Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon
Chapter 1 - Borrius
Kyros's head throbbed as he groaned, pushing himself upright from the snow-covered ground. His body ached, blood still fresh on his torn white shirt. The memory of the brutal street fight came rushing back—fists, boots, and a sudden overwhelming darkness. He should be dead.
Instead, he was somewhere far colder than the summer streets he had last walked. Towering mountains loomed in the distance, a bone-chilling wind biting at his skin as snow crunched beneath his feet.
"What the hell…?" he muttered, hugging himself for warmth. The scenery around him was alien—jagged rocks, barren trees, and a blanket of snow that seemed out of place for what he thought should be midsummer.
Stumbling forward, Kyros's sharp eyes picked up movement in the distance. A small, furious shape darted through the trees, leaping from branch to branch with an unmistakable energy. As it got closer, Kyros's heart skipped a beat.
The tan-furred creature landed with a loud thud, standing upright on two legs, eyes locked onto Kyros with fierce intent. A low growl escaped its throat.
"Mankey..." Kyros breathed, his eyes narrowing. "This can't be real. Pokémon aren't... real." But there it was—flesh and blood, its fists clenched, its small form radiating an almost palpable aggression.
The Mankey snorted, nostrils flaring as it sized Kyros up. Kyros wasn't sure if this was some elaborate dream, but the tension in the air was all too real. His instincts screamed that the creature in front of him was spoiling for a fight.
Kyros smiled grimly. "You wanna go, huh?"
Without waiting for an answer, the Mankey charged, its muscles rippling as it launched itself at Kyros with a wild, furious energy.
Kyros's body reacted on pure instinct, his years of street fighting kicking in. He sidestepped the first punch, narrowly avoiding the Mankey's powerful strike. The air whistled as the creature's fist missed his face by inches.
"Damn, you're quick," Kyros muttered, his eyes focused, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He couldn't overpower Mankey—he knew that. It was physically stronger than any human he had ever faced. But speed? Precision? That was where he excelled.
Mankey snarled, swinging again with ferocious speed, but Kyros ducked low, pivoting on his heel and delivering a sharp elbow strike to the creature's side. Mankey grunted, barely feeling the blow, but the attack threw off its balance.
"Not bad," Kyros grunted, shaking the pain from his elbow. "But I've been fighting for my entire life, little guy."
The Mankey growled louder, its eyes glowing with raw fury as it leaped back, then came at him again—this time faster, wilder, its movements erratic and unpredictable.
Kyros barely managed to block a series of rapid punches. His arms stung from the force, but he could see the pattern in Mankey's attacks. The creature was relying on pure rage, its blows powerful but undisciplined. He could use that.
Timing it just right, Kyros spun to the side as Mankey lunged, grabbing its arm and using the momentum to flip the creature over his shoulder and into the snow. Mankey yelped in surprise but quickly scrambled back to its feet, panting heavily.
They stood across from each other, both breathing hard. Kyros's eyes flickered with admiration. He could see the fire in the Pokémon's eyes—the same fire that burned inside him. Mankey wasn't just fighting to win; it was fighting to prove itself.
A smirk tugged at the corners of Kyros's lips. "You've got guts, I'll give you that."
Mankey growled again, but there was something different in its stance now—something less reckless, more calculating. The creature charged once more, but this time, it wasn't attacking blindly. It feinted left, then right, trying to bait Kyros into a mistake.
Kyros's heart raced, and just as Mankey closed in, he dropped low, sweeping his leg out in a wide arc. The Mankey stumbled mid-lunge, losing its footing. Seizing the moment, Kyros slammed his palm into Mankey's chest, knocking it flat on its back.
Both man and Pokémon froze for a moment, panting hard. The tension between them was palpable. Mankey slowly got to its feet, breathing raggedly. It looked at Kyros with something akin to respect in its eyes now.
Kyros lowered his stance, relaxing his guard. "That was fun," he said, giving Mankey a grin. "You've got some real fight in you."
Mankey huffed but didn't charge again. It seemed to acknowledge Kyros's skill, nodding ever so slightly. Kyros let out a breath, feeling the bond between them solidify. He understood this Mankey—they were both fighters, born into a world where strength and survival were everything.
Before they could rest, a deafening roar echoed from the forest. Kyros's head snapped toward the sound, and his heart sank. Bursting from the trees came a pack of angry Beartic, their massive forms crashing through the snow, eyes locked onto Kyros and Mankey.
"Are you kidding me?" Kyros swore under his breath, backing up slowly. The Beartic didn't seem interested in talking. It was out for blood.
"Looks like we're in for round two," Kyros muttered, glancing at Mankey. The Pokémon growled, stepping closer to him, fists clenched. Whatever the odds, it wasn't backing down.
"Yeah, I figured you'd be up for it." Kyros cracked his knuckles. "Let's go!"
The Beartic charged, the ground shaking beneath their heavy footsteps. Kyros darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the first beast's swiping claws. Mankey leaped into action, landing a flurry of rapid strikes on one of the creatures, but the sheer size difference made it clear they were outmatched.
"This isn't working," Kyros grunted as he dodged another attack. "We need to run!"
Mankey growled in reluctant agreement, and together, they made a break for it, sprinting toward the mountain. The Beartic roared behind them, giving chase as they dodged trees and leapt over fallen logs.
The slope of the mountain was steep, but Kyros didn't hesitate. He grabbed onto jagged rocks and pulled himself upward, Mankey at his side. The Beartic wasn't far behind, his snarls growing louder.
As they scrambled up the snowy incline, Kyros's foot slipped on an icy patch. He yelped, losing his grip and tumbling backward. Mankey reached out, grabbing his arm just in time, but the force of the fall pulled them both down.
They rolled down the mountainside, snow and ice battering their bodies as they tumbled helplessly. Kyros gritted his teeth, trying to shield Mankey from the worst of the impact, but it was no use. The world became a blur of white as they fell, crashing into the trees below.
The last thing Kyros saw before everything went black was the concerned face of the Mankey as they lay in the snow, side by side.
Soon footsteps approached the unconscious Kyros and the weak Mankey.
"This idiot is the one who tripped our alarms? A kid wearing shorts in this frozen place?"
"Owww…where the hell am I?" Kyros groaned out in pain, the aftershock of rolling down the snowy mountain side causing his bones to ache and his muscles to be stiff like steel.
Clutching his head, he slowly got up, his eyes squinting as he tried to make sense of his surroundings. A good few moments passed before his vision cleared up and he could actually see everything around him.
The dim lights provided just enough light to see the large metallic crates which filled the room with a few cardboard boxes mixed in. Just a single door sealed shut was at the other end of the room but not a single clue as to where he was or how he got from a frozen wasteland to what looked like a storage room.
Kyros took a deep breath to calm his nerves and tried to find anything that would help him in his currency predicament. But that's when he noticed something was missing.
"Mankey! Where the hell is he?" Kyros murmured to himself but could not see the pokemon anywhere.
"Am I really in the pokemon world? Or did that fight knock me unconscious and those bastards brought me here?"
…
Only silence was met with his question.
And so, after checking the door was locked, he began to fiddle with the metallic crates but quickly noticed how advanced in technology they were as they all seemed to require some sort of passcode or biometric to be able to unlock them. With no luck there, he began digging into the cardboard boxes but mostly found foam and filling in them.
It was only on his third and last cardboard box did he find around 6 small pokeballs sitting at the bottom in the midst of the foam and filling which if he did not look through carefully, would have been easy to miss.
Kyros played around with the pokeballs and noticed how they could be expanded to the size of a tennis ball by clicking the button in the center and shrunken down to the size of a marble by pressing that same button again.
"Am I really in the world of pokemon?"
So many questions and doubts and yet no one to answer them.
TAP
TAP
TAP
The sound of footsteps brought him out of his thoughts and he quickly rushed to stand beside the door, on the side of the hinges.
As it opened, Kyros slowed his breathing, not daring to make the slightest amount of noise. As the door opened, he saw a figure wearing strange clothes walking in. It was easy to discern from the curves and the long blonde hair that the person was a woman.
Black pants and a black top with a giant black S with red highlights printed on the center paired with a huge pair of shades that seemed to cover up to the person's nose, leaving only a pair of lips with bright red lipstick on it.
Why does that S seem so familiar…have I seen it before?
"Huh…where is he?" As soon as the person muttered this, Kyros made his move.
With a silent step, he arrived behind the woman and launched a fist right at her neck from behind, not holding an ounce of his strength back. He had only one chance and he needed to knock her out and get out of this place.
His knuckles met its target and the woman dropped face first onto the floor.
Kyros winched when he saw the wretched way she fell. "Ouch…sorry although I don't hit girls…this time is an exception."
With a deep breath, he searched through body and found two pokeballs, a radio and a pair of keys on her which he decided to pocket.
Something tells me I should not let who or whatever is inside these pokeballs outside or I am screwed.
Without further ado, he quickly moved the woman behind a large number of metallic crates so if anyone did come to check on this storage room, they could not directly see her. He similarly hid the cardboard boxes behind the crates and then left the storage room.
An eerie hallway that seemed to stretch out greeted him.
No place to hide…I better move quickly.
Locking the door behind him, he quickly made his way down the hall, all the while making sure to make as little sound as possible. He soon came by one doorway and stood right by the edge, perking his ears up. Hearing nothing, he poked his head out to get a view of what lay on the other side.
Just more storage boxes and two people lying unconscious on the floor.
"What the hell?" Kyros blinked in surprise. "Just how many people did these guys capture?"
However, before he could say anything, he saw a pokemon float over to the two boys' unconscious bodies.
A Hoopa?
"He's unconscious, Hoopa."
"Hoo Hoopa."
"Stop! Have I not told you countless times to stay out of my cube space unless you have express permission? I am aware you cannot travel through your rings anymore, but that does not give you the right to disobey me! And were you the one responsible for bringing these two here? I don't know what you wanted from them but you have been a nuisance ever since I found you on that beach last year! I know I may not be your 'Guardian' but I am your trainer now! And as your trainer, I command you to cease these immature antics of yours NOW!"
SIGH
"What a bother. Wait...now that I think about it...I could work with this."
As the footsteps disappeared, Kyros stood there in a daze.
This…This can't be true! Am In the Borrius region? But that was a fanmade region! It's from the game pokemon unbound! If I was going to be sent to the world of pokemon…it should have been in an official region. Could it be…if Borrius exists…then another fanmade region perhaps exists?
If this is all real…and I really am in the pokemon world…does that mean I can become a powerful trainer. Hmmm…if I remember correctly…in pokemon unbound, this should be where the main protagonist gets to choose a starter. Those two boys…they are probably the protagonist and his rival.
I should find that cage quick! I can nab all 3 pseudo-legendary pokemon for myself! I'll come back after and wake these two up. Hehe…sorry but 3 pseudo-legendary pokemon are too good to pass up. Whether or not this is real…might as well be the very best I can be.
With caution, Kyros stepped through the doorway and quietly walked past the two unconscious boys and began snooping around.
Security here is so lousy…or they probably think people without pokemon are easy to handle.
Kyros quietly approached the cage, his heart racing as he observed the four Pokémon inside. His Mankey looked excited to see him, while the others—Gible, Larvitar, and Beldum—looked wary, their eyes locked onto him with a mix of confusion and suspicion. The cage was sturdy, reinforced with thick bars, clearly designed to hold even the most powerful of creatures.
"Mankey!" the fighting-type cried out in excitement, hopping up and down inside the cage, making the others turn their heads to look at it. Gible growled low, casting an uncertain glance at the energetic Mankey.
Kyros knelt beside the cage, taking in the sight of the three pseudo-legendaries. "Easy there, little guy. I see you've made some new friends," he muttered, keeping his voice low and steady.
Mankey eagerly began to speak in its own wild language, throwing punches into the air and pointing toward Kyros. The Pokémon inside the cage seemed to listen carefully, their expressions changing as Mankey continued its animated story.
Larvitar blinked, its suspicious glare softening as it leaned in closer to listen to Mankey's tale. The small dragon-type Gible, after growling, tilted its head in curiosity, its previous wariness fading slightly. Beldum's single eye focused intently on Kyros, its mechanical body unmoving, but there was a glint of interest in its gaze.
Kyros couldn't understand their conversation, but the shift in their demeanor was clear.
"Mankey's telling them about our little tussle with that Beartic, isn't it?" Kyros smirked. He could feel the tension slowly dissipating. Whatever Mankey was saying, it seemed to be working.
The monkey-like Pokémon jumped up and down, pounding its fists into its chest, clearly emphasizing the strength of Kyros. Mankey mimicked Kyros's movements, pretending to dodge blows and counter-attack, recalling their fight together against the rampaging Beartic. It then gestured toward the mountain, re-enacting their desperate escape.
Gible blinked in surprise, glancing back at Kyros as if reevaluating him. Larvitar looked at Mankey and then at Kyros, as if weighing its options. Beldum's eye darted between the two, its interest piqued but still cautious.
"Mankey's vouching for me," Kyros thought, feeling a flicker of hope. "But words alone won't cut it. I need to show them that I'm not just some human who got lucky."
He crouched lower, meeting their eyes. "I know you're all strong," he began, keeping his voice calm yet confident. "But I'm not just any human. I fought alongside Mankey against a Beartic that could've torn us both apart. I don't want to keep you in a cage, and I won't force you to join me. But if you do… I promise we'll grow stronger together."
The Pokémon listened carefully, their expressions shifting subtly. Gible's growl had quieted, Larvitar appeared contemplative, and even Beldum's gaze softened slightly.
Kyros reached into his pocket, pulling out the small set of keys he had taken earlier. "I'm letting you go. You're free to leave if that's what you want." He approached the lock cautiously, keeping a close eye on the Pokémon, ready for any sudden movement.
As the key clicked into the lock, Mankey stood on guard beside Kyros, as if to signal to the others that this human was someone to be trusted. The cage door creaked open.
For a tense moment, none of the Pokémon moved. Gible took a tentative step forward, testing its freedom, while Larvitar sniffed the air, as if weighing its options once more. Beldum hovered in place, watching intently.
Then, slowly, Gible moved out of the cage, followed by Larvitar and Beldum. They stood before Kyros, free but uncertain.
Kyros rose to his feet and extended his hand toward them. "If you join me, we'll become stronger together. But the choice is yours."
Mankey hopped forward, bumping fists with Kyros as if sealing the deal. Gible let out a low, rumbling growl, stepping forward with a glint of excitement in its eyes. Larvitar hesitated but eventually nodded, its tough exterior cracking to reveal a glimmer of trust. Beldum hovered silently, before lowering itself beside Kyros, as if acknowledging his strength.
A smile spread across Kyros's face. "Welcome to the team," he said softly.
The four Pokémon stood beside him, a silent agreement forged between them. Kyros knew this was just the beginning of their journey together, and with these powerful allies at his side, he was ready for whatever challenges lay ahead. He then decided to head back to the people that Hoopa brought after checking around and making sure there was nothing of value to loot...retrieve.
Kyros crouched beside the two unconscious bodies, narrowing his eyes as he examined them. Both were breathing, though their faces looked pale in the cold room. He hadn't planned on meeting anyone here, much less two strangers at first but upon suspecting he was in the Borrius region...he felt it could be likely. He sighed, shaking the first one, a boy with tousled brown hair and a heavy coat.
"Hey, wake up," Kyros muttered, his voice firm but low.
The boy groaned, his eyes fluttering open. "Wha—where am I?" he asked, his voice hoarse. He blinked up at Kyros, trying to focus through the confusion.
"You're safe for now. Not sure for how long, though. What's your name?" Kyros asked, his tone casual but measured, masking his own uncertainty.
"Francis," the boy answered groggily, rubbing his temples as if trying to shake off a bad dream. "Where are we? I don't remember... anything."
"Join the club," Kyros muttered. "I found you like this. I'm Kyros. Do you remember how you got here?"
Francis shook his head, still dazed. "No... Last thing I remember, I was in Frozen Heights, sleeping in bed."
Frozen Heights? Kyros recognized the name from his scattered memories of Pokémon Unbound. Kyros could now completely confirm that he was in fact in the Borrius region. He had to tread carefully, not to give himself away.
"I grew up in the southern part of Borrius but everything went black for me. Next thing I know, I'm here," Kyros lied smoothly, trying to fit into the world as naturally as he could. "Though I haven't been to Frozen Heights in a long time."
Francis stared at him, still trying to process everything. "Southern Borrius, huh? Must've been warmer than this place," he said with a weak chuckle.
"Yeah. You could say that," Kyros replied, glancing at the second unconscious boy. This one looked different—his clothes were newer, less suited for the harsh weather of Frozen Heights.
Kyros moved to the second boy and gave him a gentle nudge. "Hey, you too. Wake up."
The boy stirred, his eyes snapping open with a start. "What the—where am I?" He sat up too quickly, clutching his head.
"No idea," Kyros said, taking a step back. "What's your name?"
"Ace," the boy said, still groggy but more alert than Francis. His gaze darted around the room, his expression flickering with confusion and anxiety. "I... I just moved to Frozen Heights. I was unpacking when everything went blank."
Francis glanced at Ace. "You moved to Frozen Heights recently? I've lived there my whole life and I've never seen you around."
"Yeah. My family just relocated from the Hoenn region," Ace replied, clearly still trying to piece things together. "But I don't know how I got here. I was in my room for one second, and now..." His voice trailed off as he looked around, realizing they were in some kind of storage facility.
Kyros noted how neither of them seemed to know each other, nor did they have any idea how they'd ended up here. He was in the same boat, but his own situation was far more complicated. There was no way he could tell them he was from another world, let alone one where Pokémon were just a game.
"Well, however you got here, we're all stuck in the same mess now," Kyros said, keeping his voice calm and pragmatic. "I woke up not long before you two, and I don't remember much either. We need to stick together if we want to figure out what's going on."
Ace looked skeptical, while Francis rubbed his arms for warmth. "How can we…I trust you?" Ace asked, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Kyros smirked faintly. "Trust me or not, we're all stuck here together. I just want to get out, same as you."
Francis looked between them, clearly uneasy. "I don't know what's happening, but staying here won't solve anything. We need to move before... whatever brought us here comes back."
Kyros nodded. "Exactly. We don't know what's out there, but staying in one spot isn't a good idea. Can either of you fight?"
Francis hesitated. "I can handle myself... sort of. We're used to surviving in harsh conditions up in Frozen Heights, but I've never been in anything like this."
Ace frowned, shaking his head. "I'm more of a strategist. I don't usually go around picking fights…well unless its necessary…" If anyone who knew Ace was here, they would definitely scream BULLSHIT!
"Good to know," Kyros said, his eyes scanning the room again. "For now, let's just focus on getting out of here alive. We can figure out the rest later."
He moved toward the door and listened carefully, motioning for them to follow. Francis got up slowly, his body still stiff from the cold, while Ace reluctantly joined them.
"Let's go," Kyros said quietly, leading them down the eerily empty hallway.
As they came across an intersection, Kyros didn't hesitate in choosing a direction. "Before I came across you guys, I came through here and this way leads to a dead end with only storage crates."
Kyros, Francis, and Ace moved swiftly through the base, the sterile metal halls stretching endlessly in both directions. The walls, marked with faint signs of wear, seemed to close in as they ventured deeper into the maze of corridors. The trio's footsteps echoed softly, yet each step carried weight—an unspoken urgency to find an escape.
Ace, ever the energetic one, could barely contain his curiosity as they had engaged in small talk and found out about Kyros's exploits. "How'd you even manage to get out of that storage room, Kyros? I mean, we just woke up and found ourselves here, but you look like you've been through some action already."
Kyros kept his eyes scanning the path ahead, his voice calm yet cautious. "Let's just say I had to knock out a grunt to get out. Found some Pokéballs and a few supplies before I ran into you two."
Francis raised a brow, his mind ticking over the details. "Wait, knock out a grunt? And you took their Pokéballs?"
"Yeah," Kyros replied, showing a slight smirk. "Wasn't too difficult, honestly. I've had tougher street fights."
Ace chuckled, clearly impressed. "Man, wish I could've seen that. This whole situation is messed up, but I gotta say, knocking people out and swiping Pokémon? Kinda badass."
Francis, who always preferred caution over impulse, crossed his arms. "But you realize that means she'll wake up eventually, right? And she'll be looking for those Pokémon you took."
"I'm counting on it," Kyros said with an air of finality, as if already preparing for the next challenge.
They rounded another corner when Ace suddenly stopped short. "Hey, check this out. There's a room down here with some tech I don't recognize. Could be useful for finding a way out?"
Kyros shook his head. "No time for detours. We need to stay focused. We're in enemy territory, and the longer we linger, the greater the chance someone catches up to us."
Just as those words left his mouth, a loud click echoed through the hallway. Kyros's body tensed. From the shadows ahead, the female grunt he had knocked out earlier emerged, her face twisted in anger and a malicious grin spreading across her lips.
"So, you're the one who stole from me," she hissed. In her hand, a sleek, advanced device hummed to life, pulsing with a faint blue light.
Kyros's eyes darted to the device. He quickly realized its purpose when the two Pokéballs he had taken earlier shot out of his bag, as if yanked by an invisible force, and flew back into the grunt's waiting hands.
"What the hell is that?" Ace exclaimed, his eyes wide with surprise.
"Some fancy retrieval tech," Francis said grimly. "Guess it didn't take her long to find us."
The woman chuckled darkly. "You're not getting away that easily. Inkay, Skorupi, let's show these fools what happens when you mess with Shadow!" She threw the Pokéballs, and in a flash of light, Inkay and Skorupi appeared, both glaring at the trio.
Kyros wasted no time. "Get ready. This isn't just a walk in the park anymore." He swiftly released his own Pokémon: Mankey, Gible, Larvitar, and Beldum standing by his side, ready to face the challenge head-on.
Francis stood firm, calculating the odds. "Four-on-two. We've got the numbers, but Inkay's Psychic-type and Skorupi's Poison… This won't be easy."
Ace bounced on his toes, energy coursing through him. "Easy? Come on, we've got four powerhouses on our side! Let's go!"
Kyros, maintaining his calm, assessed the situation. "Stay focused. We can't just rush in blind. No matter how hot you look lady…get ready to get your cheeks clapped."
The female grunt smirked although was quite surprised by the boy's response. He seemed like the typical loud horny teenager for sure. Her voice dripped with sarcasm and a bit of venom. "You think you're ready for this? Let's see how long you last."
"I have stamina for days." Kyros then glanced at his companions, his tone firm but encouraging. "Francis, Ace, stay sharp and keep an eye out."
The battle was about to begin.
Fuck I am about to have a real life pokemon battle! Although this won't be turn based like the games…I'm actually a trainer. A real life pokemon trainer. This is AWESOME!
Kyros then became focused and tried his best to recall the moves the three pokemon starters had along with his Mankey.
"Beldum, use Metal Bash on Skorupi. Mankey go behind Beldum and strike Skorupi after! Larvitar, use rock throw on Inkay. Gible use Metal Claw on Inkay!"
"Inkay use confusion! Skorupi Poison Sting!"
Beldum covered in a silver energy charged towards Skorupi who launched glowing purple needles at it but they bounced right off, not doing a single ounce of damage. The posion type was sent flying back before Mankey came in and landed a full powered Thunder Punch on its face, causing it to crash against the metal wall behind the female shadow grunt.
Inkay at the same time launched confusion as Larvitar summoned and launched large boulders towards it. Despite managing to use the psychic energy to divert the first two boulders from hitting it, the remaining three boulders crashed into it before Gible slashed on its body with metallic claws that dug past its skin and drew blood.
Both pokemon were down and out, the battle lasting only a few seconds at most.
"NO! Inkay! Skorupi!" The female grunt cried out before glaring towards the three kids she failed to stop only to see a fist coming towards her.
Kyros had not wasted a single second as the moment his pokemon's attacks collided with their opponents, he had bolted towards the grunt. His fist launched, it took one single punch to the face to break the pair of advanced shades the female shadow grunt was wearing along with her nose. She was out like a light.
"Ouch…you sure are ruthless…even to girls…" Francis commented both he and Ace flinched at the bone crunching sound.
"You show mercy and it will come back to bite you on your ass. Show hesitation and you lose."
Francis and Ace looked at each other, wondering just what kind of life this man had lived to become so…violent and aggressive.
"Now, let's get out of here."
Francis and Ace followed behind Kyros and were more than shocked to see Kyros plowing through the five or six people of this place that had kidnapped them being knocked out by Kyros before they had a chance to call out their pokemon…or their pokemon being defeated the moment they were out of their pokeballs due to Kyros commanding his pokemon to launch preemptive attacks with perfect timing.
Before they knew it, they were out of the base, standing a feet deep in snow with the shadow base behind them, the doors shut and camouflage in such a way that if they did not just come out of it, they would not be able to find the entrance.
"You…You are built different Kyros." Ace commented.
Kyros looked back confused but simply shrugged his shoulders before looking at Francis. "Since you are a native here…mind leading the way?"
Francis nodded dumbly, still at a shock at what just happened and looked around. He recognized this part of Frozen Heights since he often sneaked out to play with the pokemon in the area. "Follow me."
The trio made their way through the frozen streets of Frozen Heights, the biting cold gnawing at their skin as they approached the large building Francis had pointed out. Snow crunched underfoot, and their breaths misted in the air. Despite the harsh weather, the town seemed serene, a sharp contrast to the chaos they had just escaped.
Francis glanced at Kyros and Ace. "This is it. Professor Log's lab. If anyone can help us make sense of what's going on, it's him."
Kyros nodded, his eyes scanning the area, ever-alert. His thoughts raced as they reached the door. This is my chance. I need to blend in, act like I belong here. No mistakes.
Ace bounced lightly on his feet, clearly excited despite the ordeal. "Can you believe we just took down a bunch of grunts? I'm pumped! I can't wait to see what the Professor has to say. He's gotta be impressed, right?"
"Let's just focus on getting some answers," Kyros replied calmly, hiding his own nervous anticipation.
Francis knocked, and after a few moments, the door creaked open. Professor Log appeared—a tall man with graying hair and an air of authority softened by his curiosity. His eyes widened slightly when he saw the three boys standing before him.
"Francis! What are you doing here? And who are these...?" Log's voice trailed off as he noticed the Pokémon standing beside Kyros. "Wait, those Pokémon... what's going on?"
Francis quickly explained. "Professor, it's a long story, but we were kidnapped by some kind of shadow organization. Kyros here saved us—and he's got these Pokémon with him now."
Professor Log's eyes narrowed as he studied Kyros, then flicked to the Pokémon. "Come in." Once they were all seated in the living room sofa's with Aier's four pokemon either on his lap, floating or on the ground due to being too heavy, the conversation continued. "Kidnapped? And you managed to escape... with these Pokémon?"
Kyros meeting Log's gaze without flinching said, "Yeah. I fought my way out. But, Professor, that's not why we're here."
Log crossed his arms, his face betraying skepticism, though curiosity still danced in his eyes. "Then why are you here, young man?"
Kyros took a deep breath, carefully choosing his words. "I'm... I'm an orphan, Professor. I was born in southern Borrius, but I've got nothing to go back to. I grew up on the streets, fighting to survive." His voice was steady, but there was a calculated weight behind it, designed to tug at empathy without overplaying his hand. "When I got out of that place, I found these Pokémon. They trust me, and I trust them. I want to become a trainer—to make something of myself. I've got no family, no home, and no future unless I do this."
Log's expression softened, but there was still a glint of suspicion. "Southern Borrius, you say? You don't sound like someone from the region..."
Kyros didn't miss a beat. "I was young when I was left on my own. I haven't been back in years. The streets were my real home." He let out a small sigh, making his lie more convincing by weaving in truth. "I've had to fend for myself my whole life. It's just... me but I have these Pokémon now. Honestly, I have no idea how I ended up here in Frozen Heights. I just blacked out and ended up being transported here. Its sort of similar to how Francis and Ace ended up in that base."
Ace chimed in with his usual enthusiasm. "Professor, you should've seen him! He's like a natural-born trainer—took out those grunts and their Pokémon like it was nothing!"
Francis, ever cautious, added, "He's telling the truth. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Kyros."
Log looked between the three boys, then at the four Pokémon standing loyally by Kyros's side. After a long moment, he sighed. "The Borrius region has seen its share of struggle... If what you're saying is true, Kyros, you've been through more than most. But being a trainer isn't just about strength or having a Pokémon by your side. It's about responsibility, dedication, and a bond with your team."
Kyros's voice was quiet but firm, his gaze unwavering. "I know that, Professor. And I'm ready. I may not have had an easy life, but I know how to fight, how to survive. And I know how to protect those who trust me."
Log studied him for a few more moments before nodding slowly. "Very well. I can see that your bond with these Pokémon is real. But if you want to become a proper trainer, you'll need more than just battle instincts. You'll need guidance. Especially considering you have some extremely powerful pokemon with you that even some seasoned trainers find difficult to raise."
Kyros felt a weight lift off his shoulders. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Log turned to the boys. "All right. We'll discuss more about what you need to do. There are a lot of things that need to be cleared up first."
As they walked into the warmth of the lab, Kyros couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. He was in.
Time quickly passed as Francis and Ace told the details of everything that happened.
"You boys have been through a lot. Rest at home and come back tomorrow. Considering your ages and the fact you two had managed to pass your trainer exams already, its time to give you your starter pokemon and begin your journey."
"Really Professor?!" Ace and Francis both exclaimed, their eyes glittered and their bodies tense with energy as they resisting the urge to jump and rush at the professor right away to get their pokemon.
"Yes. Now rest for today. Come back tomorrow morning at 9am. Your starter will be ready."
"Can't we get them today?!" Ace could not go through the torture of waiting until tomorrow.
"I have nothing today. They will be arriving today evening." Professor Log quickly chased away the two before continuing his conversation with Kyros.
After Francis and Ace left, Kyros leaned back on the couch, glancing at the Pokémon gathered by his side—Mankey, Gible, Larvitar, and Beldum. He crossed his arms, his tone edged with curiosity more than confidence.
"So, now what?" Kyros asked, eyebrows raised. "I've got these Pokémon with me, and I want to be a trainer. But… how does it work here? I mean, do I just walk around with them, battle other trainers, and that's it? Or is there some kind of process?"
Professor Log leaned back in his chair, amused by Kyros's directness. "It's a bit more complicated than that, I'm afraid," he replied, the slightest smirk on his face. "Becoming a proper trainer requires registration with the Pokémon League. Without that, you can't legally train or compete in official battles."
Kyros blinked, clearly thrown off. "Registration? Like signing up for a gym membership or something? What's the catch?"
Log chuckled softly. "Not quite. Every trainer needs to either pass the League's official trainer exam or be certified by a professor. Once you're registered, the League keeps track of your progress. That's how you earn the right to enter tournaments, challenge Gym Leaders, or even catch new Pokémon." Log was not that surprised that Kyros did not know since majority of trainers learned these details during their time in school. Given Kyros's background, it was not surprising he did not know the details of it.
Kyros ran a hand through his hair, feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Right... so I need a license, huh? And if I don't pass this 'exam,' I'm basically nobody in this world?"
"Well, you're not 'nobody,'" Log replied with a grin, "but you'd certainly be limited. There are rules here, Kyros. Pokémon need proper care, and being a trainer isn't just about winning battles. You'll need to be responsible for feeding them, getting them medical attention when they need it, and ensuring they grow stronger."
Kyros snorted. "Sounds like a full-time job."
"In many ways, it is," Log agreed. "That's why trainers are often sponsored by either the League, an organization, or a professor. Sponsors provide monthly stipends, which are crucial for buying things like food, healing items, traveling supplies, clothes, Pokéballs to catch more Pokémon, and even TMs to teach them new moves."
Kyros frowned slightly. "So it's not just about being the strongest? You actually need cash to get anywhere as a trainer?"
"Exactly," Log nodded. "Raising Pokémon takes both skill and resources. It's not just about brute force or talent in battles." He paused, observing Kyros's reaction. "You've shown me that you're capable. I can see the bond you've already formed with your team. That's not something every trainer can manage."
Kyros gave a small shrug. "I've always been good at adapting. Guess that applies to Pokémon too."
"Well, it's clear you're more than capable," Log said, standing up and walking over to a desk, pulling out some paperwork. "I'm willing to sponsor you as a trainer. You'll get a monthly stipend from my lab, along with some tech to help you along the way."
Kyros perked up at that. "Sponsorship? Sounds like a sweet deal. What's the catch?"
Log smirked, appreciating the sarcasm. "No catch. In exchange for sponsorship, you'll be helping me with research from time to time. I've been developing some new technology—state-of-the-art stuff that might interest you. One of the tools is the latest version of the Cube provided by the Cube corp will be given to you. It is capable of storing items and equipment without taking up space. And a project I'm working on could revolutionize the way Pokémon grow."
Kyros's brow furrowed. "Grow? What kind of tech are we talking about?"
"The tech I've been developing can optimize a Pokémon's genetic code—improving their growth and potential. It enhances their natural abilities without causing harm or side effects," Log explained, his voice taking on an excited edge. "Imagine being able to push a Pokémon to its full potential, faster and more efficiently."
Kyros raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself. "That sounds… pretty insane. How can you change the genetic code? And I'd get access to all this just by becoming a trainer under your wing?"
Log nodded. "That's right. In return for helping me with some fieldwork and research, you'll be equipped with the latest technology and resources to ensure you and your Pokémon have the best shot at success. As far as genetic code is concerned, the machine doesn't change it. It simply alters the expression of certain genes that allows for either greater or decreased production of certain proteins, directly related to a Pokemon's strength and abilities."
Kyros leaned back, thinking it over. "So, all I have to do is sign up, and I get the tech, the money, and the chance to actually become a real trainer?"
"Not quite that simple," Log corrected. "First, you'll need to register with the League. Once you're officially registered, your trainer license will be delivered here tomorrow along with a device—something of a combination between a Pokédex and a phone. It'll help you keep track of your Pokémon, communicate, and access a range of useful tools."
"Sounds like a trainer's all-in-one," Kyros said, tapping his fingers against his knee. "And that's it? I register, wait for the paperwork to come through, and then I'm good to go?"
"Essentially, yes," Log replied. "Once your license arrives, you'll be officially recognized by the League. Until then, rest up here at the lab. You've had a long day."
Kyros glanced at his Pokémon, who were either resting or watching him intently. "Guess I've got nothing to lose," he said with a shrug. "I'm in."
"Good," Log said, handing Kyros the registration form. "Fill this out, and by tomorrow, you'll be officially registered as a trainer."
Kyros took the form, his mind already racing with possibilities. Once Log left the room to give him some space, Kyros remained seated on the couch, looking down at the form for a moment. He smirked to himself. A real trainer… Guess things are about to get interesting.
But instead of heading to bed, Kyros pulled out his newly issued phone, curiosity gnawing at him. He spent the rest of the night surfing the internet, absorbing every bit of information he could about this world, its regions, its Pokémon, and the subtle differences from what he once knew. He needed to be ready for whatever came next.
Kyros leaned back in his chair, staring at the registration form on the computer screen Professor Log pulled up for him. His hand gripped the pen tightly, but instead of starting, he set it down and pulled out the sleek new phone that Log had issued him. He flicked through its options—contact lists, maps, and of course, the internet. If Kyros was going to thrive in this world, he needed more than brute strength. He needed information. Knowledge was power, and power meant survival.
His mind raced as he opened a browser tab and began typing feverishly. First things first: Pokémon training. He needed to understand every detail about raising and battling Pokémon. This wasn't the world he'd grown up in—there were rules here, systems in place, and he couldn't afford to be ignorant.
Hours passed as Kyros meticulously combed through articles, forums, and research papers. Training moves, optimal diets, how to bond with Pokémon… It was all here. The more he read, the more his strategy began to form. He could see it clearly in his mind—his Pokémon growing stronger, mastering moves faster, and dominating opponents. But that wasn't enough. He needed to go deeper.
Kyros's Notes on Pokémon Training:
- Moves: He found a detailed guide on move sets and strategies, outlining the optimal level to teach each Pokémon powerful techniques. For Mankey, this meant focusing on its natural aggression, harnessing its physical prowess through moves like Cross Chop and Close Combat. Gible's potential excited him—Dragon Rush and Earthquake could make it a powerhouse, while Beldum's steel defenses and psychic abilities could be maximized by unlocking Zen Headbutt early on.
- Diets: Diets were surprisingly critical. Pokémon fed high-quality berries and protein-rich meals grew faster and had better stamina in battles. Certain berries could enhance physical abilities, while other supplements helped Pokémon recover quickly from injuries.
- Battle Strategy: Kyros noted that understanding a Pokémon's nature—its personality and preferences—was key. Gible's reckless nature could be tempered with rigorous training, while Larvitar's stoicism required careful nurturing, focusing on building trust before strength.
Next, he dove into the Gym Circuit, trying to understand the regional challenges. His research quickly revealed that the Borrius region was infamous for its difficulty. Unlike other regions where trainers challenged the gym leader directly, Borrius gyms had a gauntlet of trainers a challenger had to defeat first. These trainers weren't pushovers either—they were skilled, often stronger than leaders in other regions. And the environment… Borrius's harsh climates—from frozen peaks to desert wastelands—made every journey brutal.
The deeper he looked into Borrius, the more he understood its history. A land torn by war, its people forged through hardship. That explained why the trainers here were tougher than in other regions. Gym Leaders weren't just strong; they were survivors, veterans of brutal conflict.
Kyros's Notes on Borrius Gym Circuit:
- Gym Gauntlets: Each gym has its own theme and trainers specialized in exploiting every advantage. He noted that the leaders were seasoned fighters, often using clever tactics to weaken challengers before the final battle.
- Environmental Hazards: Borrius had some of the toughest terrains. The ice gyms weren't just cold; they were often set in blizzards or on frozen lakes where footing was tricky. The fire gyms were located in active volcanic regions where the heat alone sapped a trainer's stamina.
- Winning Strategy: Kyros theorized that mastering weather-based tactics could be crucial in Borrius. Teams that could adapt to snow, sandstorms, or intense heat would have the upper hand. That meant preparing his Pokémon not only for battles but for survival in harsh conditions.
His mind shifted to the regions of the world, comparing them to Borrius. From the tropical beauty of Alola to the mechanical marvels of Galar, the Pokémon world was vast and varied. But none seemed to match Borrius in sheer brutality. This was where the strongest were forged. Kyros couldn't help but smile—a grim satisfaction settling over him. He liked challenges. He thrived in them. Borrius was exactly where he needed to be.
Kyros's thoughts drifted to his past, the streets where he'd grown up, the fights he had barely survived. His mother had died when he was barely old enough to understand loss, leaving him with a father who was more a myth than a man—always off serving in the army, fighting in wars Kyros couldn't even name. In the absence of family, the streets became his teachers. He learned to fight, to adapt, and most importantly, to think. His father's voice—stern, a rare presence—echoed in his mind. "Discipline is survival. Think before you act. The strong aren't reckless; they're prepared."
That discipline was ingrained in him now, fueling his need to research every angle, every possible advantage. Knowledge was his weapon just as much as his fists or his Pokémon.
By the time the first rays of morning sunlight filtered through the lab windows, Kyros's eyes were heavy, but his mind was buzzing with plans. There was no time for rest. The thrill of being in the Pokémon world still hadn't faded, and he was eager to start his journey. Just then, the door swung open, and Francis and Ace came barreling in, their faces lit with excitement.
"Kyros! You ready, man?" Ace practically bounced with energy. "We're getting our first Pokémon!"
Francis, though quieter, wore a smile just as wide. "Yeah, Professor Log said they're arriving any minute."
Kyros looked at them, amused. "You two are pretty eager for this."
"Of course!" Ace exclaimed. "This is our chance! You already have your Pokémon, but today's a big deal for us."
As if on cue, Professor Log appeared, two Pokéballs in hand. "Ah, you're both early. That's a good sign. I have your starters ready."
He handed Francis and Ace their Pokéballs, explaining, "Francis, you'll be starting with Elekid, and Ace, you'll take Magby. They should suit you both well."
Ace grinned wide, "Magby, huh? Fire-type? That's perfect for me!"
Francis seemed more composed but still smiled as he held his Elekid's Pokéball. "Thanks, Professor. I won't let you down."
Log nodded approvingly before handing them their Pokédexes and phones. "These devices will help you track your progress, communicate with other trainers, and do research. Take care of them, and good luck on your journey."
Before long, Ace couldn't contain his excitement. "Come on, Francis, let's have our first battle! Magby versus Elekid! What do you say?"
Francis raised an eyebrow but nodded, "Alright, let's do this."
As the two prepared to battle, Kyros watched, arms crossed, a knowing smirk on his face. He had stayed up all night, digging into every corner of the Pokémon world. He was ready. The real journey was just beginning.
Kyros leaned back against the wall of Professor Log's lab, crossing his arms as he watched Francis and Ace prepare for their first battle. The excitement in the air was palpable, and he could see the fire in Ace's eyes as he clutched Magby's Pokéball. Francis, ever the calm one, looked composed, though Kyros could tell there was a quiet determination behind his steady gaze.
"This is going to be interesting," Kyros muttered under his breath, feeling his own pulse quicken. This wasn't a game anymore—this was real. And in this world, battles weren't turn-based.
Ace grinned as he tossed his Pokéball into the air. "Go, Magby!" he shouted, the small fire-type appearing in a flash of light. Magby landed with a determined stance, flames already licking the edges of its mouth, eager for battle.
Francis followed suit, calmly releasing Elekid. "Let's do this, Elekid." The electric-type Pokémon materialized, sparks crackling from its body as it squared up to face Magby.
There was a moment of stillness. Kyros could feel it—a tension, the calm before the storm. In the games, this would be the part where players would carefully select their first move. But here? There was no pause. No menu to choose from. The battle would play out in real-time, and the trainers had to react just as fast as their Pokémon.
"Magby, use Ember!" Ace commanded, his voice sharp and full of excitement.
Without hesitation, Magby inhaled and shot a volley of small flames toward Elekid. The fire-type's speed was impressive, and the flames lit up the battlefield in an instant.
"Elekid, dodge!" Francis called out, but Kyros could see it—the lag. Francis's command came a split second too late. Elekid was fast, but Magby's flames clipped its shoulder, causing it to stagger back slightly.
Kyros's eyes narrowed as he analyzed the scene. Timing was everything here. In a real battle, there was no waiting. By the time Francis had given the command, Elekid had already been hit. He realized quickly that relying solely on spoken commands wouldn't work—the Pokémon had to react on instinct, and the trainer needed to guide them as fluidly as possible.
"Damn, this isn't like the games at all," Kyros thought, his mind racing. "You can't just sit back and call out moves like it's turn-based. By the time you say something, the situation's already changed." Although he had already been through a battle, the reality of it hadn't sunk it at the time due to the adrenaline coursing through his veins.
He studied Francis and Ace carefully. Both were still trying to adapt, clearly realizing the same thing. Magby had a natural advantage here, being faster and more aggressive, but Kyros noted that Ace was relying too much on direct commands.
"Magby, keep up the pressure with another Ember!" Ace shouted, his voice brimming with excitement. Magby obeyed, firing another barrage of flames.
Francis gritted his teeth. "Elekid, use Thunder Shock to counter!"
This time, Elekid responded quicker, charging up a burst of electricity and firing it straight into the incoming flames. The two attacks collided mid-air, causing an explosion of energy and fire that sent sparks and embers flying.
Kyros smirked slightly. "Not bad, Francis," he muttered. "But you're still too slow."
Elekid and Magby faced each other, panting slightly from the exchange. The battlefield was changing constantly, and both trainers were struggling to keep up. This wasn't just about calling out moves—it was about anticipating what would happen next.
Kyros's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts which he organized as he continued to observe the fight.
1. Speed and Instincts:
The Pokémon's reaction speed was critical. Elekid had the reflexes to dodge, but by the time Francis had spoken, Magby had already moved. In this world, Pokémon had to rely on their own instincts, with the trainer providing guidance only when absolutely necessary. The trainer's role wasn't to micromanage but to understand their Pokémon's instincts and strengths, using commands more like a coach during a sports match.
2. Adaptation and Anticipation:
Ace's aggressive strategy was effective in keeping up the pressure, but Kyros noticed something important—Magby was starting to slow down. Too much offense without pacing was causing Magby to wear itself out. In real-time battles, pacing mattered just as much as strength. If Ace didn't adjust, Magby's speed would drop, giving Elekid the chance to strike back.
3. Trust and Synergy:
Kyros saw another key difference—trust between trainer and Pokémon. Francis's hesitation was costing him precious seconds, but Elekid's instincts were sharp. It wasn't waiting for commands anymore, and Kyros could see Elekid eyeing its opponent, already calculating its next move. This synergy—letting the Pokémon lead in the heat of the moment—was going to be crucial if Francis wanted to win.
"Elekid, use Quick Attack!" Francis finally called out.
Kyros raised an eyebrow. "Interesting choice…"
Elekid shot forward, its body a blur as it closed the gap between itself and Magby in the blink of an eye. Direct, fast, and instinctive. This wasn't something Francis needed to explain—Elekid was built for speed.
Magby tried to dodge, but it was too late. Elekid's tackle slammed into Magby's side, sending it skidding across the field. Ace cursed under his breath. Magby had relied too much on ranged attacks, and it didn't have the agility to escape a full-force Quick Attack.
Kyros nodded to himself. Close-quarters combat was where Elekid shined. Francis's strength as a trainer was in letting Elekid take the initiative and strike when the opportunity presented itself.
Ace was quick to recover. "Magby, use Smokescreen!"
Kyros's eyes widened slightly. "Smart." Ace was learning too. Magby's strength wasn't in speed—it was in misdirection.
A thick cloud of smoke billowed out from Magby's mouth, quickly covering the battlefield. Elekid, though fast, was suddenly at a disadvantage—its vision obscured, and its momentum halted. Kyros watched intently, realizing that this was more than just a distraction. Ace was resetting the pace of the battle, giving Magby the chance to recover from Elekid's Quick Attack.
For Kyros, this battle was more than just a spectacle. It was a lesson.
Battles in the real world weren't linear. There were no turns, no pauses. Everything happened at once, and both the trainer and Pokémon had to react in real-time, adapting to changing circumstances. Kyros realized that as a trainer, he would need to trust his Pokémon more than anything. Commands were important, but their instincts and abilities would decide the outcome in the heat of battle.
The same as the street fights he had been through. Instincts had to be tempered through trials of fire. Being overly reliant on a trainer's commands would hamper a Pokemon's growth and their strength. But not giving out commands at all was also not the way to go since while in battle, whether it be Pokemon or human, tunnel vision always happens and having a trainer who has an objective and far off view of the battlefield without the threat of violence looming over their shoulder can make logical deductions and judgment which Pokemon may not be able to do. Balance between the two was a must to become a strong trainer.
The smokescreen continued to swirl around the field, and Kyros leaned forward, eyes narrowing. This wasn't over yet.
Ace had regained control of the situation, but Francis wasn't giving up. Kyros could see it in Elekid's stance—it was listening for its opponent, relying on senses beyond sight. A grin crept across Kyros's face. This was a game of wits now.
"Magby, use Fire Punch! Go in and finish this!" Ace called out, confidence swelling in his voice.
Kyros watched as Magby's fiery fist burst through the smoke, aiming straight for Elekid. But then he saw it—Elekid had already anticipated the attack. Without needing a command from Francis, it ducked low, narrowly avoiding the flaming punch.
In an instant, Elekid retaliated, delivering a point-blank Thunder Shock into Magby's chest. The electric surge sent Magby flying back, collapsing onto the ground in a daze.
Ace blinked in surprise, his enthusiasm faltering. "Magby!"
Francis, still catching his breath, gave a small, determined smile. "Elekid… you did great."
Kyros's smirk grew wider. "Not bad. Not bad at all." He'd learned a lot just from watching. This was real. Battles were raw, instinctive, and demanded the absolute best from both trainers and Pokémon alike.
As the smoke cleared and Magby lay defeated, Ace's shoulders slumped in disappointment, but Francis extended a hand toward him, smiling. "Good battle. Magby's strong."
Ace grinned, shaking Francis's hand. "Yeah, he is. But Elekid's no joke. You really know how to fight."
Kyros stepped forward, clapping both of them on the shoulder. "You guys did great. But remember battles are fast. You need to trust your Pokémon and let them lead when things get heated. Reacting quickly is important, but don't forget—your Pokémon's instincts are faster than your commands. Use that to your advantage."
Ace nodded, excitement returning to his face. "You're right! This was just the beginning. I'll get better!"
Francis smiled, his eyes shining with quiet determination. "Yeah. We'll both get stronger."
Kyros watched them with a knowing look. They'd learned an important lesson today. And so had he. In this world, battles weren't just about raw power—they were about strategy, instincts, and above all, synergy between trainer and Pokémon.
