to them enough to note the nervousness in her voice. "We're totally on your side. Let's stop this thing together!"

The three were always up to something, but for once, Greninja appreciated their presence. He nodded to the trio and began scanning the machine. Team Rocket sighed in relief but shivered when Incineroar walked closer.

He'd let his comrade scare them a little. Just to keep them in line-

Fwoosh.

A flash of pink appeared at the corner of his eye and he instinctively summoned a shuriken to throw. When he turned to look, he saw nothing but unnatural grey steel. The water-type frowned. He knew he wasn't imagining it. What was that? He swore he felt another presence here.

Boom. Bang. Clang.

The rumbling from above got even louder and Greninja banished the thought. He would investigate the oddity later. There were more pressing matters at hand.

XXX

Ash opened his eyes only to feel his back against the floor.

Smoke and debris clouded the air. Ash released a cough as he eyed his surroundings. What was going on? He winced as he covered an ear. There was too much noise. Where were the others? A surge of adrenaline hit his veins at the thought of them in danger. Serena! Misty! Brock!

Stop.

Focus.

He couldn't do anything here. He had to move. He got up and took a deep breath. He saw a flash of yellow.

"Pikachu," A sigh of relief escaped him when he saw his companion join his side. The mouse looked at him with worry. "I'm fine. Whatever caused that explosion knocked me back a bit, but that's it." He showed his body. "Ignore it for now. We got more important things to worry about. We have to find the others."

Pikachu saw his seriousness and met it with a determined nod. At least he had him. He returned it with a grin and both darted ahead.

They were quick to escape the cloud of debris only to meet chaos.

FWOOOM!

"Woah!"

They narrowly avoided a Flamethrower as a Charizard tossed another of its species into the floor. The fire began scorching the earth around them and Ash had to wince at the heat. Power coalesced into thick stones and Ancient Power rained down. Ash only had a moment to grab Pikachu and make a sprint before getting crushed by the bombardment.

Wasn't that Leon's Charizard? He took a look around them. It was a battlefield. Pokemon clashed with Pokemon. Power collided with power. There was no order to it all. He could see some trainers, but he couldn't see his group. It was utter madness.

What happened?

Where were they?

Thump.

Another Charizard landed before him, but it was one he instinctively knew.

This one wasn't Leon's.

It released a familiar fire.

Pikachu retaliated with blinding lightning.

He shook out of his shock and checked his pokeballs. He had Charizard with him. Ash sharply returned his gaze to the beast. It had markings that his didn't. It had to be the clones the mysterious Pokemon was talking about.

At any other time, the thought of cloned Pokemon would've captured his imagination, but that time wasn't now. He got into a stance. He needed to fight.

"Right," Ash nodded, "Let's fight fire with fire. Come on out, Charizard!"

The moment his fiery dragon landed on the ground, his winged companion was met with the raging lookalike in an instant. His fire-type only had a moment to block an incoming Flamethrower before staring back at his trainer with shock.

"Keep him busy, Charizard," he took off running once more. He didn't know if his old friend would listen to his orders this time, but he hoped the desperation and seriousness of the situation would make him at least somewhat understanding.

He didn't have the time to look back.

"Ash!"

He stopped his rush and noticed Serena waving to him at the far end of the room. He grinned as he caught up to them. The group took shelter behind a tossed-aside table and he could see Brock carrying the knocked-out woman from before. He sighed in relief when he didn't notice any injuries on them. "Nice to see you guys looking good."

"Cynthia's Garchomp saved us," Misty explained before looking over Ash with a frown. "Though I guess the same can't be said for you."

"Just some scratches," he reassured them. He looked at the unconscious woman. "Is she okay?"

Brock nodded, "Red handed her to us and told us to hide. He and the other trainers are taking care of the situation."

"I am not even sure what the situation is," Serena flinched as the sound of combat grew.

Right. There were a lot of questions and few answers. A Pokemon descended and claimed to be the one who invited them. Even from a distance, Ash could feel its wrath and power. It was beyond anything he ever felt and saw before.

Was this what Red meant by Pokemon capable of doing feats he never thought possible? To control the weather, so many powerful Pokemon, and the world with terrifying ease? It felt like seeing something from myths and legends.

"I'm going to help them."

"Don't be stupid, Ash." Misty glared. "This is above your pay grade. This is above ours. Did you hear what he said? It cloned the Pokemon of Elite Four and champions. We are not at that level."

"I still have to try," Ash responded firmly, "This is not a battle, Misty, this is a brawl. There are no rules. There isn't a referee to stop them from going too far. Pokemon are suffering all around us and you're telling me to not do anything? I can't accept that."

"More experienced trainers are fighting," Serena reasoned, "I think we can let them handle it."

"It looks like they're struggling from here," Ash remarked, turning his head to see the open battlefield. When two equally opposing forces clashed, it was the more skillful side that would win. In any other scenario, he would've agreed with Serena.

BOOM!

However, when one side had the same, but with the added benefit of a Pokemon with near-legendary power alongside them, the scale was tipped in its favor. Ash could do nothing but watch as the psychic Pokemon interrupted a fight between two Dragonites and lifted one with pure mental power and slammed it into the floor below with a sickening crunch.

"They need all the help they can get," Ash said before looking at them, "I wouldn't want to drag you guys to my mistakes if something does happen though." He gave a grin. "Follow Red's orders. Stay safe, but I'm going."

Serena reached out, but it was already too late. He gave one last nod to Brock before turning to face the music. He could hear his best friend, Pikachu, following him and his confidence was bolstered by the unswerving loyalty of his starter.

The people he idolized and watched throughout his life were fighting to the best of their ability and it was a testament to their overwhelming talent and skill that despite the surprise attack, they were holding their own fiercely. Even against a Pokemon of unknown origins and strength, these trainers were firm.

He could do nothing but respect that.

Now he wanted to do his part.

"Let's go, Pikachu!"

XXX

BOOM!

CRACK!

Garchomp bellowed as his jaws dug deep into the flesh of a Milotic before tossing the water-type against a wall with a forceful thud. Ice Beams slammed his chest, Dragon Claws dug into his flesh, but he took it and released a searing Flamethrower across his arena. The Pokemon around him flinched as his feet stomped the ground with merciless force.

He was given one order.

Fight.

A simple order. One word. There wasn't much to be said, but the look in his trainer's eyes told him everything that words would not.

Friends were hurt. Save them. His strength was needed.

Help me.

His blood surged as he cleaved an Ancient Power coming toward him. He was once called an executioner. His foes once compared him to a grim reaper, an incarnation of death and destruction. Every swing of his claws and crunch of his jaws was a sign of the end.

His body took a bombardment of attacks around him.

FWOOSH.

He cleared the smoke and took a step forward.

For once, he would renounce it. Today, he would be the vanguard, the guardian, and the juggernaut. He would be his trainer's shield.

Red looked at him and asked for help. He knew it in his bones. He felt it in his soul. Red trusted his back to him. His trainer believed he could do this task.

Heat pooled within his maw.

Fight.

He would do it faithfully.

CRACK!

His claws reached a Rapidash and he tore through. He noticed a Gyrados and gave chase. Pokemon from all over tried to overwhelm him with pure numbers. He could recognize some of them, cloned versions of foes he once faced before. They gave him a challenge. They still do.

But that would not stop him.

Garchomp crunched onto the neck of an Aurorus and with one earth-shattering stomp, knocked it out completely. A Tyrantrum nearby tried to bite into his flesh. He took it and kept charging at his prey.

A Pyroar and Talonflame bombarded him with Flamethrowers and Flare Blitz. His skin scorched at their assault. He ignored it. He kept charging.

Fight.

He reached the Gyrados and with a bellowing cry collided with the beast. Dragon Claws met Ice Fangs. The freezing cold touched battle-hardened scales and pain surged throughout his body. He endured it and dug his claws into the massive water-type.

SCHINK!

Talonflame swooped down for another opportunity.

He did not let it.

BOOM!

Thud!

With one throw, he took advantage of his evolutionary line's immense strength and sent the Gyrados flying straight at the Talonflame before using his tail to propel a nearby Torkoal toward the Pyroar.

Fight.

Fight. Fight. Fight!

His bellowing cry caught the attention of more Pokemon. He welcomed it. Let them come!

He would ravage them all the same.

Aerodactyl slammed into him. He caught it and forced it to the ground before using the dragon-like Pokemon to block an incoming Hyper Beam. He tossed his foe aside and charged. He tackled Lucario down and stomped the fighting-type with an Earthquake. The Pokemon gasped as a crater formed under the dragon's pressure.

It didn't matter if it was one or one hundred.

He'd rip through.

SCHINK!

Garchomp's eyes widened as he was pushed away with terrifying ease. He was thrown across the battlefield and struck the wall. He felt his bones rattle but steadied himself. His eyes looked for the source.

Another Garchomp stomped forward, marked and etched with the clear signs of a clone, but he knew who it was. His own fake appeared before him, scarred and bruised. He looked outward and noticed the destruction wrought by his own counterpart.

As expected, just as he was causing chaos on their side, his own duplicate did the same.

No matter. He pushed himself out of the wall and released a Flamethrower. His foe slashed it away with Dragon Claw. His opponent bellowed and charged. He did the same.

SMACK!

Unstoppable force met unstoppable force.

Neither lost ground.

Claws met claws. Fangs were bared. His skin was tested against his own strength. He growled as his immense evolutionary advantages became mute against a foe of equal power.

That didn't matter. His anger made him stronger.

It was a dance of dragons. No, calling it a dance would be completely false. This was no dance. It was a duel, a fight between two gladiators, each with a goal that neither was willing to compromise. There was nothing graceful about it.

He bellowed as he pushed, only to frustratingly fail to make his copy budge.

Fight!

Soon, another Pokemon came to tip the scales and he growled as he noticed the Milotic preparing an Ice Beam. They wished to overwhelm him with numbers. Wrath surged within him. Garchomp dared them to try.

He braced for the impact.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"

Red?

Boom!

No. It was not his trainer.

Lightning slammed into ice and his eyes darted to see a younger Red by his side. Was he under an illusion? Was he hit so hard that began seeing stars? It couldn't be. The Ice Beam failed to hit him. It was solid. It was real.

Questions swam in his mind before he crushed them with unrelenting discipline. This was not the time. There was no time to think. This boy helped him. That meant he was an ally. That was enough for now.

The Milotic began preparing another Ice Beam and the younger Red tensed. The Pikachu used up a lot of his strength to divert an attack from a champion's Pokemon. He might not be able to do it again.

That would mean Red would get hurt.

Never.

His eyes widened with rage as adrenaline flooded his body.

Fight.

With unrivaled strength, he sent his clone flying with a point-blank Draco Meteor before releasing a Flamethrower at the Ice Beam.

BOOM!

Garchomp's every stomp shook the battlefield as he went in front of the younger boy.

Remember what you're fighting for.

He was fighting for Red. He was fighting for his comrades, his brood, and the love of his life. His eyes gazed at Cynthia's Garchomp who was holding her own at a distance. His resolve strengthened.

Fight.

Fight for those you love.

Heat pooled within his maw and he assumed another stance. He would fight like he always had. Just like how Red taught him many years ago. He would use everything. For the sake of him. For the sake of her. He'd take them all on.

As long as I live, not a single hair will be harmed.

Just fight!

XXX

Fight for your beliefs.

Mewtwo descended and released a Shadow Ball at a nearby Gardevoir. The impact sent her flying. Wallace and Lance rallied together and sent forth Dragonite and Ludicolo against him. Thunderbolt and Water Pulse came. He manipulated the terrain around him and blocked it with a wall of debris.

Fight for your justice.

He commanded some of his own Pokemon to match them and he escaped one battle to join another.

His blood pumped with excitement. He was in his element. He was pushing his peerless intellect to its limits by commanding his veritable army against equally skilled warriors. He was straining his muscles as he clashed with foes that were crowned the champions of this world.

He reveled in the chaos.

Here, he tested humanity's finest. Here, he would grasp victory from the jaws of defeat. He would prove to his jailor that he was the strongest. He would prove to the world that he belonged.

Destroy.

Overwhelm.

Conquer.

An Iron Tail came from above and he instinctively rose his arms to block the hit. The force of the strike pushed him down to the ground and he created a Barrier when the Sinnoh champion's Garchomp dug into his chest with Poison Jab.

His breath left him at the force of her strike before gritting his teeth and sending the dragon flying with Psychic.

"This isn't like you."

That voice.

Mewtwo stared at the man who stood before him. Among the guests he invited, it was him that confused him the most. He watched the fights of every champion, studied their psyche, analyzed their interviews, and created counters for each one in preparation for their arrival.

He had strategies in place for everyone, yet the ones created for him gave him the most trouble.

You do not know me. He called Psychic once more and tried to grasp the human, only for a Krookodile to come from below and break his concentration. He grunted as the dark-type's talons clasped onto his legs. He aimed down and released an Aura Sphere before jumping back.

"You are Mewtwo," Red said and the psychic-type shook at his words. He did not tell them their name. No one here should know. "You were made and exploited by human hands."

What.

His mind struck Red full force and the human winced at the forceful invasion of his head. He could not afford to be gentle. How do you know my name?

Red steadfastly ignored him and the psychic-type couldn't help but feel like the man was staring directly at his soul. For the first time in his life, he was met with the unknown. It was a vulnerable feeling.

He hated it.

He despised it.

"You're hurt."

You know nothing, Mewtwo growled as he lifted the debris around him. With a great heave, he rained it down on the human. I am the strongest Pokemon, nothing can hurt me.

SCHINK!

Iron Tail cleaved through the rubble. The electric mouse deftly deflected the raining rock, frustrating the psychic-type as not a single stone landed on the champion.

"That isn't true."

Silence!

He summoned a massive Shadow Ball. It was destroyed by a ferocious combination of Electro Ball and Thunderbolt. He cleared the smoke with a wave of his hand before activating Aura Sphere when the damned Sinnoh champion's Garchomp returned. With deceptive speed, the dragon reached him and broke his defenses with a shattering Iron Head.

Red was getting into his mind. It was altering his performance.

How? How did he know?!

He floated back up and reinforced his numbers with more Pokemon.

Calm down. Focus. Analyze his weaknesses. Identify a flaw. Exploit it. Red was unpredictable. Going into unknown territory would be a gamble. He would not risk it.

Make him predictable.

He cared for others. He protected them. He was close to Sinnoh's champion. Human emotions could hamper performance. Break his focus. Find his weakness and exploit it. His eyes swerved for bright blonde hair. He spotted her facing off against some clones of Diantha's Pokemon. He aimed a Shadow Ball at her.

He would be forced to protect her. Destabilize him.

Red's eyes followed and his natural calm hardened into a grim seriousness.

"If you harm her..."

Mewtwo fired.

Red turned to Pikachu but it was too late. His electric mouse surged forth only to be hindered by his soldiers. His attack was too fast. It reached the distracted champion in an instant. Her Garchomp tried to intervene. Mental command locked her into a tight hold. Mewtwo would not allow it.

"Cynthia!"

She turned to the man's voice only to see the Shadow Ball.

BOOM!

He turned to Red. The man was focused on the smoke where the blonde champion once stood. Good. Another Shadow Ball was formed and he turned his attention to the annoying electric rat. He would finish him off next and then wipe out the rest of the Unova champion's team.

Then he would figure out how this man seemed to know him.

By force, if needed.

"Are you alright?

What?

He turned. His blood ran cold.

Ash ran over with a battered and scorched Garchomp in tow. Floating next to them surged an instinctive drive to conquer. His progenitor floated before the blonde champion, its pink and petite form circling the group with an irritatingly serene aura.

Mew.

The closest thing to a parent. His torturous existence stemmed from this horrid creature. Was this destiny at work? Lady fate was a cruel mistress. His blood roared at him to eliminate the threat.

Fight.

Destroy.

Surpass-

ZAP!

Mewtwo knelt in pain as a surging force of electricity hit him mercilessly. He gasped when an Iron Tail pushed his head to the ground. A crater formed when his skull collided with solid rock.

He blocked another attack with Barrier in panic before blasting Pikachu away with Aura Sphere. His eyes blurred for a moment until they cleared enough to see Red's Krookodile pummel him with Stone Edge. Mewtwo roared before breaking the rocks with another Aura Sphere.

He growled when he locked eyes with the Unova champion. Warm amber revealed a simmering, silent wrath. His calm was broken. That was Mewtwo's plan, but somehow he felt that it would only make the battle harder from here.

"You're going to pay for that," Red frowned. Pidgeot flew beside him. Pikachu and Krookodile stepped forward.

Mewtwo summoned Gastrodon and Infernape.

Red was mad. Historically, he never got mad. He would have to adapt. His initial plan was slowly crumbling before him. He would have to enact his second.

XXX

The machine began whirring and Team Rocket jumped as it started analyzing the genetic information stored inside. Greninja took one look at the screen before turning to James. The man straightened at his stare.

"Uh, yes?" The man tilted his head. Greninja sighed before looking at their feline translator for some assistance.

"He's asking what it's doing, you dolt!"

James released a breath, "Oh, right. It looks to be cloning more of the same Pokemon, I imagine."

"It could do that?" Jessie perked up and watched as the machine slowly but surely started the process. "Huh."

That was bad. It meant that Mewtwo was demanding more soldiers. He turned to Meowth who already shook his head. "Sorry, bud, but we don't got the know-how to stop this thing in time." He shrugged at the ninja's stare but backed off when Incineroar took a step forward. "H-Hey now, we're good, but we're not that good!"

Troublesome. He needed to stop this now. The machine was large and daunting. Cut and Aerial Ace would not stop it in time if he tried-

I also chose Incineroar for another purpose.

His eyes widened and he turned to the obedient Incineroar watching over the trio. He made sure to keep him in line for the success of the mission. He needed stealth, but now that they were here he didn't need to be hidden, especially with his trainer in trouble.

Incineroar's strength might be enough.

He banged the machine and Incineroar's eyes changed their focus to him. With a simple Cut, he dug a deep gash in the metallic surface. It was a simple motion, one he had done many times before.

Greninja held Incineroar's gaze steady.

The message was clear.

Incineroar grinned.

XXX

"Cynthia!" Diantha and Leon ran towards her. Sinnoh's champion turned to see them. The star of Kalos checked on her body. "We saw an explosion. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine thanks to Mew." She smiled at the floating myth who gave a small cry in return. She would normally be awe-struck by the sight, but she couldn't afford to yet. Not now. Definitely later. "Red's fighting the Pokemon on his own. We have to help."

Her best friend held his own admirably, but she could tell they were exhausted. She did not know how long they could keep up with a legendary, especially when they were being reinforced by even more clones.

Woosh!

Boom!

She looked up to see Pidgeot dancing in the air with the telepath while Infernape clashed with Krookodile and Gastrodon fought Pikachu. The matchups were not desirable and the telepath seemed to be able to control multiple Pokemon while standing his own ground.

"I could have Charizard up there soon, but he's too busy in his own fight," Leon frowned. Cynthia clenched her fists. She only had Garchomp, Togekiss, and Spiritomb left and the latter two were running on fumes.

"Lance, Wallace, Flint, Bruno, and Malva are cleaning up the stragglers as we speak," Diantha interjected. "He just needs to hold for a little while longer."

Right. That was good. They might be fine. Okay, even.

Whirr.

Clang!

All the hope drained from her face as the floor opened up again. She couldn't believe it. Another batch of clones?! How? No, calm down. Think. They had the genetic information of their entire team. Of course he could make more if he wanted.

Leon frowned, even as his Charizard landed beside him. She could feel the overwhelming presence of his ace and had no doubt that it secured many victories under their belt in today's battle, but even the strongest of them could tire.

She turned to see her own faithful partner holding Red's Garchomp. The injuries on his dragon were extensive. She was surprised he could even stand. He must have endured so much. She wouldn't let him go further than he already had. It would be too dangerous.

With so many of their Pokemon weakened, they were running on borrowed time. They could not handle a second wave.

"Mew!" Ash alerted the other champions as the boy watched the floating Pokemon fly to Red's side. What was it doing?

"Focus, kid," Leon took a stance as he watched the slowly elevating floor reach their level. "We're going to have other problems real soon."

Ash coughed but nodded. "Right! Don't worry, sir. I got my head in the game."

"It's Leon," the champion cracked a small smile despite the situation. Cynthia and Diantha stared at the slowly rising floor. Something appeared from below. She frowned. There was something different about this one.

XXX

Mewtwo launched himself forward and Pidgeot met him halfway.

It was a tireless bird. He survived treacherous waters and forceful winds, more than worthy to be a Pokemon's champion. That would not discourage him. He evaded the thunderous Wing Attacks and slammed down with a punishing Aura Sphere.

Unrivaled might struck stalwart speed. Both met in the air. He was like an avenging god and with his almighty will, he crushed his opposition.

The pride of the warrior clashed with his supreme strength. Divine punishment was at hand. The mortal before him dared to challenge his judgment. He would not let it overwhelm him.

The two danced in the air, his legendary mind bombarding the bird with debris. The bird refused to go down. With astonishing speed, it rammed into him once more. He braced for it and with Psychic, sent the Pidgeot down.

Grounding him was a priority.

He descended rapidly and dropped another Aura Sphere.

It is over.

God punished the defiant.

Boom.

Only for the mortals to receive their own salvation from a different god.

Mew appeared in front of the fallen bird and blocked it with Barrier. He narrowed his eyes in surprise before summoning a Shadow Ball to hit his progenitor. It was blocked again.

You came to me.

The myth nodded and its wide, innocent eyes became serious as it noticed his rising aggression. Good. He welcomed the fight. It made it easier for him. Now he didn't have to give chase.

He summoned another Shadow Ball and blitzed toward his newest foe. His strike was perfectly blocked, but he called upon the island's rocks and stones. The storm only worsened as a battle between deities took place. Justice rained down upon them. He threw everything. Shrapnel, debris, and boulders were nothing more than children's toys to them. Mew stopped every single one with Barrier.

Defensive. If he was a war god then his foe was a deity of peace and protection. Very well. Then he needed to break it.

He bolted through the sky. Mew dodged it with Teleport. It was a game of Pikachu and Persian. The evasive and fleeting nature of Mew faced the aggressive, dominating wrath of Mewtwo.

He could feel Mew's attempt at reasoning with him in his mind.

He ignored it.

It was adored. Humans looked at it with wonder and joy.

He was feared. His jailors looked at him with indifference and scorn.

As far as Mewtwo was concerned, the weight of Mew's words was worth nothing.

He swung his tail and the force cracked his opponent's shield. A Shadow Ball broke through the barrier a moment later and struck the psychic-type. It tried to fight back with controlled rocks but he smacked it all away.

There was nothing that said that a fake cannot surpass the original.

Smack!

His breath left him when Pidgeot appeared from below and with a powerful burst of Twister blew him away from his target. Troublesome. Not only did he have to contend with his progenitor, he now had to deal with a champion's Pokemon.

Mewtwo narrowed his eyes.

No matter. He would simply call upon his freshly cloned-

What?

His mind attempted to link up with his soldiers. His senses expanded throughout the island and grasped every clone. The numbers didn't change. Where were his reinforcements? He looked down to where his newest warriors should be.

Where were they?

Three new humans were on the floor. They had the insignia of Team Rocket on them. Mewtwo cursed. Was it his jailor's doing? Did Team Rocket finally take action against him?

SCHINK!

A water shuriken dug into his skin and his concentration was broken. He turned and saw two more Pokemon beside Red. New. Different. They were not here before.

Did he do this? Did Red plan this? Did he expect all of this? How?

Before he could analyze it further, Red and Greninja began to move as one.

XXX

"You did your job well," Red smiled at his two Pokemon. "There is one more obstacle left so please bear with me." Greninja could feel his strength growing and the two synchronized into one mind, one feeling, one bond. "Let us finish this."

Of course.

A torrent of water covered his frame and the familiar feeling of trust washed over him. Red needed him at his strongest here. He would gladly use it. Pidgeot returned to Red's side and Incineroar and Greninja stepped forward to face their newest obstacle.

A legendary that the world had never seen before had descended.

They would be the first to defeat it.

Greninja's legs pushed and the ground beneath him cracked as he reached the floating legendary. The conqueror tried to block him with Barrier. He jumped upward instead and Mewtwo looked up only to flinch when he heard his defense break.

Incineroar appeared like a berserker, destroying the shield with Darkest Lariat.

Schink.

Greninja moved like an assassin, digging deep into flesh with Cut once the Barrier broke.

Rogue and warrior joined as one, working in tandem to topple the king. Debris came from all sides. Not a single one would touch him. His senses were exceptional, amplified with the help of his trainer.

Mewtwo bombarded them with Aura Sphere.

Incineroar was sent flying. Greninja blocked it with his massive shuriken before throwing it. He surged forth like a riptide. Aerial Ace slammed into Shadow Ball. He summoned his daggers with Cut. His offense was blocked by another Barrier.

It was durable. His normal strikes would not break through.

FOOM!

The barrier broke like paper as a charging vessel of destruction crashed into Mewtwo like an avenging soldier. Flare Blitz lit up both berserker and conqueror in an explosion of light and heat. The shinobi took that opportunity to throw another Water Shuriken.

Enough.

CRACK!

Mewtwo gripped Incineroar in a bear hug before releasing a point-blank Aura Sphere into his gut. Incineroar gritted his teeth and grinned at the pain. Incineroar hugged him back and threw the psychic-type with the Revenge.

An opportunity appeared.

The water-type passed his comrade and followed up with a Water Shuriken.

Mewtwo took the hit and responded in kind by trapping Greninja in a cage of rock and steel. He cut through only to see the telepath pound him with an Aura Sphere. His breath left him as his body crashed onto the floor. Mewtwo prepared another onslaught, but Incineroar caught him in a Darkest Lariat.

His comrade bought him time. He needed to use it.

He jumped back into the fray and began pressuring their target. His eyes met his fellow dark-type and both nodded. With every second, his teamwork with Incineroar improved. Every minute, they began to adapt to each other's movements.

Incineroar traded speed for power. The pure force of his punches dented Mewtwo's defenses. He supplemented that with Greninja's speed and cunning. The cunning shinobi slid into the cracks of the conqueror's unrelenting wall.

Slowly but surely, they would chip their foe away.

Chink.

Mewtwo jumped only for Incineroar to grab him mid-air. Greninja slid from below and the fire-type threw Mewtwo toward him. He punched the psychic-type with Aerial Ace.

It was working.

The legendary was tiring. He had battled countless foes, tested his might against the champions of this era, and had the energy and intellect to face all of them head-on. Greninja would freely admit that this would be a far greater challenge if he was fresh.

Swoosh.

Smack!

Blade and fist crashed into the telepath.

But this wasn't a fight against any ordinary Pokemon. This was a battle against something that some humans might've considered a god. He would not play fair against him. He had the audacity to endanger his trainer.

That was not something Greninja could forgive easily.

Divine punishment came down, boulders of stone and metal flung with the speed to crush lesser foes. Greninja sliced one in half while Incineroar broke his with a single punch.

Even if the foe ahead of him was strong enough to be considered a god, if they became an obstacle in Red's way...

He jumped onto a boulder. He pushed himself off.

Schink.

Daggers tore into thick skin.

...then he would slay god.

XXX

Defeat. Loss. Mewtwo let out a grunt as his vision blurred. Cut dug into his neck and with a mighty push, the abnormal Greninja sent his body flying until his back slammed against a wall.

Boom.

He let out a gasp of pain as a crater formed at his landing. He could feel his back seizing up. He could barely move. His body fell to the floor immobilized.

Powerless.

Hopelessness.

Unpleasant, familiar feelings. It couldn't end like this. He didn't want to feel like this again.

I lost. It is over.

How?

As he fought the trainers here, he began to understand them. He read their minds and was slowly piecing together their purposes, their motivations, and their goals. He was learning, adapting, and understanding more than he had ever done before.

They had aspirations and dreams.

Some were grand.

Lance wanted to be a dragon master. Flint sought to be the champion of Sinnoh. Leon wanted to be the best trainer in the world. Ash wanted to become a Pokemon Master.

Some were simple.

Bruno wanted to fight. Malva wanted excitement. Sonia had no dreams whatsoever and was content to figure it out along the way. Their purposes were varied. It shocked him. They chose their destinies. They were given a choice.

He was envious.

That freedom to choose was taken away from him at birth. His existence was an affront to the natural order. He could not freely chase after his passions like them. He didn't even have one.

The world was cruel.

"It doesn't have to be."

Mewtwo flinched when he looked at the stoic eyes of his opponent. There was silent anger there, one his mind could pick up with but a slight touch, but even when he struck against his dearest friends, there was an uncompromising compassion that never faltered.

He could easily read the minds of the warriors around him, but he could never wrap his head around his motivations. He only got the barest minimum. The resilience of his mind made it hard to go any further than that.

Red wanted to be the best. He wanted to grow strong. It was simple.

But his reasons were not.

He wanted to save the world.

It did not make any sense. From any other man, this childish dream would've looked foolish yet the stalwart determination Mewtwo felt when he delved deep into his psyche removed any doubt. Save it from what? Was it even worth saving in the first place? Mewtwo didn't think so.

"I am not sure what you mean," Red watched as Pidgeot soared above, circling them. Mewtwo was content to let it. His strength was spent. He had little left to give. "The world is worth saving."

There are criminals. There are jailors, slavers, and monsters.

"And there are heroes," Red said.

There were no heroes to save me.

"I am sorry." Mewtwo could feel the genuineness in his voice and it confused him. He should not be. The champion couldn't have done anything.

It does not matter. Not anymore. Mewtwo tried to rise up only to pause when Red offered him a hand.

"I am sorry," he repeated. There was regret there, "but let me make it up to you. Let me save you."

Save him? He scoffed.

I am your enemy.

"The enemy today can be a friend tomorrow," Red's hand didn't waver. "You are more than just a weapon."

How would you know?

There was silence. The trainer knelt down to peer into Mewtwo's eyes. "Look into my mind and find out."

Despite his better judgment, he did.

XXX

"Well, that was something," Flint stretched his arms as he relaxed on the boat back to Old Shore Wharf.

Lance sat on his seat, content to enjoy the sea breeze after such an arduous experience. Today was the pinnacle of surprises. His body was still sore from the ordeal. "It certainly was."

"To think that we were one of the first to see a brand new Pokemon!" Malva was the picture of excitement. Even after all of that, she had the energy to be enthusiastic. How lucky. The reporter sighed at her broken camera. "A shame about the pictures though."

"Mewtwo doesn't want news of this to spread as it is," Diantha interjected. Lance couldn't help but note that name. A clone of Mew was an astonishing discovery. It made a worrying amount of sense. His look and design were familiar and the strength he displayed was peerless. "You're lucky that Red talked him down from wiping everyone's memories. Be grateful we got this at least."

Malva groaned. "I guess so."

"It is a good thing he was able to talk some sense into the Pokemon," Wallace said, "though it is curious that he managed to quell his wrath so thoroughly."

"Well, you saw what it clear as day. Same as the rest of us. He defeated him. I'd listen to the victor if I ever lost!"

"Things aren't that simple, Bruno."

He waved off Wallace's words. "Well, then how about the fact that even if he tried to fight back, the rest of us were still raring to go."

Lance didn't think that having their teams in a deathly state of exhaustion would count as 'raring to go' but he allowed Bruno this one. "I would've loved to talk to him more." Maybe he could've discovered what Red said to make him surrender if he did. "However, he wasn't exactly the warm and welcoming type."

Cynthia stared at the shrinking size of the legendary's fortress in the distance. He noted a sense of worry on the woman's features. "He's willing to talk to Red though. They're still there, after all."

"Under the Unova champion's request," Wallace reminded her. "I am sure he is fine, Cynthia. He will return to your embrace, as he always does."

A tint of red painted her cheeks before glaring at the coordinator. "I know he can take care of himself. I just worry."

"Mewtwo won't pull something," Flint shrugged, "Red's beaten him once. He can do it again."

"He had a lot of help for that one."

Lance heard the telltale signs of their ride docking and rose up from his seat. Everyone else followed suit. He sighed in relief. Hello, mainland. He could not wait to fall onto a comfortable bed. He took another step only to get passed by a boy and his starter.

"We're here, Pikachu!"

"Wait for us, Ash!"

He watched the other group leave the boat and his mind once more wandered to that boy. There were a lot of startling similarities, but a lot of differences too. Physically the same, but Ash held that childlike innocence that Red didn't seem to hold. Even when his rival was a similar age, he felt far wiser than he let on.

Honestly, when he joked about the kid being a clone of Red, he was kidding, but after this ordeal, he couldn't help but let his mind toy around with the thought.

Is it possible...? Lance shook his head. It can't be, right?

Right?

"You thinking the same thing I was thinking?" Leon whispered in his ear and Lance couldn't help but jump at his voice. He hated to admit it, but the chances weren't exactly zero percent.

He glared at Leon, "Not a word to Red, alright?"

"I'm cool," Leon grinned, "It's his secret to tell anyway."

Indeed. One day, he'd get Red to answer. Today simply wasn't that day.

He stepped off the ship.

XXX

Red sprayed the last of his potion at the neck of the injured Milotic before standing up.

You do not have to do this.

"I know, but they were hurt pretty badly from the fight. This is the least I can do to them."

Mewtwo watched as the trainer took a look at another Pokemon. As he allowed the human to care for his clones, he thought back to his surrender.

Look into my mind and find out. Visions surged into his head and he almost broke at the memories shown. He felt Red's hopelessness. He felt Red's despair. The raw emotions were too intense.

Hatred, at himself, for what he failed to do.

Loathing, for others, to the ones who ruined his life.

Grief, for his friends, for those he lost.

Mewtwo had to shake his head to remind himself that these weren't his feelings. These were Red's. He willingly shared with him his darkest secrets yet he also shared with him some semblance of hope.

In another life, in another time, he was a guardian of Pokemon.

He fought against Ash and in the midst of combat, his heart changed. He was no longer the destroyer. He had been given another purpose. He became the defender of the abused and exploited.

In another life, in another time, he would leave this island and create a sanctuary. It was humbling as it was fascinating.

I removed your memories in that life, Mewtwo said. It is clear you remember them. How?

"Later in life, I met you again," Red wrapped some bandages on Lucario's leg. "I was already a champion then. You sought me out. You made me remember."

He nodded. I must've had my reasons.

"You did," Red smiled as a Houndoom licked his cheek and Mewtwo heard the sorrow and nostalgia in his voice. "It would also be the last time we would meet."

I see...

"You changed some things," he teased, "I expected the fortress. I didn't expect the people you invited."

I wanted to test the strongest. He looked at Red oddly. Did I not do so in your time?

"You did," he shook his head, "but the method you used to identify who was strong or not must've been different."

Noting what he had done in another time and comparing it to his actions now was a feeling Mewtwo never thought he would experience. He recalled the memories the trainer showed him. He could see him doing those actions. He understood how that Mewtwo felt. It was a unique feeling.

My jailor, Giovanni, showed me who he thought could defeat me. Needless to say that the man was right. They did defeat him. Mewtwo still felt bitter that the man was correct.

"That may be it," Red accepted. "I also expected some flying pokeballs though that never came. Greninja and Incineroar were supposed to help liberate them."

I thought about it, Mewtwo admitted, but I came to a realization that a champion's Pokemon may be strong enough to destroy it before I could capture them. The method I used here was subtler. I wanted to make sure.

"Sneaky, but it worked for a time." Red closed his bag and slung it over his shoulder. He offered his hand again and this time Mewtwo did take it. "I wish you the best of luck in your endeavors."

...To you as well.

He watched the warrior slowly vanish from his sight. In another life, in another time, Ash had earned his respect. In this life, in this time, he did so again though the burden Red carried became far greater.

He felt the man's dogged devotion to his goal. He wanted to save him. He wanted to save them. He wanted to give his friends a better life. It was respectable. Honorable, even.

Mewtwo began levitating his fellow clones.

He gave him a purpose. If the time ever came when Red would meet him again, perhaps this time, he would help him with his purpose just like how he did his.

XXX

It was sunset.

Golden light shimmered through calm ocean waves. The salty breeze cooled the afternoon warmth. People had left. Her friends and rivals took off, continuing their journeys in a new light. Cynthia wanted to stay here just for a little while longer.

He was still here, after all.

Red stared at the setting sun with a small smile. She was by his side. Nothing but the noise of the water permeated their surroundings. Even after everything they'd seen and everything they had been through, Red remained stalwart. She admired it, but it could be frustrating too. He was always a hard person to read.

"I suppose I should give you an answer."

Cynthia's heart thundered. "You don't have to if you don't want to."

Was she having second thoughts? Was she afraid of what he would say? Perhaps. After waiting this long, she couldn't help but falter.

"No," Red shook his head. "You deserve an answer. I worried you and it's not fair to you if I keep hiding behind your generosity. You confessed. You offered your heart to me and I didn't know what to do with it." He turned to her. "I have secrets. A lot of them."

"Don't we all?"

"Yes, but none like mine." He sighed. "I thought I could never love again. I didn't take this journey with a future for myself in mind."

Those words held a million meanings and some weren't good. She took note of it but continued. "You have a goal. You're doing all of this for something."

"I am," Red's confidence dulled and a sense of weariness took over that she never saw from him. He looked as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders. "I'm not supposed to be here. I'm not supposed to exist."

She stilled. "What do you mean?"

"The first time you met me, I moved into Celestic Town." She remembered it vividly. Her first rival. Her first friend. They grew up together. They watched each other become the champions they were today. "That was not the case for me. The first time I met you, you were in your twenties."

Confusion settled for a moment before something in her mind clicked. Flashes of the boy's face appeared in her mind's eyes. After everything she saw recently, those simple words helped piece together a puzzle she thought she would never solve. The odd resemblance began making sense. "Ash..."

"After all these years, hearing my old name has never felt so foreign." He smiled ruefully. "That was me, once upon a time, but Ash already exists in this world. Call me Red. Less confusing that way."

"Time travel?" Her eyes widened. A stray memory came to her mind. "Celebi?"

"Celebi helped," Red admitted, "though it wasn't the only one."

She choked. "There's more?"

"The time I lived in wasn't very nice." He cracked a rueful smile. "At least it wasn't when I left it."

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because I love you." His words struck her. "It took me some time to come to terms with it, but I do and I don't want to hide this from you, especially after everything we've been through." His smile turned fragile. "I understand if you don't believe me and I understand if you don't want to continue pursuing a relationship. I-"

She cut him off with a kiss. It wasn't the gentlest thing in the world. She wasn't that experienced, but she wanted to silence him before he could say anything more.

It did the trick. Her touch stunned him and when she slowly parted, a dazed Red paused and stared.

"Red," Cynthia said. "Shut up."

He opened his mouth only for her to kiss him again. He was ready for it this time and her face warmed when he reciprocated. Seconds felt like minutes. When she had to let go for air, her body was tempted to capture his lips again. A stronger mind tempered her thoughts and she stared at him. "Thank you for telling me your secret." She took his hands and wrapped them around hers and steel eyes flashed with resolve. "But I still want you. I want to be with you and there are no excuses in the world that will deter me from that."

She had so many questions. Cynthia was still processing everything he said to her and maybe after this she would properly analyze his words, but she waited all year for this and she wasn't going to delay it any further. Not even Arceus would stop her from expressing her feelings on the matter.

"Cynthia..."

"Red, I love you. Please go out with me."

There was hesitance in those warm, amber eyes of his before he sighed. Her heart stilled when he took a deep breath before it swelled up again at his small smile. He nodded. She never knew such a simple action could make her weak.

"Okay."

He kissed her this time.

XXX

"Hey Ash, weren't you supposed to have that battle with Red today?"

The boy's eyes widened before he fell to his knees.

Misty sighed, "He forgot, didn't he?"

Serena laughed, "After all we've been through, can you blame him?"

"I guess not."

XXX

Life really hates giving me time to write. Nonetheless, thank you for your patience and thank you for reading.

PM me for any questions or concerns.

I hope you enjoyed.