DISCLAIMER
The following is a fan-based
FICTION
Pokemon is owned by Game Freak and Nintendo.
Please support the official release.
WARNING BEFORE WE START! I suggest that the best way to enjoy this is through the QQ/QuestionableQuesting release solely on the fact I can use pictures for reference and I have more omakes there. Still, you can still enjoy this one so... Lets-a-go!
Chapter 31: Back on Solo
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Littleroot Town.
It was just me as I got redeployed by a borrowed Pidgeotto.
This time, I upped the level of difficulty for myself since I was going solo - I just had Zorua and Gardevoir with me.
I also had secondary goals to facilitate any sequence breaking - I am going to cap Kyogre and Groudon so none of that bullshit double gang issue happen.
Professor Birch had heard of me, and he was happy to let me go with a Treecko and an improved PokeDex.
I stopped to get Treecko to Sceptile, and get myself a Poochyena into a Mightyena before going for Oldale and then to Petalburg.
To my surprise, I can challenge Norman as the first gym.
He decides to go with his best team, but it hardly works against a swift and powerful Sceptile.
First badge of the run and I am not stopping.
I take to Route 104, and I stop to claim a Wingull to evolve into a Pelipper.
Mr. Briney asks for a fee to use his boat so I could go to Dewford.
I stop to get an Aron which I get to Aggron.
Brawly is bodied by Pelipper, and I get back on Mr. Briney's boat so I can get to Rustboro before it's lunchtime.
I am grinning like a madman, possibly a reason why trainers are dodging me in Petalburg Forest.
That being said, all that is good has to be ruined. By morons.
I felt the approaching shadow right in time before she could snatch any of my Pokeballs.
"Bitch!" I growled, my chill gone with the bitch trying to snatch some of my buddies.
I glared at the girl, who tried to appear sheepish. Fucking Zinnia coming out of nowhere!
[SPOILER/SPOILER]
"Sorry?"
I glared at her.
"It was... Just a prank, bro?"
"Then murdering you and your rotten family shall be a joke, cuz!" I snarled, fishing my Pokeball with Zorua.
Smartly so, she deployed Salamence.
Not-so smartly so, Zinnia didn't order fast enough as Bitter Malice sent her salamander pet flying and impact several trees.
Shock turned to panic as she released another Pokémon.
"Aster, use Hyper Voice on the trainer!"
The fu-
Before I could move away, the Whismur that Zinnia deployed struck me with a fast-paced Soundwave attack and sent me slamming onto the tree behind me.
I couldn't hear shit as Zorua decided to stick by side and defended me.
Zinnia used this chance to bail from the battle.
The good news was that I could hear after a while but... My back hurt like hell.
I thought my inherent badassery would have healed my back pain if given time, so I just steamrolled Roxanne and thought little of it.
Until it got too painful and decided to have the local Nurse Joy check on me.
She gave me some stuff to soften the pain, but told me I risked big time had I been hit anywhere else.
One slight alteration to where I got struck when pushed back and I would have been paralyzed from the neck down.
...
New objective: Imma murder Zinnia and erase her plot through the ways of genocidal anger.
Team:
Sceptile (Lvl. 94) - Moves: Quick Attack, Energy Ball, Double Team, Endeavor, Leaf Sword, Leaf Storm
Mightyena (Lvl. 90) - Moves: Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang, Bite, Snarl, Yawn, Play Rough, Thief, Crunch
Pelipper (Lvl. 88) - Moves: Hydro Pump, Hurricane, Fly, Wing Attack, Agility, Protect
Aggron (Lvl. 92) - Moves: Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, Harden, Rock Slide, Iron Head, Iron Tail, Autotomize, Heavy Slam, Iron Defense, Metal Burst
Reserve: Hisuian Zorua and Gardevoir
Chapter 32: Thundering Anger
I was forced to do a little detour in Rustboro.
Turns out that Mr. Stone of Devon Corporation was interested in doing businesses in Kanto together with Mr. Silph.
From my understanding, Hoenn and Kanto had bee homies up to the Kanto-Johto War where Hoenn was strongarmed by Sinnoh in not helping Kanto.
Some of the old friendships had survived the peacetime era and the old man was interested in a scientific exchange to fasten the development of the PokèNav and of the new Pokeball types that would take too long to develop within the restraining regulations here in Hoenn.
Sounded like a good deal, so I wasn't exactly unhappy for the delay.
Oh no, my wrath was currently aimed at a little murderous brat.
It had been annoyance that made me hunt down Green in Johto, but this time it was personal. There was no 'Dead or Alive' situation, I wanted the brat dead. Her, her clan, her stupid prophecy and whatever crap Game Freak conjured to make the plot so convoluted!
...
Okay, maybe there was some base hatred that the unplanned attempt at my life saw worsened to the very worst, and Zinnia trying to steal my Pokemon made me outrageously ruthless.
That being said, I did report the situation home through the local center's terminal and... I was told to stop at four badges for today.
And the one telling me this (more like threatening me) was a worried sick Janine.
So yes, that sucked, but I could slow down for today so I could train my team and deal with Gardevoir's murderous spree.
Zorua was furious, but she could bear this anger as her nature allowed her to. Gardevoir was far too emotional and she started smashing rocks at the Rusturf Tunnel.
The local Geodudes were smart enough to dodge the murderous Psychic-type, but I guess her ruthless butchering and shattering of normal rocks carved a bigger path within the tunnel for any travelers.
We took a break at Verdanturf Town so I could get some calming brew for Gardevoir while lappillowing her into docility.
I appreciated the emotion, but this senseless violence could have done more harm than good if she had been given the chance to take this to regular Pokemon.
Once that was wrapped up, I made it to Mauville City and relied on Aggron.
While he wasn't tanky against Electric moves, he was just enough to make it without breaking a sweat.
Four badges in a day and it was the end of day one. I intended to end my circuit run by the next day... But I planned for linger a few days here in Hoenn for other reasons.
I wanted to get a few potential discoveries done early, maybe stop a meteor if needed, and also get all the Legendaries of the region.
In theory, if I got Kyogre and Groudon, things should be cool.
Same if I capped Rayquaza and used it to deal with meteor and Deoxys.
...
This looked smooth. Way too smooth.
I decided to cuddle with Gardevoir and Zorua that night as my back ached as if Zinnia may make a move so soon.
I wasn't going to give her any mercy.
Chapter 33: Tribal Plotting
Zinnia could tell she messed up when a large portion of her tribe tracked her down and ordered her back home.
She would have disregarded the order if her grandmother had been the one sending it, but it was signed by the current head of the Draconids - her mother.
The flight was silent, but the tension was so thick she could feel it squeeze all around her.
Once they arrived home, all other members paused in their chores to stare at her as she was led to the main tent.
Her grandmother was quickly looking at her from her advising seat. Zinnia had expected the elder to lash out and lecture her for her mistake, but the old woman kept herself to just glaring at her.
Her mother, who was bowing before a wooden statue of Rayquaza carved by the First Draconid, turned slowly.
Her gaze was glacial, enough to render Zinnia immediately apologetic.
"I am-"
"Quiet!"
The response was sharp and intense, leaving the child paralyzed as the leader stood up.
"Zinnia, do you have any idea what your stunt did? The damage your foolish endeavor left us to deal with? The mess you caused?!"
The girl flinched. "I-I just wanted to stop the prophecy!"
"Despite the fact I told you it wasn't your concern! Despite the fact our tribe had resolved in politely asking the very trainer you attacked to aid us."
"Kanto Champion Red. You attacked the leader of another country, do you have any clue of what this could lead to?"
Her grandmother was, oddly so, the least furious. A change of pace compared to usual, but perhaps it was because the elder was more shocked than angry.
"War," her mother muttered strongly. "Not just with Kanto, but also Johto. Do you understand how much tense things are between us and the League because of your stupidity, my child?!"
Zinnia bowed her head, but nothing could have prepared her for her punishment.
"I already reached out the Blackthorn Clan. Clair is reasonably livid for your stunt but she agreed to foster you with the intent of teaching you discipline we failed to instil in you."
The girl opened her mouth, but her mother waved at her.
"Spare me with the pleading, daughter. Your Salamence and Whismur shall be seized until you are through with your punishment."
She bowed her head, tears forming.
"What- What about-"
"We will approach Champion Red through heavy mediation of the League. After all, he has an extensive investment to not ruin his run with the Hoenn Circuit so he will listen. But any chance of good will beyond our request is now gone for the time being. You shall depart at dawn."
Zinnia was taken back to her tent.
She sobbed loudly as she lost Aster too, knowing that her stunt had been far more stupid than she had initially thought it to be.
All because she was too hellbent with that stupid prophecy!
Chapter 34: Flyin' and Denyin'
Lavaridge Town was an easy win considering that there was no plot-related delays.
Flannery was very salty as I beat her with Sceptile. The reason I did so? Childhood traumas.
I had struggled so bad in the games when I reached up to face Flannery and my Grovyle/Sceptile was unable to pull the last clutch win.
I also got a Camerupt from the trip before flying back to Mauville and getting back to the next steps.
Route 118 and 119.
The first one was a breeze, the second one not as much without a bike.
Thank Arceus I bought one in Mauville and could do some sick trick shots at high speed.
Still, I did get a Manectric from Route 118 and got a Milotic in 119.
The real hurdle in the last route was all about the wild forest and the Tropius being a threat to my own survival.
I was glad Pelliper could fly. Item wasn't as swift as some of my other birds, but he was stable enough to handle the intense stampedes happening below us.
The journey to Fortree City ended with me frowning at a large crowd assembled right at the entrance.
A large billboard filled me with a huge sense of annoyance and confusion.
Warning! Any challenges to the local gym have been annulled for the time being due to an important Kanto-Hoenn League Meeting.
That was a very unfair delay, but I was very confused over the reasoning.
I wasn't familiar with any meeting since, you know, I am the head of state/government in Kanto so I should know this sort of stuff.
I didn't even get much of a chance to ask more about this that I had someone's hand squeezing at my shoulders.
I glanced over and frowned.
"Gym Leader Winona."
[SPOILER][/SPOILER]
The young woman smiled.
"Champion Red. I believe your presence is needed at the local meeting in the Pokemon Center."
Crud, it's the 'you don't have a choice' politeness.
Considering the diluted 'sorry not sorry', I could tell Winona hadn't planned for this.
So...
Guess who got into a shouting contest with the Hoenn E4? Yes, I did and I promised brutality.
They didn't seem to understand what this meant, only accepting that I wouldn't bother Zinnia as she suffered Clair.
I may have also not mentioned my plans revolving their Legendaries, but I was told to not do so by a very tense Janine as we had the diplomatic high ground.
Any big push from me could end very negatively on us.
So yeah, crisis avoided and... I am getting Rayquaza to scorn the cheeky Draconids involving politics to stop me.
They failed to understand I was... Inevitable!
And I had twelve more hours to finish the circuit before they understood what I was up to, starting from wrecking Winona's team.
And give the Draconid the mother of all humiliations.
Team:
Sceptile (Lvl. 267) - Moves: Quick Attack, Energy Ball, Double Team, Endeavor, Leaf Sword, Leaf Storm
Mightyena (Lvl. 264) - Moves: Fire Fang, Ice Fang, Thunder Fang, Bite, Snarl, Yawn, Play Rough, Thief, Crunch
Pelipper (Lvl. 266) - Moves: Hydro Pump, Hurricane, Fly, Wing Attack, Agility, Protect
Aggron (Lvl. 263) - Moves: Metal Claw, Rock Tomb, Harden, Rock Slide, Iron Head, Iron Tail, Autotomize, Heavy Slam, Iron Defense, Metal Burst
Camerupt (Lvl. 244) - Moves: Eruption, Earth Power, Rock Slide, Lava Plume, Yawn, Earthquake
Manectric (Lvl. 237) - Moves: Thunder Fang, Thunder Wave, Shock Wave, Discharge, Wild Charge, Thunder, Electric Terrain
Milotic (Lvl. 224) - Moves: Water Gun, Water Pulse, Aqua Tail, Life Dew, Dragon Tail, Surf, Hydro Pump
Reserve: Hisuian Zorua and Gardevoir
Chapter 35: Hoennish Blitz
With spite boosting my already zoomy mind, I rushed through the routes preceding Lilycove and then I took off with Pelipper to Mossdeep.
I had contemplated stopping at the Safari Zone, but I saw no reason to stop there. Same for the mall in Lilycove since I had stacked up with all I needed.
Facing the twin trouble was a step trickier as I had to use Gardevoir. It was a training session as she fought the challenge with Mightyena while shielding my brain from the double trouble.
One last badge and then the E4.
My flight to Sootopolis was a little complex as I had to fly to reach it rather than go sub and wet my butt to go the 'recommended route).
Still, my fight with Wallace was swift due to my Camerupt. The only grimace-worthy issue was that Wallace being there meant that the champion was going to be Steven.
Ugh.
I didn't like dealing with Steven. He didn't do anything wrong. Beyond depriving me of the chance for revenge.
...actually, I think I will allow this one for pettiness' sake.
With no doomsday impending, I could fly to the league and get my circuit run completed.
Ever Grande City stood no chance.
All E4 were easy pieces. Steven actually put up a fight, but I blitzed him with Sceptile.
Thus I won another region and... I could get into the next bit of my week in Hoenn: getting my hands on the Legendaries.
Due to proximity, I decided to go for Rayquaza first. It definitely didn't have anything to do with me getting one up on the Draconids and totally was about me having the edge against Groudon and Kyogre.
The tall tower was quite a fun bit to do some sick bike tricks before BTFOing Rayquaza. Held back from naming him Caterpie- he didn't deserve my wrath and he put up a fight with his speed.
I had the caves' locations thanks to the weather reports regarding anomalous weather.
Neither Groudon or Kyogre expected to face Rayquaza with an iron chair equipped.
The entire trip was over in about three days.
I admit I may have drawn the second day longer as I turned up to Lilycove to rest at around midnight.
I had one last thing before leaving Hoenn for good so...
That should be it. I did it, I beat my own record regarding the runs in Kanto and Johto.
It was a good thought to go to sleep with-
And as I slept, a comet passed over and a Pokemon granted a wish to a trainer and his Pikachu.
Chapter 36: A Dream Match
I think I am tripping. Maybe.
Just woke up, found out that the key of my room didn't work, the receptionist is now a chick instead of a dude, and there was a bit of a buzz in town.
"Dude, did you hear? The new Monarch is here!"
No.
"He is that kid from Kanto."
God- Arceus, please stop!
"Some of my buddies say he is here to challenge some dude."
I was positively fuming, especially since I could now recognize the cause of my current grievance: Jirachi.
Hovering above me, trying to be cute and all- sadly for the brat, I was livid. One thing is a prank, another is giving me chores, but this random shit?
That had me fairly angry. Perhaps one step below the mood I had with Zinnia but... Man, it was close.
As I moved closer to the new-looking mini-arena, I got my worst fears confirmed.
"And it would seem that the other challenger is indeed here! How will the Monarch interact with such shameless ripoff?" The announcer spoke from a little stand in front of the arena.
... And now I become MAD.
I used the terminal to determine my team before I walked up the small staircase leading to the combat fields taking position as I was indeed looking at him.
Ash Ketchum, the Anime's Red but also goofier and dumber.
I really want to remember Ash fondly since he used to be up there between Goku, Luffy and Naruto.
But man did the nerfing fucked him in my eyes. He got brattier each season, he became less competent each time he started over and he got his last victory so... Forced by the plot.
He had the brains, but he got stolen his victory too many times. And he just took it.
"When Jirachi told me that I could face someone really strong, I didn't expect to find someone like me. You already journeyed Kanto, Johto and Hoenn, but you are quite up to people like Cynthia and Leon."
He has a fucking squeaky voice!
"So, how about we see who is the very best?"
I hate it, I hate it here, and I now Stan Mew over Jirachi!
"..."
I didn't speak- I refused to. Instead, I prepared my Pokeballs for the upcoming battle.
Ash, seemingly fine with the cold shoulder, beamed and did the same.
The electronic billboard flashed the teams for this fight and...
Sceptile
Manectric
Pelipper
Zorua
Gardevoir
Mightyena
VS.
Pikachu
Dragonite
Gengar
Sir Fetch'd
Dracovish
Lucario
He was using the same team he relied on when facing Leon.
I can work with this if plot armor don't mess it up for me.
I chose first and I safely threw Gardevoir in, with Ash deploying Gengar to match her.
For some reason, I could tell I had to work to win this fight. And I trusted my gut feeling enough to focus hard on this.
I planned to get a flawless victory out of this one.
Chapter 37: A Limit to Never Cross
Was it difficult? Yes. Did I win? Obviously.
While plot armor tried to sneak in a wild RKO, I kept my figurative iron chair ready to smack it down.
Ash's team was... Good. In theory.
In practice, it was severely unprepared for mine. That didn't stop me from min-maxxing the combat so that I outpaced him as ruthlessly as possible.
By the time we were done, there was no celebration. What occurred here and now was abnormal by their standards.
Even Ash looked shaken as Pikachu got bench-presses by Zorua without much of a chance to fight.
Out of all members of his team, the electric mouse was the biggest threat and the one I didn't hesitate in having Zorua doing her thing at maximum non-deadly capacity.
I drew a sigh of... I don't know. Definitely not relief, but I felt less frustrated as the battle was now behind me.
"How... Did you become this strong?"
After all, this was the point. How did I, someone that has less experience than him, pull through so thoroughly and without losing any mons on my team?
"Doing something similar to you, but better," I replied bitterly. "That's not to say I am better than you- hell, you are even more socially accustomed person than me. The issue is about the timeline: yours is childishly simple because people in charge can do shit right, mine has things like war and legitimate crimes. Corruption is the reason legislation is so bad that someone as young as me can become champion in Kanto and leader of the entire region. I am now the reason they have to weave legislations to stop these backdoors from being used again! And I am not here to play games with an eternally 10 years-old boy that got a scripted route to be 'the very best'!"
Now. Now I felt more relieved and I turned to Jirachi. The little turd had been watching the fight from nearby and I had a thing or two for it but...
"And you bring me back. Next time you do this stunt, I will not ask- I will have my pokemon tear through dimensions, and I will get fricking Arceus involved in this. You hear me, dream granting brat?!"
Jirachi flinched and soon the world went pitch black.
Not even a moment later and I had my hand stretched up to the ceiling of my... Room at the Lilycove City's hotel.
I sighed for a moment, turning to the side as I looked at the alarm there and snorted.
"Bullshit it was a three hours long dream," I growled, shifting in bed as to try and get up but... I paused and tensed up as my backpain soared.
I hissed, annoyed it was still flaring up so frequently and- and this got me thinking.
What am I doing? Why am I getting worked up so much for literally nothing? I was done with Hoenn and I had a few days before I had to go back to Kanto.
I may have finished the circuit and gotten the legendaries within reach, but I had planned to visit the Battle Frontier and...
And then what? The Frontier was interesting, yes, but it was seen as Hoenn's cheap way to add some 'post-ending content'.
It didn't make me want it, nor it has any weight to make it exciting. I may want to Speedrun shit, but I forgot how human I really am.
The mind may want it, but the flesh is weak. My aching back reminding me this enough times.
And that's why I picked the Frontier ticket and shredded it with my own bare hands.
Huffing, I turned to hug my pillow as a new plan for the remainder of my weeklong visit:
Now that I was done doing my 'duty', I guess it was time for me to enjoy a break.
After all, there were some QoL stuff from this region to learn about.
And I intended to enjoy the vacation days of this trip.
Chapter 38: Beach Episode
Slateport City. I was lying on a towel and basking under the sun.
I had my sun screen, my Pokemon were having fun in the private area I reserved on the local beach and...
KABOOM!
I am a thorough person.
The source of the explosive impact unfolding upon the nearby sea was a Rayquaza that emerged from the water, roaring with the same pride held by a proper wrestler.
It soon flew close to me as I lowered my sunglasses.
A shuddering frame was soon dropped beside me, one I recognized as Deoxys.
"Did you destroy the asteroid thing?"
Rayquaza nodded.
"Well, enjoy the break. Watermelons are over there and there's some dummies to play with there."
The Legendary nodded and happily flew over some of the watermelons. Dude had deserved it with completing the very point I caught him.
Still, I fetched a PokeBall from my bag and capped the defeated alien.
A disaster avoided for good and a new legendary to add to my arsenal.
I lied back down and- my PokeNav started buzzing.
One would think that being the only guy with a mobile phone would prevent unplanned calls but... I blame it being somewhat compatible to terminals.
"Hello?"
"Nephew."
Giovanni.
"Uncle, long time no hear. How are things home?"
"Well. Very well actually- I suppose the PokeNav can't properly show your current whereabouts yet."
Slateport. Enjoying a break by the local beach."
"That's..." He paused, clearly surprised by this answer. "Unusual."
"I have finished the circuit in Hoenn. Decided to let my back rest for the time being," I elaborated. "Still, if things are well, why calling?"
"It is an announcement. You will be notified properly at home but I saw fit to tell you at once: the International League is planning to host its yearly gala for Champions. It will happen a few days after you are back to Kanto and it will happen in Unova."
Dear Lord, not a formal party...
"...Do I have to bring a guest and dance?"
"Yes to the guest, and no to the mandatory dance. But you are expected to be in your best behavior - it means not picking fights or allowing others to coerce you in those."
I rolled my eyes. "As if I will do that."
"It's less about you starting something, but... The Champion of Zirca will attend."
"I have been hearing about this Zirca a lot. What do I need to know about them?"
"Beyond the fact they are a warring bunch? They are dangerous. Don't take their smiles as anything beyond politeness- some regions have lost promising trainers after being fought by their Champion."
That sounded concerning.
"I will keep my eyes open. Anything else?"
"No. And Red? Enjoy the break."
"Will do. See you soon, Uncle."
The call ended and I thought about it.
Zirca? That was sounding more ominous the more I thought about it. Maybe I was overthinking it about its potential dangers but...
Oh well, it was better that than thinking of dancing with someone. I am still going to be forced by Janine and Clair to dance.
And I know Mew was gonna be around to record that for blackmail purposes.
Thus, I was going to enjoy this break as much as possible and leave that to future me.
Chapter 39: Shopping Nightmare
Hoenn trip? Done.
My life? Over.
Now, I am sounding a bit dramatic (I am not) but can you blame me?
Here I am sitting in a clothing shop with three girls that were coordinating a most unholy shopping spree.
Janine, Clair, and... Whitney.
She settled just fine in Kanto and was oddly cozy with Janine. The kunoichi had done stuff behind my back, a sad reality of not having her around.
Still: three girls, an upcoming big party, lots of stuff to look at and... God, a huge budget courtesy of my wallet.
Did I offer that last bit? No. My wallet was crying as it bled over this horrible situation.
Giovanni said something that all men went through this hurdle, I doubt he ever had three girls getting him to kill his finances at ten.
This was not Gucci. Not at all. Not even Mew was sparing me, the little choco-fiend hovering all over and taking pics of my tragedy in parts.
I swear, if I so hear some anonymous artist had these pics offered to a museum, I will set that place on fire.
That being said, I looked more into the upcoming party. All champions could get a guest. I was bringing Janine, while Clair was plotting to bring Whitney along.
This explained the redhead presence in this shopping madness, but I was also taken by some other circumstances, like some regions being... Unable to send Champions on the basis that they didn't have any.
Paldea was fairly recent in the International League and hardly had any local trainer vetted and chosen to take over.
Other regions, which I recognized as part of the Pokémon Ranger series were 'governed by Ranger Masters' which ruled as Champions.
Finally the one name that keep on coming up: Zirca. The region was huge, hardly civilized but struck by a divide between a 'civilized' High Zirca and a 'wartorn' Lower Zirca.
The latter area was riddled with murder, robberies and drugs. It didn't help the government that one of the E4 is suspected of manufacturing said drugs.
Speaking of the Champion... Well, some were keen to say this guy was matched by the first gym leader if she went all out.
That wasn't just because this lady had the local legendary as part of her duties as 'guardian' or whatever, her known team was leveled up due to the constant warring.
"Reeeeeed!"
I closed my eyes, Arceus definitely chuckling over my misfortune.
"Yes, Clair?"
"Can you buy me this cool battle armor? I-I promise it's just that."
...
It is a cool armor, I guess. Even though I doubt it has any point of being worn anywhere but a gala.
Chapter 40: Symphonia Tenebrosa
For such a fancy party... There is a surprising lack of good choices.
How come I can find a fine 50 years old Hoenn Chianti, but I am struggling to find a goddamn capri sun?!
Ugh, shitty quality. When is Yelp being made so I can give this place a 2/10?
Janine was hounding my ass, so I couldn't exactly wander off and deal with the boredom I felt. She was wearing a nice purple dress, while I was going for the black jacket, shirt and pants plus a red necktie.
The issue was that my limiter had been removed as 'hats are bad to bring to a party'. So yes, that explained why everyone was looking at me like that, I am the hype.
Sadly, all I could do was to suffer the dreadful realm of shaking hands around.
Some tried to hug me. Fear not, it was just single women and that miffed both Janine and Clair at the same time.
I was just glad my masculinity wasn't threatened by any men wanting to hug me for weird reasons.
Still, the keyword is 'tried' and it lasted a good whole before someone actually pushed through Janine's defensive lines and eventually picked me up.
"Oh my Lustrorius, aren't you a cutie!"
Oh no, an Oneesan has found me!
The issue is that I don't recognize her. Had it been Cynthia, then maybe. But this young woman I really didn't recognize.
Brown hair, dark skin complexion, blue eyes... Big ass crystal horn on her headwear. No, seriously, that thing can stab an eye or kill someone.
Luckily for me, salvation came-
"Shizuen, do not traumatize children. He may not be ready for your womanly charms."
The woman, Shizuen, pouted at the tease and we both turned to the source of such response.
Young man, shoulder-length black hair, pure dark eyes and... He was wearing what appeared to be a white military uniform.
"Vos, stop being a prude. Weren't you the one that wanted to met the 'Kanto Kid'?"
"I am sorry, I prefer Champion or badass, not kid," I interrupted, ignoring that I was still being lifted high enough to not touch the ground with my feet. "Also... Nice military drip."
Vos smiled politely. "It's indeed a good fit for my position. Alas, my good friend here is right. Red Ketchum, it is a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Likewise... You."
He chuckled at the notion that I barely knew him, but I felt the noise uttered so fake. Not only that, but was I the only one choking a bit on air with how tense things felt?
"Vos Xavion. I am the Champion of Zirca and, before you, the youngest to achieve the title of Champion. I heard many stories and I have to say... Is Kanto the same as before? I have challenged it in the past to test the circuit but it was so..."
He smiled.
"Lackluster."
I noticed Janine tensing up at the jab which was indirectly aimed to her father's skills.
"Under Lance for sure. I hardly had any worry of challenges to my title in the past month. I guess it does matter that good folks do use powers to fulfill their responsibilities," I replied, then smiled back at the bastard. "That being said, I heard of your region. Many says that Upper Zirca is the best to check out, but I feel Lower Zirca had to be endearing with what troubles need fixing. You know, help you with the few worrisome things I so heard about. Let's call it a humanitarian mission."
"The same I could say about the odd disappearance of that team... Rocket? They were quite meddlesome, such a shame they hid away when I first visited, wouldn't have minded assisting the law enforcement about the matter."
...
"You two are really having a tough time being friends, right?" Shizuen asked nervously and we both shook our heads.
"Of course not." "We are just teasing each other."
But that was the end of that meeting. Vos had his shit to do, and I could spare so much patience before feeling the urge to punch his face.
He was strong and... And he still left his region a mess. It wasn't even a matter of merely doing the right thing. His uniform, his strut - he came for that first and foremost, disregarding what he could achieve with that power.
But... The worst part was how we both were two faces of the same medals. Power and desire to be the strongest led us through our lives, but I...
I could tell he was far worse than I could hope to be in a really bad day.
As I kept around Janine some more, the kunoichi left to check Clair as she had a bit of a brawl with Cynthia over me or something.
So, I was alone - an easy prey for anyone with ill intents. I was so prepared for that so I scowled as I turned to the source of someone tugging at my jacket, then frowning as I found no one at my eye level. And then I looked up to see a little girl with a simple half sleeved floral blue dress.
I merely saw her innocent and yet giddy green eyes as she lifted a piece of paper.
"C-Can I get an autograph? I am your biggest fan!"
Surprising, but I shrugged and complied. I even befriended this little girl from Zirca called Yorra. I remembered her letter from a while back but... She sounded genuine about her recent achievement.
Definitely unsure how to feel about a kid younger than me was able to capture a Darkrai with limited knowledge and experience.
Actually no, I felt quite proud. Enough so to give her a headpat for the good work before letting her walk back to her parents.
I may have found my own Padawan.
AN
And this concludes Volume 3! Red meets Vos and... YORRAAA! Next up will be... NOT SINNOH! Yes, the next one will be a different region from the usual: We are talking about... FIORE!
P.S. This volume is shorter than the usual, but because there will be TWO Volume Extra being released. One about the usual two interludes and porn, but also... A XOVER VOLUME! Yes, Red goes in a different world to fix the situation. The theme? An Impact in Teyvat while dodging the most curious Radish Goddess.