Ibuki: Disclaimer! The author does not own any of the material appearing in the story. The OC's belong to their respective owners!
BGM: Hades' Infernal Theme (Kid Icarus: Uprising)
"Time! Space! Reality! It's more than just a boring ol' linear path! It's a prism of boundless entertainment! A single choice can branch out into infinite realities and infinite amusement from yours truly! Alternate universes created from the ones that we know and love! I am Lord Hades, your handsome guide to these wonderful and boundless fun of opportunities! Follow me, if you dare… and bask in the neverending torturous question of:"
SUPER RWBY: WHAT IF?
"What If!"
End BGM
"Alright, we'll take a break from watching those Jumanji players for a little bit… though it feels like we've taken a break for a while now, but… eh! What can ya do?"
Hades looked around the universes. "Let's see, where should we go to next… surely there's-... oooooh~!"
He looked up with a smirk.
"So we all know about that ONE home in Unova, correct? Unsuspecting trainers going in there, not knowing that their PTSD decided to follow them after their little adventures against Team Plasma. Well, what would happen if, shall we say… she decided to visit Unova a little earlier?"
Hades let out a devious chuckle. "Hmhmhmhmhm~"
What If… Cynthia Arrived in Unova Early?
"This is going to be exciting, I dare say!"
BGM: Undella Town (Pokemon Black and White)
Cynthia arrived at Undella Town, hopping off of her boat as she walked over toward the villa with a soft hum. She opened up the door to see a maid cleaning.
"Hmm? Oh! You're here earlier than expected."
"I decided to take some time off from Sinnoh. Let the Elite Four handle things in my absence."
"Very well, m'lady. The villa is yours." She said as she walked out.
"Thank you." Cynthia stretched as she decided to sit down on the chair and turn on the TV just to see what was going on in Unova.
Mysterious Munna sightings? Nah.
Watchog Fortune Telling? Ew.
Throh and Sawk competing in Alola's Battle Royal? Tempting.
The beginning phases of the PWT's construction? Royally tempting.
Clay and Lacey's Bouffalant Roundup? Meh…
Iron Chef Unova? Perhaps…
"Hmmm…" Cynthia hummed as she changed the channel again.
End BGM
BGM: News (Pokemon Colosseum)
"Breaking news! There has been some commotion recently in Accumula Town-"
"Oh?" Cynthia wondered.
"A group known as Team Plasma had gathered in the town to talk about Pokemon Liberation. By the sound of it, it seems they want people to release their Pokemon."
"Huh…?" Cynthia raised an eyebrow.
"Ah, do we have footage? We do. We will now show you the footage."
End BGM
BGM: Team Plasma Plots (Pokemon Black/White)
"My name is Ghetsis. I am here representing Team Plasma. Today, ladies and gentleman, I would like to talk to you about Pokemon liberation. I'm sure most of you believe that we humans and Pokemon are partners that have come to live together because we want and need each other. However… is that really the truth? Have you ever considered that perhaps we humans… only assume that this is the truth? Pokemon are subject to the selfish commands of Trainers… They get pushed around when they are our "partners" at work… can anyone say with confidence that there is no truth in what I'm saying? Now, ladies and gentleman, Pokemon are different from humans. They are living beings that contain unknown potential. They are living beings from whom we humans have much to learn. Tell me, what is our responsibility toward these wonderful beings called Pokemon?"
There were mumblings in the crowd while Cynthia narrowed her eyes, feeling incredibly uneasy.
"Then, and only then, will humans and Pokemon truly be equals. Everyone, I end my words here today by imploring you to consider the relationship between people and Pokemon… and the correct way to proceed. We sincerely appreciate your attention."
End BGM
Cynthia paused the TV, staring directly at Ghetsis and Team Plasma. His words echoed in her mind as a deep pit formed in her stomach.
Liberate Pokemon? With a group of individuals that looked like they belong in a cult?
Something made her feel uneasy. Sure, she could just stay there and enjoy herself, let the Unovan champion handle this…
But then again, what if the Unovan champion was just like her? Not doing anything about it until it was far too late? The antics with Team Galactic pressed deep in her mind. The bombing at the lake, Cyrus appearing at Spear Pillar just to get both Dialga and Palkia…
She should've stopped him sooner but ignored them before it was too late.
She stood up, clenching her fists.
It was time for her to do something. Redeem herself after what Galactic almost did to Sinnoh.
Later, at Castelia City…
BGM: Castelia City (Pokemon Black and White)
"Look, lady… there's nothing we can do."
"What do you mean there's nothing you can do?" Cynthia asked, planting her hands on her desk while a cop was eating a doughnut.
"Team Plasma is just nothing more than a group of kids LARPing. We're not seeing anything wrong with that."
"You don't understand. I saw something sinister in Ghetsis' eyes and I want you guys to get to the bottom of it."
"And why should we? That Ghetsis guy is none of our concern."
"If you don't do something, than Unova will be at risk!"
"That's rich coming from the big shot from Sinnoh."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"How'd that Team Galactic go for you? I'm sure you handled it well." He snarked, biting down on a doughnut. "Oh wait, there are news reports claiming you didn't even lift a finger and let a teenager do all the work."
Cynthia clenched her fists tightly on the desk.
"Stay in your lane, lady. We'll handle things if those LARPers cause any trouble, which I doubt. Besides… liberating Pokemon? Please. Like anyone would take them seriously."
"Woof!" His Herdier barked in agreement.
"Yeah, you'll handle things once Unova gets destroyed." Cynthia mumbled under her breath as she walked off, leaving the police station with a defeated sigh. "Well… guess I'm on my own here."
"I wouldn't go that far." A voice said as Cynthia turned her head to see a detective approaching her.
"Looker?" Cynthia said in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I decided to travel here after that Team Galactic business in Sinnoh. Imagine my surprise to see you here."
"I have a villa in Undella Town."
"Ah, I see. So, I imagine you saw the footage of Team Plasma, yes?"
"Indeed. I want to get to the bottom of this… make up for my failure in stopping Team Galactic."
"Don't be so hard on yourself. While it is true Galactic were doing some bad things, none of us could have anticipated them blowing up one of the lakes, let alone realizing their plan for Spear Pillar."
"Right…"
"Regardless, what do you know so far?"
"All I could gather was that Ghetsis was talking about Pokemon Liberation."
"Indeed, it sounded like he was calling for separating us with our Pokemon to live a more free world where both are equals. While that sounds good on paper, there's a part of me feeling as if there's something more sinister afoot. I brought it up with my fellow officers, but even I was laughed out of the office, said I was "paranoid"."
He folded his arms with a sigh. "Unovans are truly a different kind of breed."
"I'm sure they're not all that bad."
"True… but I say we both get to the bottom of this. I've gotten a few leads."
"Oh?"
"First, I've caught wind that there are these seven sages within Team Plasma scattered all over Unova as if they're planning something. Second is something to do with the Cold Storage in Driftveil City. I've heard Team Plasma was spotted there, but who knows what they're doing over there."
"I'll take a look at Driftveil. Maybe we'll get answers there."
"Indeed." Looker nodded. "I'll keep an eye out for any of the Sages."
He then handed a communicator earpiece to Cynthia. "Keep in touch."
"Right." Cynthia nodded, taking it before calling out Togekiss and climbed on her. "Let's go to Driftveil."
"Toge!" Togekiss flew off while Looker walked the other way.
End BGM
BGM: Driftveil City (Pokemon Black and White)
Togekiss landed in Driftveil as Cynthia hopped off, tossing her a Poffin for her to eat as she patted her on the head before putting her away once she finished. She scanned the area before seeing some storage containers near the pier.
She briskly walked over toward the Cold Storage and saw some construction workers going about their day. She quickly snuck inside one of the storage containers.
End BGM
BGM: Cold Storage (Pokemon Black and White)
Cynthia hid behind some items, poking her head out to see if the coast was clear before she started to climb up to get a better view, quickly walking on a board that connected to another container.
"Man, can you believe some people?" A Grunt asked.
"Right? They really are gullible…"
"But, do we really know what Lord Ghetsis is planning?"
"Heck if I know, but he did say he's planning something with the Pokemon League."
"Well, if I were to guess, I'd say it has something to do with that castle."
"But what about the ship in Humilau?"
"I'm sure that'll be relevant. It's not like-"
Cynthia dropped down on one of the Plasma grunts. "Sorry, just dropping in!"
"O-Oh shit! It's Cynthia!"
"What's the queen of Sinnoh doing here?!"
"She's the queen of nothing! If she couldn't stop Galactic, then she can't stop us. We can take her easily!"
With a nod, the remaining three grunts sent out their Pokemon, which were two Watchog, a Scraggy, a Liepard and a Sandile.
…Which were promptly knocked out by Milotic swinging her tail into them and then Cynthia grabbed one by the collar and pushed him against the wall while Milotic coiled the two together while sitting on top of the KO'd grunt.
"What are you planning on doing to Unova?"
"I-I don't know what you're talking about!"
"Answer me! Or Milotic will squeeze the life out of your colleagues."
"Y-you're bluffing!"
"Am I…?" Cynthia glared as Milotic started to squeeze tightly.
"A-Alright! We're just planning on liberating Pokemon, separating them from Pokeballs so that they may live in harmony!"
"And yet, you use Pokeballs as well. Seems kind of hypocritical, don't you think?"
"It's… a work in progress!"
"Is that all there is, or is there something else you're not telling me?"
"I… I'm not sure what else Ghetsis is planning! I'm just following him because he's a good leader! Honest!"
"Seems to me you're nothing but a Mareep following the leader. But I couldn't help but overhear you mentioning something about a ship in Humilau?"
"Y-Yeah! I'm not sure what it does, but I think it was mentioned to be some kind of… weather balloon of sorts? They were saying something about cooling the temperature down, but I don't know what they were talking about! Maybe it's to cool down the upcoming summer heat? I dunno!"
"Well, thank you for your time."
She shoved a knee into his stomach, causing him to hunch over as she walked away. "Come, Milotic."
"Milo." Milotic freed the two Galactic Grunts, only to bitch slap them with her tail to knock them down.
"Looker, come in. I just got a lead."
"What do you have?"
"A couple of Plasma grunts mentioned a ship in Humilau City that is possibly being used as a so-called weather balloon to cool down the temperature."
"That's suspicious… I'll meet you over at Humilau City."
"Any luck on your end?"
"I found one of the Sages and they sang like a Torchic after I cornered him. He mentioned something about a back up plan…"
"Hmm…" Cynthia narrowed her eyes. "Good to know. I'll see you at Humilau."
Cynthia hung up and pulled out a Pokeball. "Alright, let's get Togeki-"
"Milo." Milotic pointed her tail toward a building in the distance. "Tic Tic Milo."
"Oh!"
End BGM
Later, at Humilau City…
BGM: Humilau City (Pokemon Black 2/White 2)
"Hmmm…" Looker looked around in Humilau City. "No sign of a ship…"
"Croa!"
"Hmm?" Looker turned to his Croagunk as he was running off. "Croagunk, where are you headed?" He wondered as he followed him into a cave before exiting out on the other end to see the Plasma Frigate.
"Croa Crooooa."
"Ah, so it was near Humilau." He mused as he started to contact Cynthia. "Cynthia, it's me. That ship that you mentioned? I'm seeing it in front of me, it's near-"
"I see it. By the way, you might want to get out of the way."
"Get out of the way? For what?"
At that moment, he heard the sound of an engine. The moment he turned to the source of the noise, a motorcycle launched off of some rocks with Cynthia riding on top of it. Looker watched on in awe as Cynthia landed on the sand and drove up the ramp, launching off and skidding to a halt.
"Croa Croa." Croagunk grabbed Looker's hand and started dragging him to the ship, snapping him out of it.
"Whoa!"
End BGM
BGM: Infiltrating the Plasma Frigate! (Pokemon Black 2 and White 2)
By the time Looker got on the ship, Cynthia was already gone, save for the motorcycle parked next to the mast. "Alright, where did she-"
Both of them heard a commotion inside as they both looked at each other before they wandered in, seeing a bunch of knocked out Plasma guards and Pokemon sprawled all over the floorboards.
The two of them gingerly walked past them, making sure not to step on any KO'd Liepard's tails as they made their way deeper inside until they stumbled across a lab that Cynthia was already investigating alongside Garchomp.
"Do you usually leave a trail of bodies in your wake?"
"Not particularly." Cynthia said as the both of them looked around the lab for anything that caught their attention.
Cynthia moved around some documents to see if anything would catch her eye, and eventually, a few sheets of paper caught her eye. She picked it up to see what it was and her eyes widened in horror.
"Oh my Arceus, I knew they were up to no good."
"What is it?" Looker wondered as Cynthia handed them over.
Plan A
Liberate the Pokemon from humans, by force if you have to
Ghetsis will rule Unova with an iron fist with no opposition
Castle will rise out of the ground at the Pokemon League
If possible, dispose of N once he outlives his usefulness
Plan B
Should the first plan fail, build a ship to assert dominance (Disappearing for a few years might help, the more guards are lowered, the better.)
The ship is used for capturing Kyurem
With its Glaciate, we will carpet bomb anyone who dares to interfere
Unova will become a frozen tundra where Ghetsis will rule
First target: Opelucid City
Kyurem's whereabouts: Somewhere near Lacunosa Town
"My word…" Looker whispered.
"We need to find Kyurem before they do." Cynthia said.
"Just one question. What does Kyurem look like?"
"Gar." Garchomp pointed toward a chalkboard where they saw an image of Kyurem.
"Ah, so that's what it looks like." Looker mused. "Legendary and ugly."
Cynthia glanced to the side, spotting a Master Ball encased in glass. She immediately took off her boot and smashed the glass casing to bits, pulling the Master Ball out and putting her boot back on.
"Let's go."
"Surely there was a less messier way to go about it…" Looker sweatdropped as they took off, Cynthia recalling Garchomp as they both hopped on Cynthia's motorcycle, Looker recalling Croagunk and then drove off to Lacunosa Town.
End BGM
A little bit later…
Cynthia pulled up at the cavern and immediately walked out. "Are you sure bravely waltzing in is a good idea?"
"Do you want Unova to be under an ice age? If Unova's frozen, there's a good chance that other regions will be next."
"Good point. I have a vacation home in Alola and I would rather not un-bury it with a pickaxe."
"Right." Cynthia nodded as they walked in together, where they would soon find Kyurem in his cave.
"Who goes there?" Kyurem demanded as he approached them.
Looker immediately drew a Pokeball, but Cynthia stuck her arm out, shaking her head at Looker and turned back toward the Legendary Pokemon.
"Kyurem, we need your assistance." Cynthia said calmly. "Unova is in great peril regarding Team Plasma."
"Why come to me? Shouldn't you have asked the Sword trio for help? You would be wise to seek them instead."
"Team Plasma has a backup plan for taking over Unova and they're going to use you to ice bomb the entire region."
"You mean those fools?" Kyurem turned his head to some unfortunate Plasma individuals.
Looker grimaced. "Yeesh…"
"They'll keep coming after you and they will find a way to capture you no matter what." Cynthia said. "I'd say we team up together to put a stop to Team Plasma."
"You are very very bold to ask me for help." Kyurem said, unleashing Glaciate and fired a few warning shots at Cynthia, purposely missing yet grazing her cheek. However, Cynthia did not budge as the icicles slammed into the wall.
Kyurem narrowed his eyes. "And yet… I can sense you are a powerful trainer with a big heart. Who are you?"
"I'm Cynthia, the champion of the Sinnoh region."
"I could care less about the region you're from, but the fact you are a champion speaks volumes about how bold you are to seek me out for help. You even have a backup plan should I say no, I see that Master Ball on your hip. You are prepared."
Cynthia said nothing, staring in Kyurem's eyes.
"I do not detect any lies from you. Very well, I shall assist. I was starting to wonder why those Knights of the Round Table rejects stormed into my cavern anyway." Kyurem approached her. "You have my power."
Cynthia nodded as she turned around. "Let's go."
"You're not going to capture him in the Master Ball?"
"I don't need it." Cynthia walked off with Kyurem behind her. Looker scratched his head before shrugging it off as they walked out of the cavern… when suddenly, a large earthquake rattled the area.
"E-Earthquake?!" Looker exclaimed.
"This is no ordinary earthquake…" Kyurem mused.
Cynthia pulled out her phone to see if there were any news updates. "Skirmish at the Pokemon League? A castle just rose up from the ground?!"
"We must hurry!" Looker said as they jumped on the motorbike and took off toward the league with Kyurem keeping pace.
At the Pokemon League…
BGM: N's Castle Medley (Super Smash Bros for 3DS/Wii U)
Cynthia gasped, seeing the castle in the distance. "Hang on!"
"You're not seriously suggesting driving up the stairs, right?"
Cynthia immediately pulled a wheelie.
"That's a yeeeesss!" Looker exclaimed as Cynthia immediately drove up the stairs effortlessly.
"Hmph, human technology has come a long way…" Kyurem mused as he followed them up the stairs as Cynthia immediately made a sharp right and drove off.
"Whoa!" A Plasma grunt dove for cover as Kyurem ran by him, freezing him on the spot as Cynthia continued to drive through the castle, determined to stop Ghetsis no matter what.
End BGM
Meanwhile…
"N, you pathetic fool." Ghetsis approached. "You've failed me for the last time."
"Wh-what?" N asked. "But… I'm supposed to be the leader of Team Plasma! There's no way-"
"You're the king of nothing, that's what you are." Ghetsis said. "Did you really think that crown was for you? That was just a set up for me to step in and claim Unova for myself. You were just a pawn."
"What?!" N's eyes widened in disbelief.
Ghetsis turned toward Hilda and Hilbert. "As for you two, you have been a thorn in our side for far too long. I shall exterminate you two and take Unova-... what's that noise I'm hearing?"
The two trainers looked behind them out of curiosity as suddenly, a motorcycle launched high into the air.
BGM: Champion Cynthia's Theme (Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl)
"A motorcycle?!" All four of them said in surprise as Cynthia gracefully landed and skidded to a halt, where she hopped off of the motorcycle.
"Hello Ghetsis." Cynthia said calmly.
"C-Cynthia? From the Sinnoh region? What the devil are you doing here?"
"I decided to take a vacation here earlier than normal, and then I find out about your plot to take over Unova."
Ghetsis let out a laugh. "Did you really think you could take on Team Plasma by yourself, let alone me? You couldn't handle Team Galactic! If you honestly expected-"
Heavy footsteps approached them as Ghetsis shifted his eyes to see Kyurem emerging from the stairs.
"K-Kyurem?!"
"Oh yeah, I've uncovered your second plan in case the first one failed." Cynthia folded her arms. "Now, we can do this the easy way or the hard way."
End BGM
"Hmph… hahahaha!"
BGM: Battle! Ghetsis (Pokemon Black/White)
"You honestly expect that I'll fall to you? You're all bluster! But I suppose I can warm up against you before I destroy those brats."
Cynthia pulled out a Pokeball. "Good. I was hoping you'd say that."
"You might want to keep clear, kids. She means business." Looker warned.
Both nodded as they backed away, but felt the sheer cold coming from Kyurem. "Brrr…!" Hilda shivered.
"Whew, a little chilly…"
In For a World of Hurt - Ghetsis
Both of them sent out their first Pokemon as Cofagrigus and Spiritomb came out.
"Cofaaa!"
"Tooooomb!"
Cofagrigus started it up with a Shadow Ball, where Spiritomb proceeded to stop it with a Psychic attack and tossed it to the side before using Shadow Ball of his own. Cofagrigus immediately used Protect to block the move.
When the smoke cleared and the Protect wore off, Cofagrigus was met with a Dark Pulse that manage to push him back and then Spiritomb hit him with another Dark Pulse, but it used Protect again… only for it to fail and struck him, knocking him out for the count.
Ghetsis recalled Cofagrigus and then sent out Bouffalant while Cynthia recalled Spiritomb and then sent out Lucario. Bouffalant kicked back its hoof and charged at Lucario, but he quickly jumped high into the air and then fired an Aura Sphere on his back.
Bouffalant growled, proceeding to use Wild Charge at him but Lucario punched the ground as Stone Edge rose up and struck Bouffalant from underneath, tripping him up as Lucario hit him with an Aura Sphere to finish him off.
Ghetsis recalled Bouffalant, a small irritated grunt escaped his lips as he sent out Seismitoad where Cynthia changed course and sent out her Roserade.
"Seisimiiii!" Seismitoad slammed his fists into the ground to create an Earthquake, but Roserade nimbly dodged the shock waves and fired an Energy Ball, hitting Seismitoad in the head… and since he was quad weak to Grass, Seismitoad went down in one hit.
"What was that? I thought I was all bluster~"
"Tch…" Ghetsis sent out his Bisharp as Cynthia switched back to Lucario.
Bisharp immediately charged at Lucario as he swung down Night Slash, but Lucario dodged it as he used Night Slash again, but Lucario caught his arm and hit him with a point blank Aura Sphere, pushing him back as Lucario then struck him with an ExtremeSpeed.
Bisharp responded with X-Scissor, but Lucario rolled out of the way and punched the ground, hitting him with a Critical Stone Edge to knock Bisharp down for the count.
End BGM
"Is this all you can do?" Cynthia asked.
"Rrrgh… you will NOT make a fool out of ME!"
BGM: Battle! Champion Cynthia (Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl)
"I think I already am. For someone who wants to take over Unova, you're not doing a very good job."
"We'll see!" Ghetsis sent out Eelektross, giving her a wicked smirk as Cynthis sent out Garchomp. "Heh, you fool… Eelektross has no weakness!"
"Do you really think I give a damn about weaknesses?"
Eelektross jumped into the air and did a few flips before slamming down on Garchomp, who simply backed away and used Dragon Rush, slamming into Eelektross to knock him away, followed by a Flamethrower and another Dragon Rush combo before Eelektross could respond.
"Fine then!" Ghetsis recalled Eelektross and then sent out Hydreigon.
Cynthia smiled. "You know what to do, Garchomp."
"Gar!" Garchomp nodded as he charged at Hydreigon, who immediately used Dragon Pulse on him but Garchomp nimbly dodged as Hydreigon tried to use Surf, but Garchomp was immediately in his face with a Dragon Rush, knocking the Hydreigon away.
"Rrrrgh! Hydreigon! Hit that damn Garchomp with a Focus Blast!"
"Hydreeeiiiii!" Hydreigon unleashed a powerful Focus… Miss. As it didn't even come close to hitting Garchomp.
"Could you explain to us where the focus went~?" Cynthia casually asked as Garchomp finished the Hydreigon off with a Dragon Rush.
End BGM
"GRAAAAAH! NO!" Ghetsis yelled. "This is not how I envisioned it would go! I will become ruler of Unova! I will come for you, Cynthia! Mark my words, I will-"
"Ice him."
Ghetsis was immediately frozen on the spot with a powerful Glaciate.
"Thought he'd never shut up." Kyurem said.
"I'll take care of him. I'll let the boys know what happened." Looker said as Cynthia walked off with a hum.
"You take care of yourselves, guys. Same to you, Kyurem."
Kyurem nodded as he walked out with Cynthia, but as they left the castle, they went their separate ways.
A few minutes later, the police arrived and proceeded to push the Ghetsis-cicle into their vehicle and drove off.
"That'll take care of that." Looker walked off.
"So uh… what happened to N?" Hilda asked, having not noticed that N made his escape while Cynthia was having her way with Ghetsis.
"No idea." Hilbert shrugged as they walked out of the castle.
As for Cynthia, she returned home to her villa and crashed on her bed. "What a day…" She said, closing her eyes and falling asleep on the spot.
"Well, that concludes this What If! Take care!"
Been a while since we've done a What If! This What If idea was inspired by Flash!
Ibuki: Ha! Ghetsis got iced.
Deadpool: Serves him right!