I woke up gently in my own bed, the first rays of sunlight just starting to filter through the window. I nestled deeper under the blankets, savoring the warmth and the sense of safety. The days since leaving the hospital had been... strange, to say the least. I hadn't seen much of my grandfather outside of meal times. I apparently also had an uncle, Samuel Oak (yes, the Samuel Oak)—someone my grandfather mentioned in passing—but he was currently in Saffron City, the capital of Kanto. I wondered if he was the current Champion of Kanto.
Grandfather had been distant, quiet, and contemplative. Any attempt at conversation seemed to hit a wall. Often, he'd drift off, his eyes vacant even as he spoke. I supposed he needed time for everything to sink in—after all, he was grieving the loss of his daughter. It's why I chose to leave him alone as much as I could.
I was grieving too. Grieving my past life, grieving the uncertainty of my present, and the mother I barely knew but felt a deep love for regardless. I felt utterly lost, without the ability to regulate my emotions. I hated being in this young body. On my second day in the Oak compound—a vast estate spanning several dozen acres, much of which I still hadn't explored—I stumbled upon a large library. It was stocked with at least a thousand books and even had an old, archaic computer terminal. It felt like the perfect place to escape from everything, so I set up camp there and began devouring books after realizing the computer was locked down—particularly history texts.
This world was so different from the one I'd known in my past life. There was no Indigo League, no major corporations like Silph or Devon. The analytical part of my mind couldn't help but churn through the possibilities, though I knew nothing about this world's technology. Apricorn balls were still in use, for Arceus' sake! This world felt more serious, harsher—just like the one I'd left behind, except now there were Pokémon and, apparently, supernatural powers. Aura was a recurring theme in historical texts, and the old adage "Might makes right" seemed to resonate here. The strong ruled; the weak either fell in line or were destroyed.
At the moment, I was engrossed in a book titled The Founding of Kanto by Professor Oak. The Oak name carried immense weight in Kanto, it turned out. My grandfather—Edgar Oak, the current Elder of the Oak Clan—was descended from a legendary ancestor who conquered the entire region of Kanto, and that Oak had a son who taught at Saffron University and wrote several books.
–In the aftermath of the unification war, Champion Oak knew that true peace could only be achieved through a balance of power, one that respected both the strength of Aura wielders and their partnership with Pokémon. Thus, he laid the foundations for the governance of Kanto, establishing a unique system of leadership that would endure for generations.
Kanto was to be ruled by a Champion—the most powerful Aura wielder who mastered the deepest bonds with their Pokémon. The Champion was not just a figurehead; they were to be the embodiment of the unity between humans and Pokémon, leading not by decree alone but by their strength, wisdom, and the respect they commanded from both people and Pokémon alike. This Champion would be chosen through rigorous trials, including: a demonstration of their mastery wielding Aura, their understanding of the bonds with Pokémon, and finally - winning against the victor of an annual tournament to showcase their unwaning strength.
To assist the Champion, he established a council of four elite individuals, each a master in their own right. These "Elite Four" were to serve as both guardians and advisors, their roles integral to maintaining the region's stability. Each member specialized in a different aspect of Pokémon training, their diverse expertise ensuring that the Champion's decisions were well-rounded and informed by a wide array of perspectives. Together, they would stand as the region's bulwark, ensuring that no single threat—whether internal or external—could destabilize Kanto.
Champion Oak's vision was clear: a land where strength was tempered by wisdom, and power balanced by unity. By intertwining the destinies of Aura wielders and Pokémon, he hoped to create a society that could withstand the trials of time, a beacon of order amidst a turbulent world.
I leaned back and thought about this passage. If I wanted to be anyone in this world, I would have to be strong. No, not just strong—the strongest.
My thoughts were interrupted as I heard voices outside the library's entrance. Curious, I exited the library to see my grandfather leading a group of five people into his office. He paused at the door as they filed in, and it seemed he sensed my presence observing him. He looked at me with a gentle but strained smile and beckoned me to come with him. My eyes widened as I immediately walked quickly toward him. He put his arm around my shoulders and guided me into his large office. "Listen well, I'm sure much of what will be discussed will be highly interesting to you," he whispered, guiding me to a lavish couch to the side of his large desk. I amusedly noticed it was made of oak.
Quickly observing his rather lavish office, with several luxuriously comfortable chairs arrayed before his desk, tables filled with maps and stacks of books and papers, and bookcases enclosed with glass protecting what looked like ancient tomes and scrolls (which had me immediately salivating at the knowledge hidden within), I turned my attention to the young men and women standing before his desk and conversing, apparently waiting for Grandfather to take his seat. Grandfather sent me a knowing look as he caught my eyes drifting back to his bookcases, and a small sparkle entered his eye as he sent me a quick grin. He returned to a stoic expression as he took his seat, his young guests immediately falling silent and taking their own seats.
The man who seemed to be the leader of the group bowed his head to my grandfather and finally noticed me. He sent me a searching look, and I saw the similarities between him, Grandfather, and myself. I assumed this must be my uncle, Samuel.
My grandfather took the lead in this meeting, which I still had no clue as to what it was about. "Welcome home, son, and I extend a warm welcome to the Elite Four. Please, for the sake of my grandson, introduce yourselves," he stated in his calm, soothing voice as he gestured toward me. My attention, which had been wandering around his office, especially those bookcases, immediately snapped to the group of people arrayed before me, and my eyes widened as I realized that my uncle must be the Champion if the Elite Four were behaving so deferentially toward him.
My uncle, who nonchalantly exuded strength (and wow, was this surreal and almost overwhelming to realize the power the Oak Clan held and how much I seemed to be just right in the middle of it all), grinned at me and started it off. "Hello, Giovanni, I've heard a lot about you! I'm Samuel Oak. I know you might not remember me, but I used to play with you a lot when you were younger!" His grin turned teasing as he noticed my blush, overwhelmed once again by the limitations of this young body. "I hope to have the opportunity to spend more time with you soon. I am the Champion of Kanto, and these," he gestured to the others, "are my Elite Four." As he finished, he waved to the person closest to him to continue.
The woman standing next to him seemed very plain: medium height, green shoulder-length hair, and dressed conservatively in clothing that wouldn't be out of place for a construction worker—until I noticed her eyes. Those eyes were brimming with power, a quiet but powerful steely feeling radiated from her. I met her eyes as she gave a small smile. "I am Karina, and I am a Steel Type Master. In both Pokémon and..." here, a dark gray aura radiated out from her, causing her chair to creak ominously. Her skin and hair took on a steely tint, her hair especially looking dangerous as it grew longer and looked more like blades than hair, "Aura." I looked on in awe as she slowly released her aura, highly amused at the look on my face. I internalized my observations of Aura, memorizing every aspect of how she had changed to such a degree and exhibited the very element of her aura.
The woman next to her, dressed in a tight black dress with black fishnet covering her arms and legs, with dark purple hair and purely black eyes—even the sclera—looked, in one word, Dangerous, with that capital D well deserved as she began her introduction. "I'm Matilda, Master of Dark Types and Aura." She then flared her aura, an ominous energy began to radiate from her body, flickering and surging like black flames hungrily licking the air. The aura danced around, casting shadows that twisted and shifted in unnatural ways. Her skin seemed to absorb the light, becoming almost matte, while the flames highlighted every contour in an eerie glow. Her hair seethed straight up and spiked, taking on a crystalline quality as the aura blazed. The air around her warped, as though reality itself was afraid to come too close to the black inferno. If I were older, this gothic Saiyan lookalike would be highly arousing. Damn this body, I thought to myself. My eyes memorized her form as she released her aura.
Next was a man with a pristine appearance, dressed in a white suit, with red hair, a lean build, and bright blue eyes. He spoke softly, as if he wasn't quite used to speaking. "Hello, Giovanni, I'm Jory. Master of Psychic Types and Aura." *I look forward to your development; you shine as brightly as I do on the psychic plane* he spoke directly into my mind. This made me jump, and I looked at him with a more critical eye. He seemed quite unassuming, but my mind was my own, and I did not appreciate the intrusion.
The last member reminded me of a lumberjack—flannel shirt, jeans, and boots, with long, thick blond hair and a well-kept beard. He waved as he introduced himself. "Yo! I'm Aquila, Canine Pokémon Master and a Normal Type Aura Master." This surprised me a bit, Canine Pokémon? Like Arcanine or Granbull? Upon seeing my confused and surprised expression, he gave me a smile full of teeth that seemed way too sharp and started flaring his yellow colored aura. His skin grew hair, his beard extended, and his face elongated, taking on canine features as he shifted into what looked like a wolf-human hybrid. 'He's a gods-damned fucking werewolf!' I exclaimed internally in pure excitement.
My eyes were as big as saucers as he let go of his aura. I had to learn how to do that! Realizing my Uncle never gave an example of his aura mastery, I decided it wouldn't hurt to ask, "What aura type are you master of, Uncle?"
My uncle just grinned as he said, "All of them."
This made me gasp in surprise as everyone else chuckled. Thinking it would be good to show respect to these powerful people I hoped to surpass one day. I stood and bowed to them. "Thank you for introducing yourselves and taking the time to display your mastery."
Samuel Oak just waved and said, "Think nothing of it. One day I'll have to take you out so you can see what we can really do—these are as good as parlor tricks."
"Anyway, to business. Father, I know you've sequestered yourself from the world here for the past few days, and I sincerely apologize for intruding. I miss my big sister as well, but as Champion, I unfortunately don't have the time or opportunity to grieve…" he trailed off here, with his companions giving him concerned looks, "But, we have news and need your expertise." Samuel's entire mien was one of rock hard seriousness.
"What news do you bring? Is there a change in the war?" Grandfather spat the word 'war' with venom, and I couldn't blame him at all for that. From what I've read about this war that started about two years ago, it's been beyond intense and has already damaged the world far and wide. I had questions and concerns of my own about why Kanto had not stepped in. From the historical texts I had consumed in my grandfather's library, Kanto (after unification) was a driving force for peace in the world, alongside Sinnoh.
"The Legendaries have taken to the field." Silence greeted this statement as my grandfather paled and just stared at his son. He motioned for Samuel to continue, pouring himself a glass of water from the pitcher on his desk.
"There used to be a hidden base on the Johto side of Mount Silver. We assume they had planned to stage a second invasion of Viridian. I say 'used to' because Moltres awoke and incinerated them." He paused there, still marveling over the act. "After Moltres wiped the base from the face of the land, it continued on to the heavily fortified Violet City. Which no longer exists from what our scouts have reported. Afterwards, Moltres returned to its nest, which is now a hollowed-out crater at the peak of Mount Silver." Samuel continued his report, "The Johto senate is in disarray, our spies have reported that other regions' Legendaries have also awoken. Our current theory is that the Legendaries are stepping in to stop Johto's greed—just as you predicted when Johto started reaching beyond Hoenn."
My grandfather seemed weary and drained. "It's been nearly fifty years since the Legendaries awoke last, and that was to stop Hoenn's Aqua Brigade from the unspeakable cruelty they spread in terrorizing the island nations. It seems they always step in when humanity goes too far." He stood and started pacing, growing more passionate as he continued speaking. "Untold destruction awaits us. Millions will be dead by the time the Legendaries are convinced to slumber once more. They're the very concepts of nature given form, able to destroy continents, create wholly new regions, or portal us to a whole new universe if they so desire..." He stopped and slowly turned his head to lock eyes with me, "and they can select their chosen—those who are marked to become the greatest champions in history to reshape the world."
A heavy silence fell upon the group as Samuel and his Elite Four seemed confused, wondering why Elder Oak was looking at his grandson during that last statement. I found myself lost in visions of great and terrible creatures raining destruction down upon humans and Pokémon alike, the look in my grandfather's eyes mirroring my own.
I cleared my throat. "What would it take to convince the Legendaries to... calm down?" I asked in my rather unfortunate high pitched child voice.
My grandfather ran his hand through his hair as he sat back down. "That's the question, isn't it..." He looked deep in thought as he spoke. "Last time, it was myself and my Elite Four that took the fight to Hoenn and established peace. At the cost of Kara and Stephen, two of the strongest Elite Four in decades and my dearest friends. It almost cost me your Mother, Sam." he stated with a quiet intensity as he stared into Samuel's eyes. Samuel looked green at the thought. "I still, to this day, believe that the Legendaries cost me her too even though she died years later. Complications from injuries sustained while we fought against Groudon and Kyogre, who were decimating the land and sea; we sought out Rayquaza for help. The damn thing granted us our request—barely." He ended, with bitterness exuding from him.
Samuel cleared his throat. "It's not just one region this time, though. We've received reports of Entei, Suicune, and Raikou in Johto. Groudon has been sighted in Hoenn…" He was interrupted by the unexpected animalistic growl of rage coming from my grandfather, whose face was a rictus of fury as he clenched his fists and breathed deeply to control his leaking aura spreading like red flames across his desk. Samuel looked concerned and saddened at having to bring this up, but continued on after grandfather motioned for him to continue as he brought his aura under control.
"Kalos and Orre have reported sightings of their Legendaries. Fiore and Sinnoh, while at peace with the world, have also reported sightings of their Legendaries. As far as we can tell, this is a worldwide phenomenon. I'm honestly not too sure it's just Johto's expansionism that's caused this—it seems deeper. I don't have any evidence for that though, it's… just a gut feeling."
My grandfather nodded his head and closed his eyes wearily as the last of his aura bled away. After a few moments of silence, he spoke "I'll forward you everything I have about the Legends. Your best bet at this point would be to try an appeal to Mew, or even Celebi—if you can find them. But it would do no good whatsoever if peace was not fought for. Kanto, Sinnoh, Fiore, the other regions would be held as culpable as Johto since they did not step in to keep Johto in balance. The Legendaries balance themselves; they expect us to do the same. This is the understanding that was shoved into my head rather forcefully by Rayquaza when we made our appeal before."
Samuel nodded sadly and seemed lost in thought. I was freaking out a little bit... okay, a lot. I was ready to crawl into a hole and hide. This was nuts—it's one thing to watch or read about this, but to live it? As a four-year-old with no power? Fucking nauseating.
"Remember the cost, son. Legendaries demand a price when they take action. You might not feel it until years later, or it may not become apparent until later - but they will take something from you. Something of equal worth, if not more." Grandfather finished speaking and looked as if he had aged greatly in just the past few minutes.
The meeting broke up after that, with Champion Oak hugging my grandfather tightly and leading his Elite Four out, patting my head as he walked by with the others solemnly waving goodbye. My grandfather stayed seated at his desk with his eyes closed. I leaned back fully on the couch and closed my eyes, thinking through everything. This is a fucking mess, I thought to myself.
"What do you want to do, Giovanni?" My eyes snapped open, and I realized my grandfather was now seated next to me on the couch. I had been thinking so hard about Legendary Pokemon and destruction, I hadn't even heard him move.
I thought about that... What did I want to do? As I sifted through each thought, each plan and analysis, I came to the only conclusion I could.
"I want to become strong," I stated and looked into my grandfather's eyes. "I want to become strong enough to not have to worry about Legendaries or any other threat."
My grandfather's tired and drained visage seemed to gain some life as he stared at me. I noticed his eyes gained a fire in them as he nodded at me. "Then that's what we'll do. I'll help you become strong, no - the strongest!"
Unknowingly mimicking the words I had thought to myself earlier. As he stated his intent - suddenly, a heavy pressing weight fell upon me, I froze as I felt a presence scan me to my core and then it was gone as fast as it had come. It was then, something changed in the world—it was nothing I could explain properly. I just knew things were different now, something vast and unknowable had shifted. Maybe it was fate, maybe it was destiny, I didn't know—but I felt fire burning deeply inside me as I projected the thought: *Fuck off! I set my own fate!*
Horrifically, I felt amusement at my proclamation as that heavy feeling came back tenfold and then was gone in an instant.
My grandfather never noticed any of this as he continued speaking, "tomorrow, we'll find you a starter Pokémon that can grow with you. And I'll start training you in Aura. With Arceus' blessing, whatever it is doing to you, I believe you will become the strongest. And you will survive. That's all that matters, in the end—survival," he said, though it sounded like the last part was more to himself than to me.
"Now, go back to your books or whatever else you would like to do for today. Tomorrow is going to be a lot of hard work, Gio." He smiled gently and brushed my hair with his hand.
I thankfully leaned into his warmth and ran back to the library. I had many more books to look into now that things seemed to be moving so quickly. I didn't know what tomorrow would bring, but I would be ready for it!