Disclaimer : I do not own anything from the Pokemon franchise aside from my own Original Characters and any Original Plots I make.
This fanfiction is inspired by the following stories:
The New Normal
When the Moon Rises
Borne of Caution
The Natural
The Other Trainers of Pallet
These Silver Eyes
Chapter 1 : Orrin the Ghost Boy
A haunting cackle ripped through the air as a massive Gengar effortlessly slipped out of the way of a spiralling beam of darkness shot out from the maw of the opposing Tyranitar. Then, with fluid movements, he dove down to the battlefield and then through it.
The rocky battlefield seemed to warp as Gengar's form melted into the shadows, spreading like ink across the cracked earth. Tyranitar snarled, its massive claws digging into the ground as it scanned the shifting darkness, its jagged tail lashing in frustration.
Then silence.
A heartbeat.
A whisper of movement.
The shadow pool beneath Tyranitar's feet erupted. Gengar surged upward like a nightmare given form, his jagged maw split into a grin too wide, too sharp. His eyes burned with violet fire as his claws – wreathed in crackling energy – lunged for Tyranitar's exposed flank.
Tyranitar twisted, roaring, its own claws glowing with brutal force as it swung.
Then a jolt came.
The world fractured at the edges. The roar of battle muffled, as if heard through water. Gengar's triumphant cackle stretched, distorted…and then darkness.
Silence.
Orrin opened his eyes blearily, not reacting in the least to the rippling, mist-like form of Gastly hovering inches above his face. The little Ghost/Poison-type grinned mischievously, his wide, crimson eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
For a long moment, Orrin just stared. Then, with a sigh, he reached up and gently booped Gastly's gaseous forehead.
"Were you responsible for that dream?" He murmured, voice still rough with sleep. There was no point in asking the question either, he already knew he was. After all, it wasn't the first time his friend had conjured up a dream for him in his sleep.
Sure enough, Gastly bobbed in place, letting out a low, giggling Ghaaas~ as if proud of itself.
Orrin exhaled through his nose, rubbing his face. "A Tyranitar, huh? Bit of a reach, don't you think?" He sat up, stretching his arms before fixing Gastly with a wry look. "You've got a long way to go before you become capable of taking down something like that. You aren't even a Haunter yet."
Gastly's grin faltered. His form deflated slightly, swirling into a pout as he let out a petulant Mmmph! before drifting in a sulky circle above Orrin's head.
He chuckled, reaching out to ruffle the wispy edges of Gastly's body – or at least, the closest thing it had to one. "Don't give me that. I never said it was impossible. Just that it'll take a lot of time and a lot of training."
Gastly perked up at that and began zipping around the room eagerly while Orrin shook his head and got off his bed. After another groaning stretch and a glance at his alarm clock, he let his arms fall to his side and moved to the bathroom that was attached to his room. Time to get dressed. He normally wasn't one to care too much about his appearance but for today, he thought he'd make an exception.
After all, today was the day he would finally receive his Trainer's License and be given the greenlight to leave on his journey.
More importantly, today was the day he'd finally be able to leave the god-forsaken town of Littleroot.
And to say he was eager to do so, would be an understatement.
Orrin stood under the warm spray of the shower, eyes closed, letting the steam fog up the mirror and the world with it. His thoughts, as always, didn't rest.
Being different in Littleroot was like painting a target on your back. Orrin had never been able to do what the other kids did – not the way they wanted him to. Eye contact was hard. Too much noise felt like knives under his skin. And trying to join in on their games or conversations was like trying to speak a language he was never taught. He didn't laugh at their jokes, didn't pick up on their sarcasm fast enough, and when he did talk, it was either too much or not at all.
So they'd mocked him. Even when he'd ignored them, even when he tried to be polite or helpful, they found new ways to remind him that he didn't fit.
Even his parents didn't know what to do with him either. His mother loved him in a distant, dutiful way, always fussing with his hair or his clothes but never knowing what to say. His father mostly just stayed quiet around him, the silence thick with unspoken questions and a vague discomfort.
No one ever said it aloud, but Orrin always felt it.
Why can't you just be normal?
He towelled off and dressed in quiet methodical movements – long-sleeved black shirt, grey vest, dark jeans, and the same worn boots he'd always worn on his long walks to the edge of town. He hesitated for a moment before reaching into his drawer and pulling out the necklace he'd made years ago: a tiny pendant shaped like a flame, carved from a piece of black stone he'd found near Mt. Pyre on a family trip. He fastened it around his neck. It wasn't fashionable, but it was his.
Gastly had settled on his windowsill, staring out toward the waking world with that same quiet yearning Orrin felt in his chest. As Orrin approached, Gastly turned and gave him a small, eager nod.
Gastly had been his first friend. His first confidant. The only one who understood him. He remembered the first time they had met. Orrin had been seven years old when it happened.
The other kids had kicked him out of their game – again. "You're too slow, Orrin!" one of them had jeered. "You don't even get the rules!" another had added, shoving him away with a laugh. He hadn't even been upset, not really. Just tired. Tired of trying, tired of pretending he cared about their stupid games, tired of the way their voices grated against his skull like sandpaper.
So he'd walked home alone, kicking pebbles along the dirt path, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the road, stretching the trees into twisted, clawed fingers. Orrin liked the quiet. Liked the way the wind rustled through the grass without demanding anything from him.
Then he had felt a cold breath on the back of his neck.
Orrin froze.
Something was there.
He turned slowly, heart hammering – and came face-to-face with two glowing red eyes floating in midair.
"G-Ghaaa~"
Orrin screamed.
The thing – the Gastly – let out a delighted cackle, swirling around him in a misty spiral before darting away, vanishing into the shadows of the trees. Orrin had bolted home, breathless, convinced he'd just narrowly escaped death by ghost.
But the next day, Gastly was back.
And the day after that.
And the day after that.
At first, Orrin had been terrified. He'd tried ignoring it, running from it, even throwing rocks (which just passed right through its gaseous body, much to Gastly's amusement). But no matter what he did, the little ghost kept reappearing – sometimes inches from his face, sometimes lurking just at the edge of his vision, always watching, always grinning.
It made things worse with the other kids as well and they started calling him names like "Creepy Orrin." "Graves, the Gravekeeper." "Ghost Boy." It didn't help that every person who insulted him was then given a fright by Gastly and sent screaming. He had gotten in trouble one-too-many times for Gastly's scares – the children's parents complained to his own, while his apologized profusely.
Then, one evening, Orrin had finally snapped.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT?!" He had shouted, throwing his hands up.
Gastly had blinked. Then, slowly, it drifted closer – close enough that Orrin could see the way its form shimmered like heat haze – and gently bonked its forehead against his.
"Ghaas," it had murmured, its voice soft and almost… affectionate.
And just like that, something in Orrin's chest had cracked open.
He'd reached out, hesitantly, and poked Gastly's wispy body. It had giggled, swirling around his fingers like smoke.
That was the moment everything changed.
Gastly didn't care that Orrin was quiet. Didn't care that he didn't laugh at the right times or that he sometimes got lost in his own head for hours. Gastly just… liked him. For the first time in his life, Orrin had someone who didn't expect him to be anything other than what he was. He had someone who protected him from jeers and insults, even if he still got into trouble afterwards.
And now, years later, as he stood by the window with Gastly hovering at his side, he couldn't help but smile.
"Ready to get out of here?" He asked quietly.
Gastly's grin widened, eyes gleaming. "Ghaaa~"
Orrin's smile widened as his friend dove into his shadow, melding into it seamlessly. He felt the familiar cold wash over him, but he had long since gotten used to it. When they were connected like this, he could also feel Gastly's emotions – his rage, sadness, and mischief which was always the strongest of all.
Letting out a sigh, he then slung his grey backpack over his shoulders, took one last look at his room before he opened the door and stepped out.
The halls of the two-story house were quiet. Too quiet. However, Orrin had long since gotten used to this kind of atmosphere. Both his parents were Pokemon Rangers – which meant they were constantly being called into work to deal with one issue or another. That often left him having to take care of himself, though sometimes, Professor Birch from the Pokemon Lab a few blocks over, would drop by with home-cooked meals and groceries with the excuse of wanting to check on how his Gastly was doing.
Orrin's eyes glazed over the letter his parents had hastily written for him before leaving. They wanted to wish him luck on his journey and stated that they wanted him to call them once he reached Oldale Town. Orrin stared at it for a few seconds before a mental nudge from Gastly pushed him to grab a pen and scribble a note on the back of the paper.
- Thank you. I will - Orrin.
Folding it up and placing it back on the table, he walked over to the fridge and grabbed a bagel before opening the door to his residence and stepping out into the morning light. After making sure to lock the door behind him and stick the key underneath a rock nearby, he turned around and started walking.
The lab was only a short walk away, just up the hill. While walking along the dirt path that made up most of Littleroot, he munched on his bagel.
Aside from helping him out when his parents weren't around, Professor Birch was also his sponsor for his journey.
Basically, a sponsor was someone who had the resources and willingness to support a young trainer's journey. In return, the trainers would represent them by either using their items or winning tournaments under their name. These sponsors could range from wealthy patrons and research institutions to Gym Leaders and even Elite Four members.
The basic primary benefits of sponsorships included having a place to send Pokemon if you catch more than six and being granted a monthly stipend that would cover your expenses.
Of course, it wasn't like having a sponsor was not a necessity or a required thing. There were many elite trainers who made it to the top without the help of a sponsor, the most prominent of them being the Drake the Dragon Master of the Hoenn Elite Four. However, it did make life as a trainer a hell of a lot easier.
Being granted a sponsorship by Professor Birch, the most renowned Pokemon Researcher in all of Hoenn was a pretty big deal. Aside from receiving a sizable monthly stipend, a place to keep Pokemon, and access to the lab's equipment itself, trainers also received an updated Pokedex from the Professor.
This year, there were three sponsored trainers, picked according to their results in the Trainer Licensing Exams. Brendan Birch, the professor's son was one of them, having predictably scored first. He had come second. Finally, there was another girl whose name he didn't even know. He had never even seen her before. From what he had heard from Brendan though, she was from Petalburg City and had given her exam there.
Orrin froze mid-chew as the thought of Birch's son came to his mind. Brendan Birch…was a weird kid. Strange, coming from him of all people, but the reason he thought so was because when they were younger, he never hung out with him or played with him and even Orrin never paid any attention to him. Yet recently, he had started acting all chummy with Orrin, pretending as if they had been best friends all along.
It was strange.
He felt Gastly probe his mind again, asking if he should give the Birch boy a scare but Orrin denied his request. Brendan wasn't a bad guy. He had never taken part in the bullying towards him though he hadn't helped him either. Nevertheless, he didn't deserve being at the mercy of Gastly's shenanigans.
Orrin finished off the last of his bagel and dusted his hands free from any crumbs as soon as he reached the doors of the lab. It hadn't taken that long – it was only a ten minute walk. However, as soon as he stepped in, he found himself face to face with ruin.
Damaged lab equipment and scorch marks were everywhere and in the center of the room stood Brendan arguing heatedly with Joshua, the Professor's head and only researcher.
"Oh, Orrin!" Brendan's voice rang out the moment he spotted him, and before Orrin could react, the energetic trainer was already in his personal space. Orrin stiffened, taking a subtle step back as Brendan grinned, oblivious to his discomfort.
"Brendan." Orrin's greeting was quiet. He gave a curt nod to Joshua, who stood nearby with his arms crossed, looking exhausted. "What…happened here?"
Joshua let out a long sigh, rubbing his temples. "Professor Birch was treating a trainer's Pikachu – a kid named Ash. It was suffering from an electrical overcharge, you see." He gestured to the wreckage behind him – scorched equipment, frayed wires, the lingering scent of ozone. "But the second the treatment started, the Pikachu freaked out. Overloaded the system, blew half the lab apart, then bolted."
Brendan then threw his hands up in frustration, his grin instantly fading. "And then both Ash and Dad decided to give chase to it. And if that wasn't bad enough, when May got here, she decided to go after them as well like a complete moron!"
Orrin's brow furrowed. "…May?"
"The third sponsored trainer." Brendan huffed, as if it were obvious. "She's the Petalburg Gym Leader's daughter." He crossed his arms, mimicking Joshua's stance. "I met her a few times when Dad dragged me along for visits. Never listens."
Orrin absorbed the information, gaze flicking between the wrecked lab and the path the others had taken. A beat of silence passed before he finally spoke.
"…So. What do we do?"
"We need to go after them." Brendan replied instantly, his voice firm. Orrin blinked slowly, processing his words. Go after them?
Joshua nodded in agreement. "Like Brendan said, May is Gym Leader Norman's daughter. If anything happens to her under our watch, that means the whole lab could fall into hot water. As trainers sponsored by Professor Birch, it is also your duty to maintain the lab's image. So, what do you say?"
Orrin's fingers twitched at his sides. The weight of Gastly's presence coiled tighter in his shadow – a restless, icy pulse against his ankles. He could feel the ghost's excitement in his mind, urging him to go, and he exhaled through his nose. Looks like his decision had already been made for him.
Besides, Professor Birch had done a lot for him over the years. Quietly, without fuss or obligation. He had always tried to help him – meals dropped off at odd hours, books on Ghost-types lent without explanation, conversations that never asked too much. And most of all, he had believed in Orrin enough to sponsor him.
So… yeah.
He owed him.
Furthermore, like Joshua had said, it was also his job now as a lab trainer to help the Professor when his help was needed.
Orrin gave a quiet sigh. "Alright. Let's go."
The forest air was thick with the scent of damp earth and pine as Orrin and Brendan sprinted through the forest trail following the tracks of the bike he had been told May was riding. The leaves on the tree branches hanging low above did well to shield them from the sun. Even then, Orrin could feel the drops of sweat running down his forehead.
It was uncomfortable.
Next to him, Brendan remained focused and not at all concerned with how hot it was or how sweaty he was. No surprise there, the boy was always outdoors with his father, helping him with field tests and whatnot. He was used to this. Orrin was not. Luckily, the fact that his parents made sure that he was fit and healthy meant that he was able to keep up with Brendan easily.
It wasn't long before the trees began to thin, and they heard the sound of yowls and yips of angry canines along with the terrified yells of Professor Birch.
"DAD!" Brendan exclaimed in concern and picked up the pace with Orrin close behind him.
The forest gave way to a sunlit cliff, and Orrin barely had time to process the scene before chaos unfolded.
A girl – May, presumably – was stumbling backward, sputtering as a Mudkip drenched her face with a high-pressure Water Gun. Her bandanna was soaked, her red vest darkened, and her expression was caught somewhere between shock and outrage.
"Ack! What the – who does that?!" She gasped, wiping her eyes.
Orrin ignored her. His gaze snapped downward, where Professor Birch dangled from a tree branch, his legs kicking uselessly as three snarling Poochyena circled below. Their yellow eyes gleamed with hunger, fangs bared.
Brendan groaned, slapping a hand to his forehead. "Dad. I thought you were being eaten alive!"
Birch grinned sheepishly. "Ah, well, it felt pretty dire! A little help?"
Orrin didn't hesitate.
"Gastly."
A ripple of darkness pooled at his feet, and in an instant, his partner materialized, crimson eyes gleaming with mischief. The ghost let out a low, echoing chuckle at the sigh below him.
"Shadow Ball."
Gastly's grin widened, and his form swirled, dark energy coalescing in front of his gaping mouth before he hurled it forward – an orb of spectral force that slammed into the lead Poochyena with a hollow thoomp. The Dark-type yelped, skidding backward as the attack exploded in a burst of violet energy.
The other two Poochyena hesitated, ears flattening, before they ran to their fallen packmate, grabbed it by the scruff of its neck and dragged it away into a bush and out of sight.
Birch let out a sigh of relief as the Dark-type dogs pups retreated before he heard a crack as the branch he had been hanging from suddenly snapped and he fell to the ground harshly.
Orrin winced while Gastly just laughed.
"You okay, dad?" Brendan called from next to Orrin.
"Yeah…I'm fine." Birch huffed as he pushed himself to his feet, dusting his lab coat free of any dirt that clung to it. "I must have accidentally wandered into pack territory. Thank Arceus, a Mightyena didn't come after me otherwise I'd be in big trouble. Thanks for the save, Orrin! And thank you too, Gastly!"
"Of course." Orrin replied with a small nod while Gastly bobbed his entire body playfully. His eyes then turned to his side where Brendan was conversing quietly with a frustrated May. The Mudkip that had sprayed her was now nestled comfortably in his arms and looking content to stay there.
Looks like one of the starters had already picked its new trainer.
He turned back to Professor Birch who had finished dusting himself off and just as he was about to ask about their next course of action, a titanic bolt of red lightning cleaved through the trees not too far from them with a sky-shattering crack. Countless bird Pokemon scattered into the air, squawking fearfully.
Brendan and May flinched at the sound while Gastly looked on in interest and Orrin in dread.
The source of the lightning was probably Pikachu which meant they were going to go to it, weren't they?
"Ash must have found Pikachu…" Birch murmured, clear concern shining in his eyes as the forest shook once more from another massive bolt of red lightning. "And from the looks of it, Pikachu's electrical overload is getting worse. If it reaches critical mass…"
"Are you saying Pikachu's going to blow up?!" Brendan exclaimed in horror, holding Mudkip closer to his chest. Orrin and May paled as well at what the Professor was implying.
Birch was silent for a moment, his brow furrowed in thought. His gaze flicked from May to Brendan, then settled on Orrin. With a heavy sigh, he finally spoke.
"This is incredibly irresponsible of me…" He admitted, voice tight with frustration. "…but I need you to come with me, Orrin. If that Pikachu turns hostile, you're the only one here with a Pokemon capable of holding it back. The starters I have aren't nearly strong enough to handle something that powerful."
Orrin hesitated, glancing toward Gastly just as a third bolt of crimson lightning split the sky. The thought of sending his partner into a fight against something so dangerous made his stomach twist. But when Gastly turned to him, its eyes gleamed with eager anticipation. The thrill of the challenge was written all over its face.
Orrin let out a quiet breath. Who was he to say no?
"…Understood."
"What about me, Dad?" Brendan interjected, stepping forward. "We're not just going to sit around and do nothing!"
Birch pressed his lips together, clearly torn. His eyes flicked between Brendan and May before he spoke again.
"…As much as I hate it, you're both coming too. I can't leave you out here with wild Pokemon roaming around. But you stay behind me, and you do exactly as I say. No exceptions. Understood?"
Both Brendan and May nodded quickly.
"Good." Birch gave a short nod, already turning back toward the path. "Let's move. Now!"
The group of four humans and one Pokemon immediately broke into a sprint through the forest with Brendan and his father leading the way, their steps sure and confident. It wasn't the least bit surprising considering how often the two of them had explored this area while working on Birch's field experiments.
It wasn't long before they started closing in to the electrical blasts cutting through the quiet of the forest, each one more unnerving and ear-shattering than the last. Within the last hundred feet, the electric charge in the air made the whole group's skin prickle uncomfortably. Orrin's fingers twitched at the static clinging to his sleeves, and Gastly – hovering just above his shadow – shivered, his gaseous form flickering with the erratic energy.
The most enormous lightning bolt yet erupted ahead, forcing Birch, Brendan, and Orrin to shield their eyes, Gastly to recoil with a hiss, and May to stifle a scream.
The four of them broke through the final foliage of trees and into a small cliff-side clearing just in time to see a young boy – Ash – struggle to his feet with gritted teeth, electricity still arcing between his shaking limbs before it finally dispersed.
"P-Pikachu..." Ash rasped.
Pikachu stirred from his place on the ground with a delirious "P-Pika..." before standing on all fours, his red cheeks sparking wildly. The electric rodent then sprinted away at full tilt, moving like the wind despite his obvious impairment.
And because of said impairment, Pikachu took no notice of the cliff he was hurtling toward.
Ash's eyes widened in abject terror. "Pikachu!" he cried, sprinting after his Pokémon.
Orrin's stomach dropped.
"Gastly!"
"Ghaaa!"
The ghost shot forward like a shadow given wings, his form blurring as he streaked across the clearing. With a flick of his wispy 'tail', he conjured a Shadow Ball and launched it directly into Pikachu's path. The spectral energy exploded against the ground, kicking up a plume of dust and forcing the electric mouse to skid to a halt.
Pikachu's ears twitched. He turned, one blurry eye locking onto Gastly.
"Piiiikaaaa..." His cheeks sparked ominously, red electricity crackling to life.
Orrin's breath hitched. "Dodge it!"
Gastly didn't need the warning. The moment Pikachu's body tensed, he melted into the ground, his form dissolving into the shadows just as a Thunderbolt lanced through the space he'd been occupying. The attack seared the air, leaving behind the acrid scent of ozone.
Orrin's pulse pounded in his ears. That was too close.
Gastly reappeared beside him, his grin sharp but his eyes narrowed in rare focus.
Ash didn't hesitate. He rushed forward, throwing himself between Pikachu and the others before scooping the electric mouse into his arms. "Pikachu, it's okay! It's me! No one's gonna hurt you!"
Pikachu thrashed, electricity dancing across his fur, before suddenly biting down on Ash's forearm.
"Ahhhh!" Ash gritted his teeth, his arm trembling as thin lines of blood welled up from the puncture wounds.
May gasped, covering her mouth while both Orrin and Brendan winced at the sound of fangs sinking into flesh. Birch, on the other hand, had a tight expression on his face, but he didn't intervene.
Slowly, Pikachu blinked. Clarity seeped back into his gaze. He released Ash's arm, then ran his tongue over his bloody teeth, his ears drooping in horror. When he saw the injury he'd caused, he let out a sorrowful "Pika pi!"
Ash just smiled, as if the pain meant nothing. "It's alright, Pikachu. I know you didn't mean it. I'm just glad you're feeling better."
Pikachu's face crumpled. "Pika..." He leaned forward, gently licking the wound to clean it.
Birch exhaled, shaking his head while Orrin, Brendan and May let out quiet, relieved sighs.
However, then they heard a loud crash a few meters away from them and everyone whirled around just in time to see a towering, twenty-five-foot tall, red-painted robot that looked like it was a battery on legs. The ground shook as the manmade creation stepped into the small clearing. Standing on top of the robot, were three figures – a man with blue hair, a woman with long, red hair, and a…Meowth? The two humans were wearing white clothing with a large red R emblazoned proudly for all to see on the front.
Orrin's brow furrowed. That was the symbol of Team Rocket, a well-known criminal syndicate from the Indigo Region – the joint region of Kanto and Johto. What were they doing is Hoenn of all places? How had the Indigo League allowed terrorists like them to escape their borders and enter another League-affiliated region?
And how the fuck did they have a massive robot?!
His confusion quickly morphed into comical shock when the trio broke into…a monologue of sorts…
"Prepare for trouble for the umpteenth time!"
"Make it double, and I'll make it rhyme."
"To protect the world from devastation."
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Jessie."
"James."
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light."
"Surrender now or prepare for an out-of-this-world fight!"
"...What's the point?"
"That's right!"
…What the hell?
"…Hey, Orrin?" Brendan said, his voice flat and completely stripped of emotion.
"Yeah?" Orrin replied, still staring at the scene in disbelief.
"You heard that Meowth talk, right? Like, actually talk. With words. Not telepathy or anything weird?"
Orrin gave a slow nod. "Yeah. I heard it."
Brendan let out a relieved breath. "Okay. Good. Thought I was losing my mind for a second."
"GHAGHAGHAGHA!" Gastly howled with laughter, spiralling through the air in amusement.
From atop the bizarre machine, Meowth snapped his head toward the ghost. "HEY! WHO YA CALLIN' IDIOTS, YA FLOATIN' FOGBALL?!"
"Who... are these guys?" Birch asked, looking totally lost.
"Team Rocket!" Ash growls, holding his glaring Pikachu close. "They're a bunch of thieves who keep trying to steal Pikachu."
Orrin was pretty sure that Team Rocket had done far worse than simply stealing Pokemon, but he chose to keep his mouth shut and instead watched as the trio jumped into a hatch and entered the robot's interior. Then a speaker on the outside suddenly crackled with static before, the Meowth's voice was heard.
"Old Meowth has whipped up a good one this time! No matter how much Pika power yous output, our battery will take it all and juice our big bad bot up!"
Suddenly, small hatch slid open on the robot's front, and a slender robotic arm with a pincer-like claw swiftly grabbed the startled Pikachu, yanking it away from a stunned Ash. The robot's primary arms rotated toward the squirming Pikachu, and thin, suction-tipped rods extended from them, clamping onto the electric mouse's crackling cheeks.
"Drain away!" The three clowns cackled evilly.
As soon as their declaration ended, Pikachu let out a choked gasp as the machine started draining its reddish-electric energy, sending jagged bolts crackling across the clearing. The intense flashes forced everyone to cover their eyes. Meanwhile, Team Rocket cackled with glee as the robot's power gauge on its front neared full capacity
"Once you're out of Pika power, catching you will be a cinch!" The woman named Jessie laughed haughtily.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted, preparing to throw away all sense of self-preservation to save his partner. However, before he could move, Brendan lashed out and grabbed him by the arm, surprising everyone. "What are you doing?!"
"They said that machine absorbs electricity, right?" Brendan questioned rhetorically. "So let it drain Pikachu of all the excess electrical energy it has."
Birch stepped forward, nodding grimly. "Brendan's right. That overload is going to kill him if it kept building. This might be the only way to stabilize him."
Ash's eyes blazed with defiance. "But Pikachu – !"
"Will be fine." Orrin cut in, his eyes focused on the scene in front of him. "Look at him."
Pikachu, though still trapped in the machine's grip, was no longer convulsing with uncontrolled energy. The red-tinged electricity crackling around him was fading, his frantic thrashing slowing to exhausted twitches. His ears drooped, his breaths coming in shallow pants – but his eyes, though weary, were clear. The rodent blinked a few times, his senses returning.
Then he smiled evilly at the robot and clenched his tiny fists, yellow lightning arcing all over his small body.
"Piiiikaaaa...CHUUUUU!"
The robot then proceeded to light up like a Christmas tree hooked to a powerplant, electricity arcing everywhere as smoke starts to pour out the cracks. Everyone scattered as lightning bolts began flying everywhere.
"Gastly, fall back!" Orrin called out to his friend as he ducked behind a tree with Brendan and the Mudkip he was cradling.
Gastly shrieked and flew over to him, quickly evading a stray bolt that had lanced right towards where he had been hovering. Unfortunately, the bolt ended up crashing into the bike that May had ridden over and within seconds, it was reduced to a partially slagged heap of metal.
"MY BIKE!" May shrieked, while Ash slapped his forehead with a groan as if hit with a sense of déjà vu.
Pikachu unleashed a thunderous cry, flooding the robot with surging bolts of electricity until every inch of the machine crackled with raw power. Inside the cockpit, Jessie, James, and Meowth screamed as stray shocks jolted through them – until, at the last second, they tumbled out of a rear hatch, collapsing onto the ground in a twitching, singed heap.
Just as they hit the dirt, the robot erupted in a deafening explosion, spewing toxic smoke and the stench of melting metal and burning circuits. The blast sent a choking cloud rolling over the clearing, forcing Orrin and the others into coughing fits as the acrid fumes seared their lungs.
When the smoke finally cleared, all that remained was the smouldering wreckage of the robot and no sign of Team Rocket.
Following the whole debacle with Team Rocket, the group of four – now five – humans returned to the lab in one piece, much to the relief of Joshua who they had seen pacing worriedly when they walked through the doors.
At the moment, Professor Birch was in one of the rooms with Ash, the two of them checking up on Pikachu to make certain he really was healthy. In the meantime, Orrin sat in the lab's waiting room with Brendan and May as they waited patiently for the Professor to come out and inform them of what would happen regarding their journeys.
Orrin was hoping they'd be allowed to go despite the issues that had popped up, but he understood if the man would want them to delay their journeys by just another day.
While they were waiting for the professor to come out, Joshua had informed them that the Hoenn League had just released their yearly promotional broadcast to commemorate the start of their new circuit. Orrin, like many other trainers – including Brendan, wanted to participate in this year's circuit. Though he wasn't so ambitious as wanting to become the Champion of Hoenn, he saw the Hoenn Circuit as a good way to test his skills and eventual growth as a trainer.
Furthermore, if managed to defeat all the Gyms and win the whole Ever Grande Conference, he'd be one step closer to achieving his dream.
To become the world's greatest Ghost Specialist.
For someone to become a master of Ghost types was no easy thing. Most trainers simply lacked the proper temperament to deal with ghosts as they were far from being beginner friendly. They weren't seen as reliable partners. They were tricky and too niche. Too creepy. In fact, there were still some people out there who held prejudice against ghosts – people who still believed they were evil incarnate.
However, Orrin was not like most trainers. For one, he had experience in dealing with ghosts due to Gastly. It was actually when he bonded with Gastly that he made up his mind of pursuing this path.
Of course, being a Type Specialist had issues in itself. Someone who specialized in a single type of Pokemon would dedicate their training to mastering that type, creating a highly focused and synergistic team. Specialists often excelled in battles by leveraging the unique traits and combinations of their chosen type. However, they often struggled against opponents with strong counters to their specialization.
Orrin knew that he'd have trouble in the future if he ever came face to face with a Dark type and he knew he would. However, there were ways to counter or at least cover up those vulnerabilities as well. After all, there was more to battle than just type advantages.
After some tinkering, Joshua switched on the large monitor in the room and played the video. Orrin, Brendan, and even Gastly popped out of his shadow to watch the video. May, on the other hand, looked like she couldn't care less.
A narrator begins to speak, their voice resonant and dramatic.
"The Hoenn Circuit…" A narrator began to speak, their voice resonant and dramatic. "…a journey forged through sweat, heart, and battle. But make no mistake – glory in Hoenn is not gifted. It is earned. The road ahead will challenge your spirit, your strategy, and the strength of your bond with your Pokemon."
As the voice echoes, sweeping footage begins to roll:
Images of all 8 Hoenn Gyms flash by in succession, each pair of Gym Leaders standing proudly side-by-side – from Roxanne and Brawly, to Flannery and Watson, to Winona and Tate & Liza, ending with Wallace and Norman. Each one radiates strength and personality, a silent promise of the trials ahead.
"Will you and your Pokémon rise to meet them? Will you conquer the Gym Circuit and earn the right to stand among the best at the Ever Grande Conference? Will your name echo in the halls of the League as one of Hoenn's finest?"
A montage begins – a dynamic flurry of highlights from the previous year's Hoenn battles:
A trainer's Hawlucha colliding with Wattson's Magneton in a clash of raw energy. Another trainer's Altaria dancing through the sky during a fierce battle against Winona. Trainers new and old, veterans and prodigies alike, all giving their all on the battlefield.
The screen then shifts to the Hoenn Elite Four – Drake, Phoebe, Sidney, and Glacia – each seen in combat against fearsome challengers in the Royal Arena – the stage for only Elite or Champion-class battles. Footage was shown of raging battles of the Elite Four:
Phoebe's Banette firing a twitching Dark Pulse into a challenger's Sableye.
Sidney's Absol decimating an opponent's Hariyama.
Glacia's Glalie flash freezing an entire field and an opposing Aggron within seconds.
Drake's monstrous Salamence roaring triumphantly as it towered over a fallen Tyrantrum.
And then… it cuts to the Champion.
Standing atop the Ever Grande Plateau, dressed as smartly as ever, is Steven Stone. Behind him, his shiny Metagross hovers in absolute stillness – its polished silver limbs gleaming in the light, red eyes locked forward like a sentinel awaiting battle.
Steven raises a hand and pulls out the Mega Stickpin attached to his suit's front breast pocket. Without a word, he taps the keystone embedded within.
A surge of energy erupts as his Metagross is consumed in a swirling cascade of light and fractal energy.
With a sound like shattering glass reforming, Mega Metagross emerges – larger, more imposing, and eerily graceful in its movement. It floats in the air, its limbs rearranged. What were once legs are now four powerful arms, drifting in calculated symmetry around its core. Four additional limbs sprout from behind its head, claw-like and angular, moving like stabilizers or secondary appendages.
The golden metallic cross on its face has shifted – now a deep blue. Beneath it, two small vents and a sharp spike jut out, forming the shape of a stylized goatee that makes the steel titan appear ancient, wise…and merciless.
Its four glowing red eyes lock onto the camera in perfect unison.
Steven crosses his arms, eyes unwavering as he addresses the camera with quiet finality:
"We'll be waiting."
The scene holds for just a moment longer – Champion and Pokemon framed against the sun-drenched heights of Ever Grande – before cutting to the Hoenn League logo and fading to black.
"…Heh, that's got me all psyched up!" Brendan exclaimed, pumping his fists. Even Gastly was positively beaming by the end of the video and barrelling through the air excitedly.
Orrin exhaled softly. Clearly the League's marketing team had done their job well because even he was hyped to get his Gym Challenge started, though he hid it well unlike Brendan.
Out of all the elite trainers showcased in the promotional video, the one who he was most interested in was Elite Phoebe, for no other reason, than the fact that she was one of the few trainers considered a master of Ghosts. Sure she wasn't as powerful as the likes of Elite Agatha from the Indigo Region – someone who had long since been hailed as the strongest Ghost Specialist in the world – but she was formidable in her own right.
Of course, aside from Phoebe, Orrin also admired Champion Steven – but then again, who didn't?
Everyone in Hoenn still remembered the shock of seeing the so-called pampered heir of the Devon Corporation storm through the Ever Grande Conference five years ago. No one had expected Steven Stone, with his polished demeanour and corporate ties, to dominate the League the way he did. But he did and he did it brilliantly. His team of Steel types and ancient Fossil Pokemon had practically torn through the competition with such ease, some deluded people thought the entire thing must have been rigged.
Even the Elite Four, some of the strongest trainers in the region, had looked like ordinary challengers in comparison. Steven had outclassed them. And then there was his battle against Wallace. A clash of Champions in which he came out victorious.
To all the trainers in Hoenn, young and old alike, Steven represented the mountain summit – distant, formidable, and utterly unmoved by the chaos below. He was the goal. The mark of mastery. He was the unbreakable wall that all trainers wished to surmount, himself included.
His inner thoughts were interrupted when the door to the examination room creaked open, and Professor Birch stepped out, his lab coat slightly rumpled but his expression relieved. Behind him, Ash followed, cradling a now-healthy Pikachu in his arms. The electric mouse's cheeks sparked faintly, but the erratic red energy was gone, replaced by the familiar yellow crackle of a stable charge.
"Pikachu's going to be just fine." Birch announced, offering a tired smile to the group. "The excess energy has been safely discharged, and his system's back to normal. He just needs some rest."
Ash nodded vigorously, his earlier panic replaced by gratitude. "Thanks, Professor. And thanks to you guys too," he added, glancing at Orrin, Brendan, and May. "I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't shown up."
Birch waved away the thanks. "It's not a problem at all, Ash. I'm glad to help. It's what a Pokemon Professor is for."
Ash smiled at the man as Pikachu slowly blinked his eyes open before drifting back to sleep. The young trainer then turned to Orrin. "Orrin, right?" He asked, holding out his hand for a shake. "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. Thanks for having your Gastly head off Pikachu. If he fell off that cliff, I have no idea what I would've done," the boy said with a shiver at the memory.
Orrin hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping forward and taking Ash's hand. His grip was firm, but his voice was quiet. "…No problem."
Gastly, hovering near his shoulder, let out a low, amused chuckle.
Professor Birch then clapped his hands, grabbing everyone's attention. "Alright then. I apologize for the delays, but I think its time for you two…" He looked at May and Brendan. "…to choose your starters."
"Well, I think I've already got mine, Dad." Brendan stated and adjusted his grip on the Mudkip nestled comfortably in his arms. The Water type blinked up at the rest of them sleepily, clearly content with its chosen trainer.
May crossed her arms and sent the mudfish a stink eye, clearly still miffed about being sprayed in the face with a Water Gun earlier. "Of course the little devil chooses you, Brendan. I think you both were made for each other."
Orrin quickly stifled a laugh when Mudkip seemingly heard May's comment and decided to reward her with a short burst of Water Gun, drenching her and prompting an indignant squeal. Ash and Birch jumped back to avoid the stray droplets.
Unlike his trainer though, Gastly had no qualms about laughing his ass off which just made May even angrier, and she immediately turned on Orrin. "Tell your stupid ghost to shut up!"
"Hey, don't yell at him!" Brendan snapped in his defence. Orrin couldn't help but send him another weirded look.
Since when did Brendan Birch start standing up for him? He shook his head and beckoned Gastly to come back to him before turning his full attention onto Birch.
The Professor cleared his throat, trying to diffuse the tension. "Right, well, since Brendan has already been chosen by Mudkip, that leaves Treecko and Torchic for you, May."
May huffed, crossing her arms. "Good. I didn't want that stupid Mudkip anyway."
Mudkip, still cradled in Brendan's arms, stuck out its tongue at her.
Birch pulled out the remaining two Poke Balls and released the starters in twin flashes of light. Treecko appeared with its usual cool demeanour, arms crossed as it surveyed the room. Torchic, on the other hand, chirped excitedly, its tiny feet tapping against the floor as it looked around with wide, curious eyes.
"Oh wow!" Ash said with a grin. He bent down to their level, and the Pokemon both glanced at him curiously. "What type are they?"
"Grass for Treecko and Fire for Torchic." Birch replied jovially, enjoying Ash's enthusiasm about the new Pokemon he was meeting.
May visibly shivered when Treecko turned to her with calculating yellow eyes and took a step back. "It's kinda creepy..."
Treecko's shoulders slump just the slightest amount though Ash was quick to restore its bruised pride. "He's not creepy. I think he's really cool!"
Birch rubbed his chin. "If not Treecko, then how about Torchic? I'm afraid if even he isn't good enough then you'll have to wait till the next batch arrives."
May paled before turning to the second Pokemon who had been watching her curiously all this time. The fire chick then took a few steps closer as if testing the waters, his talons tapping against the linoleum floor. May continued to stare at him for a few moments longer when finally, Torchic puffed himself and rubbed against the girl's legs with a contented cry.
For the first time, May's face lit up. "Oh wow..." She reached down to pet the little chick on his soft, downy head, and Torchic gladly leaned into her touch. "I think I know which one I want."
Birch sighed with relief as May finalized her choice, with Torchic happily nuzzling at her legs. Treecko, passed over without protest, fixed its sharp, steady gaze on Orrin as though quietly appraising him.
Breaking the calm, Ash's voice rang out, bubbling with curiosity. "Hey, Orrin, are you gonna take Treecko? He looks pretty strong!"
Orrin offered a modest shake of his head as his hand brushed along Gastly's insubstantial form. "No, I already have my starter." He replied softly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips as Gastly seemed to preen at the affirmation. "I'm specializing in Ghost types. The only other type I'd consider catching is Dark because they share a similar temperament."
Professor Birch gave an approving nod. "Orrin has already informed me of his wishes, and I have no issue with it. As for Treecko, I think I'll start training him up myself. Now that I won't have Brendan around, it might be nice to have a Pokemon to protect me when I'm doing my field experiments."
That was understandable, Orrin thought mentally, and from the looks of it, Treecko wasn't too miffed about being passed over a second time. Besides, the Professor could use protection from wild Pokemon to avoid a mishap like today. A fully grown Sceptile – once Treecko reached that stage – would be more than enough to ward off any angry Pokemon.
The Professor then reached into his coat pocket, producing three sleek red devices that gleamed under the artificial glow. The Pokedexes – state-of-the-art pieces of technology that would serve as their lifelines on the journey ahead.
"These are your Pokedexes." Birch announced, handing one to each of them with a gravity that made the moment feel ceremonial. "Not only do they serve as your Trainer Licenses, but they'll also record data on every Pokemon you encounter, help you track your progress, and keep you connected to the lab. The devices can also give you information about all the moves a Pokemon can learn and help you in your training. It's quite useful for starting trainers to have."
Orrin turned his over in his hands, feeling the smooth metal surface beneath his fingertips. The device whirred to life as he opened it, displaying his profile in crisp, holographic text:
Trainer Name: ORRIN GRAVES
Pokedex ID: HO-25072002
Active Pokemon: GASTLY
Next, Birch produced five miniature Poke Balls for each of them, their compact forms no larger than marbles until activated. Orrin rolled one between his fingers, its marble like surface smooth to touch, before he carefully, he stowed them in his belt pouch.
"Alright!" Brendan declared with a burst of enthusiasm, pumping his fist. "Time to hit the road! Dad, we'll send regular updates to the lab."
Birch regarded his son with a proud smile. "Well, I guess this is goodbye for now, kiddo. I know you'll make us proud, so remember to take your time and enjoy yourself along the way. You'll grow so much on this journey – more than you have in your entire fourteen years here in Littleroot. Just keep in touch with me and your mom; we might have heart attacks if you suddenly come back all grown up."
The younger Birch looks away, blushing a little in embarrassment, but he can't stop his lips from twitching upward. "Jeez, Dad..."
The professor wraps his son in a hug, and the boy hugs his father tightly. In the background, Ash and May both smile at the scene while Orrin looked away with slight envy, hating himself for feeling this way.
After a few seconds, the two of them released each other before Birch turned to Orrin. "Orrin, I doubt you need me to say much to you. But I will say to enjoy your journey to your hear'ts fullest and take in all experiences this region and the Pokemon world has to offer you."
Orrin bowed in respect to the man. "Thank you for all your help, Professor."
Birch grinned brightly and patted him on the shoulder. "Of course, my boy! Please make sure to be careful out there. I also want updates from you every now and then!"
"Of course, Professor." Orrin replied with another grateful bow. Once he straightened himself, he sent the others a nod in farewell before he turned around and pushed the lab doors open, stepping out into the sunlight.
He inhaled softly, taking in a deep breath before glancing at Gastly who was floating over his head. "Let's get going, buddy."
"Ghaaas~" The Gas Pokemon cackled in agreement and melded into his shadow once more.
Orrin had just turned toward the path leading out of town when he heard someone call out his name.
"HEY ORRIN, WAIT UP!"
The white-haired boy turned around to see Brendan jogging toward him, Mudkip cradled in one arm. The Water type blinked up at Orrin with curious eyes, letting out a soft "Kip!"
Orrin stopped but didn't turn fully, his posture tense. "What?"
Brendan hesitated, uncharacteristically awkward. He set Mudkip down, letting the Pokemon scamper a few feet away to investigate a patch of grass. "I, uh... I wanted to talk to you. Before you left."
Orrin hesitated for a moment, feeling Gastly shift in his shadow while asking if he needed his help. In the end, he bid the ghost to stay while nodding at his fellow Lab Trainer to continue.
Brendan took a deep breath. "Look, I know I haven't been...the best to you over the years."
Orrin's fingers twitched at his sides.
"I never joined in when the others gave you shit," Brendan continued, rubbing the back of his neck. "But I never stopped them either. And that's... kind of just as bad, isn't it?"
Silence stretched between them, broken only by the rustle of leaves in the wind.
Orrin exhaled slowly. "Why now?"
Brendan pulled off his white beanie and ran a shaky hand through his dark brown hair. "Do you remember my tenth birthday party?"
Orrin stiffened. Of course he remembered. The entire class had been invited – except him. He'd watched from his bedroom window as balloons bobbed in the Birch's backyard, listened to the shrieks of laughter carrying across town.
"I saw you that day," Brendan continued, voice thick. "You were reading under that oak tree near the playground. I almost went over to ask you to come. But then Kyle Miller said something about you being weird, and everyone laughed, and I..." His voice broke. "…I didn't want them to make fun of me too, so I walked away."
The admission hung between them like a physical weight. Orrin's chest tightened painfully. He kept telling himself it didn't matter, that it was in the past.
But it still hurt.
"You were just a kid." Orrin said, but the words tasted like ash in his mouth.
"So were you!" Brendan's voice cracked. "And when those jerks started calling you 'Gravekeeper'? When they pushed you into the mud that time after school? I just...walked away. Every damn time. I don't want to do that anymore."
"You're right," Orrin said softly. "You were a coward."
Brendan nodded miserably.
"But so was I."
Brendan's head snapped up. "What?"
Orrin stared at his shoes. "I never fought back. Never stood up for myself. Just took it and hid behind Gastly's pranks." He felt his partner probe his mind, sending him a jolt of reassurance and he was thankful for it. "It's easy to blame everyone else when you're too scared to face them."
Brendan stared at him, mouth slightly open. For a long moment, neither of them poke. Then, unexpectedly, Brendan let out a weak chuckle.
"Guess we both messed up, huh?"
Orrin exhaled, some of the tension leaving his shoulders. "Yeah. Guess so."
Mudkip, sensing the shift in mood, waddled back over and nudged Brendan's ankle with a concerned "Mud?" Brendan reached down to pat the Water type absently, his expression thoughtful.
"So... where does that leave us?" He asked, voice cautious.
Orrin considered the question. Truthfully, he never had any bad blood with Brendan, only the other kids. He had no reason to hate the guy, especially after he was the only one who actually apologized to him, despite not having done anything bad really.
"I don't know." He finally admitted. "But we're not kids anymore. And we're both starting the same journey."
Brendan hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Actually... I was thinking. Since we're both aiming for the Ever Grande Conference, it might help if we travelled together. At least for a while."
Orrin blinked. That he hadn't expected.
Brendan rushed on before he could respond. "I mean, training with someone else could make us both stronger, right? And it'd be better than traveling alone. More fun, too." He scratched the back of his head, suddenly self-conscious. "But, uh, no pressure. Just an idea."
Orrin studied him carefully, taking note of the hopeful glint in his eyes and the way Mudkip was looking up at him expectantly. He glanced at Gastly, who had emerged from his shadow, swirling in lazy loops as if considering the offer.
"Ghaaas?" The Ghost/Poison-type prompted, tilting its body like a question mark.
Orrin exhaled.
"...Alright."
Brendan's face lit up. "Seriously?"
Orrin shrugged. "Like you said. It's practical. And I'm not stupid enough to turn down a training partner, especially one who scored the highest
Brendan grinned. "Great! Then it's settled. We'll head out together, train together, and kick ass at the Ever Grande Conference together."
Orrin rolled his eyes, but there was no real annoyance in it. "Just don't slow me down."
Brendan laughed, slinging an arm around Orrin's shoulders before the other boy could dodge. "Oh, come on. If anything, you'll be the one struggling to keep up with me."
Gastly cackled, darting between them like a mischievous shadow, and even Orrin couldn't suppress the faint smirk tugging at his lips, despite the discomfort brewing in him at being touched. He'd let it slide just this once, because his new travelling companion seemed awfully excited.
"Whatever. Let's just get moving."
Yes, I am writing yet another Pokemon story despite having two that I haven't updated in a long time. I need to fix that though.
I hope you've enjoyed the first chapter of Phantasma featuring an OC who wants to become a Ghost Specialist. I've seen a lot of fanfictions do Fairy Specialists but I think I've only read one where they have an OC specializing in Ghost types. I'm sorry for the angst in the chapter, but I thought it was fitting for the character. Obviously the whole story won't be angsty but Orrin will have some issues.
Also, how do you guys like Brendan so far? I hope I wrote their conversation well and I also hope no one minds that he is travelling with Orrin. I thought it might be fun. I also want to point out that though his backstory is different (being the son of Prof Birch), Brendan represents the main character of the ORAS games. So obviously, he's going to be strong.
I also have the full teams of both characters laid out so I won't be accepting any requests (if someone actually reads this story). And yes, Mega Evolution will be present in this story as well.
Finally, I want everyone to note that this story is heavily inspired by Borne in Caution but I will not write it word for word! I am only drawing inspiration from it but it will be very different! Also, Orrin and Brendan will only meet up with Ash and co. time to time but this isn't Ash's story. It is Orrin's.
I hope to get the next chapter released soon by the way! I will also be updating Ascension alongside this story - the one about my OC who becomes an Elite Four member of Indigo! They aren't connected in either way though.
Until next time!
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Current Pokedex Update
Trainer: Orrin Graves
Pokedex ID: HO-25072002
Pokemon in Possession:
Gastly
Trainer: Brendan Birch
Pokedex ID: HO-30121985
Pokemon in Possession:
Mudkip