《Pokemon Dark Tidings.》


 Only Mostly Dead.

    £ª£ª£ª


    ¡°Wh-Where a-am I?¡± Ezra groaned weakly, his head pounding, both of his hands automatically raising up to massage his aching skull. He felt the chill against his back and could feel the cold coarse material he was leaning against through his thin shirt. He could feel his breath misting in the air in front of him, almost tasted the smell of damp grass and muddy soil around him. How? He''d gone to bed early, ready for the new school year to start, how was he outside? And why was it so chilly? It was still warm out when he went to bed.


    He squinted, daring to open his eyes just a slight bit, protecting himself from any further shooting pains in his head. He ended up cursing lowly under his breath, both of his hands clamped around his head, as his eyes shot open fully in shock the minute he attempted a squinting look around. What on earth?


    Slowly he moved his neck around, gaining a panoramic view of his surroundings. The dark smoky and hazy sky lending an almost depressive atmosphere to his surroundings. The gray and colorless surroundings were eerie and silent, apparently devoid of life, filled with rows and rows of gravestones. He scrambled to his feet, the noise of gravel under his feet echoing in the silence around him. He did his best at ignoring the throbbing pain from his still thundering skull. The chill on his back had been from him resting up against one of said gravestones, he''d been sitting on a grave.


    A quick look at least confirmed it wasn''t his name on it. That would have been¡­ Yeah¡­


    Not entirely unexpected, all things considered, he''d always expected he''d end up in one soon enough, just not, you know... Alive. Three times in his life he''d been at death''s door just for the doctors to manage to bring him back to his half life - his constant struggle. Only the incoming school year and the hope for anything better had kept him alive over the summer and his convalescence from yet another attempt by death to collect him. He wasn''t ready yet¡­ Not without a fight.


    If there was anything he knew in life, it was to struggle, to refuse to back down, to refuse to give in - to look death in the face and tell it to fuck right off.


    ¡°This isn''t funny!?¡± He called out, one hand to his temple as he looked around, nervous and suspicious. Who''d play such a prank anyway¡­ No one he knew would kidnap him from his bed and¡­ Dump him in a graveyard. He didn''t even know where the nearest graveyard was from his house! With his ill health he couldn''t imagine his few friends doing it either.


    ¡°Show yourself!¡± Ezra demanded, anger overcoming any fear in the moment, his usual habit of bull rushing any problem head on rearing its head. Something that did not usually end well for him - a guy barely able to manage going to school on most days. ¡°If this is some sort of joke¡­¡± He swore, wincing as his words echoed across the graveyard, his head was still pounding. Did he hit his head? Usually the pain was more¡­ Everywhere. Constantly.


    Nothing but silence answered him. Although he almost felt like the shadows were moving around him, that was probably just his head hurting making his vision blurry¡­ It''s not like he had perfect vision anyway, like everything else about his body, it was failing.


    Except¡­ Right now he could see clearer then he had for years¡­


    In the distance he could see structures and a tower? ¡°Where the hell is this?¡± His anger was growing rapidly, barely outpacing his fear. This is not New York! He thought, his breaths coming fast, misting the air around him. Where am I? Why can I see so far¡­ Wait? Why is only my head hurting? Why doesn''t breathing hurt!?


    ¡°Show yourself!¡± He demanded again, a hint of desperation now to his demand. If someone would just jump out and go, haha, just a prank. Then it could all make sense again.


    His body working again, was freaking him out, had someone kidnapped him and experimented on him? Was he left for dead in a graveyard?


    He thought he heard a giggle, he turned around quickly and found nothing, almost falling over, not used to his body twisting that quickly or easily - and more importantly, painlessly. He cursed and turned back around only to shriek and fall on his ass. A shadow getting right in his face, a menacing grin on its visage.


    ¡°Geeeengar!¡± It said smugly, an almost ethereal quality to the voice. The ghost floating in the air ahead of him.


    ¡°Ghosts aren''t real!¡± Ezra shouted, as he scrambled backwards, his escape blocked by yet another gravestone as he slammed his back into it, the breath being pushed out of his lungs at the impact.


    The universe apparently disagreed visavi the viability of ghosts, as the shadows around the graveyard all seemed to come alive in different shapes and forms, all circling around him. The feeling surrounding him almost felt¡­ Welcome¡­ Like home¡­ Very weird and an uncomfortable realization to have when surrounded by what also felt like death - he could say he and death were almost old friends, always circling each other, but he was winning, and using ghosts was cheating.


    The pain in Ezra''s head was actually lessening as they got closer. The clarity afforded to him without the stabbing pain right behind his eyes making him realize what he was actually seeing. He''d been used to an aching dull pain, always - it never went away, except now it had. This sharp pain was entirely new, he was glad it was lessening yet not so glad with his understanding of what he was seeing.


    ¡°This¡­ T-this is impossible!¡± Ezra spluttered out, his hands raised before him as a feeble means of protection. There was just no way this was real.


    The beings surrounding him were pokemon, ghost pokemon to be precise. Considering the tower he could see in the distance and the dreary atmosphere and multitude of graveyards¡­ He knew where he was. He just couldn''t accept it.


    ¡°Lavender town isn''t real! Pokemon aren''t real!¡± Ezra shouted angrily at the Haunter that suddenly popped up ahead of him, grinning wildly, bobbing in the air. Ezra choked on air as his statement was punctuated by the absolute eruption of ghost pokemon out of the shadows.


    Gastly, Haunter and Gengar amongst them, but even a Marowak popping up, several Misdreavus, Shuppets and Dusknoir scattered amongst the mass of mostly Gastly and Haunter. They all seemed drawn to him, circling ever closer as he panicked. He jumped behind the gravestone, marveling for a second at being capable of jumping, before he freaked out even more, seeing a bunch of dark pokemon standing and watching him from that side. Lavender shouldn''t even have those!


    ¡°This can''t be real, this is a dream! It ISN''T REAL!¡± He shouted, which only had the effect of an eerie giggle diffusing through the silent graveyard as the majority of pokemon in sight seemed to find this all very amusing. Many of them slowly drawing closer, their eyes shining in the dark, like a mass of glinting lanterns moving through the darkness.


    All of a sudden the pain in his head eased, and he felt like something settled over him. Like he was draped in a chilly yet supremely comfortable blanket. Yet he couldn''t truly feel comfortable - as he heard a giggle right in his ear. He turned his head, dreading what he would find.


    A shuppet stared at him from within his own shadow - its multicolored eyes meeting his with apparent fascination. Fear finally beat out Ezra''s anger. (Perhaps the Shuppet was feeding on the anger?) He had time to think, either way however it happened, his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed to the ground in a dead faint.


    The ghost pokemon of Lavender Town circled the downed body, feeling a kinship with the boy who''d died and yet was still here, just different. Filled with anger and spite at the world. Not so unlike a ghost pokemon.


    The dark pokemon, fewer but no less fascinated, circled at the end of the graveyard, in a tentative truce with the ghost pokemon as they all smelled the amalgamation of death and darkness on the boy. Ghost and Dark together.


    They stood watch for the rest of the night, until the people of Lavender Town woke and noticed the gathering, freaking out, amusing the ghosts in particular. Eventually trainers cautiously approached and the ghosts finally dispersed, the dark pokemon slinking into the nearby woods, both sides leaving just the unconscious body of the young man laying there.


    The one that felt like them.


    £ª£ª£ª


    For the second time, Ezra woke up without having any real idea where he was or how he was where he was. At least this time without the accompanying opera of pain going off inside his skull. And amazingly without any pain at all, for the first time he could remember since¡­ Huh, he couldn''t even remember any time without it anymore. So this was how that felt like¡­ He struggled to keep his emotions at bay, it felt¡­


    ¡­He couldn''t even quantify it. How do you describe a world without pain when it''s all you''ve ever known?


    ¡°Chan, Chansey!¡± Came a piercing excitable shriek from right by his ear.


    Ezra flinched, eyes flying open as his hands went to his head yet again. ¡°My fucking head!¡± He hissed out between clenched teeth. Okay, so apparently he wasn''t completely okay yet¡­ What the fuck had he gotten into? And was a fully functioning body worth it?


    Yes, fuck yes, anything is worth this! He immediately railed at himself inside his head, almost afraid that questioning it would lead to it being taken away.


    ¡°Language, young man!¡± A woman snapped, rushing through the door, no doubt drawn in by that shrieking.


    Ezra spluttered, ¡°I''m 21, I can curse if I want¡­.to¡­.¡± He trailed off, mouth agape as he took in the room and its occupants. By his bedside was a Chansey. An honest to god fucking Chansey. A pokemon. Oh god it wasn''t a dream! And coming towards him was Nurse Joy. She was unmistakable, she looked exactly as he remembered from the cartoon. What the fuck is this!? I don''t even¡­


    He looked around, trying to avoid the sight of Joy and her Chansey and the existential crisis they were sparking in him. He was in a small room with cream coloured walls with posters of cheery pokemon with cutesy slogans, the wall and door that Joy had entered through were glass and he could see out into what was obviously a pokemon center. The rest of the room was fairly spartan, holding his bed, a chair and a counter with a pair of cupboards with an attached sink.


    His malfunctioning body and it''s insistence to constantly give dying an attempt, meant he''d spent countless hours playing a game that featured said pokemon centers. They were impossible to mistake for something else. Nurse Joy and the Chansey were enough evidence anyway. What¡­ Why was he here?


    And he was cynical enough to ponder, what is the cost I''ll have to pay¡­ Someone or something doesn''t just break all laws of time and space and drop a cripple into another world for free. Perhaps my working body was just an investment. Which made me wonder how I''d pay the bill for it¡­


    Nurse Joy stopped in front of his bed, an amused look on her youthful pretty face, her pink hair somewhat disheveled like she''d recently had an electric shock. ¡°21?¡± She asked melodiously, her lips twitching. ¡°Are you sure, young man?¡±


    Ezra frowned, not understanding what was so amusing. Nurse Joy handed him a mirror that she grabbed from the nearby counter and he suddenly understood. Well, understood was an ill fitting word. Because he didn''t understand at all! Not only did he look like 15-16 at the most. But he was also just¡­ Creepy looking. He was albino, with almost translucently light skin, short spiky pure white hair, and striking and very creepy red eyes. He pursed his lips, feeling his heart rate shoot up, he didn''t look like himself at all! Not to mention having deaged. It truly felt like an out of body experience, he didn''t feel totally here. Not really. Because this just couldn''t¡­ It wasn''t true¡­ It just couldn''t be.


    He''d never hallucinated something so realistic before though, not that he hallucinated often, but he''d certainly tried some stuff this past summer, anything to dull the pain more, really, but the effects couldn''t be this delayed.


    Of course¡­ He''d end his time as a wasting cripple and end up as someone that would have people cross the street to avoid. Of course that''s how it would be. There''s always a catch, nothing good could just happen.


    Pain free though¡­ Isn''t anything and everything worth it?


    Nurse Joy gently removed the mirror from his hands when he started shaking it back and forth, trying to get another view, like the mirror was a magic eight ball and if he shook it enough his real face would show. ¡°You were found in the graveyard, we were all very concerned about you.¡± She coughed delicately, ¡°In fact early tests showed that you had died, but was somehow not dead¡­¡± Joy trailed off, crossing her arms under her chest, a wrinkle on her brow, pondering that for a moment, before she smiled cheerfully, disregarding it, ¡°But you''re all better now! And definitely alive!¡± The Chansey bounced up and down adding its own two cents. ¡°Chansey cha!¡±


    Ezra stared at her unsure how on earth she could possibly think that any of that was in any way comforting. He''d died? Well¡­ If he was here somehow¡­ Then yes he understood he''d likely died and somehow appeared in this world¡­If it was real¡­ For some reason as a teenager¡­ Which alright, it beats being reborn, because just, no, nope. Wait? Did she mean the body he was in now had died!? What kind of creepy teen goes and lays down in a graveyard to die?


    Not even he had given up yet¡­ Although he''d been close over the last year or so. Navigating adult life and trying to do the college thing, while basically a cripple that didn''t look like a cripple - had been harder than anything he''d done before, and he''d gone through some low times¡­


    He winced as he realized what exactly he looked like now, inherently creepy and off putting. There could be many reasons for a kid like that to want to die¡­ Was he¡­ An orphan to boot then?


    God damnit, if he was going to be randomly inserted somewhere where was the damn memory packet for his new life!? Also¡­ Was he possessing a dead body? He stopped brooding as the jolt from that thought ran through his body, his eyes raised to meet those of Nurse Joy, ¡°Wait? Am I dead or alive? Am I possessing myself?¡± Ezra asked, feeling sick. Starting to face the inevitability that this was real, he could feel too many things for this to be a dream or hallucination.


    Nurse Joy hurried to reassure him, sitting down at the side of his bed, grabbing his hands in hers, a compassionate smile on her face, ¡°You''re completely alive, young man. For whatever reason your body shut down, I''m not really sure why or how?¡± She tilted her head, looking slightly chagrined and confused, before patting his hands, ¡°But here you are, living breathing with all the bits and pieces, so definitely alive!¡±


    It was beginning to discomfit him how much Nurse Joy kept putting emphasis on the definitely alive part. Way to sound sure there, thanks a bunch, he thought sarcastically.


    ¡°So I died¡­¡± Ezra said quietly, trying to come to terms with the fact he''d basically taken over the body of some poor kid who''d either been killed in the graveyard or more likely¡­ Had such a shitty life he''d ended it. Cheery thought. All those ghost pokemon he''d seen¡­ Maybe the kid hadn''t ended it? Maybe ghost energy had done him in? But then why was he there in the first place? And why had he seen dark pokemon too? Wasn''t Dark super effective to Ghosts or something? Shouldn''t they have run away?


    Jesus Christ, he was already debating Pokemon logic, just great, give it a week and he''d be deep in the woods jacking off alone in a tent as he hunted for some rare pokemon or something stupid instead of staying sane and keeping indoors.


    When moving too much in a day was different levels of excruciating, Ezra had definitely gotten used to the convenience of a mini fridge, a lazy boy recliner, and most of all. Plumbing.


    He wasn''t a bear. Shitting in the woods wasn''t for him.


    ¡°Don''t think too hard about it, the important thing is you''re okay!¡± Joy said seriously, Chansey patting him on the leg consolingly, thrilling out its name in quick quips which Joy apparently understood - if the quick smile she flashed its way held any meaning.


    ¡°The local police couldn''t find any records about you, and you''re not in the league records as far as we could tell, do you¡­ Remember your name, or any details of why you''re here? No one in town recognized you, and, well¡­¡± Joy asked delicately, eyes assessing as she observed his response and actions.


    Ezra wondered. Could he use his name? If there was no record¡­ The league must have pretty strong records, right? Maybe he could at least keep his name, he sure couldn''t remember anything about his body''s previous life - so that was out anyway. He snorted quietly to himself - with how he looked, if he was native to Lavender or Kanto for that manner - surely someone would have remembered him. ¡°Ezra Kassian¡­ I don''t¡­ Remember anything else¡­¡± He said softly, looking down at their interlocked hands, feeling the turmoil inside him seethe at his shitty situation.


    At the same time, with the easy breaths he was taking, the steady thrumming of his heartbeat resonating strongly inside him, the feeling of being alive and not just living - he would have taken worse than being an albino orphan and still ended up ahead.


    ¡°It will come to you in time, or it won''t, either way you''re safe now and that''s what''s important!¡± Joy said consolingly, patting his arm, she peered at the wall clock, squirming slightly, looking uncomfortable, ¡°Unfortunately, now that you''re awake and healed¡­ You can''t remain here¡­¡± She said, looking conflicted.


    Ezra frowned, ¡°Didn''t I literally just die? Where would I go?¡± Does the pokemon world have social services? They must? Right? I''d go out on my own, I''m an adult at least mentally¡­ But¡­ That''s probably a bad idea, right? I don''t know this world, except from a damn game.


    Joy winced, patting Chansey as it crooned quietly. ¡°The pokemon center caters primarily to pokemon trainers and pokemon. We were just closer in your case.¡±


    Ezra nodded, hiding his conflicted feelings on the matter. Because he was fairly certain Nurse Joy had just lied to him. The hospital would surely make a lot more sense for treatment. Why would he be brought to a pokemon healing center instead? Surely they at least had a clinic or something? This was a town wasn''t it? Even if it had been Pokemon''s that killed him, the hospital/clinic must be used to dealing with people hurt by a pokemon. So why here? ¡°How do I become a pokemon trainer then?¡± Ezra winced immediately after he asked, he had other priorities actually, ¡°Hang on, where am I going if not here? I don''t know anything!¡±


    He didn''t have memories from his body, how was he supposed to just¡­ Leave here and go on with things? Hopefully she''d have an answer for him, because he didn''t know what his next move would be.


    Joy¡¯s smile was a little brittle as she stood up, straightening her dress, ¡°Ah, there''s many careers other than being a pokemon trainer, Ezra.¡± She deflected, she winked at him, ¡°Maybe become a nurse, eh?¡±


    Ezra put on a fake smile, mumbling out some vague agreement. Joy was lying about something in regards to his condition. And she''d completely sidestepped him becoming a trainer. Why? If he was in this world, what else would he do? He had certain advantages over others after all. He knew all the hidden places and pokemon, how to evolve some pokemon in ways that the rest of the world might not even know yet - depending on where in the timeline he was. Him becoming a trainer was in no doubt.


    It was the whole¡­ Traveling around thing that he wasn''t happy about¡­


    He''d rather get rich through one of the methods he remembered and then set up somewhere, with modern conveniences, and play around with pokemon at home, not in bug infested woods¡­ Get a flying pokemon and he could just fly off, catch some other pokemon, fly home in time for a beer and a shower.


    No matter what secret was being kept from him it wouldn''t really matter for now. He doubted Nurse Joy was some member of Team Rocket or some such. Or doing it out of any maliciousness. Didn''t really seem like her style. So probably one of those for your own good things. He was going to find that very annoying, having finally achieved adulthood only to be back to an age with no say over his life - or at least always talked down to by the adults who of course knows better¡­


    He brooded in his bed for the next hour as Joy and Chansey puttered around looking guilty and attempting stilted small talk. Then Officer Jenny arrived and soon after he found himself dropped off at the local orphanage. A blocky gray building that looked even more depressing than the surroundings.


    Lavender Town was certainly bigger than what could fit in a small gameboy game. Thousands of people lived here. And if he wanted to believe it was all a Nintendo style friendship is magic world that he''d entered¡­. The fact the orphanage was overflowing with kids was a good sign things were not so accommodating.


    ¡°Look at that freak!¡± A large stocky teenager shouted in glee the second Ezra had been left alone by the adults.


    As other teens and younger kids gathered around, Ezra sighed forlornly.


    It was going to be like that, huh?


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Fuck you and your world, Arceus!


    £ª£ª£ª


    Things were definitely¡­ Rough for a while. Ezra literally did not have any knowledge of the world other than what he knew from pokemon games or the show, which in many cases didn''t really match.


    Oh, sure, Pokemon types and the like were the same, except fairy types were not yet classified as such. That had been the first sign of where in the timeline he''d been, but also not quite matching either. After all, if this was a game world, the only ghosts he should have been able to see in the graveyard were Gastly, Haunter and Gengar, as the first generation had no others.


    The Shuppet that had scared him shouldn''t have been there. Not to mention the others he''d seen. As he rose through the classes in school, even though he was taking them with children years younger than him - he learned that the region spanning wars had been so calamitous that entire regions had been permanently cut off from each other in the past.


    Only in recent years had some opened up again, the forces and violent nature events separating regions lessening enough to allow travel (Maybe Legendaries separating the humans to stop the war?) Although this was a departure from the games as well. Likely because this world didn''t work on the concept of game sequels. Because at this point of time only Kanto and maybe Johto, since it was connected more clearly - should be available.


    Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh and Hoenn. They were all in communication years earlier than what the ¡®games¡¯ would suggest. Perhaps how some pokemon that shouldn''t exist in Lavender town had still managed to be here. Or maybe his dead ass not being dead had drawn them in? Who knows. Kanto and Johto shared a league, although Lance was not yet the champion, putting me in definitely pre-Ash time.


    Ezra had been given citizenship in Kanto with his ¡®birth city¡¯ becoming Lavender town. As much as he disliked almost everything about what had happened - mostly because he still had no clue how or why - he grudgingly appreciated what had been done for him. Even as most citizens of Lavender treated him like a pariah at best, he had a roof over his head, free education and he''d been given citizenship - despite having no clue where he was from or how he''d gotten there.


    It did smart something fierce though¡­ Watching kids leave on Pokemon journeys, while he stewed in his frustration and anger in the orphanage, already much older than the kids leaving. Not that many from the orphanage were, no, we were all destined for manual labor or retail jobs. The rare few got sponsored, got a scholarship for a pokemon technical school or were adopted (incredibly rare) by someone who could fund their journey.


    He didn''t want to go on a journey per say¡­ But he wanted the trainers license, because in this world, Pokemon was power. And without them - you had none.


    With his meta knowledge he''d literally blown through school in regards to anything to do with pokemon, having to dumb himself down at times, because things he knew - weren''t known yet. Although the subjects like history had taken slightly longer as he''d had to start from the beginning. Yet¡­ Any request to even apply for becoming a trainer was denied him. There''s no way he could afford a trainers license on his own, they didn''t come that cheaply for random orphans. Let alone the most disliked orphan in Lavender town. Curse Arceus for making him an albino freak!


    For every day he spent working his ass off on his studies, on studying every scrap of knowledge on pokemon that was available (Ghost and Dark mostly, it''s what Lavender had a lot of material on - and it called to him.) - there was a day where he found himself having to fight. He could have backed down from all the bullies and naysayers, but what would that have achieved? He refused to be destined as nothing - to then add spineless and pathetic to it as well, was anathema. For once he had a working body, he wouldn''t accept being pushed around anymore.


    There was something satisfying about the crunch of crushed cartilage, as he dealt out damage to his bullies - he always lost in the end - for they were many, and he was but one.


    But he always made them pay heavily for it¡­


    If they had pokemon maybe it wouldn''t have been so bad, he''d definitely go for a pokemon battle anytime¡­ But none of them had any, so it was just regular fists he faced. At least he couldn''t say he got no exercise... Of course all the witnesses always said he started it. So he got intimately acquainted with Officer Jenny and the Lavender town police department. (Not that kind of intimate, unfortunately) He usually got accused of everything from vandalism to theft anyway, just for being in the vicinity of good upstanding citizens. Luckily for him, the police refused to actually prosecute him without actual evidence other than kids getting into fights.


    They all knew he was other, foreign. His looks hadn''t helped him in that aspect. So even with the police not prosecuting him, they also weren''t helping.


    It wasn''t shown in the games, but people were still people. Racism was still a thing, fear of anything other, was definitely still a thing, and of course there had been wars between the regions¡­ So a lot of hatred was stewing behind the scenes.


    So yeah¡­ He was grateful to Lavender for taking him in since he had nothing and no one¡­ And he wanted to punch every fucking face in town in - for treating him like garbage. Except Nurse Joy. Joy was cool. Even if still tight-lipped whenever he tried to question her. There was definitely something going on that he was unaware of. He was so far at the top of the class it wasn''t funny, even if he was older then all the other kids he should be receiving offers to sponsor or at least go study for a breeder or at a scientific research center if nothing else. But he got nothing¡­


    And maybe he was being spiteful and a bit resentful, not all of Lavender was treating him like the dirt under their shoes. But it sure felt like it¡­


    With no Pokemon, no realistic way to get one yet without getting accused of poaching or something, and no real future to look forward to after he finished school¡­ He was constantly burning with anger and darker feelings. The spite he was carrying around everyday as he faced mutters and dirty looks everywhere he went, became the new normal.


    Those feelings would have probably been how he finally figured out that he wasn''t alone¡­


    If things hadn''t escalated due to pure suicidal stupidity.


    £ª£ª£ª


    It had been over six months since he''d arrived in this world, nothing had really stood out in the morning to tell him everything would change.


    It had been a regular shitty day. His breakfast had accidentally been knocked out of his hands by Rocky, Dean and their group of neanderthals ( Both as old as him and more pathetic for it as they had nothing going for them.) Of course he couldn''t get seconds after that. It was an orphanage - and everyone would swear up and down he tossed it to the ground on his own if he bothered to complain. So¡­ Off he went to school, hungry. Fine.


    It''s fine. He was cool about it. No big deal¡­


    His walk to the school was practically a practice in mediation and zen like control of his emotions at this point. He barely even saw the people around him anymore as he sunk into almost a meditative state - achieved after much practice - eyes half lidded as he walked automatically down the road, the darkness building inside him being tightly controlled and soothed. He almost felt like he heard a cackling laugh from somewhere, but he''d arrived at the school so he put it out of his mind.


    As he entered the yard outdid the school, he could feel the weight of the stares from his classmates. They knew he was different, they knew the adults didn''t like him, and they didn''t hesitate to make him feel it. Ezra took a deep steadying breath, trying to keep his emotions in check.


    It wouldn''t do to break noses at school, he''d probably actually get in shit for that.


    Suddenly, he felt a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, are you okay?" It was Mia, one of the few students who had been kind to him since he had arrived in town.


    Only one really.


    Mia''s voice cut through the haze of his dark thoughts, and Ezra turned to look at her. She had a concerned expression on her face, her bright green eyes filled with worry. Mia was two years younger than him, but she had a maturity beyond her years. She had always been kind to him, despite the harsh treatment he''d received from the other students.


    She was the kind of person that would find an injured squirrel and nurse it back to health, that would give the shirt off her back to help another - a total softy in other words.


    And completely nuts to risk associating with him.


    Ezra managed to fake a small smile, appreciative of her concern, but really not needing her to become the next target. "I''m fine, Mia. Just the usual bullshit." He shrugged, trying to downplay the situation. He didn''t want to burden her with his problems.


    Mia looked at him sympathetically, her face an open book, he disliked the whole situation really, but he could also see it was ultimately temporary, he wasn''t a teenager anymore, not really - so he could see the light at the end of the tunnel (heh, death joke!)


    "I understand, Ezra.¡± Mia said companionably, her expression entirely honest and warm, ¡°It''s not easy, I know. But you''re not alone, not really." She glanced around the hallway surreptitiously, making sure no one was listening in on their conversation. ¡°I''ve noticed something... Strange. Whenever you''re around, ghost-type Pokemon seem to appear more often¡­¡±


    Ezra scoffed, glancing at her out of the corner of his eyes as he continued towards the school entrance, hands in the pockets of his worn jeans. ¡°You''re shittin¡¯ me, I have never even laid an eye on a single one¡­¡± Not since the graveyard anyway¡­


    ¡°It''s true.¡± Mia insisted, skipping alongside him, her freckled face gaining a stubborn look that he knew meant she wouldn''t drop this. ¡°Like out of the corner of my eye sometimes, I see stuff in your shadow.¡±


    ¡°Stuff¡­ Right?¡± He mocked her lightly, ¡°Sure sounds like a pokemon to me.¡±


    He didn''t entirely discount her, because who knew? And perhaps he''d have to see if he could catch a glimpse himself, but agreeing with her in any way would just have her stick by him even closer - and that wasn''t good for her continued health.


    Speaking of the devil¡­ He thought, mood immediately souring as he noticed Rocky''s best friend Dean, rushing their way surrounded by a small gaggle of other orphans.


    Their conversation was interrupted as Dean gleefully shoved a poke ball under his nose, from the scuffs and dirt on it, he''d likely stolen or come upon one. He sure as hell couldn''t afford buying one.


    They were the unwanted, all of them - the ones who''d never gotten a journey, a break, a shot at being something special. The ones destined for sewer work, cleaning, and all other undesirable jobs - company pokemon lent to them for tasks, for the ones they wouldn''t have to do with their own hands anyway.


    Dean sneered at Ezra, holding up the Pokeball and giving it a shake. "Hey look, it''s the loser without a Pokemon. What''s the matter, can''t you even get one of your own?" He chuckled nasally, looking to his friends for approval immediately.


    What a moronic taunt, since none of us are allowed one of our own¡­ He thought, staring at the idiot bully with a dull look.


    He noticed Dean''s attention wavering, switching towards Mia, so he stepped forward, hands still in his pockets. ¡°Who''d you suck off for that then? Never knew you were that into balls, Dean.¡±


    It worked like a charm, no one was paying attention to Mia now, every single one of the guys staring at him. Some holding back snickers, as Dean''s pimply face turned a puce color as he snarled back at Ezra, ¡°You can''t talk like that now, freak, I got a Pokemon!¡±


    Ezra held back the urge to roll his eyes at the childish taunt, yes, he was a freak, come up with something new. He idly noted Mia out of the corner of his eyes, a few steps back, watching the gathering while worryingly gnawing on her lower lip.


    He couldn''t really pick a fight, couldn''t afford to. Not at school, not only for him, but for Mia. She was a sweetheart really, and she didn''t deserve to worry about him, or to get caught in the crossfire.


    So he turned his back on Dean, dismissively, ¡°Whatever, we got class.¡±


    He only realized his mistake when Dean snarled in anger behind him and he heard the sound of a pokeball hitting the dusty ground, what hurts more than anger? Dismissal.


    He turned around quickly, giving Mia a shove away from him, ¡°Get out of here, Mia!¡± He said urgently.


    As he''d guessed, Dean had stolen, or found a lost pokeball. Which meant he''d just released what was basically a monster in the school yard, while having no control of it.


    The pokemon emerged with a feral snarl, its eyes glowing with a menacing red light. The other students gasped and scattered, even Dean''s friends not having expected him to go that far. Which left Ezra and Mia to face the creature alone, only Dean remaining, cheering on ¡®his¡¯ pokemon like the absolute moron he was.


    From the looks of it, with the obvious signs of abuse across the Nidorans skin - the idiot had managed to somehow get his hand on a pokemon reclaimed from an abusive trainer. Ezra raised his hands, trying to appear non-threatening, ¡°Hey, it''s okay, we''re not going to hurt you, you''re not with your trainer anymore.¡± He tried, lacking any better options.


    In his mind, he dully noted that Mia continued to prove that she had no survival instincts. First trying to befriend the abnormal freak everyone hated - and now not running facing a feral pokemon.


    Nidoran snarled, its horn glistening purple as its eyes flickered across the yard, searching for threats.


    To Ezra''s relief, it didn''t seem to see them as such at the moment, so he slowly began to back up, laying an arm across Mia, pushing her back behind him. ¡°Slowly now¡­¡± He muttered.


    ¡°Do something, you useless thing!¡± Dean shouted, aiming a kick at the abused Nidoran, making Ezra''s hope for humanity sink to new lows. The idiot was dead last in pokemon studies, but surely he couldn''t be that dumb?


    The Nidoran yelped in pain and anger, as Dean''s kick connected, its eyes flickering towards the source of the pain. Ezra could see the anger and confusion in its gaze, and he knew it was only a matter of time before it attacked. Where the fuck are the teachers!?


    He quickly scanned the area, looking for something, anything, he could use as a weapon, coming up short.


    Their classes had a very simple lesson on what to do about fighting a Pokemon on your own.


    Don''t.


    End of lesson.


    "Stay behind me." Ezra whispered to Mia, his eyes never leaving the Nidoran, he refused to be cowed by something the size of a plushie. He knew it had powers that could kill him, but death wasn''t a fear of his, failing to live was.


    The Nidoran finally decided on a course of action, Ezra pushing Mia to run, not feeling even an ounce of empathy for Dean as the Nidoran gored him with its horn, the teen absolutely howling in agony.


    He wasn''t a saint, do stupid shit - win stupid prizes. Dean won death all of his own, and Ezra didn''t give a shit about it - except for the fact they were now possible targets.


    Chancing a quick look behind him, still pushing Mia ahead of him, he blanched as he saw the Nidoran - its horn dripping blood - turn its head their way, beginning to run on tiny legs, but eating up the distance far faster then it should be able to.


    If it was a normal animal, but pokemon were not, their bodies didn''t have the same limits as physical or common sense would dictate.


    Ezra was forced to improvise, sliding to a halt, kicking a garbage can towards the Nidoran, his hand grasping the lid. ¡°Tch.¡± He acknowledged as the Nidoran jumped on top of the garbage can, using it to fly in the air, heading directly at him.


    Ezra tried to smack it with his makeshift shield, only to find the Nidoran was heavier than it looked, smashing into his shield, his arms not able to push it away and off as he''d planned. The horn pierced right through it, stopping just an inch in front of his face.


    ¡°Fuck off Barney!¡± He said, scowling, glaring at the purple pokemon as it wiggled its horn trying to push through.


    With its momentum slowed, Ezra managed to at least let go of his makeshift shield, taking a few steps back as the Nidoran shook it head, screeching, trying to get the trash can lid off its horn, quickly managing to rip through the cheap metal.


    Ezra stared down at the snarling pokemon, its red eyes mad and unfocused. Shit, this might be it¡­ He thought, putting his hands up in a loose boxers pose.


    If he was going down, he was going to at least punch this fucking thing in the face before he got gored.


    Pain was not new, hell death wasn''t new. He''d be damned if he was going to face it like a chump, he''d go out punching death in the face or not at all.


    ¡°Leave him alone¡± A shriek came from the side, an apple hitting the Nidoran in the head.


    Both Pokemon and person turned and stared at Mia, one in madness, the other just mad.


    It was a good ass throw, no doubt, but it was also just the last thing she should have done, why wouldn''t the bitch just run!?


    Everyone was shooting for stupid prizes today.


    ¡°Mia, no!¡± Ezra shouted, lunging for the Nidoran, but only hitting dirt, as the pokemon shot forward, rushing towards the girl.


    Finally teachers were coming out of the entrance, pokeballs aloft, too late. Far too late. Ezra thought, despairing.


    You stupid girl! I don''t even really know you, and you''re going to make me watch you die!


    His anger flared, at the situation, at that idiot Dean, at the incapable teachers, and most of all at the stupid girl who tried to befriend him, and got herself killed for it.


    The Nidoran jumped at Mia''s throat, the girl screaming in fear, before a shadow ball struck it in the side, sending the Nidoran off course, screeching in pain.


    Ezra rose up, feeling a chill in the air, the rush of the teachers had pulled to a stop, their pokemon out, but standing guard, wary.


    Ezra could see why¡­


    Shadows played around him, his own shadow draped like a mantle around his shoulders, Dozens of ghost pokemon fluttering in and out of sight, giggling phantasms doing a fly by, over the crowd of teachers and students.


    Out of his shadow, a shuppet floated up to hover over his shoulder. Ezra didn''t know how he knew, but it was the same one as the one he saw at the graveyard.


    The Nidoran stood no chance, a multitude of ghost attacks hitting it at once, making Ezra wince. ¡°Stop!¡± He yelled, not interested in killing it, especially not in front of witnesses.


    The entire group of ghosts all pulled back at his order, and Ezra had no idea what was going on¡­ But he liked it.


    Where the fuck was this these last six months? He thought, marveling over what was going on.


    As the shadows practically broiled across the ground around him, dark shadowy smoke wafting off his shoulders and limbs, a Shuppet on his shoulder, a cloud of ghost pokemon circling above him, Ezra grinned widely,


    Lavender Town wouldn''t be able to ignore him now.


    £ª£ª£ª


    Several hours later,


    Officer Jenny sat across from him in the interrogation room at the police station, having politely asked him to visit. "We''re willing to offer a trainers license if you agree to leave Lavender Town." She said reluctantly, it was obvious it wasn''t her call, it came from above her.


    With how superstitious people in Lavender could be, and add in his appearance, Ezra wasn''t surprised they wanted to get rid of him. Offering the one thing he''d stubbornly kept asking for and continuously was denied was smart.


    But, a little too late, and a little too¡­ Well, little.


    He wasn''t just a no-name orphan now.


    Officer Jenny watched Ezra carefully, her expression a mix of concern and determination. The dull hum of the fluorescent lights overhead cast an eerie glow over the room, highlighting the beads of sweat forming on her forehead.


    She was uncomfortable being stuck in an enclosed space with him.


    Made him wonder why exactly they chose this room to begin with, it''s not like he''d have protested if they did it in a field, or the schoolyard or literally anywhere.


    Ezra could practically feel the weight of the town''s fear and mistrust pressing down on him, even Mia had looked at him with fear in the end - the miasma of ghostly energies and pokemon proving too much for even her charity. He''d gotten what he wanted in a way, but not how he''d wanted it.


    Hopefully she''d gain some much needed survival instincts.


    Because without a pokemon on her own, she was going to get herself killed with some brave pointless stunt.


    He had nothing against being brave, it sure beat being a coward - but like with everything, it needed moderation. He vastly preferred being brave in a situation where he actually stood more than a snowball''s chance in hell to win.


    He supposed he should be thankful they were willing to just kick him out with a parting gift, and not put him away in some lab somewhere and study his strange affinity to ghosts.


    He''d definitely need to keep an eye out. If team Rocket heard about him being some kind of ghost pokemon beacon¡­


    He did not want to spend the rest of his life as some sort of battery for fucking Giovanni.


    He disliked the man not because he was the enemy in a game he''d played once, but because the coward was a duplicitous fraud without the will to truly go for what he wanted.


    If he wanted to be a criminal lord, he should have just done it full stop, not the half measure he did playing gym leader on the side.


    "A trainer''s license, huh?" Ezra muttered lowly, his Shuppet still hovering over his shoulder, no longer hiding in his shadow.


    He could almost feel It now, when it slipped in or around his shadow, connected somehow.


    Some ghosts in pokemon had some shitty descriptions, he didn''t remember if shuppets were the ones where a kid died and became a pokemon - but he sure as hell hoped not.


    If he was lugging around his body''s previous soul as a pokemon - that would just be sick.


    As for the offer, he could just take it, but he was an orphan, and traveling the wilderness with nary a pokeball, tent or rations on him - sounded self defeating. He also really wasn''t one for roughing it. He was a New Yorker, not a wilderness enthusiast.


    He never went anywhere where there wasn''t a hot dog cart within a block radius.


    Besides all that, he really wasn''t happy about the whole treatment he''d received in Lavender for something as retarded as his looks - now they have a reason, but before they sure as hell didn''t. They might succeed in getting rid of him for the moment - and he was going to make it cost them a bundle¡­ But he''d be back¡­


    Oh, he had plans now¡­


    If he really had this connection with Ghost pokemon? Well, he wanted to train and fight with them, but without schlepping through woods - so why not build his own gym. Get the pokemon experience but not the weeks without showers and bugs in his everything, experience.


    A Ghost gym! Even if it didn''t get to be on the circuit, he''d still have challengers, someone would always come when there was a challenge available. And he''d get his creature comforts and his pokemon and power at the same time. And who knew, if he got strong enough, maybe he could even get the gym on the circuit, it wasn''t like the Cerulean gym was worth shit anyway.


    And of course, since Lavender town had fucked with him, and also happened to be ghost capital of the world - what better place to set up? The town was literally built for it, he''d never lack pokemon for the gym, or for handing out starters to annoying tykes.


    And he''d make sure each god damn orphan got a chance to own a pokemon too - license or no license.


    He''d be back, they could count on it.


    But first, he needed to extort the crap out of them. For justice. But mostly because he needed to eat.


    ¡°Seems kind of low¡­ Kickin¡¯ an orphan to the wilderness and all that, dontcha think?¡± He said casually, leaning forward on his elbows, a Haunter briefly flickering into being next to him, grinning, before it faded away, mocking laughter echoing around the interrogation room.


    Okay, he hadn''t asked for that, or planned it - but wicked!


    Officer Jenny watched him with a bit more wariness, although she still had an underlying aura of concern around her, ¡°A basic starter kit could be provided.¡± She said agreeably. ¡°A tent, some antidotes and food, cooking supplies.¡±


    Wow, I thought you were cool, Jenny - what''s with the lowball offer?


    Ezra scoffed, not even interested in such a pathetic offer, talk about starting low, ¡°You''re gonna give me that crap after I saved a girl''s life?¡± He said with an unimpressed mien, his brow knitted together.


    Officer Jenny gave him a stern look, lips pursed, ¡°You''re also endangering lives for every moment you remain. There''s already been trainers inquiring about how much of a threat you are and if there''s a bounty on your head yet.¡±


    ¡°Bounty?¡± Ezra asked, a bit thrown, it was not something he''d run into in his studies, or in the games.


    Definitely not something that would fit in a kids game he supposed. Bounty hunters usually weren''t easygoing fellas.


    Officer Jenny grimaced, ¡°It''s not something that we generally advertise, but sometimes people, or pokemon, become a threat to society, and bounties get placed for taking them in.¡±


    ¡°Threat to society, huh?¡± Ezra said thoughtfully, not something he''d have pictured for himself.


    He could see it of course, if he could really direct all these pokemon, and they weren''t just humoring him or something - he was definitely a threat.


    Just not to regular people - he was a bit of an a-hole sure, but he wasn''t 100 percent a dick.


    ¡°You can see why we don''t want any misunderstandings to happen.¡± Officer Jenny said shortly, giving him a measured look.


    At least she didn''t look ready to attack him, even if she did have her pokemon out for this little meeting. Probably the fact he saved Mia was his one saving grace in this - and why he didn''t have some Ace trainers or Rangers throwing Charizards and shit at him.


    Ezra nodded, understanding her point, just not¡­ Giving a fuck. ¡°Unless you''re telling me you''re putting a bounty on me for saving a life, trouble from bounty hunters sounds more like a you problem. Again, you want me gone, then set me up in a way where I can actually leave.¡± He didn''t bother with pleasantries just going full on blunt ass - there was no need to be diplomatic now, they both know what they wanted, so it was time to deal.


    Like hell he was going to be made to feel guilty for saving Mia, no matter how freaky or spooky he was about it.


    Officer Jenny let out a huff, looking towards the one way mirror, before sighing, ¡°Alright, what do you want exactly¡­?¡±


    Ezra smiled winningly. ¡°Let me take as much as I can carry from the pokemart in town, at the town''s expense.¡± He suggested, the Shuppet on his shoulder shaking in laughter.


    She tried to haggle him down of course, but he was insistent. Eventually, after some pow-wows with whoever was behind the mirror, she agreed to his request and escorted him to the Pokemart.


    Sucked to suck, the Pokemart had recently gotten those new hammerspace bags or whatever they were. The ones you saw in the anime where Ash and co could pull full on cooking sets, tents and shit out of them.


    What he could carry with two or three of those bags¡­ Well¡­ He wasn''t going to be any more liked in town shortly, but he''d be well set up for his journey.


    Perhaps sensing his mischievousness, the ghosts following in his wake went off into a chorus of creepy laughter, freaking out Officer Jenny.


    ¡°No worries, Officer. They just like a good joke.¡± Ezra said, trying to hold back a shit eating grin.


    Boy were they going to be pissed when he showed back up to put down roots.


    This was where he''d been born so to speak.


    Like hell he was going to let these losers run him out permanently.


    £ª£ª£ª


    Later that night,


    Ezra had set up his tent just a two hours walk from Lavender Town.


    He was technically following the ¡®banishment¡¯ As he wasn''t in Lavender after all, he was in the wild wilderness - two hours of a slow walk away type of wilderness.


    He''d definitely furthered the resentment when he''d robbed the pokemart blind on the taxpayers dollar - but to be fair, he did lay out the terms clearly, and they signed on the dotted line.


    He''d walked out carrying four bags with space enlargement mojo in them, absolutely stuffed to the brim with everything he could possibly need.


    He now faced the question of what exactly he should do.


    He didn''t want to travel around the regions, not on foot anyway. Once he had flight, he could just travel from town to town - you know - civilization. Therefore a flying pokemon would be absolutely necessary, one he could evolve quickly for the purpose of flying.


    It might not make him the best type of trainer, he wasn''t exactly a ¡®purist¡¯ when it came to all the make friends, be happy bullshit Ash portrayed in a kids show.


    Dean dying to a Nidoran, the bounties on dangerous pokemon or trainers - told him he wasn''t in a kid friendly world. So befriend a pidgey and spend maybe months training it, battling with it against other rookies¡­ He didn''t have the sentiment to bother with it.


    He''d rather catch one and make it clear from the beginning, we''re training for you to be a flier, not a battler. The pidgey would get a nice life of being well fed and taken care of, with just having to fly around a bit now and then - all it had to do was live through the gauntlet of ghosts battling it over and over while they traveled, until it evolved.


    He wasn''t going to be Ash, the kid, if he existed here, could try his own bs and see how it worked. Ezra was followed by ghosts and dark type pokemon for a reason - and it wasn''t his pleasant personality.


    He too, just like them, had a good bit of spite in him. A need to tell the world to suck it, to go his own way.


    It was probably going to end in tragedy, what quest for power didn''t? But he was okay with that, it was about the journey, not the end. As long as he was happy with what he was doing, it wouldn''t matter what happened at the end.


    So, he''d have to focus on a flying pokemon for a bit, surely there would be some around in any forest.


    After that, he had a choice to make.


    He needed to find something that would make him a lot of money.


    So he could get his snazzy freaky ghost gym, preferably styled like a haunted mansion, with a moat around it, covered in fog - one rickety wooden bridge leading into the unknown. Yeah¡­ That sounded about right.


    No point in going the gym leader route if he wasn''t going to be a scary as hell one, the kind the filthy casuals don''t dare approach because of his rep.


    So¡­ Money.


    This time in the timeline no one should know about how to evolve Feebas into Milotic, which would be some good cash, but also time consuming. It wasn''t like he could rip every prism scale off them as they evolved - he wasn''t cruel, just indifferent to the pokemon he didn''t care about.


    He also knew about the island full of dragonites, selling that information would net him a good sum, but would also attract attention. He also figured that the two who would pay the most for the information would be Lance, the dragon master - and Giovanni because of Team Rocket.


    Neither were people he wanted to deal with at this early stage. He''d have to actually train up a team first. Become at least a gym leader level of strength.


    His mind was flush with ideas for training, so he didn''t think it would be impossible, but not soon enough for his taste to tangle with the likes of Lance or Giovanni.


    The crystal Onix was an option, but not an immediate one.


    He''d have to put a pin in it, either way, until he could fly, his money making schemes were a non-starter.


    He rummaged around in one of his bags, bringing out a set of poke balls.


    ¡°Okay, I don''t know how much you guys all understand what''s going on, but I can''t fight with you guys while you''re not ¡®my¡¯ Pokemon.¡± Ezra held up several pokeballs, seeing ghosts and dark pokemon skimming by the edge of his campsite, well hidden in the dark.


    ¡°Once I have my own gym, you''ll all be there, belonging to me and my gym, playing whatever pranks you want and having fun with idiots.¡± Ezra promised, with a smirk on his face, ¡°Until then, who wants to grow strong with me?¡±


    The Shuppet on his shoulder tapped itself on one of his pokeballs, not surprising Ezra overly much considering it had been following him around. The pokeball let out a ding as it officially became his starter.


    Out of the shadows, a Cubone, and a Haunter came into the campsite.


    He was a little disappointed that more pokemon didn''t want to come, but with his current limit of six, it was probably for the best.


    He rolled the pokeballs over, and the two volunteers touched them, sucked into the pokeballs without further ado - and officially joined team Ezra.


    He held up the three pokeballs, more ghosts swirling around him, the dark type pokemon keeping their distance but still watching him.


    ¡°We''re going to mess with people so fucking much.¡± He promised them, his face not so dissimilar from a grinning Gengar in the darkness.


    Well¡­ If the Gengar was an albino.


    £ª£ª£ª

 Beginnings

    £ª£ª£ª


    Officer Jenny felt very uncomfortable as she made her way to the reported encampment, her trusty Growlithe already out and prepared for trouble.


    She hadn''t been onboard with tossing the kid out on his own to begin with, even if she acknowledged he was¡­ Different, in a way that just felt unsettling.


    Working in Lavender Town, she was used to - as used as one can be anyway - Ghost Pokemon and their antics. The way they flocked around Ezra however¡­ She could understand why Lavender Town''s elders and town council wanted him gone. She hadn''t agreed, but her job wasn''t to make laws or regulations, it was to enforce them.


    And while they hadn''t quite gone so far as to make it illegal for Ezra to stay in town, they hadn''t made it easy for him to stay either. Officer Jenny had done what she could, even signing that, in hindsight, lopsided pokemart deal, that had so infuriated the council.


    She didn''t regret it, thought it was clever of the boy in fact, and regretted not thinking of it herself, low balling the boy with her own first offer in her own thoughtlessness.


    He''d left, and she''d thought that was it. She''d quietly wished him luck even then. He''d do better outside the reach of the superstitious townspeople of Lavender Town, she was sure.


    Except when he''d left, he''d just barely followed the instructions laid out for him in his banishment.


    He''d made camp about two hours away from Lavender Town, and stayed there. Seemingly content to stay and train his Pokemon without going anywhere.


    Once that information began circulating in town, brought in by trainers who''d run in to the boy - the council naturally tasked her with the job of impressing on him that the banishment although technically only from Lavender Town, who''s city limits he was not within - it naturally also meant he was supposed to leave the surrounding area.


    Jenny wasn''t sure what she was even going to say to the boy when she got there. He hadn''t broken any laws that she knew of, so no matter what flak might come her way from the town, she couldn''t actually force him to go anywhere.


    That said, as an experienced woman, she could give the young man some advice, and see him off before he got in real trouble.


    The council probably wouldn''t put a bounty on a kid, they''d have to get that past the league, and she really didn''t think the excuse of - he''s creepy - would fly past them. His seeming control over Ghost Pokemon was not enough on its own, not unless he actually did something illegal with it.


    That said, if the council made enough of a fuss, Jenny knew there were always unscrupulous people around who''d salivate at the thought of a young lonely man with that kind of potential.


    Hence why she hadn''t protested too hard when she''d been pressured to go deal with him.


    He''d seemed an intelligent young man, for all that she''d been forced to continuously bring him in due to overwhelming witness statements against him in the past. She''d never charged him, how could she? When it was always him with more bruises than skin.


    No matter how the others would have a broken nose or split lip, only one of them ever came in as if stomped by a crowd. So she''d given him shelter under the guise of holding him. Giving him medical care, food. A respite.


    Even if she''d been forced to act like he was some sort of delinquent, or risk losing the ability to do anything as the town pulled their support.


    She let out a huff of air, her tired mien watching the sky as her feet led her forward on the well trodden path, who''d have thought policing was so dependent on the townspeople around you¡­ She snarked mentally.


    Eventually she stepped off the path, heading to where he''d been reported to have set up camp, not too far off the road.


    As Officer Jenny approached Ezra''s encampment, an unnatural chill settled over her. The sun, still high in the sky, seemed to struggle against a sudden, oppressive gloom. A purplish mist swirled around the trees, creeping along the ground and giving the air a spectral quality.


    She tightened her grip on Growlithe''s fur as she pet him, her loyal companion bristling but ready. "Stay alert, Growlithe," She whispered, her breath visible in the cold, thick air.


    The path ahead was obscured, each step into the mist feeling heavier than the last. Jenny''s instincts screamed at her to turn back, but duty propelled her forward. The first signs of Ezra''s camp came into view shortly thereafter.


    As Officer Jenny stepped into Ezra''s encampment, the eerie atmosphere intensified. The purplish mist thickened, curling around her ankles like spectral tendrils. The temperature dropped noticeably, her breath puffing out in small, frosty clouds. Growlithe, usually brave, pressed closer to her leg, growling softly at the shadows.


    Ezra''s camp was nestled in a small clearing, surrounded by gnarled trees whose twisted branches reached out like skeletal hands. The ground was uneven, dotted with old tombstones half-sunken into the earth, remnants of an abandoned graveyard. These stones, weathered and cracked, added to the macabre ambiance, each one bearing inscriptions long faded by time.


    Did he purposely pick the creepiest place he could? She wondered, an expression of distaste crossing her face.


    The campfire at the center of the clearing cast a weak, flickering light, barely piercing the gloom. At least she could tell it was properly built, so she wouldn''t have to give him a citation for that. You''d think with fire Pokemon a thing, humans wouldn''t still be the major proponent of forest fires¡­


    Not that she was in the mood for citations or any of that anyway, not with how much she just wanted to walk away right now¡­


    She was suddenly glad the Mayor and the council were all too old to be taking jaunts through the woods, because if they saw this, things would definitely escalate.


    League of no league, they''d put a bounty on the kid. Which would cause a headache and a half, because only the worst of the worst got bounties - or the most dangerous Pokemon.


    Hovering in the mist were various Ghost Pokemon, their forms ethereal and ever-shifting. Gastly¡¯s floated silently, their gaseous bodies pulsing with an eerie light. Haunter''s hands detached from its body, clawing at the air playfully yet menacingly. A Misdreavus drifted near a tombstone, its red eyes glowing ominously as it let out a low, mournful wail that sent chills down Jenny''s spine.


    Ezra himself stood near the fire, his silhouette blending seamlessly with the spectral surroundings. His clothes were dark and slightly worn, and he''d found some sort of leather jacket somewhere, he seemed almost a part of the mist, a ghostly figure among ghosts. His presence, though calm and collected, only added to the macabre scene, as if he were a warden of this haunting domain.


    She shook her head, no time to get maudlin, I''ve lived in Lavender for years, it''s just Pokemon.


    The oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind and the distant, eerie cries of the wild Ghost Pokemon. Jenny felt the weight of countless unseen eyes watching her every move, the air thick with an ancient energy that pressed down on her like a physical force.


    He is doing this on purpose, she realized, all the danger she felt melting away as she realized he was just being edgy.


    "Ezra," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper in the ghostly stillness, "You really need to think about what it is you''re doing here, think about what I said before." She wet her lips, trying to find the right words, ¡°You were banished, you can''t stay just two hours outside the city¡­ You will attract a lot of attention, they won''t leave you alone.¡±


    Ezra''s eyes met hers, and for a moment, the mist seemed to clear just a bit. "I will think about it, Officer Jenny," he replied with a half smile, sounding amused, his voice carrying an otherworldly echo that sent shivers through her.


    Yes, definitely playing it up¡­ Arceus save me from teenagers¡­


    With a final, reluctant nod, Jenny turned and began her journey back, the ghostly encampment fading behind her into the mist. She''d done her duty to the letter. She''d informed him that he needed to move. He''d said he''d think about it.


    She wasn''t sticking around further than that. He''d move on soon enough or he wouldn''t, she''d done her duty.


    The town called him creepy. Officer Jenny didn''t think anyone could argue with that anymore.


    It was just a phase anyway surely, when she''d been a teenager she''d had her own, just not¡­


    That.


    £ª£ª£ª


    Ezra couldn''t help but chuckle as Officer Jenny left, glancing at the multitude of Ghost Pokemon that kept hanging around, ¡°She''s one of the nice ones, you could have been a little less creepy with her.¡± He admonished, without any heat.


    He had found it funny after all. From the haunting laughter that echoed through the mists of his little camp, the Ghost Pokemon agreed.


    He hadn''t exactly meant to have his camp come across as some sort of forest of the damned. His Pokemon just felt more comfortable around graveyards, so when he found a couple of old gravestones in a clearing, he''d figured why the hell not?


    The mist and purplish haze came after, as both the wild Ghost Pokemon, and the ones that enjoyed hanging out in his shadow, spread a sort of miasma from all of them gathering together.


    With his already creepy looks, it really didn''t make him any more approachable. Not that it upset him. He knew he couldn''t stay here forever, and a tent wasn''t his idea of the height of luxury either.


    Perhaps it was the orphan in him, but he craved the finer things. Which meant money. Which meant he needed flight before anything else.


    The good news was that he was an absolute cheat. He''d found that as long as it was an order they didn''t mind too much, the ghosts following in his wake, were happy enough to obey.


    Not something he could use in actual pokemon battles with other trainers. For trawling through a forest and finding a good pidgey or pidgeotto for him to train? It worked like a charm.


    Unlike in a game where each area was based on a level, this was reality. So higher level pokemon could be found the further away from civilization you came. Holding territory, building their own primitive little societies. Two hours away from Lavender like he was?


    Chock full of the smaller weaker pokemon like Pidgey, Rattata, Caterpie etc.


    The weaker pokemon sought shelter close to humanity where they were less likely to be eaten, while the stronger avoided humans preferring their freedom and territory.


    So he''d caught himself a Pidgeotto, one of the more powerful pokemon in the area, hunted down by a bushel of gleeful ghosts.


    The problem was that he wasn''t exactly a Pokemon whisperer, or at least he thought so. He didn''t have any intention of using this Pokemon for anything but a convenient way to fly. So how do you convince a Pokemon to work for you when you can''t do the friendship is magic thing?


    That''s what he had been pondering when Officer Jenny interrupted him, a pokeball laying at his side, holding the aforementioned Pidgeotto.


    His Cubone, Haunter and Shuppet were all free from their balls, honing their skills just outside his clearing, where he''d set them each their task.


    Did he try to teach them new techniques? Did he try to have them master complex maneuvers? No, of course not.


    He had them honing what they had. Accuracy, technique energy expenditure, physical stamina - for as much as that mattered with their types, mostly just Cubone on that one. Once they honed their current skills to a knife point, he''d have them work on compressing them even further, on expanding them, on twisting and crafting something extra out of their respective techniques to surprise their enemies.


    Ghost Pokemon were more malleable than most - he was sure he could help them harness their energy in inventive ways. It helped that the idea of messing with people by doing the unexpected, really intrigued his pokemon.


    He wasn''t one to sit and ponder for too long, so with a sigh, he released the Pokemon held in the pokeball.


    Ezra sat down cross-legged on the forest floor, his small campfire casting long shadows around the clearing. The oppressive mist of earlier had lightened now that they didn''t have an intruder, giving way to the soft, silvery glow of moonlight filtering through the canopy of the trees. In front of him, released from its pokeball and perched on a low branch, was his newly captured Pidgeotto. Its sharp eyes watched him warily, feathers ruffled in a mix of curiosity and suspicion. It still showed the signs of its not so gentle capture.


    It hadn''t come quietly. Not at all thrilled by the chase of a dozen ghosts taunting and delighting in the chase, until in the end, they''d grown bored, and the Pidgeotto was finally felled.


    "Listen, Pidgeotto," Ezra began, his tone calm and steady, "I know this isn''t likely what you expected, and if you ever thought about getting caught it''s even further from it. I need you to understand that I''m not like other trainers." He leaned forward gaze intent.


    He wouldn''t be the type who made best friends with every Pokemon he came across. His team, he had no doubt he''d come to cherish them. This Pidgeotto? It was a tool.


    That was simply reality, and he would not hide it, these creatures were intelligent enough that negotiation was preferable before subterfuge.


    It was too exhausting to even think about acting anything but himself for that long. Who had time for that? In a second life to boot?


    Pidgeotto tilted its head, a skeptical gleam in its eyes. It fluttered its wings slightly, ready to take off at the first sign of trouble. Not that it would do shit all, since he still had the pokeball.


    Ezra held up a hand, showing the Pokemon a small bag of berries, their enticing aroma wafting through the air. Stomping through the forest did have some advantages, finding berry bushes was one. "I don''t want to make you into a battle pokemon, other than what is needed to evolve you... I captured you because I need a strong flying Pokemon, a partner to help me travel. You see, I have big plans. I want to create a gym, a place where Ghost and Dark Pokemon can thrive, and I need your help to get there."


    Not exactly anything in it for the Pidgeotto in that plan, but he was being honest. And of course there would be the carrot¡­


    Pidgeotto eyed the berries, its suspicion giving way to interest. It hopped down from the branch, landing gracefully in front of Ezra.


    "These are for you," Ezra said, holding out the bag. "And there''s more where that came from. I promise you, if you help me, I''ll make sure you get a territory of your own to rule over once my gym is established. A whole forest, filled with as many berries as you can eat and as many nests as you can build. You''ll be the master of your domain, free from human interference except my own." He met its eyes, his own serious and intent, ¡°I will make it so.¡±


    The Pidgeottos eyes sparkled at the thought. It cawed softly, still unsure but clearly tempted by the offer.


    Worst case and it said no, Ezra would actually release it and find another. While he didn''t intend to use his flying mount for anything else, he also didn''t intend to have a reluctant mount. He needed to be able to rely on them.


    Using up one of his slots for a purely flying mount instead of a battler might seem like madness. But no matter what world you were in - money talked.


    He was sure once he got enough cash in hand, there were ways to expand the limit.


    Ezra leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "You won''t have to fight unless you choose to after you''ve evolved. Just help me, help me travel. Be my eyes in the sky. In return, I''ll ensure your safety and your future. You''ll have freedom and power, more than any other Pidgeotto could dream of, your own forest protected by my gym."


    He placed the bag of berries on the ground between them and leaned back, giving the Pokemon space to make its decision. Pidgeotto stared at Ezra for a moment longer, then cautiously pecked at the berries, savoring the sweet taste.


    "Is it a deal?" Ezra asked, his tone hopeful. It would be a pain in the ass to move camp and find another alpha of the weaklings, so to speak.


    Pidgeotto looked up, its gaze meeting Ezra''s. After a long, tense moment, it gave a sharp nod, a sign of its tentative agreement.


    Ezra smiled, relief washing over him. "Thank you. I promise, you won''t regret this."


    The first hurdle had been passed. One, he could negotiate with Pokemon that weren''t Ghost or Dark, that was good to know. Two, he had a way to avoid the whole trawling through woods for the next year bullshit.


    Ezra clenched his hands into fists, his red eyes gleaming. ¡°Let''s see about getting you that evolution, hmm?¡± He said, his shadow expanding like a cloak, wafting out behind him, dozens of eyes and smiles lighting up, laughter beginning to echo out into the encampment.


    ¡°This forest won''t know what hit ¡®em!¡±


    £ª£ª£ª


    Ezra stood at the edge of the forest, the moon casting an eerie glow over the landscape. The air was thick with anticipation as he prepared for the night''s training. His shadow, cast long by the moonlight, seemed to move with a life of its own. From within that darkness, Ghost Pokemon emerged, their spectral forms tethered to Ezra like a living, ethereal menagerie.


    He didn''t give a shit how creepy it must look - it was so goddamn cool, he felt like an anime character about to do tragic backstory bullshit.


    It was a shame this was one anime world which didn''t run on tits as its source code. But one couldn''t have it all.


    "Alright, everyone," Ezra whispered, his voice carrying an edge of command. "Let''s give Pidgeotto the training he needs."


    He hoped this worked. Obviously leveling up according to a game couldn''t be the exact same thing in reality. But Pidgeotto beating up Pokemon, while intent on growing stronger and evolving, surely would work?


    From his shadow, a Gastly floated up, its gaseous form pulsing with a malevolent energy. A Haunter''s disembodied hands emerged next, followed by the rest of its sinister figure, its grin wide and menacing. A Misdreavus materialized, its eyes glowing with a spectral light, then another Gastly, two, then another Haunter. The Ghost Pokemon, attached to him by some unseen force, awaited his instructions with a silent, almost eerie eagerness.


    His own pokemon came to his side as well, having not spent any time in their pokeballs since being captured. His Cubone sat at his feet as the Shuppet and Haunter hovered around him.


    He frowned, eyeing his Pokemon, with so many other Haunters floating around, he really couldn''t just keep calling his own that, could he? Food for thought for later, he''d have to name it, or something, give it a designation.


    Ezra turned his attention to Pidgeotto, perched on a low branch nearby. "Are you ready?" he asked, because this all hinged on him being able to follow the plan.


    Pidgeotto gave a sharp nod, its eyes gleaming with determination. It stretched its wings, preparing for the task ahead. It was going to be carried on a speed run. Hopefully it wouldn''t take too much of the experience away.


    "Good," Ezra said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. "Gastly''s, Haunters, Misdreavus - let''s start." He ordered, before looking down to his own Pokemon, ¡°You guys, take the perimeter, keep them from escaping.¡±


    At his command, the Ghost Pokemon dispersed into the forest, their spectral forms blending seamlessly with the shadows. They moved swiftly, their presence unsettling the


    Pokemon of the forest. Small Pokemon like Caterpie and Pidgey felt the chill of the Ghosts'' approach and began to panic, their instincts driving them into a frenzied flight.


    Especially as his ghosts specifically made sure to hunt down and bother them in their nests. Not a very nice thing, but hardly monstrous either, just efficient.


    Ezra watched as the first wave of frightened Pokemon bolted from the underbrush, their eyes wide with terror as they were harassed by Ghost pokemon, some of the Dark pokemon that followed him on the fringes, apparently having seen his plot and decided to join in the hunt. An unexpected benefit. "Now, Pidgeotto!" he shouted.


    Pidgeotto launched into the air, its powerful wings beating with a swift rhythm. It swooped down upon the fleeing Pok¨¦mon, its talons outstretched. The forest became a chaotic scene of panic and pursuit, with Pidgeotto diving and striking at the weakened and exhausted creatures driven into its path by the relentless Ghost Pokemon.


    If they tried to flee away from the relentless assault they couldn''t fight back against, his own Pokemon pushed them back into the killbox. If they tried to send off a technique, the Ghost or Dark Pokemon cut them off at the knees.


    A Rattata, its eyes wide with fear, darted out from a bush, only to be caught by Pidgeotto''s swift claws. The bird Pok¨¦mon carried it high into the air before releasing it, sending it plummeting back to the ground. The cycle continued, with Pidgeotto methodically targeting and overpowering the frantic forest dwellers, its strength and skill growing with each encounter, or so he pictured it, at least.


    There was no difference to be seen, except perhaps in the growing exhaustion of his Pidgeotto. He''d likely have to continue this for more than tonight, but it should work. Hopefully within a few days. This wouldn''t be a tactic he could use to create elite level Pokemon, the targets too weak. But to simply evolve a Pidgeotto, a few days of it should be enough.


    Ezra watched the scene with a mix of satisfaction and determination. He knew this method was harsh, but it was likely to be effective. Pidgeotto needed to grow stronger, and the best way to do that was through rigorous, relentless training. Or in the defeat of Pokemon, which he hoped was a possibility here.


    After all the others didn''t really harm any of them, they just terrorized them, leaving the Pidgeotto to do all the damage to knock them out. And if he ate a Caterpie or two¡­ Well Ezra wasn''t too fond of bugs anyway.


    He really didn''t want to spend possibly weeks training his Pidgeotto, he wanted to be gone before Lavender Town did more than grumble. So he could come back later to show them all how wrong they''d been.


    And really rub their faces in it.


    As the night wore on, the forest became quieter, the Pokemon too frightened to move from their hiding places. Pidgeotto landed back near Ezra, its chest heaving with exertion but its eyes shining with a newfound fierceness.


    Ezra approached, offering a handful of berries as a reward. "You did well, Pidgeotto," he said, his voice filled with genuine praise. He might not ever see him as more than a tool, but he wouldn''t shy away from rewarding effort. "This is just the beginning. Keep this up, and you''ll soon get everything you were promised. Your own domain, protected by my people.¡±


    Once he had people¡­ No need to say it could be years yet¡­


    Pidgeotto accepted the berries, eating them gratefully. It was tired but invigorated, its confidence boosted by the successful training session.


    Ezra looked at his Ghost Pokemon, still lurking in the shadows, their presence a constant, unnerving reminder of this power of his. "Good work, everyone. Let''s give Pidgeotto some rest and prepare for tomorrow. There''s still much to do."


    He''d have to experiment with his own power. Whatever death aura or whatever that he had, that drew these Pokemon in. Even if never useful in ranked battles. Up against something like Team Rocket? They''d be a trump card that would serve him very well.


    The Ghost Pokemon receded back into his shadow, their forms merging seamlessly with the darkness. As Ezra sat by the campfire minutes later, Pidgeotto resting beside him, his other Pokemon back to work training, he felt a sense of grim satisfaction. His plan was working. He was sure of it.


    Once Pidgeotto evolved, he''d have all of Kanto at his fingertips.


    £ª£ª£ª


    Next day.


    Ezra stood in a secluded part of the forest, the early morning light casting a soft, golden glow through the trees. The air was still and cool, perfect for the precision training he had planned. In front of him floated Shuppet and Haunter, both eager and ready to refine their ghostly abilities.


    He couldn''t spend all his time on Pidgeotto, he didn''t want to accidentally injure him nor risk overworking him - that would defeat the point entirely of what he was doing. And besides, he''d need his team to actually be competent if he wanted to succeed in even gaining his start-up capital.


    "Alright, Shuppet, Haunter," Ezra began, his voice calm but firm, "Today''s training is all about control and accuracy. It''s not enough to have powerful moves; you need to be able to direct them precisely. Let''s start with the compression exercises I had you guys practice these last few days."


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    And boy had it been a fun game of charades to figure out some of their move pools, he needed a frigging pokedex pronto. Although they were around, and in use pre-Ash apparently here - they were also expensive, and only the richest or well sponsored trainers could afford one.


    Shuppet hovered closer, its cloth-like body undulating slightly. Haunter, with its disembodied hands and mischievous grin, followed suit. Ezra could see the anticipation in their ghostly eyes.


    He had no idea if it was because of their connection or if he was actually bonding with them, but none of his pokemon had so far backed down from any of the training.


    "Shuppet, I want you to compress your Dark Pulse attack into a tight beam. Imagine it as a needle, sharp and focused. Haunter, you''ll do the same with your Shadow Ball. Smaller, more controlled. Ready?"


    All three of his pokemon had a decently large and versatile move pool already, making him suspect he hadn''t been approached by any rookie pokemon here. Dark Pulse he imagined must have been a technical machine technique for Shuppet, as he didn''t remember it being part of its move pool.


    Both Pokemon nodded, their forms shimmering with latent energy. They''d been training for twelve hours minimum a day, just getting used to manipulating their energy further and in new ways, Shuppet having the harder time of it as it''s chosen technique to play with was a dark type move.


    What he''d learned of Pokemon battles in school since arriving here¡­ The vast majority of trainers had absolutely no innovation, only treading already worn ground.


    Same with breeders and everyone really. It was the reason why no one had discovered how to evolve Milotic from Feebas, people just did what their forefathers always did.


    The ones that didn''t?


    Well that was your top 1 percenters right there.


    Although perhaps it was more like five percenters, the Ace trainers weren''t your average idiots.


    Ezra took a step back, giving his Pokemon some space. "On my count. One... Two... Three!"


    Shuppet''s eyes glowed with a dark light as it concentrated, a thin beam of shadowy dark energy forming in front of it with a vicious aura to it. Haunter''s grin widened as it summoned a small, dense Shadow Ball, its size reduced but its power more concentrated.


    "Hold it... Hold it..." Ezra instructed, watching as both Pokemon strained to maintain their focus. "Now, release!"


    The compressed attacks shot forward, Shuppet''s Dark Pulse beam slicing through the air with laser-like precision, while Haunter''s compact Shadow Ball rocketed forward, both dissipating harmlessly into the sky. Ezra smiled, pleased with their progress.


    Sure, at five seconds to form, it was almost useless in most fights, but when they''d started getting the hang of it, the time had been 15 seconds. He was confident they''d be able to get it further down. Which would mean their hits would pack a much heavier punch, necessitating less of them needing to hit the target to incapacitate their opponents.


    "Excellent! Now, let''s work on your accuracy with it." He reached down and picked up a handful of pinecones, holding them in his hand. "I''m going to toss one of these each in the air. I want you to hit each target as quickly and accurately as possible. Shuppet, you''ll use your Dark Pulse. Haunter, stick with Shadow Ball."


    Ezra took a deep breath and tossed a pinecone high into the air in front of Shuppet. "Now!" He shouted, even as he used his other hand to throw another one for Haunter.


    Shuppet''s eyes flashed as it fired a precise beam of its Dark Pulse, the malevolent aura resonating with Ezra, feeling almost homely, the attack managed to strike the pinecone and reduce it to splinters before it hit the ground - on his first try. Ezra noticed that Haunter''s Shadow Ball obliterated its own target mid-air, the fragments scattering in all directions as well, also on the first try.


    "Great job! Again!" Ezra encouraged, his voice filled with cheer. Inwardly he clocked it as another sign these pokemon had belonged to someone and had been trained.


    Just don''t let it be my body''s former owner, I''m already playing into the creep factor enough as is¡­


    He continued to toss the targets, each time faster and in more unpredictable patterns. Shuppet and Haunter responded with supreme confidence, their attacks becoming more accurate and controlled with each attempt. Shuppet''s Dark Pulse beams became razor-thin and deadly precise, while Haunter''s Shadow Balls, though smaller, packed a powerful punch and hit their marks unerringly.


    They''d managed to shave a quarter of a second or so off compressing their techniques too. Just by being pushed to go faster, each of his throws slowly being tossed out faster to pressure them.


    "Keep it up!" Ezra called out, throwing multiple targets at once. Shuppet and Haunter didn''t miss a beat, their ghostly forms moving with fluid grace as they dispatched two pinecones each with pinpoint accuracy, although to be fair they were grouped together - two more falling to the ground. They both glared at the offending pinecones.


    After several more rounds, Ezra finally called for a halt. "Alright, that''s enough for now. You both did amazing."


    Shuppet and Haunter hovered closer, their ghostly energies still shimmering from the exertion. Ezra reached out and patted them gently, a proud smile on his face. It felt cold but not unpleasantly so, to touch them.


    "You''re getting stronger and more precise every day," He said, his voice filled with genuine praise. "With control like this, you''ll be able to take on any challenge that comes our way."


    Shuppet let out a soft, ethereal cry of delight, while Haunter''s grin somehow managed to widen even further.


    ¡°Take a fifteen minute break, then try and get that compression down to three seconds, alright?¡± He told them, walking off, smiling softly as one of the Haunters haunting his shadow, lightly pulled on his hair just to get attention.


    Ezra wandered into the nearby clearing, where Cubone stood, its distinctive skull helmet catching the early morning light. Despite not being a Ghost Pokemon, Cubone had always been a special case in his mind, and he''d once had it on his team playing the games. It had connotations of death and loss, and if Ezra didn''t misremember, evolving a Cubone at night could result in it becoming a Fire/Ghost Marowak - a perfect fit for his ghostly team.


    And if he failed. Well, he''d always wanted an Arceusdamned Cubone, so he''d be fine either way.


    Cubone had followed Ezra just as the Ghost and Dark Pok¨¦mon had, volunteering to be part of his team even. Its affinity for ghostly phenomena, or perhaps just death itself, made it a promising candidate for Ezra''s evolving plans. He saw this as a good omen for its eventual transformation.


    Obviously Cubone was already attuned to ghostly energies, or it wouldn''t have so easily sought him out.


    Ezra approached Cubone with a thoughtful smile. "Alright, Cubone, it''s time for your training."


    Cubone looked up at him with determined eyes, gripping its bone club tightly. Ezra had decided to go a bit unconventional with Cubone''s training - or if he had to be honest - he''d gone entirely left field. It had a tail even if it wasn''t much of one, and he was determined to teach it Iron Tail. If it could channel the energy into its tail, perhaps it could eventually do the same with its club, making it a formidable weapon.


    It would also surprise the shit out of people for a while, which was just a bonus.


    "Let''s start with speed and hitting power," Ezra said, picking up a few sturdy logs he''d gathered earlier. "Cubone, I want you to use your club to hit these logs as hard and as fast as you can. Imagine your tail and club becoming as hard as steel."


    Cubone was pretty fast, something he was eager to take advantage of, continuing to focus on speed, and of course hitting power was important, as Cubone was a more physical fighter than the others.


    Cubone nodded, its resolve clear. It took a deep breath, then swung its club at the first log with a mighty crack, splintering it into pieces. Without missing a beat, Cubone moved to the next log, its swings becoming more forceful and rapid. It''s cry heard through the forest as it cried out its victory over the dastardly logs.


    "Good, Cubone! Keep it up!" Ezra encouraged, watching the Pokemon''s determination with a calculating gaze, he''d lucked out it seemed, his pokemon all having a burning determination. Each swing was stronger than the last as the Cubone just kept speeding up, the sound of wood cracking echoing through the clearing.


    After several rounds, Ezra decided it was time to focus on the essence of steel. He knelt down beside Cubone, placing a hand on its tiny shoulder, the little guy almost jumping in shock, letting out a quiet, ¡°Cu?¡±


    "You''re doing great, Cubone. Now, let''s work on feeling that steely energy. Imagine your tail and your club becoming as hard as metal, unyielding and powerful."


    They''d been working on it for days, but seen no progress, probably because it wasn''t a natural evolution of technique for Cubone, with a dash of him having had a hard time explaining how the technique worked based on memory.


    Cubone closed its eyes, concentrating deeply. Ezra could see the effort etched on its face as it tried to visualize the transformation. He knew this part of the training was challenging, but he had faith in Cubone''s perseverance.


    It had tons of guts and determination, so everything else would come. Everything else could be taught. You couldn''t teach this kind of guts, so starting out with that was already a win in his books.


    To help, Ezra began to explain, trying to be more specific than his perhaps too lax explanation previously, "Think about what it means to be steel, Cubone. Strong, resilient, and enduring. Steel doesn''t bend easily. It doesn''t break. Picture that in your mind."


    Cubone''s eyes snapped open, a newfound intensity in its gaze. It swung its tail experimentally, and though there was no visible change, Ezra sensed the shift in Cubone''s mindset. The grip it had around its club strained as its muscles tensed as it tried to picture steel.


    "Alright," Ezra said, standing back up. "Let''s try Iron Tail again. Imagine your tail becoming hard as steel and strike." He said, gaze intent on his Pokemon, ¡°You are hard, unbending, everything breaks against your enduring strength. Focus on your tail, focus on steel.¡±


    Cubone focused, its tail actually glowing faintly for just a second - with an energy that Ezra hoped would soon become a full Iron Tail. With a fierce cry, Cubone swung its tail at a log by swinging its entire body. The impact was stronger this time, leaving a deeper mark on the wood. It wasn''t Iron Tail, by any metric, but he liked to imagine that glow meant it was on its way. The goal was possible.


    "That''s it, Cubone! You''re getting there!" Ezra cheered, his excitement palpable. His cheer also cheered up Cubone, who went back to training with newfound belief.


    As the sun climbed higher, nearing the noon mark, marking the end of their training session for now, Ezra knelt beside Cubone once more. "You''ve made incredible progress today. Keep this up, and we''ll unlock your full potential." He smirked wickedly, ¡°People aren''t going to expect you at all. It will be glorious.¡±


    Cubone looked up at him, its eyes gleaming with a fierce determination. Ezra patted its head gently. "Rest for now. We''ll continue this tomorrow."


    He could have forced more training today, but with Pidgeotto¡¯s gauntlet later, he didn''t want his Pokemon too exhausted.


    Although he still felt suspicious of his circumstances, because either he was the best trainer ever - or his pokemon were scarily intuitive - or they had previous training.


    He didn''t want to kid himself on the best trainer thing. He had faith in himself, but not¡­ Iron Tail for a Cubone in just a few days faith.


    That was¡­


    Well¡­


    It would all work out in the end.


    £ª£ª£ª


    An hour later,


    Ezra was sitting by his campfire, meticulously cleaning his belongings, and contemplating the progress his team had made. The early afternoon sun filtered through the trees, casting shadows across his camp. His Ghost Pokemon floated nearby, occasionally disappearing into the shadows, their presence a constant reminder of his unique bond with them.


    He couldn''t wait to start experimenting with that when he had his team situated better. Couldn''t Agatha like¡­ Do weird ghost shit? He wanted to do weird ghost shit.


    He''d do all the weird ghost shit. It would be glorious.


    Suddenly, a rustling in the underbrush caught his attention. He looked up to see a young almost adult trainer, maybe a year or two older than him, emerging from the forest. The trainer was tall and muscular, wearing a tank top and shorts, exuding a carefree and confident demeanor. He had a friendly smile on his face, seemingly unfazed by the eerie atmosphere of Ezra¡¯s camp.


    Which was a first. The first person that had first run into his camp - and likely the one that whined to Officer Jenny - pissed themselves when they ran into his little camp. Apparently not appreciative of the ambiance.


    ¡°Hey there!¡± The trainer called out, waving excitedly. ¡°I saw your camp from a distance, what with all the darkness and smoke and such, and thought I¡¯d come over. Are you up for a Pokemon battle?¡± He asked, looking utterly cheerful.


    Evolution must have gone differently for humanity in a world of pokemon, Ezra would not have run towards smoke and darkness back in his old life. Probably wouldn''t do it now either, for that matter.


    Ezra looked at the other trainer in some surprise at the offer. He hadn¡¯t expected anyone to approach him out here, let alone challenge him to a battle. His heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. This would be his first real Pokemon battle against another trainer. He was older too, so probably experienced.


    No, don''t be nervous! Just kick ass! He psyched himself up mentally.


    ¡°Uh, sure! I¡¯m Ezra,¡± he said, standing up and introducing himself, trying to sound casual.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Ezra. I¡¯m Barney,¡± the trainer replied, flashing a laid-back grin. ¡°I¡¯ve been traveling around, looking for strong trainers to battle. Your camp caught my eye. Pretty cool setup you¡¯ve got here.¡± He looked with interest at the surroundings, not batting an eye at the pokemon making malevolent little noises at him from the shadows.


    Ezra couldn¡¯t help but smile at Barney''s nonchalant attitude. Most people would be unnerved by his ghostly companions and the overall creepiness of his camp, but Barney seemed completely unfazed. After having so much of Lavender Town freak out just from his appearance, let alone his newfound ability. It was refreshing to run into someone who just didn''t care about any of it.


    He would still kick his ass of course, he had a reputation to build. But it was still nice to know not everyone was going to be an ass to him from the start.


    Now if they were an ass to him after he was going to totally be an ass to most of them, then that was fair.


    He just heavily disliked people who judged someone ahead of time, based on nonsense like skin or some shit.


    ¡°Thanks. My Pokemon and I have been training hard. Let¡¯s do this,¡± Ezra said, feeling a surge of confidence. With what they''d been doing, surely they''d do alright, he could only see two pokeballs on the other trainer''s belt.


    He was probably just out for a stroll then, or left the rest at the pokecenter. Almost an adult, he must have more than two Pokemon.


    Barney pulled out a pokeball and tossed it into the air. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get this party started! Go, Machop!¡±


    In a flash of light, a muscular Machop appeared, flexing its arms and ready for battle. Barney began flexing, making grunting noises for some reason - the Machop matching his flexing expertly. Leaving Ezra slightly nonplussed for a moment.


    A Haunter slipped out of his shadow trying to flex its hands, letting out a mournful little wail when it didn''t get the same effect. Ezra patted it on the head, sweat dropping as Barney and Machop clasped hands, stomping the ground in some weird pre game ritual, all the while continuing to grunt.


    Ezra quickly considered his options while they¡­ Did whatever that was. He decided to start with Shuppet, who hovered eagerly by his side anyway, ready for battle.


    ¡°Shuppet, you¡¯re up!¡± Ezra called, letting Barney know he was ready.


    His Shuppet floated forward, letting loose a menacing aura as it faced Machop. Barney raised an eyebrow, but maintained his easy going demeanor.


    ¡°Cool, a Shuppet! This is gonna be fun. Machop, let¡¯s kick things off with Karate Chop!¡± Barney commanded.


    Ezra had wondered if the cheerful facade hid an idiot, when he''d revealed a Machop to fight what was obviously a Ghost trainer, he''d figured he had learned some more effective moves or something.


    Not¡­ This.


    Machop charged forward, its hand glowing with fighting energy - totally useless against Ghost types. Ezra reacted swiftly enough anyway. Even if it was ineffective, his pokemon needed to get used to dodging attacks anyway, ¡°Shuppet, dodge with Shadow Sneak and use Confuse Ray!¡±


    Might as well get practice in, if this guy was seriously just going to throw fighting moves against him. He''d expected at least a thunder punch or something.


    Maybe he was just getting started?


    Shuppet phased out of Machop¡¯s path, reappearing behind it in its shadow, and releasing a beam of dark energy. Machop stumbled, clearly affected by the ghostly attack but quickly regained its footing.


    Damn, Confuse Ray didn''t take, oh well¡­


    ¡°Nice move! Machop, use Low Sweep!¡± Barney shouted, punching the air excitedly.


    Low sweep? Against a floating ghost? What is this guy, who''s the rookie here? Am I¡­ Beating up a special needs dude?


    Machop aimed a swift low kick at Shuppet, but it just floated just out of reach even without any orders. Ezra took the opportunity to press the advantage, the Machop in a bad position right beneath Shuppet.


    ¡°Shuppet, hit it with Dark Pulse!¡± he ordered, a wicked smile on his face, his pulse quickening. Despite the ease of the battle, this was fun!


    Shuppet naturally went with the compressed version, and against a faster pokemon it would have taken too long at 3 seconds now - but the Machop hadn''t moved quickly, and Barney hadn''t given it another order yet, so Shuppet managed to launch it at Machop without the Pokemon dodging out of the way, the Machop standing in place seemingly bulking up.


    The attack struck Machop directly, knocking it back with significant force, slamming it into the ground. Barney''s smile never wavered even then.


    Normally Dark Pulse and it''s debilitating aura was widespread and could even hit several pokemon at once - but compressed, it visibly brought the Machop to the edge of fainting when it brought it low.


    Whatever the Machop had been trying to do, dissipated with the strong strike. bulk up? Ezra thought, Most likely, but without any orders¡­


    This trainer was confusing him. Had he trained his pokemon to work independently, or was he just so bad the pokemon chose on its own?


    ¡°Wow, your Shuppet is strong! But we¡¯re not done yet. Machop, get up and use Seismic Toss!¡± Barney said encouragingly.


    Machop got to its feet, determined despite the damage it had taken. Seismic Toss was finally an attack that could actually hit Ezra''s pokemon - so obviously he wasn''t going to just sit around and let him do it.


    ¡°Shuppet, Night Shade!¡± he commanded.


    Shuppet¡¯s eyes glowed with an eerie light, and Machop¡¯s movements slowed as it succumbed to the nightmarish mirage, taking damage before it could begin its own attack. Within moments, Machop was unconscious on the ground.


    Barney laughed good-naturedly. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m outmatched this time. Great job, Ezra! Your Shuppet is amazing.¡±


    Ezra couldn¡¯t help but feel like it had all been too easy. Still, he could be polite at least. ¡°Thanks, Barney. Your Machop put up¡­ An adequate fight for what he was facing, but are you sure we are done? You still have another pokemon, right?¡±


    He couldn''t help but be perturbed by this entire encounter, his Shuppet bumping into his head for pets, which he absentmindedly delivered.


    Barney recalled Machop and walked over to shake Ezra¡¯s hand, and to give him his winnings, something Ezra had forgotten about. 200 pokedollars wasn''t a fortune, but every little bit helped. ¡°Thanks for the battle, man. Keep training hard. You¡¯ve got something special here, you totally wasted me, man.¡± He said happily.


    Well¡­ You did walk into a ghostly encampment with only a fighting Pokemon¡­


    Ezra shook Barney''s hand mentally shaking his head, feeling a newfound sense of relief. Because now he knew that no matter what, he wouldn''t embarrass himself totally on the circuit, not if people like this were around. ¡°I will, thanks for the battle, Barney. Safe travels.¡±


    With a final wave, Barney turned and headed back out of the forest, leaving Ezra to reflect on his first successful Pokemon battle.


    Maybe this all won''t be as hard as I''d thought¡­ He mused.


    £ª£ª£ª


    That night, as the moon hung high and the forest was shrouded in darkness, Ezra prepared for another training session with Pidgeotto. The air was cool and still, perfect for honing the bird pokemon''s skills. His Ghost Pokemon flitted about in the shadows, ready to assist in driving the local Pokemon into Pidgeotto''s path.


    Ezra stepped carefully through the forest, his eyes adjusting to the dim light. Pidgeotto perched on his shoulder, its feathers ruffled slightly in anticipation. He reached the edge of a clearing and was about to set his Pokemon in motion, when something caught his eye.


    Lying in the clearing was a figure, motionless and pale in the moonlight. Ezra''s heart skipped a beat as he approached, the scene becoming clearer with each step. The figure was a person, unmistakably dead, with a Pokedex lying beside them. No pokeballs were visible, and the area around the body looked like someone had definitely gotten up close and personal.


    Odd to leave the pokedex behind though. It wouldn''t be that hard to wipe it and re-register it.


    Ezra knelt beside the corpse, his eyes narrowing in thought. This could be the work of poachers or even Team Rocket, he reasoned. Whoever it was, they had left no trace of their Pokemon, only this lifeless body and the abandoned Pokedex.


    Considering the pokeballs were gone, and since this kid had a pokedex she was definitely a trainer - she''d been jumped for her Pokemon - with the state the body was in, it wasn''t that long ago either. She might not even be declared MIA yet.


    Honestly he''d suspect poachers after a particular Pokemon personally - unlucky girl probably had something rare. Team Rocket, even if they were as obsessed about capturing other people''s Pokemon as in the source material - were a criminal organization and therefore surely knew how to wipe a pokedex. They were worth enough money they wouldn''t have left it behind.


    Unashamedly, he picked up the Pokedex and examined it. It was a standard model, nothing particularly special about it, but it could contain valuable information. With a quick swipe, he powered it on and scanned through the entries. It might help identify the victim or even give clues about what had happened.


    From¡­ Celadon, Ah, there it is, how on earth does a rookie have a ninetales? Or had, I guess. Legacy Pokemon? Either way, got you killed girl, he thought, scrolling through the pokedex, finding nothing else substantial.


    Without compunction, he did a complete reset, wiping everything off the pokedex, and then sat down on a nearby rock, going through the set up stages, registering himself as the owner through his training license ID. He wasn''t going to turn down a free pokedex, and besides, it wouldn''t do the girl any good now.


    Finishing, Ezra sighed, and took a deep breath, scrolling through until he hit the pokenet page for the Lavender Town police department. It was time to report this to Officer Jenny. He dialed the number and waited, the dial tone echoing in the stillness of the night. After a few dozen rings, a familiar voice answered, sounding sleepy.


    You know¡­ I know they have other members on the force, but why is it only her dealing with things with the public? He wondered.


    "Officer Jenny here," came the professional yet tired and concerned voice from the other end.


    "Officer Jenny, it''s Ezra," He said, trying to not sound too apathetic, it probably wouldn''t be a good look, "I''m in the forest, about two hours out from Lavender Town, fifteen minutes west of my camp. I''ve found a dead body. There''s no sign of any pokeballs or pokedex, so not sure if it''s a trainer, but she''s definitely dead.¡± He eyed the deep rend through her torso, obviously the product of a Pokemon attack, ¡°Very dead.¡± He added.


    There was a pause, then a note of urgency in her voice. "Ezra, can you give me your exact location? I''ll come out there right away. Don''t touch anything else until I arrive." She said rapidly, the sounds of ruffling clothes, and quiet cursing, coming through the phone call.


    Had he known she''d be in bed already, he''d have placed a video call instead¡­ Would he get arrested if he asked what she was wearing?


    Probably, right?


    Ezra quickly described his location as best as he could, giving landmarks and directions, even if his original explanation was enough, in his opinion, "I''ll wait here for you," He added, glancing around the eerie clearing with annoyance, because this did slow down his training. "Be careful on your way." He added as an afterthought.


    "I will. Stay put and keep an eye out for anything unusual. I''ll be there as soon as I can," Jenny replied, her tone brisk and efficient. The barking of her Growlithe echoing through the line.


    The call ended, leaving Ezra alone with the body and his thoughts. He looked at Pidgeotto, who seemed uneasy, and gave it a reassuring pat. "Looks like training will have to wait," he murmured.


    His Shuppet and Haunter hovered next to him, almost seeming to hang protectively around him, which he appreciated. His Cubone was in its pokeball, having overworked itself behind his back when he was fighting Barney.


    With a thought, the pokemon living in his shadow spread out, like a wave, checking the surroundings. Never hurt to be too careful - next time he should probably do that first. Before kneeling down next to the obviously murdered person.


    He stood up, scanning the area himself for any signs of movement as his posse? Yeah, his Ghostly posse, had a look around the forest. The forest was eerily silent, the usual night sounds conspicuously absent. Ezra felt a chill run down his spine, but he pushed it aside.


    It made sense, he''d been running the wild Pokemon ragged, they were probably all hiding, or had left the area to avoid him. That''s why it was so silent.


    The forest remained shrouded in an oppressive silence as Ezra waited for Officer Jenny to arrive. His Ghost Pokemon floated around him, their spectral forms flickering in and out of the shadows, providing some company in the stillness of the night. Pidgeotto perched uneasily on a low branch, its eyes darting around, reflecting the tension in the air.


    Whether the Pokemon knew something was dangerous due to his own feelings, or because they recognized it on their own - he couldn''t tell, but either way they were all prepared for action if anything happened.


    Finally, the distant sound of rustling and the soft glow of a flashlight pierced the darkness. Officer Jenny emerged, her Growlithe by her side, the canine''s nose twitching as it sniffed the air for any clues. Jenny''s expression was grim, her eyes reflecting the urgency and sorrow of the situation.


    "Ezra," She called, her voice breaking the silence. "I''m here."


    Ezra raised a hand in acknowledgment, stepping away from the body to give her space. "Took you long enough," He muttered under his breath, though not loud enough for her to hear. He just wanted this over with.


    Now more than ever he needed Pidgeotto to evolve, this area was obviously not as safe as he''d thought.


    Jenny approached the body, her flashlight illuminating the scene. She knelt down beside the lifeless form, her face tightening with a mix of sadness and professionalism. Growlithe stood guard, its senses on high alert.


    "This is terrible," Jenny murmured, more to herself than to Ezra. She carefully examined the corpse, noting the deep rend in the torso. "Looks like a Pokemon attack, but this was no wild encounter. She was definitely ambushed." She mused out loud, looking around the clearing, spotting things he hadn''t apparently.


    But then he wasn''t a cop, nor did he have any kind of forensic training.


    He wondered if she usually spoke about these things with random kids nearby. Then again, when they were trainers¡­ Probably. The league was kind of weird with that, a training license suddenly making you ready for anything.


    Ezra watched her continued work with mild disinterest, his thoughts already drifting back to his interrupted training session. "Yeah, I figured as much, just as I reported. No pokeballs or pokedex around either, so someone probably took them. Poachers or Team Rocket, maybe."


    Jenny watched him carefully in the dark clearing, ¡°I notice you have a pokedex suddenly, it''s what you used to call me, right?¡¯ she asked, carefully.


    Ezra cocked his head, ¡°Was there a question in there somewhere?¡± He asked, purposefully being obtrusive. If he suddenly became all helpful and friendly, she''d notice and think he was lying.


    Although she probably wouldn''t believe him no matter what. Which was fine - as long as she didn''t have anything to actually go on.


    ¡°Did you steal the girl''s pokedex and use it to call me?¡± Jenny asked point blank, eyes hard.


    Ezra scoffed, crossing his arms, ominous noises, cackling and hissing - coming from around him as the Pokemon under his aegis made their own opinion known. ¡°That''s the thanks I get for calling this in, huh? Shoulda just left her, figures, tch.¡±


    Seeing her continued staredown, he rolled his eyes, ¡°Had a couple trainers come through, they sold me one of their old ones, I let them capture one of the Haunters that hang around me in exchange.¡±


    Jenny nodded slowly, and he wasn''t sure if she believed him, but she''d probably be asking all newcomers to Lavender Town about it soon enough, ¡°I see¡­ My apologies.¡± She offered, apologizing for her suspicions.


    ¡°So Team Rocket or poachers, huh? That''s gotta suck.¡± Ezra said, wanting to move things along. Not having any intention to stand around a body all night.


    Jenny nodded, her expression hardening. "It''s likely. This area isn''t known for high crime, but poachers and criminals like Team Rocket are always a possibility." She glanced up at Ezra, her eyes piercing. "You did the right thing by calling me." She added, a note of apology in her tone, for her previous line of questioning.


    Ezra shrugged, not particularly moved by her praise - especially suspecting she didn''t believe him, "Just wanted to get it over with."


    Jenny sighed, standing up and dusting off her hands. "I know you¡¯re not one for rules, Ezra, but this is serious. You can''t stay in this area anymore. It''s too dangerous, and now there''s been a murder. If word gets out, it''ll draw more attention, and not the good kind."


    Ezra frowned, crossing his arms. "I haven¡¯t broken any laws. I''m not in Lavender Town¡¯s limits." He reiterated, not willing to tell her he''d already planned to leave since the second he found the body.


    He didn''t want to come across as too cooperative here, not with all the shit the police department put him through.


    "I understand that," Jenny replied, her tone softening. "But it''s not just about the laws. It''s about safety. For you and for others. This place isn''t safe right now, and I don''t want to see you get hurt."


    Ezra rolled his eyes. "I''m not afraid of a few poachers or Team Rocket grunts. I can handle myself." I hope¡­


    Now that he had a pokedex he could start doing some research. He had no idea how bad they actually were in this world.


    Jenny stepped closer, her expression earnest. "This isn''t just about you handling yourself, Ezra. This is about preventing more harm. If they come back and find you here, alone... it won''t end well. Please, listen to me."


    Ezra glanced at the body again, faking a look of discomfort, dialing down on his bravado, letting her believe she''d slowly convinced him. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Fine. I''ll move camp tomorrow." He allowed.


    If I can get Pidgeotto evolved tonight, I''ll just leave¡­


    "Thank you," Jenny said, genuine relief in her voice. "I''ll make sure this area is thoroughly investigated. In the meantime, please stay safe and keep a low profile."


    Ezra sighed, turning away. "Yeah, sure. Whatever."


    He''d hit his limit on being told what to do. Heh, he was a teenager again, so it was only proper for him to act this way.


    He could really go for a damn drink though¡­ Could a Ghost pokemon steal alcohol?


    Or would a trainer''s license even extend that far? Proooobably not, he thought. For police work? Or fighting gods or terrorists, sure. But no drinking, that''s the limit.


    As Officer Jenny and her Growlithe began to secure the scene, Ezra walked back towards his camp, his pokemon trailing behind him.


    £ª£ª£ª


    Early morning,


    ¡°Fuck you world!¡± A holler called out across the sky, a Pidgeot taking to the sky, a trainer whooping in joy aboard it.


    Lavender Town got its wish.


    Ezra Kassian was out.


    But he''d be back, oh would he ever be back¡­


    £ª£ª£ª

 Orange Islands.

    <hr>


    Lavender Town lay shrouded in its usual mist, the eerie silence broken only by the occasional whisper of the wind through the ancient trees and the mournful cries of the Ghost Pokemon that lingered there. Today, the air was heavier, charged with an unfamiliar tension.


    From the path leading from the Pokemon Tower, a figure emerged, cloaked in shadows despite the midday sun. Agatha, one of the Elite Four, moved with a grace that belied her years, her eyes sharp and piercing beneath the brim of her wide hat. Her presence commanded respect and fear, her very aura seeming to draw the darkness around her like a shroud.


    Followed by her apprentice, she swept out of the tower, the sheer disgust emanating from her scaring off anyone who''d usually try to gain an autograph or a picture.


    Not that many were usually that daring in the first place. Agatha had a reputation. One she had cultivated specifically to not have to waste time with mouth breathing ignoramuses.


    She had come to Lavender Town for answers, summoned by the disturbing reports she had received once the mystics in the tower had clued in due to rumors around town. As she approached the town hall, the air around her grew colder, the Ghost Pokemon that followed in her wake adding to the chill. Her displeasure was palpable, a dark cloud that seemed to hover just above the ground. Her apprentice slowed down, getting some distance between them, shivering in the chill.


    She''d have to make sure to train the child in colder environments if such a little thing bothered her, she mentally cataloged.


    The town hall was an old, stately building, its weathered facade a testament to the many generations it had served. Agatha pushed open the heavy wooden doors with a force that belied her frail appearance, slamming them into the wall, announcing her appearance, her eyes narrowing as she stepped into the dimly lit interior. The elders and the Mayor were already assembled, their faces pale with apprehension as they awaited her arrival.


    The fools should have known better, they should have certainly had the wits to contact her, to make a decision - instead of foolishly believing they knew what they were doing. Like these wastrels had even touched a Pokeball in decades¡­


    Agatha''s presence filled the room like a storm cloud as she slowly walked forward. She fixed the Mayor with a cold, penetrating gaze, her lips curling into a thin, displeased line. "Why," She began, her voice low and dripping with controlled fury, "Was I not informed about this boy with ghost energy?" She queried, "Why did you fools conspire to hide it from my vision? Know your place!" She punctuated her hissed final statement by loudly tapping her cane on the hardwood floor, the thud having a finality to it.


    Like judgment had been passed.


    The Mayor, a portly man with a nervous twitch, wrung his hands together, sweat beading on his forehead. "Lady Agatha, we -"


    "Silence!" Agatha''s voice cracked like a whip, cutting off his feeble attempt at an explanation. "You had a boy in your midst, gifted with a connection to Ghost Pokemon, and you thought it best to handle it yourselves? Without consulting me?" She sneered, absolutely disgusted.


    When she''d heard, she''d had a moment of elation and interest, the boy''s circumstances drawing some parallels with her own ages ago - she''d never run into anyone with her affinity for ghosts, and to not have to train for it - just have it naturally? She''d immediately drawn up an apprenticeship in her mind - until she''d read that the feckless idiots had banished the boy.


    They had reacted to his amazing gift with scorn. A boy capable of controlling Pokemon without first obtaining them through the Pokeball system, and they''d reached with hate, instead of grasping the golden opportunity with both arms. Fools! Idiots, Fools! She thought having to hold herself back, lest her shadow would lash out and smite the moronic mouth breathers that infested her town.


    Her position in the Elite Four was worth too much to allow herself that pleasure however, so she subsided. Slightly.


    The elders shifted uncomfortably, exchanging glances but saying nothing. Agatha''s gaze swept over them, her eyes like cold, dark embers. "You are all fools. Superstitious fools who let your ignorance guide your actions." She declared.


    One of the elders, an old woman with a wrinkled face and trembling hands, dared to speak. "We thought it best for the town, Lady Agatha. The boy¡­ He was unsettling, those red eyes¡­ He was as much a ghost as the Pokemon. The Ghost Pokemon flocked to him, and -"


    "And you exiled him." Agatha''s voice was now dangerously soft, a sharp contrast to the fury in her eyes. "You sent him away without understanding his potential, without seeking my counsel. Do you have any idea what you might have lost?" She shook her head, the talismans woven into her hair jingling, "This is Lavender, you should be proud of your heritage, you useless fossils!"


    Her apprentice coughed quietly in amusement at her calling someone else a fossil, and her face grew positively vicious as she imagined the tasks she''d put her through for thinking such about a finely aged woman as herself.


    Had she made her dig holes and fill them yet? Hmm, she thought, yes she had. Well, she''d come up with something sufficiently unpleasant. It wouldn''t do to have her apprentice get lazy and fat.


    Meanwhile the old woman recoiled as if struck, her face paling further. "We - " She tried to bluster. The other members were at least wise enough to keep their useless flapping jaws shut in front of her.


    "You did not think," Agatha interrupted, her tone icy. "You acted out of fear and ignorance, and now you will face the consequences of your actions." Behind her, the shadows deepened across the walls, leering ghosts smiling at the gathered council, the shadows reaching across like overly long thin fingers, cackling heard as it reached for the councilors.


    She inwardly smiled as one of the councilors voided his bladder. She still had it.


    She raised a hand like she was about to strike them down, the council all white faced, and then a set of papers materialized in her hand, delivered by one of her ghosts. "The League will be sanctioning all members of the council, all Pokemon related issues will henceforth go entirely through the mystics of the Pokemon tower."


    People loyal to her. The paperwork had been easy to get for that. The League did not like someone like this boy running around unattached, not with the kind of power he could potentially let loose.


    The Champion had been as angry as Agatha, even as he barely fulfilled his duties, training for his upcoming challenger. The idea that such a natural Pokemon tamer slipped out of their hands due to such incompetence¡­ She could probably spank one or two of these fools and get away with it¡­


    They would hardly kidnap the boy, the League didn''t have any legal right to him. Yet like her, they were not impressed, as without the council''s interference - they could have had him under their thumb, under Agatha''s guidance.


    Without authority over Pokemon issues, the council and the Mayor would become entirely toothless, dealing with minor bureaucracy matters entirely. She felt it was a fitting punishment - nothing was worse than bureaucracy. That''s why she had an apprentice in the first place, so she could do all the useless nonsense instead of Agatha and leave her the important bits.


    The Mayor tried again, his voice shaking. "Lady Agatha, please. We didn''t mean any harm. We thought - "


    "You thought wrong," Agatha snapped. She turned her back on them, her cloak swirling around her like a dark specter. "I will find this boy. I will see for myself what you have cast out. And if he is as gifted as the reports suggest, you better pray he is amenable to joining the League, or your position will become untenable to say the least¡­"


    The room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. Agatha moved toward the door, her movements fluid and deliberate. As she reached the threshold, she paused, turning her head slightly to fix them with one last, withering glance.


    "Pray that he is unharmed and not already caught by undesirable elements. Pray that your foolishness has not cost us a valuable ally. If it has, Lavender Town''s council will not soon forget the wrath of the Ghost Mistress."


    With that, she swept out of the town hall, the doors slamming shut behind her with a finality that echoed through the empty corridors. The Mayor and the elders sat in stunned silence, the gravity of their actions sinking in with a chilling clarity.


    Agatha made her way back through the mist-shrouded streets, her mind racing with thoughts of the boy. She would find him. She would assess his potential. And if he was indeed the natural prodigy she suspected, she would take him under her wing, away from the small-minded fools who had failed to recognize his worth.


    And woe to those who stood in her way.


    She turned to her apprentice, giving her a gimlet stare, the girl straightening, but keeping a placid expression, she had more backbone then the entire council. Not that it was a surprise. If she hadn''t, Agatha would have never bothered with her in the first place.


    She tapped her cane on the ground thoughtfully, "Karen, you wanted some independence¡­ Join the circuit, find this boy, stick close, I want to know everything." She ordered.


    "... Great, stuck on babysitting duty¡­" Karen groaned, slumping slightly, a distasteful twist to her lips.


    Agatha raised an unimpressed eyebrow, "Yes, I wonder how that feels." She said dryly, pointedly.


    Karen glared at her huffily, "It''s so not the same, Lady Agatha!"


    "I beg to differ, you''re all wet behind the ears rookies to me." She sniffed, turning on her heels, slowly sinking into the shadows, disappearing from view.


    Karen could take it from there, the boy could hardly have gone far, she''d join the circuit from Lavender and trace the boy''s steps.


    Within a week she''d surely have a report on what made the boy tick, or she''d have to motivate the girl further¡­


    It wasn''t until she returned to her office that she realized the real crime those fools had committed.


    With Karen out searching for the boy, there was no one around to do her paperwork!


    "Ohohoho¡­" She cackled quietly, her shadow stretching across the office, frost spreading across the window, "They''ll pay, come tax season¡­ Oh will they ever pay¡­"


    If she had to do paperwork, she was going to absolutely drown them in audits and unnecessary dross.


    Never let it be said that Agatha wasn''t a petty old witch.


    <hr>


    Far away from Lavender Town, like really, nowhere near Lavender.


    Ezra soared through the clear morning sky, the wind whipping through his hair as he gripped the feathers of his newly evolved Pidgeot. The majestic bird Pokemon''s powerful wings beat rhythmically, propelling them forward at a rapid pace. The world below them blurred into a patchwork of forests, rivers, and mountains. Ezra couldn''t help but grin at it all - the thrill of flight was exhilarating.


    Once he''d get set up properly and retired Pidgeot to a nice forest, he''d have to replace her with a proper dark flying type, because he''d definitely want to fly again. He''d never felt so free, just soaring the sky like this was amazing.


    It was cold, wet, uncomfortable and so exhilarating that he didn''t care about the first three. Him, that disdained existing outside his creature comforts - that wanted city life over roughing it in the wild. The sky was so freeing that he didn''t care about anything else, just enjoying the moment.


    Leaving Lavender Town behind felt like shedding a heavy cloak that weighed you down. The haunting memories of his rebirth and the suffocating suspicion of the townspeople were far below him now, almost insignificant. But he knew he had to remain vigilant. The world outside was just as dangerous, if not more so. His encounter with the dead trainer had reinforced that reality.


    Whether poachers or Team Rocket, or even dangerous wild Pokemon - this world had threats to his life if he became complacent. Especially once he started making waves with some of his knowledge.


    Pryce was currently the champion, he''d read up on his Pokedex. Although not for long in all likelihood, the old ice type leader was facing an Elite Four challenge from Lance the Blackthorn dragon specialist, the winner of the last conference. He hadn''t issued the challenge yet, but the online forums all agreed it was only a matter of time, certainly before this year''s circuit was done.


    Ezra of course knew how that challenge would go, Lance would win and become champion, which meant he was definitely years before Ash was a thing.


    There was a lot of chatter online that wasn''t very complimentary about Lance and Pryce. The fact that both the Champion and the prospective Champion were from Johto wasn''t very popular in Kanto for numerous reasons. It hadn''t been helped by the fact that as far as Ezra could tell from skimming articles and forums on the matter, Pryce was just incredibly uncharismatic, and practically flaunting his preference for Johto at all times.


    He was the stereotype of clannish noble Johto types, traditional, old and arrogant. The funny thing was that Lance was technically exactly the same but younger and more attractive. The other difference was he was charismatic and smart enough to not advertise his preferences - knowing the Champion was supposed to be above all that.


    Hence he was already more popular, despite not even having challenged the Elite Four yet. Even those on the forums that hated Johto, and Lance just for being a Blackthorn - hated Pryce more. Funny to think Lance''s popularity would be not so much from anything he''d done, as much as people just being glad to be rid of the old Champion.


    Either way, the politics of it didn''t matter to him other than for curiosity''s sake - and to confirm again around which time in the timeline he was.


    With his knowledge on both evolutions no one knew about, as well as knowledge about fairy types who the world didn''t even classify as fairy yet - he stood to make bank. It was just a question of making sure he progressed quickly enough in training that his monetary schemes wouldn''t be poached by villainous trainers.


    Although he had some ideas on how to mitigate that. But those required a partner. And he hardly had anyone he could trust with that at the moment.


    And all of it would require some start-up funds. And luckily he knew exactly where to get that. This world, just like any world, had rich people willing to throw insane amounts of money for anything that was unique. Like say a crystal Onix.


    Something he knew the general whereabouts for. Oh, he likely wouldn''t find it immediately, but that was fine, just meant more battles and training for his Pokemon as he searched. He was in no rush to run to the circuit after all. With flight, he could literally hit up every gym within a week if he so wanted later. There was no rush.


    Ezra patted Pidgeot''s neck, they''d already flown quite far yesterday before kipping for the night, so they still have a bit to go, but not unreasonably so. "Alright, buddy, let''s head for the Orange Islands. We have a special Pokemon to find, step one of getting rich and bad ass enough you''ll get your own forest and little harem." Pidgeot let out a triumphant cry, acknowledging the command, seeming to pick up speed from the encouragement.


    The journey to the Orange Islands would be long, but Ezra''s determination drove him forward. No pain no gain - he''d suffer now to live a life of luxury later. His knowledge would be useless if he sat on it, as someone would eventually discover all the things he knew - making his information worthless if he didn''t act on it.


    A day passed as they traveled, stopping occasionally for rest and to train his team. The bond between Ezra and his Pokemon continued to grow as they showed a remarkable ability to understand his wishes and move forward in training. He didn''t know if this was usual for Pokemon or not, as most training methods were not in fact openly advertised - trainers and clans keeping it close to the vest.


    That night, as he sat by the campfire, he played around with his Pokedex, Pidgeot resting, while his other Pokemon all continued their training on harnessing their energy, making their techniques less wasteful, and more focused - the Pokemon well rested as they''d had nothing to do but hang out in Pokeballs all day during traveling.


    Trawling through the primitive web he could access through his Pokedex showed very few tips, mostly generic. Actual training tools and tips were kept mum by even the independent trainers, no one willing to give an advantage up. The web itself was clunky and separated, Kanto and Johto for example having a different web requiring a hassle and a half to switch between them to search the other side.


    That wasn''t even mentioning Sinnoh and Hoenn having just recently opened up trade, and getting on their web took forever, and required a trainer ID, barring anyone else from Kanto to use it at all.


    Each Gym and the Pokemon League all had a website, but it was so basic it made him cringe. It definitely wasn''t a processing problem, they had enough computing power to transfer Pokemon into data. It just seemed that with the focus so heavily on Pokemon, other pursuits that didn''t really involve Pokemon at all - like the web - were lagging behind, the greatest minds inevitably going into Pokemon research, where the money was.


    Honestly¡­ If he could get his hands on a Porygon, he''d make a lot of money on creating something like YouTube/twitter/Instagram allowing trainers to post video and pictures of their Pokemon/Pokemon Battles and the like. What they had now was basically scattered little forums that were a pain to find. They needed modernization in this matter - for the sake of Ezra''s wallet.


    And of course because it would help him gain enough of a reputation to push for his own gym if said app just happened to have an algorithm that pushed his own accomplishments and battles to the front of everyone''s feed¡­


    He made a note in his Pokedex notepad, a Porygon would be essential ASAP, as soon as he had the money from the crystal Onix sale. He wasn''t by any stretch an ace programmer, but he knew some, and with a Porygon to help, surely he could at least knock out something basic that would be better then some scattered low effort forums.


    It was interesting however to note the differences between the Anime and real life here. Pokedex wasn''t a new thing by the time Ash would begin, or he wouldn''t hold one right now. They just probably began to be cheap enough for more trainers to have them by Ash''s time - or that was an entirely separate universe, who knew how these things worked, really?


    Some technology that was new by Ash time already existed here, and there were more kinds of Pokemon then the game/anime had for the beginning stretch - which made sense when he thought about it more. Kanto alone was huge, only 150 types of Pokemon was unrealistic for a landmass this large.


    He shut the Pokedex down, his evil monetary schemes would have to wait for now. If he focused too much on it, he''d go overboard and introduce Gacha games to the world. Collectible Waifu Pokemon girls in Gacha games, would probably ruin the economy here.


    He craned his neck, staring into the darkness where his Pokemon were still practicing, "One hour more, then rest." He ordered quietly, shaking his head at the immediate whining he got from Cubone.


    Ever since there''d been some success with iron tail, the little nut had gone all in for training.


    He gingerly got up from where he was sitting, his ass and thighs smarting from the long hours sitting on Pidgeot and holding on tight. He walked over towards where Cubone was, bending down and patting Cubone on the head gently, "Hey, we''ll be there soon, then we can fight and train all day, but right now, you need to not overdo it while I can''t watch over you." He said, glancing at Haunter and Shuppet, both who immediately froze, acting like they hadn''t been shooting shadow balls at each other. "And you two, don''t think I noticed that sloppy firing sequence, if you''re going to play around, get in good habits, perfect your energy, get a higher rate of speed on your shots, and learn to observe and tell what your opponents body language says about where they''re going to dodge." He lectured.


    He didn''t mind at all if they wanted to shoot the shit out of each other, as long as they didn''t actually hurt each other enough to faint. But they needed to actually pay attention to what they were doing and draw some measure of improvement out of it.


    Haunted and Shuppet both started eying each other more thoughtfully, and Ezra knew they''d think on his words going forward. With so many different body types around, reading body language wouldn''t be wholly successful, but experience would add onto it for every enemy they defeated, so the sooner they started thinking about it, the better.


    The more his Pokemon would know about battling, other Pokemon, and their habits, idiosyncrasies and techniques, the more they''d be able to react in the heat of battle without him ordering them to. Another reason to set up Pokemon YouTube really.


    When his Pokemon wasn''t training, they could watch videos of other trainers and their Pokemon and learn, resting their body while activating their minds. Other clever trainers would perhaps think of the same thing - but if he knew people, only the cleverest of trainers would even think of it - so he''d still be in the top one percent.


    He patted Cubone on the head again, "I''m going to bed, remember, one hour." He said sternly, before he returned to his tent, pausing just before he entered, speaking to his shadow, "Keep an eye out, keep the camp safe, and if they go over an hour, feel free to prank them into acquiescence." He told the multitude of ghosts that followed him around.


    He got a multitude of giggles from that, and he entered his tent to go sleep, safe in the knowledge his camp would remain unmolested, and his Pokemon wouldn''t overdo their training without him there to supervise.


    He really was just a giant walking cheat code - and he was okay with that.


    <hr>


    The next day,


    Finally, the Orange Islands had come into view. A cluster of tropical islands, each with its unique charm and danger - the Orange league protecting it, and if he remembered correctly, Lorelei was supposed to hang around somewhere here as well. Ezra directed Pidgeot to land on one of the medium sized islands, guessing that it was Sunburst island from vague memory, the island the crystal Onix called home.


    The island was lush and vibrant, with thick jungles and pristine beaches. As Ezra dismounted from Pidgeot, he couldn''t help but take in the beauty around him. But he had no time for sightseeing. He needed to find a guide who knew the island well. He could spend his time poking the Orange League, training and looking around at the native Pokemon and such, after he accomplished what he came here for.


    After some searching, and getting laughed at by people, Ezra found a local fisherman named Marco, who agreed to take him to the rumored location of the crystal Onix for a small fee - seemingly bemused at the ''tourist'' wasting his money on a myth. Marco was an older man, his skin weathered by the sun and sea, but his eyes were sharp and alert. He had a scarred and weathered looking Cloyster at his side.


    He also had made no comments about Ezra''s particular look, other than to critically tell him to put on more sunscreen if he wanted to not be in agony the next day, with as he said ''skin like that''. Which Ezra could appreciate.


    "I''ve heard the stories and myths of the crystal Onix," Marco said as they trekked through the dense jungle. "But I''ve never seen it myself, and honestly, it''s just a story spread over drinks, based on something one of the local kids had said which then spread on its own. Some say it lives in a hidden cave, deep within the island. Others believe it roams the jungle at night." He shrugged his shoulders uncaringly, "If it was real, someone would have seen it or caught it by now."


    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Ezra nodded, listening intently. "Do you think it''s possible for it to just be hiding underground then?" The fact it''s even a story here, a myth, should mean I''m in the right place at least.


    Marco shrugged. "Who can say? But this island holds many secrets. If you''re determined, maybe you''ll find it." The amused quirk to his smile told Ezra the old man was just humoring him for the small amount of coin he''d received.


    The journey through the jungle was arduous. The thick foliage and humid air made progress slow. Wild Pokemon occasionally appeared, but Ezra''s team handled them with ease. His Haunter and Shuppet flitted through the shadows, while Cubone and Pidgeot kept close, ready to defend against any threats.


    The old man and his Cloyster didn''t assist, seemingly enjoying letting the youngsters do all the work. Ezra had a feeling the old man was simply going along with this so he''d have a funny story about stupid tourist kids at the bar later.


    Ezra would have to make sure to find him later and rub the crystal Onix in his face. Maybe he''d even be able to get a drink out of it. Stupid deaging, stealing alcohol from him¡­


    As they moved deeper into the island, Marco pointed to a dark opening in the side of a hill. "That''s the entrance to a series of caves. If the crystal Onix is anywhere, it might be in there." He said with a lackadaisical voice.


    Ezra nodded, his excitement building. He thanked Marco and ventured into the cave. Glad for robbing that Pokemart in Lavender of so much miscellaneous equipment, as he had plenty of glow sticks to light the way. The cave was damp and cool, a stark contrast to the sweltering jungle outside. Stalactites hung from the ceiling, dripping water into small pools on the ground as he moved forward.


    "Shuppet, front and center, immediately cast confuse rays on any Pokemon that moves to attack us, Haunter, behind us, same thing for anyone attacking from behind, Cubone, circle me, iron tail on anything that gets caught by either of your comrades." He ordered softly, before moving ahead, his Pokemon falling into formation.


    Cubones Iron tail was hardly a finished product, but it was respectable enough. Soon enough Cubone might even be able to progress to coating its club the same way if the progress continued. It was kind of ridiculous actually.


    Ezra moved cautiously, his senses alert for any sign of danger. The cave seemed to stretch endlessly, twisting and turning like a labyrinth. His Pokemon moved silently around him, their eyes scanning the darkness as well, the glow sticks lighting the way just enough.


    Despite being a new trainer, he didn''t feel afraid of the possibility of going further down. His Pokemon were stronger then the average beginners, and harder to hurt for the most part, at least his Ghosts. And as a backup he had dozens of ghosts that hung around him seemingly feeding on his aura or whatever it was.


    It''s why he felt confident he could take the Onix no matter what.


    As they moved, they periodically ran into Pokemon, mostly Zubats, Paras and Geodudes, but they all were only glimpses, as the Pokemon showed some intelligence - disengaging immediately and fleeing, instead of attacking the obviously ready party with several Pokemon out.


    He didn''t know if they could sense his dark aura and the ghosts hiding within. If they could, it would make sense why even the most bold of them never stepped forward to challenge them while Ezra plunged deeper into the wild Pokemon''s territory.


    Eventually, he called for a break, placing several glow sticks in a circle to light up their area, sitting down on his pack as he took a breather, taking out his water bottle and a quick snack to reinvigorate himself. His Pokemon were still fine, having had no fights. Walking or floating, not doing much to them, unlike Ezra who was still a weak human.


    He knew he had to work on that at least a little, as he didn''t intend to lose out on stamina forever. But he hadn''t had much time yet since he started his journey, and his gains from working out while he was in Lavender, had mostly worked to fix how weak his body had been from the beginning - leaving now for actual proper gains.


    "This might take awhile¡­" He mused out loud to his Pokemon, glancing around the darkness beyond their little circle of light. "We''re basically going in blind¡­" He couldn''t remember exactly how the crystal Onix was found, nor what the kid and sculptor who''d fight it when Ash was there were named - not that they likely knew where it was at this time anyway.


    But he knew he was on the right island, and Marco had known about the Myth. So now it was simply a matter of exploring this cave system until he found it.


    He took another sip of water, putting his water bottle away afterwards. "Alright, let''s continue." He breathed out quietly, picking up the glow sticks again, "Same formation, just in case."


    They plunged deeper into the darkness.


    <hr>


    A day later,


    Ezra was beginning to regret his insistence to plunge deeper.


    To be fair, he hadn''t expected the cave system to be this freaking massive. The tunnels had the hallmarks of being made by Onix, and apparently they''d made a lot of them over the years.


    Sleeping down here had been interesting¡­ The distant noises of wild Pokemon and creaking rock had made it pretty difficult, even if he knew he was protected by his Pokemon, there was just something about sleeping under tons of rock that could be shifted by a Pokemon that unsettled him.


    Further irritating him, he''d run into actual ruins. Deep under Sunburst island, parts of the cave system had begun to have broken pillars, mosaics, and signs of other man made structures; he didn''t remember any of that in regards to the crystal Onix, which made him wary.


    He better not be running into an Arceus damn legendary or something¡­ He was not Ash.


    With the knowledge that the crystal Onix was definitely somewhere on this island. He continued exploring the ruins, or what was left of them, as time and the Onix created tunnels had wreaked some havoc on the structures.


    It took several more hours, and squeezing through some uncomfortably small crevices, but he made it to the deepest chamber, halfway expecting the crystal Onix to be waiting for him.


    Instead he was greeted by an attack the moment he stepped through.


    His Cubone reacted quicker than him, knocking his legs out with its club, making him fall over, the dark wave passing over him where his head had been. Too close!


    Ezra wasn''t taking any chances after that, "Disable it!" He shouted, making a gesture, his shadow undulating as it spit out over a dozen ghosts, Misdreavus, Haunters, Gastly, all howling as they came out firing out attacks.


    His own Shuppet and Haunter hovered protectively in front of him, gathering their energies, preparing their dense special attacks, Cubone growing as it stood before his prone form, club raised.


    No further action was needed, his coterie of Ghosts suppressing the enemy Pokemon through sheer force of techniques, the Pokemon fainting.


    Ezra gingerly got up, already feeling a bruise form on his shin from Cubones hit, he patted the Pokemon on the head again, giving it a smile, as it closed its eyes and almost crooned at the headpat. "Good job, Cubone, everyone."


    He walked forward and examined the Pokemon, fingering a Pokeball.


    It was a Spiritomb.


    What were the odds? A Ghost/Dark Pokemon that was an extremely rare find, and here it was in front of him. It had been deep down inside a ruin, which made some sense, but it still seemed suspiciously fortuitous.


    If he remembered correctly, it was said to be formed by a combination of spirits, but Pokemon entries like those were notoriously creepy for Ghosts to begin with - and he wasn''t sure he believed that they were real here in the real world.


    The Pokemon itself was a purple miasma with green dots and lines that almost approximated a face of sorts, all attached to a keystone at the bottom.


    There really wasn''t much to think about here. Despite the fact he''d actually been attacked for the first time by a dark or ghost type, he tossed the Pokeball over, capturing the Spiritomb. It was a Ghost/Dark type. He wanted a Ghost/Dark type gym. It was a no brainer.


    He''d have to wait until he returned to the surface and a Pokemon center to introduce it to the team however. To see if the attack had been a fluke on its home or sanctuary being breached, or if this was actually the first of its type to not be enamored of his aura that he''d run into.


    He looked around the area, trying to see if there was anything special about the chamber, any fossils or stones or anything at all to point out what this temple or ruin had been about. There was nothing.


    He groaned as he looked at the way back, "Alright, we''ll be heading back everyone, this has not exactly gone as planned, so we''ll go back to the surface and find another way down after resting up." He decided.


    Going through random tunnels all the way down here was unlikely to yield any better results right now. He''d tried plunging deeper, and although Spiritomb was a nice find, he didn''t want to spend the rest of his life in a cave.


    The crystal Onix had been found closer to the surface he was sure, so he''d go back up, and find another tunnel, and keep exploring different tunnels near the surface. Like he probably should have from the beginning. Why hadn''t he done that from the beginning?


    He looked down at the Pokeball that held Spiritomb, his thumb gently caressing it. Had he been unknowingly drawn to the Pokemon, just like his aura drew it''s kind to him?


    He didn''t know.


    Something he''d need to figure out eventually, for now it could have simply been thoughtlessness in his excitement. Plunging deeper because the Onix tunnels went deeper.


    Taking a deep breath, he let go of all unnecessary thoughts, facing the crevice that would take him back, "Let''s go." He said, the ghosts sliding back into his shadow, a feeling that soothed him, he hadn''t even realized he''d felt slightly empty while they were all out until they returned, a feeling like a cold caress going through his mind.


    There was nothing he could do to figure it out right now anyway, so there was absolutely no point in worrying about it. So he put it out of his mind and moved forward. His own Pokemon going back into formation.


    They had a long way to go to get back up.


    <hr>


    The universe was fucking with him, that was the only explanation.


    On the way down he''d marked each wall to ensure he could find his way out again. And he''d followed his way up precisely as it had been marked.


    Except he''d never run into this on the way down.


    As he stepped further into the chamber in front of him, he felt a faint tremor beneath his feet. His heart raced as he realized he might be close - that by luck, miracle or by design, he''d arrived at the right place after all. He signaled his Pokemon to stay alert and moved forward slowly.


    A shimmering light caught his eye as he moved forward, and he saw a large crystal formation jutting out of the cave wall over a pool of water. The light reflected off the crystal, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the chamber. Ezra''s breath caught in his throat as he saw movement within the crystal.


    From the shadows emerged a massive Onix, its body made entirely of shiny reflective crystal. The light from the crystal formation reflected through its body, creating a dazzling display of colors. The crystal Onix moved with a fluid grace, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light as it entered the chamber in front of him, letting out a roar.


    Ezra''s excitement and apprehension blended into a single emotion as he took in the sight before him. The crystal Onix was real, and it was magnificent.


    Collectors would go insane once he posted this, even through the shitty disconnected forums that were available, the word would spread quickly. Connecting to Hoenn''s web would be a pain in the ass, but might be worth it, because if he got Steven Stone''s attention - money would be tossed his way in ridiculous amounts.


    The Onix let out a low, rumbling growl, sliding through the water until it got on land, fifty meters ahead of him.


    Haunter and Shuppet moved into position, their ghostly forms blending with the shadows. The crystal Onix roared, its body glinting in the light as it prepared to attack.


    "Haunter, use Confuse Ray! Shuppet, follow up with Will-O-Wisp!" Ezra ordered, before immediately following up by cheating massively, "Everyone, disorient and weaken the Onix." His passengers flowing out of his shadow to launch their own attacks.


    Haunter''s eyes glowed as it launched a Confuse Ray at the crystal Onix, the ghostly energy swirling towards the massive Pokemon. Shuppet followed with Will-O-Wisp, sending out eerie blue flames that danced around the Onix crystal skin.


    The crystal Onix roared in frustration, the attacks disorienting it, but it put its head down, preparing to charge through it - that''s when the masses attack of a dozen or so Ghosts slammed into it, a bevy of confuse rays, hypnosis and other attacks staggering the Onix which aborted it''s attack, running straight into a wall instead, rocks tumbling as it smashed the wall hard.


    It couldn''t even be called a battle, as he called out, "Hypnosis, everyone!" As the Onix was battered by the attack, unable to muster a defense as it fell under, falling asleep."


    Ezra immediately tossed a Pokeball, not able to hold back a cackle of glee as it twitched for three shakes, and then clicked with the sound of a successful capture. "We did it!" He shouted, showering his Pokemon in exuberant joy.


    The money to kick-start all his plans - it was his, and so easily.


    Real battles in league sanctioned fights would be more difficult, but out in the wild like this? He was a monster. The crystal Onix had not even been able to put up a defense against so many Pokemon launching debilitating attacks on it.


    "Let''s head back." He said with a pleased smile. This expedition had been incredibly rewarding.


    Not even a real trainer yet, with barely a few battles under his belt. He now would have the financial means to really do something. Money was useless sitting around, he needed to put it to work. Which meant he needed to find a partner who could handle the actual work part as he himself took a nice fat cut of the profits.


    Because he''d hardly spend the rest of his life as a breeder or something.


    He made his way back up top whistling a jaunty tune.


    If anyone had seen the practically malicious smile on his lips at the moment, they would have run the other way immediately.


    <hr>


    Marco leaned back in his weathered chair, the old wood creaking under his weight as he laughed heartily with his friends. They sat outside a cozy bar on Sunburst Island, the sun dipping towards the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. The air was thick with the scent of salt and tropical flowers, a pleasant breeze carrying the distant calls of wild Pokemon. The bar itself was a rustic establishment, its walls adorned with fishing nets, shells, and trinkets collected from the sea. The outdoor seating was a mix of old wooden tables and chairs, some showing signs of repair, but it all added to the charm of the place.


    For old timers like them, the new bars with all the steel and such just felt wrong. Didn''t feel alive enough to bother spending time in - too cold and impersonal - the chairs here had stories, the tables had personality. Sometimes tradition really was best, and when there was drinking to be done - was always the best time.


    "Did you see that kid again?" one of Marco''s friends, a burly fisherman named Tito, said with a chuckle. "The one that was talking about finding the crystal Onix. Imagine that!" He shook his head, "They get younger every year, the fools."


    Marco chuckled, shaking his own head. "Tourists and their wild dreams. Can''t blame ''em though, the myths have been around forever." He said, taking a long sip of his drink, shifting the little umbrella.


    Another mark against those new flashy bars. They didn''t have the little umbrellas, Marco couldn''t imagine a drink without them, it was almost sacrilege really.


    Another friend, Luis, a wiry man with a mischievous grin, leaned in. "I told him he''d have better luck finding a Gyarados in his bathtub when he asked me, dunno why you bothered to help the lad, Marco." His hair was adorned with seashells, clicking together as the man chuckled at his own joke.


    The group erupted in laughter, their mirth echoing through the warm evening air. Marco took a swig of his drink, a cold fruity thing that felt perfect after a long day at sea. As he set the glass down, he spotted movement out of the corner of his eye. Turning, he saw the kid from earlier, Ezra, making his way towards them. The boy looked exhausted, his clothes disheveled and streaked with dirt, his face pale but eyes gleaming with determination.


    Not that it said much about the boy, as he always looked pale. Marco had never seen such a weird looking boy before, and felt some sympathy for the lad. Was it a wonder he was so far from home looking for myths? A lad like that likely had faced some hardship from people.


    Marco''s laughter faded as he watched Ezra approach, he didn''t want to make the lad feel bad by letting him know he''d been part of the merrymaking. He raised a hand, signaling to his friends to quiet down. "Hey kid," he called out, his voice gruff but not unkind. "Finally had enough of chasing myths?"


    Ezra shook his head, a tired but triumphant smile playing on his lips. "Not quite," he replied, plopping down on an empty chair with a sigh of relief. The smell was¡­ Noticeable. But they were all fishermen, so they didn''t bother mentioning it.


    Marco signaled to the bartender, a middle-aged woman named Clara, to bring a drink. "Get the kid a soda, on me."


    Ezra frowned slightly. "How about something stronger? I could really use it." He immediately fired, a look of want in his creepy red eyes.


    Marco snorted, his lips quirking into a wry smile. "Come back in a decade, and maybe I''ll think about it. Last thing we need is a lad like you getting into trouble with booze." He said, feeling a tad hypocritical, considering how young he''d started himself.


    When you were out at sea, wasn''t anyone policing what a young man did, something he''d taken advantage of in his youth.


    But a lad with his particular problems, likely had some demons around, Marco wasn''t entirely unaware of the oddity of Ghost Pokemon so easily following someone. With his looks, he''d likely faced at the minimum some bad bullying, so underage drinking was probably a bad idea.


    Luis laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Yeah, Marco''s right. You look like the type who''d get into all sorts of trouble with a drink in hand."


    Ezra shrugged, seemingly unbothered by their teasing. He leaned back in his chair, accepting the soda that Clara handed him. "Fine, but will you buy me a drink if I find the crystal Onix?" He asked, practically chugging down the soda in one go, making a face of distaste.


    Marco didn''t know what exactly ''shitty expy of mountain dew'' was supposed to mean, nor was he sure the lad meant for anyone to hear his grumbling, but he was more distracted by the almost smug look in the lad''s eye.


    The fishermen exchanged glances, Marco''s gut tightening with a premonition. Tito, always the joker, smirked. "Sure kid, if you find it, I''ll buy you ten drinks - any kind you want."


    Ezra''s smile widened, taking on a mischievous edge. Without another word, he reached to his belt and pulled out a Pokeball, tossing it casually into the street. Marco watched in stunned silence as the ball opened with a flash of light, revealing a massive, sleeping crystal Onix. Its body shimmered in the fading sunlight, casting rainbow reflections onto the cobblestone street.


    For a moment there was just silence, and the incredibly smug look on the boy in front of them.


    Then shouts of amazement and shock erupted from all around, drawing the attention of passersby who gaped at the magnificent creature, people coming out of their houses and places of business to gawk at it, drawn from the commotion. Marco''s mouth hung open, his glass slipping from his hand and clattering to the ground, forgotten.


    Ezra stood up, taking a picture of his capture with his Pokedex for some reason. He turned to Tito, who was staring at the Onix with wide eyes. "So, about those drinks?" He said, eyes twinkling.


    Tito blinked, shaking his head as if to clear it. "Well, I''ll be damned. Alright kid, you earned ''em. Clara, get this kid whatever he wants, on me!" He shouted.


    Marco''s heart pounded in his chest as he watched Clara nod and head back into the bar. He couldn''t believe his eyes. The lad had actually done it. He glanced around, seeing the growing crowd of onlookers, all murmuring and pointing at the crystal Onix.


    The myth was real. That was going to cause some commotion amongst the Orange islands. Especially with an outsider being the one to both confirm it, and capture the damn thing.


    "This is going to be trouble," Marco muttered to himself, wiping a bead of sweat from his forehead. But as long as it wasn''t him buying the drinks, he supposed it couldn''t hurt. How much trouble could the lad really get into? And he was just a fisherman, so the other troubles, they really were none of his concern.


    Clara returned with a tray laden with drinks. Ezra pointed at a dark bottle. "I''ll take that one, the Spicy rum." He glanced at Marco and the others, adding with a cheeky grin, "I''ll start slow."


    He was lucky that Clara literally gave no shits as long as she got paid, or he wouldn''t be getting shit all. The woman just looked amused as she handed him the drink.


    The fishermen burst into laughter again, the tension breaking as they marveled at the boy''s audacity. Marco couldn''t help but feel a grudging respect for Ezra. The kid had more guts than most seasoned trainers he''d known - he''d been gone for over two days, so he''d have spent all that time in the depths, harassed constantly by wild Pokemon. That was no small thing.


    "Alright, kid," Marco said, raising his new drink in a toast. "You proved us wrong. Here''s to you."


    Ezra raised his glass, the dark rum fizzing slightly. "To adventure," He said, clinking his glass against theirs.


    Marco stopped him before he could take a sip, and there was a glint of something dark in those red eyes for a moment, before it vanished as Marco plopped a tiny yellow umbrella in his drink, "Can''t drink without it, it''s not proper." He explained gruffly.


    Ezra smirked, but didn''t say a word, simply lifting his glass and appearing to savor the drink. Marco hadn''t done underage drinking in 50 plus years - but he was pretty sure when he''d been a lad he hadn''t had the sense to sip and savor it, instead of gulping it down. It was an oddity, but he supposed the boy was entirely an oddity anyway.


    As they drank, the sun continued its descent, casting long shadows across the island. The bar''s warm lights flickered on, creating a cozy glow that contrasted with the brilliant reflections from the crystal Onix still sleeping in the street. Marco leaned back, taking in the scene, a sense of wonder mingling with his usual wariness. He''d have a story to tell at the bar for years to come, all thanks to this strange, determined lad.


    He had a feeling he''d go far.


    Just hopefully far away from the Orange islands¡­


    Decades as a fisherman had given him a keen sense of when trouble was brewing. And this lad definitely seemed likely to stir the pot.


    As the drinking wore on, he slipped away from the bar, the Onix already thankfully at that point returned to its Pokeball before it could wake up.


    The lad obviously had no idea about alcohol tolerance, and he didn''t want to be around when this all cocked up.


    <hr>


    Next morning, Sunburst island.


    Ezra groaned as he stirred awake, the cold, hard surface beneath him jarring his senses. His head throbbed, a relentless, pounding ache that echoed the rough night he''d had. Blinking against the harsh light streaming through a barred window, he struggled to sit up, his muscles protesting with every movement. As his eyes adjusted, he realized he was in a small, spartan cell. The walls were bare, painted a dull gray, and a single door stood at one end. It didn''t take long for him to deduce that he was in some kind of holding cell - a drunk tank, to be precise.


    Alright, maybe it hadn''t been the wisest idea to celebrate with so many drinks, but dammit I missed being able to have one whenever I felt like¡­


    He''d definitely gone a little overboard, not that he could remember after a few drinks, really, that bartender should be disbarred from bartending, was that a thing?


    Ugh, his head was still weird¡­


    A soft, almost serene presence drew his attention to the corner of the room. There, sitting calmly with an inscrutable expression, was a Psychic Pokemon - a Hypno, its pendulum swinging slowly back and forth as it simply watched over him. Ezra stared at it for a moment, trying to piece together the events that had led him here. The Pokemon watched him placidly, as if keeping a vigil over its temporary charge.


    He supposed it was nice that they had a Pokemon around to make sure he didn''t die choking on his own vomit or something. Or at least one able to call go help, since it was a Psychic type.


    Ezra rubbed his temples, wincing at the pain. "What did I do this time?" he muttered, trying to recall the hazy memories of the previous night. He remembered the bar, the fishermen, and the triumphant display of his crystal Onix. But beyond that, everything was a blur of laughter, cheers, and probably increasingly reckless decisions.


    He knew himself to know that he''d likely not kept it cool and collected. He could be a right bastard at times. And this body had definitely not had alcohol before.


    As he checked himself over to ensure he was in one piece, albeit with the hangover of his life, the door to the cell creaked open. A tall, imposing figure stepped in, his presence filling the small space. The man wore a red and orange vest with a black undershirt that left his arms bare - a Pokeball hanging from his neck on a chain - he had messy dark hair and a narrow face, and his sharp eyes held a mixture of curiosity and authority.


    "Good morning," The man said, his voice a deep, pleasant timbre. "I''m Drake, the leader of the Orange League."


    Ezra''s heart skipped a beat. The leader of the Orange League was here to see him? He tried to shake off his grogginess, his mind racing to figure out why someone of Drake''s stature would bother with him. "Uh, hi," He managed, his voice hoarse. "Is it normal for league leaders to visit guys who had a bit too much to drink?"


    Because he''d bet it was not in fact normal.


    Drake''s lips quirked into a dry smile. "It''s normal when said guy drunkenly sicks dozens of ghosts to steal every piece of women''s underwear in Sunburst and then naps on it like a dragon on its hoard, the ghosts all guarding him."


    He scratched his chin, looking faintly amused, "You are very lucky that your Pokemon did not take that to mean underwear currently being worn."


    Ezra stared at him, baffled. "I did what?" The absurdity of it all left him momentarily speechless. "How am I not dead from general female hatred?" He wondered out loud, wincing at the thought of the kind of retaliation he would have faced if he''d done worse.


    Dammit, he was just like some stupid manga shounen protagonist with a ridiculous trick like that. The hit to his reputation would be immense, if he had a reputation yet. Thankfully he got this nonsense out of the way now, instead of when he was famous.


    And no one would ever mention it again. He willed that into the ether, this is dealt with, it''s done, it''s gone!


    Drake snorted, leaning against the doorframe with an air of nonchalance. "You''re lucky you''re just a weird outsider kid. They were pissed, sure, but mostly they found it stupid and annoying rather than inciting balls-crushing anger. They just want you gone, instead of dead."


    Ezra winced, rubbing the back of his neck. "So, you''re here to escort me out?" That made at least some sense, even if it was a little ridiculous for the head of the league to do the task.


    Drake shook his head, his expression serious. "No, I have other priorities. Like wondering what you were doing with an Orange Island national treasure." He cocked his head, "Care to share?"


    Ezra''s caution heightened, his mind clearing a bit from the fog of his hangover. "There''s no information stating that," He said carefully. "As far as I and everyone I talked to were concerned, it was just a myth." He eyed Drake, suspecting the man was trying to trick him. "You''re trying to snow me."


    Drake raised an eyebrow. "What does that even mean?" His tone held bemusement as he questioned Ezra''s statement.


    Ezra sighed. "It means you''re trying to deceive me, by exaggerating something."


    The league leader chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound. "Kid, I''m the leader of the Orange League. If I say it''s a national treasure, it is."


    Ezra crossed his arms, a defiant glint in his eyes. "If you try to take it away, I''ll petition the Kanto League." He threatened.


    The crystal Onix was the gateway into all his plans, the start up fund to pay for it all. He was not giving it up.


    Drake waved the threat away dismissively. "That would be useless. But there''s no need to go that far anyway." His tone softened slightly, almost conspiratorial. "I have a proposition for you. I want you to go through the Orange League and win. When you leave, and eventually get famous, the crystal Onix will be known as one of your first captures. Even if you sell it, the Orange Islands will be known as the first league you challenged and we will get some of that fame, drawing more tourists looking for myths and attempting to mimic you."


    Ezra eyed him skeptically. "You''re just using me for a cash grab."


    Drake''s grin was unrepentant. "Pretty much."


    Ezra scowled. "Does that mean you''ll all go easy on me for the challenges?"


    Drake''s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Of course not. We have our pride."


    Ezra groaned, rubbing his temples again. "This deal feels pretty unfair." He pointed out sarcastically.


    Drake''s smile turned saccharine. "It''s better than the deal where we just declare you a poacher."


    Ezra stiffened, his mind racing. After a moment, he forced a grin. "On further thought, I''ve always wanted to do the Orange League." He declared.


    It wasn''t even wrong really, he had been pondering doing it while he was here. Just not quite like this¡­ The challenges wouldn''t be impossible, but Drake had a Dragonite didn''t he? He was going to have to train smart or he''d be stuck on these islands forever trying to win.


    His pride wouldn''t allow him to leave having lost. Fucking Ash lose ''em all Ketchum won this league. He was not losing.


    Drake nodded approvingly. "Smart choice, kid."


    Ezra''s mind whirled as he tried to process everything. "So, what''s the first step?" He asked, trying to regain some semblance of control over the situation.


    Although when he was fabulously wealthy, he''d come back and fucking buy this island and make it a red light district type of island, see about Orange islands nice reputation then¡­ He thought spitefully.


    Drake straightened, his expression all business now. "First, you''ll need to officially register for the Orange League. Then, you''ll start challenging the gym leaders."


    Ezra nodded slowly, his mind already strategizing. "Alright. Where do I go to register?"


    "The nearest Pokemon Center can handle that for you," Drake replied. "I''ll make sure you''re escorted there." He smiled pleasantly, "Wouldn''t want you to trip and fall and accidentally fly away would we?"


    He hadn''t actually thought about that, until now that was¡­ Fucking paperwork would stop that though he bet. Some sort of clause that would make him look like he welched on a promise or something to make him look bad if he just took off.


    It''s what he''d do, minimum. He''d probably make the paperwork much worse actually. But he didn''t think Drake had that in him.


    He could still leave, but he''d wanted to look around the Orange islands anyway, they had a lot of weird shit going on, profitable weird shit. So although annoying, this wasn''t too much of an inconvenience. Except for Drake''s Dragonite, and a six on six battle while he didn''t have six Pokemon, and two of his were not even supposed to be battlers.


    He''d figure it out. Or cheat. This wasn''t the Pokemon League. He could get away with a lot more here.


    Ezra glanced at the Hypno, still sitting placidly in the corner. "And what about him?" he asked, jerking his thumb towards the Psychic Pokemon. Wondering if he was going to have to be followed around by the Pokemon as some sort of minder. It''s what he''d do if he was Drake.


    Drake chuckled. "Hypno was here to make sure you didn''t cause any more trouble before we had this chat. You should be fine now."


    As if on cue, the Hypno stood, its pendulum still swinging lazily. It gave a slight nod to Drake before leaving the cell, its duty apparently done.


    Ezra sighed, pushing himself to his feet. "Alright then. Let''s get this over with."


    Drake led him out of the cell, the heavy door clanging shut behind them. The hallways of the holding facility were dimly lit, the air cool and slightly musty. As they walked, Ezra couldn''t help but feel the weight of his situation settling on his shoulders. He had wanted to make a name for himself, but this wasn''t exactly how he''d planned it to start.


    The journey to the Pokemon Center was relatively short. The Pokemon Center was a modest building, its exterior painted in cheerful reds and whites, in contrast to the more subdued tones of the surrounding buildings. Inside, it was bright and bustling, trainers and their Pokemon moving about, chatting with nurses and each other.


    He''d needed to visit anyway, for his Spiritomb and Onix, he supposed he''d have to train them both to be somewhat useful for the next little bit. The sale was now postponed, although it wouldn''t hurt to still post the picture and get the appetite of the collectors going - getting the bids rolling in so he could keep jacking the price up.


    Drake guided Ezra to the reception desk, where a cheerful nurse greeted them. "Good evening! How can I help you today?"


    Ezra glanced at Drake, who nodded for him to proceed. "I''d like to register for the Orange League," He said, trying to keep his voice steady, before he put up two Pokeballs on the counter, "And to heal these two guys."


    The nurse''s smile widened. "Wonderful! Just fill out these forms, and we''ll get you set up." She handed him a stack of papers and a pen. "By the time you''re done, I''m sure your Pokemon will be healed." She added brightly, stepping away with the two Pokeballs.


    Ezra watched her go warily, wondering if it was wise to leave the crystal Onix, but there wasn''t much he could do about it. It was unlikely in any case that the Pokemon center would allow any such theft, not with how the capture immediately fills in on the Pokemon League''s system at point of capture.


    Ezra sat down at a nearby table, Drake standing nearby with his arms crossed. As he filled out the forms, he couldn''t help a twinge of annoyance, the paperwork filled with the dryest forms of legalese ever, confirming that the only special clause was indeed one that confirmed he''d staked his honor on going through the entire League - making running away something less than desirable.


    Once he had completed the paperwork, the nurse took the forms and entered the information into the computer. "All set!" she said brightly. "Good luck on your journey!" She handed him his Pokeballs back, "And your friends are all healed up!"


    Ezra thanked her, turning to face Drake. "So, where do I start?" He said bluntly, wanting to be gone.


    He was itching to let his Pokemon out, not used to having them in their Pokeballs.


    Drake handed him a map, pointing to the first location. "Your first challenge will be on Mikan Island. The gym leader there specializes in Water type Pokemon. It should be a good test for you."


    Ezra nodded, studying the map. "Alright. Mikan Island it is."


    As he prepared to leave, Drake placed a hand on his shoulder. "One more thing, kid. Remember, we''re watching you. Don''t screw this up by refusing to play ball."


    Ezra met his gaze, a determined glint in his eyes. "I won''t."


    With that, he left the Pokemon Center, the map clutched in his hand. The cool evening air hit his face, refreshing after the stuffy confines of the holding cell. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. This was it. The start of his journey through the Orange League. He knew it wouldn''t be easy, but he was ready for the challenge.


    He let Pidgeot out, climbing on. The rest of his Pokemon would have to wait a little longer. He wanted off this island, and away from Drake.


    He was going to enjoy rubbing it in the man''s face when he conquered his little League easily.


    Believe it!


    <hr>

 Orange Crush

    <hr>


    Ezra landed on Mikan island, but didn''t immediately stomp off to challenge the leader.


    He needed to think this through, plan, and then completely annihilate Drake and his coterie for trying to push him around.


    He realized he could just fly away, but it didn''t sit right with him. Not due to honor or something ridiculous like that. Drake had challenged him, and was trying to use his capture of the crystal Onix as a publicity stunt for his two bit League. He was doing this to garner up some interest, publicity and tourism.


    So yeah, Ezra understood what was happening, but out of spite, he was going to turn it around and absolutely humiliate the guy instead.


    He was going to be the outsider who captured a rare Pokemon off their lands, and then blitzed their entire league in one day.


    He just needed to figure out how first, before he started. He knew that the league didn''t have traditional Pokemon battles, not until Drake anyway, so that was his best chance.


    Because they didn''t play by normal Pokemon League rules, and didn''t know about his¡­ Particular abilities. He could cheat. And cheat like hell. He''d planned to go through the league here at his leisure while looking up interesting things around the area anyway, but now, he''d blitz these fools and go grab what he needed and then get the hell out.


    He let his Pokemon out of their Pokeballs, except for the crystal Onix. He didn''t really want to deal with that one, since he was just selling it. Also he still felt silly for getting into trouble in the first place by showing it off. He really needed to work on his knee jerk reaction of rubbing his success in people''s faces.


    ¡­ At least until he was powerful enough he could get away with it.


    The Spiritomb seemed angry still, its purple miasma practically buzzing, although it thankfully didn''t do anything like attack him.


    He sat down in front of it, frowning slightly, resting his head on a fist. "That was probably your home for a long time, huh?" He asked, his other Pokemon hovering around him protectively. "Probably feels pretty scary to be out and about." At least that''s the feeling I get from it, perhaps I can feel their aura better than normal?


    Spiritomb''s ''face'' fluttered into a displeased frown kind of look, and Ezra nodded, "I can understand that, but living in that cave can''t have been very interesting either."


    The Spiritomb just glared at him, presumably for disparaging its boring ass hole in the ground. Whatever, he got it - even if it''s a shit place, it''s his shit place.


    "I''m not putting you back, sorry, but I''m not really sorry." Ezra said bluntly, not going to sugarcoat things. If the Pokemon couldn''t handle him as he was then that was that. "I''m sure you''ve noticed I have some sort of aura that you guys seem to feed on, you won''t get that somewhere else, no other human to my knowledge has it."


    Shuppet made a lot of agreeing noises, chirping at the Spiritomb who narrowed its ''eyes'', rumbling something back in an eerie screeching noise.


    He let them talk it out for a few moments, the Spiritomb seemingly begrudgingly accepting whatever Shuppet was saying. "Life will be a lot more interesting seeing the world, battling other Pokemon, causing havoc and mischief, all I ask is that you try it, and work for it." He said when both Pokemon had calmed down their chatter.


    Spiritomb floated in the air silently for a few moments, before letting out a loud breath that sounded like a whoopee cushion more than anything, nodding its ethereal body.


    "Welcome to the team." Ezra said, smiling, bringing out his Pokedex, aligning it on the Spiritomb, glad he had the ability to check a Pokemon''s actual moves now, instead of having to ask the Pokemon to demonstrate - which didn''t work well on moves that weren''t an outright attack move.


    He grinned as he saw the move pool, "Oh, we''re going to be the best of friends, you and I¡­" He told the Spiritomb.


    He had his ace in the hole against Drake''s Dragonite, albeit one that would take some work to use, as he probably needed Dragonite to be the last Pokemon left. Which meant he not only needed to take out Drake''s other Pokemon easily enough that Ezra still had Pokemon leftover, but not beating them so easily that Drake would think to bring his Dragonite out early.


    It was a plan however, and he had faith in his ghosts and Cubone to do well even against Drake. And well, in the worst case scenario, the Onix could be sent out to tank some damage, even if he lasted two hits from the Dragonite that would be enough.


    He knew Drake started with a Ditto, and that was probably the same even if he was a bit early compared to Ash, especially as Drake was undefeated that entire time. Ditto probably throwing many trainers off.


    Personally he could see several ways of dealing with it. He didn''t see the other Pokemon he had as too much of a threat if he could get his plans to work, except if he had that Gengar he''d used against Ash, which he could hope he didn''t have yet.


    Ghost Pokemon weren''t likely plentiful in the Orange islands so it''s possible he didn''t have it. In that case he''d instead face an unknown Pokemon. Although¡­ With his Aura, would he affect even Ghost Pokemon other trainers owned? Would be an interesting thing to see if Drake did indeed have a Gengar, or a Haunter if it hadn''t evolved yet.


    Venusaur and Electabuzz would be the last two, and he acknowledged that if he wouldn''t be cheating, this lineup would be too much for him. All of them together wasn''t a terrible team, good spread of tricks, elemental Pokemon, a Ghost, and a Dragon.


    He could see why Drake was undefeated. But this wouldn''t be a Pokemon League game, and as long as he didn''t get caught by doing something obvious, Drake and the others wouldn''t have any idea about what he was capable of.


    After spending some time with his Pokemon talking over what he planned for the next few days, he sent them off for training, tasking Haunter and Shuppet with teaching Spiritomb to compress its energy like they had.


    He himself got to work setting a bonfire up, taking his time to trek around and gather wood, building up his own stamina as his Pokemon worked. Once the flames were crackling away happily, he waved Cubone over.


    "So, you''re doing pretty awesome in Iron tail, and I think it''s going to develop further the more you fight with it, but right now I have another goal in mind." He rubbed Cubones head slightly, not sure how the Pokemon could even feel it through the bone, but it still closed its eyes happily and chirped at him.


    "I have a specific evolution I''m working towards for you, and it''s a Fire/Ghost type. Now you don''t have any fire type moves, and I can''t afford to buy you one yet. But fire energy is something that I think can work on its own even if you don''t manage to perfect a technique." He explained.


    He brought out his Pokedex, bringing up the grainy video of a Machope using a fire punch. There were very few videos like that online, mostly from rookies, as veteran trainers didn''t deign to show off their moves in any manner. "This is a fire punch, a gathering of fire energy in a Pokemons fist before they punch something."


    He gestured to the bonfire, "While you train tonight, I want you to stay near the fire, feel its energy, meditate on it, try to copy it in your fists as you work afterwards." He rubbed its head again, "Don''t be discouraged if it doesn''t work, I don''t see this working out anytime soon, the important factor is to get a feel for fire energy, I''m almost positive it is one of the reasons for your evolution."


    He didn''t expect this to succeed in getting an actual fire punch working, he couldn''t build a bonfire every night, but the more Cubone got to feel and internalize what fire energy was, the better his chances of getting a Fire/Ghost type Marowak, what they''d called an Alolan Marowak in the games.


    Once his Onix sold, he could just buy Fire Punch and teach it to his Cubone, but he wanted it to have some idea of fire energy before he went that route.


    Staring thoughtfully into the fire, he decided he also couldn''t keep just calling his Pokemon an it, or the Cubone. They all needed names. Especially his ghosts considering how many similar ones followed in his shadow. Calling for Haunter, when he had at least 5 with him was just confusing.


    "Hey, I''m going to call you Rider, okay?" He told Cubone. Since Cubone would evolve into a flaming ghost, Ghost Rider came to mind, so Rider would be its name.


    Rider seemed happy enough with the name, chirping at him, waving its bone club in the air, bumping its head against his knee.


    "How about you run and get the others, they deserve names as well, hmm?" He said, his eyes on the fire, the light reflecting in his eyes.


    Rider ran off immediately, and he sat and just stared into the fire for a few moments. He wasn''t sure where the sudden feeling had come from, to name them. To¡­ Perhaps personalize them more?


    He wasn''t like the normal goody two shoes trainers who loved Pokemon like they were family. But¡­


    Something, he supposed, had just felt wrong with continually calling them by their species, like he''d go around saying chair, table, cat, dog, like they were not important. And it was annoying to have several Haunters together with his own Haunter.


    Soon enough they were all gathered in front of him, and he turned away from the fire. "I''ve decided to give you names." He said bluntly, "Cubone is now Rider. I''ll be giving you all names as well, not only to put you apart from anyone else I may capture, but to showcase you''re mine. Just as I am yours."


    He beckoned Haunter forward, "From now on, your name is Cheshire."


    Cheshire grinned widely, laughing silently, before using shadow sneak to appear right behind him, its tongue leaving a cold slimy trail up his neck.


    "Yes I get it, you like the name, now fuck off!" He sent Cheshire a mock irritated glance, shooing it off.


    Shuppet was practically vibrating in excitement, bobbing up and down in the air, which was precisely why Ezra crooked a finger, beckoning Spiritomb forward instead. He hid a smile as his Shuppet practically deflated, sinking to the ground in defeat.


    "I know you''re new, and all of this might be a bit much, but you also deserve a name, one that other Pokemon might one day look to in awe or fear." He explained, staring straight into the purple miasma that made up his newest Pokemon. "Your name is Nyx, from a goddess of the night capable of wielding shadows and darkness."


    As a Ghost/Dark type, he felt it fit well enough. Besides, naming Pokemon was kind of cringe anyway, so he''d just lean fully into it and make it cool.


    Nyx seemed pleased with the name, hovering back into place, smugly looking down on Shuppet, who rushed forward before he could call on it.


    He laughed, "Yeah, you want a name too, huh? How about simp?" He teased gently.


    Shuppet did not appear to understand the meaning of the word, but she got the gist of his intent, and protested, loudly chirping against the suggestion, while his other Pokemon loudly seemed in favor, mocking their fellow.


    "I kid, I kid, how about¡­ Loki?" He said, bending down to look Shuppet in the eyes, "Named so for a god of mischief and cunning."


    Shuppet visibly approved of the idea, so Ezra nodded his head, anointing it Loki, not mentioning how Loki was also someone who tended to fail badly at their plotting. Just as Shuppet tended to fall short in any game against Cheshire.


    "Alright, that''s enough of that!" He clapped his hands together, "Back to training everyone, I''ll have some berries scrounged together for when you''re done."


    They happily went back to training, leaving Ezra to do the domestic work.


    He''d be glad when he had the money to just buy everything that was needed.


    Soon¡­


    <hr>


    1 day later,


    He''d decided to take the week to train his Pokemon, really nail their capabilities down, and practice on getting them to harness every drop of energy, shaving down seconds on their techniques.


    He''d gone ahead and called ahead to each of the four Orange island gyms and scheduled a match, all within hours of each other. He''d given himself twelve to sixteen hours to do all four gyms and the travel time between the islands, which thankfully were not far from each other in this archipelago.


    He suspected Drake would accept his challenge anytime, so he''d finish them all within that timeframe and then challenge Drake, beating his league in a day.


    Just in case, he had scheduled a block with Drake at the end of the day that day through his gym, in case he decided to be stubborn and decline his immediate challenge.


    By scheduling ahead, he''d get them talking anyway, as the leaders realized he''d scheduled them all on the same day, it would make it even sweeter to beat them when they''d realize exactly what he was doing as he did.


    For now, he was exploring his capabilities with the Ghosts following him, as he''d left his Pokemon behind to train on the beach, as he strode into the jungle for some privacy.


    "Alright, let''s try some things." He spoke out loud, shaking his limbs loosely like he was going to work out.


    He raised a hand, pointing it forward, "Can you use the shadow between my wrist and my clothes?" He asked, feeling the Ghost Pokemon move around him. He felt more than he saw, as the tiny shadow within the space grew heavier.


    He moved his arm back and forth, the weight not physical as he felt just fine, more of a mental strain as if the shadow wasn''t as connected to him as his own full body shadow was.


    "Can you fire off a hypnosis, without touching me?" He asked, putting his arm forward again, palm flat as he held his hand up, leaving more space under his wrist.


    His smile grew positively feral as it worked. This¡­ This held so many opportunities for the future. Especially for the Orange League and whenever he''d have a run in with Team Rocket¡­


    Hypnosis wasn''t as flashy a technique as most, as a psychic technique, it was an almost entirely intangible attack that was barely visible as it shot forward. In the heat of a battle, especially if one of his Pokemon was already using the attack, another lined up with it would hardly be noticeable.


    "How many of you can fit under there?" He asked deviously.


    After some experiments, it turned out only three alas, but it still gave him faith that he could give Drake hell. The man wouldn''t know what hit him.


    "Let''s see what else we can figure out." He cackled, the Ghosts all laughing alongside him as they swirled around him, happy with his elation.


    <hr>


    A week later, Mikan Island.


    Ezra stepped onto the sandy shores of Mikan Island, the opposite side from where he''d been training all week. The air was warm and filled with the salty tang of the ocean. His thoughts were clear, his mind a focused whirlwind of strategies and potential countermeasures. He had planned meticulously, and now, it was time to execute.


    Luckily for him, he had the knowledge of what the challenges were already, not only from watching Ash, but from the gym''s website. He''d caught a random water Pokemon just for this purpose, as Cissy had an arbitrary rule forcing challengers to use water Pokemon, or at least Pokemon able to use water moves.


    He''d just get rid of it after the battle.


    The Mikan Gym wasn''t far, and he could feel the thrill of the upcoming battle course through his veins - not that it would be much of a battle. He walked purposefully through the bustling marketplace, ignoring the curious glances from locals and tourists alike. His goal was singular - the gym and its leader, Cissy.


    The Mikan Gym was an open-air arena, a departure from the typical enclosed buildings he was used to. Its design was simple yet elegant, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the island. Tall palm trees swayed gently around the perimeter, and a large pool of crystal-clear water took up the center of the arena. It was clear that this gym specialized in Water type Pokemon.


    Which was fine, Ezra didn''t mind specialization, it annoyed him that he had to catch a Water Pokemon for this stupidity however. Even if he wasn''t going to really do any of this by¡­ Conventional means.


    Cissy, the gym leader, stood at the opposite end of the ''arena'', her confident posture unmistakable as anything else but the leader of this place. She struck a plain figure compared to many of the gym leaders around the world, her plain auburn hair tied back in a high ponytail, accentuating her sharp, sea-blue eyes. Dressed in a simple halter top and skirt, she looked every bit like a normal woman enjoying the beach. Her gaze met Ezra''s as he approached, a smirk playing on her lips.


    "So, you''re the challenger who''s been causing a stir? Bold to challenge us all thinking it would be that easy." She called out, her voice carrying over the sound of the waves gently lapping against the shore nearby, and the hum of the pool controls underneath them.


    "That''s right," Ezra replied, his tone steady. "I''m here to challenge you for your badge." And to humiliate your rinky dink league¡­


    Cissy''s smirk widened. "Well, you''ve come to the right place. But be warned, our gym battles aren''t like the others. We''ve got our own style here in the Orange Islands. Are you up for a different kind of challenge?"


    Ezra nodded, unfazed. "I''m ready for anything." A glint of disgust in his eyes, "Even with these ridiculous rules you force on people¡­"


    "Good," Cissy said, her eyes gleaming with excitement. Before she seemingly caught on to the fact he hadn''t followed the usual script, putting her hands on her hip, snapping out, "Hey, the rules make sense, brat! What kind of trainer are you if you can''t use a Pokemon outside your specialty, huh?"


    "Yes, let''s force trainers to capture and train Water Pokemon that they will then immediately get rid of and abandon after your gym, you''re right, an excellent idea." He groused, hands in his pockets as he stared her down.


    He had no idea if that was what happened, but considering he intended to do exactly that, surely he wasn''t the only one who''d done it.


    Cissy spluttered, "People don''t do that!" She cried out, pointing at him accusingly, "There''s something wrong with you!"


    He rolled his eyes, he was almost positive he was at least half right, "Whatever, let''s get this joke of a gym challenge done." He muttered.


    It might have been amusing as an exercise in his skills as a trainer, if he didn''t go the route he was going today, but he still thought it was a stupid way to limit a gym.


    "Then let''s get started. We''ll decide this with a Water Gun accuracy test. Whoever hits the most targets during the time limit wins!" She waved an arm excitedly, apparently deciding to power through his gloom with cheerfulness. "This is to show how well you''ve trained your Water Pokemon, and if you succeed you have proven yourself and earned my badge." She twirled a Pokeball on a finger, smirking almost predatorily for a moment, "My Seadra is a champion at this game¡­ You''re not getting a badge today!"


    He knew Ash had been forced to do more than this challenge, although he couldn''t remember why, but apparently if he beat her in the first test, it would be the only test. Heh, simple enough. Guess he wouldn''t need to do the stupid Wave Ride challenge after then, so he''d captured a larger Water Pokemon needlessly it seemed.


    Ezra watched as Cissy released her Seadra, its sleek body cutting through the water with ease. Ezra threw his own Pokeball, his arm lined up with the Seadra, and in the spray of water as his Pokemon arrived in the pool, it was impossible to see the Seadra get hit by three different shots of Hypnosis from the Ghosts hidden beneath his sleeve.


    "Ready, set, go!" Cissy shouted, and the competition began, Cissy ready to cheer, before she spluttered in confusion as her Seadra apparently decided to take a nap, "Seadra! What are you doing!" She shouted, stomping a foot uselessly.


    His Ghosts had practiced using their energy for telekinesis religiously all week, a normally psychic move - they''d focused the entire week on it. In case he''d have to use them to guide his Water Pokemon in a field of Telekinesis, while limiting and messing up his opponents shots, but now that his first gambit had worked, he didn''t even need that. It was good for him, in case he''d need his Ghosts to do it later against the other Gyms, the ability tiring them out quickly. Ghosts could do Psychic moves, but they''d never be as good at it as actual Psychic Pokemon.


    "Go you fat fuck." He waved casually to the Pokemon he''d bribed by promising it plenty of food if he hung around for a week.


    "That is not how you talk to your Pokemon!" Cissy practically howled, a tick mark on her forehead.


    "It''s not mine, not really. We just made a deal for food for this stupid challenge, then he can go do whatever." Ezra said lazily, watching his temporary ally miss more than he hit, but with his opponent asleep, he had all the time in the world to take down the targets, sure to win as time ticked down on the challenge. Ezra found more amusement in watching Cissy''s reddening face at this humiliation, then he did watching this ridiculous challenge.


    He was also slightly disappointed in the fact she didn''t even think to call out another Pokemon, never having clarified it was only one vs one in the rules. Besides with Seadra obviously incapacitated, she could have argued the point anyway, but she didn''t even try. Ezra found her lacking in every way.


    Honestly, basing your entire gym on Pokemon surfing or being able to shoot water bullets. How moronic. Nothing would have stopped her from demanding the Wave Ride challenge as well, other than her words at the beginning, which she could have claimed was misspoken.


    He supposed he was getting a lesson on what not to do, when he became a proper gym leader. You needed to teach some sort of lesson, not just¡­ Pull a cheap gimmick and call it a gym.


    His Seel finally finished the last target, and Ezra turned to Cissy, holding out his hand expectantly.


    She fumed as she recalled Seadra, stomping over to him, and handing him his badge, looking like she wanted to throw it at him.


    "You cheated somehow." She accused lowly, grabbing his hand by the wrist, as he took the Coral-Eye badge.


    He looked her in the eye, smirking, "I only used one Pokemon, just like you, get over yourself." He slapped her hand away, scoffing at her temerity.


    Sure he was cheating, but if she sucked so bad she couldn''t prove it, she deserved to suffer from it. He''d only used one Pokemon as far as she was aware, so she was just working off guesses.


    Speaking of, he grabbed Seel''s Pokeball, tossing it to the ground, and then stomping on it, crushing it, as Seel was released from his services - in front of Cissy''s gobsmacked eyes.


    "Feel free to capture the lazy fuck, all he does is eat anyway." Ezra said carelessly, tossing another Pokeball out, releasing his Pidgeot.


    For his entire life, his hatred at his own body, at life around him going on without him, his rage at the unfairness of it all, it had boiled inside him. No one liked a cripple or disabled person who whined about their lot in life after all. So he''d kept everything inside, every day, just trying to eke out a life.


    Now¡­ It wasn''t going to make him friends, but he found he just didn''t care to keep what he felt hidden anymore. He''d say what he meant, and suffer the consequences if they came. He was done hiding himself to appease society.


    He''d acknowledge he was an asshole. But he was an honest asshole.


    "You¡­ You¡­" Cissy growled, hands spasming like she wanted to wring his neck.


    He climbed onto his Pidgeot, casually waving at her, "Next time, try to be something else then a pathetic one trick pony, just a piece of advice." He said, taking off before she could respond.


    He certainly wasn''t making friends, but then he wasn''t here for that.


    He was here to crush the Orange League.


    <hr>


    Naval island.


    Ezra''s heart was racing as he landed just outside Danny''s gym on Navel Island. The brisk mountain air was invigorating, and he knew he was likely going to be pressed for time here. He had already conquered one gym, and now he was here for the second. He marched up to the gym entrance, where Danny was waiting for him with a knowing smile.


    He''d sent a request when he first scheduled these challenges, he hoped it was heeded, or he would waste a lot of his time on this stupid challenge. Ash had to climb up a mountain, and he just didn''t have time for that shit. Hopefully Drake leaned on him to be more receptive, since Drake was the one making him go through this in the first place.


    Danny, with his tousled brown hair and athletic build, looked every bit the outdoorsman. His relaxed demeanor, however, was underpinned by a sharp, competitive edge as he shook Ezra''s hand, gripping it tightly. "I hear you''re on a tight schedule," Danny said, crossing his arms. "You''re taking on all the gyms in a day, right?"


    "That''s right," Ezra replied, making a motion as if looking at a wrist watch, "Let''s get to it." He said without preamble, not interested in chitchat.


    Danny nodded, clearly annoyed by Ezra''s determination to skip the normal rituals. "Alright then, Drake waived my normal first challenge for you, so we need to get there in a different manner. Follow me."


    They both took to the skies, flying up the steep mountain that loomed over the gym. The ascent was swift, the wind whipping past them. As they reached the summit, the view was breathtaking - a vast panorama of the ocean stretching out in every direction. But there was no time to admire the scenery. Danny pointed to two geysers behind them, their steam and water rising in great plumes, crashing back down, making thunderous noise.


    "For this first challenge," Danny explained, "We''ll each freeze one of these geysers. The first to do so wins. I''ll use my Pokemon to freeze mine, and you''ll use yours."


    How utterly stupid, yet again. To base more challenges on only having one type of Pokemon, or one type of attack. They wondered why their trainer tourism was low? It''s because no one wanted to deal with this bullshit. People traveling to the Orange League would be trainers who already had a team or a mostly full team - none of which would be impressed at being forced to get a new member just for these challenges if they didn''t have one that fit the criteria.


    He was going to leave Drake a damn review after this.


    101 reasons your league sucks.


    Ezra turned his mind to the challenge. He had no Ice type Pokemon or moves. But he did have something else. As Danny sent out his Nidoqueen, Ezra called out Rider, his Cubone, and positioned himself behind everyone. His ghosts, hidden within his shadow, would be his secret weapon yet again.


    It wasn''t improving as a trainer, not really. But considering the moronic one note challenges he was facing, he didn''t see how they improved any trainers either.


    Danny wasted no time. "Nidoqueen, Ice Beam!" he commanded. A brilliant beam of icy energy shot from Nidoqueen''s mouth, striking the geyser. Steam hissed and crackled as the water began to freeze.


    Ezra watched carefully, then nodded subtly, Ezra''s hidden ghosts moved into action, their telekinetic abilities honing in on Nidoqueen''s head. With an almost imperceptible shift, they redirected Nidoqueen''s Ice Beam away from Danny''s geyser and towards Ezra''s.


    Danny frowned, noticing the sudden change in trajectory. "Nidoqueen, focus!" He urged, confused, but it was too late. The geyser in front of Ezra was rapidly freezing over. Frustrated, Danny called out, "Nidoqueen, snap out of it, freeze our geyser!"


    He looked towards Ezra, frowning at Rider, who wasn''t doing anything, and wasn''t a likely caster of a Confuse Ray or similar attack. Which he would have seen anyway. Ezra just smiled pleasantly at his look of abject confusion.


    With Rider doing nothing but sitting there as Ezra''s Geyser froze over, giving Ezra the challenge, it was obvious Ezra''s had done something. But Danny couldn''t exactly do much about it, because there were no signs of anything being done by him.


    Nidoqueen stopped firing, growling in irritation at having her head forcibly moved and held in a vice, Ezra''s Geyser was a solid block of ice already by then. Danny sighed, a hint of confusion in his eyes, along with his irritation. "This challenge is a wash," He declared, showing more brains then Cissy at least, Ezra thought, not too bothered.. "You didn''t really use your Pokemon for it. So, we''ll move on to the next one as the final test."


    Ezra nodded, having figured it was always going to be decided thusly anyway - they technically all had three challenges available, but it all depended on what they put forward with each trainer - like when Cissy had shot herself in the foot by declaring the accuracy test would be enough for a badge. "We''re going to make bobsleds out of the ice and race down the mountain," Danny explained. "First one to the bottom wins."


    He gestured to Ezra''s Geyser, "We''ll both use this, and there will be no funny business during this, alright?"


    Ezra snorted, "Trust me, I find nothing funny about the stupidity of these so-called challenges that force trainers into only one mold." He shook his head, clicking his tongue, "Tch, you wonder why you''re small potatoes? You can''t even understand trainers'' attachment to their teams. Going by the first two gyms so far, no one except a Water Pokemon trainer would have been eager to come test you both. Requiring Water and Ice as the only avenue forward, can you really say you''re surprised when not a single fire trainer or normal type, fighting type - I could go on - comes here?"


    Danny glared at him, "Pretty cocky there, kid. There''s a dozen brats like you every year on this mountain, I make them eat their words like I will make you eat yours."


    Ezra simply deadpanned at him, "So you''ve been told the same thing before, and still persist. Nevermind, I now find you slightly funny, in a sad way."


    "Just make a sled!" He snapped, turning to his own Pokemon, gritting his teeth together.


    Ezra turned to Rider. "Use Iron Tail to carve out a bobsled," He instructed, his ghosts aware of what the challenge was and would be using telekinesis to help shape the thing as Rider cut it out of the giant block of ice - Rider definitely did not have the control in his tiny tail to manage it on his own. Rider''s tail glowed with a metallic sheen as it struck the ice, carving out a blocky shape. Meanwhile, Ezra''s ghosts once again worked in the shadows, using their telekinesis to refine the sled''s design as Rider cut, smoothing out imperfections and ensuring it was somewhat aerodynamic as Rider ran around the sled like shape, creating enough dust that it was hard to see how exactly the sled was taking shape.


    In mere minutes, Ezra''s bobsled was complete. He climbed in, securing himself as best as he could in the uncomfortable thing, Hoping he wasn''t about to kill himself with this stupidity. Another mark against the gym. Like mountain climbing wasn''t a retarded trainer test to begin with, going down a Arceus damned mountain proved your skill how exactly?


    Teamwork and your Pokemon listening to you? You know how else you could prove that? Like the rest of the Arceus damned world, with a Pokemon battle!


    Danny, working quickly with his own Pok¨¦mon, still hadn''t finished his sled as Ezra set off, glaring at him in disbelief.


    Ezra''s sled shot forward with a push from Rider, the tiny Pokemon jumping in with him immediately after, the wind rushing past his face as they immediately picked up speed. He had little experience with bobsledding, (aka none) but he trusted his instincts and the telekinetic nudges from his ghosts to keep him steady. The mountain''s twists and turns came fast and hard, and he gripped the sides of the sled tightly.


    Danny, more experienced, quickly closed the gap between them once his sled was finished, speeding down the mountain after him. His sled was gaining speed rapidly, and he was navigating the slopes with practiced ease. It helped that he had a heavy ass Nidoqueen giving him better balance for steering, while Ezra could only steer due to Telekinesis, and at this rate, he''d have to rest his Ghosts for Drake and have them skip the third and fourth gym.


    He briefly toyed with the idea of using his Ghosts to throw Danny''s sled into a tree but it seemed a bit harsh even for him. And he also didn''t want to keep wasting his Ghosts energy. So he held on, believing he had enough of a lead to pull through.


    Worst case, he''d have Rider iron tail their damn sled before the finish line, Danny had never said there was no Pokemon moves allowed.


    Ezra''s sled maintained its course, barreling down the mountain. The finish line came into view, and with a final burst of speed, he crossed it first, Danny just about managing to catch up, but in the end the advantage of starting minutes ahead won the race.


    Breathless and exhilarated with the victory, even if he thought it was stupid, Ezra climbed out of the sled. Danny arrived moments later, next to him, frustration evident on his face. But there was also a grudging acceptance - he couldn''t say he hadn''t ridden a damn sled down the mountain after all. He approached Ezra, holding out a hand. "Well, you did it. You won. Here''s your Sea Ruby badge." He sounded very unenthusiastic about it.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Ezra accepted the badge, feeling a rush of triumph at the fact he was ahead of his timeline by hours thanks to this gym skipping the mountain climbing. "Thanks, Danny." He said with a smirk, "Hope you''re not too broken up about someone beating you in the specifically designed challenge to give you every single advantage in the world." He couldn''t resist one last jab, this whole thing was just too stupid to him.


    When he''d thought to do the Orange League it had been as an amusing touristy thing where he hadn''t intended to take it seriously. He would have probably had some fun with that. This, acting like it''s seriously a gym? Just irritated him.


    Danny gave him a baleful look. "Good luck with the rest of the gyms. You''re going to need it." He said shortly, "Drake will make an honest brat out of you at the least."


    Ezra smirked, already thinking about the next challenge. "I''ll be ready." He secured the badge, knowing that with each victory, he was one step closer to his ultimate goal, and with his schedule hours ahead, he could afford perhaps to give his Ghosts a rest to gather their energy before the third or fourth gym. He''d see what seemed most viable.


    He sent out Pidgeot again, giving Danny a casual wave that the man didn''t return, his baleful look still on his face.


    Sucks to suck.


    <hr>


    Trovita island.


    This was the only gym challenge where he found he might face an impossible to beat scenario.


    Not the accuracy test - and really? A second accuracy test? Pathetic.


    It was the ridiculous three on three battle, which featured a same type rule. As in grass vs grass and water vs water etc. he did not have the space in his team for that, not unless the gym leader had Ghost Pokemon, which wasn''t going to happen.


    With Rider, Cheshire, Nyx and Loki on his team, and Pidgeot taking up a slot technically as well, he only had one spot. He''d designated the Onix as not a battler in the system at the Pokecenter, which allowed him to still carry the Pokeball, but he couldn''t release him until he was in a Pokecenter and designated him as usable again. Hence why Pidgeot was on the usable list, because flying away quickly was rather impossible if he had to hoof it to a Pokemon center first.


    Once he had six slots taken, any further catches, the Pokeball would automatically be designated by itself as not usable, and locked, allowing him to only switch out his team at a Pokemon center. There were licenses to have an expanded team, but such things were really for Ace trainers, not people like him.


    Others paid money for boarding instead, transferring their Pokemon over the six Pokemon limit there. He''d keep them with him, since he''d never go too far from civilization anyway. It would allow him to have his Pokemon all on hand, rotating them now and then so no one got stuck in a ball too long.


    His Ghosts could hide in his shadow, but the ones he''d caught wouldn''t matter either way that way, because they were already logged through the Pokeball, so they''d count to his six even if he didn''t keep them hanging in a ball.


    So technically, he could have deactivated two of his Pokemon, and caught and trained three elemental Pokemon, if he could have found them in this past week - but that would have been a pain in the ass - and would have defeated the purpose of him training his team the entire week.


    He''d wracked his brain for a solution, and finally resigned himself to the fact that he''d have to simply bully his way through, or invoke Drake, as distasteful as it was. Or at least demand a fair challenge, not that any of these challenges so far had been very fair on any poor trainer who''d arrive without exactly the mix of Pokemon the Orange islands would demand of them¡­


    He had half a dozen different plans for how to get through this, but there was still a small smidgeon of stress running through him at the idea they wouldn''t work, failing him despite his big words to the other gym leaders. Something he could not stand.


    Rudy was a fairly young looking guy with reddish tinted hair and an open and honest face. He was waiting for Ezra outside the small gym, but as soon as Ezra walked up, he waved for him to follow, casually stating, "I don''t actually tend to use my Gym for challenges, so come along we''ll go somewhere better."


    Ezra held back a snarky reply, not wanting to be too confrontational as he still had to argue his way forward. He followed Rudy as he walked to a beach not far away, with a large cliffside nearby, pillars of rock dotting the water.


    He clapped his hands, turning around, "Right! So you''re taking us all on at once, and already did Cissy and Danny in, after just a few hours." He smirked, dragging a hand through his hair, "That''s pretty cool, but you''ll be defeated here!" He waved dramatically at a boat moored at a small wooden dock. "You and your Pokemon will board this boat, and while it is moving, you''ll face dozens of targets throughout the sea, attached to the rock pillars you see. Hit them all, or you will fail this challenge before you can come before me!"


    He was tempted to say, that''s it? But again, he needed to play nice until the next stage. So Ezra simply nodded politely, and moved away, towards the boat. Rudy frowning and coming with him, seemingly more put out at his easy acceptance than anything.


    Rudy started the boat up, and they picked up speed as he made his way to the rock pillars in front of the cliff side. "Go go go!" He shouted excitedly, as they neared the first targets.


    Ezra rolled his eyes, but waved Loki forward, his Pokemon already having been out since the beginning, since he had the best accuracy of his ''mon. "Just get it over with, Loki." He muttered, the spite he''d built up to crush all these challenges just being drained by all this¡­ Banality and stupidity he was running into.


    He''d known what these people were like in theory, but it turned out it was all a lot more frustrating in person. He was hardly a die hard Pokemon purist, yet still the way they did things rubbed him the wrong way to the extreme.


    Loki had to hit twelve targets, each a bullseye painted on rock pillars jutting out of the water under the towering cliff face. The wind whipped through Ezra''s hair as he held onto the railing, his eyes locked onto the targets ahead, he didn''t see any real difficulty in this, not with how hard Loki had trained in accuracy.


    "Loki, show this guy how it''s done." Ezra called over the noise of the boat and the sea.


    Loki, his Shuppet, floated beside him, eyes gleaming with determination. The boat accelerated, and the first target came into view. Loki''s eyes glowed with a dark energy as it launched a precise shadow ball, compressed to be as small as it could be. The ball hit the first bullseye dead center, shattering the surface of the target, showering stone chips into the sea.


    Rudy would have to paint new targets today, it seemed.


    The boat sped on, and one by one, the targets appeared and were obliterated by Loki''s unerring aim. Each shot was perfect, the dark energy hitting the bullseyes with pinpoint accuracy. Ezra didn''t need to give any additional commands; Loki was in the zone, executing each strike flawlessly.


    Just as Loki had been trained to do, having to work much harder to fire rapid fire shots, nailing leaves, pinecones and small stones tossed in the air everyday for its training.


    Rudy watched from the helm, his expression one of impressed concentration. As the final target exploded into fragments, Rudy slowed the boat to a stop. "Impressive," He said, turning to face Ezra and Loki. "You two make quite a team." He was entirely honest, smiling at them, and for once Ezra didn''t snap back with a rude comment.


    It was because he needed to make Rudy see things his way soon, it was the only reason. It was still a stupid test, basically a repeat of the first gym.


    Rudy began steering the boat closer to the rock pillars. "Next part of the challenge is up there." He pointed to a series of ladders affixed to the rocky columns. "We''ll climb up and continue the challenge at the top."


    Ezra glanced at the towering pillars, their rough surfaces glistening with sea spray. He took a deep breath, ready for the next challenge. "Let''s do it." He''d have to convince Rudy to go along with one of his plans. Because he did not have the Pokemon to perform a 3v3 like type battle.


    The two boys jumped onto the nearest pillars, their hands gripping the wet rungs of the ladders. They climbed swiftly, each lost in their thoughts about the upcoming battle. Ezra could hear the distant cries of seabirds and the constant crash of the waves below as he ascended, mulling over which of his plots he''d try and convince the other boy of.


    He''d had a week to plan, and unfortunately in this situation, he could only plan for maybes - deciding early on that trying to train up three new Pokemon wasn''t worth the hassle, or the risk, because in all likelihood they wouldn''t be good enough in a week to win anyway.


    Reaching the top, Ezra pulled himself onto the flat surface of the pillar. The view was stunning - a panoramic sweep of the ocean and the surrounding cliffs. He stood up, catching his breath, and looked over at Rudy, who had just reached the top of his own pillar.


    Rudy smiled, the competitive glint in his eyes sharper now. "Ready for the final part of our challenge?"


    Ezra nodded, "Ready as I''ll ever be."


    "It will be a 3v3 Pokemon battle on these here pillars, same type against type, you''ll need to win all three battles to win my badge. A new Pokemon each round, no re-use." Rudy explained, fingering a Pokeball.


    Ezra shook his head, shouting over the sea, and wasn''t this just a stupid way to do a battle too, they could barely hear each other. "I only have Ghost types, so unless you have Ghost Pokemon yourself, that isn''t happening."


    Rudy frowned, looking weirded out, "This has never happened before." He admitted, scratching his head, "Someone always has some Water, Electric, Grass or normal types or around those types."


    "How about you do whatever three Pokemon, and I only use one of mine against all three, 1v1, to make up for not having the exact three challengers." Ezra shouted out his first offer. He has several others if this was unappealing, but he hoped putting himself in a perceived weaker position would get the other trainer to pounce on it.


    Rudy however hesitated, "It doesn''t seem fair to you." He admitted loudly.


    Ezra gritted his teeth, Like forcing people to bring along specific combinations of Pokemon when people only have six slots is fair¡­ "If I say it''s fair, it''s fair, right? Let''s do this!"


    Rudy seemed to hesitate still, so Ezra gestured Loki forward, to the pillar ahead of them, the ''arena'' so to speak, another pillar ahead of Rudy for his own Pokemon.


    "Ready when you are." He called out, glaring at the other teen. Just fucking accept it. He mentally told the gym leader.


    "Electabuzz, go!" Rudy finally called out, tossing a Pokeball onto the pillar in front of him, several pillars in-between the Pokemon, allowing them some movement and space, but not a ton of it.


    "Loki, Shadow Ball." Ezra called out, the speediness of Loki''s attack managing to catch the Electabuzz before it could completely dodge, a last gasp Light Screen springing forward, only half formed, slowing down some of the energy as the shadow ball slammed into the top edge of it before hitting the Pokemon, making it slide back on the pillar.


    With a gesture of his arm, his Ghosts interceded, telekinetically forcing its footing loose, ensuring he got pushed off the pillar. Rudy recalled his Pokemon with a frown before it could reach the water.


    Ezra using his hidden ace again here, meant he wouldn''t be able to use them for the fourth gym, they''d need the rest in case he needed them for Drake - which he would. But the fourth gym didn''t have the same kind of challenges, it was straight out battling. So he figured he''d be fine.


    Besides, with the water gym only doing one challenge, and avoiding the rock climbing with the second gym, he could take 3-4 hours of rest before he faced Drake, further recuperating energy. Worst case, he wondered if they could take energy from him, but it wasn''t something he was eager to experiment on.


    "Ivysaur, Vine Whip, attach yourself to the pillar, then use Sunny Day!" Rudy threw out his second Pokemon and rapidly set it to task.


    He was setting up for a solar beam, and tying himself to the pillar, expecting to tank whatever Loki could throw and stay on top.


    It wasn''t a bad strategy, Ezra thought, the Ivysaur was corded with muscle, a healthy looking strong Pokemon - he could probably take a few hits from Loki, but¡­ Loki wasn''t limited to just brute force attacks. "Loki, Hypnosis!" He called out, while flaring his arm dramatically.


    With Sunny day in the middle of being cast, brightness reducing visibility, Rudy couldn''t catch the extra Hypnosis attacks that flew along with Loki''s attack, impacting Ivysaur.


    It might have been able to take a couple shadow balls, and hold on, but status effects were a different ball game, and Ivysaur fell asleep immediately, vines loosening up.


    "I can toss him off for your loss, or you can just withdraw him." Ezra called out, offering some level of respect to Rudy, who hadn''t been as annoyingly stupid as the other gym leaders.


    Rudy nodded, and Ivysaur returned in a flash of red light. "I can see why you''ve passed through the other two so quickly if this is the skill and teamwork you two possess." He called out, looking thoughtful as his hand hovered over his belt, going from one Pokeball to the next. "On my pride as a trainer, I won''t let you keep walking over us however." He picked a ball, tossing it up and down casually, "Charizard, I choose you!"


    Ezra held back a curse, glaring up at the beautiful and powerful looking Charizard that took to the skies with a mighty roar. Of course an elemental type trainer like Rudy would have a fire Pokemon, but a Charizard? Guess this will be a challenge after all¡­


    Somehow a grin found its way to his face, as he stared up at the intimidating Pokemon. He might actually lose this, yet¡­ Finally something worthwhile in this league, not just silly gimmicks and arbitrary and limiting challenges.


    "Shadow Sneak, then Hypnosis!" He snapped at Loki, a wild grin on his face.


    "Fire Spin!" Rudy yelled out, and Ezra used his aura to pull at his connection with Loki, stopping him in his track, barely avoiding the fire spin as Charizard blew out a trail of fire as it flew down majestically in a tailspin.


    Loki would have been enveloped in fire if Ezra hadn''t been able to pull him back, "Aim for the wings, Shadow Ball, compressed!" He shouted.


    Loki, back on the earth pillar, took a second to compress his energy, the shadow ball growing so small it resembled a marble - before it fired off so quickly neither Ezra nor Rudy could catch it. Apparently neither did Charizard, despite Rudy''s yelled order to dodge, the shadow ball slamming into one of its wings, drawing a pained roar from the Charizard as its flying wobbled slightly.


    The Charizard responded with a deluge of flames down against the earth pillar, "Shadow Sneak back!" Ezra yelled, pressing his intentions along, even as he took the opportunity of the curtain of flames between himself and Rudy, and aligned his arm with Charizard, three Hypnosis attacks again flying forward.


    Just because he enjoyed more of a challenge, didn''t mean he''d accept losing here, he still had a goal to complete.


    Loki appeared behind him, having used a shadow sneak on him, to arrive well out of the way of the fire.


    Charizard plummeted down, only to be caught in the red light of his Pokeball, Rudy chuckling, shaking his head, before he met Ezra''s eyes, "I didn''t even see how you pulled that off, and usually Charizard shakes off status effects pretty well, so good job! You must have trained that Pokemon to be a monster with that Hypnosis."


    They made small talk as they got together on the boat again, making their way back to shore. Ezra could have flown away, but he felt it would be rude in this instance. He even felt slightly annoyed at himself that he had cheated in this particular bout now. He wasn''t skilled enough, didn''t have a strong enough team yet.


    He decided he''d be back one day, to fight Rudy for real. This League was ridiculous, but Rudy was¡­ Rudy was okay.


    "Here you go, the Spike Shell badge." Rudy said with a smile, as he handed over the third gym badge to him. "You''ve earned it."


    Ezra kind of felt he hadn''t, but he still took the badge, pragmatic if nothing else, and it would be stupid to just give up at this point. He still had a point to prove.


    And a need to rub it all in Drake''s face.


    But maybe¡­ Instead of 101 reasons why they suck, he could give Drake¡­ A more reasonable review on why exactly the Orange League only draws a few crazies.


    Or he could do both.


    He let Pidgeot out, climbing on, giving Rudy a last wave.


    Both would work, knock the smug ass down, then show him how he could build it up¡­


    He''d need several hours rest between gym four and Drake anyway, he''d write both up.


    And if the reasons you suck list was longer¡­ Well, Drake did push him into his.


    <hr>


    Kumquat Island,


    Ezra arrived at Kumquat Island, the sun blazing high overhead, casting a warm glow on the luxurious surroundings. The island was renowned for its upscale resorts, pristine beaches, and vibrant marketplaces, a nice contrast to the rugged jungles and humble towns of the previous Orange Islands he''d visited. Ezra''s eyes flickered with interest as he made his way through the bustling streets, noting the well-dressed tourists and the lively atmosphere. It was clear that Kumquat Island catered to a wealthier clientele, and the gym, housed within the grand Kumquat Hotel, reflected this opulence.


    He definitely liked this island much better already. Especially since its gym actually acted like a gym. It wouldn''t be an easy battle by any stretch, but he believed the sneakiness, speed and bang for your buck his Pokemon held, would win him the day.


    The Kumquat Hotel itself was an imposing structure, with elegant architecture featuring large glass windows, white columns, and a sprawling courtyard garden. The entrance was flanked by two large statues of Dragonite and Arcanine, exuding a sense of strength and grace. Inside, the hotel lobby was a vision of luxury, with marble floors, chandeliers, and a staff dressed in immaculate uniforms. Ezra made his way to the reception, where a cheerful attendant directed him to the gym, located on the top floor.


    As he stepped out of the elevator, Ezra was greeted by a breathtaking view of the ocean through floor-to-ceiling windows. The gym itself was an open-air arena with a retractable roof, allowing for natural light and fresh sea breezes.


    Luana was waiting at the center of the arena, her tall, commanding figure dressed in a white blazer and pants that contrasted sharply with her tanned skin. Her red hair was short, barely coming down to her cheeks, and her eyes were sharp and assessing as she watched Ezra approach. Despite her stern demeanor, there was a hint of warmth in her smile, as if she appreciated the challenge that awaited.


    She''d know already that he''d blitzed through the other three gyms in hours.


    "Welcome to Kumquat Gym," Luana greeted, her voice smooth and confident. "I''ve heard quite a bit about you today, Ezra. You''ve been making quite the name for yourself in the Orange League." Her tone became somewhat amused, which was a better reaction than anger.


    It seemed at least someone might agree with him that the first two gyms lacked¡­ Sophistication.


    Ezra shrugged, nonchalant. "I''m just here to get the badges. No need for the fancy talk." The more rest he could get before Drake the better. That was one battle he wouldn''t win without cheating.


    Luana''s smile widened, showing a flash of white teeth. "Straight to the point, I like that. However, this won''t be like the other gyms you''ve faced. Here, we battle with a different set of rules - double battles. You''ll have to use two Pokemon at once. It tests not just strength, but strategy and coordination."


    Ezra''s expression remained impassive, though inwardly he was already calculating his odds, knowing this would be his first real challenge, and one he couldn''t really cheat in as easily. He nodded, pulling out two Pokeballs. "Let''s get started, then." He murmured.


    She''d know he was a Ghost Pokemon trainer already if the others had reported to her their experiences. So he suspected he wouldn''t see exactly the team Ash had, An Alakazam and a Marowak, the team up was a bad one against his Ghosts.


    He still suspected the Alakazam would show, because although weak against Ghosts, it had Teleport and Hyper Beam. And as a gym leader, a seemingly proper one, she''d use its strength, while giving him a shot if he could catch it, as it was weak against his team. Even if Hyper Beam itself probably wouldn''t take his Ghosts out with one shot as it probably wouldn''t even work, or as he suspected - might at the very best be a lot less damage due to typing. Something as powerful as a Hyper Beam likely wasn''t entirely stopped by typing.


    The question was which other Pokemon would show that would give his team a challenge, or would she have that Marowak and just bet on the teamwork, since it was a double?


    Luana inclined her head gracefully at his eagerness to move forward and released her Pokemon - an Alakazam and an¡­ Absol. The Alakazam floated in the air, its eyes glowing with psychic energy, while the Absol stood firmly on the floor of the battlefield, eyes gleaming.


    More importantly, this was why he''d not planned to cheat in this battle, more than the fact it was finally straightforward battling - was that Alakazam, if anyone could let their trainer know he was cheating, it was that one.


    A dark Pokemon, effective against his Ghosts, and a Psychic Pokemon, weak against his Ghosts, but hard to pin down and with a lot of utility. Ezra raised an eyebrow as the dark Pokemon slowly tilted its head, watching him with apparent fascination, needing a sharp, "Absol!" From Luana to focus again.


    So it did work even on trainers Pokemon, at least in catching their attention¡­


    Ezra released his chosen Pokemon - Cheshire, his Haunter, and Loki, his Shuppet. The two Pokemon appeared on the battlefield, Shuppet landing low to the ground, while Cheshire hovered in the air, its ghostly form flickering in the sunlight. Luana raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by Ezra''s Pokemon, especially given the type disadvantages.


    "Let''s see how well you handle this," She said, her tone challenging. "Alakazam, use Disable, Absol, Detect!"


    The battle began in earnest. Alakazam''s eyes glowed as it used Disable on Loki, at the same time, Absol used Detect, and if he was to guess, any attack at Alakazam while it was vulnerable right now, would now be foreseen and Absol would get in the way.


    Ezra frowned as Loki glowed briefly, if he had to wager a guess, they''d gone after shadow sneak, which did if it worked - somewhat ruin his opening gambit. He''d known about the Alakazam, and that if he could get it out, he''d win, so he''d already talked to Loki and Cheshire about how to achieve that.


    Luana looked surprised when he didn''t say a word, his Pokemon acting on their own, the Absol unforeseen, but they''d had a plan for the Alakazam.


    Cheshire''s eyes glowed a dark purple as it formed a Shadow Ball, hurling it towards the Alakazam faster than normal, intent on getting it to either Teleport or force its partner to protect it.


    Absol, having used Detect to find out what would happen, was already moving, sliding Alakazam out of the way, after which Alakazam had recovered from using its own technique, and Teleported away, which is where Loki was supposed to shadow sneak in behind it when it arrived.


    Which didn''t happen due to the Disable, Loki just looking frustrated.


    "Switch." He said succinctly.


    Luana laughed, "I''ve seen what you tried to do you know? Not a bad plan, but now that I know, you''ll never pull it off, Absol, Night Slash on the Haunter, Alakazam hold it."


    The Alakazam tried to telekinetically hold Cheshire, as Absol flashed forward, a crescent slash erupting from its head, a dark miasma covered crescent flashing through - where Cheshire had been.


    The second Ezra said switch, his Pokemon had known they''d switch purposes. Chesire had immediately prepared Shadow Sneak, and upon Alakazam trying to affect it, had disappeared behind it.


    Loki meanwhile, while unable to Shadow Sneak at the moment, took advantage of being seen as the lesser threat, taking on Chesires job of limiting the teleportation area, Loki''s Dark Pulse beam cutting through a large area, not aiming for anything in particular, just limiting the area to go to.


    Alakazam didn''t even need Luana''s shout of Teleport, already removing itself from Chesires Shadow Sneak, Absol moving to its partner on her trainers orders.


    Except Chesire and Loki already both knew that if this situation were to happen, one of them would limit the entire right side of the field if they could. The other was to fire left.


    So as Alakazam disappeared, Chesire appeared right behind where it had been in the now empty area - and there were only so many places Alakazam could safely go in that moment, and Chesire''s Shadow Ball was already coalescing in front of it, firing to its left. Missing the first shot, but the second hitting Alakazam straight in the face like a cannon shot, sending it tumbling over.


    "Protect!" Came Luana''s snapped reply, just a second too late as she switched gears immediately, "Absol, Detect then Crunch, Alakazam Reflect!"


    She knew she was on the back foot, and attempted to give herself enough breathing room to get her Alakazam back on its feet, as it struggled to get up, almost certainly just one hit from fainting.


    Ezra wasn''t going to give her time to reset. "Chesire, Shadow Sneak reverse, Loki, Target Alakazam rapid fire mix, don''t let up." He ordered.


    He wasn''t to the point he could get away with not loudly telling his competition what he was doing, but he did have some plans already made, a Shadow Sneak reverse was one of them specifically for double battles, specifically for this battle. Rapid fire mix told Loki to switch between Dark Pulse and Confuse Ray, forcing the opponent to choose which one to tank. Or so was the hope.


    He''d trained his Pokemon for speed of attack specifically, and it showed here, Luana not nearly as quick with her Pokemon, probably never having had to worry about it.


    Chesire disappeared, reappearing behind the Absol, forcing it to waste its detect on Chesire who immediately Shadow Sneaked again after a perfunctory weak attack on Absol who''s Crunch in retaliation missed as Cheshire disappeared. Alakazam Reflected Loki''s attack, Loki crying out from the damage which was returned, but kept firing. Alakazam immediately teleported out on Luana''s quick order, which was when Chesire arrived in his second Shadow Sneak, firing a Shadow Ball point blank into Alakazam.


    Alakazam didn''t stand a chance, the Ghost Pokemon super effective against it, the Pokemon fainted immediately.


    Luana didn''t even bother continuing the fight, despite still having the type advantage of Dark vs Ghost, albeit in a 1v2 situation, recalling her Pokemon. "That was some impressive teamwork, you barely even had to give orders." She complimented him,


    She walked over to Ezra, holding out a hand. "Congratulations, Ezra. You''ve proven yourself a worthy challenger. Here is the Jade Star Badge."


    Ezra took the badge, a small, intricately carved piece of jade shaped like a star. He nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, Luana. It was a good battle."


    It was a proper actual battle. So out of four gyms, two were actually half decent, maybe he''d been too harsh on the first two¡­


    No, they still sucked. Their challenges were dumb.


    Luana smiled back, a genuine warmth in her eyes. "You fought well, Ezra. I''m looking forward to seeing how you do against Drake."


    Ezra nodded, pocketing the badge. Just Drake to go, the heaviest challenge of them all.


    <hr>


    Pummelo island, 5 hours after his fight with Luana.


    Pummelo Island loomed ahead, with the massive stadium perched at its highest point, an imposing structure visible even from this distance. This was it - the final test, where he would face the League''s strongest trainer, Drake.


    He''d rested up, fine with waiting until the scheduled time to pester Drake, instead of getting it done early, needing the extra recuperation time. Besides, as he found out from Luana, the other gym leaders and some of the Pummelo locals, would be watching the bout.


    Rudy and Luana might even cheer for him, but Danny and Cissy certainly wouldn''t - fifty percent of people he meets hate him? Sounds about right, he thought with some dark amusement, not at all broken up about it.


    He was on a second life, a better life despite everything, he wasn''t going to waste time tied down by social constraints.


    Ezra''s journey through the Orange League had been unconventional, filled with deceit and bending things to his advantage. He hadn''t come to make friends or play by the standard trainer''s rules. His aim was to crush the League and showcase his superiority, no matter what it took. He felt a thrill of anticipation. This would be the toughest challenge yet.


    The journey was short, and soon Ezra found himself standing at the entrance of the Orange League Stadium. The structure was a blend of traditional and modern design, with towering pillars and an open-air battlefield that allowed the sea breeze to flow through. As Ezra walked through the gates, he knew this was where champions were made, and today, he would etch his name into that history.


    For all time after this, Ezra''s name would be inscribed here as the first challenger to beat Drake and the Orange League, and all in one day to boot.


    Drake was waiting for him in the center of the stadium, his face one of bored amusement. Behind him, the loud sounds of Cissy up in the stands rang out, the woman yelling at him to kick the ''stupid faced ass'' off the island and embarrass him, the sound echoing across the stadium. Luana was trying to get her to calm down, but she was fired up, Danny and Rudy staying out of it, just watching him. Although Rudy gave him a surreptitious thumbs up.


    He might actually have to share his number with him and Luana, they seemed pretty decent all together. It wouldn''t hurt to have them as contacts for the future. Even if he was going to embarrass their league - he thought they wouldn''t mind Drake eating crow for once.


    "Welcome, Ezra," Drake said, his voice carrying across the mostly empty stadium, only a few dozen people there to watch. "I''ve been hearing quite a bit about you. You''ve made quite a splash in the Orange League, albeit with some¡­ Unconventional methods." He sounded a bit exasperated at the end, even as he gave him a look that firmly said, really, you had to make it difficult?


    Ezra smirked, unfazed by the thinly veiled criticism. "I''m here to win, Drake. However that happens, it happens, it''s all within the rules." He shrugged with forced casualness, "Some people in your circuit here just don''t know how Gyms work, you should get on that." He made sure to look up at Cissy in specific, smiling sweetly.


    He''d written the two little booklets and he''d leave them for Drake afterwards. He hoped he showed them to Cissy and Danny.


    Danny and Rudy had to hold Cissy back as she tried to jump into the stadium, Luana putting her face into her hands. Drake sighed, giving him a long suffering look.


    Drake eventually just nodded, speaking up like that little episode hadn''t happened, "Very well. But remember, here in the Orange League, we value the spirit of fair competition and the bond between trainers and their Pokemon. Let''s see if your methods hold up against me." He smirked as he caressed the Pokeball on a chain that he had around his neck.


    Ezra shrugged, already pulling out his Pokeballs. "Let''s get on with it." A smirk growing onto his face, "I''m looking forward to you admitting you were an ass, when I beat your entire league in a day without a full team."


    The rules were simple this time - a full six-on-six battle, with no restrictions on types or moves. Ezra knew he would need every bit of cunning and strategy (and cheating) to defeat Drake''s formidable team. He had already studied Drake''s known Pokemon as they were listed on the website, but there was always the element of surprise to consider.


    Anything could happen in a battle. The amount of times an evolution happened mid battle and changed the game were too numerous to count.


    Drake released his first Pokemon, a Ditto, just as Ezra released Rider, his Cubone. The Ditto immediately transformed into a copy of Rider.


    Exactly what he wanted. This Pokemon stumped many of Drake''s challengers, and he wouldn''t allow it to do the same to him. He might not be the best battler around yet, but he planned it all out better than the rest.


    "Rider, Alpha." He ordered, having named his different plans against Ditto by four different numericals, he wasn''t about to make it easy for Drake by telling him and his copycat what he was doing.


    "Ditto, Copycat." Drake said calmly, arms crossed.


    Just as I predicted¡­ Ezra thought, eyes gleaming as the two Pokemon used Quick-Attack to strike at each other. Leaving Ditto close enough for Rider to move into stage two.


    Without Ezra giving an order to warn Drake, Rider used Iron Tail, slamming into Ditto''s skull, Drake immediately shouting, "Use Quick-Attack to get out of there, Ditto!" Having been caught completely by surprise.


    It didn''t help the Ditto, who was already woozy from the Iron Tail bashing it''s skull, Rider chasing it in another Quick-Attack, taking advantage of Ditto''s lowered reaction time to take it out of the game, jumping for joy as the Pokemon got recalled, lifting its bone club in the air and chirping.


    "Good job, Rider." Ezra said, feeling a little smug at Drake''s sudden frown.


    From what the website said, he''d never been the first to lose a Pokemon.


    "Well played, Ezra. But this battle is far from over," Drake said, releasing his next Pokemon, an Onix.


    The giant Pokemon roared as it was released into the field, dust kicking up, it''s body curling up slightly as it rose up, staring down at Rider from high above.


    Ezra just smirked, recalling Rider, tossing out another Pokeball in his stead.


    "Onix, Rock Slide!" Drake ordered immediately, taking advantage of the time he had before Ezra''s Pokemon materialized, even as he looked at him oddly for removing a Pokemon capable of Iron Tail from the field when its opponent was a rock Pokemon.


    Ezra just smirked, his hand still raised from tossing his Pokeball, Loki appearing, eyes gleaming with mischief.


    The giant rock snake roared, slamming its tail into the ground and sending a barrage of boulders towards Loki. Not the most effective move, even as Ezra winced slightly as Loki did take some damage.


    But the dust cloud and debris from Onix''s appearance and the Rock Slide, completely hid his actions as he couldn''t miss a target that size, Loki joining him, four attacks of Hypnosis hitting the Onix, who immediately succumbed.


    "Dream Eater." He ordered Loki immediately, forcing Drake to withdraw his Onix in chagrin, looking surprised at how easily it had succumbed to little Loki''s Hypnosis.


    "You''re doing well, Ezra. But this next one will be tough," Drake said, taking the Pokeball on the chain around his neck off, releasing his third Pokemon, a Dragonite.


    Ezra winced, the punishment for my success¡­. It would have been much better for his strategy if Dragonite came at the end. But he would have to make do.


    The Dragonite roared as it took to the sky, its wings flapping powerfully. The atmosphere in the stadium seemed to tense, as if the very air was crackling with energy. Ezra knew this would be a tough battle now - Dragonite was a powerful Pokemon with a wide range of moves.


    He''d have to sacrifice Loki to get his plan to work. He couldn''t afford to switch right now. If he did, he might lose his ace against this dangerous Pokemon.


    "Dragonite, use Thunderbolt!" Drake ordered sharply, not as easy going now that he was on the back foot.


    The Dragonite''s antennae sparked with electricity as it unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt which crashed to the ground with almighty force.


    Loki already knew what to do, having used Shadow Sneak to avoid the attack, but it brought it within Dragonite''s reach, Loki''s desperate attempt at Hypnosis not taking hold, as Dragonite hit him with a point blank Thunderbolt.


    Ezra silently thanked Loki for his efforts, immediately tossing out Nyx onto the field.


    "Nyx, use Curse!" Ezra commanded, straining his Ghostly companions and their energy to force the Dragonite to miss dodging, even as Drake shouted at it to dive.


    Nyx''s form became more solid as it used Curse, sacrificing some of its own life energy to place a powerful curse on Dragonite. The Dragonite shuddered, a dark aura enveloping it as the Curse took hold, its dodge not enough, slowed down by his cheating, even as he winced at the sudden headache - he wouldn''t be pulling that off again in this battle.


    Drake frowned, recognizing the move, looking irritated. "Dragonite, use Dragon Breath!" He yelled, fingers twitching slightly.


    Curse would take a quarter of Dragonite''s health each turn, Ezra would have preferred to wait until the end to do this, giving Drake no options. As it was he could still recall Dragonite and concentrate on whittling his Pokemon down, using it as a last battering ram at the end before it ran out of juice. Yet it appeared he was continuing on.


    The Dragonite opened its mouth, gathering a massive amount of energy. Ezra knew this was a dangerous moment; Dragon Breath from this powerful Pokemon would be a devastating attack, and there was nothing in Nyx arsenal to really stop this.


    "Nyx, Hex!" Ezra shouted, doubling down, as Hex would double the damage of any status effect. Which meant the Dragonite would only last two turns after this. He crossed his fingers, this needed to hit.


    He really hadn''t expected Drake to bring it out so soon.


    Dragonite unleashed the Dragon Breath. The immense breath of energy crashed against the ground causing the arena''s barriers to shimmer and flicker. Nyx stood no chance, although it seemed Hex had hit, the Dragonite unable to dodge while using such an intense move like a fully powered Dragon Breath.


    Unfortunately taking out the Pokemon that cursed you, meant the curse would do no damage this round. Which meant Dragonite still had two moves in it. Which could theoretically take two more of his Pokemon out of the fight.


    Ezra gritted his teeth. Dragonite''s were bullshit anyway, he recalled Nyx, thanking his Pokemon for its sacrifice, because if he won this, it would solely be down to Curse and Hex.


    If Dragonite had gone last, he''d be able to completely spend his Pokemon on just keeping it busy for a few turns, no worries about it as long as one Pokemon on his side survived it. Now, he couldn''t just send Pokemon out to get wasted easily, because Drake would still have three Pokemon to go.


    "Smart move with Curse, and that Hex, what a combination." Drake said conversationally, Curse only worked once his Pokemon made a move, so they were safe to talk without rushing into it. "But do you have the capability to survive for two rounds, and still have anything left for my other Pokemon?"


    "Kick his ass, Drake!" Cissy called from the stands, waving her arms excitedly.


    "Tch, that Dragonite is so troublesome." Ezra complained, hand fiddling with a Pokeball, the Dragonite such a monster that he couldn''t even cheat anymore, having spent all his energy on ensuring it got cursed.


    He''d wanted to save it for last, or not use it at all, but he supposed he was left with no alternative. He sent out the crystal Onix on the field. "Dig!'' he shouted, having absolutely no idea if it would even listen.


    Drake, unfazed even as the few audience members let out oohs and ahhs at the sight, quickly issued his next command. "Dragonite, use Dragon Rush!"


    Dragonite''s body glowed with a bright blue aura as it charged forward with incredible speed, aiming to smash into the Onix with a powerful Dragon Rush. The air crackled with the energy of the impending collision.


    Onix stood no chance, barely even beginning to dig when the powerful Dragonite slammed into it, the Onix valiantly trying to resist, but eventually submitting, Ezra recalling it, hoping it didn''t get its finish scuffed or anything.


    At least it got Dragonite down to its last move before it faints. But he was left with 3 Pokemon left, versus Drake''s three after Dragonite, and Dragonite still had a move left.


    This is why he''d wanted to go through all his other Pokemon and cheat his ass off before getting to this¡­


    "You''re quite resourceful, Ezra," Drake admitted, a hint of respect in his voice. "But the battle isn''t over yet, and you''ve hit your limit, there''s only so many tricks you can pull."


    "Pidgeot, Sand Attack, then fly away." He yelled as he released his Pidgeot, having already spoken to it before this battle, about the unfortunate necessity of it playing a part.


    "Twister." Drake ordered, and Dragonite, used its wings and powerful energy to send a twister spiraling across the sky as Pidgeot desperately clawed at the air, its attempted Sand Attack lost in the chaos before it could have a chance to hit.


    It was impossible to see in the storm of air that suddenly took over the arena, but eventually it died down, Dragonite slumping to the ground, the curse taking full effect, forcing it to faint. And by some miracle, Pidgeot descended from the sky, feathers ruffled something fierce, but it had managed to avoid the Twister using Fly, just barely.


    Likely due to the Dragonite''s very weakened energy while on its last breath.


    Drake recalled his Dragonite, slowly caressing the Pokeball with a conflicted look on his face, the audience was dead quiet. No one had ever beaten his Dragonite, Ezra knew.


    Drake released his Pokemon moments later, an Electabuzz. The electric-type Pokemon sparked with energy, ready to battle.


    "Electabuzz, Thunder Punch!" Drake ordered.


    "Massive Sand Attack!" Ezra ordered, a move they''d only practiced hours earlier while his other Pokemon rested.


    Pidgeot sacrificed everything to toss a heavy gust forward, showering Drake''s Pokemon in sand, even as it closed in and took Pidgeot out with one well placed Thunder Punch.


    Ezra immediately released Cheshire, taking advantage of Electabuzz hopefully being affected by the Sand Attack. "Confuse Ray!" He barked, Chesire immediately complying.


    "Thunder Wave!" Drake ordered, apparently willing to risk sacrificing his Pokemon to ensure Ezra''s second to last Pokemon would have a disadvantage.


    Ezra won the encounter, the Confuse Ray hitting the Electabuzz - Cheshire''s eyes glowing, sending out confusing energy towards Electabuzz. The electric-type wobbled, its eyes dazed from the confusion. It stumbled around, unable to focus - while its Thunder Wave missed Cheshire in return, barely. "Lick!" Ezra ordered immediately, trying to add paralysis to the confusion.


    Drake sighed, as Electabuzz fell under paralysis as Chesire grinned widely, eyes purple as it finished the Pokemon off afterwards. Drake could have recalled it, but he obviously didn''t see the point.


    He still had a better looking position, if barely. Both of them had two Pokemon left, Drake had three if you count the sleeping Onix, but that could easily be taken care of when let loose again.


    "You''re full of surprises, Ezra, I haven''t been this pushed by a challenger before," Drake said, releasing his next Pokemon, a Gengar. Its eyes gleaming with excitement. "It ends here though¡­"


    "Cheshire, Shadow Sneak, and Shadow Ball, keep it up." Ezra snapped out an order, feeling the pressure, it was looking like he might lose.


    "Gengar, it''s going to come behind you, Hypnosis." Drake immediately ordered.


    Ezra winced, he''d been using Shadow Sneak so much yet he hadn''t really prepared his Pokemon for appearing and immediately being attacked.


    This could sink him.


    Cheshire appeared, Drake grinning, before they all watched in shock as the Gengar just took the super effective Shadow Ball to the face, never firing off Hypnosis.


    "Gengar! Focus, Confuse Ray, then Hypnosis!" Drake snapped.


    Ezra couldn''t help but laugh inwardly as the Gengar seemed focused on him instead, before moving to obey Drake but with a second of delay that doomed it, Cheshire taking it down with another Shadow Ball. The arena was fully quiet, everyone trying to understand what happened. Drake''s fortune suddenly turning around in one moment.


    Drake bit his lip as he handled his second to last Pokeball, "Venosaur will handle it." He said confidently, but his brow was furrowed, as he tossed the Pokeball forward.


    The massive grass-type Pokemon landed heavily on the field, its eyes glowing with determination.


    "Venusaur, Sleep Powder!" Drake commanded.


    At the same time as Ezra called out, "Confuse Ray, then Shadow Sneak and Shadow Ball." Knowing he''d be unlikely to get many more attacks in, the sleep powder was going to have spread by then.


    "Bullet Seed behind you!" Drake called out.


    Venusaur''s flower opened wide, releasing a cloud of sleep-inducing spores. The spores immediately spread all over the area, Cheshire managing to fire off the Confuse Ray, which seemed to fail, before arriving behind the Venusaur, taking Bullet Seeds straight to the face even as it fired off a Shadow Ball into Venusaur.


    Then the sleep powder became too much, and his sluggish Cheshire was taken down by several consecutive Bullet Seed attacks it couldn''t dodge and the sleep powder. Barely hanging on, but somehow not fainting.


    "Sunny Day." Drake ordered, using the fact Cheshire was asleep and on its last leg to set up the next bout. The arena shone brightly as sunlight coalesced above them, the Venusaur''s flower beginning to shine.


    Ezra had no choice but to return Cheshire, he couldn''t allow Drake to spend a few turns just powering up, "Rider, it''s all on you!" He called out, as he let his Cubone out on the field.


    "Vine Whip, restrict it." Drake said, clicking his fingers like he''d already won, a relieved smile on his face.


    "Quick Attack out of its reach, then Bonemerang!"


    Venusaur''s vines shot out, trying to ensnare Rider. But he managed to dodge, the bone club striking Venusaur in the face, doing some damage, but not enough. Not nearly enough. The bone club returned to Rider''s hands like a boomerang.


    He didn''t dare have Rider approach with Iron Tail, he''d get caught in the Vine whips. Rider really didn''t have enough ranged attacks. He was in trouble. For all his plans, the Dragonite coming out early scuppered them all. He still couldn''t feel the ghostly energy he''d been using all through the League, so he couldn''t help either.


    "Solar Beam!" Drake ordered, pumping his fist, even as the audience cheered, Crissy the loudest of them all.


    I''m going to lose! Ezra thought. His Cubone was not really a match for the Venusaur. Coming so far, only to lose! It was a joke! He could not!


    "Rider, DODGE! You''re not going to lose this!" Ezra shouted hoarsely, mentally willing his Pokemon forward.


    Venusaur''s flower glowed as it gathered energy from the sunlight. Ezra knew this was the moment of truth; Solar Beam was a powerful move, and Rider likely would not withstand it. He needed to dodge it.


    Venusaur unleashed the Solar Beam, a massive blast of energy shooting towards Rider in such a wide circumference he was unlikely to dodge in time. Instead of dodging, Riders bone club turned steely, as it charged straight at the Solar Beam with a warcry, club first.


    "What are you doing!?" Ezra shouted, absolutely shocked at Rider''s crazy idea. And since when could he pull off steel energy in his club anyway?


    The collision was spectacular, a burst of energy and light filling the battlefield. For a moment, everything seemed to stand still, the crowd holding their breath as they waited to see the outcome.


    The strain of using such a massive Solar Beam had taken a toll on Drake''s Pokemon, and the massive Pokemon slowly sat on the ground, letting out a breath.


    Rider however looked on its last legs, barely holding on. Ezra bowed his head, ''You did awesome, Rider." He called out, his voice down, I''ve lost¡­. "Get some rest." He raised the Pokeball to recall him, Drake respectfully not making any moves.


    Rider raised its bone club as it began to glow, stopping Ezra from recalling him, no¡­ Seriously? Now of all times?


    Holding its bone club aloft. The weapon began to glow with an intense, ethereal light, casting an otherworldly glow across the battlefield. Ezra, who had been moments away from recalling Rider, stopped in his tracks, eyes widening in surprise and wonder. The entire stadium seemed to hold its breath, the air thick with anticipation. As the glow intensified, Rider''s form began to shift and change. The Cubone''s normally somber brown eyes sparkled with a new inner light, reflecting the energy that surged through its body.


    The bone club in its hand grew longer and thicker, the dull brown surface transforming into a sleek, polished black. Spectral flames danced along the club, vivid and vibrant, flickering with hues of blue and green. Rider''s body elongated and grew, shedding its old form as it transformed into something new and powerful. The previously brown, leathery skin became a rich, dark charcoal color, almost black, with an iridescent sheen that caught the light.


    The bone helmet that had always been a symbol of its past loss now reshaped itself, becoming more streamlined and fitted to its new form. The skull appeared more angular and pronounced, giving Rider an aura of power and mystique. From Rider''s shoulders, two slender, bony spikes emerged, glowing with the same spectral flames that danced along its bone club. The flames licked up along the length of the spikes, adding a ghostly, ethereal quality to the Pokemon''s appearance.


    Rider''s eyes, once filled with sorrow and with honest curiosity, now shone with a fiery intensity, reflecting the powerful spirit within. The transformation complete, Rider stood tall as an Alolan Marowak, a rare and unique form probably not known anywhere on this continent before now.


    He''d only had it train in fire energy for a week, did no one else teach a Cubone about fire energy, ever? He glanced at the sky, the sunny day and Solar Beam''s effects having hidden the fact the day had ended, and they''d turned to night, just barely. But apparently it had been enough.


    The Pokemon''s new form was both beautiful and intimidating. The bone club, now a polished black staff, was crowned with a flame that burned brightly, casting an eerie light around the battlefield. Ezra watched in awe as Rider lifted its club high, the flames roaring to life as if celebrating the transformation. The crowd erupted into cheers, the spectators thrilled by the rare sight of a Pokemon evolving in the midst of such a climactic battle. Even Drake, seasoned and composed as he was, couldn''t hide his admiration and surprise at the sudden turn of events. The Alolan Marowak looked back at Ezra, its eyes meeting his. There was a new confidence in its gaze, a silent understanding passing between them.


    This was no longer the small, grieving Cubone that Ezra had known, this was a warrior, a guardian of the flames, ready to fight with renewed strength.


    He somewhat mourned that idea, out of all his Pokemon, he''d bonded with his Cubone the easiest. Spent the most time personally training and working with him. It kind of felt like he''d lost him, in a way. He quickly shook that thought away, focusing on the now. It was complete bullshit, but he''d gotten a hail Mary just at the end.


    Drake lost his awe first, snapping out, "Venusaur, Razor Leaf, then try and catch it with your Vine Whip!"


    Ezra didn''t even know what attacks Rider had now, so he kept his order simple, pointing at the Venusaur. "Rider. Burn!"


    Rider dashed forward, it''s staff twirling as he ran through the storm of razor leaves, the flames on his staff burning them to cinders as he passed, a whirlwind of motion, before he slammed the staff into the Venusaur, what appeared to be a flamethrower attack firing point blank into the Venusaur.


    Drake immediately recalled it as it fainted, shaking his head, a wry grin on his face, "Well, luck had its part, but every good trainer needs that as well." He nodded at Ezra, "Congratulations."


    Ezra cocked his head, "We have Pokemon left." He pointed out.


    Drake shrugged, "My sleeping Onix is hardly going to beat your¡­ Marowak¡­? And you have one sleeping one left in your Haunter as well. You have won, Ezra Kassian, champion of the Orange League." He said formally.


    The crowd erupted into cheers at the announcement, not that it was very loud with so few of them.


    Rider slammed into his knees, chirping happily, eyes closed in an eye smile, and Ezra felt a great sense of relief. It''s still my little buddy.. Thank Arceus¡­


    Drake walked up to him, shaking his hand, "This worked out even better than I had imagined, really." He mused out loud.


    Ezra stared at him suspiciously, "Aren''t you mad I embarrassed your League?"


    Drake laughed quietly, "Oh, you win some, you lose some. We''ll be laughed at a little no doubt, but when you then go dominate elsewhere, everyone will know what happened here, and we''ll reap the benefits in tourism."


    They stood in silence for a moment, Ezra irritably acknowledging that even in beating Drake, he helped Drake profit. Drake spoke once more shortly thereafter. "You''ve earned this, Ezra. But remember, with this victory comes responsibility to live up to. The title of Champion is not just about strength; it''s about honor and the bond you share with your Pokemon. I hope you continue to grow and learn on your journey."


    The trophy ceremony took place shortly thereafter, and he particularly enjoyed making Cissy and Danny shake his hand. Later he exchanged numbers with Rudy and Luana, and reluctantly, Drake. You never knew when it would be useful.


    The ceremony concluded, and Ezra headed to the Pokemon center, Rider out and chattering at him, playing with its new staff with awe. Rudy walked with him, loudly detailing each portion of the fight.


    It wasn''t¡­ unpleasant.


    It was¡­ Nice.


    <hr>


    In the Kanto wilderness, the next morning.


    "COME ON! The Orange Islands?" Karen screamed at her pokedex, shaking it as if to make it make sense, the message from Agatha telling her she''d been wasting her time trekking out from Lavender Town.


    This brat¡­ She cursed inwardly, teeth gritting together, left eye twitching violently.


    "He''s only been a trainer for what? Two weeks? How the fuck is all the way over there?" She shouted at nothing, several trainers traveling down the route taking the long way around, looking at her in askance as she cursed and screamed at the air.


    And he won the fucking league¡­


    She''d never won a league¡­ As Agatha so snidely pointed out in her message.


    Right, that''s it, I''m going down there and beating the brat into the ground and dragging him to the old lady face down in gravel the entire way!


    She released one of her Pokemon, "Honchkrow, Orange Islands, now!" She hissed out.


    She had to get there while he was still busy with his little victory party.


    <hr>


    Sky over the Orange islands.


    Ezra didn''t waste any time, leaving the islands immediately after his victory ceremony,


    He had no intention of dealing with Drake anymore then he had to.


    Especially when he might face some questions on how the fuck he pulled some of his shit.


    Nope, he''d be far away from the Orange Islands by dawn.


    The fact Drake wasn''t even upset his League got crushed in a day really sucked all the fun out of it¡­


    <hr>

 Winning.

    <hr>


    Ezra soared through the sky on his Pidgeot, the wind whipping through his hair and the lush greenery of Johto spreading out below him. He enjoyed the feeling of freedom that flying provided, a sense of being untethered from the worries of the world below - as long as it was brief, anyway. The flight from Lavender to the Orange islands had been a pain in the ass, quite literally.


    As they approached Cherrygrove City, the dense forest gave way to a quaint riverside town nestled along a sparkling blue river that snaked through the forest. Johto was closer to the islands then Kanto, and he wasn''t in a rush to get started on the league quite yet anyway, so he figured it was as good as any place to slow down for a day or two and get his Onix sold.


    He''d already posted a picture of it online on several different forums, marking it for sale. He would let word spread before accepting any bids, hopefully Steven Stone would notice it and bid, without Ezra having to give himself a bad bargaining position by going to him first.


    If Stone thought he had competition, he''d be likely to pay a lot more after all. He also had other ideas brewing there, but he''d have to think on it.


    Pidgeot began its descent, the wind rustling the feathers of its powerful wings as it gracefully glided down towards a clearing just outside the city. Ezra patted Pidgeot''s neck appreciatively as they touched down, the bird Pokemon cooing softly in response.


    "Good job, Pidgeot," He said, returning the Pokemon to its Pokeball. Just because Pidgeot was more of a tool to him, didn''t mean he shouldn''t be appreciative of its help. He took a moment to adjust his pack and smooth his clothes, which were slightly ruffled from the flight.


    That done, he let Rider out, the guy chirping happily, eyes closed in what he was beginning to think of as his signature smile, as he investigated the tall fragrant flowers everywhere around them. He quickly released Nyx, Chesire and Loki as well, although he shuffled them into his shadow before moving forward, aware that it was considered rude to have more than one Pokemon out outside of emergencies, while in a town.


    With his shadow, he could break the rule, have his ''mon with him at all times, and no one would be the wiser. Everyone won. Especially him, in case someone tried anything. He was kind of looking forward to Team Rocket sending some poor goon after him at some point.


    They''d get all the surprise Ghosts up their asses.


    The path leading into Cherrygrove was lined with cherry blossom trees, their pink petals fluttering down in a gentle breeze as he walked on without a hurry. It created a picturesque entrance to the city, one Rider enjoyed as he ran around Ezra''s legs pointing at things excitedly with his flaming club. It was cute, Ezra had to admit, lips twitching against this will as Rider acted like a puppy, out for its first proper walk.


    As they walked, Ezra took in the vibrant surroundings. Unlike the more industrial towns of much of Kanto, Cherrygrove had a quaint, almost old-world charm still alive and well within the city limits. The buildings were a mix of traditional Japanese architecture and more modern structures, their roofs curved elegantly upwards, painted in various hues of red or pink, with a splash of green here and there.


    Definitely more colorful than Lavender Town, he had to say, enjoying the view, not feeling nearly as stressed now that the Orange Islands were behind him, and the Onix was his. Financial stability was already practically secured, so he took the time to smell the roses so to speak.


    From the sky Cherrygrove had looked like several modern ten story buildings peeking out of a forest, but now that he was on foot, he could see the old style houses that surrounded the modern buildings, greenery everywhere in sight, the road itself cut in two as the middle of it was for trees and benches, with the odd fountain every hundred to a hundred fifty yards or so.


    The streets were bustling with people, and Ezra noticed immediately how different their attire was compared to those in Lavender. The clothing was more colorful for one, with intricate patterns and bright fabrics that likely reflected the local Johto culture. Many women wore yukatas with floral designs, while a lot of the men were dressed in casual kimonos or brightly colored shirts. Interspersed with them were men and women in smart business attire, really giving the sense the small town was somewhat in a transition from rural to modern.


    The city itself was a blend of natural beauty and human craftsmanship. Cobblestone streets wound their way through the town off the main avenue, flanked by carefully manicured gardens and small parks. The air was fresh and carried the faint scent of the sea from the river running right by it, mixing with the fragrance of blooming flowers and cherry blossoms. Small wooden bridges arched gracefully over clear, babbling brooks that ran through the city, fed from the river, adding to the serene atmosphere.


    He probably couldn''t have found a town so opposite on the spectrum from Lavender if he''d tried. Even the weather shone down on them like the sun was happily smiling like some kids cartoon, instead of the perpetual gloom Lavender lived under. People here¡­ Would probably be disgustingly cheerful, he thought with a grimace.


    Well that''s one reason to not linger too long¡­ They''re probably all morning people too. He thought, grumbling slightly at the idea. Cheerfulness was fine¡­ In low doses. But it was extremely annoying in groups.


    He passed by a series of banners strung up between lamp posts, each one advertising an upcoming Pokemon tournament, starting the next day. The vibrant colors and bold lettering caught his eye. It seemed the whole town was gearing up for the event, with stalls and decorations lining the main thoroughfare. Ezra made a mental note to check out the tournament schedule later; it could be a good opportunity to test his skills and earn some prize money.


    If it was money that they gave out anyway. He vaguely remembered tournaments often had prizes like Pokemon techniques or Eggs. For the winner at least. It was worth a look, even if the prize wasn''t something he personally needed.


    As he made his way towards the Pokemon Center, Ezra''s stomach growled, reminding him that he hadn''t eaten since he left the Orange Islands. He glanced around and saw a row of food stalls set up along the street, the enticing aromas of grilled meats and other delicacies wafting through the air. One stall in particular caught his attention, its sign proudly proclaiming "Best Meat Skewers in Johto!"


    Unlikely to be true, but anyone willing to be that confident in their signage, probably didn''t sell garbage. With money coming in soon, he didn''t worry about spending whatever little he had left. He probably preferred the fact that the stall didn''t advertise exactly what the meat was. Mystery meat was probably better than finding out he was eating something he''d once obsessively collected.


    He approached the stall, where a cheerful vendor was expertly grilling skewers of meat over an open flame. The vendor, a middle-aged man with a wide-brimmed hat and a bright smile, greeted him warmly. A Pikachu was lazing on a pillow by the grill, briefly twitching as it looked over at Ezra and Rider, before sinking into its pillow with a happy, "Chuu~"


    "Welcome! Would you like to try our famous skewers? Freshly grilled and absolutely delicious!" The man said enthusiastically, lowering Ezra''s mood as he confirmed the obvious cheerfulness of the town.


    Ezra dug into his pocket and pulled out a few coins, the size of the skewers meant he wouldn''t need to buy many, it was almost the size of a whole roasted chicken, pieced out and slathered with some sort of sauce that made it glisten, the skin crackling on the grill in a way that made his mouth water.


    "I''ll take two," He said somewhat cautiously, handing over the coins, not wanting to set off any bombastic answers.


    The vendor nodded and quickly prepared two skewers, handing them over with a flourish. "Enjoy! And good luck in the tournament, if you''re participating!"


    Ezra thanked him and took a bite of the first skewer. The meat was tender and flavorful, a perfect blend of spices that made his taste buds sing, the sauce reminded him of Asian BBQ sauces back home. He savored each bite as he continued his walk towards the Pokemon Center, enjoying the sights and sounds of Cherrygrove City. It was good to be back in a city, he just wished it had less actual people in it.


    Rider sniffed the air curiously. Ezra chuckled and held out the second skewer. "Here you go, Rider, got it for you guys, I think you''ll like this." Most Pokemon were omnivores. There were specific diets and Pokemon food that were ''ideal'' for different Pokemon - but almost all of them could eat other food just fine.


    Rider took the skewer eagerly, gnawing on the meat with visible delight. The sight drew the attention of several passersby, who pointed at the adorable Pokemon. Children especially seemed fascinated by Rider, some of them whispering excitedly to their parents. There were enough Pokemon around that people didn''t immediately clue in to the fact Rider was a never before heard of Pokemon - once he officially began fighting in the league, he was sure he''d get some questions about it though.


    The world had a lot more than 150 piddly Pokemon after all, and the regular citizen or trainer wouldn''t realize how special Rider was, unless they happened to have a fascination with Cubone''s and Marowaks.


    Periodically, chunks of the meat would disappear as Rider got close to his shadow, the nice boi sharing with the rest of the team. Ezra patted him on the head, smiling as Rider seemed torn between continuing eating, or focusing on headpats.


    He had to hide a chuckle as his ''mon decided the best course of action was to stuff the rest of the food in his mouth and enjoy the headpats, leaving him looking like a chipmunk.


    They soon neared the Pokemon Center, plenty of signage having shown them the way. Ezra pushed open the glass doors and stepped inside, greeted by the cool, sterile air and the gentle hum of machinery.


    Nurse Joy was at the counter, her pink hair and welcoming smile instantly recognizable. "Welcome to the Cherrygrove City Pokemon Center. How can I help you today?"


    "I''d like a room for the night." Ezra asked politely, he wasn''t going to mess with the Joys, "Maybe two nights, depending on how things go. And do you have any information on the upcoming tournament?"


    Nurse Joy took his trainer ID before taking a look at her computer monitor, typing something in quickly, sliding him a key with the number 7 on it. "Of course! Enjoy your stay! The tournament starts tomorrow actually so you''re in luck. It''s a 3v3 elimination style competition, and trainers from all over the area are here to compete. You can register right now if you wish?" She asked with a peppy attitude.


    Ezra nodded, feeling a spark of curiosity to see how he matched up with ''regular'' trainers. "Thanks, definitely sign me up." He told Joy, who took down his name, trainer ID, and Pokemon, signing him up on the spot.


    Ezra thanked her, before he headed for the computer area, having to wait ten minutes for a free station. While his Pokedex was able to go online, an actual Pokecenter computer was far superior in being able to conduct business quickly. He went through his mail, finding several dozen offers already for his Onix, but none of them were from Stone yet, so he held back on doing anything about it for now.


    He had time, and everything he remembered about the man suggested he''d want the one of a kind Pokemon.


    He stepped outside soon afterwards, the morning sun casting a warm glow over the city. With his Pokemon at his side and his hunger sated, he felt ready to explore more of Cherrygrove and mentally prepare for the upcoming battles.


    As he walked through the city, he couldn''t help but notice the festive atmosphere for something that was in all likelihood a regular occurrence. Small tournaments like this always took place throughout the league season, every city had them, they weren''t anything special, mostly locals half the time, yet the city was acting like it was a big deal. Banners and posters for the tournament were everywhere, and trainers were milling about, some practicing battles in the open fields, others chatting animatedly about strategies and previous matches as they traversed the markets, shopping or hanging out.


    In his short time in this world, Lavender Town had already had three minor tournaments like this, it was cheap entertainment, and a good way for the people who don''t leave the city to get some battles in. Unless there was a big prize on the line, most serious trainers eschewed these types of events.


    Ezra wandered through the market area, where vendors sold a variety of goods ranging from Pokeballs and potions - to handmade trinkets and souvenirs. He stopped at a stall selling berries and other Pokemon treats, buying a small bag of Oran berries for Rider and his other Pokemon.


    He continued his stroll, eventually finding himself at the edge of the river. The water was a stunning shade of blue, glistening under the sunlight. Boats bobbed gently at the docks, and a few old fishermen were casting their lines a ways down, hoping for a good catch.


    Ezra took a moment to sit on a bench overlooking the water, enjoying the serene view. Rider hopped up next to him, munching on an Oran berry contentedly.


    "Beautiful place, huh, Rider?" Ezra said, patting the Marowaks head.


    Rider chirped in agreement, his eyes reflecting the sunlight. With no one particularly close by to complain, he let his other Pokemon out to frolic in the bushes and trees, playing a game of tag above his head.


    "Cheshire is behind that tree." He said calmly, pointing at the Haunter who gave him a look of betrayal, as Nyx and Loki gave out battle cries, flying after Cheshire, Rider jumping off the bench to join in, with a war cry of his own.


    "You know you''re not supposed to have them all out within city limits, right?" A raspy sardonic voice asked, and he turned, already prepared to tell the busybody to fuck off.


    It was a girl around his age, or maybe closer to eighteen - it was hard to tell with the makeup, she''d somehow made herself comfortable at the other end of the bench, making it within five feet of him without him noticing.


    She had a striking appearance that immediately set her apart from the locals. Her hair was jet black, and dyed purple at the tips, styled in a way that left her left side over her ear shaved, while the hair cascaded down over her face on the right side. It was a bit nostalgic for him, reminding him of Cyberpunk 2077, one of the main girls having had the exact same hairstyle, if differently colored.


    Black lipstick and heavy eyeliner contrasted sharply with her pale skin and amber eyes, she couldn''t be more then 5''4 at most, but she was stacked, like, anime style stacked to go with it. She wore a spiked choker around her neck, a black leather jacket with patches sewn onto it to go with the leather pants that were painted on her they were so tight, and a black t-shirt with a Pikachu roasting on a spit on it, the print saying - Cuter this way. Her nose and her bottom lip were both pierced with studs, and she wore a bored, almost disdainful expression on her face as she leaned back, with her elbows over the backrest of the bench.


    This girl¡­ It''s like she looked up all the ways to rebel against authority or society and went ahead and did all of them¡­


    "You look like you care so much about rules." Ezra said dryly, finally speaking up, as the girl''s expression became flatter and flatter as he didn''t bother to hide how he looked her over from head to toe.


    "Rules are important." She deadpanned, putting one leg over the other. Her boots looked like they were steel toed ones, Ezra wondered if that was supposed to be a subtle threat.


    Honestly¡­ It only made him want to poke at her more. If she wanted to toss out all the bad girl vibes, she could take it, right?


    "So call Officer Jenny over to come fine me." He challenged, even as Rider came back from his chase, bumping his head against his knee. Ezra smirked at her, even as he rubbed Riders head, "Or are you already so well acquainted with her that you don''t want the police involved?"


    She snorted, resting her cheek on one hand, "That''s stereotyping." She said in the same kind of deadpan tone.


    He gave her a flat look, "You''re a walking talking stereotype, now why the hell are you bothering me?"


    She was hot, no doubt about it. A definite short stack with attitude. Smoking hot. 9/10 for sure, probably a ten if she didn''t dress like she was trying to outedge everyone. But if there was anything he could take from his old life and transfer to this new life, it was one life lesson.


    The hotter the girl. The bigger the issues. The more trouble in your life.


    Heard of don''t stick your dick in crazy? Well Ezra subscribed to - High level hot - equaled high level maintenance - and high level costs.


    Not that he''d had that much experience with it, Having been a filthy cripple. But he''d seen it enough with friends and acquaintances too. The cute girl next door was safe. The hot girl was undoubtedly a vampire that would suck out all your sanity and mental stability in exchange for a few good fucks.


    All the no.


    A rebel girl like her too? No way she sought him out because she enjoyed chatting with strangers. These kinds of girls didn''t do small talk for the hell of it with random strangers. Challenge him to a Pokemon battle? That he could believe¡­ Seeking him out just for a chat? It Seemed far-fetched to say the least, so his suspicions were piqued.


    "You''re weird looking, dress almost as cool as me, and you have a - I don''t give a fuck attitude - that I can vibe with." She said with a sly smirk playing on her lips, "This town is full of Jigglypuffs, I just wanted a few minutes with a Houndoom to recharge from all the sweetness." She idly played with the bottom of her t-shirt as she watched his reaction.


    Ezra did have a black leather jacket on, but he refused to agree to any other comparisons, he was nowhere near as weird as her. "Fuck you too." He grouched, giving her a gimlet stare, "I just look like this naturally, you choose to look weird."


    She smirked, tilting her head, part of her face hidden by her hair, "Take your compliment you salty bitch."


    "Didn''t sound like a compliment to me." Ezra snarked back, annoyed at the fact he kind of¡­ Agreed with her. This conversation was preferable to going back into town with all the cheerful smiles and bombastic greetings and just plain niceness that just made him feel icky. And he''d just arrived. If she''d been here longer, looking as she was, she''d probably be worse off.


    It was weird, the way people in Cherrygrove pretended he wasn''t weird looking so far. That they pretended that his red eyes weren''t off putting - greeting him cheerfully on the street, not staring at him, no one asking him about it. He felt more at home now that she''d brought it up. Was it him? Or was Cherrygrove just that accepting?


    Even on the Orange islands people had at least commented on it, even if they also hadn''t made a big deal out of it. He wasn''t used to people just¡­ Ignoring his peculiarity, it made him itch, waiting for the other shoe to drop.


    She shrugged lightly, "Not my fault if you can''t follow along, I''d dumb it down, but I don''t know if I can go down that far." She said sweetly, her raspy voice challenging.


    She wants to duel, huh? Ezra thought, eyes narrowing. Two can play that game!


    "You sure? From the look of you, you go down pretty often." He fired off, sneering at her.


    Her lips twisted into a wry grin, as she relaxed back where she sat even further, "What are you? Thirteen?" She drawled, "I know I said I''d dumb it down, but kid, don''t make me write your material too, did you just discover sex now, huh? Do I make it tingle?" Her voice turned absolutely mocking, "In your little special place?"


    "I''m sixteen!" He said, mortally offended. Kid? Fuck right off with that! I want to be back to 21, dammit! He also realized her mocking game was very strong, annoying him further.


    She straightened up smugly, jutting her chest out, a victorious glint in her amber eyes, "So younger than seventeen then, ~kid¡­" She crowed.


    "Bitch!" He spat out, although his lips twitched minisculely.


    She buffed her purple nails off her shirt, "Yeah, a better bitch than you." She said smugly.


    "Fuck you. I''m Ezra." He introduced himself, unable to keep a smile away, amused despite his own thoughts of caution against her.


    "In your dreams kid, I''m Shae." She said, offering him a fistbump, which he obliged.


    "So, in town for the tournament?" Ezra asked, gesturing to the Pokeballs on her studded belt.


    Shae scoffed, even as she nodded, "No other reason to be here, really." She gestured to their surroundings, "It''s just plain boring, if the tournament prize wasn''t at least half decent I would have taken off already."


    Ezra hadn''t even checked what he''d signed up for yet, so he was immediately attentive, "What''s the prize? I signed up but I never checked it out¡­"


    Her eyes flickered to Rider, and then back to meet his gaze, "You have a Marowak evolution I''ve never seen before, yet you''re the kind of dumbass who signs up without reading what you''ve signed up for?" She shook her head, "You really are a kid, kid."


    She also notably didn''t answer him, the bitch.


    He scowled, "Hey, I''m gonna start calling you tits if you keep that up, I''m no kid!" He was more cautious now, eyeing her thoughtfully.


    If she''d recognized Rider was special, she might have been lying about why she came over. She might have seen the Pokemon first and was simply scoping him out. It made more sense then the excuse she gave.


    "Yeah? Try calling me that, I dare you." She said, suddenly cold, face going blank, her eyes boring into his.


    "Tits." He said slowly and drawn out, meeting her gaze and not hesitating for even a second, because he wasn''t a punk ass bitch.


    "Heh¡­ Snrk!" Shae snorted, before she began snickering, "I can''t believe you did that!" The snickers turned to laughter, raspy and throaty, "People always back down like little bitches, but you just went for it!" Her hands went to her midsection as she laughed, taking way too much amusement from this, in his opinion.


    Ezra eyed her oddly for a minute afterwards, getting whiplash from this whole meeting, "I''m getting the feeling I should have just walked away when you sat down." He said, inwardly cursing himself for not following his own advice. No hot girls allowed. Cute only!


    "Aww, don''t be like that, kid, everyone needs a friend, and people like us ain''t gonna find many like-minded ones." She said, amusement still clear on her face.


    "I don''t." He grumbled, not sure he trusted her intentions. People didn''t do that, right? Just walked up to people and tried to make friends?


    She fished in her back pocket for a moment, lifting her butt off the bench, surprising Ezra in that the painted on pants had pockets in the first place. She cried out in triumph as she brought out a lipstick tube, black, of course. "Here, have some, if you''re going to be edgier than me you need something a little bit extra." She cooed, smacking her black painted lips for effect.


    Ezra stood up abruptly, "And that''s my quota of socializing met for the week." He gestured for Rider to follow him, stepping away to take a route through the bushes, so he could surreptitiously collect his Ghosts, who''d all hid when the other trainer showed up. She''d already seen something, but that didn''t mean he needed to confirm what each Pokemon he had was.


    She gave a lazy wave, stretching out on the bench, "Later, kid."


    He sighed, knowing he would absolutely be fighting her in the tournament tomorrow. "Later, tits."


    His comment only made her snicker again, and he left the area feeling like he''d come up short in that conversation.


    Well, the best way to not lose that game in the future, was to not play the game at all.


    He collected his Pokemon and left the area, wondering how much Shae might have seen before she approached, especially as he hadn''t even cottoned on until she was right there - a feat considering she was dressed to be seen. Worst case, she literally knew his entire team, while he knew nothing about hers.


    He''d learn more when he fought her. But he had a feeling something was up. Hot girls didn''t just randomly approach weird dudes like that. Not without a reason.


    So the question was¡­ What was the reason?


    Back at the Pokemon Center shortly thereafter, he settled into one of the trainer rooms, Rider curling up at the foot of the bed as his Ghosts poked at different things in the room, bored. Ezra lay back, staring at the ceiling, he''d find out more tomorrow, and that would have to be that. He''d be leaving soon enough anyway, so the mystery girl wouldn''t be a problem for long.


    He''d been jumping between tasks and training without rest, so he and his team would rest for the day, figure things out tomorrow.


    They''d fight, and beat Shae, because he had no doubt she''d make it far into the tournament.


    Shae, if that''s even your real name¡­ You won''t swindle me¡­


    <hr>


    The next morning,


    Ezra awoke to the sound of chirping birds and the gentle hum of activity outside his window. The morning sun cast a warm, golden glow over Cherrygrove City, making the cherry blossom petals sparkle as they floated down to the cobblestone streets. Ezra felt a surge of determination rise within him. Today was the day of the tournament, and he was ready.


    It was time to see how he stacked up against other normal trainers. Ghosts were an advantage to begin with, but he needed to learn and improve his strategies - and the only way to do that was through more battles.


    After a quick breakfast at the Pokemon Center, he gathered his belongings and headed out. The path to the tournament site was lined with colorful banners and stalls, vendors already busy hawking their wares. The scent of freshly baked pastries and roasted nuts mingled in the air, drawing in passersby. Ezra walked through the lively streets, taking in the festive atmosphere. The energy of the town was loud and boisterous and not really to his liking, but these were the kind of things he had to get used to.


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    The tournament grounds were set up on a large grassy area beside the river. Wooden stands had been erected around the battlefield, filled with spectators eagerly chatting and cheering. Temporary vendors lined the perimeter, selling everything from snacks and drinks to Pokemon accessories and memorabilia. The vibrant colors of the stalls and the lively crowd created a cheerful, bustling scene.


    It kind of reminded him of high school football games, really, sans the cheerleaders. Wait, didn''t Gary have cheerleaders? Can I get cheerleaders? He thought it over, and then immediately discarded it for how annoying it would get after the first amusing time.


    Ezra approached the registration booth, a small tent with a cheerful banner reading "Tournament battlers get your fight card here!" A young woman behind the counter greeted him with a bright smile, not even blinking an eye at the albino in dark clothing.


    Honestly, it was beginning to freak him out a bit. Lavender town was the spookiest place on the continent, yet were they the only ones that gave a crap about how weird he looked?


    "Good morning! Are you here to find out your battle order for the tournament?" She asked.


    "Yes, I am," Ezra replied tersely, handing over his trainer ID. He''d rather just start this already, he itched to battle and work out some frustrations.


    She quickly checked his information on a laptop. "Great! You''re all set. Your first battle is scheduled for an hour from now. In the meantime, feel free to watch the other matches and enjoy the festivities."


    Ezra thanked her and moved away from the booth, deciding to scout out the competition. He found a spot in the stands with a good view of the battlefield and settled in to watch the early matches, his Pokemon in their balls for once, as to not give anyone other than Shae any heads up.


    The first few battles were fairly uneventful, mostly local kids who were enthusiastic but lacked real skill. The crowd cheered them on anyway, encouraging their efforts. Ezra watched with mild interest, but his mind was already strategizing for his own battles. This really is the definition of local. I mean that one kid had three weedles! Three!


    Then, a movement at the edge of the battlefield caught his eye..


    The crowd reacted with a mixture of disapproval and curiosity, the older spectators whispering among themselves. Ezra found himself watching with interest as Shae took her place on the battlefield, blowing kisses at the crowd to rile them up. She had also accessoried her outfit with several chains attached across her hips for some reason, he rolled her eyes at how ridiculously edgy she was shooting for.


    Apparently looking weird was fine for him, but they were much more disapproving of a girl doing it. Typical. There were still a lot of old fashioned beliefs in the world. Trainers might be equal, but there were certain expectations on behavior he supposed. The world was still based on Japan to a certain extent, so standing out in such a rebellious way as Shae did, it wasn''t appreciated by the older generation he could see.


    He remembered thinking about it in Lavender, the uniformity with which a lot of people dressed, behaved and socialized. It was nowhere as rigid as Japanese society, but it certainly wasn''t as ''modern'' as the western world either.


    He focused back on the fight, Shae''s opponent was a local boy by the amount of cheering he was receiving. Probably no older than thirteen-fourteen, and he had a determined look on his face. He sent out his first Pokemon, a Pidgey, which fluttered its wings and chirped confidently.


    Shae rolled her eyes and lazily tossed a Pokeball into the air. "Let''s get this over with, Pride."


    The Pokeball opened to reveal a large, menacing Arbok. Its hood flared, displaying its intimidating pattern, and it hissed at the Pidgey. The crowd gasped, clearly not expecting such a powerful looking Pokemon.


    "Pidgey, use Gust!" The boy shouted, his voice tinged with nervousness as he eyed the Arbok.


    Pidgey flapped its wings rapidly, creating a whirlwind aimed at Arbok. The snake Pokemon barely flinched, its eyes locked on its target, the winds buffeting it to no real effect.


    Ezra hummed, leaning back, her Pokemon are just on a level where that kind of weak Pokemon won''t even scratch it.


    "Pride, use Poison Sting," Shae commanded with a imperious wave of her hand, her voice steady and bored.


    The Arbok launched a barrage of poisonous needles at Pidgey, striking it repeatedly even as the boy screamed for it to dodge. The small bird Pokemon cried out in pain, its movements becoming sluggish as the poison took effect.


    "Pidgey, hang in there! Use Quick Attack!" The boy urged, desperation creeping into his voice.


    Pidgey tried to comply, darting towards Arbok with all the speed it could muster. But the poison had already weakened it significantly, and its attack was slow and uncoordinated.


    "Wrap it up, Pride," Shae said with a cocky smirk.


    Arbok moved with lightning speed, coiling around Pidgey and constricting it tightly. The bird Pokemon struggled, but it was no match for the powerful snake. Within moments, it was unconscious.


    The boy recalled his Pidgey, a look of frustration on his face. He sent out his second Pokemon, a Rattata, which bared its teeth and squeaked aggressively.


    Oh boy, you should have just surrendered if that''s the lineup you''ve got, kid. Ezra thought. That Arbok was no joke, it''s skin looked shiny and tough, and the ripple of muscles in its long body hinted at harsh training.


    I want to fight her. He realized, even as he continued to watch with interest, even if the match was already decided.


    "Rattata, use Quick Attack!" The boy shouted. Because if something failed, do it again? Ezra supposed he couldn''t expect more from some random local kid who probably wasn''t even doing the circuit.


    Rattata darted towards Arbok, moving faster than Pidgey had. But Shae was unfazed, if anything being nice enough to let the kid yell out an order before she stomped him into the ground.


    "Pride, use Dig," She commanded, crossing her arms, one foot tapping on the ground.


    Arbok swiftly burrowed into the ground, disappearing from sight. Rattata skidded to a halt, looking around in confusion.


    "Stay alert, Rattata!" The boy called, his eyes darting around the battlefield. He should have ordered it to move around, he''s just a target now¡­


    Seconds later, Arbok erupted from the ground beneath Rattata. The snake Pokemon didn''t waste any time, striking with its fangs, biting the rat Pokemon, and injecting it. Rattata was quickly poisoned, its movements becoming sluggish just like Pidgey had, with the added caveat of what looked like Crunch, taking a nice bite out of it.


    "Finish it with Wrap again," Shae said, her tone still bored.


    Arbok wrapped itself around Rattata, constricting it tightly. The local boy''s face fell as he realized his Pokemon had no chance.


    "I surrender," He said reluctantly, recalling his Rattata, not even bothering to bring out his third Pokemon.


    The crowd''s reaction was mixed, with some murmuring disapproval and others clapping politely - notably it was the younger generations that applauded the winner. Shae didn''t seem to care, returning the Arbok to its Pokeball and walking off the battlefield without so much as a glance at her defeated opponent.


    Ezra watched her closely, noting the efficiency and ruthlessness of her battle style. She clearly knew what she was doing, and her Arbok was well-trained. He wondered what else she had.


    As she walked past the stands, she caught Ezra''s eye and smirked. He felt a flicker of curiosity and challenge in her gaze. She was clearly used to getting disapproving looks and seemed to revel in it.


    The morning continued with more matches, but none were as memorable as Shae''s. As the sun climbed higher in the sky, the crowd grew larger, the excitement building for the later battles, the early morning featuring a lot of the scrubs. Vendors continued to shout their wares, the smell of street food mingling with the earthy scent of the river.


    He would have probably been in with the scrubs, but no doubt his Trainer ID showcased his Orange League victories already. As for Shae¡­ She probably had the luck of someone older deciding her match ups. No way was she a rookie. It wouldn''t surprise him if she had several gym badges.


    When the time for his battle approached, Ezra made his way to the battle area. He took a deep breath, centering himself. I got this, compared to Drake, this is a cakewalk.


    As he walked towards the battlefield, he caught sight of Shae again. She was leaning against a tree, arms crossed, watching the matches with a bored expression. When she noticed him, she gave a slight nod, a glint of something in her eyes.


    So of course he completely snubbed her, walking past her, pretending she didn''t exist. From the throaty laughter behind him, she just found it amusing.


    Ezra stepped onto the battlefield, the sun shining brightly overhead. The crowd hushed in anticipation as he took his position, the referee having announced him as a winner of the Orange League. He clicked his tongue, annoyed that his trainer ID so easily let people know such things.


    The girl facing him, almost looked like she was going to pee herself, suddenly finding herself in front of a League winner, however minor.


    She then released a Caterpie, and he struggled to not just walk away and call this all a waste of time.


    Sighing, he chose Chesire as his battler. If he was just going to bully kids, Cheshire would at least have fun.


    ¡­


    Kids these days are weak. I mean, crying? He wasn''t even fighting seriously!


    How many fights until the final?


    He''d have to go through at least four matches. Joy¡­ Well Cheshire would have fun, he supposed.


    <hr>


    Several hours later, and lots of tears.


    Ezra and Shae had swiftly battled through the locals, their Pokemon demonstrating a level of skill and power that set them apart from the competition. The early rounds were little more than warm-ups for the two trainers, their victories decisive and their strategies not tested in the quick and ruthless battles. The crowd quickly began to anticipate their matches, eagerly awaiting the inevitable clash between them.


    It was obvious by now that no one that was seriously doing the circuit had even shown up for this tournament. Except him, and Shae.


    When the final match was announced, a palpable excitement rippled through the crowd. Ezra and Shae stepped onto the battlefield, the sun now high in the sky, casting long shadows on the grassy arena. The stands were packed to the brim, the air buzzing with anticipation. Vendors shouted over the noise, trying to make last-minute sales as the final battle would soon commence.


    Shae stood confidently at one end of the field, her punk aesthetic even more striking in the bright daylight. She glanced at Ezra, her eyes filled with a mix of challenge and confidence. Ezra, standing tall with Rider by his side, nodded at her. This was the moment they had both been waiting for, the actual fight.


    Not this show and tell with the little kids that they''d been doing.


    The referee raised his flag and signaled the start of the battle. Shae wasted no time, sending out her first Pokemon, a Koffing. The purple, levitating ball of gas hovered menacingly, its toxic fumes wafting through the air. "You know what to do, Envy."


    Is she really naming her Pokemon after the seven deadly sins? He thought, but his mind was more focused on something else, above that realization. It was the first time today she used something other than the Arbok, and Ezra narrowed his eyes as he stared her down. Ekans/Arbok and Koffing are Team Rocket Pokemon¡­


    Now there weren''t really any specific Pokemon that were classified as typically Team Rocket style Pokemon. But when you read about them in the news, there sure were a lot of Ekans, Arboks, Koffings, Grimers, Raticates, etc.


    If you were a rebel against normal society like Shae seemed to be, would you join an organization like that? Am I being too paranoid? She couldn''t have followed me from the Orange Islands, but if someone there contacted the mainland¡­ Cherrygrove is the closest city to the islands, bar New Bark town¡­ It''s not hard to place one agent in each town in case I''d show up¡­


    He could just be seeing things, attributing things to her due to her style and attitude¡­ But the Pokemon choices¡­ Naming them after the seven deadly sins? Which was weird that this world even had that, but really?


    Was she hiding in audacity? Or was it all a giant coincidence? I don''t trust coincidences¡­


    Ezra nodded to Rider, who stepped forward with his bone club ignited in eerie flames. Rider''s ghostly appearance and fiery weapon drew gasps from those in the crowd who hadn''t noticed him before, he could hear the wave of - who''s that Pokemon? Pass through the crowd.


    "Envy, use Sludge Bomb!" Shae commanded, amber eyes intense, her bored mien of the day, completely absent.


    At the same time Ezra calmly ordered, "Tac 3." Having set up tactics ahead of time to deal with a poison Pokemon, albeit it was Arbok, it would do here as well. Tac 3 was shorthand for tactic 3, Tac 1 and 2 not as effective against a hovering Pokemon.


    Koffing released a barrage of toxic sludge at Rider, who was already running wide, nimbly dodging the attack, arm already stretched back, whizzing his flaming club forward in a Bonemerang, the effect looking like a spinning wheel of fire as it approached the Koffing.


    Shae immediately snapped out orders, "Smokescreen, Toxic spikes!"


    The Koffing bellowed out smoke in a manner that pushed it back, narrowly avoiding the Bonemerang as it whiffed by, before returning towards Rider, managing to clip the Koffing for minor damage as it went by. The smokescreen completely covered Shae''s area of the field soon after, preventing sight of the toxic spikes the Pokemon was laying down at that moment.


    A poison specialist enjoying laying down traps, how surprising, he thought sarcastically, knowing his ghosts wouldn''t even be threatened by such, but for Rider it would make things more difficult. Tactic 3 was all about keeping distance and keeping on the move, avoiding getting poisoned while hammering away. His eyes narrowed, the smokescreen would also make it impossible for the Koffing to aim at Rider. "Change of plans, Rider, Focus Energy."


    Rider immediately stopped in place, taking a stance, his bone club held in both hands in front of him as he focused, glowing slightly with energy.


    If Shae wanted to hide away, he''d use the time to power up. Even if he had to have Rider firing Bonemerang blindly into the smog, eventually he''d hit, and with his power amped up, one hit would likely be enough.


    Shae snapped her fingers, a small smirk on her face, "Guess you''re not entirely stupid, kid."


    Ezra immediately snarked back. Even if he should avoid engaging with her, it was just a knee jerk reaction that he couldn''t hold back, "It''s easy with you here, since you monopolize all of the stupid to yourself!" Then he added, "Focus Energy again, then Bonemerang, do a wide sweep."


    Shae clicked her tongue, "How annoying, forcing me into this." She proclaimed, not sounding very annoyed, if anything she was wearing an amused smirk, "Let''s end this, Envy. Use Self-Destruct!" Shae called out, a fierce determination in her voice.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, what''s the point of that? Rider isn''t even near the smokescreen. Besides, normal moves won''t work anyway¡­


    The ground near Rider broke, the Koffing rising, already beginning to glow ominously - before it detonated in a massive explosion. The shockwave sent dust and debris flying, and when it settled, Rider lay unconscious on the ground, having taken the full brunt of the attack, the Koffing also knocked out. The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps, impressed by the sheer power of the move, and the trickiness behind it - even if it could only get a double knockout.


    "How¡­?" He demanded, shocked that it worked.


    Shae smirked, buffing her nails on her jacket, "I knew you had Ghost Pokemon, so I already told Envy that if I ordered him to dig, he was to use Foresight, and wait for my order to then Self-Destruct." She said smugly, "Don''t need line of sight for Foresight to work."


    She taught the Koffing Dig¡­ The Smokescreen was a twofold trap, if my Pokemon entered, he''d run into the toxic spikes, but the second part of the trap was making me believe the Koffing was still inside¡­ Ezra was reluctantly impressed. Shae had realized that any attack on Rider would need to be an instant knockout or the retaliation would beat her, so she''d sacrificed the Koffing to ensure Rider with his two power ups wouldn''t be in play anymore. Foresight allowed a normal type move to work on Ghosts, so she''d planned ahead well.


    Ezra would have done it differently, thinking about it. It wasn''t a bad play, but she could have given Rider a Sludge Bomb or Toxic to the face, ensuring Rider would be heavily poisoned for any further moves, the Koffing would perhaps be knocked out right after, but there was also the chance the poison would make Rider miss, allowing her the chance to take out Rider and keep her Pokemon.


    He supposed it was all about how daring one was willing to be. It told him somewhat about her playing style, because for all her daring attire, she didn''t fight the same way. She wasn''t willing to bet it all from the beginning, preferring hedging her bets.


    Ezra recalled Rider, a determined look on his face, his heart thrumming with excitement in a way it hadn''t in the Orange League. That had almost been work, what with his goals for that endeavor, this? This was fun! "Good job, Rider. Nyx, it''s your turn." He called out, tossing out the Pokeball.


    Nyx, his Spiritomb, materialized on the battlefield, its eerie purple and green visage causing a murmur of awe from the crowd. He knew Ghost trainers were exceedingly rare, it was likely most here had never seen one. Ghosts tended to be¡­ Temperamental. Shae recalled her fainted Koffing and sent out Arbok next. The snake Pok¨¦mon hissed menacingly, its hood flaring.


    "Pride, use Glare!" Shae commanded quickly.


    Arbok''s eyes glowed with a paralyzing light, but Nyx seemed unaffected, its ethereal form making it immune to such tricks. A mark of inexperience against her there, she didn''t remember in time that a normal move like Glare wouldn''t work despite what just happened. Or she fell back on habits without accounting for the Pokemon type, Glare one of her go to''s. He thought critically.


    "Nyx, Shadow Ball switch!" Ezra called out, the move Shadow Ball was something that all his Ghost Pokemon had worked on the most during training. Cheshire and Loki having helped Nyx become respectable at it.


    And again he hid a second command, one Shae wouldn''t know what it entailed. Ezra was glad his Pokemon were fairly intelligent, able to memorize tactics just as easily as anything else.


    Nyx formed a dark, pulsating ball of energy quickly, about half the size the move usually was, and hurled it at Arbok. The attack struck Arbok head-on, causing it to recoil in pain.


    "Pride, Mud Shot then close in and use Crunch!" Shae shouted, her voice edged with irritation at herself.


    The Arbok slammed it''s tail into the ground, turning it muddy before hauling it forward in a giant throw, but it was already too late, Nyx already performing the second part of Ezra''s order.


    The Arbok lunged after its Mud Shot to get at Nyx, its fangs bared, but Nyx vanished into thin air before the mud got close, reappearing a moment later behind Arbok, having used Shadow Sneak, a second Shadow Ball already materializing in front of its leering face.


    "Nyx, finish it," Ezra said calmly.


    Nyx''s eyes glowed, and the Arbok stood no chance, taking a charged up Shadow Ball straight to the back, after already having suffered through one. It fell flat, still in the fight on a technicality, not fainted, but in no state to fight back.


    Once he got to the big leagues, he''d have to diversify a little, as Nyx, Loki and Cheshire had too similar a moveset. Although teaching them something new with the boatload of money he was going to get could mitigate that somewhat.


    Shae gritted her teeth, recalling Arbok rather than have it take another unnecessary hit to remove it from play. She fingered her Pokeballs, sending Ezra a fierce look, before sending out her final Pokemon, and it was a Croagunk.


    The Croagunk, a toad like Pokemon, had its poison sacs inflating and deflating rhythmically as it hopped onto the battlefield. It eyed Nyx with a calculating gaze. "It''s all on you, Greed!" Shae called out, sounding determined.


    "Curse two." Ezra said simply, ensuring that even if he lost this round, he won. By adding two to the order, he was informing his Spiritomb that instead of just firing off the curse, he wanted it to use an opportune moment to Shadow Sneak behind the other Pokemon and ensure the curse hit, even at the risk of taking a hit in return.


    "Croagunk, Flatter!" Shae ordered, looking frustrated at not being able to tell what exactly Ezra had told his Pokemon.


    Nyx vanished, as Shae shouted urgently, "Behind you!" The Croagunk turning quickly, the two attacks both hitting, the Croagunk being cursed, and Nyx taking Flatter straight to the face, becoming confused and becoming ripe for the taking.


    "Nyx, Shadow Ball!" He ordered, on the off chance it would wake Nyx up, but Nyx just hovered confusedly in place.


    "Croagunk, use Sucker Punch!" Shae snapped out, a relieved glint in her eyes.


    Croagunk lunged at Nyx, its fist glowing with Dark energy. The jab struck Nyx, it wasn''t super effective due to Nyx'' Dark/Ghost typing, but considering Nyx had already given up half its ''life'' energy to power the curse, Nyx fainted anyway.


    Ezra recalled Nyx, whispering praise to the Pokeball, because he had faith his last Pokemon could either outlast Croagunk for the few moves necessary for it to faint from the curse - or outright defeat it. So Nyx had set up his victory.


    "You''re too tricky, kid." Shae breathed out, shaking her head, although she wore a smirk on her painted lips, "Best fight I''ve had since I joined the circuit."


    "I''m not a slut, you''ll have to butter me up a lot more for me to tolerate you." Ezra deadpanned, tossing out another Pokeball as she laughed at his rebuttal, "Loki, take it home!"


    Since Cheshire had gotten to play with all the scrubs, Loki got to handle the actual fight worth a damn. The Shuppet crowed in delight, hovering on the battlefield, eyes gleaming with viciousness as it stared down the Croagunk.


    Shae didn''t bother waiting, "Sucker Punch, now!" She snapped, taking initiative, "If it vanishes, switch to attack behind you!"


    Someone''s scared of a little Shadow Sneak, Ezra thought smugly, before giving his own orders. "Switch two." He ordered, taking advantage of Shae''s order.


    Loki crooned eerily, before vanishing from Croagunk''s sight as it threw itself forward, fist glowing. It immediately pivoted, throwing a backhand behind it, only for Loki to appear and disappear, immediately going into another Shadow Sneak, appearing in front of the Croagunk. "Hypnosis!" Ezra ordered.


    Croagunk was off his footing, and immediately fell under Loki''s spell, ending things anticlimactically. "Your loss? Or I can have Loki shoot off some Shadow Balls while the curse works its way through your Croagunk¡­"


    Shae recalled Croagunk, a small smile on her face, even as her face fell slightly, "Ah, can''t win them all, I guess." She perked right up, pointing her fist at him, a cocky smirk right back on her lips, "Next time brat! I''m wise to your tricks now!"


    Ezra twitched at having graduated from kid, to brat. "Fuck right off with that, loser tits."


    Shae just scoffed at him, crossing her arms, "You still suck at that, get better insults."


    The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, having been somewhat delayed as they watched their back and forth, with part amusement, part scandal. Ezra had a feeling their discussion wasn''t really how the two finalists usually talked with each other.


    As the crowd continued to cheer, Ezra and Shae walked off the battlefield together, the intensity of their battle lingering in the air. It had been the only worthy battle of the tournament.


    They were brought up onto a cheap wooden podium, the Mayor of Cherrygrove using the occasion to do what politicians do best - Uselessly drone on about things no one there cared about. Eventually he finished, and gave them their prizes.


    For Shae, as the runner up, 5000 Pokedollars and six Great Balls. She didn''t look overly enthused about the prize, accepting it while trying not to grimace, obviously not having fought this tournament for that prize.


    Ezra however got a technique, Fissure. Which blew his mind a little. It was the equivalent of a little league team filled with brats barely able to swing bats yet, winning their little piddly league, and instead of getting a pizza party as a prize together with a fake trophy, they instead got 50 000 dollars.


    He knew Pokemon battling was everything here, but to have a little tournament like this, filled with kids whose major achievement was being able to point their Pokemon in the right direction - have a prize of that kind of level - it was just wild.


    Upper end techniques like Fissure, Hyper Beam etc, were expensive, like buying a house instead, levels of expensive. He practically sleep walked through the rest of the ceremony and for his walk out of the battling area, thinking it over. Tournaments suddenly were worth a second look when he''d begin taking the circuit seriously. He''d be rich enough soon to buy techniques, sure. But if piddly tournaments like this had Fissure. What did an Area wide tournament offer?


    As he walked out of the fighting area, his thoughts turned back on Shae. She was also too good to fight in a tournament like this. And when he''d received the Fissure technique, she hadn''t even looked that interested, and definitely not upset about losing out on it. So why was she here?


    The sun began to set soon after, casting a golden glow over Cherrygrove City. The festivities continued, the townspeople celebrating the day''s events with renewed vigor. Vendors continued to sell their goods, children played in the streets, and trainers discussed the battles with excitement.


    Ezra felt a sense of accomplishment as he walked through the lively streets, Loki by his side and his other Pokemon resting in their Pokeballs. He had proven himself in the tournament, he did know how to fight, his use of code words or just hiding his tactics did work, and the experience had only strengthened his resolve to continue his journey and that he was on the right track.


    As he approached the Pokemon Center, he saw Shae leaning against a lamp post, her expression thoughtful. She looked up as he approached, a hint of a smile on her lips.


    "Hey," She said, pushing off from the lamp post. "That was fun. We should do it again sometime."


    Ezra just nodded silently, watching her carefully. If there was any time she''d ambush him or pull something, it was now. Two of his Pokemon were down, and he was in an assumed weaker position¡­


    If she was Team Rocket, this was the time. That or she''d attempt to hang onto him, offering to travel together. He prepared himself to reject her handily.


    Shae ran a hand through her hair, stretching in a way that pushed her chest out, a twinkle in her eyes as his eyes were immediately drawn there. Damn puberty still going on¡­ He groused.


    "Well, see you sometime." She said languidly, before walking off with a casual wave.


    Leaving Ezra standing there in shock.


    Where''s the ambush? The questions? The begging to travel with me?


    Was I¡­ Wrong?


    <hr>


    Later that night,


    Ezra slid into the seat in front of the computer in the Pokemon center, after having ascertained that no one was around.


    "Make sure no one interrupts." He ordered softly, as his shadow undulated, releasing several Ghost Pokemon who formed a perimeter.


    Steven Stone had reached out to him, wanting a video conference to convince him to sell the Crystal Onix to him, and it gave Ezra a unique opportunity.


    He had a lot of knowledge that stood to make him a lot of money. The problem was that he didn''t have a partner he could trust. And with his somewhat prickly personality and trust issues, finding someone to say, farm Milotics for him - was a non starter.


    Unless¡­


    He could cut a deal with Steven Stone. A man with his reputation, with Devon Corps reputation on the line - would not break a contract. If Ezra negotiated something with the man, he''d have his Pokemon farms, his evolution secrets and tips - put to use for his monetary gain. While he took a nice cut, Steven would have to actually run the place. Albeit through staff, Ezra wasn''t stupid enough to think the man himself would do any of the work.


    If he could contract with the Devon Corps, he could get all the protection for his secrets he needed. Because it would be their secrets as well. And he''d get paid forever. Sure, at a lesser percentage then if he did it himself. But say 30-40 percent forever, without doing any of the actual work? Not a bad deal.


    Ezra leaned back in the uncomfortable chair, his eyes fixed on the computer screen as the connection stabilized. The Pokemon Center was quiet, its usual bustle reduced to a faint hum of machinery and the occasional flicker of light. His Ghost Pokemon, hidden in the shadows, formed a vigilant perimeter around the room, ensuring he wouldn''t be disturbed.


    The screen flickered, and then Steven Stone''s face appeared. The man was as impeccably dressed as he''d expected, his hair perfectly styled, and his eyes sharp and focused. Steven exuded an air of calm authority, but there was an underlying intensity that told Ezra this was a man who didn''t waste time. Good, I don''t waste time either.


    "Good evening, Ezra," Steven greeted, his voice smooth and measured. "I appreciate you making time for this discussion. I understand you''ve recently come into possession of a Crystal Onix. I''m very interested in acquiring it." He flashed a smile, small and smug, "I don''t really think there''s a need for an auction, they won''t beat me anyway."


    Ezra didn''t bother with pleasantries. "Let''s get to the point then, Mr Stone. The Crystal Onix is rare, possibly one of a kind. I know what it''s worth, and I know you wouldn''t be reaching out if you didn''t think so too." He leaned forward, a shark-like grin on his face, "I''m well aware that having the only thing of something, is worth its weight in gold."


    Steven''s smile was slight, but it didn''t reach his eyes this time. "Indeed. I''m prepared to offer a substantial sum for it. I''m aware of its rarity, and Devon Corp has the resources to properly study and preserve such a unique specimen." Like you''re not just going to show it off to prove how rich you are, heh. Although maybe¡­ Does he know how to evolve them into Steelix yet?


    Ezra leaned forward slightly, his gaze unyielding. "How much are we talking?" He just knew he was getting low balled first, it''s how discussions like these usually went.


    Steven''s fingers tapped lightly on the desk before him, as if weighing his words. "Ten million Pokedollars. It''s a fair offer, considering Onix in itself isn''t a very interesting Pokemon."


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed. "Ten million is a lot, but not enough. You and I both know that the research alone on this Onix could lead to breakthroughs in Pokemon evolution or even new defensive applications. I''m not just selling you a Pokemon - I''m giving you a potential goldmine."


    Probably not, or there would have been a crystal type or something already, but he doesn''t know if that is a possibility.


    Steven''s smile faded slightly, replaced by a more serious expression. "I won''t deny the potential." He acknowledged, giving him a small nod, "However, it''s still speculative at this point. There are risks involved, and it could take years before any substantial results are seen. That''s time and money Devon Corp will be investing."


    Ezra didn''t flinch. He knew this was his moment to pivot the conversation. "That''s exactly why I''m not interested in just a lump sum. I''m looking for something more¡­ enduring. I want a partnership, Mister Stone. Something that benefits both of us in the long run."


    Steven raised an eyebrow, a condescending look on his face. "Go on." He offered.


    Ezra took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "I have more than just the Crystal Onix. I know how to evolve a Pokemon into a Milotic, which if farmed would bring in substantial profits in prism scales let alone in selling the Pokemon itself. I also know how to ensure specific Eeveelutions - including some that haven''t been seen yet, and I have access to several other rare evolutions that aren''t well known. With the right setup, I can make sure these evolutions happen consistently. What I need is someone who can take care of the logistics - setting up and running a Pokemon farm, security, marketing, the whole package."


    It was a risk, admitting all this, but Ezra found it more likely that Stone would agree to partner - over trying to steal him away and milk him for everything he had. The man, while a corporate behemoth, was also a champion, or would be champion.


    He released Rider, making sure Stone caught the look of his Pokemon on camera, "This is a small bit of proof that I know what I''m talking about. A Ghost/Fire type Marowak, unheard of." He smirked, patting Rider on the head, "Until me."


    Stone''s eyes gleamed with interest, but he remained cautious. "That''s quite a claim. Consistent, controlled evolution of rare Pokemon is no small feat - let alone claiming to be able to do so with unknown evolutions. You''re proposing a large-scale operation, Ezra. One that would require significant investment, infrastructure, and ongoing management." The way he was looking at Rider, and hadn''t shut down the discussion, proved he was at least Interested.


    Ezra nodded, inwardly pleased, prepared for this line of reasoning. "Exactly. And that''s where you come in. Devon Corp has the resources and expertise to manage this, and you know how profitable it could be. I''m offering you a chance to get in on the ground floor of something huge. We split the profits fifty-fifty."


    Stone let out a short, quiet laugh. "Fifty-fifty? You''re asking me to take on all the financial risk, handle the logistics, the security, the staff, and you want half of the profits? That''s not realistic, Ezra. Devon Corp would be shouldering the bulk of the work. Your knowledge is valuable, if it''s true, but it''s the infrastructure and operations that will turn that knowledge into profit."


    Ezra expected the pushback. "I understand you''re taking on a lot of the burden, but without my knowledge, there''s no farm, no consistent evolutions, and no profits. I''m not just handing over information - I''m creating a new market for you."


    Stone nodded thoughtfully, but he was already shaking his head. "I can''t agree with fifty percent. That''s too high considering the scale of the operation we''d need to set up. I could offer you twenty percent, and that''s generous."


    Do you think I''m a dumbass? That''s just insulting.


    "Twenty percent is a joke," Ezra shot back, his tone calm but firm. "You''re underestimating the value of what I''m bringing to the table. The rarity of these evolutions alone would guarantee high returns. Forty-five percent, plus a licensing and royalty fee for every new evolution process I bring to you."


    Stone''s expression hardened slightly, his gaze calculating. "Forty-five percent is still steep. The costs on our end would be considerable - buying land, constructing the facilities, hiring and training staff, security, ongoing care and feeding of the Pokemon, and not to mention the risk of something going wrong. We''d be looking at millions of Pokedollars in upfront investment, and that''s before we even see a return. I could go up to thirty percent, but no higher."


    Ezra wasn''t ready to concede just yet. "Thirty-five percent, plus a licensing fee of one million Pokedollars for each new evolution technique I reveal as a one time payment. And I want three percent royalty on any sales on new evolutions beyond Milotic and Eevee Evolutions that I bring to the table."


    Stone leaned back in his chair, considering the offer. "The licensing fee is acceptable, but three percent on additional evolutions is problematic. Each new Pokemon type would require new research, new facilities, and potentially new staff. It''s not as simple as just tacking on extra profits. How about this: thirty-two percent on profits, one million Pokedollars licensing fee per new evolution, and two percent royalty on additional evolutions."


    Ezra''s mind raced, calculating the potential earnings. He had to be careful not to push too hard, but he wasn''t ready to drop below thirty-five percent so easily either. He knew Stone would want this more than he was showing. "Thirty-two percent is close, but I can''t go that low. I''ll meet you at thirty-five percent, with a one million Pokedollars licensing fee per evolution, and two and a half percent on additional evolutions."


    Stone''s eyes narrowed slightly, fingers tapping away at his desk. "Thirty-two and a half percent, one million per evolution, and two percent on additional evolutions. That''s my final offer."


    Ezra stopped for a moment, thinking it through. He could accept that. It was still amazing money. But part of him refused to let the other man dictate to him in that way. He was the one with the money making ideas here. Sure Stone would have to spend money first, but with his larger cut, he''d make it back rapidly, and then rake in profits for a long time.


    Any Devon Corp facility would have enough security to ensure everyone else didn''t learn how to do the same evolutions. Although some of the Eevee evolutions would likely eventually be discovered anyway - the ones he had on tap beyond that wouldn''t be discovered any time soon meaning consistent profits.


    "Then hear my final offer." He said softly. "Take my last offer, or I go offer it to Silph co instead. And for trying to short change me, you''ll still have to pay ten million for the Onix instead of getting it free as part of the deal." His heart was hammering in his chest as he gave the ultimatum, but he had a gut feeling Stone wasn''t going to drop this opportunity, and Silph co wasn''t necessarily a bad choice either, worst case.


    Stone''s smile returned, this time more genuine as he gave a rueful shake of the head, "I must say, it''s rare I find a young man so ruthless in business. I find myself forced to accept." He continued with a flourish, "I think this will be the start of a very profitable partnership, Ezra. I''ll have my legal team draw up the contracts, and we can finalize everything within the week."


    "Looking forward to it," Ezra replied, trying to hide his elation, but from the chuckling the older man let loose, he hadn''t succeeded.


    "If you need funds right now, we can finalize the transfer of ten million for your Onix." He offered, seemingly having no hard feelings at all about being put on the spot in negotiations.


    Using the transfer system in the Pokemon center, within minutes, the Crystal Onix was gone, and Ezra had ten million Pokedollars in his account. Considering the many many evolutions he knew that wouldn''t be known in the world for a decade at least if it ran even slightly similarly to the games - this ten million would be chump change for him.


    He''d have to hire a lawyer before Stone sent over the contract, to ensure everything was done to his specifications, just in case. He looked over at Stone, "How do you feel about letting Devon Corp break into Kanto''s economy?" He asked.


    Stone raised a surprised eyebrow, lips twitching, "And here I thought your ambitions were already surprisingly vast, you do realize what kind of trouble you''re asking for?"


    Ezra smiled, and if it was a little nasty, well¡­ "Lavender Town and its surroundings would make for a great location, in the future I intend to create a gym there, so I would be around to protect both our investments as well." He''d hide his involvement in the business until he returned, wouldn''t that be a shock for Lavender? "Once you mention the evolutions you will farm, the League will step in and allow you to buy land, they won''t want to lose out on it." He said, fairly self-assured.


    Kanto might be somewhat isolationist at the upper level of government, but more Pokemon types was an advantage they wouldn''t say no to, couldn''t. Even if it was a Hoenn company building on Kanto soil. The Pokemon League would force it through.


    Stone smiled, "I think this partnership will be very interesting. You''ll hear from me within the week."


    As the call ended and Steven Stone''s image faded from the screen, Ezra leaned back, exhaling slowly. The deal was done, and he had secured a future filled with both security and potential wealth. Now, all that was left was to deliver on his promises - and ensure that he stayed one step ahead of everyone else.


    If Steelix wasn''t a thing yet, he could use it to ask for further favors from Stone later.


    He didn''t need to give away everything he knew after all.


    It would be good to always have something in his back pocket to use for further advantages.


    Today had been a very good day¡­


    <hr>


    Orange Islands,


    Karen was calm. The picture of serenity, she was like the ocean, calm, cool, just floating.


    One tick mark appeared. No, I''m calm, cool, it''s not a big deal¡­ A vein pulsed. Calm, I''m calm! I''m fucking calm!


    "We don''t know where he was going, but he seemed in a hurry."


    The calm ocean erupted into a category nine hurricane, "WHAT THE FUCK!?" She yelled, face red, eyes staring daggers at Luana, the Orange League gym leader being the only one who''d answered her request to meet immediately. "HOW DO YOU NOT KNOW WHERE HE WAS GOING!?"


    "He didn''t say." Luana said with a wry smile, "Are you alright, dear?" She asked, finding something amusing.


    Karen forcibly bit back a reply that would have likely brought Agatha all the way here to put her over her knee. "I''m perfectly fine." She bit out, steam practically erupting from her skin with how hot she was running.


    "Just¡­ Just tell me about his Pokemon." She asked, slumping her shoulders in defeat. This brat¡­ When I find him¡­


    ¡­


    Karen left the Orange Islands the same night, heading towards Pewter at full speed. If the brat intended to do the circuit, he''d have to hit up Flint in Pewter soon. So instead of scouring all of Kanto for him, she''d set up an ambush.


    Then she''d drag the brat kicking and screaming to Agatha. Her cheek twitched as she smiled maniacally. Not necessarily in one piece¡­


    She had her plan, and it was a good one. That brat had to come by Pewter, she would have him within the week, she was positive.


    This time she''d outsmarted him, she thought viciously.


    There was no way he could travel through Kanto and not run into her now.


    <hr>


    Cherrygrove city, Johto.


    Ezra hummed in thought, looking over a map of Johto, there really was no rush to get to Kanto was it?


    He was sure there were some interesting things he could do here in Johto first.


    <hr>

 Hello Darkness my Friend

    <hr>


    Goldenrod, Johto, a few days after the Cherrygrove tournament.


    Ezra descended from the sky on his Pidgeot, the wind rustling his hair as the sprawling metropolis of Goldenrod City spread out below. Unlike the quaint charm of Cherrygrove, Goldenrod was a bustling urban center, the largest city in Johto, known for its towering skyscrapers, sprawling avenues, and throngs of people moving with purpose through the busy streets.


    It was civilization, and he already felt more at home just from seeing the city in front of him. Roughing it out in the wild really wasn''t his favorite thing. Give him a nice hotel anytime.


    In the distance as he began to land, he could spot the towering Goldenrod Radio Tower, knowing one day they''d be broadcasting his victories, his success, for all to see. He couldn''t wait! He didn''t want to just be somebody, he wanted to shake things up.


    To begin with, making a gym with more than one specialty was going to be different, he didn''t intend to leave it at just that. He wanted to make everyone both fear and desire battling his gym.


    With Steven Stone onboard, although the whole thing still needed to go through the lawyers - financial independence was already sorted, now all that was left was to collect more Ghost and Dark Pokemon, and train them up to the proper quality, before taking the League by storm.


    Pidgeot touched down gracefully in a small park near the edge of the commercial district, and Ezra took a moment to smooth out his clothes, ruffled from the flight. He patted Pidgeot''s neck appreciatively, then returned the bird to its Pokeball with a quiet "Good job." The full extent of his communication with this Pokemon at this point.


    He''d need to find a proper Dark Pokemon to fly with eventually, but he''d keep his promise either way to Pidgeot, he had no reason not to really. Pidgeot had been the MVP so far, getting him to everything he needed without him having to spend months walking like a plebeian.


    He''d come to this city mainly for two things. And Goldenrod was famous for many more - the Game Corner, the Magnet Train, the Radio Tower, and of course, the sprawling Goldenrod Department Store - which was one of his two targets today. Ezra had done his research - this was the best place in Johto to stock up on TMs, and he intended to load up on the best ones he could find. He had money to burn, and no reason to wait.


    He''d read some stories where people refused to use the ''cheat'' of buying techniques, and he absolutely refused to be that stupid.


    Could a Pokemon possibly create a more powerful technique if they did it on their own from the beginning? Perhaps. Even likely.


    But that was ignoring the fact of how much training and finessing one could do with a Pokemon while not wasting time on that technique.


    If he was to teach Rider Fire Blast. And it took him a few weeks to learn from scratch, even at an optimistic outlook - that would be a few weeks he''d only be focusing on that - for a possible percent or two of higher performance.


    Or¡­ He could learn the technique immediately, spend a few weeks perfecting it and his fire control, while also training on other things potentially - leading to a stronger overall Pokemon.


    Which one led to a stronger Pokemon over its lifetime?


    If he had plenty of time, then probably the first, but it would mean wasting weeks and months on simply practicing a few techniques from the ground up.


    He intended to be gym leader, he did not only have his team which he had to train into powerhouses, but if he wanted to impress and showcase he had what it took, he also needed to begin gathering and training more Pokemon.


    He needed to be ready to step in as a gym leader from day one to convince anyone he could do it. So with so many Pokemon he''d eventually have to split time between, that one or two percent of efficiency or skill, just wasn''t worth it.


    Besides, he had faith that his training could squeeze out that percentage in benefits in other avenues, like how he''d managed to get his ''mons Shadow Ball''s to be much faster, denser, and more deadly.


    As he thought it over, he made his way through the city, just enjoying the ambient noise of a proper city as he walked, heading towards the department store.


    The department store was a colossal building, its exterior a mix of sleek glass panels and ornate stonework that gave it a modern yet not too artificial look. The large entrance was framed by stone pillars, and a steady stream of people flowed in and out, each one carrying bags filled with purchases. Ezra made his way through the crowd, weaving between groups of trainers, shoppers, and the occasional Pokemon, until he reached the grand entrance.


    Inside, the Goldenrod department store was a hive of activity. The interior was large enough to fit a modern mall and well-lit, with high ceilings and polished floors that gleamed under the bright lights. A large chandelier hung from the center of the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the entire area. Escalators crisscrossed the open space, taking customers to different levels, while signs directed them to various departments: clothing, electronics, Pokemon supplies, and, most importantly for Ezra, TMs.


    He made his way to the escalators, riding up to the fifth floor, where the TMs were sold. The floor was dedicated to all things Pokemon, with aisles filled with Pokeballs, potions, berries, and other essential items. But it was the large glass display cases filled with TMs that caught Ezra''s eye. Behind the counter, rows of brightly colored discs were arranged meticulously, each one representing a different move. There were common TMs like Water Pulse and Thunder Wave, but what Ezra was really after were the more rare and powerful moves.


    He could teach his Pokemon simple moves on his own, he felt. Especially with how smart they''d turned out to be. Rider had managed Iron tail quickly after all, and had already transitioned that towards Iron Head and Iron Club, all on his own, playing around with the energy during training time.


    He wasn''t sure if it was how much focus he was putting on having his Pokemon constantly work on better harnessing their energy and feeling it out - or if he just had very clever ''mon, that was behind that development.


    He approached the counter, where a middle-aged man with a receding hairline and a friendly smile greeted him. The man''s uniform identified him as the store manager, and his eyes lit up as he saw the look of intent on Ezra''s face.


    A retail slave knew the look of someone willing to spend money.


    "Looking for some TMs, young man?" The manager asked, his tone friendly but businesslike. Only his eyes showed the greed for the possibility of a big sale, not quite to the level of animesque dollar signs for eyes - but not that far away from it.


    "Yeah, I''m in the mood to splash some cash, old timer." Ezra replied distractedly, his eyes scanning the rows of discs behind the man. "I''m looking for the best you''ve got. I''ve got a lot of Pokemon to outfit, so I''m going to need a variety."


    The manager''s smile widened slightly, while his eyes grew brighter. "You''ve come to the right place young sir. We''ve got a fine selection here for all your Pokemon needs. Anything in particular you''re looking for?"


    Ezra nodded, his gaze settling on a few of the discs. "I''m definitely interested in Earthquake, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Fire Blast, Psychic, and Hyper Beam, to start."


    The manager''s eyes widened slightly, clearly very happy, especially since he''d added the qualifier to start. With the price of high value techniques starting at around 50 000 and up, he was making one hell of a sale today.


    Ezra looked over the display, mulling over what he saw, "Add Drain Punch there too¡­" He muttered, mostly talking to himself. He had vague plans to get a Primeape and evolve it to an Annihilape, although it wouldn''t be easy with the qualifier for that evolution. Drain Punch would fit as a move for the Fighting/Ghost type, allowing it to deal damage, while being healed back for fifty percent of the damage dealt.


    He had a decent team as was, but as much as it would suck, the four on the team right now might not all make it onto his ''top'' team in the end. It was all a matter of flexibility. His Haunter for example couldn''t really do anything that special that his Shuppet or Spiritomb couldn''t do as well.


    So while buying, he needed to think of the future as well. He wasn''t as attached to his ''mon as some trainers no doubt were, and as a future gym leader he couldn''t be. Whether Cheshire stayed on the team or ended up one of the high level challenges for his gym, would remain to be seen - but with literal dozens of Pokemon needed to run the gym, he wouldn''t be able to treat them all like they were his special babies.


    Although Rider would probably keep a special place in his heart. Cubone''s were one of his favorites after all, and being an Alolan Marowak now was just amazing.


    The manager quickly gathered the TMs, stacking them neatly on the counter, almost vibrating with joy, although he also kept them out of reach until he saw the cash, not entirely stupid then. "You''ve got quite the collection here, young sir. Is there anything else you''d like?"


    Ezra considered for a moment before nodding his head. "Yeah, throw in Toxic as well." It wouldn''t fit all his Pokemon, but it was a good tool in his arsenal. "Add Giga Impact as well."


    Hyperbeam and Giga Impact were both normal moves, but he''d have Dark Pokemon capable of using one or the other at some point, and Giga Impact might be possible for Annihilape to learn. Worst case and he couldn''t find a good use for them, he''d give them as prizes for the opening of his gym one day.


    He also adds about a dozen of more minor utility techniques, quickly pointing them out.


    The manager took the discs out, and Ezra nodded decisively, "That should do for now. How much?"


    The manager took a moment to tally up the price. "Well, you''re looking at a substantial order here, Nine high-tier techniques, 13 minor ones... Altogether, that''ll come to¡­ 565,000 Pokedollars."


    Ezra''s expression didn''t change, but inwardly he winced at the price. He had expected it to be expensive, but this was more than he had anticipated, then again he had chosen all the most expensive techniques. He leaned casually on the counter, looking the manager in the eye. "That''s quite a bit. I''m buying in bulk here, giving you quite the windfall. How many of these do you sell a month? Not many, right? Surely you can knock the price down a bit."


    The manager smiled, clearly used to this kind of negotiation. "I understand, but these are some of the best TMs available. We don''t get discounts on them often." Which wasn''t an outright no.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, playing it cool. "I''m sure you could make an exception, especially for someone who might bring in repeat business. How about 500,000 even?"


    The manager chuckled softly, shaking his head. "500,000 is a bit too low for this order. How about we meet in the middle as a favor for a valued customer? 550,000." He offered.


    Ezra considered it, making a face, how is that in the middle? He was getting a decent deal anyway, but he wanted to push just a bit more. He wasn''t one to meekly accept anything, not when there was any chance to push ahead. "530,000, actually more in the middle, and I''ll pay in cash, right now."


    With the cost of the techniques, the guy probably saw one or two high end ones sold a month, until the end of the circuit where he might sell a dozen as trainers flush with cash rush to prepare for the Indigo League. This would probably make his year, so Ezra felt confident he could afford to push for the lower fee.


    The manager hesitated, weighing the offer. Finally, he nodded. "Alright, you''ve got a deal young sir." He said, unable to hide his pleasure at the deal, and his windfall. "You drive a hard bargain, young man, a hard bargain indeed. Very interesting."


    Ezra smirked, satisfied with the deal. He counted out the money and handed it over, having pulled a sweet million out of the bank before leaving Cherrygrove. He watched as the manager carefully packed the TMs into a sleek black case. Once the transaction was complete, Ezra picked up the case, feeling the weight of the discs inside. These TMs would be invaluable in strengthening his team in the future.


    With his new TMs in hand, Ezra made his way back to the ground floor, his mind already strategizing how to best incorporate the new moves into his Pokemon''s arsenals, including the ones he planned to catch in the future. As he reached the exit, he stopped by the information desk, manned by a young woman with a bright smile, an Eevee curled up in her lap, which perfectly led into his second target in the city.


    "Excuse me," Ezra began, "I''m looking for an Eevee breeder in the city. I heard there''s a good one around here, but I couldn''t find an address when I looked online." Really the net is shit, gotta work on that when I have time..


    The woman''s smile widened, petting her Eeeve''s head, likely a family Pokemon or caught in the wild, since buying from breeders were ridiculously expensive. "You must be talking about Aaron''s family. They''ve been breeding Eevees for years. Their place is on the outskirts of the city, near Route 34. It''s a bit off the beaten path, but if you follow the road out of town and keep an eye out, you''ll find it."


    Ezra nodded, making a mental note of the directions. "Thanks. I''ll head over there now."


    With his purchases secured and a new lead on finding the Eevee breeder, Ezra stepped out of the department store and into the bustling streets of Goldenrod once more.


    Umbreon awaited.


    Once he got his hands on an Eevee it was only a matter of time.


    <hr>


    Shortly thereafter, Route 34


    Ezra''s footsteps crunched on the gravel road as he approached the Eevee breeder''s ranch, the expansive estate coming into view as he crested a small hill on the outskirts of Goldenrod City. The ranch house was large, almost mansion-like, with a sprawling yard that extended far beyond what the eye could see. The property was surrounded by a tall iron fence, and as Ezra drew closer, he noticed the subtle but unmistakable signs of heavy security.


    Cameras were positioned strategically along the perimeter, their lenses glinting in the afternoon sun. Trainers patrolled the grounds, although he wasn''t sure if it was simply family members or hired security. It was clear either way that this place took its security seriously, and for good reason - Eevees were among the most sought-after Pokemon in the world.


    Their potential for multiple evolutions made them highly desirable, and this ranch was likely one of the few places in Johto/Kanto where they could be obtained. Although the evolutions wasn''t even their main sticking point he''d wager. Girls and women buying Eevee''s because they were cute, likely accounted for the majority of sales.


    Not everything was about battling.


    Ezra couldn''t help but smirk as he took in the sight of the ranch. One day soon, if all went according to plan, he''d be putting breeders like this out of business, or at least limiting their capacity to simply selling Eevee''s for their cuteness to local women. His partnership with Steven Stone would allow him to mass-produce rare Pokemon evolutions, including several Eeveelutions that hadn''t even been discovered yet.


    Once that got rolling, buyers would flock to them, and even simple Eeeve''s or known Eeveelutions like Flareon and Jolteon would be purchased from his farms, as customers got used to buying from him. People with lots of money tended to want to buy from the best - if nothing else for bragging rights about how their Pokemon came from the premier breeder.


    The world didn''t even know about Umbreon, Espeon and Sylveon yet. And despite the knowledge of how to evolve Eeeve''s to Flareon and Jolteon, the amount of Glaceon and Vaporeon out there seemed of limited quantity. Evolution stones were not cheap. Weirdly enough he hadn''t found anything on Leafeon, despite the evolution being exactly the same as the others, just with a leaf stone instead of fire/ice/water etc.


    Well, he''d cash in on it all when all of Kanto and Johto would flock to his farm for all the rare Evolutions on sale. They could even afford to sell for lower prices to kill ranches like this, upping the prices once the competition was dead - thanks to the money they''d make on prism scales and selling Milotic''s.


    But that was for the future, and for now, he needed an Eevee - specifically, one he could evolve into an Umbreon. And for that, he needed to get inside and bully or bribe himself into it, as he doubted they had one for sale so easily.


    Breeders likely had their Eeeve''s sold before they were even born after all.


    He approached the tall, wrought-iron gate that served as the entrance to the ranch. A small security booth was situated next to it, and as he neared, one of the guards stepped out to meet him, hand resting casually on one of the Pokeballs at his hip.


    Ezra studied him critically, I could take him, he decided arbitrarily, mostly due to the fact he didn''t like his face.


    Weasely looking guys were generally weasels.


    "Can I help you, brat?" The guard asked, his tone itching for an excuse to do something.


    Ezra, who was beginning to tire of being called kid or brat by nearly everyone he met, forced a smile that might have had more teeth then what was strictly necessary for a smile. "I''m here to buy an Eevee," He replied, keeping his tone friendly but direct, for now¡­


    He really didn''t like this dude''s face.


    The guard shook his head, his expression narrowing in distaste. "Sorry brat," He said mockingly, not sounding all that sorry, "But we only sell to people who have pre-booked appointments. If you don''t have one, I''m going to have to ask you to leave, or else..."


    Ezra snorted, we? The man in a security booth at the edge of the property was like the equivalent of the minimum wage worker, hardly involved in the Ranch''s business. We¡­ Someone thinks highly of themselves¡­


    Seeing the man''s face redden as he fingered his Pokeballs more intently, Ezra settled for a more diplomatic approach. As much fun as it would be scaring the crap out of this idiot, or beating him in a Pokemon battle - that would likely end his chances at negotiating for an Eevee.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed slightly even as he faked a polite smile. "I''m willing to pay extra," He offered, hinting that there was something extra in hand for him too, "I don''t mind waiting if you have to clear it with the owner, but I''m not leaving without at least talking to him, there''s a lot of money involved here¡­"


    The guard regarded him for a moment, clearly weighing his options, likely wanting to kick his ass to the curb. The lure of money or the fear of his boss finding out he stopped a lucrative deal from even reaching the door likely kept him back. Finally, with a disgusted sigh, he gestured towards the security booth. "Wait here. I''ll see if the boss is available." He muttered angrily.


    Ezra nodded with fake pleasantry, watching as the guard retreated into the booth to make a call. He knew this wasn''t going to be easy - people who ran operations like this weren''t usually swayed easily. But Ezra was determined, and if there was one thing he''d learned in this world, it was that persistence often paid off. Or at least audacity¡­


    Like any world based on a game or anime, never giving up wasn''t just a decent character trait - it was an actual superpower.


    After a few minutes, the guard reemerged, his expression sour. "The boss will be out in a moment. But don''t get your hopes up - like I said, we only sell by appointment." He sneered down at him, his weasely face growing even uglier, "You''ll be sent packing soon enough¡­"


    Ezra nodded again, already putting the weasel out of his mind, his mind already turning over possible strategies. He knew from checking online before he came to Goldenrod that Eevees typically sold for between 100,000 and 150,000 Pokedollars for the unevolved kind, but he was prepared to offer significantly more if that''s what it took.


    He didn''t necessarily need an Umbreon right now. But he damn well wanted one, and he didn''t want to wait, now that he was flush with cash.


    A few minutes later, the ranch''s owner emerged from the main house. He was an older man, perhaps in his late fifties, with graying hair and a neatly trimmed beard. His eyes were sharp, and he carried himself with the confidence of someone who had been in the business for a long time. As he approached, the guard stepped back, allowing him to address Ezra directly.


    "I hear you''re looking for an Eevee," The man said, his tone measured and cautious. "As my guard likely told you, we only sell to customers with pre-booked slots. Our next available slot is over a year from now."


    Ezra didn''t miss a beat. "I understand that, but I''m willing to make it worth your while to push one of those slots back. I''ll pay 200,000 Pokedollars for an Eevee today."


    As a breeder, the man could easily tell one of his customers they''d get a later slot because unfortunately one of the little ones died or whatever excuse he''d need to make up. A wild Pokemon flew down from the sky and ate it would suffice as an excuse as well. Ezra just needed to push it until the man chose to go that avenue and lose maybe just a little bit of reputation.


    The man''s eyes flickered with interest, but he shook his head. "I appreciate the offer, but we have a reputation to uphold. People book slots with us because they know we''re reliable. Pushing someone''s slot back would damage that trust."


    Not an unreasonable stand to take. But Ezra had seen that flicker of greed, of interest. The man wasn''t as unwilling as he appeared, he had a price. Like most men did.


    Arceus knows Ezra could be bought to do any number of things if someone was willing to offer a crazy enough price.


    Ezra could see the man was tempted, so the easy choice was to tempt him further. "How about 225,000?" Ezra offered, keeping his voice smooth. "I''m not asking you to give up your reputation - just to make a small exception, this one time, slowing down things for one of your minor customers in return."


    The owner frowned, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the offer. "It''s not just about the money," He said slowly, almost drawn out. "It''s about the principles of running a business. If word got out that we were taking bribes to move customers up the queue, it would damage us in the long run."


    Ezra sighed inwardly. He was so close, but he could see the man''s hesitation writ on his face. "I''m not bribing anyone," He totally was, "I''m just offering a fair price for a rush order." He pressed, trying a different angle. "Just push one person''s appointment back a bit. They''ll still get their Eevee, just a little later than expected. No one needs to know how that happened, and you make 300,000 Pokedollars today."


    The man remained silent, his eyes locked on Ezra''s. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. "300,000," He said, his voice pondering. "If you can give me that now, today, cash in hand¡­ Then we have a deal."


    Ezra didn''t hesitate. "Deal." He said, reaching forward to shake his hand.


    With Hammer space bags, it had been easy transporting his cool million, although with his two spending sprees it would be down quite a lot.


    The owner nodded, appearing satisfied with the agreement. "Wait here. I''ll have one of the Eevees meant for sale in the next cycle brought out."


    Ezra felt a wave of happiness come over him as he waited, keeping his expression neutral despite the victory he felt inside. A few minutes later, one of the guards returned with a Pokeball, which he handed to the owner.


    Ezra gave him his cash, privately grumbling about how much easier an electronic transaction would be. But he''d been advised by the bank in Cherrygrove after he received his ten million from Stone, that most citizens and private businesses would not do large deals in anything but cash.


    If you were dealing with the League or national corporations it was different, but Kanto and Johto citizens were slow to fully switch to a more modern convenience when it came to payments.


    The older man inspected the money briefly before passing the Pokeball to Ezra, his Pokedex giving out a ding, as the owner sent over the verification that the Pokemon was now transferred into his ownership.


    He needed to get himself some Porygons and begin to really build up the net a little, the more people that used it, the easier it would become to do business electronically. At least Steven Stone didn''t live in the stone age¡­


    Ezra took the Pokeball, feeling its cool, smooth surface in his hand. He could already imagine the possibilities this little Pokemon would open up for him, his first Dark Pokemon, Spiritomb was a mix and didn''t count. "I won''t say a word, pleasure doing business with you¡­"


    I''ll get that 300,000 back when I buy your ranch for a pittance when I run you out of business anyway, he thought somewhat callously.


    He wanted it all, power, fame, influence.


    And you didn''t become a billionaire by caring about every little business you crushed on your way to the top. His evolution business with Stone wasn''t his only idea either. Just the easiest one to get off the ground.


    He had lived a life that promised to leave absolutely no mark behind, his passing likely even a relief to family and friends who''d had to see him suffer, or waste their time helping him. He would ensure everyone knew his name in the end.


    The owner nodded. "Good. I hope you understand why we don''t usually make exceptions like this."


    Ezra gave a small nod, already distracted. "I do. Thank you for making this one." He muttered, looking down at the Pokeball in his hand.


    He''d only let Eevee out at night from now on, training and befriending the Pokemon, until it was an Umbreon. Without seeing a single ray of daylight, surely it wouldn''t take too long¡­


    With the transaction complete, Ezra turned and began the walk back towards the city.


    As the ranch house faded into the distance, Ezra couldn''t help but grin. Today was a success, but tomorrow? Tomorrow would be even better.


    And he''d continue to do that, improve his situation, day by day,


    Until he stood at the top.


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Unforgettable!


    <hr>


    That evening, Goldenrod City.


    Goldenrod City was alive with energy as the evening set in, the bustling metropolis glowing under the soft lights of streetlamps and neon signs. The city, known for its thriving commerce, had a way of drawing people in, making them forget about the world outside its borders. Ezra found himself enjoying the luxurious atmosphere as he sat in one of the city''s finest restaurants, a place where the elite of Johto came to dine.


    It cost more than it should, as any restaurant catering to the rich and famous, but he wasn''t too worried about expenditure.


    The restaurant itself was made to attract the snobbery of the ultra rich. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings, casting a warm, golden glow over the richly appointed room. The tables were draped in fine embroidered linens, and the chairs were upholstered in plush, velvet fabric. Waiters moved silently between tables, their movements smooth and practiced as they served impeccably plated dishes to the well-dressed patrons.


    Ezra sat at a table near a large window that overlooked the city, enjoying the view as much as the meal before him. The food was exquisite, each bite a burst of flavor that spoke of the chef''s skill. He had allowed himself this indulgence, knowing that with the money from his recent sale of the Crystal Onix, he could afford a little luxury.


    He was midway through his meal, savoring a particularly tender cut of meat, when his Pokedex buzzed in his pocket, interrupting the peaceful moment. Ezra frowned, pulling the device out and glancing at the screen. His eyes widened slightly in surprise as he saw the caller ID.


    Professor Oak.


    Ezra hesitated, his finger hovering over the accept button. Oak was a legend in the Pokemon world obviously, the man responsible for some of the most important research in the field, and someone whose reputation extended far beyond Kanto. But the idea of talking to the vaunted professor was not something Ezra had been expecting, nor was it something he was particularly eager to do. He was enjoying his night, and Oak''s sudden interest could only mean one thing - questions. And Ezra wasn''t sure he was ready to answer them.


    He let the call go to voicemail, slipping the Pokedex back into his pocket and returning his attention to his meal. But no sooner had he picked up his fork than the Pokedex buzzed again, the screen lighting up with the same name.


    Ezra frowned deeper, ignoring it once more. He wasn''t in the mood for this, not now, not here. But when the Pokedex buzzed a third time, Ezra let out a sigh, realizing that the professor was not going to give up so easily.


    "Damn it," Ezra muttered under his breath. He couldn''t ignore it forever, not without drawing even more attention to himself. He glanced around the restaurant, then made up his mind. If Oak wanted to talk so badly, he''d get his wish - but on Ezra''s terms. He wouldn''t be giving anything away for free.


    He wasn''t one of the adherents worshiping at his feet. Ezra''s knowledge was pay to play. No freebies.


    He pushed back his chair, standing up and leaving the table. The waiter noticed his movement and approached, but Ezra waved him off with a quick, "Just need to freshen up, I''ll be back."


    He made his way to the bathroom at the back of the restaurant, pushing open the door to find it blessedly empty. The bathroom was just as opulent as the dining area, with marble countertops and polished fixtures that gleamed under the soft lighting. Ezra stepped inside and locked the door behind him, ensuring that he would have the privacy he needed for this conversation.


    A flicker of amusement ran through him at the thought he''d likely be the first person to ever discuss things with the Professor in a public bathroom.


    With a resigned sigh he waited for the fifth call to start as he pulled out his Pokedex and finally accepted the call. The screen flickered to life, and the familiar face of Professor Oak appeared, his eyes bright with excitement and a wide smile on his face.


    "Ezra Kassian?" Oak exclaimed, his voice practically bubbling with enthusiasm. "I''ve been trying to reach you all day! I hope I''m not interrupting anything too important."


    All day? It''s been like five minutes, chill a bit old-timer¡­


    Ezra leaned against the marble counter, his expression carefully neutral as he pondered how he was going to play this exactly. "I was in the middle of something," He said, his tone polite but distant, as he decided he had no reason to be overly friendly. "What''s this about, Professor?"


    Oak''s smile didn''t waver, though there was a glint in his eyes that told Ezra the man was not easily put off. "Straight to the point, I see. Well, I suppose there''s no use in beating around the bush. I''ve been hearing some fascinating things about you, Ezra. Specifically, about a rather unique Marowak you have in your possession - a Ghost-type, if I''m not mistaken?"


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed slightly. Of course, word had spread fast. He had known it was only a matter of time before someone like Oak caught wind of Rider, but that didn''t mean he was ready to spill all his secrets. Drake probably blabbed about it, or the Orange League win going into the system might have also had his Pokemon entered, he hadn''t stayed long enough to know the details.


    "That''s somewhat correct, although I suspect he''s a Ghost/Fire dual type in actuality." Ezra said cautiously, dangling at least a little bit of information as bait to prepare the trap. "What about it?"


    Oak leaned closer to the camera, his excitement almost palpable. "Even if it''s not, a Ghost-type Marowak! It''s unheard of! This could be a significant breakthrough in Pokemon science, a dual type would just make it even more exciting! I''d love to know how you managed such a transformation. Was it a special environment? A unique item? A particular training regimen?" A notebook and pen was suddenly in his hands, his mien almost manic.


    Ezra resisted the urge to roll his eyes. Did this usually work on people? "Professor, with all due respect, I''m not inclined to share that information."


    Oak blinked, clearly taken aback. "Not inclined¡­? But, Ezra, think of the implications! If we can understand how this transformation occurred, it could open up new avenues for research, for training. We could help other trainers achieve similar results, improve the bond between humans and Pokemon. This is important work, my boy!"


    Ezra''s expression hardened, if he disliked being called kid or brat, being called my boy was even worse... "Important work that could also ruin me," He said bluntly. "I''m going into business, Professor. I have several rare evolutions lined up that aren''t even known yet, and if I start sharing all my secrets now, I risk losing everything I''m building. I can''t afford that."


    Oak''s brow furrowed, his enthusiasm dimming as he listened. "I see. So it''s about business, then." He paused, clearly trying to find the right words. "Ezra, I understand your concerns, but surely you can see the greater good here. Pokemon research is about more than just making money - it''s about advancing our understanding, about sharing knowledge so that everyone can benefit. If you were to share your findings, I could sign a non-disclosure agreement. I wouldn''t publish any of it, not until you''re ready. I just want to know, to learn."


    Ezra regarded Oak with a cool, calculating gaze. The professor''s argument was sound, but Ezra had learned to be cautious. He didn''t trust easily, and he wasn''t about to risk everything on a promise, no matter how reputable the source. Whatever Oak said, the knowledge he had was the lynchpin of his business, and giving it to Oak in any manner, risked that business.


    "What''s in it for me?" Ezra asked, his tone sharp and direct, making no bones about it. What can you offer for me to take this risk?


    Oak looked surprised by the question. "What''s in it for you? Isn''t the satisfaction of knowing you''ve contributed to the advancement of Pokemon sciences enough?"


    A former champion should not be this naive, or is he playing me?


    Ezra rubbed his fingers together in a gesture that was unmistakable, scratch, moolah, money. "Not really," He said, his voice flat. "You''re asking me to take a risk. I''m asking what I get in return. If I tell you how I did it, how do I know it won''t leak, even accidentally? How do I know I won''t be undercut by someone else?"


    Oak''s expression turned stern, his earlier enthusiasm replaced by a more serious demeanor. "Ezra, I''m not in the habit of paying off trainers for information. That''s not how this works." He chided.


    Ezra shrugged, unbothered by the professor''s disapproval. "Then how about a favor?" He offered, willing to grasp an opportunity. Rider''s evolution likely wouldn''t be a high seller anyway, so he could risk that one, for the right price. Only that one.


    He wasn''t entirely as unwilling as he played it. But pushing Oak where he wanted was a long shot, hence playing very unwilling from the start.


    Oak''s eyes narrowed. "What kind of favor?" His voice was definitely not as cheerful anymore.


    Ezra didn''t hesitate, striking for the jugular. "You put your voice behind me to become a gym leader when the time comes. Once I''ve beaten the gym leaders of Kanto and proven my worth, you use your influence to help push for my appointment. That''s my price."


    He hoped it wasn''t too much to ask, since if he failed to even beat the gym leaders, Oak was off scot-free.


    Oak''s expression shifted to one of discomfort. "I don''t get involved in that sort of thing anymore, Ezra. It''s not my place to interfere in the League''s decisions." He said, immediately dismissive.


    Ezra nodded slowly, showing no disappointment, it had been a long shot anyway. "Then I guess we don''t have a deal. But if you ever change your mind - say, after I''ve introduced ten or so new evolutions to the world - let me know." He said with a bit of a smirk, "Although this deal would only be for one evolution, or course."


    Oak looked conflicted, his mouth opening as if to say something more, but then he closed it, a frown settling on his face. "You''re an odd boy, Ezra," He said, his tone gruff. "I''m not used to this kind of negotiation."


    Ezra smiled faintly, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You learn something new everyday, Professor. We all have to adapt to survive and grow."


    Oak sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Well, I suppose this conversation is over for now. But remember, Ezra - knowledge is meant to be shared. Don''t lose sight of that, profit is one thing, to a point, but the world needs knowledge to be spread around and shared."


    Ezra dearly wanted to point out that when Oak had invented the Pokedex, he sure as hell hadn''t shared it for free with the other Professors, the League, or anyone else, his recent research being performed partly from the profit of the sale of the machines. Calling him a hypocrite probably won''t have him crawling back and offering that favor later¡­ So I''d better not.


    Ezra gave a slight nod to show he''d heard the man, showing none of his thoughts. "I''ll keep that in mind. Goodbye, Professor."


    He ended the call, the screen going dark as the connection severed. For a moment, Ezra just stood there, staring at his reflection in the marble countertop. The encounter had left him feeling uneasy, but he knew he had made the right decision. He wasn''t ready to trust anyone with his secrets. There was too much at stake.


    This wasn''t the Anime where Oak was the nice old scientist always eager to lend a hand or some advice. This man had been a monster, and while softer now, could still probably tear down mountains. He did not want to become dependent on his generosity if he shared too much.


    With a deep breath, Ezra slipped the Pokedex back into his pocket and turned to leave the bathroom. He had a meal waiting for him, and he intended to enjoy it - after all, he didn''t get the chance to dine like this every day.


    Although in the future¡­ He would.


    Perhaps he''d bring fine dining to Lavender himself¡­


    <hr>


    Two days later,


    The sun hung low in the sky as Ezra approached the Ruins of Alph in Johto, the ruins casting long shadows that stretched across the desolate landscape. The ruins were ancient, their origins lost to time, and even from a distance, they radiated a palpable sense of mystery and unease. Unlike the vibrant and bustling atmosphere of Goldenrod City, the Ruins of Alph felt like a place frozen in time, where the past lingered just beneath the surface, whispering secrets to those brave enough to listen.


    The path leading to the ruins was overgrown with weeds, the cobblestones cracked and uneven from years of neglect. Gnarled trees lined the road, their twisted branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, creating a canopy that filtered the dying light, making it seem as though the night had already fallen. As Ezra walked, he could feel the temperature drop, the air growing colder with each step he took toward the ancient site. A sense of anticipation tingled at the back of his mind, mixed with an almost primal caution.


    He''d known about the Ruins of Alph thanks to foreknowledge. The ruins were the home to the enigmatic Unown, Pokemon that took on the shapes of letters and symbols. Ezra had no interest in disturbing the Unown. His goal was far more practical - the ruins'' eerie atmosphere and dark aura made it the perfect place to train his Ghost Pokemon, and perhaps, if he was lucky, draw in some new additions to his team.


    The closer he got to the ruins, the more foreboding the atmosphere became. The ruins themselves were partially submerged in the ground, as if they had been swallowed by the earth over centuries. The stone walls were covered in moss and ivy, and large chunks of the structure had crumbled away, leaving gaping holes that hinted at the labyrinthine tunnels and chambers below. Strange symbols were etched into the stones, some of them worn and faded, while others looked as though they had been carved only yesterday. The entire area was suffused with a sense of dread, as though the very air was thick with the weight of ancient secrets.


    Ezra stopped at the edge of the ruins, taking in the sight before him. He could feel his pulse quicken, not out of fear, but out of excitement. This was exactly the kind of place he had been looking for - a place where the boundary between the world of the living and the world of the dead seemed thin, where the veil that separated reality from the unknown was almost transparent.


    "This will do nicely," He muttered to himself, his voice low. He could already feel the stirrings of something deep within him, a connection to the dark that had always been a part of him since he arrived on this world.


    He found a small clearing just outside the ruins, far enough away to avoid any unwanted attention but close enough to feel the pulse of the ancient energies that lingered here. The ground was uneven, with patches of dead grass and exposed roots, but it was flat enough for his purposes.


    Ezra began by releasing his Pokemon from their Pokeballs, one by one. First was Rider, his loyal Marowak, who appeared with a quiet growl, its flaming bone club casting an eerie glow across the clearing. Next was Nyx, his Spiritomb, who materialized in a swirl of dark energy, its ''face'' shifting and muttering floating above the keystone. Loki, his Shuppet, floated above the ground, its mischievous eyes gleaming in the dim light, while Cheshire, his Haunter, emerged from Ezra''s shadow, its wide grin filled with sharp teeth. The Ghosts seemed to revel in the environment, their forms flickering and pulsing with energy as they absorbed the ambient darkness of the ruins.


    Ezra kept Pidgeot and his newly acquired Eevee in their Pokeballs. This wasn''t the kind of environment they were suited for, and he didn''t want to bring the Eevee out in the daytime either. It would soon be night, but this was hardly suitable for a first training session for his new Pokemon, so he''d abstain until he was somewhere safer.


    The air grew colder still as Ezra settled into the clearing, meditating on his shadow for a few hours as his Pokemon trained just outside the clearing, the shadows deepening as the last vestiges of sunlight disappeared beyond the horizon. The ruins loomed ominously in the background, their ancient stones bathed in the pale light of the rising moon. This was a place of power, a place where darkness thrived, and Ezra intended to harness that power to strengthen his Pokemon - and himself.


    "Alright, let''s get started," He said, mostly to himself. His Pokemon already knew their routines, already working at their techniques, their energy expenditure and efficiency, practicing religiously.


    Tonight was more about him.


    Ezra closed his eyes, reaching out with his senses, feeling for the darkness that was always just beneath the surface. It was easier here, in this place, where the shadows seemed almost alive, pulsing with energy that was ancient and primal. He focused on his shadow, willing it to move, to shift and bend to his will. Slowly, it began to respond, stretching out from beneath him, growing longer and more distinct until it no longer mirrored his form but moved independently.


    The shadow rippled and twisted, and Ezra could feel a connection between it and the surrounding darkness. He concentrated harder, pushing his will into the shadow, trying to coax it into doing more. He had already learned to hide his Ghost Pokemon within it, but he knew there was more he could do - more he could learn. He just had to figure out how.


    "Come on," He muttered under his breath, his brow furrowing in concentration. "There''s got to be more..."


    The shadow responded, shifting and coiling like a living thing. It stretched out across the ground, forming tendrils that reached towards the edges of the clearing, intertwining with the roots and stones. Ezra could feel the darkness within him, the same darkness that had allowed him to connect with Ghost and Dark-types, and he pushed that feeling into the shadow, willing it to become stronger, to draw in the power that surrounded him.


    Nyx and Cheshire seemed to sense what he was doing and joined in, their ghostly forms flickering as they merged with the shadow, becoming part of it. The air around them grew colder, the shadows deepening further as the Ghosts lent their energy to Ezra''s efforts. Loki hovered nearby, its eyes gleaming with amusement as it watched the spectacle, while Rider remained focused on its training, like the special boi he was.


    Ezra gritted his teeth, feeling the strain of his efforts. He was pushing his abilities further than he ever had before, but he knew this was the place to do it. The ruins seemed to be a nexus of dark energy of some sort, and he could feel that energy responding to him, feeding into his shadow, making it stronger, more tangible.


    He tried to push the shadow further, attempting to lift one of the large stones that littered the clearing. The shadow trembled, reaching out like an invisible hand, but it faltered, the energy slipping away before it could gain a proper hold. Ezra let out a frustrated growl, his fists clenching as he pushed harder, willing the shadow to obey.


    As the shadow returned to its normal state, Ezra turned his attention back to his Pokemon. The Ghosts had been watching him intently, their eyes gleaming with interest. They always became more active whenever he''d actively use his shadow.


    "Alright," Ezra said, his voice steady and confident. "Let''s see if we can draw in some company." He''d practice more with his shadow lately, he felt pretty drained now.


    He closed his eyes again, focusing on the dark aura that had always surrounded him. It was a part of him, something that had grown stronger since he had started training Ghost-types. It was more than just an affinity - it was a connection, a bond with the darkness itself - a bond with death, he assumed.


    One of the benefits of having died, perhaps. And from what he''d seen, it drew Dark and Ghost types to him, even those owned by other trainers having a hard time taking their eyes off him.


    Ezra let the aura seep out of him, slowly at first, like an invisible mist spreading through the clearing. The temperature seemed to drop further, and the shadows around him seemed to grow darker, more defined. His Pokemon, already attuned to the darkness, seemed to feed off this energy, their forms becoming more distinct, more powerful.


    Cheshire floated closer, its wide, unsettling grin growing even more pronounced. The Haunter''s hands crackled with dark energy, tendrils of shadow trailing from its claws as it drifted through the air. Nyx''s face shifted into multiple faces, their expressions menacing, as if feeding off the eerie energy that Ezra was exuding. Loki cackled softly to itself, its normally mischievous demeanor taking on a more sinister edge as it danced through the shadows. Even Rider, the most grounded of Ezra''s team, seemed more intense, its flame burning brighter, its eyes glowing with a fiercer light.


    Ezra''s heart pounded in his chest as he pushed his aura further, letting it extend beyond the clearing, out into the surrounding forest and toward the ruins themselves. He wasn''t sure what he was hoping to attract - wild Ghost Pokemon, perhaps some Dark-types drawn to the power he was radiating. This place, so close to the ruins, felt like the perfect place to test his limits.


    He knew places with an unsettling aura like these ruins would be rife with Ghost and Dark types. Just like they fed on his aura, they fed on places like these.


    There was a reason these types were found in ruins, desolated lands, and places like Lavender, and not just in any patch of tall grass. Hence also why most people didn''t have the capability of training them or the wish to try. They had a bit of a bad reputation.


    He imagined the aura as a net, cast wide to snare anything that might be lurking in the shadows. The forest around him was silent as he pushed himself as hard as he could, his breathing coming fast and heavy. The usual sounds of wildlife were stifled by the oppressive atmosphere he was creating. Even the wind seemed to hold its breath, waiting.


    If he was drained of energy by working on his shadow, it was nothing to what he felt right now, feeling like he was expending his soul, or to quote Bilbo, like butter scraped too thin over bread.


    Minutes passed, each one stretching out into eternity as Ezra maintained his focus, holding the aura steady. His muscles ached from the effort despite not being used. The tension in the air was palpable, like the moments before a storm breaks, and Ezra could feel the energy building, intensifying with every passing second.


    Then, finally, he felt it - a presence at the edge of his awareness. Something was there, lurking just beyond the circle of trees, just outside the range of his vision. Ezra didn''t move, didn''t break his focus, but he directed his aura toward the presence, probing it, inviting it to come closer.


    The presence hesitated, and for a moment, Ezra thought it might retreat. But then it began to move, slowly, cautiously, as if testing the waters. The air grew colder still, the darkness around Ezra seeming to thicken, to take on a life of its own as the presence drew nearer. Ezra could feel the tension in his Pokemon, their senses heightened, their eyes locked on the trees at the edge of the clearing.


    And then, out of the shadows, it appeared.


    A Duskull floated into the clearing, its single red eye glowing like a beacon in the darkness. Its body was shrouded in a tattered cloak of shadows, its movements slow and deliberate as it approached the edge of the clearing. The Duskull''s eye fixed on Ezra, and for a moment, the two of them simply stared at each other, each one assessing the other.


    He could sense more presences now, drawn to the clearing by the power he was radiating. They were small, flickering lights on the edge of his awareness, but they were there, watching, waiting. Ezra knew that if he pushed harder, he could draw them in, bring them to him. He could expand his team even further, strengthening his bond with the darkness.


    But he also knew that there was a risk. The more he pushed, the more power he drew in, the harder it would be to control. He was already feeling the strain, the edges of his consciousness fraying as he held the aura steady.


    But that was the point of this training, wasn''t it? To push his limits, to see how far he could go before he broke. He had already learned so much tonight - about his shadow, about his aura, about the connection he could form with the darkness. But there was more to learn, more to discover.


    With a deep breath, Ezra pushed harder, letting the darkness flood out of him, letting it seep into every corner of the forest, every crack in the ruins. The energy swirled around him, thick and suffocating, the air so cold it burned.


    And then, the presences began to move.


    They came from the forest, from the ruins, from the shadows themselves. A swarm of Ghost Pokemon, drawn to the power that Ezra was radiating. They moved like a wave, swirling around him, their forms flickering in and out of existence as they merged with the shadows.


    A Sableye skittered through the shadows, its gemstone eyes reflecting the dim light of the moon. A Shedinja flitted in and out of his sight. Misdreavous and Yamask danced in the air. Litwicks and Lampents lit up the clearing. There was even a Mimikyu peeking around a tree at the edge of the clearing. His jaw dropped when a Dreepy floated into sight, his hand twitching towards a Pokeball.


    He was beginning to suspect he was getting help from somewhere, because even if his aura was addictive, this was beyond his wildest dreams.


    Ezra could feel them all, their energy feeding into his own, amplifying his aura, making it stronger, more potent. The darkness around him pulsed with power, the air vibrating with the sheer intensity of it.


    But with the power came the risk. Ezra could feel the edges of his control slipping, the darkness threatening to overwhelm him. His mind was spinning, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps as he struggled to maintain his focus.


    He had to pull back, had to rein in the power before it consumed him. I''ve reached my limit¡­


    With a supreme effort of will, Ezra began to draw the aura back in, pulling it out of the forest, out of the ruins, back into himself. The Ghost Pokemon resisted for a moment, their forms flickering with disappointment as the darkness receded, but they didn''t fight him. They understood that the moment had passed, that the power was no longer theirs to enjoy.


    That''s when he was surprised yet again, as from the darkness of the forest, emerged the Dark Pokemon that had apparently been silently watching, as the Ghosts approached him first.


    A Murkrow flew in first, Ezra''s gaze watching it hungrily. It was followed by several Houndor and Poochyena, a Skuntank, a Zorua and then a Deino.


    Now he knew for sure, that some legendary was behind all of this, behind his appearance on this world. Because him just finding a Dreepy and a Deino, the Ghost/Dragon and Dark/Dragon like this - was impossible. Like not improbable and it would just be very difficult¡­ No this was impossible with a big fat fucking exclamation mark, one did not just run into these two Pokemon side by side in the same small area.


    He''d planned to spend the next six months searching for Pokemon in-between gym battles. This, this changed everything.


    He''d need to buy some land somewhere and register a Pokemon stable, so that he could begin working on all of them, because the six Pokemon travel limit wouldn''t cut it. Not by a mile.


    This¡­


    He drew a hand down his face, the hand shaking slightly, this was insane!


    Most of these Pokemon shouldn''t even be in Johto! He knew everything wasn''t like the games, hence why he could find Pokemon in Kanto that weren''t supposed to be there - but not to this extent¡­


    Someone, something, wanted the Pokemon world shaken and stirred, and he was the catalyst.


    Did it change anything?


    No¡­ He thought, watching as the gathered Pokemon just sat and enjoyed his aura, all of them perfectly docile, despite the fact they shouldn''t be. Their typing alone said they should not be this comfortable.


    He was going to shake the world up no matter what. So what if someone was helping him along?


    There would be a cost. There always was, but¡­


    He looked at the gathering of Pokemon in front of him. The cost would surely be worth this¡­


    He got his hammer space bag out, "Alright¡­ I''m not even sure I have enough Pokeballs¡­" He eyed them all up, "Deino and Dreepy, you first." He said, voice only cracking slightly.


    A minute later, he stared down at the two Pokeballs, fighting the urge to cackle. The Kanto circuit won''t have any idea what''s going to hit it when I''m ready!


    "Alright, who''s next?" He called out, a wide grin on his face.


    <hr>


    The next morning.


    Ezra woke to the soft light of dawn filtering through the trees, the ancient ruins of Alph looming in the distance. The night had been still and uneventful, the only sounds, those of the forest settling into its natural rhythm. He had spent the previous day pushing his limits, training his Pokemon in the eerie atmosphere of the ruins, hoping to draw in the dark energies that surrounded the place. Now, he was ready to continue.


    Sadly his new captures were all locked due to the six Pokemon limit, but he''d fix that soon enough, he had enough money to register a stable, and certainly enough to buy a small plot of land somewhere for the purpose of slowly building them all up.


    It would have to be a balancing act, as he couldn''t spend too much time on whichever Pokemon wouldn''t make it onto his final six for the League. Although this would massively improve his chances to argue for a gym, a decent chunk of Pokemon already available for gym duties.


    After a quick meal, he packed up his camp and began his morning training. As the sun climbed higher, he corraled his Pokemon who''d been allowed free rein during the night.


    Ezra worked his Pokemon hard, running them through their moves with precision and focus. Rider practiced his Iron Club attacks, the flames dancing as he swung with deadly accuracy. Nyx unleashed Shadow Balls, practicing on getting the speed and energy expenditure just right, the dark energy pulsing through the air as it targeted imaginary foes. Loki and Cheshire floated around the clearing, practicing their Hypnosis and Confuse Ray techniques, the air shimmering with their ghostly power, playfully trying to catch each other at times.


    But as the morning wore on, Ezra began to feel a sense of unease, like a warning. It started as a prickling at the back of his neck, a feeling that something was off. He paused in his training, glancing around the clearing. The ruins stood silent in the distance, but the forest around him seemed to have grown quieter, as if holding its breath.


    And minutes later, an explanation arrived, as out of the trees, several figures emerged.


    There were six of them - three men and three women, all dressed in the familiar black uniforms of Team Rocket. The large red ''R'' emblazoned on their chests made their affiliation unmistakable. They approached with casual confidence, spreading out to form a loose semicircle around Ezra and his Pokemon, seemingly not worried, which told him they''d come prepared.


    They''d known what they were looking for.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, and he subtly shifted his stance, preparing for whatever was to come. He wasn''t surprised to see them - his reputation had likely started to catch their attention after the Orange Islands. But their timing was inconvenient, interrupting his training.


    It was a bit surprising they''d tracked him to the ruins though. The city he could understand, as no doubt the terrorists had a presence in each city, but all the way out here?


    Must be a Pokemon of some kind.


    One of the men stepped forward, his expression amiable but with an edge to it. "Morning, kid," He greeted, instantly making an enemy for life without knowing it, a friendly tone masking something more dangerous. "We''ve been watching you, and we think you''ve got some real potential. Ghost-types, huh? That''s not something you see every day. We could use someone like you in Team Rocket."


    As far as recruitment pitches went, that was particularly pathetic, Ezra thought, keeping his face neutral. Ezra didn''t respond right away either, taking a moment to assess the situation. He could feel the tension in his Pokemon, especially Rider, who was already gripping his club/staff tightly.


    The Rocket members were trying to come across as friendly, but there was no mistaking the intent in their eyes. They were predators, and they saw him as prey - though they were sorely mistaken in that regard.


    They''d really messed up coming after him somewhere with no witnesses. He''d have to hold back in public. Here? He could let loose.


    "I''m not interested," Ezra finally said, his tone cold and dismissive. He had no patience for their games, and he wasn''t about to waste time pretending otherwise. They might as well begin the fight now.


    The man''s smile faltered slightly, but he pressed on. "Come on, don''t be like that. You''re clearly not like the other trainers out there. You understand what real power is - Ghost-types are all about control and domination, about bending the rules. That''s what we do in Team Rocket. Together, we could accomplish a lot."


    Ezra''s gaze hardened as he loudly scoffed at that pile of manure of a pitch. "I don''t need your help, and I certainly don''t need to join a bunch of petty criminals. I have my own plans, and they don''t involve taking orders from anyone." He smirked cooly, "Especially from people who are the equivalent of pimpled teens flipping burgers in said organization."


    The man''s demeanor shifted, the friendly facade dropping as his eyes narrowed. "Watch your mouth, kid. We''re offering you an opportunity here. It''d be wise to take it."


    Ezra''s expression remained impassive, but his voice took on a sharper edge. "I''m not interested in your so-called ''opportunity''. And if you think you can intimidate me, you''re mistaken." He grinned with a hint of bloodlust, his Pokemon all backing him up, "If anything I''m suddenly looking forward to your brief lesson in not biting off more than you can chew."


    One of the women stepped forward, her face twisting into a sneer that turned a decently attractive woman into looking like a horse faced housewife. "You''ve got a big mouth for someone who doesn''t know what they''re up against. Team Rocket doesn''t take no for an answer, and if you don''t wise up, you''re going to regret it." She threatened, laying a hand on a Pokeball.


    Ezra''s patience had run dry, he was ready to educate them now. "I think the ones who are going to regret this are you¡­ For a very short time anyway. You think you can just walk up to me and make demands? How about this - You all get on all fours and kowtow to me, begging forgiveness, and I won''t have to show you why you don''t mess with me."


    The tension in the air was palpable now, the Rocket grunts'' expressions turning from annoyance to outright anger. Their hands went to their Pokeballs, their intent clear. They were done talking.


    "Big mistake, kid," The leader growled as he and the others prepared to release their Pokemon. "We''ll show you what happens when someone disrespects Team Rocket."


    But before they could act, something dark and sinister shifted in the clearing.


    Ezra''s shadow, which had been lying still at his feet, suddenly sprang to life, expanding outwards like a living thing as the grunts threw down their Pokeballs. The dark tendrils surged forward, and in the blink of an eye, they snatched the Pokeballs away, swallowing them whole into the darkness.


    Ezra blinked, having just intended to rip them away, not aware he could swallow them up like that, but he didn''t let his confusion show on his face, instead affecting a superior smirk. Perhaps last night he shouldn''t have tried to pick up rocks, and just swallowed them? He''d have to continue to study what his shadow could do.


    The Rocket members all froze, their eyes widening in shock as they realized what had just happened. Their first Pokeballs were gone, absorbed into the inky blackness of Ezra''s shadow. Something they''d never encountered before.


    Ezra smirked, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement. "Oh, did you need those?" He asked mockingly, his voice dripping with disdain. He could feel the power thrumming through him, the darkness responding to his anger, feeding off his intent.


    The shadow continued to pulse, dark and menacing, as those of Ezra''s Ghost Pokemon who weren''t caught, emerged from its depths. A Haunter was the first, its wide grin even more unsettling as it floated forward, hands crackling with ghostly energy. A Misdreavous followed, its form shimmering with dark power as it hovered beside Ezra, leering at the Rocket grunts. Several Gastly darted in and out of the shadows, their eyes gleaming with malevolent glee, other Pokemon being spat out of his shadow, hovering around him, forming almost a cloak of pure Ghost Pokemons.


    The Rocket grunts were almost paralyzed with fear, their hands fumbling uselessly for more Pokeballs. But Ezra wasn''t going to give them the chance to recover. Not that they were a threat to him anyway.


    "Let''s show them what happens when they mess with us," Ezra said quietly, his voice laced with menace. For Team Rocket, there would be no mercy. He smiled at their fearful faces, "Don''t worry, the demonstration will be very brief."


    At his command, his Pokemon surged forward, moving with terrifying speed and precision - he kept his own Pokemon back, not wanting to needlessly blood them if it wasn''t necessary. The Haunter was the first to strike, darting toward the leader slamming a Dark Pulse straight into his eyes.


    Humans were somewhat resistant to Pokemon techniques through evolution over the years. But not that resistant. His skull exploded from the inside out, peppering his compatriots with bone fragments and brain matter as they screamed, hands fumbling for Pokeballs frantically.


    The Misdreavous targeted one of the women, its dark energy coalescing into a powerful Shadow Ball that struck her full force. The blast knocked her off her feet, sending her crashing to the ground where she lay stunned and vulnerable, she could only scream in fear as the Gastlys all surrounded her and let loose, their techniques ripping her apart.


    Of the other four, two were already running while the dumber types, the other two - finally launched Pokeballs.


    Ezra lazily gestured towards the two Pokemon, a Muk and a mean looking Pikachu. "Deal with the sideshow."


    Silly Rockets, acting like this is a match, you should have released ALL your Pokemon, and at least make it a challenge.


    His four Pokemon descended on the two Rocket Pokemon, utterly defeating them, causing them to faint within just a few moves.


    Meanwhile the two runners had perished, the Ghosts rocketing them back and forth between them like ping pong balls, using low energy shadow balls to do damage but not lethal damage, to knock the two back and forth. Like cats playing with mice.


    He noted both had broken necks, purely by accident he suspected, simply from rough play. Which left the last two, as all the Ghosts converged.


    Both of them fell to their knees, begging. "PLEASE! WE''VE SURRENDERED!"


    Ezra made a show of thinking it over, before shrugging, "I''m just a kid, what do I know about this, I''ll let the Ghosts decide." Too bad the leader died first and didn''t get to hear that one¡­


    The Ghosts descended with cackles, making quick work of the last remaining Rockets.


    With all of them dead, it was like a dark film was pulled away from his eyes, and he stumbled slightly as he looked at what he''d wrought.


    He turned around and vomited, holding his stomach as he expelled everything he''d eaten.


    "Fuck¡­" He muttered, weakly.


    He''d gotten carried away. While he wasn''t opposed to killing Team Rocket members who''d surely hold no mercy for him, he''d never done anything like that before.


    And he hadn''t needed to be cruel, to that extent. He could have also just used hypnosis by sneaking his armada of Ghosts behind them - and they would have never figured out what happened.


    "If I''m going to murder someone, it''s gotta be my choice." He swore to himself, as he wiped his mouth with his sleeve.


    I can''t lose control like that¡­ I''ve played too much with the darkness and my shadow, I need to explore a lot more¡­ Carefully.


    He''d gather up the Pokeballs, return them to the police, in case any of the Pokemon could be rehabilitated.


    Killing Team Rocket members in self defense was legal, due to their status as a terrorist organization, so he wouldn''t get in trouble.


    Yet¡­


    He looked at the carnage again, slightly green.


    I don''t need to be like that, I can be stronger than that.


    <hr>


    1 week later, Pewter, Kanto.


    Karen grimaced as she got a call from Agatha, she briefly thought of not answering, but Agatha could teleport and would no doubt come bend her over her knee if she did.


    "I don''t have any updates yet." She said immediately upon answering the call, stubbornly staring at the older woman, her arms crossed. Never back down, don''t make excuses, she''s like a sharpedo in bloodied water.


    Agatha hummed, a crooked smile on her weathered face, "Oh dear, oh dear, no updates at all you say?"


    Karen felt her blood freeze, no¡­ He can''t have done something else, he has to come by here! He can''t do the circuit without hitting Pewter!


    "You''ve been sitting on your pretty little ass this entire time, while you could have been doing m-your paperwork, and you have no updates at all, Karen?" Agatha said almost cheerfully.


    Karen gulped, knowing she treaded in treacherous water. Those who knew Agatha knew that when she was a cold imposing bitch, nothing was wrong - that was just her default. If she was happy or cheerful though¡­ Hide. Hide very far away. "A-ah, I mean¡­ He has to come by here, I-I''m setting a trap!"


    "Interesting." Agatha said, holding her head up so that her crooked nose looked down on her, "Very interesting. Explain to me however, child, why you''re trapping Pewter, when the brats last known location was Goldenrod city, in Johto!"


    Karen''s brain stuttered to a full stop. She couldn''t compute. It had NOT happened again. She refused that reality. He was not on a different fucking continent, AGAIN! "What?" She managed to weakly spurt out, knowing Agatha was waiting on an answer.


    "The little brat Lance spanked Pryce across the arena yesterday." Agatha said, like that wasn''t a huge piece of news to just dump unceremoniously on her, "Bah, so we have a new Champion, who cares." She waved a hand dismissively, "He did have the time to ask about our quarry who''s apparently made the papers twice in Johto." Agatha''s expression was intense as she twisted the knife in Karen''s gut, mercilessly. Karen could feel her soul leave her body as the Ghost Mistress continued.


    "Once in Cherrygrove due to his unusual Marowak Ghost evolution¡­" Agatha''s face grew bigger on the screen as she loomed over Karen even across the distances between them, "I don''t have a Ghost Marowak, girl¡­ Why don''t I have the boy with a Ghost Marowak at my fingertips right now?"


    Karen only managed to weakly splutter, there was too much stuff in such a short time, just too much.


    "Then¡­" Agatha said slowly, like she was enjoying prolonging Karen''s suffering, "Then, he appeared in Goldenrod, with the Pokeballs of six Rocket grunts, the brat having taken down six terrorists. Naturally, Lance noted that fact down, asking about the Kanto native, gallivanting around Johto. Why aren''t you in Johto already!?"


    Karen yelped, immediately beginning to move with frenetic pace, packing her stuff up, "I''ll leave right away!"


    Seriously, what is this kid? The Orange League, unknown evolutions, fighting six terrorists? Can I even¡­ Can I even take him in? She thought, as she packed.


    Agatha clicked her tongue, "If you don''t find him soon, I''ll have to find an appropriate punishment, perhaps once he''s my apprentice, you can be his." She hissed out, a devious smirk on her face, before she just cut the connection.


    Karen changed her mind. She definitely could take him.


    In fact, she''d take him down so hard he wouldn''t even be able to look at Dark Pokemon ever again due to her actions, and he''d switch to a career as a Jigglypuff juggler.


    She would not, could not fail again.


    Her reputation depended on it.


    <hr>

 Home away from Home.

    <hr>


    The Indigo Plateau stood like a fortress at the edge of the world, nestled high in the mountains where the air was thin and the sky seemed close enough to touch. It was a place of legends, where the strongest trainers from all regions came to prove their worth, to battle the Elite Four, and to challenge the Champion.


    The Plateau itself was a sprawling complex, built into the natural landscape with a blend of ancient architecture and modern facilities. The towering peaks provided a dramatic backdrop to the grand stadiums and sleek office buildings, giving the entire area an air of gravitas that few places in the Pokemon world could match.


    Ezra arrived in the early morning, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, casting long shadows across the Plateau. The crisp, cool air was invigorating, carrying with it the faint scent of pine and the ever-present hum of activity that surrounded the League headquarters. As he made his way through the main entrance, he couldn''t help but feel a twinge of excitement at the vista, mingled with a healthy dose of apprehension of what might lay ahead for him. This was the heart of the Pokemon League, a place where the most powerful trainers in the world gathered, and he was about to delve into its bureaucratic depths.


    In a way it was ironic that he was here not as a Pokemon trainer, really. But as a landowner. He really hoped bureaucracy was streamlined in this world compared to his old one.


    The Pokemon League offices were located in a massive, imposing structure at the center of the Plateau, its stone walls and grand pillars giving it the appearance of a temple dedicated to the art of battle. The building was abuzz with activity, trainers and officials moving about with purpose, their footsteps echoing off the polished floors. The interior was equally grand, with high ceilings adorned with intricate carvings depicting legendary Pokemon, and large windows that let in streams of natural light. The atmosphere was one of beauty and importance, but also of daunting formality - a place where everything had its place, and where order was maintained with an iron grip.


    It was also clearly separated by the more Pokemon battles oriented business, and the business which was not, the doorway into the offices of the licensing bureau practically hidden in a corner of the grand entrance hall. A small plaque denoting what it was.


    Ezra pushed open the heavy doors of the licensing office and stepped inside, his gaze sweeping over the bustling scene before him. He was here for a specific reason - to secure a stable license, a legal requirement if he wanted to house and train all of his Pok¨¦mon in one location. After spending several days scouting he''d found the perfect plot of land near Pewter City - a small, secluded area that would give him the privacy he needed - he had purchased the property for half a million Pokedollars. Now, all that remained was to navigate the labyrinthine process of League bureaucracy to make it official.


    The fact was that with him having caught all the Pokemon that showed up for him near the ruins in Johto, he couldn''t train them properly as it was with just a six Pokemon limit. The chances of him upping that limit right now were laid at approximately zero. So the other option was to find a location to create a stable.


    Stables were used by a lot of trainers to take care of their superfluous Pokemon - most trainers catching more than six at some point, and not everyone able to send them home to be taken care of. The difference here was that he was doing this so that he could release all his Pokemon at this location, allowing him to train them all, instead of just leaving them all behind somewhere, or constantly rotating out Pokemon.


    The waiting area of the office was a familiar sight to anyone who had ever dealt with government paperwork - a sea of uncomfortable chairs, a row of stern-looking clerks seated behind a long counter, and a giant digital screen displaying numbers that seemed to change at a glacial pace. It was a place where time itself seemed to slow, where the very air was thick with the scent of ink and the sound of impatient sighs.


    In a word. It was Hell.


    Ezra glanced at the screen and then at the slip of paper in his hand. His number wasn''t even close to being called. He let out a resigned sigh, resigned to the reality that this was going to be a long day.


    He found an empty chair and sat down, trying to make himself as comfortable as possible. The minutes ticked by with agonizing slowness as he watched the numbers on the screen inch forward. Occasionally, a clerk''s monotone voice would call out a number, and someone would shuffle to the counter, clutching a stack of papers like a lifeline. Ezra had no choice but to wait, his mind wandering as the monotony of the office began to take its toll.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, his number was called. He stood and approached the counter, where a middle-aged woman with a stern expression and glasses perched on the edge of her nose awaited him. Without so much as a greeting, she thrust a stack of forms toward him.


    "Fill these out and take them to window five," she said curtly, already moving on to the next person in line, "Make sure to take a ticket again." She added, making Ezra slouch slightly in pure defeat.


    Whoever invented this system was wrong in the head.


    Ezra took the forms and made his way to a nearby desk, after getting a new ticket of course, whereupon he spent the next several minutes painstakingly filling out each section. The forms were dense with legal jargon and required an absurd amount of personal information which he mostly had to make up, but he completed them with the kind of efficiency that came from years of navigating worse bureaucratic processes - those for disability benefits. When he was done, he gathered the papers and headed to wait for window five.


    An amazingly quick thirty-nine minutes later, (not that he was counting) his number was called.


    The clerk at window five was a younger man, but his bored expression and lethargic movements indicated he had long since lost any enthusiasm for his job. He took the forms from Ezra, barely glancing at them before stamping each one with a heavy thud. "Take these to window nine," He muttered, handing the papers back.


    If that''s all you needed to do, why couldn''t the other lady have a stamp!? He wanted to scream, but knew that any such action would avail him of nothing in this purgatory.


    Ezra just gritted his teeth and nodded, holding back a sigh as he moved on to the next line, grabbing another ticket. This process repeated itself several more times - each window representing a new hurdle, each clerk more disinterested than the last. By the time Ezra reached an actual licensing office, where his eligibility for the license would be reviewed, his patience was wearing very thin.


    The clerk in the office was a middle aged man, with graying hair and a pinched bland expression that suggested he fit right in with this drab plain office of suffering - his name tag just said John, the name suited him, bland and impersonal. He adjusted his glasses as he looked over Ezra''s paperwork with a scrutinizing eye.


    "Everything seems to be in order," The man said slowly, as if weighing each word. "But I have a few questions before we proceed. You''re quite young to be applying for a stable license. What''s your background? Where did you acquire the funds to purchase the land?" All asked in a dry monotone like he really didn''t care, but felt the questions needed to be asked due to protocols.


    He bet the man took a shit according to protocols too.


    Ezra kept his expression neutral, though inwardly he was bristling, his patience almost entirely at an end. He had anticipated this kind of probing of course, but it didn''t make it any less annoying. "I''ve been successful in a business venture," He replied smoothly. "It has ensured financial stability. As for my background, I''ve filled out that paperwork already, and I should be in the system as well."


    He tried to keep his voice as bland and formal as everyone here, knowing how petty little bureaucrats could be. He didn''t want to risk anything going south because of his tone, or something equally idiotic.


    The man''s eyes narrowed, clearly not satisfied with Ezra''s vague answers, but he also moved on to the next question, showing he didn''t care, and this was all ticking off boxes on an imaginary check list. "And how did you come by so many Pokemon at such a young age? It''s unusual for someone your age to have the resources or the experience to manage a stable." He said drolly, not even looking at Ezra as he asked, instead sorting paperwork.


    Ezra resisted the urge to roll his eyes. "I''m resourceful," He said simply. "And I''ve had a lot of success in my travels. I''ve worked hard to build my team, and I''m fully capable of managing a stable. The paperwork is in order, isn''t it? So can we move forward with this?"


    Even knowing he needed to remain polite, he was beginning to seethe, hours in this place was driving him mad, and he needed to be careful he didn''t ruin things at the finish line. He plastered a politely curious look on his face, wiping away the obvious annoyance.


    The bureaucrat pursed his lips, clearly not accustomed to being spoken to in such a direct manner. He tapped the papers with his fingers, as if considering whether to press the issue further. "Your attitude is concerning," He said finally. "This is a serious responsibility, and I need to be sure you''re taking it seriously."


    Shit. He''s that kind of bureaucrat..


    Ezra bit back a sharp retort, forcing himself to stay calm. He was too close to let this slip through his fingers now. "I apologize if I''ve come across as dismissive," He said, choosing his words carefully. "But I assure you, I understand the importance of this license. I''ve invested a significant amount of time and money into this, and I have every intention of complying with all regulations. I''m ready to proceed, if you are."


    Arceus save him from power tripping small minded bureaucrats.


    The older man studied him for a long moment, as if searching for any sign of deception. Finally, he nodded slowly, albeit reluctantly. "Very well," He said. "But let me remind you, the six Pokemon limit is still in effect. You may only release all of your Pokemon within the boundaries of your stable. Outside of that, the standard rules apply."


    Ezra nodded, though the reminder was unnecessary. He had done his homework and knew the rules inside and out. But he wasn''t about to antagonize the man further by pointing that out. "Understood," He said. "Thank you for your time."


    The man gave a curt nod and stamped the final approval on the forms before handing them back to Ezra. "Take these to licensing office B4 down the hall," He instructed. "They''ll issue your official license and provide you with the documentation for your stable."


    Ezra took the papers with a sense of relief, offering a polite nod before turning on his heel and leaving the office behind. The moment he stepped out of the waiting area and into the hallway, he felt a weight lift off his shoulders. The hard part was over. Now, all that was left was to finalize the paperwork and get out of this bureaucratic nightmare.


    The actual licensing office was much quieter than the main waiting area, with only a handful of clients and clerks present. The woman behind the counter was efficient, processing his papers and issuing his license with minimal fuss. Within minutes, Ezra was holding the official documentation for his new stable, the culmination of days of planning and the oh so tedious paperwork.


    He glanced at the license, a small smile of satisfaction tugging at the corners of his mouth. It had been a hassle, but it was worth it. Now he had a place to house his growing team, a place where he could train without restrictions, and a base of operations that would serve him well in the days to come.


    It wouldn''t do to keep all his eggs in one basket after all. Who knew if Lavender would pan out in the end? It was good to have a fallback spot. As for the expenditure, he never saw much point in the idea of having numbers in a bank account as the whole idea of being rich.


    If you weren''t spending it, what was the point of being rich in the first place?


    Ezra didn''t linger after he got his license. He had no desire to spend another minute in the oppressive atmosphere of the licensing offices. As soon as the license was safely tucked away, he made his way out of the building, the cool mountain air a welcome change from the stifling interior that had almost drained him of the will to live.


    He didn''t waste any time in taking to the skies. Pidgeot, who had been resting in its Pokeball during the ordeal, emerged with a powerful flap of its wings, ready to fly. Ezra mounted up and directed Pidgeot to take them back to Pewter, to the plot of land that was now officially his.


    As they soared over the mountains, the Indigo Plateau receding into the distance behind them, Ezra wondered with some amusement, just how many places in Kanto and Johto he''d end up visiting before even fighting one gym¡­


    He was definitely doing this whole thing in an unconventional way.


    <hr>


    Agatha''s office,


    Agatha frowned as she stamped another useless document. How was it that changing out the Champion required her to do paperwork.


    That nonsense had nothing to do with her. Although Lance struck her exactly as the type to have a dragon ''accidentally'' eat his paperwork and then push the fix downwards. Shit always floated downstream - hence why she''d bothered with an apprentice - who would be the ultimate shit collector at the bottom of said stream.


    Her computer pinged at her, and she peered at it with annoyance, until she saw that it was the notice a nice young man from IT had set up to ping her whenever anything mentioning Ezra Kassian popped up in the system.


    She scooted closer, a finger stabbing at the computer screen as she almost lost all decorum. He''s right here on the plateau! She noted his profile had several more Pokemon added, jolting in surprise at the ??? as the only identifier on some of them. Interesting¡­


    She sunk into the shadows immediately, chair and all. I''ve got you now, boy! She cackled.


    ¡­


    John was a simple man at heart. He didn''t care for excitement, nor did he care for Pokemon, or Pokemon battles. It had made him an oddity, and ostracized him.


    To young John''s utter joy.


    Because he hated people, so his ostracization was the best thing that ever happened to him.


    When he''d found that the licensing bureau was hiring - despite the fact it was the Pokemon League, he''d been first in line. Strangely enough, despite the fact he entered the line twelve hours before they opened, his competitors never showed up for the interview, and he was hired on the spot.


    It was nice boring work. And he got to make things difficult for people without having to actually interact much with them.


    He frowned as he walked back to his office, a cup of coffee in hand - black, because sugar and cream was too exciting for a work day.


    He didn''t often have to deal with children. Or teenagers he supposed. Trainers rarely came here, and those that did, tended to be older by the time they were wanting to get a license for breeding or stabling Pokemon.


    He could have kept the boy for hours with minutiae like he normally did - but he didn''t like children much, and had decided it was better to just see him off.


    He walked up to his office just as all light seemed to be sucked out of it, an ominous wind scattering paperwork as low eerie cackling was heard across the offices - people stopping what they were doing and staring in sudden fear.


    Right in front of John, Lady Agatha of the Elite Four materialized out of the floor, Ghost Pokemon at her shoulders as the shadows themselves spat her out, no doubt finding her unpalatable, John thought, shivering at the sight of the wrinkly old monster.


    "Where is Ezra Kassian!?" She said with a wicked smirk on her face, staring straight at John.


    John dropped his coffee cup, letting out a meep.


    He was pretty sure he was suffering from a heart attack.


    That was most definitely too exciting.


    <hr>


    Pewter city, Kanto.


    Ezra soared over Pewter City, his Pidgeot gliding effortlessly through the crisp morning air. Below him, the city gave way to rolling hills and dense patches of forest, the landscape dotted with small farms and secluded homes. It wasn''t long before he spotted his plot of land, a modest yet picturesque stretch of countryside nestled on the outskirts of the city, far enough from the main roads to ensure privacy but close enough to access civilization when necessary.


    As Pidgeot descended, the full scope of the property came into view. The land was bordered by tall, well-kept hedges interspersed with low stone walls, not designed to keep Pokemon in, but rather to set the boundaries and stop any curious passersby from wandering onto the property.


    The hedges were thick and neatly trimmed, a dark green contrast to the natural stone. Beyond the hedges, the land sloped gently downward, leading to a cluster of buildings that made up the heart of the property.


    The main building was a sturdy, farmhouse-style structure with a slate roof and walls of weathered stone. It had a rustic charm, with wide windows and a large, covered porch that wrapped around the front and side. The building was more than large enough to house Ezra and provide space for indoor training sessions or Pokemon care. Adjacent to the house was a large barn, its red paint slightly faded by the sun, but the structure itself was solid. It was clearly designed for storage and the housing of larger Pokemon, with spacious stalls and an open area for supplies.


    The plot had been a stable before, hence his interest in buying it up. It saved him the hassle of having to have something built on another plot - cheaper perhaps in the long run - but he''d happily pay a premium for something that worked now.


    The surrounding landscape was just as ideal. Dark heavy forests stretched out behind the buildings, with the front side being open fields. A small pond gleamed in the morning light, its surface calm and inviting, perfect for if he caught himself any Ghost/Dark water hybrid Pokemon - or simply as a serene spot to relax.


    The land was fertile, with plenty of room for expansion if needed, and it was clear that the previous owner had taken good care of it. Ezra could see the potential here - a place where he could train his Pokemon in peace, away from prying eyes.


    As Pidgeot landed softly in the dirt path leading to the farmhouse, Ezra dismounted and took a moment to absorb his surroundings. This was his land now, a place where he could build something of his own, where he could train and develop his team without the restrictions he''d faced elsewhere. It was isolated enough to be secure, but not so remote as to be inconvenient. It wasn''t perfect. But it was close enough.


    The first thing that caught his eye was the delivery truck parked near the front gate. Several large crates were stacked beside it, each labeled with the names of different types of Pokemon food. He had ordered the supplies ahead of time, ensuring that his Pokemon would have the sustenance they needed as they settled into their new home.


    Ezra walked over to inspect the delivery, noting the variety of food types. Each crate was clearly marked and securely packed. Waving the delivery truck off as they''d just finished unloading as he arrived.


    Despite the thoroughness of the delivery, Ezra knew that the amount he had ordered was far less than what most stables would require for a team as large and diverse as his. His Pokemon, particularly the Ghost types, seemed to draw more sustenance from his aura than from physical food. It was an unusual phenomenon, one that he had yet to fully understand, but it made logistics easier in some ways.


    Even his Dark Pokemon seemed to enjoy his aura, so feeding them on the road wasn''t an issue. Yet he''d still ordered the food for the necessity of feeding his Pokemon when he wasn''t around himself.


    He popped open one of the crates, pulling out a small sample of the food and inspecting it closely. The pellets were fresh, high-quality, and exactly what he had specified. Satisfied, he closed the crate and began moving the supplies toward the barn, cheating and working out at the same time as his shadow split into tendrils, helping drag crates along. It seemed as long as he was lifting/dragging something as well - his shadow didn''t struggle with it.


    Once the supplies were stored away, Ezra took a final walk around the property, his eyes scanning the landscape, noting the best spots for training and where he could make improvements. There was a certain peace to the land, a quiet that allowed him to think clearly, to plan for the future. It was a blank slate, ready for him to shape into whatever he needed it to be.


    He might be taking a different route to fight towards victory than most trainers - focusing less on battles, more on training and setting up an operation around them.


    He would show them all in the end.


    <hr>


    Next day, Pewter city, Kanto.


    The sun was just beginning to rise over Pewter City as he approached, casting long shadows across the rocky landscape and giving the town its characteristic gray hue. Pewter was an old city, one of the first to be established in Kanto, and its architecture reflected its history. Buildings were constructed from stone and mortar, sturdy and practical, blending seamlessly with the rocky terrain that surrounded them. The city had a rugged charm, with cobblestone streets winding between the buildings and leading up to the impressive silhouette of the Pewter Gym, perched on a hill overlooking the town.


    Ezra walked through the streets, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. The night before, Steven Stone had sent over the initial paperwork for their business partnership, and Ezra knew that it was essential to have a competent lawyer look it over before he signed anything. The contract was long, detailed, and filled with legal jargon that, while familiar, was not his expertise. If there was one thing Ezra had learned in his previous life, it was the importance of thoroughly understanding any document before putting his name on it - especially when dealing with a corporate titan like Stone.


    Pewter City had been known for its mining industry in the past, and the people here were still known for their tenacity and practicality. That extended to their lawyers, who had a reputation for being as tough as the rocks that surrounded the city. Ezra needed someone who could match Stone''s team of corporate sharks, someone who could find and eliminate any hidden clauses that might put him at a disadvantage.


    If you had to hire a lawyer, it was best to hire someone who''d refuse to give up on principle - because they were just that stubborn.


    As he passed by the various shops and businesses that lined the main street, Ezra kept an eye out for the law office he''d been told about. Pewter City was smaller than, for example, Saffron or Celadon, but it was still a bustling town, with a surprising number of law firms considering its size. It wasn''t long before he found what he was looking for - a small, unassuming building with a plaque that read Boulder & Associates - Legal Expertise as Solid as Stone.


    Ezra smirked at the tagline and pushed the door open, stepping inside. The interior was just as no-nonsense as the exterior, with plain stone walls, sturdy wooden furniture, and a few framed documents hanging on the walls that attested to the firm''s various accolades and certifications. A woman sat behind the reception desk, her expression focused as she typed away on a computer. She looked up as Ezra entered, her eyes sharp and assessing.


    "Good morning," She greeted, her voice brisk but not unfriendly. "How can we assist you today?"


    "I''m looking for legal representation," Ezra replied, stepping up to the desk. "I need someone to review a business contract and advise me on any potential pitfalls. Preferably someone who isn''t afraid to push back against a big name."


    The woman''s eyes narrowed slightly, as if sizing him up. After a moment, she nodded. "You''ll want to speak with Mr. Marcus then. He''s our senior partner and specializes in contract law. Please, have a seat, and I''ll see if he''s available."


    He''d have to give them that. She hadn''t asked if he could afford it/where his parents were, or anything like it. She looked like she''d thought it. But she hadn''t asked. As far as Ezra was concerned, any place that didn''t immediately dismiss him as a kid, was a good place to start with.


    Although with how he kept interacting with services no one his age regularly dealt with - it was no wonder he kept running into the issue.


    People his age were generally still trainers on the circuit or had joined up with the gyms/league - or they worked low end jobs having never gone on a journey. Neither needed licensing bureaus, lawyers or negotiations to buy land.


    Ezra took a seat in one of the wooden chairs, waiting while his mind was already turning over the upcoming discussion. He didn''t have to wait long before the woman returned, gesturing for him to follow her down a short hallway. She led him to a modest office at the end of the hall, where a man in his early forties sat behind a large oak desk, papers spread out before him. He looked up as they entered, his sharp, brown eyes immediately locking onto Ezra.


    "Mister Marcus, this is the young man that is here for a contract review," The receptionist said before stepping back and closing the door behind her.


    The man - Mr. Marcus - stood up and extended a hand. He was tall and lean, with a stern expression softened only slightly by the touch of gray at his temples. His handshake was firm, and his gaze never wavered from Ezra''s face.


    Ezra introduced himself quietly, idly noting that the lawyer seemed to already be aware of who he was. The lawyer who drew up the real estate contract on their end perhaps?


    Ezra had simply rented a lawyer''s time for an hour for that contract, it had been simple enough not to need one at all, but he''d wanted to make sure. No wonder the real estate agent had recommended the man if he did work for them.


    "Mister Kassian, welcome. Please, have a seat," Marcus said, motioning to the chair across from his desk. "Tell me, what can I do for you?"


    Ezra sat down, placing the folder containing Stone''s contract on the desk between them, having printed it out beforehand. "Thank you. I''ve recently entered into negotiations with Steven Stone and the Devon Corporation, and I want to make sure the contract they''ve sent over is airtight - on my end, that is." He spent a few more minutes explaining the particulars of the deal, to give the lawyer the background needed to understand his position.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    Marcus''s eyebrows rose slightly, a flicker of interest crossing his features as Ezra finished. "Steven Stone, you say? That''s quite a client to be dealing with. I take it this is regarding some form of business partnership?"


    The fact he knew who Stone was, with how little Hoenn and Kanto interacted - made Ezra feel even better about hiring him. The man was obviously either well connected - or well learned. Either way it was good for him.


    "That''s right," Ezra confirmed, pushing the folder toward Marcus. "I''m looking to establish a breeding and evolution business, focusing on rare and unknown Pokemon evolutions that I have sole knowledge of - at least as far as I know. Stone is interested in a partnership, but I want to ensure that I''m not signing away anything more than I intend to."


    Somewhere in the world someone likely had an evolution or two that he was going to ''discover''. But since they hadn''t published the fact, it didn''t matter. It wouldn''t even surprise him if some researcher somewhere had most of the Eeveelutions, but was too busy researching more to actually tell anyone yet. Their loss, his gain. Once his business was up and running, he''d actually be able to sue anyone that just gave away information for free on any ''proprietary knowledge'' he had.


    At least in Kanto or Johto, who both had very clannish laws - his business wasn''t a clan, but thanks to Silph, it was basically the same thing.


    If Oak was anyone but who he was - he would have found a lot more difficulty in his profession due to pressure from the clans. Spreading information on Pokemon was fairly new after all, the Pokedex was a fairly new thing as well - spearheaded by Oak and his allies.


    It was thanks to Oak that the ''basic'' knowledge about most known Pokemon was widespread.


    Marcus nodded, already flipping through the pages of the contract with practiced ease. "Smart move. Too many inexperienced men and women get caught up in the excitement of a deal like this and don''t think to check the fine print. Devon Corp is a reputable company, but that doesn''t mean they won''t protect their own interests above all else."


    Ezra watched as Marcus scanned the document, his eyes darting back and forth across the text. The lawyer''s expression remained neutral, but Ezra could see the wheels turning in his mind as he dissected each clause.


    "This is a well-crafted contract," Marcus said after a few minutes of silence. "But that''s to be expected from a company like Devon. They''ve covered their bases, but there are a few points here that could be adjusted to better protect your interests." Marcus raised an eyebrow, lips quirking slightly, "If you''re interested in retaining my services of course.


    Ezra nodded his head slowly, this man would do as well as any other, and he had impressed so far in their limited interactions. "I''d like to hire you on as a retainer in that case, not just for this contract, because I''m likely to continue to need a lawyer."


    He''d of course take the contract for a second opinion later before signing anything anyway. The man was a lawyer after all. Trust but verify. For all he knew the reason he knew anything at all about Steven Stone was due to being on the man''s payroll to look for interesting things in Kanto.


    Unlikely, but Ezra wasn''t about to take chances with the business which would be his major money maker. And with him soon having a business, and already having stabling rights, having a lawyer on retainer was just common sense.


    Marcus brought out a simple sheet of paper, "We can draw up a retainer contract later, this is simply to acknowledge that you''ve hired my services for an hour in regards to this contract."


    Ezra looked it over quickly, it was as simple as he said, and he signed it immediately, glad that this world''s fascination with young people traveling the world alone - meant he was legally able to sign contracts. Without that, the last week or two of business would have been a lot more difficult to pull off if the Lavender orphanage still held parental rights over him¡­


    Ezra leaned forward slightly once he''d signed, his attention fully on the lawyer. "What kind of points were you talking about?"


    Marcus tapped one of the pages with a pen. "First, the profit-sharing agreement. As it stands, they''ve structured it so that Devon receives a slightly higher percentage of profits once a certain revenue threshold is met. It''s a common clause in these types of contracts, but it''s something you might want to negotiate down as I doubt you brought that up in the first negotiation."


    Marcus smiled sardonically, "It''s a regular little ploy by corporations to slip something like that in. You''re the one providing the expertise and the unique Pokemon. Additionally, there''s a clause regarding property rights - specifically, the ownership of any new Pokemon evolutions that result from this partnership. As written, Devon would retain full ownership of any discoveries made during the course of the business, even if the initial knowledge came from you - I assume you negotiated some sort of shared profit arrangement, but with this they''d hold all the power in case there were any issues as the literal owners of the information and its products."


    Ezra frowned. That was exactly the kind of thing he had been worried about. "How do we fix that?" He''d negotiated the profit share with the idea that he''d still own that percentage.


    "We amend the clause to specify that any new Pokemon evolutions or techniques discovered as a result of your initial knowledge will remain split in the percentage you negotiated. Devon can retain the rights to research and production, but the ownership would remain split so they couldn''t make unilateral decisions without your input. This way, if the partnership were to dissolve in the future, you''d still retain some control over your discoveries."


    Ezra nodded slowly, considering the lawyer''s advice. "That sounds like the right move. What else?" He was also somewhat amused that they were calling the Pokemon products - the softer trainer types would flip their lid at that if they heard.


    Marcus continued to go through the contract, pointing out various clauses that could be adjusted in Ezra''s favor. Some were minor, like tweaking the terms of payment as the cost of trying to slip in the extra clauses, while others were more significant, such as ensuring that Ezra would have a say in any major business decisions like any potential sale of the business in the future. By the time they were finished, Ezra felt much more confident about moving forward with the deal.


    "I''ll have my secretary draft up the necessary amendments," Marcus said, closing the folder and looking at Ezra with a measured gaze. "Once you''ve reviewed them and we''ve made any further changes, I''ll send the revised contract to Devon Corp for their review. It''s possible they''ll push back on some of the points, but that''s where negotiation comes in."


    Ezra nodded, satisfied with the outcome. "I appreciate your thoroughness, Mr. Marcus. I''d like you to draft that contract to keep you on retainer as well, if that''s something you''re still open to."


    Marcus smiled, the first real honest looking expression he''d shown during their meeting. "I''d be happy to represent you, Ezra. And please, call me Mark."


    Mark Marcus?


    Ezra stood and shook Mark''s hand once more, shaking his head at the man''s parents. "Thank you, Mark. I''ll look forward to working with you, I intend to have a lot of business for you..."


    Just as he was stepping out, he paused, looking back, "Would you be able to point me in the direction of where I could get several Porygons?"


    Mark raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Possibly, it wouldn''t be easy, you''re talking about a newly discovered Pokemon¡­ But for the right price, possibly."


    Ezra smiled, and then explained to his lawyer, after making sure to sign the retainer contract - how he intended to use the Porygon to revolutionize the web, bringing social media to Kanto and Johto, describing a mix of twitter and YouTube as the template to the surprised man. To his credit, he immediately saw how that would catch on with all the trainers - especially the younger ones.


    As soon as he got a bead on some Porygons he''d let Ezra know, and in the meanwhile he''d study up on the very limited laws that governed the web. Every trainer with a pokedex being able to potentially stream their fights would be huge - let alone the Gyms potentially getting in on it.


    The lawyer got a wide shark-like grin on his face as Ezra casually brought up a question - what were the betting laws like? Especially for the online process.


    He had a feeling the man would try very hard to find those Porygon.


    Of course he''d have to set up a payment system as well, but¡­ That only meant more money for him if he could pull it off. As long as the Porygon could pull off a lot of the work for it, because he definitely couldn''t.


    With the contract in capable hands, Ezra left the law office and made his way back through the city, his next destination clear in his mind. The Pewter Gym was an iconic landmark, its towering stone facade a testament to the strength and resilience of the trainers who called it home. Flint was still the official Gym Leader, but it wasn''t Flint he was going to see.


    He wasn''t ready to take on the circuit yet.


    Ezra had contacted the gym shortly after securing his stable license, putting out feelers to see if any of the trainers there were interested in part-time work. The prospect of working with rare and unknown Pokemon was usually enough to pique the interest of any serious trainer, but Ezra had a particular candidate in mind - Brock. If he could convince Brock to work at his stable, even temporarily, it would be a significant boon.


    Someone needed to take care of his Pokemon while he was gone, and he''d prefer to hire someone he knew wasn''t likely to screw him or attempt to run off with them. The instinctual fear of Ghost Pokemon some had could be easily worked through, especially once he showed how docile his particular Pokemon were.


    The walk to the gym was short, and as Ezra approached, he took a moment to appreciate the building''s architecture. The Pewter Gym was constructed from massive slabs of stone, each one meticulously cut and placed to create an imposing structure that seemed to rise organically from the ground. The front entrance was flanked by towering statues of Onix, their serpentine forms coiled in a show of strength and power.


    Ezra pushed open the heavy doors and stepped inside, the cool air of the gym a welcome contrast to the warmth of the day. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, with large, open spaces filled with rocky terrain designed for Rock-type battles. Trainers were scattered throughout the gym, some engaged in battles, others focused on training their Pokemon in the rugged environment. The walls were lined with banners and trophies from past victories, showcasing the gym''s long history and its reputation as one of Kanto''s most respected battle arenas.


    Most trainers didn''t immediately go for the gym leader, it was the job of the different gym trainers to test and battle newcomers - and teach them. It wasn''t odd for a trainer to take a year or two off to be a gym trainer, sharpening their team while learning from the gym leader.


    Most people that went far in the conference had taken this route. Some rookie trainer going all the way, or far into the conference, was rare. No matter how good you were by natural instincts or skill alone, the trainers that went up through the gyms first just had more advantages.


    Ezra intended to be that one in a million rookie.


    Although he definitely also looked forward to one day having gym trainers or his own, not only to share his expertise with at that point, but to continue to showcase how obviously superior Ghost and Dark Pokemon were.


    Ezra made his way across the stone floor, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous space, until he reached the main training area. A group of younger trainers was clustered around a large boulder, watching as a Geodude practiced its Rock Throw under the guidance of an young, dark-haired man. His broad shoulders and strong build gave him the appearance of someone who had spent his life working with powerful Rock types.


    Even from behind, Ezra immediately recognized him as Brock. And wasn''t surprised to find that he was helping younger trainers out. He''d always seemed the helpful sort, from what he could remember.


    It didn''t take long for him to notice Ezra''s approach. He turned, wiping sweat from his brow, and offered a friendly smile. "You must be the one who inquired about part-time work," He said, his deep voice carrying easily over the noise of the gym. "I''m Brock. I heard you''ve got some rare Pokemon that need looking after." An aura of excitement overtook him at that, his smile growing more genuine, "I''m always willing to learn more about Pokemon, especially in taking care of their needs." He said enthusiastically.


    Ezra would have asked how he recognized him so quickly¡­ But¡­ Albino, ''nuff said.


    Ezra returned the smile although his was not nearly as honest, nodding in confirmation. "That''s right. I''m Ezra Kassian. I recently purchased some land outside Pewter, and I''m setting up a stable for my Pokemon, who tend to be of the rarer and harder to find variety. I''m looking for someone willing to help care for them when I''m not around, and I figured a local would work best." He idly looked at the staring young faces, before craning his neck somewhat awkwardly, "Is there anywhere we can talk about it?"


    Brock sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, before gesturing for him to follow, quickly making his apologies to the coterie of young trainers. As they walked, Brock gave him a curious squinting look, "Did you run into Karen by any chance?" He asked.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, "What?" Because really, that needed a bit more explanation.


    Brock smiled sheepishly, "Ah, I suppose not then. She''s a cute girl that hung around Pewter for a few days, she had the biggest crush on you."


    Ezra''s steps faltered, "What!?" He repeated, because there was some missing piece of information here that would make this all make sense, surely?


    Brock frowned, "You don''t know what I''m talking about do you?"


    Ezra gave him an annoyed look, "What clued you in? My complete lack of comprehension of what you''re talking about?"


    "Yes, that." Brock said, the sarcasm flying right over his head, "The cutie was all over town and all she could talk about was you, like literally. I tried to flirt with her and she went into a ten minute rant about you." He tilted his head hesitantly, "I mean, it was pretty uncomplimentary, but girls can be like that about their crushes sometimes."


    "I''ve never met this girl in my life." Ezra said flatly. The only one he could think would chase after him to yell at him was from the Orange islands, and was definitely not named Karen.


    "She''s a pretty big deal." Brock said lowly, as he opened a door into some sort of staff room, currently empty, "She''s the apprentice of one of the Elite Four."


    Ezra walked in, his mind turning over this new tidbit. He recognized the name Karen now, she''d ended up an Elite Four herself, hadn''t she? She had Dark Pokemon, and was apprenticed to Agatha the Ghost Mistress. If she was heavily into dark and ghosts and that scene - perhaps she''d seen some of what he could do in the Orange islands and developed a crush?


    He did kind of pull off that aesthetic, even without his Pokemon. And the Albino thing might be a turn on if she was some sort of goth chick.


    He couldn''t fathom any other reason why she''d be looking for him and chatting with strangers about him. If it was official business they would have just called him or summoned him to the indigo plateau. It wasn''t like he could turn down an Elite Four calling for him.


    "Huh, and she just left, you said?" He asked Brock, not sure how he felt about a girl he''d never met crushing on him. It was very¡­ Anime.


    Brock nodded, "Suddenly took off like she had a herd of zubat on her tail, didn''t even say goodbye." His eyes narrowed, which for Brock was quite the feat. "Treat her well, she''s a very nice girl." He hesitated a bit again, before finishing lamely, "Underneath the prickly bits." In the following silence, Brock managed to also mumble out, "And wear a cup." Very quietly, wincing in remembered pain.


    "I don''t even know her." Ezra said, shaking his head, not about to give Brock any promises. "Let''s get back to why I''m here, I''m willing to pay very competitive wages for someone to look after my Pokemon, some of which are pretty rare, you were named as someone I could trust." Flattery usually worked on ''normal'' people, and Ezra figured it wouldn''t hurt.


    Brock''s eyes lit up with curiosity again, clearly intrigued by the offer. "Rare Pokemon, huh? That''s not something you hear every day. What kinds of Pokemon are we talking about?" He said, rubbing his hands together eagerly.


    Ezra knew that this was the moment that could ruin Brock''s interest if he didn''t word things carefully. "It''s mostly Ghost types and a few Dark Pokemon that I have in my stable, unlike how their reputations are, they are remarkably docile, and could give a lot of experience and information to a young trainer if Pokemon rearing or breeding holds any interest. It''s a pretty diverse group, and they require a lot of attention and specialized care."


    Brock''s expression shifted from curiosity to some trepidation. "Ghost and Dark types, you say? That''s definitely unusual, especially in this region. Most trainers around here stick to the basics - Rock, Normal, Bug, the occasional Grass type. I''ve always been interested in learning about different kinds of Pokemon, especially the ones you don''t see every day, but..." He made a hand gesture seemingly lost for words.


    Ezra got the gist however. Scary Pokemon.


    Ezra tilted his head slightly, studying Brock. "I had been told you needed experience raising Pokemon, that battling wasn''t your main passion? I''m willing to pay quite well, enough you could use the money afterwards to perhaps take some courses in breeding or rearing. I simply need someone who can keep an eye on them, make sure they''re healthy and happy, and handle any issues that might come up while I''m away. I''m only looking for part-time help, so you wouldn''t have to spend all your time there."


    Whenever he intended to be gone for long stretches of time, would be the only time he would really need Brock - for short trips for a few days he could just take them all with him and rotate them in and out at a Pokecenter.


    He really would rather prefer Brock, but if he was too hesitant, he''d find someone else. Docile his ''mon might be. But they were still Pokemon of their typing, and if Brock walked in terrified, they''d eat him alive.


    Not literally. He hoped.


    Brock crossed his arms, considering the offer carefully. "I''m¡­ Interested." He said slowly, "Depending on how many hours, pay, and the like. Although I admit I''m not that well read on these particular types." His cheeks pinked a little, "I know a little about Dark Pokemon, studying up on them for a bit when Karen arrived."


    Ezra appreciated the directness, Brock wasn''t wasting his time at least. He could appreciate that Brock wasn''t the type to jump into something without understanding the full picture, and that was exactly what Ezra needed in a caretaker. "I''ve got a lot on my plate right now," Ezra explained. "I''m working on a few different projects that will take me out of town pretty often. When I''m away for a week or two the odd times, I need someone reliable to take over. I''ll pay you full gym trainer wages for only part-time work, and you''ll basically work a week or two here and there when I need you, and have the rest of the time off. Paid time off." He reiterated, wanting to seal the deal with his number one pick.


    Brock nodded slowly, taking it all in. "I see. Well, I won''t lie - I''ve been looking for something a little different. My dad''s the Gym Leader here, and I''ve got some free time on my hands. Running a stable for rare Pokemon sounds like a great opportunity, especially if it''s just part-time for now."


    He seemed to think it over, rubbing his chin, before looking at Ezra seriously, "I am willing to give it a shot, but it would probably be best if I meet them first and see if this can even work out."


    Ezra had anticipated this. Brock wouldn''t want to sign on for something he couldn''t do, "Of course," Ezra said. "I wouldn''t expect you to agree without seeing the setup first. How about you come by the stable this afternoon? I can introduce you to the team, show you the property, and answer any questions you might have."


    Brock smiled, his interest now fully piqued. "Sounds like a plan. I''ve got a few things to wrap up here at the gym, but I can be over there by mid-afternoon. Just give me the address, and I''ll be there."


    Ezra pulled out a small notebook and scribbled down the address of his property, tearing off the page and handing it to Brock. "I''ll see you then. And Brock - thanks for considering this. It means a lot that you''re willing to try something outside of your expertise."


    Ezra was going to vomit soon if he had to keep smiling and complimenting people. But Brock was one of those honestly good people that infested the Pokemon world. It would be like kicking a puppy if he was his usual acerbic and snarky self.


    Maybe later, when the guy got used to him.


    With that, the two parted ways, Brock returning to his duties at the gym while Ezra left with a sense of satisfaction at getting his way, even if he felt that he was increasingly faking things too much. Things were starting to fall into place however. He had a competent lawyer reviewing his contract with Devon Corp and looking into Porygons, and now he had the potential of hiring Brock to help manage his Pokemon when he couldn''t be there.


    Once he was finished up in Pewter, he''d go find a tournament in Johto again, while pursuing his interests there, and go back to being his snarky lovable self, making fun of idiot trainers. Maybe he could even have a rematch with Shae?


    By the time Ezra arrived back at his property, the sun had climbed higher in the sky, casting a warm glow over the land. He took a moment to appreciate the quiet solitude of the place, the way the hedges and stone walls provided a sense of seclusion without feeling closed off. It was the perfect environment for what he had planned - a place where he could focus on training his team and building his business without distractions.


    At least until he was ready to ride victorious into Lavender Town and establish his gym.


    Ezra spent the next few hours making sure everything was in order for Brock''s visit. He checked on the Pokemon, ensuring they were all settled in and comfortable, and made a mental list of the things he wanted to discuss with Brock. It was important to be thorough, to cover all the bases and make sure there were no misunderstandings.


    When mid-afternoon arrived, Ezra was waiting at the front gate, keeping an eye out for Brock''s arrival. He didn''t have to wait long. A few minutes later, he saw the figure of Brock approaching, walking up the dirt path with an easy, confident stride. The closer Brock got, the more Ezra could see the genuine excitement in his expression, coupled with the nervousness of someone trying something new for the first time.


    Ghosts and Dark Pokemon definitely had a reputation in Kanto.


    "Welcome to the stable," Ezra greeted as Brock reached the gate. He opened it and motioned for Brock to follow him inside. "I''ve set everything up so you can get a good look at the place and meet my Pokemon."


    Brock nodded, his eyes already scanning the surroundings with a keen eye. "Thanks, Ezra. I''m looking forward to seeing what you''ve got here, the old owners were pretty isolationist, I don''t think anyone ever was allowed inside while they ran the place."


    As they walked through the property, Ezra pointed out the various features - the barn where the supplies were stored, the open fields and heavy forests where the Pokemon could roam, and the small pond that provided a natural water source.


    He gestured to the barn, "Currently my Dark Pokemon are resting in there, while my Ghosts prefer to haunt the forest. Your main job besides feeding them, would basically be to keep them entertained and active, so they don''t get into too much trouble."


    Brock nodded, having a notepad and pen out, and to Ezra''s bemusement, seemed to be transcribing what he was saying, word for word. "Doesn''t sound too impossible." He muttered, "I can make up some games, even simple ones like tag should be interesting with Ghosts in the mix."


    "Ready to meet them?" Ezra asked, hiding a smirk.


    Brock nodded decisively, "Of course!"


    "Say hello to Loki." Ezra drawled, as Brock felt something ghost past his shoulder.


    Brock turned his head, coming face to face with the Shuppet, which blew him a raspberry.


    He turned back to Ezra, some nervous sweat on his brow, only for Cheshire to be right in his face, giving him a long lick.


    "They like you already." Ezra said wryly.


    "This isn''t too bad." Brock said nervously.


    Over the next few hours Brock was run ragged by the Pokemon, but never in a mean way. The mischievousness of his ''mon not able to throw Brock overly much.


    The rock type trainer taking it all with aplomb, and handling them with care even as he ensured they didn''t go too far.


    In the end, he was willing to give it a try, and Ezra was pleased with his capabilities vis-a-vis his ''mon.


    So another deal was struck.


    <hr>


    That evening, Ezra''s stable, Kanto.


    The sun was high in the sky over Ezra''s secluded plot of land, casting a warm glow across the landscape that was rapidly chilling as they headed towards nighttime. The air was thick with the earthy scent of pine and soil, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the surrounding trees. It was a perfect evening for training, and Ezra was determined to make the most of it.


    He had his Pokemon divided into two groups, carefully organized based on their types and the specific training they needed. On one side were his Ghost types - lead by his team, with the Sableye, Duskull, Mimikyu, Dreepy and the rest all waiting for his orders.


    I can''t wait to see Lance''s face one day when I take down a Dragonite with Mimikyu¡­ He thought as he smiled at the Pokemon, now wearing a much better looking Pikachu disguise after Ezra picked up some crafts materials.


    Lighting wouldn''t be a problem tonight either with the Litwicks and Lampents present.


    On the other side, he had his Dark types - Murkrow, Houndour and Poochyena, Skuntank, Zorua, and Deino - all of them eagerly awaiting his attention.


    Ezra wasn''t focused on techniques today. He had trained his team of Pokemon in their moves extensively, and they were already formidable in battle. And he''d get there with the rest of them, but first they needed to go through what his team had already been working on since he got them.


    Something deeper, something that could give them an edge beyond what most trainers considered. He was going to help them hone their energy, the very essence of their being that fueled their powers and defined their abilities. It wasn''t just about getting stronger; it was about refining that strength, understanding it, and learning to wield it with precision.


    He''d already taught his team how to mess around with it, compressing techniques, making them denser. Making them lighter and faster in exchange for less oomph - how to manipulate the energy.


    And he must have been doing something right with it, considering how quickly they picked it up - for example how quickly Cubone had both harnessed steel energy and fire energy.


    Focusing on the actual power behind the techniques rather than the techniques themselves. They could start throwing Shadow Balls and the like once they knew themselves and the techniques inside and out.


    "Alright," Ezra called out, his voice firm but encouraging. "Today, we''re not focusing on moves or battles. We''re going to dig deeper. I want each of you to connect with your energy, to feel it, understand it, and learn to control it in a way you haven''t before. This is going to take patience and focus, but it''s going to pay off in the long run." He gestures to Loki, who quickly created a Shadow Ball, the tiny ball a tenth of the size of a normal attack, impossibly dense. "That is what you can learn when you learn how to use every iota of your powers."


    Loki sent the Shadow Ball off, and it cracked a tree in half as it hit, the speed greater as well, Loki cheering as he did a little pirouette in the air.


    His new Pokemon responded with a mix of determination and curiosity, basking in his aura. He wondered if his aura was helping them understand better, if that''s why his team had picked things up so quickly.


    Either way, aura or him, it was only to his benefit. His Ghost Pokemon would train with their energy until they ran out of gas, at which point they would come and snack on him, before getting back to it.


    Something he''d have to train with at some point, because if he could surreptitiously stretch out his aura to reinvigorate his Pokemon in battle, that would be the ultimate cheat.


    For his Dark Pokemon, they''d have a different training regime. A harsher one in a way. But they were exactly the type to take it and come and ask for more. Dark types weren''t the kind to lay down and give up.


    They were physical where the Ghosts were not, so while also focusing on their energy and learning every bit they could on how to squeeze everything out of it - they would be physically training, some of them for speed, especially the Houndor and Poochyena. And some for strength or stamina.


    Ezra sent the Dark types off, having given each of them a short training regime to try earlier in the day. While they began with that, he walked amongst his Ghosts, offering encouragement, utilizing Loki, Chesire, Nyx and Rider as assistants of sorts, to coax the new Pokemon into pulling their energy out without using a technique for it.


    Ezra watched them carefully, offering quiet encouragement and adjustments as they worked. This wasn''t the kind of training that showed immediate results, but it was the kind that built a strong foundation. By learning to control their energy, his Ghost types would become more efficient in battle, less likely to exhaust themselves, and more capable of precision with their abilities.


    He already had an advantage in typing against most, but he didn''t want to rest on those laurels. He wanted his Pokemon to be strong enough to tackle even a type disadvantage one day, and fire back something twice as hard.


    After ensuring his Ghost types were on track, Ezra turned his attention to his Dark types. Dark energy was a powerful force, often tied to emotions like anger, fear, at least to the general populations ideas of it. But they were not entirely wrong. Ezra would affix it with the moniker of hunger if he had to pick one thing.


    It needed to be channeled effectively to avoid becoming wild and strike back against its user. Using Dark energy took a certain mindset, hence why many Pokemon couldn''t learn those types of moves.


    He walked over to where they were all practicing, speaking softly as he walked amongst them, Nyx following, as his Pokemon with the most experience with Dark energy. "Your energy is all about power and dominance. It''s raw and aggressive, but that doesn''t mean it can''t be controlled. I want you to focus on harnessing that energy, letting it flow through your body while you move. We''re going to work on physical exercises to help you connect with it on a deeper level."


    As with many things, he was guessing based on what felt right to him, but it seemed to be working so far, so he had no reason to stop. He certainly wasn''t going to ask Oak for advice. If Dark energy was like a hunter, hungry and predatory, then he figured sitting still like in meditation like most of his Ghosts practiced theirs - wouldn''t work as well.


    Murkrow spread its wings wide, the dark feathers shimmering as it prepared to take flight. "Start with flight drills," Ezra instructed. "I want you to focus on maintaining your dark energy while you''re in the air. Keep your movements smooth, but don''t let that power drop for even a second. Hold onto it, feel it, try to use it to help your flight if you think you can."


    Murkrow took to the sky, its wings beating in a steady rhythm. Ezra watched as the Dark type energy pulsed through Murkrows body, he could feel it, his own attunement easily picking it up. The Dark bird Pokemon soared above the training field, banking and diving with practiced ease, all the while struggling with keeping its energy stable. This wasn''t about speed or agility - it was about maintaining a constant flow of power, for now.


    Meanwhile, the Houndour and Poochyena were focused on speed and endurance. Ezra had set up a series of obstacles for the Dark-types to navigate, each one designed to test their physical limits. "Houndour all of you, Poochyena too. I want you all to push through these obstacles, but I want you to do it while focusing on your dark energy. Let it fuel you, give you the strength to overcome each challenge, let it fill every muscle, every ligament. If you have to take it at a walking pace to get it down, it''s fine, we don''t need to rush this, learn first, run later."


    The Pokemon growled softly in acknowledgment, none of them able to run across the obstacles as it was, all of them struggling to do something that was normally instinctual. Ezra wanted them to learn it, to learn how to harness it. He could feel his own dark energy and knew it always wanted more. Like something that was always hungry. So he wanted the Pokemon to get a hold of that aspect of it, because who knew what the limit was, could their energy start craving more speed? Only one way to find out.


    Dreepy and Deino, both young and still growing into their power, were given exercises that focused on coordination and control for now, the two would be in his team going forward for obvious reasons, but he didn''t want to push them too hard either. "Dreepy, you''re going to work on agility. I want you to float through this course, weaving between the obstacles while maintaining your energy. Don''t let it scatter - keep it close, keep it steady."


    Dreepy''s small, ghostly form darted through the air, moving quickly between the obstacles with a fluid grace. Its energy pulsed rhythmically, and Dreepy focused on keeping that pulse steady, not letting it fluctuate as it maneuvered through the course. It was a test of both agility and energy control, and Dreepy was doing admirably for a first try as it was determined to succeed.


    Deino, on the other hand, was focused on power. "Deino, same exercise for now, I want the two of you to partner up, learn together, grow together." He patted its head softly, "You''ll both be fearsome dragons together on my team, learn from each other."


    Deino growled softly, before setting off, pushing against the obstacle course to catch up to Dreepy''s floating form Ezra watched the two of them, content with letting them practice their energies and float/run around for now. They''d grow more rapidly then the others soon enough - as he''d actually use them for battle. Dragapult and Hydreigon were going to be game changers.


    He knew that in the Pokemon world, most regular trainers relied on their Pokemon''s natural abilities, honing their techniques through practice and battle. But Ezra was looking for something more - an advantage that would set him apart from the others. By helping his Pokemon master their energy, how to cycle it through their bodies, their techniques at perfect output and efficiency, he was ensuring that they would be able to maintain their power throughout a battle, striking with precision and conserving their strength for when it mattered most.


    The training continued for hours, the sun slowly dipping toward the horizon as Ezra''s Pokemon pushed themselves to their limits. They were tired, but not exhausted, their energies refined and more focused than they had been before, his own aura helping replenish them, which was rapidly tiring him out.


    It seemed he had limits as well when it came to the darkness inherent to him.


    Finally, as the light began to fade and the shadows grew longer, Ezra called the session to an end. "That''s enough for today," He said, his voice filled with satisfaction. "You''ve all done incredible work. This is just the beginning, but I can already see how much you''ve improved. We''ll keep refining your energy, keep building on this foundation, and soon enough, you''ll be unstoppable." His grin was savage as he looked across his Pokemon.


    His Pokemon gathered around him, their eyes reflecting the pride and satisfaction they felt from the day''s work, their grins were no less savage as they looked up at him. Ezra smiled, reaching out to pat Rider on the head, best boi having immediately sought him out for praise.


    He''d dedicate tomorrow to training, then he''d fly off again, leaving Brock to try his hand at his new job for a week as he returned to Johto to explore a tournament or two.


    He was looking forward to letting loose again.


    <hr>


    A day later, Ezra''s stable.


    The morning sun had just begun to burn away the mist that clung to the fields surrounding the Pewter stable when Brock heard a firm knock on the front door. He had been busy organizing the supplies Ezra had ordered, the routine of the task keeping him grounded in the peaceful atmosphere of the countryside.


    The knock at the door felt out of place, as if it carried with it the weight of something significant. He knew no one came by here, so he wondered what it could be? Maybe Karen is back? He thought somewhat optimistically.


    Brock wiped his hands on a cloth and headed for the door, curiosity gnawing at him. When he opened it, he found himself staring into the sharp, ice-blue eyes of a woman he recognized instantly - Agatha, the Ghost type master of the Elite Four. Her presence was like a sudden drop in temperature, and the air around her seemed to still, as if nature itself was wary of her.


    "Good morning, young man," Agatha said, her voice carrying a chilling edge despite the pleasantry of her words. "I''m looking for Ezra Kassian. Is he here?"


    Brock felt a jolt of shock at the sight of her, his mind racing to process why one of the most powerful trainers in Kanto would be standing on the doorstep of a modest stable. "M-Miss Agatha," He stammered, stepping back to let her enter. "Ezra¡­ He left about an hour ago."


    Agatha''s expression didn''t change, but there was a slight tightening around her eyes, a flicker of resignation that told Brock she had somewhat expected this outcome. "I see," she said quietly, more to herself than to him. "And do you know where he went?"


    Brock shook his head, trying to maintain composure in the face of her icy demeanor. "He didn''t say."


    The silence that followed was thick with unspoken thoughts. Agatha''s gaze flicked around the interior of the stable entranceway, her eyes missing nothing as she assessed her surroundings. The old Ghost master was known for her formidable power, but it was her sharp mind and even sharper intuition that had earned her a place among legends.


    "And why are you here instead of him?" She asked, turning her full attention back to Brock. There was no accusation in her tone, but the question carried an undercurrent of curiosity, as if she was trying to piece together a puzzle.


    Brock hesitated, unsure of how much he should reveal. "I''m working here part-time," He admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Ezra needed someone to look after his Pokemon while he''s away. I''ve got experience with that kind of thing - albeit with children and trainers - so it seemed like a good fit."


    Agatha''s eyes narrowed slightly, a spark of interest lighting them. "Is that so?" She murmured, her tone now contemplative. "And these Pokemon¡­ Anything interesting and never seen before hiding amongst them?" She pressed, "I was stuck doing paperwork for the past two days and couldn''t arrive sooner, the work of an Elite Four is never done, but I''m here now¡­"


    Brock swallowed, feeling the pressure of her gaze. "I''m not sure what you''ve heard, Miss Agatha, but Ezra''s Pokemon are¡­ Unique, yes." He shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny. "But I can''t just show them to anyone. Ezra left me in charge, and he trusts me to look after them properly." His jaw set, as he straightened his back, meeting the Elite Four''s eyes.


    Agatha''s lips thinned into a line, her patience visibly fraying. "Surely you understand that I''m not ''just anyone,'' young man. My interest in Ezra''s Pokemon is¡­ Professional. I won''t harm them, nor will I do anything untoward. I simply wish to see what he''s been working with."


    But Brock stood firm, despite the chill that seemed to seep from Agatha''s very presence. He respected Ezra''s wishes, and had accepted payment to work for him - there was no way he would betray that trust - not even for an Elite Four member. She could call Ezra himself. "I''m sorry, Miss Agatha," He said, trying to sound as respectful as possible. "But I really can''t do that. Ezra was clear about who could interact with his Pokemon, and right now, that''s just him and me."


    For a moment, it looked like Agatha might press the issue. Her eyes flashed with something dark, a glimpse of the power she wielded, but then she let out a long, slow breath, the tension easing from her shoulders. She nodded, more to herself than to Brock, and the chill in the air seemed to lift slightly.


    "Very well," She said, her voice chilly. "You''re a loyal young man, Brock. That''s a good quality, though not always a wise one. But you''re right - this isn''t the time or place to press the issue. I''ll see those Pokemon soon enough, once I have Ezra where he belongs."


    Brock didn''t quite know how to respond to that, so he simply nodded, hoping the conversation was at an end. The sooner Agatha left, the sooner he could return to the relative calm of his work. He had a feeling he had the fact he was Flint''s son to thank for the Elite Four member not pushing further.


    Had Ezra thought of that? Is that why he was hired?


    Agatha glanced around the stable entrance way once more, her expression inscrutable. "I won''t bother you any longer, then. But do let Ezra know that I''m looking forward to seeing him. Sooner, rather than later."


    With that, she turned and made her way out of the stable, her presence leaving a lingering chill in the air even after she had gone. Brock watched her go, a mixture of relief and anxiety washing over him. He knew that dealing with someone like Agatha was far beyond what he had signed up for, and he could only hope that Ezra knew what he was doing.


    As Agatha disappeared from view, Brock let out a breath he hadn''t realized he was holding. The stable felt warmer already, the oppressive weight of her presence finally lifting. He couldn''t help but wonder what it was about Ezra that had drawn the attention of such a formidable figure.


    He put it down to a Ghost trainer being interested in one of its kind.


    Thankful that the situation was over, and that he''d receive no more scary visitors.


    Dealing with the Elite Four hadn''t been in the job description¡­


    <hr>

 Love at first sight?

    <hr>


    Azalea town, Johto.


    Azalea Town, nestled quietly in the southern part of Johto, was a quaint, almost sleepy village surrounded by dense forests and clear rivers. As Ezra approached on his Pidgeot, the sight of the town below him was a different view to the more active cities he''d been through recently. Here, the houses were simple wooden structures with thatched roofs, painted in faded pastel colors that had weathered the elements over the years. Small, winding dirt roads connected the homes, and a large, majestic oak tree stood proudly in the center of town, its branches spreading wide as if embracing the village in a protective canopy.


    The aroma of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery and the sound of a distant mill wheel turning added to the town''s rustic charm. Pokemon and people moved about leisurely, going about their daily routines without any of the rush he was used to seeing in larger towns.


    Ezra landed Pidgeot just outside the Pokemon Center, giving his loyal bird a pat on the neck as they touched down. "Good job, Pidgeot. Rest up," He said, returning Pidgeot to its Pokeball, knowing he''d eventually be replacing it when he evolved his Murkrow. He stepped inside the Pokemon Center, which was a modest building with a warm interior. The soft glow of the lamps and the clean, comforting scent gave the place a cozy atmosphere even as it surprised him to see a Pokemon center that wasn''t exactly the same as the rest. Nurse Joy was behind the counter, her familiar smile welcoming as always.


    I gotta look into that one day, it''s still weird. No way any family has that many identical kids¡­


    It was just a passing interest, but if someone was cloning people, he''d definitely want to know about it. They cloned Pokemon a few years ahead in the future, so the possibility was there, however remote.


    "Good day, Nurse Joy," Ezra greeted as he approached the counter. "I need to make a quick switch."


    The Pokemon centers were really a clever idea, healing, room and board, and access to the PC to call and video call someone was all a major boon for any traveling trainer. Although unlike in the games, transferring Pokemon wasn''t as easy as logging into the PC, you had to give them to Nurse Joy, the Pokemon Center having the technology that allowed the Pokeball and Pokemon to transfer into data and traverse the distances required.


    Many league buildings also had the same capabilities, and so did many of the larger stables as well, allowing trainers to easily access their Pokemon. Ezra''s stable did not have such a machine as of yet however.


    Of course in Ezra''s case, he simply needed the switch from Pokemon he already had on hand, one needing to go inactive, while another went active - due to the six Pokemon limit.


    "Of course," She replied kindly, scanning his trainer ID efficiently. "Which Pokemon would you like to swap?"


    Ezra handed over Pidgeot''s Pokeball and paused for a moment. "Could you switch Pidgeot to inactive for now, and this one to active." He handed her Dreepy''s ball, not sharing the name of the Pokemon.


    He''d taken a look at his own profile in the Pokedex and had realized several of his captures were labeled as ???, so he wasn''t going to reveal them that easily, by telling a Nurse Joy their breed.


    Nurse Joy nodded, and within moments, she had Pidgeot safely locked away from use and Dreepy''s Pokeball ready for him. "Here you go, young man. It is all set." If she had any curiosity about his Pokemon, she didn''t show it.


    "Thanks," Ezra said, taking the Pokeballs and attaching them to his belt. He gave a polite nod before heading back outside, ready for his next journey. Unfortunately he would no longer have an easy escape avenue, with Pidgeot locked away, but he needed to keep training his actual fighting team.


    So with his team now complete, Ezra left the town of Azalea on foot, making his way west toward the Ilex forest. The path leading from Azalea to Ilex was narrow and winding, bordered by tall grass and wildflowers that swayed gently in the breeze. He released his Pokemon one by one, wanting them to enjoy the open air and stretch their legs. Loki hovered close, its eyes darting around with curiosity. Cheshire floated lazily beside him, occasionally sticking out its tongue playfully at the passing wild Pokemon who wisely kept their distance. Nyx drifted along the ground, its ethereal form shifting slightly with each step, while Rider walked at his side, its bone club resting confidently on its shoulder.


    Dreepy and Deino, the newest additions to his party, moved a bit more cautiously, sticking closer to Ezra for guidance. Dreepy floated just above the ground, its spectral tail leaving a faint, shimmering trail behind it, while Deino trotted along with its head moving back and forth, its blind eyes not preventing it from taking in the world through other senses.


    As they traveled further from Azalea, the trees began to grow taller and denser, their branches intertwining to form a natural archway that marked the entrance to the Ilex forest. The light dimmed as the thick canopy above blocked out the sun, casting them in darkness, something they were all comfortable with. The air grew cooler and filled with the rich, earthy scent of moss and damp leaves.


    Walking deeper into the forest, the sounds of chirping Pidgey and rustling leaves filled the air, creating a somewhat tranquil yet vibrant symphony of nature. Ezra kept a steady pace, allowing his Pokwmon to explore their surroundings. Loki and Cheshire played a game of tag through the trees, their ghostly forms weaving effortlessly between branches. Nyx moved more slowly, occasionally pausing to inspect a particularly interesting root or stone. Rider, ever vigilant, kept an eye on their surroundings, suspicious of every noise or movement.


    Dreepy and Deino, still adjusting to being outside their Pokeballs for an extended period as part of the team, followed closely behind Ezra, watching the others, but not participating in their antics.


    Ezra took a deep breath, inhaling the crisp, fresh air of the forest. This wasn''t exactly where he felt most comfortable, away from the cities and surrounded by the tranquility of nature. But the needs for training away from prying eyes, and the benefits he alone held - made a few days of roughing it worth it in the end.


    Here, he could focus on his Pokemon, on his training, and on the journey ahead. As they continued deeper into the forest, Ezra couldn''t help but feel a sense of calm wash over him. For now, at least, everything felt right in the world. He had a plan, he had the tools to get to where he wanted to be - and he was going to cheat like a motherfucking beast.


    Again.


    He paused eventually, calling his Pokemon to a halt, the towering trees around him forming a natural barrier that seemed to isolate this part of the world from the rest of Johto. The forest was alive with the sounds of rustling leaves and distant calls of wild Pokemon, but there was a strange stillness to it as well. A forest of Pokemon was not the same as a forest of animals back home.


    It was more alive in a way, but at the same time quieter, as the Pokemon had a level of intelligence normal animals didn''t possess, and were much better equipped to keep the forest silent while avoiding invaders.


    "Alright," He muttered mostly to himself, "Time to get to work."


    He rolled his shoulders, letting his aura run more freely, signaling quietly to the ghosts in his shadow to come out.


    From the depths of the shadow, ghostly forms began to emerge immediately after he loosened his hold. A Misdreavous was the first, its spectral body slipping free from the darkness like a wisp of smoke. Its eyes glinted mischievously as it hovered just above the ground, looking around eagerly for something to scare. Next came a trio of Haunters, the wide, unsettling grins seemingly stretching even further as they rose from the shadow.


    His own team greeted them enthusiastically, at least the first four, the two newest additions a little shyer, although in Deino''s case, the Pokemon was standing quite aggressively, looking ready to fight. Ezra gave it a calm wave, "Don''t worry, this is all normal." He soothed, allowing his aura to stretch, the Pokemon snuffling as it got a good feel of it.


    A Gengar appeared next from behind him, its swirling form coalescing from the shadows like mist solidifying into stone. Other spectral shapes followed, wisps of ghostly energy forming into Duskulls, Gastly and more, each one slipping from the shadowy pool that was Ezra''s aura. All in all two dozen Pokemon swirled around him now.


    The scene was almost hypnotic, the way the ghosts moved like they were still part of the darkness, yet separate, ethereal forms breaking free from a physical constraint. They floated up, lingering around Ezra, their eyes glowing with eerie light, waiting for his command. This is what power feels like, he couldn''t help but think, smiling as ghosts almost caressed his face as they circled around him.


    Ezra shook his head, gathering his focus, his eyes on the cavalcade of ghosts before him. "You know what to do," He instructed, his voice calm but firm. "We need to toughen up Dreepy and Deino. I want you to find the weaker Pokemon in the forest - no need to hurt them too much, just drive them towards us. Funnel them in. The team will take it from there."


    He''d used this tactic previously to evolve Pidgeot, and he didn''t see why it wouldn''t work to give his newest Pokemon some experience, some practice - and help them gain strength through victories, however assisted that they were.


    The ghostly Pokemon nodded - or rather, many of them seemed to nod, their forms shifting in acknowledgment. Without another word, they dispersed, melting into the shadows of the forest, their presence becoming a whisper of cold air and a fleeting shadow. Ezra watched as they disappeared into the trees, his heart steady. He had done this before with his main team, and they had grown significantly stronger from the experience. Now it was time for Dreepy and Deino to learn the same lessons.


    From his shadow, Ezra summoned tendrils of darkness, thin but strong, weaving them through the underbrush around him. He could feel the energy flowing through him, his aura extending out into the forest, searching, probing, and preparing for what was to come. His Pokemon wasn''t the only one needing training.


    He had his shadow, this darkness he could control. It would be foolish beyond the extreme to not utilize it, train it. He needed to become better, as they became better.


    Not long after, the forest erupted into chaos. Ezra could hear the distant rustle of leaves and the sound of startled Pokemon fleeing from his ghosts. Loki and Cheshire, invisible in the shadows right ahead of them - were doing their job well, scaring and herding the weaker Pokemon the others were harassing - towards the clearing where Ezra waited.


    Through the trees, he saw flashes of color as various Bug type and Grass type Pokemon darted between the trunks, fleeing from some unseen terror. A cluster of Caterpie and Weedle scrambled over roots, their tiny bodies trembling in fear. An Oddish bolted past, its leaves quivering as it tried to escape the relentless pursuit of the ghosts.


    Ezra watched intently, his eyes scanning the forest as he stood calmly in the clearing. The first wave of wild Pokemon broke through the underbrush, a mix of Weedle, Caterpie, and Pidgey, all looking harried and exhausted. They burst into the open, their eyes wide with fear, driven forward by the relentless presence of Ezra''s Ghost types.


    "Now!" Ezra said calmly, pointing them out to Deino and Dreepy, who had been waiting eagerly. "This is your chance, strike!"


    Deino snarled, sensing the movement of the wild Pokemon. It charged forward, its compact body surprisingly quick as it barreled into a Caterpie, sending it sprawling with a single tackle. Nearby, Dreepy hovered low to the ground, its form shimmering as it shot forward with surprising speed, using the move Infestation several times in a row on several exhausted Pokemon. The bug type move was something Dreepy had from the start, and it was effective in this kind of fight, inflicting damage and then trapping the opponent, causing them to get more damage over time.


    With several Pokemon running into this gauntlet, Infestation would give Dreepy several ''kills'' for low effort. It pleased Ezra to see, because it meant his mock battles and what they taught, something he''d barely been able to start so far with his new additions before this - was actually sinking in.


    It especially worked well when Dreepy had a partner in Deino, who with cheerful aggression clomped down on the trapped Pokemon.


    The two young Pokemon worked well together, the momentary hesitation at seeing the many Pokemon funneled through completely gone now. Deino''s raw power and aggression paired with Dreepy''s agility and moveset made for a formidable combination. They moved through the clearing, knocking back Pokemon after Pokemon - taking them out with relish, each victory bolstering their confidence.


    Ezra kept his focus sharp, watching every movement, every strike. He could see the improvement with each encounter as the weakened Pokemon tried to fight back - Dreepy''s movements becoming more fluid, Deino''s strikes more precise, wasting less effort. This was exactly what he wanted to see. It wasn''t just about winning these small skirmishes - it was about building their strength, their endurance, their instincts.


    Dreino in its aggression would bleed stamina by wasting energy on unnecessary motions and moves as it raged across a battle, and with so many Pokemon to fight, Deino knew it. Which forced Deino to hold back, to only do the exact amount of damage needed and then move on. Teaching restraint in a way it would have probably taken Ezra weeks in a normal setting to hammer into the Pokemon''s head.


    For Dreepy, it was a lesson in battle control for the more flighty Pokemon, with so many moving parts, and Deino to keep a track of, it taught Dreepy to be aware of everything around the battlefield.


    Really his Ghost gauntlet was an excellent cheat, something other trainers could do as well in a limited fashion by utilizing most of their team to train a newer member. If they weren''t so limited in thought to never imagine harassing a bunch of Pokemon for XP.


    Now the world didn''t work on XP, but he could literally feel his Pokemon improving doing this, so it wasn''t that far off.


    The forest continued to yield more Pokemon, his ghostly team harassing and driving them towards the clearing in waves. A small group of Bellsprout stumbled into the open, their leaves flailing as they tried to regain their balance. Deino and Dreepy moved in quickly, Deino using a headbutt to knock one aside while rushing forward to tackle another, Dreepy using Astonish to decent effect, managing to make the Bellsprout desperately trying to hit Deino''s flank as it ran through its friends, flinch. Deino finished its Tackle just to turn around to use Bite on the lone Bellsprout.


    This is going excellently. Couldn''t have had a better first time, Ezra thought, pleased.


    Ezra''s other Pokemon, Cheshire and Loki, made sure the incoming Pokemon came in small manageable waves, Nyx keeping them from running off their flank. They were all using techniques to scare the Pokemon into the funnel, keeping them from scattering too widely - shooting the techniques into the ground to force them into a set direction, also training their own stamina and technique. Rider stood close to Ezra, its bone club ready, its eyes never straying too far from Ezra, as if daring any wild Pokemon to try and get close.


    In desperation, even a weak wild Pokemon might get the idea to take out the human. Normally humans weren''t attacked like that unless it was a particularly aggressive Pokemon, or they got near a nest of some sort. But this wasn''t a normal situation.


    The strategy was working well so far. Deino and Dreepy were gaining valuable experience, learning to fight as a unit and honing their abilities in real-time. They grew more confident with each victory, their movements more assured, their attacks more potent.


    Above all that, it was the experience from real battles that was the most valuable. So called low level ''mons biggest detriment were the fact they don''t fight as much, learn as much. Even with a trainer they usually spend a lot of time being trained up before they get many battles under their belt, and even then that is under full direction from a trainer for their every move in battle.


    Ezra had given them guidance before this, told them what would likely work, and what would not. But just like with his Ghosts - the main point here was to teach them that although they follow him and his orders, they could also anticipate what would happen, react, and become more intuitive of the flow of battle so that if a Sandstorm took over a battlefield in the League for example - they would be better suited to operating on their own, without orders.


    It was early days still, and this slaughter was nothing against a real battle, but it was a start.


    Just then some of the more desperate wild Pokemon tried to break through the line, probably thinking that their best chance lay in a direct attack on the human obviously orchestrating this chaos. A trio of Aipom jumped over Deino''s lunge, aiming directly for Ezra, ready to strike.


    Ezra was ready for the eventuality. The dark tendrils of his shadow shot out like whips, snatching two of the Aipom out of the air before they could reach him. With a flick of his wrist, he flung them back into the clearing, Loki and Cheshire falling on them with vengeance in their eyes. Ezra supposed this exercise was never going to finish without casualties.


    The last one he never worried about, Rider had already moved to intercept the moment it was clear who their target was. The Alolan Marowak spun its club with practiced precision, knocking the Aipom out of the air and sending it tumbling to the ground, the club taking on a steely glint as Rider smashed it down with a vicious chirp of derision.


    "Good work, Rider," Ezra called out, nodding in approval. The Alolan Marowak gave a solemn nod, then began to circle Ezra protectively, its eyes scanning the forest for any more threats.


    As the training continued, the wild Pokemon became more frantic, their movements more erratic as they realized they were being driven towards a losing battle. But Ezra''s ghostly team was relentless, corralling them with unyielding determination, funneling them into the waiting claws and teeth of Deino and Dreepy.


    The clearing was soon littered with exhausted or fainted wild Pokemon - with a few casualties joining the Aipoms. Deino and Dreepy crowed as they looked over the battlefield, victorious, their eyes bright with pride and exhilaration. They had faced numerous opponents, and while they were tired, they had grown stronger, more confident in their abilities.


    Ezra walked over to them, offering quiet praise and a gentle pat on each of their heads. "You both did great," He said, his voice calm, even as he smirked proudly. "This is just the beginning, but you''re already showing how strong you can become."


    Deino let out a satisfied growl, nudging Ezra''s hand with its head, while Dreepy floated closer, its eyes shining with determination. They were tired, but they were also eager for more, ready to continue their training and prove themselves further. Ezra wouldn''t let them, not right now. There was no point in overdoing it either. An injured Pokemon over foolishness would be a setback.


    While the Pokemon Center could easily heal fainting and minor ailments in seconds without ever taking a Pokemon out of its Pokeball, more serious injuries had to be treated in a different manner, and usually took time to fully heal. He wasn''t going to overdo it here, these two still had physical bodies that could suffer from overexertion.


    "Alright," Ezra said, his voice steady and reassuring. "Let''s call it a day. You''ve all earned a rest. We''ll keep at this and get even stronger. But for now, let''s head back."


    As he turned to lead them out of the forest, Ezra couldn''t help but feel a surge of pride for his team. They were growing stronger every day, and soon, they would be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.


    His own training wasn''t going as well, the use of his shadow incredibly draining still. But he''d persevere.


    It would be perfect to scare the crap out of uppity trainers once he had his gym.


    <hr>


    Ilex Forest, days later.


    On the third day of training, the air in the Ilex forest was thick with tension. Even though they used a different area each day, the Pokemon were now aware of them in a manner they hadn''t been before. Ezra had continued pushing his team, testing the limits of Dreepy and Deino with each session. Today had started no differently than the days before - his Ghost types had fanned out through the dense forest, herding wild Pokemon towards his younger charges. Dreepy and Deino were becoming more confident, their attacks sharper and their coordination improving. Ezra watched them with a faint smile, pleased with their progress.


    Then, without warning, the forest exploded into chaos.


    A deafening roar shattered the tranquility, and from the shadows of the trees, a pack of Mankey burst into the clearing. Their eyes were wild with rage, and their fur bristled as they charged forward, flailing their limbs in a frenzy. Ezra''s eyes widened in surprise as he counted their numbers - at least a dozen, maybe more.


    Leading the charge was a massive Primeape, its eyes burning with unrestrained fury. Its muscles bulged beneath its fur, and every step it took sent vibrations through the ground. The Primeape''s movements were erratic, driven by an uncontrollable rage that made it lash out at anything in its path.


    Ouch, including one of the Mankeys which was just punched into a tree, eyes spinning. Ezra''s mind snapped into focus as he realized he''d overstayed his welcome in the forest. This was no ordinary pack of wild Pokemon - this was a coordinated assault led by a Primeape gone berserk. He had to act quickly to protect his team.


    "Dreepy, Deino, fall back!" Ezra shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. The two young Pokemon immediately obeyed, retreating to a safer position behind him. Deino did not look happy about it however.


    The Mankey swarmed toward his Pokemon, their eyes filled with fury, but Ezra was already issuing orders. "Loki, occupy the Primeape! Frustrate it, lead it away from its minions!" He commanded. "Nyx, Cheshire, use Confuse Ray and Hypnosis, free targets! Rider, bowl them over with Iron Head, scatter them, and then circle back to pick off any stragglers!"


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The good thing about berserkers was they lacked coordination, the Mankeys getting in their own ways more than not, especially as Loki and Cheshire began hitting the ones in front of the pack, forcing them to run into their suddenly sleeping mates, or find themselves in a fight as a suddenly confused Mankey started punching whatever was closest.


    Loki, his mischievous little Shuppet, cackled with delight as it darted forward to face the raging Primeape. With a sudden burst of speed, it weaved through the air, its ghostly form making it difficult for the Primeape to land a hit as it winged it with a quick Shadow Ball that did little damage, but drew its attention. Loki''s eyes glowed with a ghostly light as it shot a Confuse Ray directly into the Primeape''s face, causing the wild Pokemon to stagger back, disoriented.


    Either way, it''s focus was now entirely on Loki, and the Primeape wasn''t leading the charge anymore. Reducing the threat of the small horde as his ghosts got to work. The ghosts who hid in his shadow and who had harried the weak Pokemon through the forest, returning to his flared aura, taking the group of Mankeys in the rear.


    Meanwhile, Nyx and Cheshire moved with practiced coordination, their spectral bodies gliding through the air as they kept casting Confuse Ray and Hypnosis on the advancing Mankey. Some of the Mankey immediately slowed, their eyes glazing over with confusion, while others stumbled to the ground, overcome by a sudden, irresistible drowsiness. Which kept fumbling up the group each time.


    Into this confused and hodgepodge group, Rider leapt in with a fierce determination, its bone club spinning in its hands flaring with fire. With a powerful swing, it knocked several Mankey off their feet, as it rushed into the group, lowering it head like a bull, a steely gleam to it as Rider bowled right though, coming out on the other end, circling back to strike at any Mankey that managed to avoid the others'' attacks.


    The battle quickly descended into chaos as the Mankey pack became completely disorganized. Taking attacks from every corner. With some of them under the effects of confusion and others asleep, their once-coordinated berserks rush fell apart. Rider continued to dart in and out, striking at any Mankey that tried to escape the confusion, his other Ghosts taking the Mankeys out one by one.


    Ezra turned his focus on Loki, who was doing an admirable job of keeping the Primeape occupied. Loki darted in and out, using Shadow Sneak to hit the Primeape from behind with Confuse Rays. Each time the Primeape tried to retaliate, Loki would vanish, reappearing a few feet away, taunting it with a ghostly laugh, apparently having the time of its life.


    The Primeape, already in a frenzy, became even more enraged as Loki continued to elude it. It swung wildly, smashing its fists into trees and the ground, its punches crackling with energy as it tried to hit the elusive ghost. Loki, however, was quick, always one step ahead, leaving the Primeape frustrated and disoriented and really really pissed off.


    But then, in its blind rage, the Primeape managed to predict Loki''s next move as Loki got sloppy and did the same move twice in a row. Just as Loki emerged from the shadows for another Confuse Ray, the Primeape spun around with surprising speed, its eyes blazing with fury. Its fist crackled with electricity as it delivered a devastating Thunder Punch directly into Loki''s side.


    Loki let out a cry of pain as the Thunder Punch connected, electricity coursing through its spectral form. The impact sent it hurtling back, its body trembling with paralysis. For a moment, it hung in the air, stunned by the blow.


    Ezra''s eyes widened in alarm, but he reacted quickly. Drawing on his aura, he reached out with his energy, sending a surge of rejuvenating power towards Loki. "Loki, get out of striking distance and pepper it with Shadow Balls!" He commanded, his voice steady but urgent.


    Loki shivered as Ezra''s aura washed over it, the paralysis fading away as it regained its strength. With a determined glint in its eyes, Loki quickly floated out of the Primeape''s reach, dodging another Thunder Punch. It immediately began forming Shadow Balls, firing them at the enraged Primeape with a rapid barrage.


    The Primeape roared in frustration, swinging its arms wildly as the Shadow Balls struck it, each one hitting with more force than the last. The ghostly energy battered the Primeape, but it refused to back down, its rage fueling its relentless assault. It charged at Loki again, fists swinging with reckless abandon, but Loki was ready this time.


    Ezra''s other Pokemon had already dealt with the rest of the Mankey pack by then. The forest clearing was littered with Mankey, most of them either asleep, confused, or fainted from their relentless assault. With the battle against the Mankey effectively over, Ezra''s team turned their attention to the Primeape.


    "All of you atta-"


    He was interrupted by a furious chirp from Loki that stated in no uncertain terms that this was Loki''s fight.


    "Alright everyone," Ezra said, holding up a hand as his team moved to assist Loki. "Let''s give Loki a chance to finish this. You can do it, Loki! Kick its ass!"


    He''d give him a chance, the Primeape shouldn''t have the reach to harm Loki now anyway. If things turned south, he''d send everyone in, Loki''s feelings be damned.


    Loki chirped happily in response, a fierce determination burning in its eyes. It floated higher into the air, its gaze never leaving the Primeape as it continued to launch Shadow Balls at the enraged Pokemon. The Primeape swung wildly, but each strike hit only empty air or a nearby tree, its confusion making it difficult to target Loki effectively. Whether due to the Confuse Ray or it''s rage, it was only using Thunder Punches, and not whatever else it might have in its repertoire.


    Finally, the Primeape managed to steady itself, shaking its head to clear the lingering effects of the Confuse Rays it had taken earlier. It let out a furious roar, its muscles tensing as it prepared to charge at Loki with everything it had, eying a particularly large tree as an avenue perhaps to get up high. But Loki was ready, its eyes glowing with a fierce light as it summoned a massive Shadow Ball, larger and denser than any it had created before.


    With a defiant cry, Loki hurled the Shadow Ball at the charging Primeape. The attack struck the Primeape square in the chest, the force of the impact sending it crashing back into a tree with a thunderous impact. The ground shook with the force of the collision, and for a moment, the forest was silent.


    The Primeape struggled to its feet, its breath coming in ragged gasps. It was battered and bruised, its energy all but spent, but it refused to give in. It took a shaky step forward, its eyes still burning with defiance.


    Loki floated down, its eyes locked onto the Primeape, its expression one of steely determination. It had come too far to lose now. With a final surge of ghostly energy, Loki launched itself at the Primeape, its body glowing with a dark, ethereal light. It struck the Primeape with a final Shadow Ball at point-blank range, right in its face, as the Primeape weakly tried to hit Loki, the force of the attack sending the Primeape crashing to the ground, unconscious.


    As the dust settled, Loki hovered in the air, slightly battered but triumphant. Ezra watched with a proud smile as a dark aura began to surround Loki. The shadows around it begin to stretch and warp, drawn towards the ghostly Pokemon like iron filings to a magnet.


    A faint, unsettling hum filled the air, a sound that seemed to come from deep within Loki. The Pokemon''s body shivered and pulsed, the soft purple hues darkening to a deeper, more menacing shade. The glow from its eye intensified, a sharp, eerie light glowing brightly, almost blinding Ezra to the rest of the process.


    As the transformation took hold, Loki''s form started to twist and contort, the wispy edges of its body pulling inward, compressing and solidifying. The cloak like form pulled tighter around it, becoming less ethereal and more corporeal, stitching itself into a rough, patchwork fabric. Threads of energy, like spectral needles, weaved through the air, binding together the shadows that clung to Loki, reshaping them with an almost frantic urgency.


    Suddenly, the fabric ripped open along a jagged seam, revealing a row of jagged, grinning teeth. The sound was like a whisper in reverse, a chilling hiss that echoed in the stillness. The single eye split into two, each now filled with a cunning, malevolent glint. Limbs sprouted from the new body - a pair of wiry arms ending in sharp, claw-like fingers that flexed and twitched with a newfound life. The transformation continued as the energy around it crackled and sparked, a final surge of power sealing the change.


    In a breathless instant, the evolution was complete. His Shuppet had become Banette, a sinister, puppet-like figure with a zipper mouth, its expression frozen in a perpetual, malevolent grin.


    Ezra grinned. "Well done, Loki," he said, his voice filled with pride. "You did it. You evolved!"


    Loki, now a Banette, let out a victorious cackle, its new form crackling with energy. It turned to face Ezra, its zipper-like mouth curving into a wide, unsettling grin.


    He had no idea how exactly it worked, a ghostly Shuppet suddenly becoming a ghostly possessed doll, it didn''t make any sense, but that was ''mon for you. Especially Ghost ones - they rarely made any sense. He really doubted there were any dolls laying around in this forest for example.


    "Nice work," Ezra said, walking over to his newly evolved Banette. "You''ve earned this evolution." He praised, tossing Loki a berry, which the Banette eagerly grasped. He reached into his bag and pulled out a Pokeball, turning his attention to the unconscious Primeape. "This one''s got potential. Let''s see if it''s interested in joining us."


    Ezra tossed the Pokeball at the Primeape, the ball striking the unconscious Pokemon and absorbing it in a flash of light. The ball wobbled on the ground for a moment before clicking shut, signaling a successful capture.


    He picked up the Pokeball, turning it over in his hand with a satisfied smile. "An Annihilape in the making," He muttered to himself, tucking the ball away. "That''s going to be fun."


    Turning back to his team, Ezra couldn''t help but feel a surge of dark pleasure. They had come a long way in their training, and today''s unexpected challenge had only made them stronger. He had no doubt that they were ready for whatever lay ahead - he was going to crush all opposition.


    Part of him almost wanted to hide his entire team somehow until the conference, and give old Agatha a heart attack when he suddenly unveiled all the new Ghost types in front of her eyes.


    "Alright, everyone," He called out, his voice carrying through the forest. "Let''s head back. We''ve got a lot more work to do, but you all did great today."


    <hr>


    Ezra strode back into the Azalea Town Pokemon Center. The training session with his Pokemon had been intense, and they''d made progress, but he had to keep up with the practicalities too. There was always work to be done.


    He made his way to the far side of the lobby, where a row of computers lined the wall, designed for trainers to contact friends, family, and in his case, business associates. He pulled out a chair and sat down, logging into the system. The screen blinked to life, and he quickly navigated to the video call function. Brock had likely done well looking after his Pokemon, but he needed to make sure the new addition wouldn''t cause any problems in his absence - as in keep Brock from messing with his plans for it.


    After a few rings, Brock''s face appeared on the screen. He looked slightly disheveled, as if he''d been in the middle of a workout or dealing with a difficult Pokemon. His expression brightened when he saw Ezra. "Hey, Ezra! How''s it going out there?"


    Ezra leaned back in his chair, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Going well. Just wanted to give you a heads up about a new capture I made today. It''s a Primeape. A bit of a wild one, so I''m going to need you to keep it in its Pokeball until I get back, I''ll be transferring it over to Pewter''s Pokemon center for pickup."


    Brock''s brow furrowed in confusion. "A Primeape, huh? I can handle it, no problem. Why keep it in the ball, though? I''m sure I can help it settle in and calm down. It''s not like I haven''t dealt with temperamental Pokemon before."


    Ezra appreciated Brock''s confidence, but this wasn''t a matter of managing an unruly Pokemon. "No, it''s not about your ability to handle it," Ezra clarified, his tone even. "I trust you, Brock, really. But I''m trying something different with this Primeape. It''s got a lot of anger in it, and I want it to stay that way. If you try to calm it down or get it to adjust to the stable environment, it''ll ruin what I''m planning."


    He didn''t mention his real intentions. The truth was, he wanted the Primeape to keep its rage burning, to foster that fury into something more potent. Anger, in the right hands, could be a powerful tool, and he had plans for that Primeape that wouldn''t involve it becoming a docile stable dweller. He needed it to become so enraged it would literally reject death and evolve into an Annihilape.


    He wasn''t absolutely sure it would take all that, but it seemed too weak a reason for it to evolve just from using a particular move twenty or so times - he''d find out in the end, but just in case, he wanted that rage burning.


    Brock nodded slowly, though he still seemed puzzled by Ezra''s instructions. "Alright, if you say so. I''ll leave it in the Pokeball until you get back. Just seemed like it might be good for it to get used to the place."


    Ezra appreciated Brock''s inclination to nurture Pokemon, especially his, but this was different. "Thanks, Brock. I knew I could count on you." I made the right choice picking him, even if it is only temporary.


    There was a brief pause on Brock''s end, and he seemed to hesitate before speaking again. "Hey, Ezra, can I ask you something?"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, sensing the shift in Brock''s tone. "Sure, what''s up?"


    Brock scratched the back of his head, clearly choosing his words carefully. "Are you¡­ acquainted with Lady Agatha of the Elite Four?"


    Ezra''s expression shifted to one of surprise, followed by a slight frown. "No¡­ I know who she is, of course, but I don''t know her personally. Why would I?" Did I call this into being by thinking of giving the old bitch a heart attack?


    Now he respected her ability, how couldn''t he? She was the premier Ghost Mistress after all. But anyone that controlled that many high level Ghost Pokemon without his inherent advantages was most definitely a complete monster.


    Brock sighed, glancing around as if to make sure no one was listening in. "She visited the stable a few days ago, right after you left. Wanted to speak with you. When I told her you weren''t there, she asked to inspect your Pokemon, well less asked and more pressuring."


    Ezra felt a spark of anger ignite in his chest, his fists clenching unconsciously. His eyes narrowed as he fixed Brock with a hard stare. "And did she?" She better not fucking have!


    Brock quickly shook his head, raising his hands defensively. "No, I refused. You don''t just let someone inspect someone else''s Pokemon without their permission, not even an Elite Four member. Unless they have a warrant or something official, they can''t just barge in like that. I told her I couldn''t allow it."


    Ezra''s anger simmered down, replaced by a grudging respect. Brock could have easily been intimidated by Agatha, but he had stood his ground. "Good. That couldn''t have been easy, telling Lady Agatha to buzz off. You''re getting a bonus added to your pay for that." You''re a bro, Brock, you deserve it.


    Brock looked genuinely taken aback by Ezra''s words. "A bonus? Come on, Ezra, I was just doing my job. You don''t have to pay me extra for that." The tips of his ears pinked as he looked embarrassed, glancing away from the screen.


    Ezra''s lips curled into a small, teasing smile. "It''s already decided, you''re getting a bonus. I don''t go back on my word. Besides, you wouldn''t want to make me a liar, would you?"


    Brock chuckled, though he still seemed a bit uncomfortable with the idea. "Alright, alright, if you insist. But seriously, it''s no big deal. Just didn''t seem right to let her in without you being there."


    Ezra nodded, his expression softening slightly. "I appreciate it, Brock. I''ll be back by the end of the week. Just keep things running smoothly until then."


    Brock nodded. "Will do. Take care out there, Ezra."


    Ezra waved before ending the call, the screen flickering back to the main menu. He sat back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. Agatha''s sudden interest in him was concerning. Was it because of his Pokemon that showed up as question marks in the system? Or¡­ Did Lavender finally get off their asses and report his peculiarity.


    The first was manageable, the second was more¡­ Annoying. Who knew what the League would want with his abilities if they came fully to light.


    Lavender only knew he had an affinity for Ghosts. That minimal information wasn''t too bad. But what he could actually do, he couldn''t reveal that. And someone like Agatha might have the best chance to suss that out if he was around her for too long.


    Whatever, he''ll deal with it when it comes up, the League doesn''t conscript people, so he could always just say no to whatever she wanted. It wouldn''t be entirely without consequences. She was an Elite Four, it could make his gym idea more untenable if she took offense¡­ But this wasn''t a dictatorship. He could still just say no.


    Pushing the thought aside for now, he navigated to his email to check for any new messages. His eyes lit up with satisfaction as he saw a notification from Mark, his lawyer. He opened the message and quickly read through it, a smile spreading across his face. Devon Corp had accepted the amendments Mark had proposed, and the agreement was ready to be signed when he returned to Pewter.


    That was quick. Seemed Steven Stone really did want this to happen. Normally contract negotiations like that would probably be more drawn out, especially after Mark had found them trying to sneak in some extras.


    Ezra allowed himself a moment of satisfaction. Things were coming together. With the contract ready and the business about to get off the ground, he was one step closer to achieving his goals. And with his team growing stronger by the day, he felt more confident than ever in his abilities as a trainer.


    He glanced at the clock on the computer screen. It was getting late, and he had a tournament to attend the next day, with flying time involved he''d had to get up very early. He needed rest if he was going to be at his best. But first, he logged out of the computer and stood up, stretching his arms above his head. The Pokemon Center was quiet, most trainers either resting or tending to their Pokemon. He walked over to the front desk, where Nurse Joy was busy organizing some paperwork.


    "Excuse me, Nurse Joy," Ezra said politely. "I''d like to reserve a room for the night." He handed her his ID card.


    Nurse Joy looked up and gave him a warm smile, taking the card and scanning it quickly. "Of course. We have plenty of space. You''ll be in Room 5, just down the hall."


    "Thank you," Ezra replied, taking the keycard she handed him, he also handed her Primeapes inactive Pokeball, "And can you transfer this to Pewter City''s Pokemon center, with pickup privilege for Brock the son of Flint." He asked.


    Nurse Joy had no issues with that, just requiring him to fill out a quick electronic form confirming the information, before she sent the Pokeball through to Pewter.


    He made his way to his room, his mind already turning over the events of the day and what lay ahead. As he opened the door and stepped inside, he took a deep breath, letting the familiar scent of a Pokemon Center room wash over him. It was comforting in a way, the smell of clean linens and the faint scent of berries.


    He set his bag down on the floor and flopped onto the bed, staring up at the ceiling. Tomorrow was another day, another step on his journey. He had a tournament to attend, battles to fight, and more Pokemon to train. After that, it was back to Pewter to sign the contract and get his business officially off the ground.


    And, most likely, he''d have to deal with Agatha at some point. Whatever she wanted, he doubted she would just give up. But he''d cross that bridge when he came to it. For now, he needed to focus on the task at hand.


    With a tired sigh, Ezra closed his eyes, letting himself drift off to sleep. Tomorrow would be another busy day, but he wouldn''t have it any other way.


    <hr>


    Olivine city, Johto.


    Ezra landed in Olivine City, the wind from Pidgeot''s wings scattering dust across the street as his feet hit the ground. The city was bustling with activity, a blend of sailors, tourists, and trainers, all mingling under the bright midday sun. The seaside town had its own charm - the salty breeze, the cries of Wingull circling above, and the distant chime of the lighthouse bell, but he preferred the bigger cities if he was completely honest. He quickly recalled Pidgeot into its Pokeball and made his way towards the Pokemon Center.


    Inside, the familiar hum of activity greeted him - trainers were lounging around, chatting, or tending to their Pokemon, it was pretty full, no doubt due to the tournament. He approached the counter where Nurse Joy was busy organizing some files.


    "Hello, Nurse Joy," Ezra greeted, giving her a polite nod and sliding over his ID card. "I''d like to switch my Pidgeot to inactive for this one." He held out Dreepy''s Pokeball.


    Nurse Joy smiled warmly. "Of course Give me just a moment." She turned to the computer behind her and started typing with one hand, while swiping her ID card with the other. Within moments, she handed him Dreepy''s Pokeball back, as well as Pidgeots inactive one. "Here you go! Good luck in the tournament."


    "Thanks," Ezra replied, tucking the Pokeballs into his belt. He left the Pokemon Center, ready to make his way toward the Battle Tower just northwest of Olivine, where the tournament was set to take place. A smart choice really, where else would you manage to get a lot of battle maniacs easily without even having to advertise?


    The route outside the city was scenic, with the sea on one side and the dense greenery of the forest on the other. The path was lined with trainers and spectators, all heading toward the tournament grounds. Ezra had signed up online earlier, so all he had to do was show up and pay his entry fee to participate. As he walked, he thought about his strategy for the matches ahead, his mind already buzzing with plans.


    He was halfway there when a sharp, angry shout pierced the air behind him. "You! Stop right there!"


    Ezra turned around, frowning as he saw a woman stomping toward him. Her long, silvery-blue hair flowed wildly in the wind, her expression a mix of glee and pure fury. Her silvery blue eyes were ablaze with emotion, and her posture screamed confrontation. She was wearing a sleeveless black top that hugged her figure, paired with black pants and combat boots that looked well-worn from travel. Her gaze was intense, and her lips were set in a determined line as she marched up to him, her boots crunching on the gravel.


    Ezra quickly put two and two together. This must be Karen, the woman Brock had told him about. As she got closer, he could see the almost predatory glint in her eyes, and it confirmed everything he''d heard. Karen was an attractive woman, no doubt about that, but there was a dangerous edge to her, something wild and untamed. She had an aura of confidence and strength that was hard to ignore. He''d gotten himself the weirdest kind of fan girl¡­


    Before he could say anything, Karen stabbed a finger in his face, standing so close she was nearly towering over him. "You''re coming with me, right now, you annoying pest!"


    Ezra blinked and roughly pushed her finger away from his face. "I''m flattered, really," He said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I don''t have time for a relationship right now. And in the future, you might have better luck asking for dates without making such a public spectacle of it."


    He gestured around them, where several trainers had stopped to watch the scene unfold, whispering and chuckling to each other. With how she acted just now, he had a feeling Brock had misinterpreted everything, but he couldn''t help but troll her anyway. He didn''t like her attitude.


    Karen''s face turned crimson with fury and embarrassment, her eyes wide with a mix of rage and disbelief. "A date!? Are you out of your mind? I''m not asking you for a date, you insufferable brat!"


    Ezra leaned back slightly, his expression mockingly thoughtful. "You''re very¡­ Passionate," He observed, his tone teasing. "And I''ve been told you''ve been following me, so what else could it be? Especially with you so passionately requesting me to come with you?"


    The crowd''s murmuring grew louder, some of the onlookers starting to laugh at the unfolding drama. A group of girls nearby giggled and whispered to each other, clearly entertained by what they thought was a lover''s spat.


    Karen''s eyes flicked around, her face so red it looked like a tomato, steam practically coming out of her ears. "Stop fucking with me!" She growled, grabbing his collar and getting right up in his face. "I''m not here to play games, Kassian!"


    Ezra had to control the reflexive reaction of the ghosts in his shadow from interfering. He could feel their agitation, their readiness to lash out in defense, but he kept them in check. He met Karen''s furious gaze with a calm, almost bored expression. "I am trying not to ''fuck'' you, but you won''t take no for an answer," He said, sounding long-suffering. "I''m too young to have a fangirl really, choose someone else."


    Alright, he might be having a little bit too much fun with this¡­


    Karen spluttered, her words caught in her throat. She seemed to realize how close she was and immediately stepped back, clearing her throat. "You''re coming with me back to Indigo," she demanded, trying to regain some dignity. Her eyes were stabbing daggers into him as she leaned closer again, hissing low enough that the crowd couldn''t hear, "Call me a fangirl again and I''ll feed you to my Pokemon!"


    Several trainers in the crowd started whispering again, some of them clearly enjoying the show. "On-again, off-again relationship," One of them said with a chuckle. Another girl nodded, "Definitely some unresolved tension there." A third adding, "See how she can''t stop getting into his face? She''s totally waiting for him to just kiss her and make up!"


    Ezra smirked, looking into her eyes, "If I give you a kiss will you stop stalking me?"


    Karen''s face went an even deeper shade of red, looking like she might explode. She jerked forward and grabbed his arm, starting to drag him away. "Just shut up and come with me before I knock you out!"


    Ezra weighed his options for a moment, thinking over whether he should really continue antagonizing her or just go along to find out what Agatha wanted. But¡­ He did have a tournament to attend, so antagonizing it was. He called out loudly, his voice completely deadpan, "Help, someone help! Rape! I''m being dragged away by a crazy woman!"


    Karen''s eyes flared with anger, and she looked like she was about to punch him out when Officer Jenny, who Ezra had spotted approaching from a distance, finally arrived and put a firm hand on Karen''s shoulder.


    "I don''t know what''s going on here," Officer Jenny said in a stern voice, "But I''ve witnessed enough to know that you''ve been screaming and putting your hands on this young man, and from what I just heard, even if I doubt he was serious¡­ I need you to come with me."


    Karen stood up straight, turning around to face Officer Jenny with a cold, steely expression. "I am the apprentice of Lady Agatha of the Elite Four - "


    But before she could continue, Officer Jenny tightened her grip on Karen''s shoulder, holding her firmly in place. "That makes it worse because you should definitely know better, young lady. Now, while I can''t classify this as an assault, you will be joining me to speak about public decency and to de-escalate this situation."


    Officer Jenny looked at Ezra, her expression softening slightly but still serious. "You can move along, and if this type of situation happens again, don''t make light of it. Just ask for assistance." She chided him, her tone firm but not unkind.


    Ezra nodded, putting on a contrite expression. "Yes, ma''am. Thank you for your help." He turned to leave, giving Karen a smug smile as he walked away, enjoying the look of fury on her face as she glared daggers at him.


    I''m probably paying for that later¡­ But I bet she''ll be in the tournament¡­ His blood was up, and he felt a thrum of excitement. How would he stack up against an apprentice of the Elite Four?


    The crowd started to disperse, the trainers who had stopped to watch the drama unfold now moving on with their business, though Ezra could still hear snippets of their conversations, most of them amused by what they thought was a lover''s spat. I''ll never let her live that down, he thought with amusement.


    As he walked away, Ezra couldn''t help but chuckle to himself. He wasn''t about to be dragged off to Indigo or anywhere else without knowing what he was getting into, and he certainly wasn''t going to let someone else dictate his actions. Whatever Agatha wanted, he would deal with it on his own terms. If it was important, the woman knew how to call him.


    Ezra made his way to the tournament registration booth, shaking his head with a wry grin. He handed over the entry fee and confirmed his participation, then walked onto the sprawling front lawn of the Battle Tower, where rows of makeshift battle arenas had been set up for the tournament. Trainers were bustling around, some warming up with their Pokemon, others strategizing in small groups.


    He looked around at the crowd, his eyes scanning the various trainers. Karen might show up later, but that would be fine with him. He was ready for whatever challenge came his way.


    With a final glance back in the direction where Officer Jenny was still lecturing Karen, Ezra turned his focus fully to the tournament. He had battles to fight, Pokemon to train, and a reputation to build. Whatever came next, he was more than ready.


    <hr>


    Twenty minutes later, one hour before his tournament slot.


    He found himself an unoccupied tent, the tables and containers laid out obviously hinting that it would end up as some sort of refreshment tent for when the tournament kicked off.


    Apparently his Orange League victory had made him somewhat interesting to people, and when his trainer ID had been seen by the organizers, he''d been chosen to start the tournament off with the first match. It definitely wouldn''t be as easy a tournament as last time out. This time actual badge holders were competing.


    He let his entire team out, letting Deino and Dreepy out before him, the rest of the team in a half circle behind them. "We''re about to have our first real battles as a full team, although you two will likely only face the first few easy trials, you both need names first."


    Both Pokemon seemed excited for the occasion, preening slightly as they looked up at him.


    "Dreepy, as you are a female, I''m naming you Morrigan, after a goddess of death and war." He smirked down at her, "And because when you''re all grown up, you''re going to make people piss themselves all across Kanto and Johto, won''t you girl?"


    Morrigan looked proud at the name, a gleam in her eyes that showed Ezra she was looking forward to it.


    Deino at this point was practically vibrating, Ezra chuckled as he patted his head, "I haven''t forgotten about you, how about a name of a powerful Dragon, hm? One called the World Eater?"


    Deino jumped in place, butting against his hand, chirping in a way he could only take as, tell me, tell me! Deino was usually more aggressive than his other Pokemon, in the short time they''d had, so he thought of a name that would fit.


    "You are now Alduin, and when you''re big and strong you''ll show them that World Eater isn''t far from your capabilities." Ezra said, grinning down at Alduin.


    Alduin puffed out his chest, looking thrilled with the name, the ghosts all cheering for them in their own way. Dreepy protesting as Cheshire gave her a long lick up the back of her head.


    "Alright, we''ll do battle soon, and you''ll be introduced to the world, or at least this area, as Alduin and Morrigan." Ezra said, with satisfaction, before pulling them back in their pokeballs, so they''d be a surprise for the first trainer he''d encounter in the tournament.


    He''d given them strong names, partly because he knew how strong they''d become, and partly to fuck with everyone who was going to wonder what these Pokemon were - and wouldn''t even get a breed name out of him.


    It sucked to suck.


    Betcha you''ll call me again soon, Professor Oak¡­


    <hr>


    With Karen,


    She was humiliated, she couldn''t have imagined a way for that to have gone worse. She''d been so elated at finally finding the brat, so pissed off at even the sight of his face at the same time.


    She''d forgotten herself, her position.


    She''d embarrassed herself, and Lady Agatha.


    Her hands clenched around a Pokeball, as she huffed angrily, it''s all his fault¡­.


    At least he was participating in the tournament, so this time he couldn''t just fly off on her. She smiled a satisfied and vicious smile. She''d get to face him, no doubt.


    He had won a league, surely he''d make the final here¡­ She''d get to face him.


    And destroy him!


    All her frustrations, all her stress¡­ It would soon be over as that brat cried at her feet after suffering a monumental defeat. Proving her superiority, earning herself Lady Agatha''s esteem.


    This stupid boy would never supplant her as the apprentice.


    She''d prove it, destroying his Pokemon one by one.


    This is going to be sooooo satisfying. She thought, cackling quietly to herself.


    League winner or not, he was a new trainer. He didn''t stand a chance.


    The Orange League wasn''t that big of a deal anyway.


    She could definitely take him.


    <hr>

 D-D-Duel!

    <hr>


    Johto,


    The sun hung high over the Battle Tower''s front lawn, casting bright rays across the rows of makeshift battle arenas. Ezra stood confidently on his side of the field, rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, excited to see the first match of the tournament begin. He could feel their energy humming through the air like an electric current.


    With both himself, a League winner - even if most here had hardly even heard of the Orange League - and Karen, the apprentice of an Elite Four, there was an amazing buzz going through the tournament at the moment.


    Across from him, his opponent was a bug type specialist, sporting a cocky grin and holding three badges pinned to his vest as a show of pride. Ezra noted the badges - Violet City''s Zephyr Badge, Azalea Town''s Hive Badge, and Goldenrod City''s Plain Badge. Not too shabby, at least compared to his last tournament. The bug trainer (who''s name he''d already forgotten - because really, bugs?) already had his first Pokeball in hand, eagerly awaiting the start of the match.


    Karen, sitting in the stands with her arms crossed, watched Ezra with a dark expression. Her eyes were locked on him, her jaw tight. She wasn''t hiding her annoyance, not after the morning''s embarrassing encounter. Ezra spotted her in the crowd and couldn''t resist the opportunity. With a mischievous grin, he blew her a playful kiss, causing a few spectators around her to chuckle. Karen''s glare only intensified, her hands balling into fists.


    She was really making it all too easy for Ezra. She was wound up way too tightly, especially for someone in her position. Although he supposed she had a lot of growing up to do still before she took over one of the Elite Four slots.


    The referee called a start to the match, Ezra just cooly watching his opponent, fingers stroking one of his Pokeballs.


    "Ready, Ezra?" the bug trainer called, not waiting for an answer before he began anyway, "Alright, let''s see what you''ve got. Go, Scyther!" the bug trainer shouted, tossing his first Pokeball onto the field.


    With a flash of light, a Scyther appeared, its twin scythes gleaming under the sun. It sliced the air with a few practice swings, showing off its speed and sharpness. Ezra considered his options. He knew bug types had an advantage over dark, but he felt Alduin could handle himself fairly well if needed, but that didn''t mean he couldn''t use Morrigan first to his advantage, softening the enemy up a little.


    Bugs might be dangerous for his little dark dragon, but against his ghostly dragon, they would fall. He tilted his head idly, watching the Scyther, a thought coming to him. Perhaps he could do Brock a favor and get him a Kleavor? He would have to source some black augurite, but it shouldn''t be impossible. Another one to add to the list for his Pokemon breeder farm. Brock would get it for free, of course - he''d stood up to an Elite Four for him, a completely new bug/rock evolution was a nice enough thanks.


    "Let''s start with you, Morrigan," Ezra called, releasing his Dreepy onto the field. Morrigan hovered slightly above the ground, her spectral form shimmering in the sunlight, her eyes sharp and focused.


    The crowd murmured in surprise, all of them unfamiliar with the unique form of a Dreepy. "What''s that?" One of the spectators called out. "Looks like some kind of ghost type¡­"


    Karen leaned forward slightly, intrigued despite herself. Morrigan, eh? So he''s the kind of loser who names his Pokemon? Tch¡­ So this new type is what he''s been hiding¡­


    "Scyther, Quick Attack into X-Scissor!" the bug trainer ordered. Scyther moved with blinding speed, becoming a blur of green and silver as it closed the gap between them in an instant.


    "Morrigan, use Quick Attack to dodge, Confuse Ray on your previous location!" Ezra commanded calmly. Just as Scyther was about to strike, Morrigan disappeared in a blur as well due to her Quick Attack, before reappearing, curled up and chirping as she fired a Confuse Ray that hit Scyther even as his trainer shouted for it to dodge.


    Unfortunately for Ezra, the Confuse Ray didn''t seem to stick very well, the Scyther shaking it off to the cheers of the bug trainer.


    "Nice try, but that won''t stop us! Scyther, Fury Cutter, watch out for Quick Attacks!" The bug trainer clenched his fist in excitement as Scyther threw itself forward, slashing at Morrigan.


    "Tank it and Bite." Ezra ordered, not overly worried, the bug move wouldn''t be super effective and he believed Morrigan would do more damage back with the Scyther within reach.


    The Scyther slashed at Morrigan, while Morrigan gathered the dark energy necessary, her small jaw gleaming as she sinuously stretched around the strikes to Bite Scyther''s left shoulder, something giving away with a loud crackling crunch.


    The Scyther let out a cry, backpedaling even as his trainer shouted worriedly, Morrigan barely damaged from the Scyther''s strikes. Ezra also knew that with Morrigan having the ability cursed body, there was even a chance the Scyther''s attack would have disabled Fury Cutter going forward. Not that it would matter.


    Ezra didn''t flinch at the Pokemon''s cry. He was already moving ahead with the next move. "Morrigan, use Dragon Tail!"


    Morrigan darted forward with surprising speed, her tail glowing with a brilliant draconic energy. Scyther barely had time to react before Morrigan''s tail slammed into its chest, sending it skidding back across the field, tumbling uncontrollably, fainted already. The trainer immediately called Scyther back to its Pokeball, looking like he was caught off guard, fumbling to grab his next one.


    Unlike Alduin, Morrigan had immediately taken to draconic attacks, especially Dragon Tail, likely because Morrigan was practically all tail to begin with.


    "What the - ? Fine, let''s go, Butterfree!" The bug trainer shouted, tossing out his second Pokeball.


    Butterfree appeared in a burst of light, fluttering above the field with its wings glistening in the sun. It let out a soft, melodic cry, ready to fight.


    "Morrigan, switch out!" Ezra called, recalling Dreepy and immediately throwing out his next choice. "Alduin, it''s your turn!"


    Alduin would be harmed easier by bug type moves which is why he hadn''t started with him, but Butterfree was mainly useful for two things, status moves, and psychic moves. Psychic moves would be useless, and Alduin was agile and quick enough to hopefully not run into problems - he needed the experience anyway.


    Deino burst onto the field, a fierce growl escaping its lips as it bared its teeth, eager for the fight. The crowd cheered at the sight of another Pokemon they''d never seen before. It was really throwing the announcer off, a guy Ezra barely paid attention to, other then to note with amusement his confusion about Ezra''s Pokemon.


    "Butterfree, Sleep Powder!" The bug trainer ordered quickly, predictably, trying to regain control of the match. Butterfree''s wings began to flutter rapidly, releasing a shimmering cloud of powder that drifted towards Alduin.


    "Counter it with Dragon Breath!" Ezra said lazily. Alduin inhaled deeply and released a focused burst of blue, fiery energy from its mouth. The blast cut through the air, dispersing the cloud of Sleep Powder and striking Butterfree head on. Butterfree screeched as the Dragon Breath hit, sending it spinning through the air.


    Alduin wasn''t the greatest with his control of the draconic energy yet however, so it neither took the Butterfree out, nor fully dispersed the cloud, due to being a more focused weaker beam, which meant the Sleep Powder would be slowly drifting down shortly, spread out, instead of concentrated, but still a concern.


    "Butterfree, into the air, Sleep Powder again! Fill the field!" The bug trainer yelled out.


    "Scary Face, Bite!" Ezra continued without missing a beat. Alduin used Scary Face, making the Butterfree stagger slightly, slowed down in its ascent, before he charged forward leaping into the air. He clamped his jaws down on Butterfree''s wing, dragging the bug-type down to the ground with a solid thud.


    The crowd gasped, impressed by the ferocity of the attack. Butterfree struggled, its wings fluttering weakly as it tried to break free.


    "Come on, Butterfree, use Confusion!" The bug trainer called desperately. Butterfree''s eyes glowed with a psychic energy. But the dragon/dark Pokemon held firm, its jaws locked tightly around Butterfree''s wing, a psychic move wasn''t going to be enough, especially with the dark energy suffusing Butterfrees wound.


    "Alduin, finish it with Bite!" Ezra commanded. Alduin released the Butterfree just long enough to unleash another powerful bite around its face. Butterfree let out a pained cry before collapsing to the ground, fainted. Ezra couldn''t help but shake his head, the kid should have recalled his Pokemon when it was caught.


    Well, not that he overly cared anyway.


    The referee raised a flag, as the announcer called out, in an overly hyped way, "Butterfree is unable to battle! Is there no end to the surprises Ezra Kassian will bring us!"


    The crowd erupted in cheers, some of them shouting in excitement due to the new Pokemon. Ezra could hear a few voices in the stands calling out in surprise at how quickly the battle was turning in his favor. He was still badgeless after all.


    Ezra clicked his tongue, like badges are a true measure¡­


    Karen watched with narrowed eyes, her expression a mix of frustration and begrudging respect. The kid''s not bad¡­ but I''ve seen better. This doesn''t change anything. Her eyes were fixated on the Pokemon he had on the field however. She could recognize a dark type when she saw it. She wanted one.


    The bug trainer gritted his teeth, recalling Butterfree and quickly sending out his final Pokemon - luckily the waste of time had blown away most of the sleep powder, although Alduin was still clearly affected. "Beedrill, I choose you!" The bee-like bug type zipped onto the field, its twin stingers ready and gleaming, buzzing angrily as it took flight.


    Ezra decided it was time to switch tactics again, Alduin would be sluggish anyway. "Alduin, come back. Morrigan, you''re up again!"


    Morrigan reappeared on the field, her ghostly form flickering as she floated above the ground, her eyes locked onto Beedrill immediately, an absolutely delighted thrill erupting from her at the sight of another enemy.


    "Beedrill, use Fury Cutter then Poison Sting when you disengage!" The bug trainer shouted. Beedrill darted forward, its stingers glinting in the light as it thrust them towards Morrigan with deadly precision.


    "Quick Attack behind and use Confuse Ray!" Ezra countered. Morrigan seemed to almost phase out of existence for a split second, avoiding the attack entirely, then reappearing in a Quick Attack behind Beedrill, her eyes glowing with a sinister light. A burst of ghostly energy shot out from her eyes, enveloping Beedrill and causing it to wobble in mid-air, its movements erratic and uncoordinated as it got confused.


    "Beedrill, snap out of it! Poison sting! Now!" The bug trainer yelled, frustration clear in his voice. Ezra thought he needed to be quicker to immediately counter his own orders, something he''d found a lot so far. People weren''t quick on giving up on what they''d already ordered. They needed to be more willing to drop an already failed strategy to adapt to a changed circumstance.


    Well, something to work on when he had brats sniveling all across his hall when he was a gym leader¡­


    "Let''s finish this, Morrigan. Use Dragon Tail again!" Ezra ordered calmly, the fight already over. Morrigan darted forward, her tail glowing brightly as she slammed into Beedrill, sending it crashing into the ground with a loud thud. Beedrill buzzed weakly, trying to rise, but it was clear it was too exhausted to continue, and eventually it just put its head down.


    The referee raised the flag again, the announcer screaming into a microphone, "Beedrill is unable to battle! The winner is Ezra Kassian, the Orange League champion moves on!"


    The crowd erupted into cheers, a wave of excitement rippling through the stands. Ezra stood tall, a satisfied smile on his face as he recalled Morrigan back to her Pokeball. He glanced up at the stands, catching Karen''s eye once more. He blew her another playful kiss, his grin widening as he saw her eyes narrow in annoyance.


    In the stands, Karen folded her arms and leaned back in her seat, her expression dark but still remaining composed. "You got lucky this time facing a bug loser, Kassian. Don''t get too cocky," She muttered under her breath. But despite her irritation, she couldn''t deny that he had handled the battle decently for a rookie. There was more to him than she initially thought - he was still no match for her, though.


    She couldn''t wait to beat some respect into his face.


    Although¡­ Those new Pokemon¡­ Her eyes narrowed as she stood up, exiting the stands. As annoying as it is, Lady Agatha will rip me a new one if I don''t find out what they were.


    <hr>


    Minutes later,


    Ezra moved briskly through the winding paths behind the stands, his mind buzzing with the adrenaline rush of his recent victory. The air was thick with the excitement of the crowds and the mingling scents of freshly popped corn and spicy skewers, filling his nostrils as he navigated past food stalls and vendor carts. The sun beat down harshly on them, but the shadows cast by the stands offered a bit of a reprieve where he was. His stomach rumbled, reminding him he hadn''t eaten for a while.


    "Guess it''s time for some refreshments," Ezra muttered to himself. He could still hear the roars of the crowd, the battles continuing on the field, but he allowed himself this brief moment to unwind. Winning the first round felt good, and seeing Karen fuming in the stands was a bonus he hadn''t anticipated but relished nonetheless.


    As he approached a small, less crowded corner near the back of the stands where a drink stall stood, a familiar, sharp voice cut through the din, stopping him in his tracks.


    "Ezra Kassian! You have some explaining to do!" Karen''s voice was tight, a mix of anger and frustration. She stepped out from the shadows of the stand''s support beams, her expression a stormy mix of determination and annoyance.


    Ezra turned slowly, a deliberate, amused smirk playing on his lips. "Karen," He greeted, feigning surprise. "What a pleasant surprise. To what do I owe the pleasure?"


    Karen stormed up to him, her face flushed with either anger or the heat - or maybe a bit of both. "Don''t play dumb with me! I want to know what the hell kind of Ghost Pokemon that was. And that Dark Pokemon! And why could they use a Dragon type move?"


    Ezra''s smirk widened into a sly grin as he raised an eyebrow. "Dragon type move? I''m afraid I have no idea what you''re talking about." He said with a casual shrug, deliberately keeping his tone light and dismissive. "You must be mistaken."


    A more fun way, in his opinion - to say none of your business.


    Karen''s eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. "Don''t lie to me, you brat! I know what I saw. Your Pokemon used Dragon Tail and Dragon Breath! They''re obviously a Ghost and a Dark Pokemon, how did you teach them Dragon moves?"


    Heh, apparently it''s still too unbelievable to believe they could possibly be a dragon and a ghost/dark Pokemon. Ezra thought, deciding there was no point in satisfying her demands.


    "Oh, that," Ezra said nonchalantly, waving a hand as if brushing away a fly. "Must have been your imagination. Morrigan and Alduin are just regular Ghost and Dark Pokemon, nothing special about them, perhaps you''re suffering from heatstroke?"


    Karen''s fists clenched at her sides, her knuckles turning white. "I''m not stupid, Kassian. I know what I saw, stop hiding it. Stop messing with me!"


    Ezra put on an expression of mock innocence, placing a hand on his chest. "Me? Messing with you? Hiding something? I would never!" He looked at her with wide, exaggerated eyes. "I''m an open book, Karen. Really, you should learn to trust people more." He leaned forward, as if to share a secret, "You keep frowning like that you''ll get wrinkles."


    Karen''s face was starting to turn a deeper shade of red, her frustration clearly mounting. "You''re infuriating!" She spat, stepping closer to him. "I won''t let you mess with me like this. I''m going to figure out what you''re hiding, one way or another. There''s no way you got two new Pokemon like that, I''ll find out who''s backing you, you insufferable brat!"


    Ezra chuckled softly, taking a step back to keep a polite distance. "Hey, your face is getting awfully red. You sure you''re okay? Let me buy you a drink to cool down. I''m a nice guy like that, after all."


    Before she could protest, Ezra turned to the drink stall, ordering two cold lemonades. The vendor handed them over with a cheerful smile, somehow unaware of the tension in the air. Ezra turned back to Karen, holding out one of the cups. "Here, drink up. It''s on me."


    Karen snatched the cup from his hand, her eyes never leaving his face. "You''re trying to make me lose my cool, aren''t you? That''s your strategy. You don''t think you can beat me, so you''re trying to set me off, make me make mistakes."


    Ezra took a slow sip of his drink, his smile never fading. "If you say so," He replied, his tone deliberately casual, almost indifferent.


    Karen''s eyes narrowed further, her suspicion growing. "You won''t fool me, Kassian. This is all an act. You''re trying to wind me up."


    Ezra raised his eyebrows slightly, his smile widening just a fraction. "I''m sure you''re right," He said, his voice smooth and agreeable. "You seem to have everything figured out, Karen."


    Karen''s face twitched with irritation, her fists clenched tighter. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, and she hated that he was getting under her skin so easily. But she refused to let him see just how much he was affecting her any longer, she was better than this. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to regain some semblance of control. "I''m not going to fall for your mind games, Kassian. You can''t get to me that easily."


    Ezra just nodded, taking another sip of his drink. "Of course not. I wouldn''t dream of it."


    The nonchalant response only made Karen''s anger flare hotter. She growled low in her throat, feeling her composure slipping. She hated how he seemed to be enjoying this, how he was so calm and collected while she was seething inside. She forcibly calmed herself down, refusing to show her frustration any further.


    She was sure now, he was scared of her battle prowess, and he was trying to force her into making mistakes in anger later.


    Ezra watched her with calm amusement, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He knew exactly what he was doing, and he was enjoying every moment of it. Karen was so easy to provoke, her reactions so predictable. It was almost too easy to mess with her.


    Karen finally let out a frustrated huff, turning on her heel to leave. "Fine! Play your little games. But this isn''t over, Kassian. I''ll find out what you''re hiding, and when I do, you''ll regret it."


    Ezra gave her a little wave as she stormed off, a satisfied smile on his lips. "Looking forward to it," He called after her, watching as she disappeared into the crowd.


    He turned back to the drink stall, taking another sip of his lemonade. "What an interesting girl," He muttered to himself, shaking his head. "So easy to rile up. She''s practically doing half the work for me." How she ever got to become Agatha''s apprentice of all people I can''t understand.


    As he stood there, enjoying his drink and the brief respite from the tournament, he couldn''t help but feel a sense of deeper satisfaction with how things were progressing. He knew he was getting under Karen''s skin, and that was exactly what he wanted. She was clearly on edge, and if he could keep her off-balance, it would make things much easier when they eventually faced off in battle.


    Her knowing that was what he was doing wouldn''t change that - her temper had too much of a hair trigger for her to control yet. She wasn''t an Elite Four, and was years away from that version of her. If anything he was helping her by making her see her own flaws so early.


    That was his story, and he was sticking to it.


    He leaned back against the stand, watching the crowd bustle around him. The atmosphere was electric, the excitement of the tournament clear in the very air as the crowd constantly cheered. Trainers and spectators moved through the area, their voices a constant hum of chatter and laughter. Ezra took it all in, enjoying the moment of calm before the storm. He wouldn''t have his next match for hours yet, and then the next two the next day, saving the semi-final and the final for the third day.


    He glanced over to where Karen had disappeared, a thoughtful expression on his face. She was a tough one, no doubt about that. But he wasn''t worried. He knew how to handle people like her. All it took was a little patience, a little strategy, and a lot of bullshitting.


    And Ezra had all three in spades.


    With a final sip of his drink, he pushed off the stand and made his way back towards the tournament grounds. There were still more battles to see, more challenges for Morrigan and Alduin to test their teeth on. And he was ready for all of them.


    Victory would taste all the sweeter this time around thanks to Karen¡­


    <hr>


    Final day of the tournament.


    Ezra sat in the stands, eyes narrowed in concentration as he watched the battles below unfold. It was the third day of the tournament, and he''d managed to crush his way through to the finals with relative ease, mostly relying on Morrigan and Alduin. Cheshire had come out a few times, but more as a show to keep his opponents guessing rather than out of necessity. He''d observed Karen''s battles when he could, finding her strategic ruthlessness to be both impressive and disappointing in turn - she was also mired in the proper way of doing things, despite being a dark Pokemon trainer. Though she had not openly acknowledged him since their last heated encounter, he could feel the tension between them simmering every time they crossed paths.


    For some reason the girl really didn''t like him. And he''d been so kind too¡­


    Karen had made it to the semifinals without much difficulty. Her style was sharp and unforgiving, much like a honed blade. She had cut through her competition with a mix of cunning and overwhelming force, mostly the latter if he was honest. He knew she was a favorite to win - as an apprentice to the Elite Four, she was a cut above the rest of the competition.


    He just couldn''t beat back the slight feeling of disappointment. She wasn''t an Elite Four, sure, and wouldn''t be for a long while yet. But he''d somehow expected more. She was definitely vicious, cunning and had the fundamentals down to a tee. What she wasn''t, was creative.


    Everything she was doing, he''d already seen or thought of, there were no surprises. He was hoping it was a case of her taking it easy on the scrubs, or their fight would be a cakewalk.


    Especially with his cheaty aura which he already knew affected even trainers Dark Pokemon.


    Ezra had spent much of his time outside the tournament training in the forests around the Battle Tower, honing his skills and preparing his team for the final match. He hadn''t been keeping up with the other competitors much, figuring that Karen would handle them easily enough. But as the announcer''s voice boomed through the arena, he leaned forward with interest. The day''s final semifinal match was about to begin, and Karen would be facing Shae, the punkish girl he''d met before.


    He hadn''t even realized she was here.


    The sight of her made him narrow his eyes in thought. Shae. He hadn''t expected to see her again, especially not in the semifinals of this tournament. She must have been doing well to make it this far - and she hadn''t approached him, despite likely having seen him battling... Did that make her more suspicious or less? He watched her stroll onto the field opposite Karen, her leather jacket and spiked choker standing out amongst the competition. Her expression was calm, almost bored, but even from his position, Ezra could see the intensity behind her eyes. She had a way of hiding her seriousness behind that nonchalant exterior, much like himself.


    Albeit he tended to go from nonchalant to asshole from one second to the next.


    Karen, on the other hand, looked as fierce and determined as ever. Her silvery blue hair fell around down her back in waves, and her eyes were sharp, focused. She was a striking contrast to Shae''s more rebellious look - poised, with an air of authority. The crowd was abuzz with anticipation, the chatter growing louder as they watched, eager for what would likely be an excellent fight.


    Ezra leaned forward in his seat, his interest piqued. This might be the first match where Karen would actually have to break a sweat. He wanted to see how Shae would handle herself against someone of Karen''s caliber too. The announcer''s voice rang out again, signaling the start of the battle.


    "This will be a three-on-three match! Trainers, send out your first Pokemon!" The normal statement was immediately followed by the man making a dramatic sweeping motion, almost swallowing the microphone as he yelled out, "Will this rebellious punk throw down the princess of the dark! Let''s find out!"


    Not surprisingly, both Shae and Karen threw him disgusted looks, before focusing back on each other.


    Karen wasted no time after that. She threw her Pokeball into the air with a confident flick of her wrist. "Honchkrow, let''s go!"


    In a flash of light, her Honchkrow appeared on the field, its glossy feathers shimmering under the bright stadium lights. It cawed loudly, its red eyes fixed on Shae with a predatory gleam.


    Shae smirked and sent out her own Pokemon. "Envy, it''s your turn!"


    Her Koffing materialized, hovering in the air with its usual toxic fumes slowly seeping out. The gas cloud seemed thicker this time, almost as if Shae had been preparing it for something special. Training him up for a rematch with me, maybe? Ezra through, eyes on the match intently.


    Karen didn''t waste any time. "Honchkrow, use Air Cutter, take to the sky, stay out of range, evasive maneuvers!" She commanded.


    Honchkrow''s wings glowed as it swooped up in the air, before whirling at Koffing, slashes of air shooting towards the Pokemon, moving with blinding speed. Shae''s eyes narrowed.


    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    "Envy, use Smokescreen V2, then push yourself out of the way with Belch!"


    Koffing spewed out a thick purplish cloud of smoke, obscuring itself just as Honchkrow''s attack closed in. A loud Belch was heard immediately, and the Pokemon must have moved itself with the force of the Belch, because as the attack from the dark bird Pokemon sliced through the smoke, there was no sound of pain indicating a hit.


    "Nice try, I saw you mix that smokescreen with poison gas." Karen called out, smirking, before slashing down with one arm, "Honchkrow, Hurricane!"


    The crowd leaned forward, gasping at the fast-paced exchange. Shae was clearly playing a tactical game, using her Koffing''s abilities to create a defensive wall and keep Karen''s Honchkrow at bay. And now Karen was moving to remove said obstacle.


    Honchkrow flapped its powerful wings and darted around over the smokescreen with swift, precise motions, wind whirling around inside the smokescreen as it surrounded the Koffing in a hurricane, pulling the gas and smokescreen both into it. Except, Shae didn''t look worried, Ezra chuckling as he realized she''d pulled a fast one again, just like she''d done against him.


    Koffing wasn''t in the smokescreen anymore.


    "I guess you got me!" Shae called out, making Karen''s eyes narrow, as she studied the field, trying to see what she''d missed, immediately cottoning on to something being wrong, Shaw calling out, "Toxic!"


    Despite Honchkrow''s agility, it could not avoid the attack entirely as Koffing erupted from the earth and spat out a deluge of toxin straight at it. Karen''s eyes narrowed, seeing the faint purple tint spread across Honchkrow''s feathers. Poisoned. Badly poisoned at that.


    Ezra''s smile widened. This was more like it. Shae was fighting smart, using every advantage she could. But Karen was no pushover, and he knew she would retaliate fiercely. If he wasn''t mistaken, Shae had once again used Koffing as a specific set up, having studied Karen. That purplish smokescreen hadn''t been poisoned as Karen had thought, that had, pardon the pun, been a smokescreen.


    She''d focused Karen on the smokescreen calling it V2 to make Karen think exactly what she''d done, while to Koffing V2 meant dig and wait for her command. The Koffing would have had to be pretty close to the surface to catch that, hence why Shae hadn''t wanted Karen to look away from her smokescreen.


    "Honchkrow, use Perish Song!" Karen commanded, her voice steady and calm despite the fact the first round was practically her loss. Perish Song would ensure Koffing went out with Honchkrow at least as long as Honchkrow could hold on that long. As badly poisoned as the bird was, it would have been unlikely to defeat Koffing on its own before fainting otherwise.


    Honchkrow immediately began to sing an eerie and haunting melody, the crowd quieting down for a moment, just listening.


    Ezra knew that unlike a game mechanic where just switching out the Pokemon ended a Perish Song, here, it worked no matter what, within 2-3 minutes. Which was about the time it would take Pokemon to fire off 2-3 full attacks - after which both Pokemon would faint.


    It was a good enough move from Karen, making sure a falling asset took the other side with it. Making up for her getting caught off guard and almost losing the first round uncontested.


    "Envy, we go on our own terms!" Shae shouted. "Use Explosion!"


    Ezra blinked, somewhat exasperated by the unnecessary attack brought out by Shae''s sheer ruthlessness. She was going for the double knockout on her terms. The Koffing began to glow ominously, building up energy, sitting almost directly below the Honchkrow.


    Karen had time to order the Pokemon to fly away, but showing her own ruthlessness, did not do so. Considering both Pokemon were destined to faint within the next minute or two anyway, she obviously didn''t see a point.


    Ezra approved.


    No need to act like they were dying or anything. They were just fainting, best to get it over with. Now if her Pokemon had a move to change the terrain or lay a trap before fainting, that was a different matter¡­


    Koffing detonated, the explosion sending a shockwave through the arena. Dust and debris filled the air, and the crowd gasped in shock and thrill at how the first round of their fight came to an end. When the dust settled, both Pokemon lay fainted on the ground. A draw for the first round.


    Both trainers recalled their Pokemon. Shae was still smirking, clearly unfazed by the loss of her Koffing, likely feeling like she''d still come out ahead in the mental battle. Karen, however, looked more serious than before.


    She''d been skating through so far in the tournament, so likely this was a bit of a wake up call.


    "Let''s see how you handle this," Karen muttered, throwing her next Pokeball. "Sneasel, let''s make a meal out of the punk''s Pokemon!"


    A Sneasel appeared, crouching low with its claws outstretched, eyes gleaming with malice. It hissed at Shae, who only grinned in response, not appearing bothered in the slightest.


    "Alright, Pride, time to shine!" Shae called, releasing her Arbok. The snake Pokemon hissed loudly, its hood flaring out to reveal the intimidating pattern. The crowd cheered, clearly excited by the match-up.


    "Sneasel, use Snowscape!" Karen commanded without hesitation.


    Sneasel practically cackled, as a snowstorm erupted over the field, reducing visibility, and buffing Sneasel''s ice attacks going forward. At the same time as Karen called out her attack, Shae had called out her own, the moment the word Snow - exited Karen''s mouth.


    "Pride, use Dig, plan three!"


    Arbok slithered quickly, as it burrowed underground, avoiding the snowstorm in totality. Karen loudly clicked her tongue, annoyed by her opponent''s propensity to dig underground.


    Ezra privately thought Shae would be destroyed by anyone with Earthquake or similar techniques if she kept fighting with the same type of moves. Or perhaps she''s just being tactical. After all, the odds of a Honchkrow and a Sneasel having those types of moves were practically zero.


    "Get ready, Sneasel," Karen said, eyes sharp. "Light feet."


    Ezra watched with interest. With the way the Pokemon reacted to Karen''s order. Ezra had a feeling Karen as well was finally playing the same game - hiding her order behind something else.


    Arbok erupted from the ground behind Sneasel, fangs bared, lit up with fire energy as it executed a Fire Fang. Sneasel cried out at the effective move, before its claws seemed to blur, as it struck back, the Arbok tossed back hissing in pain, curling up on itself a few feet away.


    Counter. Ezra thought, enjoying the match. Karen knew an attack was coming and that she''d likely take some damage even if she ordered Sneasel to dodge, so she primed Sneasel to hit back twice as hard, take damage, but damage the enemy more. A calculated risk.


    The Arbok was hissing in pain but quickly recovered, coiling around to face Sneasel. Both trainers called out orders at the same time.


    "Pride, use Glare!" Shae shouted, no doubt hoping to ensure Sneasel couldn''t use its greater agility against her.


    At the same time Karen called out, "Ice Beam!"


    Arbok''s eyes glowed a menacing red, and Sneasel froze in place just as it was starting to fire an Ice Beam, paralyzed. Karen''s face tightened in frustration. If the Ice Beam had gone off, in the snowstorm that was raging and enhancing Sneasel''s attacks, Arbok would have been done for.


    Shae had a lot of luck in this round, Glare only had a minor chance to so fully paralyze the opposing Pokemon.


    "Finish it with another Fire Fang!" Shae commanded, a cool smirk on her face, as she winked teasingly at Karen, making the girl grit her teeth in frustration.


    I''m not the only one who''s noticed how easily riled up she is¡­ Ezra thought with some amusement. It''s likely Agatha beat that out of here by the time she took over her spot.


    Arbok lunged at the immobile Sneasel, its fangs glowing with fire energy. The attack struck true, and Sneasel crumpled to the ground, completely done. The referee raised his flag, signaling the end of the round, Shae now having two Pokemon left. Karen - one.


    The crowd erupted into cheers and gasps, clearly impressed by Shae''s performance and shocked at the fact Karen was losing. Ezra couldn''t help but smile. He wasn''t sure if Karen could pull back or not, but if she did - this humiliation - or at least it would feel like it for her - would only further prime her to be off her game when fighting him.


    Fighting Shae in the final instead, with Karen watching impotently from the side¡­ Had its own charm too.


    Karen recalled her Sneasel, her face calm but her eyes blazing with determination. "You''re better than I thought," She muttered, loud enough for Shae and the audience to hear, thanks to the microphones, some self recrimination in her voice.


    Shae just grinned, clearly enjoying the fight. "You''re not bad yourself, Princess," She taunted, using the announcer''s moniker for her.


    Karen ignored the jibe and released her final Pokemon. "Weavile, let''s end this."


    Smart, Sneasel set up the field, it should last for another couple attacks at least. She might be down in Pokemon count, but she has field advantage and an already weakened Pokemon, Ezra began feeling more confident that Karen might pull this off.


    He did want that fight after all.


    Her Weavile emerged, growling lowly as it glared at Arbok. The crowd murmured, sensing the intensity of the battle about to unfold - knowing that Karen was up against the wall.


    Again they called out their orders simultaneously, "Fire Fang!" From Shae, and "Ice Beam!" Snapped out by Karen.


    Arbok didn''t stand a chance, Shae had picked the wrong move this time, all it did was make sure Arbok was right in the face of Weavile when the overpowered Ice Beam hit it point blank.


    Shae recalled her Arbok, looking chagrined at her own faulty decision, and sent out her final Pokemon. "Greed, it''s your turn!"


    Her Croagunk appeared, its eyes darting around the field as it bounced lightly on its feet. Ezra''s eyes narrowed in thought, she''s using the same three Pokemon, so I wont have any idea what else she has to use against me in the final if she wins¡­ It puffed up its cheeks, its bright orange fingers flexing as it prepared for the coming battle. The crowd grew silent, sensing the tension in the air. Both trainers knew that this match could go either way, and neither was willing to give an inch.


    Karen wasted no time, her voice clear and commanding. "Weavile, Blizzard!"


    In the midst of the icy battlefield, Weavile crouched low. With a swift, fluid motion, it raised its clawed hands to the snowy sky, summoning a swirling storm of snow and ice. The temperature dropped rapidly as the blizzard began to form, the wind howling with a fierce intensity. With a sharp cry, Weavile unleashed its Blizzard attack, sending a torrent of frigid snowflakes and shards of ice crashing toward its opponent. The air crackled with the chill of the freezing onslaught, as the relentless storm threatened to overwhelm anything in its path.


    Shae remained calm. "Greed, Dig and Snipe!" She ordered, the moment Weavile began its attack.


    Just as the Blizzard exploded across the field, Croagunk dove underground, narrowly avoiding the blast. The ground froze over completely where the Blizzard struck, and a plume of snow rose up, temporarily obscuring the battlefield.


    Ezra leaned forward, eyes narrowing as he tried to anticipate the next move. This battle was now down to who got a decisive strike in first, with both trainers trying to outthink the other. Karen''s face was a mask of concentration, while Shae''s expression remained unreadable. Her use of dig in every fight was going to work against her, Ezra suspected.


    There was no way Karen would allow herself to be hit the same way again. Still, she was also vulnerable, as Croagunk was a Fighting/Poison type, and fighting was very effective against Weavile.


    "Stay on your toes, Weavile," Karen called out, her voice steady. "Wait for it..."


    Weavile tensed, its body low to the ground, muscles coiled and ready. The earth rumbled slightly, beneath its paws, signaling Croagunk''s imminent reemergence.


    "Endure and Avalanche!" Karen shouted just as Croagunk burst from the ground behind Weavile.


    The Croagunk slammed into Weavile with a Cross Chop, the move super effective, Weavile groaning around the strike, but with a sinister grin on its face. Due to Endure, Weavile couldn''t faint from this attack, and right after, Avalanche slammed into the Croagunk, the nice doubling in damage due to Weavile taking damage first, and then likely tripling or quadrupling due to the last vestiges of the snow storm.


    Croagunk didn''t stand a chance.


    And just like that. With Weavile on literally its last legs. 1 HP left, if talking game terms.


    Karen won.


    The referee raised his flag, the announcer screaming out, face red, eyes bulging as he face hugged the microphone "Croagunk is unable to battle! The winner is Karen and her Weavile! The princess of the dark is evolving into a Queen!"


    The crowd erupted into applause, many cheering and some still whispering in shock at the intensity of the battle. Karen let out a sigh of relief, recalling her Weavile with a slight nod of appreciation. Shae recalled her Croagunk, her expression a mix of disappointment and pleasure at a well fought battle.


    Ezra stood up immediately, making his way down to the edge of the field. His eyes were focused on Shae, a hint of a smirk on his lips. He could see Karen watching him from the corner of her eye as he got down onto the field as they both began vacating it, her expression darkening as he approached.


    As he reached the exit where the two girls were leaving, he completely ignored Karen, who was glaring daggers at him. Instead, he walked straight up to Shae. "Nice to see you again," He said with a respectful nod, even as he eyed her carefully. "You fought well. Almost beating an apprentice to the Elite Four is quite the feather in your cap, even if it was just Karen."


    Okay, so he had two reasons to approach Shae, what with Karen nearby, he could do more than one thing at a time - he was good like that.


    Shae glanced at Karen''s reddening face with a wry smile, then looked back at Ezra, a knowing look in her eyes. "Too bad we didn''t get a rematch," She lamented. "Would''ve been a lot more fun."


    Ezra nodded, smirking as he specifically didn''t look at Karen. "I agree. It would be much more interesting to fight you again. But I guess I''ll have to ''make do'' with the opponent I have." He sighed theatrically, in a what can you do manner, Shae outright chuckling.


    Karen''s face flushed with anger, her hands balling into fists at her sides. She refused to engage however, managing to hold herself back. Stomping off with an irate huff. Ezra watched her go, amusement clear in his eyes.


    Shae raised an eyebrow at him, clearly entertained by the exchange. "Is it wise to piss off your opponent right before a big match?" She asked, arms crossed under her chest in a way that accentuated her curves.


    Not that Ezra noticed or anything.


    Ezra''s eyes flicked to her, then back to Karen''s retreating form. "It''s always wise to piss off an opponent," He replied with a casual shrug. "Makes them more likely to make stupid decisions."


    Shae hummed thoughtfully, her eyes following Karen''s figure as she disappeared into the crowd. "Maybe, but it might not be wise to piss off this particular opponent," She warned, her tone teasing. "Claws might come out." She added as a warning.


    Ezra''s confidence didn''t waver. "I know what I''m doing."


    Shae snorted, a smirk on her face. "That''s what every man says before a woman crushes his balls. But whatever, win or lose, I''ll enjoy watching it." She teased, her voice laced with both amusement and a hint of a challenge.


    Ezra''s confidence didn''t falter. "Winning is the only outcome," He declared, determinedly. He couldn''t help but notice the playful glint in her eyes as she leaned back slightly, her posture relaxed but still very much aware. Is she a plant for me, I''m dying to know¡­


    Is she Team Rocket?


    He probably shouldn''t be poking her with a stick to see how she reacts, but he was very bad at holding back his impulses to begin with.


    "Sure, sure," Shae replied with a lazy drawl, her tone teasing. "Just don''t come crying to me when she wipes the floor with you." She gave him a wink and started to walk off, but not before turning back one last time. "Good luck, by the way, love seeing you perform." She said with a flirty smile.


    Ezra watched her go, his expression shifting into something more serious, his smile fading as he considered the situation. Despite her playful demeanor, there was something about Shae that still didn''t sit right with him. This conversation hadn''t been able to shake off the feeling that she might be more than just a tough trainer with a punk attitude. She was suspicious, no doubt about it.


    Not long after meeting her, Team Rocket had tracked him down - noted him as a person of interest. Coincidence? That''s what he was wondering¡­


    He couldn''t ignore the possibility that she was affiliated with Team Rocket or some other organization, keeping an eye on him for reasons unknown. It wasn''t entirely unreasonable for her to be fighting in this tournament. But Johto is big enough it''s odd that she, with her skill, happened to be where he was twice now.


    She should be doing the circuit, kicking ass and taking names.


    Whatever her motives, he couldn''t afford to let his guard down. He had a tournament to win, and after that, he''d be heading back to Pewter City to continue his journey. There was no point in dwelling on Shae''s intentions more now - he''d act if she mysteriously followed him again. He had a more immediate challenge to focus on.


    Karen.


    As he turned away from the battlefield and made his way back to the stands, Ezra''s thoughts shifted back to his upcoming match. Karen was no ordinary trainer despite some of her less then desirable habits. Her connection to the Elite Four made her a formidable opponent in sheer knowledge available to her if nothing else, and she had shown time and time again that she was willing to do whatever it took to win.


    He could see that from the way she commanded her Pokemon with such confidence and precision, never hesitating, never showing any sign of doubt in her decision, that she was a fighter through and through.


    She likely thought she had all the advantages right now, Dark after all was effective against Ghosts. To the crowd, and to Karen. There was absolutely no way Ezra could win.


    That attitude was exactly what he wanted.


    There was a break, as Karen got the opportunity to heal her Pokemon, not that Ezra suspected she''d use the same ones now. So he hung around the edge of the stands, just waiting.


    The final was here soon, the most important match.


    The sun was beginning to set across the fighting area as the final preparations for the final match went into motion, the announcer hyping everything up. The crowd buzzed with excitement and plenty of betting could be seen taking place, making Ezra more confident that online betting on Pokemon matches would make him filthy rich once he got it going.


    This was what they had all been waiting for since the first match. The climax of the tournament, the Orange League winner versus the Dark Apprentice.


    As he made his way to the competitors'' area, he caught a glimpse of Karen standing off to the side, her arms crossed over her chest and her eyes focused on something in the distance. She looked calm and composed, but he could sense the tension radiating off her in waves. She was angry, that much was clear, and he knew that her frustration could either be an advantage or a liability, depending on how he played his cards.


    He wanted her angry, frustrated, likely to lash out, but not so angry she got coldly focused, taming it for her purpose and using it to her advantage instead of his.


    He decided to keep his distance, not wanting to provoke her any further before the match. He needed her to be off her game, to be thinking more about him than about the battle ahead.


    As he watched her from across the field, he couldn''t help but feel a surge of excitement too. This was it - the moment he had been waiting for during the last three days. A chance to prove himself against one of the supposed best, to show that he was more than just a novice trainer with a few tricks up his sleeve. He was here to win, and nothing was going to stand in his way.


    Don''t cry too hard, Karen, daddy''s only going to spank you a little¡­


    ¡­


    Arceus, I''m glad I didn''t say that out loud, Ezra cringed, looking away from Karen.


    <hr>


    The hour-long break before the final match had felt stretched out, filled with restless energy of anticipation. The crowd were extremely loud and filled with excitement, the stands a sea of color and noise as vendors moved through the aisles selling refreshments and souvenirs. The organizers worked hard to hype up the final, their voices amplified by speakers, extolling the skills of the two finalists and building the tension to a fever pitch.


    Ezra watched all of this from his spot in the competitors'' area, a calm smile playing on his lips. He knew what was coming. Karen was a fierce opponent, and she would not hold back now. But he felt confident in his own abilities and those of his Pokemon. His hand moved almost unconsciously to the Pokeballs at his belt, his fingers brushing over their cool surface. She might be strong, but he had strength of his own. And advantages she couldn''t comprehend.


    He''d seen Karen''s battle against Shae, and he understood the game she was playing. Just like him, Karen had been holding back, only for her it had almost cost her. She hadn''t used her best Pokemon, conserving her strength and hiding her team for the final showdown. Shae had forced her to reveal a little more, but he knew that he hadn''t seen everything she could do yet. He wasn''t fooled by the near-defeat, it had been a case of Karen underestimating the opposition - Karen was a lot more formidable than she appeared.


    Against him, it wouldn''t matter.


    He had his own plans for this battle, his own strategies that he had been saving for this moment. He was ready to face her strongest Pokemon with his own. He stroked the Pokeballs again, feeling the weight of them in his hands, a subtle smile playing at his lips. She''d face much stronger Pokemon in this final, too. Loki, Nyx, and Rider had been patiently waiting for this.


    A loud horn sounded, signaling the competitors to take their places. Ezra stood up, stretching his arms above his head, and began his walk to the field. The crowd''s noise swelled around him, a wave of sound that seemed to carry him forward. Across the field, he saw Karen stepping out from the opposite side. Her face was set in a determined expression, her jaw tight with focus.


    Then she stopped, her eyes widening for just a moment as she took in the sight of an elderly woman now seated in the VIP section. Ezra recognized her immediately as he glanced that way - Lady Agatha of the Elite Four. The ghost type master, renowned and feared across Kanto and Johto alike, her presence alone enough to send a chill down the spine of even the bravest trainers.


    Notably the seating around her section was suddenly a lot sparser.


    Karen''s pale face showed her surprise, clearly she hadn''t been expecting her mistress to be here. It seemed Agatha had come on her own accord, her sharp eyes watching the proceedings, watching him.


    Ezra caught Agatha''s gaze, and for a brief moment, he felt the full weight of her scrutiny. Her eyes were like cold steel, piercing through him as if trying to see into his very soul. He suppressed the urge to shiver under that intense stare. He knew better than to show any sign of intimidation. Instead, he gave her a slow, respectful bow of his head, a gesture of acknowledgment and respect. He might enjoy messing with Karen, but Agatha was a different matter entirely.


    Lady Agatha was one of the most powerful trainers in both regions, her influence and authority unmatched by all but a few. She commanded respect, and Ezra was not foolish enough to antagonize her unnecessarily. If she had come all this way to watch the final, it meant she was interested in something - perhaps in Karen''s performance, or perhaps in his, since she''d been tracking him apparently. Either way, he knew this wouldn''t end with the battle. He would have to talk to her, whether he wanted to or not. And how that conversation went would depend heavily on what happened next.


    If he didn''t dominate here, he''d be in a weaker position when Agatha laid out her demands, whatever it was she was pushing for in sending Karen chasing after him.


    Karen seemed to recover quickly from her initial shock. Her face hardened into a mask of determination, her eyes never leaving Ezra''s as she resumed her walk to the field. She looked even more serious than usual, her mouth set in a thin line, her shoulders squared. She was prepared to give it her all, no matter the outcome. Ezra could see it in her posture, in the way she moved with a fierce purpose.


    Ezra took his place at his end of the field, his mind already running through the various scenarios that could play out. He could feel the weight of Agatha''s gaze on him, a constant reminder of what was at stake.


    He took a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he centered himself. He could do this. He had to do this. His position, his future, his very dreams depended on it - he couldn''t be shackled to Agatha, which he suspected is why she sent Karen after him. He knew that Karen would come out strong, but he was ready for her. He had prepared for this, and he would give her everything he had - and he would crush her.


    He would show Agatha that he wasn''t some idiot rookie. That she couldn''t just do what she wished with him.


    The referee raised his hand, signaling the start of the match. The crowd fell into a hushed silence, the anticipation hanging thick in the air like a storm about to break. Ezra locked eyes with Karen across the field, a confident smile on his face. She returned his gaze with a look of fierce determination, her eyes burning with a competitive fire.


    This is it, Ezra thought. Time to win.


    The tournament''s final match was about to begin, and the atmosphere was electric as the announcer screamed so hard into his microphone he became unintelligible. Spectators leaned forward in their seats, eager to see who would come out on top. Karen stood tall and confident, her lips pressed together in a tight line. Ezra faced her with a calm expression, his eyes cold and calculating.


    The referee raised his flag, signaling the start of the battle. "Trainers, release your Pokemon!" The announcer screamed, before finally, mercifully, shutting up.


    Karen acted first, sending out an Absol in a flash of white light. The Disaster Pokemon landed gracefully on the ground, its white fur shimmering under the stadium lights, the blade-like horn on its head gleaming with a deadly sharpness. Karen gave the Absol a nod of confidence, clearly relying on her Pokemon''s agility and strength to overpower Ezra early in the fight and take a commanding lead.


    Ezra, however, had a different strategy in mind. He released Nyx, his Spiritomb, onto the battlefield. The ghostly Pokemon materialized in a swirl of dark energy, its eerie purple and green visage eliciting murmurs from the crowd. Nyx floated above the ground, its hundreds of spectral dots shifting into faces and whispering in a haunting chorus.


    Karen hesitated for a moment, her brows furrowing at the sight of the Ghost/Dark type. Not that she likely knew that, Ezra thought, the Spiritomb was not a well known Pokemon at this time.


    She had confidence in her Pokemon''s speed and power. "Absol, start with Taunt, then move in with Bite" She commanded, her voice firm.


    Not a bad move, stopping Nyx from using status moves and then getting in close now that she can''t be hit by Confuse Ray and the like, Ezra acknowledged. Unfortunately for her, that hadn''t been his plan to begin with. Bite also wouldn''t be as effective as she had planned if it hit, because Nyx was also a Dark Pokemon.


    Absol leaped forward, its teeth glowing with a dark aura as it charged toward Nyx after having let out a cry, using Taunt. The crowd gasped at the Pokemon''s speed, the air around Absol crackling with energy. But Ezra remained unfazed. "Nyx, Phantom Force," He said calmly.


    Nyx''s eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, before the Pokemon just disappeared, Absols attack missing, as there was nothing to hit. Suddenly Nyx reappeared again, the ghostly energy hitting Absol, who let out a cry, jumping back.


    First blood, so to speak, Ezra thought, watching Karen with a smirk, what will you do?


    Karen seemed incensed to have taken the first hit like that, her Pokemon not able to do anything. "Absol, Double Team and Night Slash, keep moving, don''t let it surprise you"


    Absol tried to follow her command, creating multiple afterimages of itself to confuse Nyx after firing off a Night Slash. But Ezra was one step ahead. "Nyx, SS2!"


    Nyx disappeared, avoiding the Night slash, before appearing behind the Absol in a Shadow Sneak, immediately releasing a wave of dark energy that spread across the battlefield - a Dark Pulse. The attack hit all of Absol''s afterimages, instantly revealing the real one. The Dark Pulse also struck Absol head on, sending it skidding back across the dirt a few feet, the Absol growling in anger.


    As dark and ghost moves were both only half effective, Nyx hadn''t done overly too much damage yet.


    "Quick Attack and Bite, watch your back!" Karen called out, frustrated with the pace of the fight being entirely against her.


    Ezra decided it was time to turn the battle decisively in his favor. His lips curled into a subtle smile. He flared his aura slightly, just enough to be felt by Absol. There was no visible sign of his action, but he saw the immediate effect. Absol, in the middle of a Quick Attack, hesitated, as it sensed the aura from him directly, stuttering to a halt. Leaving it wide open.


    Karen''s eyes widened in frustration. She didn''t understand why Absol was acting so strangely, failing its move. "Focus, Absol! Use Quick Attack!" She called out, trying to get her Pokemon back on track.


    But it was too late, Nyx was already right on it. "Nyx, Hypnosis," Ezra ordered softly, his aura actively pushing on Absol to not fight the technique.


    The Taunt only lasted for the energy it took to fire off three attacks, or three turns in game terms. Which Nyx had already done. So status moves were back into play.


    Nyx''s eyes glowed once more, sending out hypnotic waves that enveloped Absol. The Pokemon''s movements slowed, its eyes fluttering shut as it fell into a deep sleep. The crowd murmured in surprise - the match had only just begun, and already Karen was at a significant disadvantage.


    Ezra looked at her, tilting his head, a pleasant smile on his face, "You can withdraw, or perhaps you want to see if Absol will wake up while Nyx uses Dream Eater."


    At the word of the attack, Nyx immediately began, glowing with ghostly energy, which also enveloped Absol. Now Psychic type moves weren''t very effective, Dark Pokemon resistive to them, but it was more of the point he was making.


    I''m beating you with non-effective moves.


    Karen clenched her fists, her frustration growing. She had underestimated Ezra, and now she was paying the price.


    But she wasn''t out of tricks yet. She could have switched Pokemon, and left the Absol for last, in hopes it would wake up as a Hail Mary if she was pushed that far, but instead she withdrew it, letting the referee know.


    It was a pragmatic choice, ensuring Nyx wouldn''t be able to either buff up, or prepare another technique while Karen switched. An immediate replacement forthcoming instead.


    She quickly sent out her next Pokemon - a Gengar. The Ghost/Poison type emerged from its Pokeball with a mischievous grin, its body flickering like a shadow as it cried out its name, licking it''s lips.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, knowing this was likely one of Karen''s stronger Pokemon, trained by Agatha as she was - although not a Dark Pokemon - it was a fact that most specialists regularly had an ace or two in their back pocket. He decided to keep Nyx on the field, confident in his strategy and to be totally honest¡­ His huge aura advantage.


    Gengar''s grin widened, eyes narrowing as it prepared to strike, just waiting on its mistress'' orders.


    Nyx was Dark as well as Ghost. Karen wasn''t about to have a good time.


    "Gengar, use Confuse Ray, then keep your distance and use Shadow Ball!" Karen commanded, her voice sharper now, no longer willing to take Ezra lightly. But, it was possible she was now being too careful.


    Distance didn''t matter overly much to Shadow Sneak. Not in a small field like this. "Nyx, Shadow Sneak out of the way." He ordered.


    Nyx disappeared, the Confuse Ray missing, Karen immediately snapping out, "Turn around, attack!"


    Gengar had already formed a dark ball of energy between its hands and immediately turned and hurled it toward Nyx. Ezra remained calm. "Nyx, Protect," He said quietly.


    A translucent barrier appeared around Nyx just in time, absorbing the impact of Gengar''s Shadow Ball. The crowd cheered at the display of defensive prowess. Karen''s frustration was evident, she had yet to even hit him.


    "Don''t give it any breathing room! Gengar, use Sludge Bomb!" She shouted, doubling down on her attack, now that Nyx was right there.


    Gengar prepared to launch a volley of toxic sludge at Nyx, aiming to overwhelm the protective shield. But Ezra anticipated her move. He flared his aura once more, and just as before with the Absol, Gengar''s focus wavered, the attack slowing down as the Ghost Pokemon hesitated mid-through.


    "Nyx, switch to Shadow Ball," Ezra ordered swiftly.


    Nyx dropped its protective barrier and countered with its own Shadow Ball. The attack collided with Gengar in midair, causing a small explosion of ghostly energy. The force of the blast sent Gengar reeling back, and the crowd gasped at the intense exchange.


    Karen''s frustration turned into outright anger. She could feel Agatha''s eyes on her from the stands, watching her every move. She couldn''t afford to lose this match. "Gengar, regroup and use Thunderbolt!" She snapped out, switching to elemental attacks.


    But Ezra was relentless. "Nyx, Shadow Ball again." His aura confused the Gengar, making it slow to react.


    It wasn''t fair. It wasn''t nice. But winning was what mattered. And winning decisively mattered more.


    Nyx released another ball of tightly compacted ghostly energy, and the Gengar, still momentarily distracted by Ezra''s aura, was too slow to react. The attack hit it squarely, sending it crashing to the ground. Karen could only watch in disbelief as Gengar struggled to get back up.


    She''d still failed to connect a single attack on Nyx.


    Ezra seized the opportunity to finish it off. "Finish it with another Shadow Ball," He ordered, even as Karen shouted out, "Destiny Bond!" Trying to get something out of this.


    Nyx gathered its energy and launched another Shadow Ball at Gengar. The attack struck with precision, and Gengar collapsed before it could finish its own last gasp attack, unable to continue. The referee raised his flag, signaling Gengar''s defeat.


    Karen was left with one Pokemon. She was backed into a corner, and Ezra had yet to lose any of his. She recalled the fainted Gengar, her jaw tight with frustration. She was furious, but she refused to let it show any further then that. She wouldn''t give Ezra the satisfaction.


    Karen sent out her final Pokemon, a Shiftry. The Grass/Dark type materialized on the field, its leafy hands swaying slightly as it sized up Nyx. Karen knew she had to turn this battle around, and quickly.


    Ezra recalled Nyx, deciding to change tactics - he also didn''t want to leave his next Pokemon pouting for the next week for not getting to play. He sent out Rider, his Ghost Marowak evolution. The crowd gasped at the sight of the unique Pokemon, its flaming bone club ignited with an eerie blue flame. Rider stood ready, eyes locked on Shiftry.


    A Ghost/Fire type was a bad matchup for a Grass/Dark type. Karen was in for a quick finish.


    Karen wasted no time. "Shiftry, Nasty Plot then hit it with a Sucker Punch!" She commanded.


    Ezra wasn''t about to let her have the time to pull both moves. "Rider. Fire Blast." He ordered with finality.


    Rider was new to the move, so the fire blast was more compact, flying forward in a thin spray of white hot fire instead of a more all encompassing blast.


    Karen''s eyes widened in surprise. She hadn''t expected Rider to toss out a fire attack, nor one of that caliber. "Shiftry, Protect!"


    It was as easy as breathing to reach out and delay the Shiftry just that one critical second, the Pokemon crying out as the Fire Blast hit. Karen watched in absolute stupefaction, as she was beat without ever scoring a hit. Recalling her Pokemon rather than letting it continue suffering under the fire.


    The crowd erupted in cheers as the referee raised his flag to signal Shiftry''s defeat. The match was over. Ezra had won. There was a subdued quality to the cheer however. The crowd was almost confused at the easy victory, not to mention all the people who''d lost their bets.


    Karen stared at the field in disbelief, her hands clenched into fists. She couldn''t believe it. She had lost so easily. She had assumed too much, and Ezra had outmaneuvered her at every turn. Her face flushed with anger and embarrassment, but she refused to be a sore loser. She refused to humiliate herself more than she already had.


    With a stiff expression, she walked across the battlefield to Ezra and extended her hand. "Good match," She said through gritted teeth, her voice taut with barely suppressed frustration.


    Ezra accepted her handshake, feeling the strength in her grip as she tried to crush his hand. He met her gaze with a calm, unbothered expression, his grip firm but not retaliatory. "You fought well," He replied evenly.


    She never stood a chance, but for once, he kept that to himself. There was such a thing as being a troll, and then there was beating a dead horse. He had some decency.


    Karen''s back remained rigid, her eyes fixed on Ezra''s face as they shook hands. She was furious, but not just at him - she was angry at herself for underestimating him and letting her emotions get the better of her. She refused to look back toward the stands where she knew Lady Agatha was watching. The shame of losing in front of her mentor burned hotter than her defeat itself.


    Just as Karen was about to release Ezra''s hand, she felt a sudden, chilling touch on her shoulder. She jumped, her breath catching in her throat, and turned to see Lady Agatha standing behind her, as if she had appeared out of thin air. The elderly woman''s face was expressionless, her eyes sharp and unreadable.


    "You did as well as you could, considering the circumstances," Agatha said, her voice cool and measured. There was no judgment in her tone, but Karen could sense the underlying weight of her words. It was hard to tell if Agatha was disappointed or simply stating a fact.


    Karen bit her lip, unsure of how to respond. She felt a mix of shame and frustration, but she knew better than to argue with her mentor. Before she could gather her thoughts, Agatha raised a wrinkled hand and cuffed her lightly on the back of the head.


    "Girl, when I say something, it''s the truth," Agatha snapped, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Don''t make me repeat myself."


    Karen nodded stiffly, her cheeks flushing as she fought to maintain her composure. "Yes, Lady Agatha," She mumbled, feeling like a scolded child.


    The fact it was happening in front of Kassian made it one hundred times worse.


    Meanwhile, Ezra had been trying to inch away from the uncomfortable scene, not wanting to draw any unnecessary attention to himself. He knew better than to get involved in whatever dynamic was at play between Karen and her mentor. But just as he was about to turn and slip away, he felt the weight of Agatha''s gaze fall upon him.


    "Ezra Kassian," Agatha said, her voice cutting through the noise of the crowd like a blade. "You''re a hard young man to find. Come, let''s chat, you and I."


    Notably, the tournament should be having a prize ceremony, but no one seemed to be willing to approach them and disturb Agatha.


    Ezra''s body tensed. He had expected this moment but hoped it wouldn''t come so soon. "Can''t we just chat right now?" He asked, trying to keep his tone light while belatedly adding, "Lady Agatha," To maintain a semblance of politeness. And to remain in public view, where Agatha couldn''t do anything too crazy if he flat out turned her down on whatever she wanted.


    Agatha gave him a look that could have curdled milk. "I''m old, boy. I''m going to find a nice cushion to sit on before dealing with you," She replied, her smirk not quite reaching her eyes. She pointed a bony finger at him, and for a moment, Ezra wondered if she might actually zap him - like she was one of her Ghost Pokemon. "Karen, fetch us refreshments. I''ll take over the referee''s tent for now."


    Karen''s lips twitched in irritation, and she muttered under her breath, "I''m not a damn servant."


    "What was that?" Agatha snapped, her tone sharp as a whip.


    Karen yelped and immediately straightened up. "I''m on it, Lady Agatha!" She blurted out before rushing off to comply with her mentor''s orders.


    Agatha snorted softly, shaking her head as if bemused by Karen''s behavior. "Youth, wasted on the young," She muttered, more to herself than to anyone else. Her gaze flickered back to Ezra. "You a smart mouth too, boy?"


    Ezra considered lying, but really, what was the point? He gave a slight shrug and answered truthfully, "Of course." He wasn''t enthused with being called boy, but he supposed when you got to Agatha''s level of power - you could do, and say, whatever the fuck you wanted.


    Because really? Who was going to stop her? He certainly wasn''t going to pick a fight over just words.


    Agatha sighed, leaning heavily on her cane. "Of course you are," She repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "Now, lend me your arm. Let an old lady lean on you as we walk."


    Ezra hesitated, knowing full well that Agatha didn''t need his assistance. She was one of the most formidable trainers in the region, if not the world, and her physical frailty was more an illusion than reality. But he couldn''t refuse without being blatantly rude, and he had a feeling he would need every ounce of goodwill he could muster for whatever was coming next.


    He forced a polite smile and offered his arm. "Of course, Lady Agatha," He said, trying to keep his tone respectful.


    As they walked toward the referee''s tent, the crowd parted for them, whispers and curious glances following in their wake. Ezra could feel the tension in the air, a mix of awe and apprehension directed at the elderly member of the Elite Four and the young upstart who had just bested her apprentice.


    There''s no way this conversation ends well¡­


    <hr>

 Is this Marriage?

    <hr>


    Ezra held open the flap of the referee''s tent, allowing Lady Agatha to step through first. He followed her in, feeling the weight of the encounter hanging over him like a fog. The inside of the tent was dimly lit, and it smelled faintly of grass and the earthy musk of the tournament grounds. The table in the middle was cluttered with papers, empty water bottles, and a few discarded towels.


    Agatha made a sound of irritation, tapping her cane against the ground as she moved to sit in a worn chair, one hand clutching her cane and the other brushing aside some debris on the table. Despite her frail appearance, Ezra knew better than to underestimate her. Agatha of the Elite Four - the Ghost Mistress - was one of the most powerful trainers alive, and her influence spread far beyond the battlefield at this point.


    She sat down with a sigh, then gave Ezra a pointed look. "Come, sit. Let''s not pretend either of us enjoys this, but there''s business to discuss."


    Ezra eyed the other chair, then sat down across from her, his expression carefully neutral. His mind raced, though, already trying to anticipate what angle she''d take. He didn''t like this situation. Not one bit. There weren''t many reasons for Agatha to hold an outsized interest in him, and the only one he could fathom was his aura.


    Agatha leaned forward, tapping her cane lightly against the ground again, her eyes cold and calculating. "You''ve done well today, boy. Impressive even. I''ve heard whispers about your unusual methods from all corners throughout your little jaunts, but now that I''ve seen you in action... I want answers." Her voice was soft but edged, like a blade that could cut at any moment.


    She wasn''t someone Ezra could just brush off, yet he didn''t want to fully bend. Pride, or just prudence? He wasn''t sure.


    Ezra shifted in his seat, his hands resting on his knees. He gave her a casual shrug, though inside, he was far from casual. "I aim to please," He said, keeping his tone light, though his words had a cautious edge. "I didn''t realize the Elite Four took such interest in small-time tournaments."


    No need to get into other matters unless she outright asks¡­


    Agatha''s lips curved into a faint, humorless smile. "Don''t play coy, young Kassian. I don''t waste my time on piddly tournaments. I''m here because of you." She straightened in her seat, her sharp gaze never leaving him. "You''ve caught my attention, and not just because you managed to outmaneuver Karen, which, I must say, was entertaining. No, I''m interested in those Ghost Pokemon you have - the ones I''ve never seen in any region before, and how exactly you''ve come by them..."


    Karen looked absolutely done with life, as she closed her eyes and seemed to be mentally counting down, anything to keep her cool at the fact Agatha had enjoyed the one sided beatdown.


    Ezra tensed slightly at her question, but his face remained impassive. He had expected this, but hearing it laid out so bluntly still unsettled him, because he didn''t know a way to fully get her off his back. "I guess word gets around fast," He said with fake nonchalance, leaning back a little. "But I''m not looking to share my secrets, Lady Agatha."


    Agatha''s smile faded, and her eyes hardened. "You''re in no position to refuse, boy. Secrets like that... In the wrong hands... Well, we wouldn''t want them in the wrong hands, would we?" Her voice carried a dark undercurrent, and for a moment, the tent seemed to grow colder, her presence looming despite her small frame. Karen standing just off her shoulder, shuddered, but remained still, her eyes opening as she smirked at Ezra.


    No doubt enjoying seeing him being pressured.


    Ezra took a slow breath, carefully choosing his words. "I''m not interested in having my Pokemon or my techniques become a tool for someone else''s ambitions," He said, his voice steady. "I''ve got my own dreams to follow." No, I''m not going to sell out to Team Rocket¡­


    Agatha raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "Dreams? Hmph. And what, pray tell, are these grand dreams that make you think you can refuse me?" The cold amusement in her tone was humoring, as if he was only delaying the inevitable.


    He glanced at her, then looked away for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly against his knee. He wasn''t sure how much to reveal, but if he was going to get out of this conversation intact, he needed to be somewhat honest about everything. "I want to build a gym," He said finally, his voice more serious. "A Dark and Ghost Pokemon gym. I want to join the official circuit and make my mark. And I want to do it without people thinking I only got there because I''m your apprentice."


    He wasn''t an idiot, he could see exactly what she was pushing for with her comments.


    Agatha snorted softly, amused by the notion. "A gym leader, is it?" She mused. "And what do you hope to accomplish with that? More than just fame, I assume?" From how her eyes narrowed at the end, she was practically projecting - it better not be just fame, boy!


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, his voice growing more passionate. "I want to show Lavender Town what they missed. They turned their back on me because of my... Looks, and my¡­ Attunement, and now I want to rub it in their faces. I want to prove that Dark and Ghost Pokemon aren''t something to fear or shun. That they can be controlled. Used properly."


    Karen looked at him with a complicated expression like she''d never seen him before, as she stood over Agatha''s shoulder, Ezra ignored her, focusing on the dangerous woman in front of him.


    Agatha''s expression shifted slightly, a flicker of interest sparking in her eyes. "A gym... Fueled by spite and ambition, how very much like the Dark and Ghost type... I can respect that," She said, her voice dry. "But you''re wrong about one thing, boy."


    Ezra frowned. "And what''s that?" Stop calling me boy, you wrinkled bitch!


    "You think being my apprentice would limit you," She said flatly, leaning forward again. "That people would discredit your accomplishments, claim you only rose to power because of my influence. You''re a fool if you believe that matters for anything but a little boy''s feelings. If anything, being under my wing would give you power, connections, influence. More than you could ever achieve on your own - more than enough to accomplish your dream."


    Ezra''s jaw tightened. He didn''t like the way she was twisting the situation, as if his only path to success ran through her - he wasn''t kidding about not wanting to be seen as her puppet. He might get a gym that way, perhaps even faster, but it wouldn''t be his, not truly. "I''m not interested in taking shortcuts, Lady Agatha. I want to get there on my own merit. Otherwise, what''s the point?"


    Agatha sighed softly, shaking her head. "You''re a stubborn one. But stubbornness can be dangerous, boy. There are far more dangerous forces in the world than just Gym Leaders or the uneducated mob of Lavender Town and their prejudices."


    Ezra opened his mouth to respond, but before he could speak, Agatha waved a hand dismissively. "Enough," She said, her voice growing colder. "Karen!"


    Karen stepped forward reluctantly. "Yes, Lady Agatha?"


    "Go fetch us some drinks. You know the one, my favorite from Hoenn - the citrus-based fizzy drink they make. I''m parched."


    Karen looked confused for a moment. "I don''t think they - "


    "Go," Agatha snapped, her voice sharp as a whip. Karen flinched and hurried off without further protest, muttering something under her breath about ''menial tasks'' as she disappeared.


    Agatha watched her go, then turned her piercing gaze back to Ezra, her expression unreadable. "I know damn well they don''t sell that drink here," She said quietly, her voice carrying a faint edge of amusement. "I just wanted her out of the way, I don''t spoon feed my people, she can learn on her own... Now then, let''s talk, you and I¡­"


    Ezra shifted uncomfortably in his seat, but kept his voice steady. "Talk about what?"


    Agatha''s eyes narrowed, and for the first time, her voice completely lost any hint of its playful edge. "Don''t play coy with me, boy. I''m no fool, and I''ve been watching you carefully. I know your little ''predisposition'' that Lavender Town spoke of. That ability you have to influence Ghost Pokemon - it''s not just for them, is it? You can do it with Dark Pokemon too, can''t you?"


    Ezra stiffened, his mind racing. He knew she''d known, otherwise none of this made sense, but it didn''t make the path forward any easier. Now he had to figure out how much to reveal without giving her too much leverage. "It''s... Complicated," He said carefully, his voice low.


    Agatha''s eyes gleamed with cold satisfaction. "Complicated, is it? You''re speaking to one of the Elite Four, boy. You will be forthcoming with me. Now." There was an unmistakable threat in her voice this time. The shadows of the tent growing larger, a chill permeating the air.


    She has a similar ability¡­ He thought, I can''t lie, not entirely¡­


    "You see, Kassian," Agatha said, tapping her cane against the ground once again, "I''m not easily fooled. I watched Karen''s battle closely, and from where I sat, I couldn''t quite get the full picture, but I know her Pokemon far too well. They''re well-trained, obedient. They do not flinch. They do not miscue or hesitate. And yet, during that battle, they did."


    Ezra''s throat tightened, but he kept his expression carefully neutral. He said nothing, waiting for her to continue, hoping to get a better sense of what she was after. That''s an Elite Four for you I guess, I hadn''t expected her to catch something so minor¡­


    He hadn''t even used any of his skills, or the Pokemon in his shadow, and yet just flashing his aura had still been caught by Agatha, or at least the results of it. He''d have to tread very carefully here¡­ This all only confirmed to him how he wouldn''t be able to use his particular skills in league sanctioned matches¡­


    Not without great risk anyhow.


    Agatha''s voice lowered, carrying a dangerous weight. "So I''ll ask you again directly, and I will have an answer, boy... This attunement you have? It isn''t just for Ghost Pokemon, is it? It affects Dark Pokemon too. And you can control it, can''t you?" She waved a hand dismissively, "I don''t care that you used it to beat Karen, you use every tool in your toolbox, as long as you can get away with it. I have no quarrel over it¡­ But you will tell me!"


    Ezra hesitated, feeling the tension coil tighter around him. He considered his options. Agatha wasn''t someone he could easily deceive or brush off. But outright admitting the full extent of his abilities would give her leverage, something he wasn''t eager to hand over.


    "I... Have a certain connection with Ghost and Dark types," He said slowly, choosing his words with care. "But it''s not something I make a habit of advertising, considering I was run out of town for it."


    Agatha''s eyes flashed with cold amusement. "You''ll have to do better than that, boy. You''re speaking with one of the Elite Four. This isn''t some back-alley interrogation. You will be forthcoming." Her cane hit the ground harshly, as she punctuated her statement.


    Ezra clenched his jaw. He could feel the pressure mounting, but he wasn''t about to cave without gaining something in return. His mind raced, trying to find a way to turn the conversation to his favor. He would not give up everything he could do, and then end up a puppet to this old witch.


    Ezra felt the tension in the air tighten, like a vice closing in around him. He knew he couldn''t dodge this forever, but he wasn''t about to give in so easily either, or she''d run all over him. "I''m not forced to tell you anything," He said cautiously, his voice firm. "But... Maybe we could make a deal?"


    Agatha''s gaze narrowed. "A deal, you say? And what exactly do you think you have to bargain with?"


    Ezra steeled himself, feeling the weight of her words pressing down on him. "Like I said before," He began, his voice steady, "I won''t be your apprentice. I''ve got my own path, and being tied to you would only make people think I didn''t earn my place. But I''m starting a breeding business - Ghost and Dark Pokemon amongst the offerings. Rare varieties, ones you''ve never seen before. I''ll give you first pick of any new Ghost Pokemon I breed, and in return, I''ll share some information about my attunement. But I''m not giving you everything."


    For a moment, the tent was silent. Agatha''s expression didn''t change, but there was a sharpness in her eyes that made Ezra uneasy. Her presence seemed to loom larger, the shadows in the tent creeping closer, as if her very essence was stretching out to fill the space. When she spoke again, her voice was low and dangerous.


    "Go on, brat..." She said, her tone daring him to continue to lay down terms to her. But it wasn''t a flat out no, either.


    Ezra swallowed, but his resolve didn''t waver. He knew he was toeing a fine line, but if he didn''t stand his ground now, Agatha would steamroll him into submission. "You get first pick," He repeated, his voice firm, "but not for free. I don''t run a charity. You''ll pay for the Pokemon, just like anyone else. And you''ll get some information about how I interact with Ghost and Dark types and can do what I do, but nothing more. I''m not here to be your pawn."


    Legally, she couldn''t force him into anything, not without him being accused or charged with some sort of crime anyway. But there was a lot one of the scariest people on the continent could do to make things uncomfortable without going across the line of legality.


    If Agatha pushed too much further¡­ He''d ask for a lawyer for anything else. He won''t be press ganged.


    Agatha stared at him for a long, tense moment. The weight of her gaze was suffocating, but Ezra didn''t break eye contact. He knew this was the crux of their negotiation - if she accepted his terms, he could walk out of this tent with his autonomy intact. If she didn''t¡­


    Things would get a lot more complicated.


    And he hadn''t exactly offered her much, all things considered. Maybe not even half of what she''d want, all told. Yet he refused to sell himself cheap, even in a situation like this.


    Then, to his surprise, Agatha threw her head back and laughed - a sharp, almost wicked sound that sent a chill down Ezra''s spine. When she looked back at him, her lips curled into a smirk, her eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and something darker.


    "You''re an ornery little thing," She said, her voice dripping with condescending amusement. "I can''t say it entirely displeases me." She sniffed haughtily, "Almost reminds me of my ex-husband, back when he had a spine¡­"


    Ezra exhaled quietly, feeling the tension ease ever so slightly. He''d managed to stand his ground - at least for now. But the conversation wasn''t over. He doubted it would end with a simple acceptance, and he shuddered at the thought of being compared to anyone that''s had such a relationship with Agatha.


    Before he could respond, or Agatha could lay down her counteroffer, Karen reentered the tent, her expression sullen and annoyed. "There''s no such drink here," She said stiffly, like I would have told you if you''d let me, she appeared to say with her body language, glaring at the ground. "Do you want something else, Lady Agatha?"


    Agatha''s smirk widened as she turned to Karen, her tone dry and mocking. "No, dear. As I said, it''s a Hoenn special. I knew it wouldn''t be here." She paused, then added with a wave of her hand, "I just wanted you out of the way while the important people talked."


    Ezra winced, oh, Arceus, I feel almost bad now for everything I''ve said to her.


    Karen''s face flushed with anger, her fists clenching at her sides. Ezra could see the moment she almost snapped, the frustration boiling just beneath the surface. But, at the last second, Karen bit her tongue and held herself in check, though her entire body was tense with barely contained rage.


    If Agatha was trying to train her out of her hair-trigger temper by constantly pissing her off, Ezra did feel a small amount of pity for the girl. It''s not like she could ever truly talk back, it''s freaking Agatha.


    Agatha turned back to Ezra, her eyes gleaming with a smug satisfaction. "Now, where were we?" She said, her voice almost casual. "Ah, yes. The deal." Her tone was entirely dry, as she mentioned the deal.


    She leaned forward, her hands clasped over her cane. "I agree to your terms¡­ On my terms. You''ll provide me with first pick of any new Ghost Pokemon and Dark Pokemon types that you breed, and in return, I''ll accept that you won''t be my apprentice, for now." Her smile grew sharper, her eyes glinting with mischief. "But there''s one caveat."


    Ezra''s brow furrowed, his wariness returning. "Caveat?" He echoed.


    Agatha''s smile widened, and there was a dangerous gleam in her eyes. "Karen," She said smoothly, her gaze flicking to her apprentice, "Will be joining you on your journey."


    Ezra blinked, his mouth opening in shock, but Agatha wasn''t finished. "She''ll document your training methods and your interactions with your Pokemon. For me."


    Karen, who had been standing stiffly to the side, suddenly froze, her face twisting in disbelief. "What?" She blurted out, her voice high-pitched with outrage. "Lady Agatha, I -"


    Ezra barely registered Karen''s outburst as he gaped at Agatha, his mind reeling from the sudden twist. "You can''t be serious," He muttered, still in shock. Agatha''s gaze on him told him plenty, she''s willing to wait on the information¡­


    Because she knew Ezra wouldn''t share it all, while it would be very hard to hide it from Karen during the journey. Agatha was choosing to wave away the requirement of knowledge now, for full knowledge later. And Ezra would have a hard time saying no, because technically¡­ Agatha''s deal, at least on the surface, was heavily leaning his way.


    Because Agatha could force the issue a lot harder if she so chose to.


    Agatha''s smirk only grew, her satisfaction radiating from her like a cold wave. "Oh, I''m very serious," She said sweetly, her tone dripping with amusement.


    Karen looked like she was about to blow a fuse, her face flushed with anger, her hands clenched into tight fists. "But -"


    "Silence, Karen," Agatha snapped, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "I''ve made my decision."


    Ezra could only stare at the two of them, his mind racing as he tried to process the situation. Agatha''s smug smile remained fixed on her face, her eyes gleaming with dark amusement.


    Ezra had come here expecting a difficult negotiation, but he hadn''t expected this.


    He couldn''t think of a good way to say no without ending up with a worse deal.


    He''d avoided being forced into an apprenticeship, he''d have to take what he could get.


    This is going to be awkward¡­


    <hr>


    30 minutes later,


    The prize ceremony was a rushed, awkward affair, held hastily in the center of the battle field after Agatha had made her dramatic exit. The event, which should have been a moment of triumph for Ezra, was dampened by the simmering tension between him and Karen. Both trainers stood in the spotlight, their faces plastered with fake smiles as the organizers bustled around, eager to conclude the tournament on a high note despite the obvious awkwardness that hung in the air.


    And the rather odd delay in which everyone had to stand around for almost an hour, waiting, as Agatha had stolen away both finalists.


    Ezra''s thoughts were far from the glittering stage and cheering crowd - although a much smaller one after an hour. His mind was still reeling from Agatha''s bombshell - the news that Karen would be joining him on his journey was like a punch to the gut. He hadn''t even been able to fully process it yet. He was already imagining the endless arguments, the constant friction. His jaw tightened as he tried to keep his expression neutral, his eyes scanning the crowd without really seeing them.


    Sure, some of that friction was his doing, but she made it so easy, he couldn''t resist.


    Karen, on the other hand, looked even unhappier. Her smile was utterly forced, her eyes hard as she stood beside Ezra, arms crossed tightly across her chest. She was clearly furious with how everything had played out - her defeat, Agatha''s dismissive attitude, and now, being forced to follow Ezra like some errand girl. Her knuckles were white from how tightly she clenched her fists, but she held her head high, refusing to let the crowd see how much the situation was getting under her skin.


    The head organizer, a balding man with a forced grin, stepped forward, holding a gleaming trophy in one hand and an envelope of prize money in the other. "And the winner of this year''s Battle Tower Lawn Tournament is Ezra Kassian, champion of the Orange League!" He announced with far too much enthusiasm, thrusting the envelope and the trophy into Ezra''s hands before stepping aside for the next presenter.


    Ezra nodded briefly in acknowledgment, glancing at the envelope without much interest. The money was nice, sure, but it wasn''t the real prize. His eyes darted to the small display case where his true reward awaited - a Pokemon Egg, gleaming softly under the bright stadium lights that covered the battlefield. They''d refused to tell him the species inside, saying it was more interesting that way - that it hadn''t been revealed for the tournament, and could be anything.


    Hopefully it wasn''t a complete waste. Although it likely would be a Pokemon for either breeding or selling. Because it wouldn''t be a Ghost or Dark Pokemon in there, he was willing to bet.


    "Congratulations," The head organizer said, clearly eager to keep things moving. He motioned to Karen next. "And our runner-up, Karen of the Elite Four apprentice program! She will receive her prize money and the TM for Earthquake!"


    Karen accepted her prize with a stiff nod, her face betraying no emotion even though she was clearly seething underneath. Earthquake was a powerful move, sure, but the sting of losing to Ezra so publicly made it feel like a hollow reward. She had expected to be standing in his place, triumphant. Instead, she was the one being pitied.


    The crowd cheered politely as the prizes were distributed, but it was clear the excitement had waned after Agatha''s earlier presence. Ezra and Karen both stood awkwardly on the stage, pretending to enjoy the moment when, in truth, both wanted nothing more than to leave. The moment the final applause died down, they both quickly excused themselves, heading back toward the tent with matching sour expressions.


    As soon as they were out of earshot from the crowd, Karen''s composure cracked. She stopped in the middle of the path, rounding on Ezra with a scowl. "Listen up, brat," She snapped, her voice sharp with frustration. "I don''t care how that battle went. You''re the rookie here, not me. I''m in charge, and what I say goes. Agatha may have stuck me with you, but that doesn''t mean I''m going to take orders from someone beneath me."


    Ezra blinked, taken aback by the sudden outburst but not entirely surprised. He raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms casually as he stared back at her. "Really? Because I distinctly remember beating you like an unwanted stepchild not more than an hour ago," He said coolly, his voice calm, but laced with sarcasm. "And if I recall correctly, Agatha didn''t attach me to you - she attached you to me. Because I''m what she wants. Not you."


    Karen''s face flushed with anger, but Ezra didn''t give her a chance to respond.


    "I don''t care what you think," He continued, his tone sharpening. "I''m heading to Pewter next. That''s my plan. You can come if you want, or you can stay behind and explain to Agatha how you couldn''t even last a day. But I''m not going to change my journey or my plans because you want to play boss. You have two choices - follow my lead or get left behind."


    For a moment, there was nothing but silence between them, the tension crackling like electricity in the air. Karen''s eyes blazed with fury, her mouth opening as if to argue, but then she closed it again, clearly struggling with her emotions. She was furious, humiliated, but Ezra''s words had struck a chord - she knew he was right. Agatha hadn''t given her a choice in the matter. If she didn''t follow through on this assignment, it would be her neck on the line.


    And Agatha, despite the way she acted, had given Karen everything. She couldn''t let her down. Not again.


    She let out a frustrated sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly as the fight drained out of her. "Fine," She muttered, her voice tight with anger. "But don''t expect me to take orders from you, I''m just following you around."


    Ezra smirked, but it was a tired one. "I don''t care if you take orders from me or not, Karen. Just don''t get in my way. I''ve got my own goals, and I''m not letting anyone - or anything - get in the way of that."


    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Karen glared at him, her jaw tight, but she didn''t argue. There was a long, heavy silence as they both stood there, each refusing to back down completely but realizing they were stuck with each other. Finally, Ezra let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair.


    "Look," He said, his voice softer now, "We don''t have to like each other, but we''re stuck together for now. So let''s just make the best of it, yeah? I''ll try not to mock you too much, and you... Try not to take out your anger at Agatha on me. Deal?"


    Karen crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed. "I''ll try," She said begrudgingly, clearly still frustrated, but there was a hint of reluctance in her voice. "But don''t expect me to just roll over and let you walk all over me."


    Ezra nodded. "Wouldn''t dream of it," He said with a wry smile.


    For a brief moment, there was a flicker of understanding between them - an unspoken acknowledgment that, while they might not like each other, they were going to have to find a way to work together. It wasn''t friendship, not by a long shot, but it was a start of - not enemies. And for now, that would have to be enough.


    They stood there in silence for a moment longer, the tension between them easing slightly. Then, with a final sigh, Ezra turned and started walking again. "Come on," He muttered, glancing back at Karen. "We''ve got a long trip to Pewter ahead of us. Let''s get moving, I need to go into Olivine and swap in my Pidgeot first."


    Karen followed, her expression still sullen but no longer hostile. The two of them walked side by side, the uneasy truce hanging between them like a fragile thread. Neither of them knew how long it would last, but for now, it was enough to keep them moving forward.


    They could both agree on one thing at least.


    Agatha could go fuck herself for forcing this.


    Although it was a very unspoken agreement, that both of them just mentally connected with.


    Neither one of them wanted her to somehow hear them say it - so it remained unspoken.


    Agatha''s reputation had been well earned even before the war, and after¡­ Well no one tended to argue with her too heavily.


    Back then she hadn''t been known simply as the Ghost Mistress - that had come after the peace settled in. Albeit that was not something Ezra had known until he went into the Johto portion of the net while in Johto, as his short schooling in Kanto hadn''t mentioned it. At all.


    Her most well known moniker during the war was the Mistress of Madness, given by Johto, and if you went back into what someone Ezra''s age would call ancient history by now¡­ To the pre-war period...


    She''d also been known as the Maiden of Slaughter.


    The pre-war and war period had not been a time of reasoned discussion around a table¡­


    Ezra really didn''t want to think about the fact Agatha had once even been a maiden.


    Let alone one earning that moniker.


    <hr>


    Pewter City, Kanto


    The road from Pewter City to his stable was quiet, the steady rhythm of their footsteps the only real sound breaking the stillness of the afternoon. Ezra and Karen walked side by side, though neither seemed particularly thrilled with the arrangement still. The tension between them had simmered down somewhat, though it wasn''t gone. If anything, it felt like it had settled into a kind of uneasy truce. There was still a palpable sense of frustration and annoyance radiating off Karen, and Ezra couldn''t help but wonder if it would boil over again before long.


    Still, he had to admit she''d been handling things better than he''d expected. After all, being saddled with someone you disliked - someone you''d lost to - couldn''t have been easy for her. Especially with how much she seemed to respect Agatha.


    Karen had kept herself composed since they left the tournament, and Ezra, in an uncharacteristic show of maturity, had held back his usual teasing, trying not to provoke her. For now, at least. He was practically a saint, really.


    "So... Pewter City is your home base?" Karen said, breaking the silence. Her voice was neutral, though there was a slight edge to it. Likely from the fact she''d already tried finding him here, according to Brock. "What''s so special about this place?"


    Ezra shrugged, glancing at the familiar path leading toward the outskirts of the city. "It''s nice and homely, safe. Got good lawyers for my business and a good place to keep a stable for my Pokemon. Brock''s the guy watching it when I''m not around and he''s the Gym Leaders son, and a stand up bro. Plus, it''s close enough to the mountains for some good training. I''ve got some business to take care of here with my breeding project too."


    "Breeding project?" Karen raised an eyebrow. "What kind of project?"


    "A Pokemon farm and breeding center," Ezra replied, since she''d find out soon enough anyway, shoving his hands into his pockets as they walked. "I''m starting a business with a big shot investor on board. Breeding rare and unique Pokemon I''ve discovered, Ghost and Dark types amongst them. It''s a long-term plan, but my business partner already got the land and the paperwork ready. Just signed the contract with my lawyer before we headed up here."


    It had only taken a few minutes really, while Karen waited outside, and Devon Corp was going to start as early as this week on transforming the plot of land Steven Stone had already apparently purchased near Lavender Town.


    Karen hummed, crossing her arms. "That sounds¡­ Potentially profitable. So you''re a businessman now too?" There was a hint of disbelief in her tone, and he couldn''t really blame her.


    Ezra chuckled. "Something like that. I''ve got plans beyond just battling. Gotta think ahead. Plus, you know, the money in raising rare Pokemon is a field that will never lose value."


    There was a pause, the conversation hitting a brief lull as they continued up the winding path. Karen''s gaze shifted to the trees lining the road, her expression softening ever so slightly.


    "Blackthorn City never had anything like that," She said after a moment, surprising him, she''s from Lance''s hometown? Her voice was quieter now, as if the mention of Blackthorn City had drawn her into some kind of reflection. "It was always so... Traditional. Not many people there think about something like breeding or about expanding their horizons. It was all about the past, about honoring their dragon heritage."


    In hindsight, of course she''s from Johto, but¡­ How did she end up as Agatha''s apprentice?


    Ezra glanced at her, catching the slight bitterness in her tone, clueing him in that she''d not had a happy time in Blackthorn. "Yeah, I can see how that could get old fast. Too much tradition can choke you if you let it. It''s why I probably would have gotten the hell out of Lavender Town even if they didn''t kick me out." Not that it will stop me from going back and making the traditionalists choke on it¡­


    Karen gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. "It''s not easy being trapped in someone else''s shadow." She muttered darkly, "Even if that shadow is an entire heritage and tradition."


    Ezra didn''t say anything to that, letting her words hang in the air. He understood the sentiment well enough - he had his own reasons for wanting to carve out his own path, outside the expectations of others. Still, it wasn''t the kind of thing he''d voice aloud. Not right now, anyway. He had a feeling Karen professing an interest in Dark Pokemon in Dragon nuts Blackthorn hadn''t ended well..


    The conversation trailed off again as they rounded a bend in the road, and soon enough, the familiar sight of Ezra''s stable came into view. It wasn''t much yet - but it was his. The beginning of something much bigger in the end.


    Standing just outside the main barn, waiting for them with his arms crossed and a bright grin on his face, was Brock. Ezra had called ahead of course, so that Brock would know he''d have time off for the next week or so.


    "Ezra!" Brock called out, waving them over enthusiastically. As soon as they got close, Brock''s grin widened even further. "You guys hooked up after all, huh? I knew she had the hots for you!"


    The words hit like a bomb. Ezra froze for a split second, feeling Karen stiffen beside him. Her face flushed with fury, and in that brief moment of pure rage, she whipped out her Pokeball, releasing her Weavile in one swift motion.


    "Weavile!" She shouted, her voice shaking with barely controlled anger, "Ice to the crotch of that idiot, NOW!"


    Luckily, Ezra''s reflexes kicked in faster than Brock''s sense of self-preservation. "Loki, Intercept!" He snapped, releasing his Banette just in time to block the Ice attack - an icy projectile the size of Brock''s head - from smashing into the oblivious Gym Leader''s most vulnerable area.


    All this time not pissing her off, and Brock had to open his mouth. Ah, well, at least it wasn''t him.


    Loki''s eerie grin twisted as he floated between Brock and Weavile, looking back at Ezra with a funny eyebrow. The Banette''s expression seemed to say, Really? Protecting this one? Ezra could almost hear the exasperation in Loki''s body language.


    Ezra sighed, running a hand through his hair as Brock, completely oblivious to the reason for his near ball crushing experience, blinked in confusion.


    "What''s going on?" Brock asked, glancing between Karen''s furious expression and Weavile''s still-glowing claws. "Did I say something wrong?"


    Karen''s eyes blazed, her hands balling into fists as she turned on Brock. "Did you say something wrong?" She repeated, her voice low and dangerous. "You absolute moron! I - we - are not hooked up. There is nothing between us, and if you say something like that again, I''ll - "


    "Karen," Ezra interrupted, his voice steady but firm. "Let it go. He''s just... Well, he''s just Brock."


    Brock blinked again, scratching the back of his head in genuine confusion. "What? I thought... I mean, I could''ve sworn..."


    "Don''t," Karen growled, still glaring daggers at the confused boy. "Just don''t."


    Brock held up his hands in surrender, backing up slightly. "Alright, alright, I get it. No need for that Weavile to cut my head off. Jeez."


    Ezra shook his head, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Brock, just... Think before you speak, man. That''s all I''m asking." I got to work on that girls anger issues¡­


    Brock chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I''ll work on that."


    Karen huffed, recalling Weavile, though the tension in her shoulders didn''t ease entirely. She shot Brock one last warning look before turning her attention back to Ezra, crossing her arms. "Can we get on with this? I''d rather not spend any more time dealing with idiots today."


    Ezra sighed again, glancing between the two of them. This was going to be a long, long partnership.


    He didn''t think it was worth it telling Karen off this time. He''d let her have this one. Brock wouldn''t mind anyway.


    If she tried any of that shit with him though¡­ He''d lay the law down fast.


    <hr>


    That night,


    The night air was cool as Ezra made his way to the clearing just beyond the stable. The stars were bright overhead, casting a pale light across the grassy field. His mind was focused, his steps deliberate, as he walked ahead of Karen, who trailed behind with a curious but guarded expression. The whole day had been a whirlwind of contracts, awkward encounters, and misjudged assumptions, Karen following him everywhere. Now, though, he could relax a little, do what he enjoyed most - training his Pokemon.


    Well, he''d enjoy a couple other things even more¡­ But Pokemon training was the cheapest entertainment he had at the moment.


    He reached the clearing, and without a word, released his team, and the rest of his Pokemon, his Pokemon limits not mattering on this plot of land due to his stable license.


    Pokeballs opened with a flash, and one by one, his Pokemon materialized around him, a diverse crowd of spectral and dark creatures. Sableye materialized first, its gem eyes glinting as it dug its claws into the dirt. Duskull hovered next to it, the single glowing eye behind its skull-like face fixed on Ezra. A Mimikyu shuffled close to the group, while Shedinja floated silently in the air, the hollow shell of a Pokemon casting an eerie aura. Yamask hovered nearby, holding its mask closely, while Murkrow cawed from a perch atop a nearby tree. A Lampent and Litwick drifted above the field, their ghostly flames flickering in the breeze, and Misdreavous hovered with its usual mischievous smile.


    Further out, the Dark-types mingled in the shadows, a Houndour stretched its limbs, Skuntank prowled along the edges of the field, Zorua''s eyes gleamed with mischievous intent, and a Poochyena sniffed curiously at the ground. Ezra took a moment to appreciate the sight of them all together - his team of Ghost and Dark Pokemon, each one as unique and would hopefully one day become powerful as his main team.


    Karen stood back, eyes slightly wide, though she tried to hide her surprise. "Quite the collection you''ve got there," She commented, her tone begrudgingly impressed.


    Ezra didn''t respond at first, instead moving amongst his Pokemon, giving each a moment of attention. "Alright, everyone, you know the drill. We''ve been working on technique and control, and I know Brock has kept it up - so tonight I want to see progress."


    He started with Sableye, crouching beside the Pokemon, who looked up at him with its wide gem eyes, waiting. "Last time, your Shadow Claw was strong, but it wasn''t fast enough. We need speed. Hit the targets and keep moving. Don''t give anyone a chance to hit back, I want to see you practice tonight."


    Sableye grinned and immediately bounded off, slashing at the wooden training dummies set up across the field with its claws - he would have to replace them again soon. Ezra watched closely, nodding in approval as Sableye''s movements became a blur of sharp, precise strikes. "Better. Keep at it, get a good feel for the flow of the movements."


    Next, he turned to Mimikyu. "You''re cute as always in your outfit, Mimikyu," He said, patting it on the head, earning an eerie giggle, he''d gotten Mimikyu a much better Pikachu cosplay outfit, not that it really lowered the inherent creepiness. "I''ll lend you some of the extra Litwicks, practice your Charm and Baby Doll Eyes, make sure you focus on getting a good feel for the energy, don''t just use the technique, feel it."


    Mimikyu bobbed its head and shuffled forward, Ezra gesturing for several of his captured Litwicks to join it for training, to be practice dummies in a way. He didn''t mention the fairy type energy out loud, because he didn''t need to tell Karen everything for her reports¡­ And Fairy types were not a thing yet in the four regions.


    Karen watched as Ezra made his way through the group, giving advice and feedback with a calm, even tone. He wasn''t loud, nor did he shout commands - his Pokemon seemed to understand him perfectly with just a few words or a glance. Which just wasn''t how Dark and Ghost Pokemon worked.


    Ezra moved on to Duskull, his voice softening slightly. "You''ve been getting better with Will-O-Wisp, but I want more control. Focus your flames, just fire up, no fires to put out this time, eh?" Brock had to act as a fireman too many times during the past few days from what Ezra had been told. Duskull a little bit of a pyromaniac.


    Duskull floated upward, summoning blue flames that danced in the air. It released the flames one at a time up into the air, each one firing off with precision. Ezra gave an approving nod before moving on to Yamask.


    "Shadow Ball, full power. Show me you can handle it without losing control." He ordered quietly, the Yamask struggling with the power aspect, unlike most of his other Ghosts who struggled to rein in their power for finer control.


    Yamask''s eyes glowed as it summoned a ball of dark energy, launching it toward the farthest target, set up amongst the trees around the clearing. The attack hit with a satisfying thud, the dark energy dissipating on impact.


    "Nice. Keep practicing, I want you to hit harder next time, keep focusing on gathering your power, you already have decent control, I know it''s not fast at the moment, but speed will come later."


    As the training progressed, Karen''s earlier surprise turned into something closer to jealousy. She had strong Pokrmon herself, but the sheer variety and rare types Ezra had at his disposal were impressive. It wasn''t just the number - it was the way he handled them, the quiet confidence and the easy familiarity. He knew them, inside and out, and they trusted him. And again, these Pokemon shouldn''t work like that!


    Karen had fought and bled and cried to get her Pokemon to the level they were at, and they still needed a firm hand to continue listening to her at times. Ghost and Dark types just didn''t do the cuddly nice crap. She was honestly not sure what was going on.


    "Where do you even find some of these Pokemon?" Karen asked, half out of curiosity, half out of envy. She didn''t want to ask the more burning question, well aware she hadn''t exactly earned his confidence.


    Ezra glanced at her, not breaking stride as he approached the next Pokemon. "Here and there. Some came to me, others I sought out. It helps to know where to look."


    What a wonderful non-answer, Karen thought, she crossed her arms, watching as Ezra knelt beside a small Eevee, who bounded up to him happily. She narrowed her eyes. "An Eevee? Doesn''t really fit with the whole Ghost/Dark theme." She pointed out.


    Ezra smirked, rubbing the Eevee''s head affectionately. "Not yet. But soon. She''s special." He handed Eevee a few berries, watching as she happily nibbled away. "Right now, we''re just bonding. Getting her ready for the next step."


    Karen scoffed, shaking her head. "So, what, with one Pokemon you''re trying to make it set the sky on fire, and with this one, you''re coddling it like a pet? Are you sure you''re not insane with this kind of random training?"


    Ezra chuckled, leaning back against a nearby tree, his hand still resting on Eevee''s soft fur. "You''ve got to treat each one differently. Some need discipline, some need encouragement. It''s all about balance."


    "Balance?" Karen muttered. "You''re all over the place." A new Eeveelution perhaps, but how does he know? She wondered.


    He didn''t rise to the bait, instead calling over his Murkrow, who fluttered down from its perch. "You''ve been getting better at flying through obstacles and changing direction on the fly," Ezra said, watching as the Dark bird Pokemon cawed softly in response. "But I want more control on those turns, less throwing yourself in a direction and more focused flight. Work on your agility again tonight, cycle your energy while you work."


    Murkrow took off again, flying low over the field, dodging between obstacles Ezra and Brock had set up in the forest before he left for the tournament. Murkrow clipped its wing on one of the targets as it rapidly switched directions, squawking in frustration.


    Ezra didn''t scold it. "You''ll get there. Just focus." He called out, watching intently. Murkrow could already perform aerial acrobatics that made the Pokemon very hard to hit. Ezra intended to continue this training until very hard became can''t. Not without techniques that filled the sky or bypassed the possibility to dodge at all.


    Karen watched the entire process with a mix of frustration and grudging respect. It was clear Ezra knew his stuff, even if his methods were unconventional - no, she corrected herself, downright odd. He seemed to push his Pokemon to the edge yes, but in odd directions, with a lot more self reliance then she''d ever seen, especially for Pokemon who were notorious for needing a firm hand.


    Everything Karen knew said this couldn''t work, so seeing it work, and work well, was finally beginning to force her to look at things from a new point of view. Understanding why Agatha was interested in the first place.


    As the night wore on and the other Pokemon continued their training, Ezra walked a little further away from the group, his steps purposeful. Karen raised an eyebrow and followed him, Rider and Loki trailing behind them both as silent guardians instead of performing their own training.


    When they were far enough from the rest of the team, Ezra stopped and pulled out another Pokeball. A quick flash of light revealed a Primeape standing before them, its fists clenched, eyes wild with rage, ready to fight.


    Primeape roared, immediately putting up its fists, muscles rippling with tension.


    Ezra crossed his arms, staring down the Primeape, his gaze cold. "You think you''re angry," He said softly, his voice cutting through the night air. "But you have no idea."


    Primeape growled, lowering itself into a fighting stance, ready to strike. Not caring that it was its owner.


    Ezra chuckled, his smile sharp and humorless. "You''re weak. So very, very weak. Maybe if you were angry enough, you''d be useful."


    The Primeape let out a roar, its fists swinging toward Ezra with wild abandon, only for a Shadow Ball from Loki to explode right in its face, halting its charge.


    From the sidelines, Karen crossed her arms and commented dryly, "So that''s how you beat me. You''re literally too insane to predict." She shook her head, "You cuddle with the Eevee, and here you''re what? Trying to enrage the rage Pokemon?"


    "There''s a method to my madness," Ezra countered with a smirk, his eyes never leaving the Primeape.


    Karen shook her head again, her expression both bemused and annoyed. "Your method is going to get your face punched in." She predicted, one hand resting near her Pokeballs, in case she needed to fend the Primeape off.


    Ezra''s smirk widened. "I think Primeape can go further. There''s something else in him. If he were just angrier, more focused, he could evolve into something truly terrifying."


    "You''re nuts," Karen said, her tone flat. "But... whatever. Your funeral." There isn''t an evolution for Primeape¡­ Is there?


    She watched, her curiosity piqued despite herself, as Ezra continued to taunt and push the Primeape. The Pokemon grew more and more enraged with every failure, lashing out at trees and rocks, its strikes growing wilder and more powerful as it vented its fury. Loki and Rider stood ready in case things went too far, but Ezra never flinched, never backed down. Casting Rage Fist wasn''t enough, if it was, the Primeape and many others of its kind, would already have evolved.


    No, it literally needed to be pushed to the point its heart literally exploded in anger.


    After what felt like hours, Ezra called the Primeape back to its Pokeball, the Pokemon still fuming and trembling with rage. "I''ll try again tomorrow night," Ezra said, almost to himself. "Maybe a little more time will do the trick."


    Karen shook her head, muttering under her breath, "You''re insane." But after what she''d seen already, she was half afraid he''d actually pull it off. How he knew any of this¡­ She''d never heard of any of it¡­ And she had more access then almost anyone not a Gym Leader or an Elite Four.


    Ezra just gave her a knowing smile. "You''ll see the results. Just remember, only Agatha gets a report. If you try spreading this around..." He let his words hang in the air.


    Agatha could feel free to try it on her own, but if it got spread beyond her, he wouldn''t hesitate to sue. This all belonged to his business. Evolving Pokemon in ways no one else knew.


    Karen scoffed. "I''m not the type to go back on my word, and anyway, I''m already penniless, and can hardly afford a lawsuit."


    Ezra gave Karen a once-over, noting her outfit - dark, form-fitting clothes that showed more skin than they covered. They were obviously expensive, tailored to both fashion and function. He raised an eyebrow. "You don''t look penniless."


    She scowled, crossing her arms defensively. "It''s all through Lady Agatha. She funds everything I need, but it''s her money, not mine." Her voice dripped with resentment, the bitterness clear in her tone.


    Ezra supposed he could understand still using it to its full extent, but being bitter about having to rely on someone else. At least she wasn''t the kind of pussy that would refuse to use it and whine about her hard knock life.


    Ezra nodded thoughtfully at her words, and his own thoughts on the matter, leaning back on his hands as he sat down in the grass beside his Eevee, who immediately curled up next to him. He let out a low whistle. "That sounds... Restrictive, and a hassle to deal with. What happened anyway? How did you end up with Agatha?"


    Karen''s eyes darkened, and she looked away, clearly unwilling to go into detail. "None of your business," She muttered, her voice cold and clipped.


    Ezra shrugged, not pushing further. He could tell there was something deeper there, but he wasn''t in the mood to pry. Not now, anyway. Instead, he turned his attention back to his Eevee, gently stroking the fur on her head. She let out a soft purr, her tail twitching contentedly.


    For a moment, silence fell between them, only broken by the soft rustle of the wind through the trees and the distant sounds of his Pokemon continuing their training.


    Karen finally broke the silence, her voice laced with disbelief. "I still can''t get over how you went from trying to make a Primeape mad enough to kill you to... this." She gestured toward the Eevee, who was nuzzling against Ezra''s hand, completely at ease. "Are you seriously trying to tell me there''s some kind of logic behind your training methods?"


    Ezra smirked, not looking up. "Of course. Different Pokemon need different approaches. Some thrive on discipline and anger, others need affection and care. You can''t treat them all the same." He winked, "I throw everything at the wall and see what sticks, nothing is too crazy to try."


    Karen stared at him for a moment, still looking unconvinced. "That''s... A weird way to train," She admitted, though her voice lacked its usual bite.


    Ezra chuckled softly. "It''s worked so far. And besides, you''ll see the results soon enough." I don''t enjoy having to share this¡­ But I suppose blowing her mind has some small enjoyment in it.


    Karen sighed, running a hand through her hair, clearly frustrated. She turned her back to him slightly, pacing in a small circle as she processed everything. "I just don''t get you, Kassian. One moment you''re taunting a Primeape like you have a death wish, and the next you''re coddling an Eevee like she''s your pet. I get what you''re saying, your reasoning, but still, It''s like you''re two different people."


    She''s really stuck on this, that''s what? The third time she''s brought it up? He thought. Ezra gave her a sidelong glance, his smile fading slightly. "There''s more than one way to train a Pokemon, Karen. Just like there''s more than one way to handle people, typing isn''t everything."


    She stopped pacing, staring down at him, eyes narrowed. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    He shrugged casually, leaning back into the grass, stretching out lazily. "It means you don''t need to understand everything I do. You just need to know that it works."


    "I doubt I''ll ever understand you." She snarked, letting out a huff, leaning against a tree.


    They both shared a rare moment of silence, the tension between them easing slightly. For the first time since they''d been stuck together, there wasn''t the usual undercurrent of animosity or resentment in the air. Ezra focused on his Eevee, who was now curled up beside him, her eyes half-lidded in contentment.


    Karen looked down at them, her arms still crossed, but the hard edge in her gaze had softened somewhat. "So... What''s the deal with that Eevee? You gonna evolve her into something? Something new?"


    Ezra didn''t respond immediately, his hand gently brushing over the soft fur along Eevee''s back. "Eventually. I''ve got a plan for her. But right now, we''re just bonding."


    "Bonding?" Karen echoed, her voice skeptical. "That''s part of your ''method,'' too, huh?" She shook her head, "People have tried that before, just bonding isn''t enough, experts in their field have tried it, Kassian." She stressed.


    Ezra nodded. "Yeah. Bonding, trust... All of it matters depending on the Pokemon. You can''t just throw some Pokemon into battle without them trusting you. It''s like asking someone to fight a war for you without them knowing if you''ve got their back." He shrugged, "Again, that''s some Pokemon, they can be as different as you and I."


    None of that was exactly new. But some trainers did get stuck into the trap of treating all their Pokemon the same. And Karen seemed the type. Especially as a type specialist, especially as a Dark trainer. Although he wasn''t entirely fair. No one could really tame them the same way he was after all.


    Karen fell silent at that, watching him quietly for a moment. There was a flicker of something in her eyes - something she didn''t often let show. She wasn''t used to this kind of approach. Her own training, the way Agatha had raised her, was based more on power and control. She had to be in charge, to dominate. Ezra''s approach seemed softer, more personal, but there was a steeliness to it that couldn''t be ignored.


    After a few moments, Karen sighed and sat down on the grass a few feet away from him, leaning back on her hands. "Alright, fine. I''ll admit, your Pokemon seem loyal enough, somehow. But you''ve got to know Lady Agatha''s expecting results in my reports. She''s not going to be happy with... Whatever this is." She gestured vaguely toward the peaceful Eevee. "It''s really not her philosophy, at all."


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with mischief as he looked at her. "Don''t worry. Old Agatha''s only interested in the outcome. The process? That''s all mine, and stuff she can throw on her minions." Like you, he left unsaid.


    Except for the actual evolution tricks, even Agatha wouldn''t just share that. She was old, and the older you were, the more likely it was you were part of the group who believed Pokemon knowledge shouldn''t be entirely free and shared amongst everyone. Elite Four or not, he was willing to bet Agatha was like that.


    Karen arched an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. "You really think you can handle Lady Agatha long-term? She''s not going to let you do whatever you want, you know. She''s not exactly the hands-off type."


    Ezra leaned his head back, staring up at the stars above. "We''ll see. But I have a feeling I''ll manage. Old Agatha''s tough, but she knows talent when she sees it. As long as I keep delivering, she won''t interfere too much." Arceus, let me be right about that¡­


    Karen watched him for a moment longer, then let out a reluctant sigh. "You''re insufferable, you know that?" But there was no real heat behind it.


    Ezra grinned, not looking at her. "I get that a lot."


    The two of them sat in companionable silence for a while, the cool night air settling around them. Karen might not have fully understood Ezra''s methods, but there was a begrudging respect building between them. She wasn''t ready to admit it, but she was starting to see that maybe - just maybe - there was more to Ezra Kassian than she''d first thought.


    As the night deepened, and the rest of the Pokemon settled into their routines, Ezra and Karen remained where they were, each lost in their own thoughts. They didn''t need to say anything else. For now, they had reached a truce of sorts, an understanding that, for better or worse, they were stuck with each other.


    And maybe, just maybe, that wasn''t the worst thing in the world.


    <hr>


    A week later,


    It shouldn''t be this easy, Ezra thought as he stood just outside the makeshift training field.


    Seven days. That''s how long he had spent in Pewter City, doing little else but pushing his Pokemon to their limits, especially his Primeape. It had been a brutal week - constant taunting, needling, and antagonizing. Seven days of driving the Primeape to the edge of apocalyptic fury.


    Ezra knew this approach was dangerous. Primeape was already a volatile Pokemon by nature, and what he had been doing was deliberately lighting the fuse over and over again. If it weren''t for his aura - which he believed could soothe the beast once it evolved into its Ghostly form - this might have been a terrible idea. Primeape didn''t like him. There was no illusion of affection there - couldn''t be with how hard he was pushing. The Pokemon had been on the verge of tearing him apart more than once. But Ezra knew that if he explained his plan, the kind of soul-deep rage that was necessary for its evolution might never come. It had to be real, raw, and unfiltered.


    If Primeape had known it was all for its benefit, then that rage wouldn''t have been true, it wouldn''t have been deep enough, real enough. He was also lucky Karen wasn''t a bleeding heart. Because if any of the Pokefriends organizations people had seen this - they would have cried abuse all the way to court.


    Now, on the eighth night of their training regimen, here he stood, watching the fruits of his labor come to life. Karen stood a few feet behind him, her mouth slightly open in disbelief, eyes wide in shock. The air was thick with tension, and Ezra could feel the electricity in it. His Primeape, utterly consumed by rage, was glowing.


    The evolution had begun.


    A brilliant light enveloped Primeape, the aura of fury radiating off him in waves so intense that the very air seemed to shudder with it. The Pokemon''s muscles tensed, expanding as the energy coursed through its body. Its fur stood on end, becoming sharper, more ragged, as if the very essence of its rage was molding its physical form into something more primal, more terrifying. The ground beneath its feet cracked, unable to withstand the sheer pressure of the transformation. Its fists clenched tightly, glowing with the dark, ghostly energy of its new form.


    Ezra watched with cold, calculating eyes as Primeape''s shape began to change. He could see the rage fueling every fiber of the Pokemon''s being, turning it into something entirely different. Its arms lengthened, becoming sinewy and more powerful. Its once-spherical body stretched, growing taller, more menacing, its posture no longer hunched, but upright and poised for violence. Dark, shadowy tendrils swirled around its body like ghostly chains, a manifestation of the fury that had once consumed it. Its face, once filled with mindless anger, was now focused - its eyes glowing with an almost otherworldly intensity. The most notable change, though, was the spectral chains that now hung from the manacles on its wrists, flickering with ethereal energy. These were no ordinary chains - they were the physical manifestation of the Pokemon''s inner torment, its rage having evolved into something beyond anger. Something darker.


    Annihilape had arrived.


    "I''m going to call you, Akuma¡­" Ezra mused out loud. Devil is a fitting name for you, my raging new friend¡­


    Karen let out a gasp as the evolution finished, the last vestiges of light disappearing to reveal the towering figure that stood before them. The Annihilape''s eyes blazed like embers in the darkness, its fists pulsing with spectral energy as it shadow-boxed the air, its movements swift and fluid, a deadly elegance in the way it moved. The rage that had once been so prominent was still there, but it had been transformed into something else - something controlled, directed.


    Ezra didn''t move. He simply waited. Will it understand, will my aura be enough?


    Annihilape''s movements slowed as it turned toward him, its glowing eyes locking onto its trainer. There was a moment of tense silence, the air crackling with the lingering energy of the evolution. And then, just as Ezra had anticipated, although perhaps not the manner of it, Annihilape bowed it''s head. It was a low, deliberate gesture, its massive form bent in submission, its gaze now filled with respect mixed in with the fury.


    Ezra let out a slow breath and reached out with his aura, letting it flow from him in a soothing, enveloping wave. The energy washed over the Annihilape like a blanket, calming whatever lingering tension remained. The Pokemon stood tall once more, its body relaxed and steady. The transition from uncontrollable rage to this level of calm was almost jarring.


    Even a rage Pokemon could be soothed by his aura it seemed. Although it seemed he hadn''t truly needed it. Akuma had accepted what had happened - understood the necessity once the evolution hit.


    Karen, still standing behind him, stared in utter disbelief. Her voice, barely a whisper, broke the silence. "What the fuck are you?" She asked, her words filled with awe and confusion.


    Ezra didn''t respond. He couldn''t, even if he''d wanted to. Because at that exact moment, Annihilape bounced over in one might leap and reached out and pulled him into a crushing hug. Ezra''s breath left him in a painful whoosh as the Pokemon squeezed him tightly, its muscular arms nearly suffocating him in a show of affection - or revenge. It was hard to tell.


    Okay, so maybe not entirely over it¡­


    "L-Loki, a little help?" Ezra wheezed, his voice strained as he tried to breathe through the Annihilape''s iron grip.


    The Banette, who had been watching from a distance, floated closer, its stitched mouth twisted in a smirk. It looked at Ezra with an almost sarcastic expression, as if to say, Really? Not deserved? Loki floated around the Annihilape''s head, poking at it playfully, but didn''t intervene further then that.


    "Any...Time..." Ezra managed to croak out, his vision starting to blur slightly from the pressure. He still held back from using his shadow, in a way, Akuma deserved his little miniature rebellion for all that Ezra put it through.


    Karen, still wide-eyed, had the sense to step forward, though she seemed more fascinated than concerned. "Should I... Do something?" Fascinated, and probably feeling some vindication too.


    Ezra, unable to speak, just gave her a pleading look. While he refused to use his shadow so overtly in front of Karen, and to escape his probably just punishment, Karen could help and it wouldn''t be his fault at all.


    Karen smirked, clearly enjoying his predicament. "You know, after everything you put that poor Primeape through, this feels like karma."


    He had a feeling she didn''t just mean the Primeape¡­


    Ezra glared at her through the haze of his impending unconsciousness, but then, Akuma let him go, huffing out a laugh, as it stepped back, its ghostly chains rattling slightly.


    Ezra coughed, rubbing his ribs as he sat up, glaring at Karen. "Thanks," He muttered sarcastically. "You were a big help."


    Karen crossed her arms, her expression smug. "And here I thought you had this whole control thing down."


    Ezra shot her a look, but there was no real malice behind it. "There''s a method to my madness," He repeated his previous words, still slightly breathless.


    Karen rolled her eyes. "Your method is going to get you killed one day."


    Ezra shrugged, standing up and dusting himself off. "Maybe. But it worked, didn''t it? A Ghost/Fighting type, nothing like you''ve seen before, eh? Controlled and eager to serve."


    Karen raised an eyebrow, glancing at the massive ghostly figure of the Annihilape, who was now standing off to the side, calm and composed. "You call that controlled?" She said dryly, "It almost choked you out."


    Ezra smirked. "You saw the bow. That''s loyalty. Respect."


    Karen shook her head, still looking somewhat baffled by the entire situation. "Whatever you say, Kassian. You want to call being choked out respect, I''m not going to intrude on your kinks."


    Ezra spluttered slightly, not having an immediate comeback, he was so caught off guard by that comment. Karen smirked smugly in victory.


    The Annihilape stood quietly by, watching them calmly. But behind its calm demeanor, Ezra knew that it had all the power and rage it needed, power that simmered just beneath the surface, waiting for the right moment to be unleashed. His aura was likely pushing it down for now, but Akuma was never going to be a calm Pokemon, especially once in battle.


    His plan had worked. The uncontrollable rage of Primeape had evolved into something far more dangerous - and far more useful.


    He felt confident in his team now,


    It was time to tackle the gyms. And well¡­ He still had tons of time before the end of the circuit¡­ Why not go for both Kanto and Johto''s circuit, and do a clean sweep?


    Hopefully by the time he was done, all his major Pokemon would have evolved, and he''d be facing the conference with a Dragapult and a Hydreigon.


    The only sad thing was the fact he wouldn''t get to shock Agatha with a surprise Annihilape to the face, not with Karen''s reporting of what''s happened.


    Although¡­


    Maybe they could keep just this one back, just for a little bit¡­


    <hr>

 Were all Fighting types here..

    <hr>


    Pewter City, Kanto.


    Ezra leaned against the sturdy wooden fence lining the outskirts of his stables training grounds, his eyes lazily following his Pokemon as they practiced their moves. The early afternoon sun shone brightly over the field, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the nearby trees, making for an idyllic scene. It was a rare moment of peace amidst the chaos of training, dealing with Karen, and planning his next steps.


    His Pokedex buzzed loudly, breaking the tranquility. Ezra glanced at the screen and saw his lawyer''s name flashing. He sighed, then tapped the accept button, the screen flickering as the familiar face of his lawyer, a sharp-eyed man named Mark Marcus, appeared.


    "Mister Kassian, good to see you," Mark greeted, his voice calm and businesslike. The background of his office looked busy, papers scattered on the desk behind him and several file folders open. "I''ve got some news you''ll want to hear."


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, straightening up. "Let me guess, you found something good?"


    Mark nodded, his expression serious. "I managed to track down a few Porygon for sale. The price is steep, but they''re in excellent condition - It''s a significant investment, but if you''re serious about your project, it''s worth it."


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with interest. "How steep are we talking?" Not that it matters, even if it cleans me out, I still have to eat the cost. It will be worth it¡­


    Mark glanced down at a set of notes. "700 hundred thousand each. I know it''s a lot, but these are hard to come by, and they''re the perfect foundation for your planned network."


    "Seven hundred..." Ezra muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Expensive, but it''s not like I can go digging for them in Silph Co''s HQ." He smirked, then nodded decisively. "Buy them. All of them. Make it happen, I''ll make the money back soon enough."


    Mark smiled, jotting down the confirmation. "Understood. I''ll take care of it. But there''s another matter - if you want to get the most out of these Porygon, you''ll need someone skilled in programming and computer systems. I''ve started looking, but experts in this field are hard to come by and usually get snapped up by Silph or a Pokemon Professor. It won''t be an easy thing to find, especially ones willing to relocate to Lavender Town."


    Ezra sighed. "Figures. How bad is it?" I won''t move away from Lavender Town as my seat of business. That''s non-negotiable, I''ll own that town one day, that''s just how it''s going to be.


    "So far, no top-tier candidates. I''ve got a few who could handle basic maintenance and troubleshooting, but nothing beyond that. No one who can really push the limits of what those Porygon can do."


    The Porygons were amazing in both ensuring computer security and in performing tasks in cyberspace. But to really use them to their fullest, you needed a programmer who could utilize them properly. It was all well and good to order a Porygon to set up a YouTube like kind of set up - but even explaining what you mean by that - is unlikely to get the response you''d like, the Pokemon thinking very differently from the human ordering it.


    A programmer could bridge that gap by speaking in a language the Porygon would be able to understand every detail of.


    If Ezra was going to manage to bolster his fame and influence by kickstarting the social media revolution and Pokemon battles streamed online - he needed people that could do the job and run the Porygons for him. He wasn''t going in half assed - or someone better financed would take his idea and run with it with a better set up before he could get going.


    In a world that didn''t yet have social media or live streaming, the amount of soft power he could gather by ensuring the algorithm sent all the impressionable idiots across the continent to his feed and his battles¡­ Once that was working properly, he''d be able to protect himself from League overreach, Agatha wouldn''t be able to strong-arm him with public support on his side instead of the Elite Four''s.


    It was the main reason behind why he hadn''t fought Agatha harder, because between the two of them, she not only had the league at her back - but she''d win any public relations battle without even trying.


    "Then keep looking," Ezra said firmly, not willing to leave this to just the Porygon. "If you can''t find anyone experienced, look for students, interns - people who are eager to learn and work their asses off. We''ll train them ourselves on the job if we have to. I want a team that will be able to learn and know those Porygon inside and out. They''ll be integral to everything I have planned."


    Mark nodded, making another note. "I''ll spread the word. We''ll find the right people, even if it takes a little time."


    Ezra nodded decisively, someone will bite, it might just take longer to set everything up with some rookie programmers, but they''ll at least learn from the ground up and be intimately familiar with the Porygon and my planned set up, "Any reports on the farm and Devon Corp?" He switched subjects to the other job his lawyer had.


    Mark checked a few files, which Ezra was fairly certain was for show, he''d eat his Pidgeot if the man didn''t have all this memorized already. "Progressing. Slowly, but it''s happening. The buildings are going up, and hiring is already underway, but they''re still a week or two out from being able to accept any Pokemon. Full production is even further off. Training trustworthy people takes time, even with most of them coming from Devon Corp, filled out with some Lavender natives for the lower end jobs."


    Ezra''s expression remained steadfast. "It''s a big undertaking. Just make sure you tell them on my behalf to not rush it. You need a solid foundation before you start scaling up - and our business plan isn''t worth much if the first employees all sell to the highest bidder instead of remaining loyal."


    They''d sue the pants off them of course, but shutting the barn door after everyone''s already escaped did little to fix the issue.


    "I will advise them of your thoughts, Mister Kassian. I''m sure, considering it''s Steven Stone we''re dealing with, that this particular issue won''t arise." Mark said calmly, "Although trust but verify is a very wise strategy in business as well as life."


    "That''s your advice as a lawyer?" Ezra asked, smirking.


    Mark chuckled good naturedly. "As a lawyer and as a man, that particular advice will never steer you wrong in life. Trusting people is a nice sentiment, but verifying that they''re worthy of that trust is more important. I''ll keep you updated on the Porygon situation and anything else that comes up, I had nothing else to discuss, if that is all, Mister Kassian?"


    "It is, Mark. And thanks for everything. Really."


    Mark gave him a nod. "That''s what you''re paying me for. I''ll be in touch." With that, the screen blinked off, and Ezra was left staring at his reflection in the darkened screen of his Pokedex.


    He tucked the device back into his pocket, lost in thought for a moment. Trust but verify, huh? Ezra decided that it wouldn''t hurt to have another lawyer take a look at Mark''s work. The lesson wasn''t wrong, and lawyers had a reputation - not that he believed Mark was crooked¡­


    But lawyers¡­


    It wouldn''t hurt to double check things, considering how much of his plans would be run through his lawyer.


    "Something big going on?" A voice asked, breaking through his musings.


    Ezra glanced up to see Karen leaning against the fence a few feet away, her arms crossed and a curious expression on her face. She''d been hanging around closer than usual lately, not quite a shadow but always nearby, watching and occasionally offering a caustic comment or two. Or sometimes even pleasant small talk.


    Almost like a normal person and everything.


    "Nothing that concerns you," Ezra said with a playful smirk, knowing full well it would irritate her. Normal is overrated, I like her more when there''s steam coming out of her ears.


    Karen''s eyes narrowed. "Come on, you''ve been on that call for forever. What''s so important?"


    Ezra shrugged, playing it off. "Just some business stuff. Boring legal crap."


    "Boring legal crap doesn''t make your eyes light up like that," Karen retorted, clearly not buying it. "I saw that look on your face. You''re planning something."


    "Me? Plan something?" Ezra placed a hand on his chest, feigning innocence. "I''m hurt, Karen. You make me sound so... Nefarious." For effect he chuckled darkly, rubbing his hands together.


    Karen rolled her eyes. "You''re dodging the question, Kassian. What''s up with the Porygon anyway? Those aren''t exactly your style."


    Ezra chuckled, enjoying the game, not surprised she''d caught that particular key word in the conversation, he hadn''t bothered to be quiet after all. "Who says I don''t have a techie side? Maybe I''m branching out."


    "Yeah, right," Karen scoffed. "There''s no way you''d ever sit and work at a computer, it''s not amusing enough for you. You''re more likely to punch a computer than program it. So what''s really going on?"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Wouldn''t you like to know?"


    Karen''s jaw tightened. "I swear, if you don''t start giving me some answers - "


    Oooh, someone''s getting pushy¡­ It''s cute how you think I have to answer to you, Karen¡­


    "Or what?" Ezra interrupted, leaning casually against the fence. "You''ll tattle to Agatha? Oh wait, she wouldn''t care because it''s not Ghost Pokemon related, and you''re already her little bitch aren''t you? Shooting to embarrass yourself more?"


    Karen glared at him, her cheeks flushing slightly with frustration. "You are the most infuriating person I''ve ever met." She bit out.


    "I''ve been told it''s one of my more endearing qualities," Ezra said smoothly, lying without a care.


    "By who, a masochist?" Karen shot back, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Ezra laughed, the sound genuine and relaxed. "Touch¨¦. But seriously, I''m not telling you everything because it''s not ready yet. Let''s just say it''s part of my big evil master plan, and you''ll find out soon enough. You''re tagging along whether you like it or not, remember? So have some patience¡­"


    Karen sighed, clearly frustrated but resigned. "Fine, keep your secrets. But I''m watching you, Kassian. And if you try to pull anything -"


    "You''ll what? Report back to Agatha? Is that the only trick you''ve got in your playbook? How¡­ Minion of you, soon you''ll be calling out I''ll tell mommy on you too¡­" Ezra teased, his tone light but mocking. "She''s the one who stuck you with me, remember? If you can''t handle a few surprises without holding onto her hand, maybe you''re not cut out for this."


    Give me a month, and she won''t even want to report anything that''s not major¡­


    Karen bristled at that, but she didn''t rise to the bait this time. Instead, she took a deep breath, visibly calming herself. "Just... Don''t get us both into trouble, alright?"


    Ezra''s expression softened slightly, the playful edge fading for a moment, it couldn''t all be mocking and teasing after all, that would only build resentment. "Don''t worry, Karen. I''ve got this under control."


    Karen eyed him skeptically. "You better. Because if you don''t, I''ve got no problem just dragging you to indigo."


    Ezra nodded, his eyes serious, even if he wanted to roll his eyes. "Understood. Now, let''s get back to training. I''ve got a few new ideas I want to try out, and I could use an extra pair of eyes."


    Karen blinked, taken aback by the unexpected request. "You''re... Asking for my help?"


    Ezra shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "You''re here, aren''t you? Might as well put you to work, you do know your stuff with Dark Pokemon."


    Karen hesitated, seemingly unsure, then she nodded slowly. "Fine. But if this is some kind of trick -"


    "Relax," Ezra interrupted with a chuckle. "I promise, no tricks. Just training. For now, anyway."


    Karen rolled her eyes again but followed him back toward the training grounds.


    Ezra watched her walk, a thoughtful expression on his face. Did Agatha send her to me so she could spy? I wonder¡­ Or so she could finally learn to reign in her emotions?


    It was a thought, because she certainly wasn''t spy material.


    Watching her walk away is quite pleasant too..


    <hr>


    Later that evening,


    Ezra and Karen lounged around the stable, the sun setting in a fiery blaze over the distant treetops. The day had been filled with training, both of them instructing their teams, sweating half their body weight away in the heat - but now the evening air was cooler, filled with the soft rustling of leaves and the occasional cry of wild Pokemon in the distance.


    Karen leaned against the side of the stable, her arms crossed as she watched Ezra tinker with one of the saddles he had gotten for his Pidgeot, idly adjusting the straps. "So, what''s the plan?" She asked, trying to keep her voice casual. "You''ve been training like crazy, but where are we heading next?"


    Ezra glanced up, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I was thinking we''d hit up the first Johto gym while the whole Porygon thing gets sorted out on my side, that way we can return to Kanto when I''m called back for that."


    Karen raised an eyebrow, anticipation creeping into her expression. "Which gym are you thinking of?"


    He smirked, turning his attention back to the saddle. "That''s a sec~ret."


    Her eyes narrowed, irritation flaring up. "Seriously? What''s the point of hiding that? We''re both going to the same place, so it''s not like I won''t know once we arrive." She complained, nostrils flaring.


    Ezra shrugged, clearly enjoying her frustration. I need to settle down on this, but she makes it so damn easy! "If it''s that obvious, you don''t need me to tell you anyway, do you?"


    He would defend himself with the fact that at least it was only light teasing at this point. As a guy he had needs. And poking and prodding Karen for such delicious reactions was just too addicting.


    Karen took a deep breath, visibly holding back a retort. "Do you even know anything about Johto''s gyms, or are you just winging it as usual?" She grumbled.


    Ezra paused, looking at her with mild amusement. "Why don''t you enlighten me¡­ Miss Expert? Make yourself useful since you''re freeloading off my land and my food."


    Karen''s jaw tightened at that dig, but she didn''t rise to the bait. "I''m not a freeloader," She muttered, though her tone lacked its usual heat. She straightened, shifting into a more serious stance. "Fine. Johto has eight gyms, and each specializes in a different type. You have Falkner in Violet City with Flying types, Cicada in Azalea Town with Bug types, Whitney in Goldenrod City, a Normal-type specialist."


    Ezra listened quietly as she went on, her voice gaining a hint of passion as she continued on about her home''s gyms. "Then you have Morty in Ecruteak City, Ghost types, the only one worth anything according to Lady Agatha¡­ Chuck in Cianwood City, who uses Fighting types, Jasmine in Olivine City, with Steel types,  Pryce has returned to Mahogany Town, with his Ice types. And finally, there''s Claire in Blackthorn City with Dragon types. Each gym has its own challenges and unique setups, although most are a simple 3 vs 3 for the early badges."


    Ezra''s expression was thoughtful as he absorbed the information, of course he already knew most of this, except he supposed he was early enough in the timeline that Bugsy wasn''t a gym leader yet in Azalea town. "Not bad," He admitted, his tone almost sincere. "So, Miss Expert, which gym do you think we should start with?"


    Karen''s eyes narrowed suspiciously. "You''re asking me for my opinion now? What''s the catch?"


    "No catch," Ezra said, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Just curious to see if you have any ideas."


    Karen snorted, clearly not buying his innocent act. "I think Violet City would be the logical choice. Start at the beginning, face Falkner. He''s not too tough, but his Flying types can be tricky if you''re not prepared to deal with them, not that I think you''d have difficulties..."


    Ezra nodded slowly, though he didn''t confirm her suggestion. "Interesting." My advantage in typing is already going to give me a leg up anyway against most, but I already have my first target picked anyway.


    Karen sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Whatever. I''m heading to bed. You do whatever crazy thing you''re planning."


    Ezra watched her go, a thoughtful look on his face. Once she was out of sight, he turned his attention back to the stable, his expression hardening. As he moved, two shadowy forms detached themselves from his own, the ghostly shapes of a Gengar and a Misdreavous emerging silently into the night air.


    "Follow her." He instructed, his voice low but firm. "Once she''s asleep, use Hypnosis and make sure she stays that way. Both of you stay with her, out of sight. If she wakes up early, one of you will come warn me, and the other follows her. If she doesn''t go to sleep in the next hour, one of you will come and notify me."


    The two Ghost Pokemon nodded, their forms shimmering in the dim light before they vanished, melting into the shadows and disappearing. Ezra watched them go, his expression calm but his mind racing. Agatha really thought sending Karen to spy would achieve much of anything? He shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. He should be grateful the old witch was making it so easy for him.


    There were so many ways to get around this whole thing it was ridiculous, and that wasn''t even mentioning how likely it was he could subvert Karen eventually once he got powerful enough and his business took off. Whatever hold Agatha had, he could probably offer her something better. For now, just making sure she slept nice and tight would be enough.


    He waited another hour, his gaze flicking occasionally toward the house where Karen was occupying the guest room. No sign of his Pokemon returning meant she had gone to sleep as planned and had been put under conclusively. Good. The last thing he needed was her meddling in his own training, the thing he was definitely not willing to openly share with Agatha.


    He shook his head at how different they were, him and Karen. Perhaps if they were out camping she would have let one of her Dark Pokemon stand guard - but here, she''d entirely let her guard down because it was a house, they were in civilization, and so she had no protection against his Ghosts putting her under for the night.


    Ezra didn''t sleep anywhere without being under guard. But they were obviously different types of people.


    Satisfied that everything was under control, Ezra walked over and sat down in the middle of the stable, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. He took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill his lungs, and then slowly exhaled, letting his mind settle into a state of calm focus.


    He reached out with his senses, feeling the familiar, comforting weight of his aura around him. It was like a second skin, an extension of himself that he could mold and shape at will. He let it expand, stretching out to encompass the entire field, the shadows deepening and swirling around him like a living thing.


    Ezra''s shadow began to shift, tendrils of darkness unfurling from beneath him, wrapping around his form. He could feel the power thrumming through him, the connection to the dark and ghostly energies that he had cultivated for so long. It was a part of him now, as natural as breathing. Albeit sometimes¡­ Difficult to direct.


    He concentrated, letting his aura flow through him, feeling the pulse of each of his Pokemon''s energy in the field around him. He could sense them all - Nyx, Rider, Loki, and the rest - each one a distinct presence, a unique signature of power and personality. They were his tools, his partners, and he would do whatever it took to make them stronger because it would make him stronger.


    Did he love them in the same way others loved their Pokemon? Perhaps not. But he was fond of them, perhaps it was even love? He wasn''t very experienced with most positive emotions, so who knew? He knew he cared about them, but how far would that stretch¡­


    Maybe one day he''d find out. Would have to choose between sacrificing one of them or not. He was curious what his answer would be.


    His shadow shifted again, thickening and darkening as it enveloped him completely, blocking out the world around him. He felt the familiar tug of the dark energies, pulling at his mind, trying to draw him deeper into the void. He welcomed it albeit cautiously, letting the darkness wash over him, consuming him, until there was nothing left but the still, quiet emptiness of his own thoughts.


    He stayed like that for a long time, letting his mind drift in the absolute quiet of the dark, his body still and relaxed. He could feel the power within him growing, the connection to his Pokemon''s auras strengthening.


    When he finally opened his eyes, the shadows around him receded, the darkness dissipating as he stood up, stretching his limbs. The night was still and quiet, the stars twinkling overhead like tiny pinpricks of light. He felt refreshed, energized, ready for whatever came next.


    Karen might have been sent to spy on him, but she had no idea what she was dealing with. Agatha might have thought she could control him, but he was determined to prove otherwise. He had his own path to follow, his own destiny to shape, and he wouldn''t let anyone stand in his way.


    Agatha or the Champion, Team Rocket or Ash Ketchum, no one was going to mess up his plans.


    No one!


    With a final glance toward the house, where Karen lay sleeping under the watchful eyes of his Ghost Pokemon, Ezra turned and headed back toward the training area, where he spent another hour checking up on his Pokemon, before calling it a night. He had a lot to do, and not much time to do it. But for now, he would rest. Tomorrow was another day, and he needed to be ready.


    <hr>


    Cianwood city, Johto,


    Ezra and Karen finally descended from the sky, their Pokemon swooping down toward the coastline of Cianwood City. The trip from Pewter to the western edge of Johto had been a long, arduous journey, with strong winds and swirling sea breezes battering them the entire way. It had been hours upon hours on the wing of Ezra''s Pidgeot and Karen''s Honchkrow, and both trainers were exhausted by the time they spotted the seaside city''s colorful rooftops and sandy beaches below.


    As they landed, Pidgeot''s powerful wings flapped, stirring up sand as the bird set Ezra gently down on the beach. Honchkrow wasn''t quite as graceful, her landing a bit more abrupt as Karen stumbled slightly on the soft ground, catching herself with a huff of annoyance.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    "Ugh, that was a nightmare," Karen muttered, brushing sand off her outfit and trying to smooth her windswept hair. "My back is killing me... Why couldn''t we have just taken a longer route on land?"


    Ezra gave Pidgeot a pat before recalling the bird Pokemon to its Pokeball. "Too slow. I wanted to get here as soon as possible."


    Karen rolled her eyes, still stretching out her sore muscles. "Yeah, well, next time maybe consider that not everyone wants to feel like a ragdoll in the wind for hours on end. We could''ve taken a break somewhere along the way at least."


    "We could have," Ezra agreed, a slight grin tugging at his lips, "But then I wouldn''t have gotten to see you all flustered and complaining."


    She shot him a withering glare. "Ha ha. Very funny. You''re the one who looks like a Mankey tried to do your hair." She fired back, trying to hide the twitching of her lips at the end.


    Ezra ran a hand through his tangled mess of white spiky hair and shrugged. "Charming, as always. But seriously, we''re here now, right? Let''s not waste any more time." He glanced around, taking in the picturesque view of Cianwood City. "I''ve got a gym to challenge."


    Karen rounded on Ezra, hands on her hips, her face scrunched in irritation. "Why did you even bother asking me about the gyms if you were just going to ignore everything I said?"


    Someone''s held that in the entire journey, he thought with amusement, the winds had made conversation on the way impossible.


    Ezra smirked, casually adjusting the strap of his backpack. "Because you''re cute when you''re angry."


    Karen''s mouth dropped open, her eyes widening in disbelief even as she blushed. "Shut up! Don''t make this weird!"


    He pointed at her, his grin widening. "See? ~Cute."


    She blushed furiously, crossing her arms and looking away, her face a mix of frustration and embarrassment. "You''re impossible," She muttered under her breath. Deciding to give up on arguing with him for now, she took a deep breath, trying to cool her temper. If she kept going, it would only give him more material to tease her with, and she wasn''t in the mood to be his amusement any longer today.


    Ezra chuckled to himself, satisfied with her reaction. He turned away, glancing around at their surroundings. The streets were cobbled, and colorful market stalls lined the road leading up from the beachfront, selling everything from freshly caught seafood to hand crafted trinkets and souvenirs. It was a picturesque, peaceful town, the kind of place that seemed to move at a slower, more relaxed pace compared to the bustling cities of Kanto, or the ones at the center of Johto.


    Cianwood was a city unlike any other in Johto. Nestled on a small peninsula jutting into the sea, it was surrounded by clear, sparkling water on one side, and cliffs on the others. The buildings were a mix of traditional wood and stone, with vibrant tiled roofs and wide, open verandas to catch the sea breeze. The streets were paved with smooth cobblestones, and the air was filled with the sound of waves gently crashing against the shore and Wingull calling out overhead.


    The beach stretched out along the eastern edge of the city, the golden sands dotted with clusters of driftwood, smooth pebbles, and shells glinting in the sunlight. Farther out, the ocean was a deep, mesmerizing blue, with the occasional Mantine gliding gracefully through the water. Small fishing boats bobbed near the docks, their nets hanging out to dry, while a few sailors went about their business, calling out greetings to each other.


    As they made their way off the beach and onto the main road, Karen''s Honchkrow hopped alongside her, its beady eyes scanning the surroundings suspiciously. "You know, this place is actually kind of nice," Karen admitted reluctantly. "Almost makes up for that nightmare flight."


    Ezra glanced over at her, his eyes still taking in the sights. "Told you it''d be worth it. And I''ll make it even more worthwhile by thrashing Chuck in front of everyone."


    Karen scoffed. "Right. That''s assuming you don''t get tossed out on your ass first. He''s a tough gym leader. No-nonsense, all power. Even for your type advantage, this might be a bit much, I''m sure he has a way around that."


    Ezra just shrugged again, his smirk widening. "Guess we''ll see. A Fighting type expert sounds like the perfect test for Akuma."


    "Akuma?" Karen frowned, thinking for a moment. "Oh, your¡­ Annihilape, right?"


    "Yep," Ezra said proudly, palming the Pokeball on his belt. "And I''m betting Chuck''s going to love getting his ass handed to him by it."


    Karen shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips despite herself. "You really are insufferable."


    "Thanks, I try."


    They walked along the cobbled streets, passing by small shops and houses painted in bright blues and whites, their windowsills adorned with potted flowers. A few kids were playing in the street, their laughter ringing out as they chased after each other with a couple of Growlithe joining in. Some of the locals nodded in greeting as they passed, clearly recognizing the sight of traveling trainers.


    Karen glanced around at the town as they moved deeper into the heart of the city. "I''ve heard Cianwood has some of the best herbal medicine in the region. Stuff that can put most potions to shame. Maybe we should stock up before your big showdown. In case Chuck pounds you into the dirt." She suggested.


    Ezra snorted. "Always so supportive. But sure, we can check out the shops after I win the badge. No need for the emergency medicine for my side of the fight." Plus I''m rapidly running out of money until the farm starts up - what with my expenditure.


    They passed by a couple of small restaurants, the scent of grilled fish and freshly baked bread making Karen''s stomach growl softly. Ezra caught the sound and raised an eyebrow at her.


    "Hungry?"


    She shot him a look, but it lacked its usual bite. "Starving, actually. That flight burned through whatever energy I had left." Her right eye twitched, "Someone was in too much of a rush to let us eat breakfast¡­" She reminded him.


    Ezra smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Well, can''t have my lovely assistant fainting from hunger. Let''s grab something before I head to the gym."


    Karen rolled her eyes. "You are not funny, you know that?"


    "I think I''m hilarious," Ezra said with haughtily as he led them toward a nearby food stall. The vendor, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile, greeted them warmly and offered them a selection of seafood skewers, fresh fruits, and chilled drinks.


    Ezra handed over some cash and bought them both a couple of skewers loaded with grilled Magikarp and vegetables, along with some chilled coconut water. He passed one of each to Karen, who took them with a reluctant nod of thanks.


    "Better?" He asked after she took a few bites.


    She gave a small, begrudging nod. "Yeah. Thanks."


    "See, I''m not always a jerk."


    "Just most of the time," Karen muttered, but there was no heat in her words. She took another bite of her skewer, chewing thoughtfully before speaking again. "You probably haven''t been paying attention, but it''s probably for the best that you don''t go near Mahogany town for now..."


    Ezra glanced at her. "Oh?"


    "Yeah. Pryce''s gym has been practically impossible to beat lately. After he lost the champion spot to Lance, he went back to Mahogany and started making every trainer''s life hell. He''s taking out his frustration on anyone who dares to challenge him."


    Ezra raised an eyebrow. "Really? That''s kind of¡­ Pathetic."


    Karen snorted. "Yeah, sore loser. Lady Agatha always said he was too proud for his own good and only half as clever as he thought."


    Ezra laughed. "Maybe I''ll swing by Mahogany and knock some sense into him after I''m done here."


    Karen smirked. "Dummy, I just told you so you wouldn''t, but maybe I''d pay to see that - you getting crushed by Pryce. But Chuck first. He''s no slouch, and he''s not going to take you lightly. You''ve got your work cut out for you."


    Ezra''s grin turned dark, his fingers brushing over Akuma''s Pokeball again. "I''m counting on it. I want to give Akuma a real showcase of a debut, and Chuck''s just the guy to provide it."


    They finished their snacks and continued through the town, the gym now in sight, a large, imposing building with a traditional dojo design. The heavy wooden doors were flanked by two stone pillars, and the symbol of the gym - a clenched fist - was emblazoned above the entrance.


    Karen stopped just outside, turning to face Ezra with a questioning look. "Why this gym, anyway?" She asked, delaying their entrance for just a moment, curious.


    Ezra''s smirk turned darker, more dangerous as he palmed the Pokeball at his belt. "Because Annihilape needs a good place to debut," He said, his voice low. "And a Fighting type trainer will appreciate being beat up by a Fighting type, right?" half fighting type anyway¡­


    Karen''s eyebrows shot up, and she gave him a skeptical look. "I''m not sure it works that way."


    Ezra chuckled, twirling the Pokeball idly between his fingers. "Maybe not. But I''m sure everyone''s going to have fun." Me, it''s me that''s going to have fun¡­


    Karen scoffed, but there was a hint of a smile on her lips. "Yeah, fighting you is the opposite of fun." She drawled out, punching him in the shoulder.


    Ezra winked at her, trying to not flinch, because ow... "I''m sure Chuck will be thrilled to get his ass kicked by a Fighting-type. It''s poetic justice or something."


    Karen rolled her eyes again, she seemed to do that alot around him. "You''re unbelievable, you know that?"


    "I aim to please," Ezra said, his tone light. "Now, let''s get this done, Akuma is dying to do battle!"


    They stood there for a moment, the anticipation hanging between them like a tangible thing. Karen watched Ezra closely, her irritation from earlier forgotten in the face of his determination and confidence. She had to admit, as much as he drove her crazy, there was something undeniably compelling about his intensity, his drive to win and push himself to the limit.


    She sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against the wall. "Just try not to get yourself beat up too badly, okay? I''d hate to have to explain to Lady Agatha why her new favorite got flattened by Chuck." She drawled out, putting a dark emphasis on the word favorite.


    Ezra laughed, his eyes glinting with dark amusement at her irritation, "Don''t worry about me, Karen."


    He turned and headed toward the gym doors, his stride confident and sure. Karen watched him go, a mixture of exasperation and begrudging admiration in her gaze. He was reckless, unpredictable, and more than a little insane - but he was also determined and fiercely capable. She couldn''t help but feel a grudging respect for him, despite his many, many flaws.


    Mostly because he did beat her. So if he wasn''t at least slightly competent, she''d have to kill herself in shame.


    "Good luck, idiot," She muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she pushed off the wall and followed him into the gym.


    <hr>


    Ezra pushed open the heavy wooden doors of the Cianwood Gym, his boots clapping against the smooth wooden floor. The interior of the gym was impressive, styled like a traditional dojo with high ceilings, exposed wooden beams, and sliding paper walls decorated with vibrant paintings of ancient martial artists and fierce Pokemon battles. The scent of sandalwood incense hung faintly in the air, adding to the serene, almost meditative atmosphere.


    The reception area was spacious, with a long desk manned by a young woman in a neat uniform. She looked up as they entered, offering a polite smile. Behind her, a hallway led deeper into the gym, where the sounds of intense training could be heard - grunts, the slap of fists hitting punching bags, and the occasional roar of a Pokemon.


    It already looked more professional than anything the Orange League had put out.


    Ezra walked up to the desk, Karen trailing behind him with her arms crossed, still somewhat sulky from their earlier conversation. "I''m here to challenge Chuck," Ezra said, his voice steady and confident.


    The receptionist''s smile widened. "You''re in luck! There are no other challengers at the moment, so you can head right in. Chuck''s in the main arena." She gestured toward the hallway. "Just follow this path straight, and you''ll find him, just let me scan your ID first."


    "Thanks," Ezra said with a nod, handing over his trainer''s ID, letting it be scanned, before he turned to head down the hall. Karen sighed and rolled her eyes at his luck at not having to wait, but followed him without comment.


    The hallway opened into a large, open arena surrounded by tiered seating. The floor was solid rock, marked with lines that formed a large, square battlefield. The walls were adorned with banners bearing the symbol of the Cianwood Gym - two muscular arms crossed over a boulder, with the word ''Strength'' written below it.


    Sitting in the center of the arena in a traditional seiza position was Chuck, the gym leader himself. He was a massive man, all muscle and energy, with broad shoulders and a chest like a barrel. His hair was cropped short, and a thick, spiky mustache adorned his face. Chuck''s skin gleamed with a light sheen of sweat, and his powerful arms were crossed over his bare chest. He was barefoot, his feet resting easily on the smooth stone floor as he observed Ezra and Karen''s approach with a smirk of amusement.


    Karen made her way to the stands, choosing a spot near the front. She plopped down with a huff, resting her chin on her hand. "Let''s see how long it takes you to piss him off," She muttered under her breath.


    Ezra strode confidently into the arena, his eyes locked on Chuck. As he took his position opposite the gym leader, Chuck suddenly leapt to his feet with surprising agility for a man his size. He spun in the air, delivering a powerful high kick that seemed to shake the room as the air rippled, then he landed with a thud that echoed through the gym.


    "My Pokemon will crush stones and shatter bones!" Chuck roared, his deep voice filling the arena. He threw his arms wide, his muscles rippling with the movement. "Are you ready, challenger?"


    Ezra stood his ground, unflinching. "I''m not here for a standard badge challenge. I want to face your star team."


    There was a brief silence. A few of the gym trainers who had been observing from the shadows exchanged curious glances. Karen blinked, straightening slightly in her seat. Chuck, still poised in his fighter''s stance, raised an eyebrow. "Star team, huh?" He said, his tone a mix of amusement and disbelief. "You don''t even have any badges yet, son. Don''t get ahead of yourself. I don''t do star challenges for cocky little shits."


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, his usual smirk replaced by a darker expression. "I''m sorry, I couldn''t hear you over the sound of rocks crashing together inside that empty skull," He said, his voice cold. "Did you say you were going to break League rules and refuse a proper challenge?"


    In the stands, Karen''s hand smacked against her forehead. "Five minutes," She muttered to herself, shaking her head. "You can''t last five minutes¡­"


    Chuck''s expression shifted, his eyes widening in surprise before he threw his head back and laughed - a loud, booming sound that echoed through the gym. "You''re one hell of a brat, brat!" He said, his laughter fading into a broad, toothy grin. "Fine! If you''re going to rule lawyer me, I''ll give you a star challenge. Three versus three." He reached into his belt and held up a Pokeball, his eyes gleaming with excitement. "But you ain''t getting my best team, you hear? I''m not going to be seen as a bully here."


    Ezra rolled his eyes, his smirk returning. "Whatever. Your loss if you''re not going to take me seriously." Ugh, this better not happen at every gym until I have a decent amount of badges¡­


    Chuck snorted, clearly amused. "Oh, I''ll take you seriously enough, don''t worry about that." He glanced over at the referee standing near the edge of the battlefield - a stocky man in gym trainer''s gear, holding a whistle. "Ready to go?"


    The referee nodded, stepping forward. "The terms have been set. This is a star challenge, three versus three. Release your Pokemon when ready."


    Ezra''s grin widened as he grasped Akuma''s Pokeball, his fingers tightening around the smooth surface. His heart was pounding, the thrill of the upcoming battle making his blood sing. He could already feel Akuma''s energy pulsing through the Pokeball, the Annihilape ready and eager to be unleashed.


    "Oh, it''s so on," He muttered to himself, his eyes locked on Chuck. He had a point to prove, and nothing - not even Chuck''s arrogance - was going to stand in his way.


    The gym leader smirked, raising his own Pokeball in a mirrored gesture. "Let''s see if you''ve got what it takes, brat," He said, his voice low and dangerous.


    Ezra''s gaze never wavered. "You have no idea what''s coming," He replied softly, a fierce determination burning in his eyes.


    Karen, watching from the stands, crossed her arms and leaned back in her seat. Despite herself, she couldn''t help but feel a flicker of excitement. This was going to be interesting.


    Chuck had a confident grin on his face as he tossed his first Pokeball into the air. "Let''s show this kid what real strength is all about! Machamp, I choose you!" He roared, the Pokeball bursting open with a flash of white light.


    A massive Machamp materialized on the battlefield, its four muscular arms flexing as it let out a thunderous cry. The Fighting type Pokemon''s gray skin shimmered under the gym''s lights, its red eyes gleaming with anticipation. Machamp stomped the ground, creating a small tremor, and cracked its knuckles in a menacing display of power.


    Ezra smirked and released his Annihilape, Akuma, onto the field. The black and white spectral form of the evolved Primeape landed lightly on its feet, fists already raised in a fighting stance. Akuma''s body was wreathed in a dark, smoky aura, and his eyes burned with a cold, controlled fury. The energy radiating from the Pokemon was palpable, a heavy, oppressive force that filled the arena.


    Akuma was here to do battle, and he wouldn''t be satisfied without something or someone crushed under his fists.


    Chuck''s eyes widened as he took in the sight of the unfamiliar Pokemon. "What in the world is that Pokemon?" He demanded, his voice echoing through the gym. "Is that some kind of new Fighting type? A new Mankey evolution, maybe?"


    Ezra crossed his arms and scoffed. "We''re in the middle of a battle. Figure it out yourself."


    Chuck''s brow furrowed, but his grin didn''t waver. "Fine by me!" He shouted, raising an arm dramatically. "Machamp, let''s start this off strong! Use Karate Chop!"


    Ezra''s smirk widened. "Akuma, Encore."


    Chuck narrowed his eyes.


    Machamp''s fists glowed with a white light as it dashed forward, one of its massive hands swinging down in a powerful chop aimed directly at Annihilape. The move connected, but to Chuck''s surprise, Akuma didn''t even flinch. Instead, the Annihilape''s eyes seemed to glow brighter, its form almost vibrating with contained rage.


    "Ghost¡­" Chuck murmured, chuckling to himself. Giving Ezra a nod at his move. Encore would force a Pokemon to use the same move they already used three times in a row, and fighting type moves wouldn''t work on Annihilape.


    "Machamp, use your muscles to think, break out of it!" Chuck shouted, to no effect.


    Probably already only thinks with its muscles, Ezra thought amusedly.


    "Akuma, Rage Fist." Ezra said lazily, the Machamp letting out an oof as Akuma''s accumulated rage burned across the Annihilape in ghostly energy, slamming into Machamp sending it tumbling back.


    Machamp immediately moved into another useless Karate Chop, bound by Encore to keep going.


    Ezra decided it was time to finish things. "Akuma, use Shadow Claw." With Machamp bound in Encore, he didn''t need to do anything fancy.


    Annihilape''s hand shimmered with dark energy, forming a spectral claw that extended from its knuckles. With a swift, fluid motion, it slashed across Machamp''s chest, leaving glowing, jagged marks in its wake. Machamp roared in pain, stumbling back from the unexpected power of the attack.


    "Now, finish it with Drain Punch!" Ezra commanded as the Machamp went into its last Karate Chop, his voice sharp and decisive. Even with Karate Chop being entirely ineffective, if there''d been a single bit of energy lost, Drain Punch would take it back.


    Akuma''s fist glowed with a vibrant green energy as it darted forward, delivering a powerful blow to Machamp''s midsection. The attack drained Machamp''s energy and restored some of Annihilape''s own vitality in the process. Machamp staggered, its body trembling from the impact, before collapsing onto the ground, unconscious.


    The referee blew his whistle. "Machamp is unable to battle! The challenger takes the first round!"


    Chuck recalled his Machamp, a look of surprise and growing respect on his face. "Not bad, kid. That Pokemon of yours packs a punch, smart use of type advantage with the Encore." He reached for his next Pokeball, his grin returning. "But let''s see how you handle this! Poliwrath, it''s your turn!"


    In a burst of light, a large, muscular Poliwrath appeared, its blue body glistening with water. The spiral pattern on its belly pulsed with energy, and it let out a fierce croak as it took its place on the battlefield. Chuck didn''t waste any time. "Poliwrath, use Ice Punch!"


    "Akuma, Counter."


    Poliwrath''s fist glowed with a chilling blue light as it charged forward, aiming a powerful punch at Akuma. The Annihilape took the attack, roaring in anger, his eyes glowing as he struck back using Counter, hitting the Poliwrath with twice the damage, Ezra''s eyes gleamed with amusement. "Akuma, use Shadow Punch."


    Annihilape''s fist became wreathed in a dark, shadowy energy as it lunged forward, its arm stretching unnaturally forward bolstered by darkness to deliver a devastating blow to Poliwrath''s face. The attack struck hard, sending Poliwrath staggering back, its eyes dazed.


    Chuck gritted his teeth, trying to regain control of the battle. "Poliwrath, use Waterfall!"


    The man was at least smart enough to not use fighting type moves anymore, Ezra acknowledged. Already better than most of the Orange League if I''m honest. "Protect." He called out succinctly.


    Poliwrath''s body glowed as it summoned a torrent of water, rushing forward with incredible speed. The wave crashed into Akuma, his Protect raised just a tad too slowly, drenching the ghostly Pokemon and sending it skidding back, but with some of the power drained from the wave by the shield snapping up. Ezra''s eyes narrowed, assessing the situation, he couldn''t let Chuck build any momentum.


    "Akuma, use Thunder Punch!" Ezra shouted, glad he''d given some of the TMs to the Rage Pokemon.


    Akuma''s eyes flashed as he roared in excitement, his whole arm glowing with a fierce crackling yellow light. As Chuck called for Poliwrath to move, the Annihilape lashed out with a powerful punch, the hit super effective. The impact sent Poliwrath flying across the arena, where it crashed into the far wall, slumping to the ground, unconscious.


    The referee''s whistle blew again. "Poliwrath is unable to battle! The challenger leads two to zero!"


    Ezra was conflicted, this wasn''t a real star battle, he could tell. Chuck hadn''t brought out a real team. Easy win for him, but not the challenge he''d wanted for Akuma, nor Mimikyu who he had slotted in, but wouldn''t actually get to fight at this rate.


    Chuck recalled his fallen Pokemon, his expression a mix of frustration and self deprecation. "You''ve got one hell of a Pokemon there, kid. I guess I should have brought out a serious team, my mistake." He said, his voice tinged with respect. "But I''m not done yet! Hitmonlee, let''s go!"


    Hitmonlee, the kicking master Pokemon, appeared on the field, its long, flexible legs shifting as it sized up its opponent. Chuck wasted no time. "Hitmonlee, use Blaze Kick!"


    Hitmonlee''s leg ignited with a fierce flame as it launched itself at the Annihilape, aiming a fiery kick straight at the Ghost type Pokemon. Akuma narrowly avoided the strike, the flames licking at its fur as it dodged to the side, having been warned by Ezra flaring his aura, making the Pokemon begin to dodge before Hitmonlee even struck.


    "Akuma, use Drain Punch!" Ezra ordered. Get back some of the damage you took from the Poliwrath¡­


    Akuma struck out, the attack landing cleanly across Hitmonlee''s chest. The fighting-type staggered, its face contorted in pain, but it quickly recovered, its eyes blazing with determination. Akuma grinned darkly as it shadow boxed the air, his vitality restored.


    "Hitmonlee, use Stone Edge!" Chuck barked, at the same time as Ezra called out, "Tank it and Shadow Punch to the face."


    Hitmonlee cracked the stone floor with a kick, summoning sharp stones that it flew forward with, to strike Akuma with deadly force, the sharp stones swirling along its leg. The leg struck Akuma, staggering him but he quickly regained its footing, his fist already glowing with power. The Annihilape''s fist shimmered with a shadowy aura as it launched itself at Hitmonlee, delivering a crushing blow to the fighting-type''s head. Hitmonlee''s eyes widened before it crumpled to the ground, unconscious.


    The referee''s whistle blew for the final time. "Hitmonlee is unable to battle! The challenger wins!"


    Ezra walked up to the center of the battlefield, a satisfied smile on his face as he patted Akuma on the head, the Pokemon crowing out his victory with both arms in the air. The Annihilape had performed flawlessly, and he was proud of its strength and discipline. But despite the victory, there was a faint note of disappointment in his eyes.


    This wasn''t the kind of fight he''d been expecting. Chuck had treated him like a fresh rookie. Those were not star badge Pokemon, not really. And he hadn''t even tried anything really sneaky either. It was a bit of a letdown.


    Hopefully the other gyms will take things more seriously¡­


    Chuck approached him, his expression thoughtful as he held out a small box containing a badge studded with three stars. "You''ve earned this, kid," He said, his voice sincere. "I admit, I misjudged you. That Pokemon of yours is something special. I''ve never seen a fighting type like it."


    Ezra took the badge but shook his head, his smile fading. "You didn''t take me seriously, and it ruined the fight," He said bluntly. "I''m here to prove myself, not to play games. If you''re not going to use your best team, then what''s the point?"


    Chuck''s eyes widened in surprise, then he chuckled softly. "You''ve got guts, I''ll give you that. You''re right - I should have given you a real challenge. But you''re still new, kid. You''ve got a lot to prove before you take on the likes of my strongest Pokemon."


    Ezra''s expression darkened, and he took a step forward. "I''m ready to go right now." Akuma can take a few more, and Mimikyu is waiting in the wings¡­


    Before Chuck could respond, Karen, who had made her way down from the stands, grabbed Ezra''s arm and started dragging him toward the exit. "Okay, that''s enough, idiot," She muttered, glaring at him. "You''re going to get yourself in real trouble."


    Ezra tried to pull free, but Karen''s grip was surprisingly strong. "Hey, let go!"


    Chuck just laughed at him as he was dragged out.


    Oh, I''m definitely coming back one day!


    <hr>


    An hour later,


    The ocean waves crashed gently against the shore as Ezra and Karen made their way to the beach after their shopping, the salty breeze carrying the scent of the sea. The sand crunched beneath their shoes, warm and soft, and the sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the water. It was a beautiful, peaceful scene, in contrast to the tension that still lingered between them after the gym battle.


    Karen wasn''t going to let it go, though, she''d managed to keep her mouth shut as they shopped and apparently had now reached her limit. As they walked, she shot Ezra another withering glare, her arms crossed over her chest. "You really need to work on your attitude," She scolded, her voice sharp. "You can''t just talk to gym leaders like that. You''re lucky Chuck is so easy going. If it had been someone like Pryce or Claire, they would''ve thrown you out of the gym before you could even throw a Pokeball."


    Ezra glanced at her sideways, his expression lazy and unconcerned. "I''ll say what I want and take the consequences," He said, shrugging. "I''m not here to make friends with Johto''s gym leaders. I''m here to win."


    In Kanto, perhaps he''d take it a bit more¡­ Diplomatically. He wouldn''t want to annoy the people who might get a say in his possible inclusion after all.


    Karen rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Yeah, well, there''s a difference between being confident and being an idiot. You could''ve been suspended for a time from challenging the gyms if Chuck had decided to push it. Why didn''t you pull that crap with Agatha, huh?"


    Ezra snorted, kicking at a clump of sand as they walked. "Because there''s a difference between being cocky and being stupid." There''s a very big difference between Chuck and Agatha.


    The least of it being that he was pretty sure Agatha was well practiced in hiding a body, while Chuck probably wasn''t.


    Karen looked at him, one eyebrow arched. "Really? Because I can''t see it," She said smugly.


    Ezra shot her a sidelong look, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Maybe you''ve been staring in your mirror so much you''re stuck only seeing the one thing."


    Karen blinked, frowning as she processed his words. When the meaning finally sank in, her eyes widened in indignation, and she let out a furious growl. "You! Get back here!" She shouted, lunging at him as he was already jumping out of her reach.


    Ezra laughed and took off down the beach, his feet kicking up sand as he sprinted away. "Too slow, princess!" He called back, cackling as Karen chased after him, her face flushed with anger and embarrassment.


    They ran down the shoreline, dodging around clusters of driftwood and small rocks, the sun setting slowly behind them, painting the sky with shades of pink and orange. Ezra''s mocking laughter echoed across the beach as he dodged and weaved, just staying out of Karen''s reach. She cursed at him, her breath coming in short, frustrated gasps, but she refused to give up the chase.


    After what felt like an eternity, Karen finally slowed, gasping for air as she bent over, hands on her knees. Ezra stopped a few feet away, grinning like a maniac. All that training has made me less of a weakling it seems.


    "Had enough?" He teased, his voice slightly breathless. "Someone''s been spending too much time sitting at a desk.."


    Karen shot him a glare. "You''re... Such... An asshole," She panted, straightening up and brushing a strand of hair out of her face.


    "I know," Ezra agreed easily. "It''s one of the best things about me, 10/10 people want to punch me if given the opportunity."


    They walked back up the beach together, both of them still catching their breath, there was only some slight jostling and shoulder checks, just for fun. They soon found a spot to sit, the sun was still high in the sky, the heat blaring down on them. Karen had soon found some changing booths and changed into a simple silver colored bikini, while Ezra sat in shorts and a t-shirt, leaning back on his hands as he looked out over the ocean.


    Karen glanced at him, a smirk tugging at her lips. "What''s the matter? Too shy to strip down?" She teased, arching an eyebrow.


    Ezra rolled his eyes. "I''m albino, Karen. I''ll literally burn to a crisp in this sun. We can''t all rock a bikini." Besides, he was fine being the more wiry type instead of a muscle head, no need to showcase it.


    Karen stretched languidly, showing off her lithe yet curvy figure as she arched her back, a smug smile on her lips. "Oh, I''m rocking it, am I?" She asked, her voice dripping with mock arrogance.


    Ezra just raised an eyebrow, his expression unimpressed. "Do you need me to tell you you''re hot, Karen? I didn''t think you were the type to have low self-esteem." You''re not going to get me back that easy.


    He came from a world of unlimited porn, he wasn''t going to fall apart due to a hot bikini clad girl.. This might be an anime world, but he wasn''t an anime protagonist.


    Karen sighed and leaned back, using her hand to shield her face from the sun''s rays. "You can''t stop being a douche even for one second, can you?" For once she sounded more amused than irritated.


    "Nope," Ezra said with a grin, folding his hands behind his head as he stretched out on the sand. "Society tells you that you have to be polite and nice, but society also tells me I''m a freak because I look a little different - so fuck society, I''ll act how I want."


    Karen shook her head, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself. Before she could respond, though, a familiar voice cut through the sound of the waves.


    "Well, well, well, if it isn''t the mighty Ezra Kassian."


    Both Ezra and Karen looked up to see Shae striding toward them, her black one-piece swimsuit hugging her curves as she approached. Her colorful hair was shining in the sun, and she had a lazy, confident smirk on her lips. Karen''s eyes narrowed immediately, recognizing the girl from the tournament. The one that had almost beat her.


    Shae''s smirk widened as she looked between the two of them, her gaze lingering on Ezra before shifting to Karen. She puffed out her chest slightly, flaunting her more generous bust as she crossed her arms over her stomach. Karen gritting her teeth at the action, "And you''ve got the Dark type bitch with you too," Shae drawled, her tone dripping with condescension. "What? Did she offer to be your servant in humiliation for how badly she was beaten?"


    You''re one to talk, Shae¡­ Ezra thought, studying her intently.


    Karen''s face turned a furious shade of red, and she surged to her feet, her fists clenched at her sides. "Excuse me!?" She snapped, her voice trembling with rage. "Who the hell do you think you are?"


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, his playful expression disappearing in an instant as his hand dropped to the Pokeballs at his belt. And things had been going so well too.."Shae..." He said slowly, his voice dangerously calm. "Are you following me?" Why is she always popping up?


    Shae''s smirk didn''t falter. If anything, it seemed to grow sharper. "Someone thinks very highly of themselves," She said, her tone mocking.


    Karen looked between them, her expression shifting from anger to confusion. "What the fuck is going on?" She demanded.


    Ezra didn''t answer, his gaze locked on Shae as he stood slowly, his hand still resting on his belt. His eyes were cold, calculating, as if he were assessing a threat. And in a way, he was. Shae had shown up in too many places, too many times for it to be a coincidence. There was something going on, something more than just a casual interest in him. He couldn''t help but think back to his suspicion she had something to do with Team Rocket.


    Shae raised an eyebrow, her smirk fading just slightly as she met his gaze. "Oh, don''t be so dramatic, Kassian. I''m not some creepy stalker. I''m on the circuit you know, I''ve already hit up Falkner and Cicada, I didn''t see you there, so I''m hardly everywhere you are, am I?"


    Ezra''s eyes didn''t waver. Still, I can''t knock the feeling something is up, and I go with my gut. "Maybe so, but we''re barely acquaintances and yet you seem interested in me, why else approach me now? I doubt it''s for a battle, you''re in swimwear¡­*


    Shae shrugged, her tone light and dismissive. "You''re different, that''s all. Most trainers I''ve met are either full of themselves or completely clueless. You''re... Something else. And I''m curious to see what you''re going to do next." She smirked, "And yeah, I also want a rematch someday soon."


    Karen''s eyes narrowed, suspicion darkening her gaze as she looked at Shae. "That makes it sound like you have been following him, you realize?" She asked, her voice dripping with scorn. "It''s bullshit. What''s your angle?"


    Shae''s eyes flicked to Karen, her smirk returning. "What, jealous?" She taunted. "I mean, I get it. He''s got a certain... Charm, doesn''t he?" She said lowly, meeting Karen''s gaze.


    Karen''s face turned a deeper shade of red, and she opened her mouth to retort, but Ezra cut her off, his voice sharp and commanding. "Enough." There''s absolutely no way you''re here just to ogle me, Shae.


    Now that she''d tried to insinuate an interest he was even more sure she was up to no good. That was like the number one play in a girls playbook to get into a guys head. They''d barely talked, and he was an albino freak. She wasn''t here because he was hot and mysterious. She was after something.


    The two women fell silent, though Karen shot Shae a venomous glare at her insinuations. Ezra sighed, rubbing a hand over his face as he tried to process the situation. He didn''t have anything concrete to accuse her off, but he was wary of her appearance.


    "So, what now?" He asked, his tone weary. "Are you planning to follow me around like some kind of weird groupie, or is there actually a point to all this?"


    Shae laughed, the sound light and mocking. "Oh, you really don''t get it, do you?" She said, shaking her head. "Too focused on the forest to notice the trees¡­"


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, his hand tightening on the Pokeballs at his belt. "Then maybe you should start explaining, before I decide I''m done with this conversation."


    Shae''s smirk faded, her expression turning serious as she met his gaze. "Maybe I will," She said softly. "But not here. Not now."


    Ezra''s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Shae turned and walked away, her steps unhurried, as if she hadn''t just dropped a whole pack of confusing statements in the middle of their conversation. Karen watched her go, her expression a mix of confusion and anger.


    "What the hell was that about?" She muttered, more to herself than to Ezra.


    He was glad she wasn''t the only one confused. That entire interaction made no sense!


    Ezra didn''t answer her in the end, his eyes still locked on Shae''s retreating figure. His mind was racing, trying to piece together the puzzle she had just thrown at him with her odd behavior that was such a departure from how she''d acted before. There was more to her, that much was clear. And he needed to find out what, before it came back to haunt him.


    Because at this point it was obvious that something was revolving around him.


    If Karen wasn''t here, I might have taken her down so I could have a ''question'' period with her¡­ He thought darkly.


    He did not like unknowns at his back.


    Team Rocket or something else, but Shae obviously was mixed up in something..


    And she intended to use him, or lure him into it. That much he was fairly certain of at this point.


    It takes more than some light flirting to make me follow your lead, Shae¡­


    He won''t allow anyone to use him for their own purpose. Whatever she wants¡­


    She''s out of luck.


    <hr>

 Rampage

    <hr>


    Skies of Johto,


    The sky was clear as Ezra and Karen flew high above the Johto landscape, nothing but forests below them, having left Cianwood City behind half an hour ago. The wind was strong but steady, carrying them eastward as their Pokemon soared through the air. Ezra rode as usual on the broad back of his Pidgeot, the bird Pokemon''s powerful wings slicing through the air with ease.


    Karen flew nearby, her Honchkrow''s shadow flickering over the treetops below as it lazily flapped its dark wings. The journey had been relatively peaceful so far, both of them lost in their own thoughts, a welcome silence settling between them after Cianwood.


    Ezra leaned forward slightly, adjusting the saddle straps on his Pidgeot as he glanced over at Karen. She looked contemplative, her eyes scanning the horizon, lost in thought. The setting sun bathed everything in warm hues and it was a calm, almost serene scene - until it wasn''t.


    Out of nowhere, a sudden whirlwind of cutting air tore through the sky, the force of it staggering and deadly. The whirlwind erupted with an intensity that Ezra barely had time to register before it was upon them. The air pressure changed violently, the world around him turning into a chaotic blur of wind and pain.


    Pidgeot shrieked, her wings battered as the vicious air currents slammed into her. Ezra felt himself being yanked to the side, his body jerked violently against the saddle as the sharp, cutting winds slashed at him. Pain exploded across his body as the wind sliced through his clothes and into his skin, leaving behind searing cuts that stung like fire. The straps of the saddle snapped, and before he could react, he was thrown off his mount, tumbling through the air.


    "Shit!" Ezra gasped, his voice lost in the howling wind as he plummeted. His heart lurched in his chest as he fell, the ground rushing up to meet him. He twisted in the air, trying to orient himself even as he saw a dark shape spinning wildly above him - Karen''s Honchkrow, sans Karen!


    The attack had hit Karen even worse. Honchkrow had been knocked off course entirely, its wings flailing as it fought to regain balance. Karen was being tossed like a rag doll, her belt - holding all her Pokeballs - snapped apart, sending the small orbs scattering into the air. She screamed, reaching desperately for them as they tumbled away, but the force of the wind sent her careening downward, out of reach of both her Pokemon and her lifeline.


    "KAREN!" Ezra yelled, the wind drowning out his voice as he saw her falling, her body twisting in the air. His mind raced, adrenaline surging through him as he watched her plummet toward the forest canopy below. This wasn''t some freak occurrence - this was a premeditated attack, carefully timed and executed. Whoever was behind it had planned it perfectly, knowing exactly how to strike.


    They''d known what route they''d be using to fly away from Cianwood¡­


    Ezra made a split-second decision. He reached down, unfastening his own belt, the one holding his Pokeballs. Without hesitation, he yanked it free and threw it with all his strength, sending the belt and the precious Pokeballs arcing through the air towards his Pidgeot who was on her way back to him.


    "Pidgeot! Get Karen! Bring this!" He shouted, his voice angry (who dared!) as he tossed the belt toward his loyal bird Pokemon. His Pidgeot, despite her own struggles, dove sharply, her beak snapping around the belt just in time, the bird''s eyes flashing with reluctant determination as it turned away from him, and hurtled toward Karen''s falling form.


    Ezra watched as Pidgeot dove after Karen, clutching the belt in its beak. Relief mingled with fear as he saw Karen''s hands reach out, barely grasping on as Pidgeot managed to get underneath her. But the relief was short-lived - his own situation was growing more dire by the second. The ground was rushing up to meet him, the dark canopy of trees drawing closer and closer. He felt the air tearing at him, his body spinning wildly.


    He gritted his teeth, feeling the familiar stirrings of power within him. He didn''t need his Pokeballs to fight. Better his ''mon protected Karen for now, or Agatha would be pissed¡­ That was the only reason... Besides¡­ He was never without Pokemon, or power. The darkness within him, the power of his aura, surged in response, filling his veins with a cold, controlled energy. He could feel it pulsing, eager, waiting for his command.


    Even as he fell, he forced himself to keep calm, keeping his powers in check. He knew they might have watchers - whoever had orchestrated this would be watching to see what he did. He wouldn''t give them the satisfaction of seeing his full capabilities just yet. But he had to do something, or he''d be pancaking on the forest floor in a matter of moments.


    Humans were slightly more durable in this world, after coexisting with Pokemon for so long. Blunt trauma was more survivable. But it didn''t mean it would be pleasant. Their attackers no doubt expected to break their limbs with this maneuver, making them defenseless.


    "This will be tight," He muttered, his eyes narrowing in determination as he focused his mind.


    As he dropped below the treeline, he unleashed his power, a surge of dark energy exploding outward from his form. His shadow, already dark and unnaturally deep, seemed to come alive, stretching and twisting as it shot out from beneath him. It surged up toward the trees, the tendrils of darkness wrapping around the trunks and branches like living ropes trying to slow him down.


    Ghostly forms erupted from the shadow, flowing out of him in a wave of dark, ethereal energy. Haunters, Misdreavous, Gastlys, they all emerged, their ghostly forms solidifying as they raced below him, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. The ghosts swirled beneath him, creating a cushion of dark energy that slowed his descent, their forms pushing upward with every ounce of strength they could muster as they solidified as much as they were able, to assist in slowing him down further.


    Even with their help, he hit the ground hard, the impact sending a shockwave of pain through his body. He felt the air rush out of his lungs, his vision exploding into a kaleidoscope of black and white spots. The world spun around him, the pain lancing through his limbs like fire. He barely registered the sound of his Pokemon crying out in alarm, their forms fading back into his shadow as his consciousness slipped away.


    Darkness enveloped him, his last coherent thought one of grim satisfaction. Karen would be alright. He''d made sure of that. As for himself¡­ Well, if they wanted him alive¡­ He''d make them regret it.


    Then the world faded to black.


    <hr>


    Some time later, Johto.


    Ezra''s consciousness snapped back like a rubber band, the pain and darkness receding in an instant as he woke, gasping, to the cold, sterile air of a cell. His eyes darted around, taking in the bleak, unwelcoming space. The cell was small, no more than ten feet by ten feet, the walls and floor painted in dull, featureless gray.


    A single, uncomfortable cot was bolted to the wall, on which he laid, the metal frame rusted and creaking. In the opposite corner sat a bucket, the sight of which made his stomach churn with revulsion as it was not cleaned from previous use. The heavy metal door across from him was a monolithic slab without even a window to peer through, offering no clue as to where he was or who had brought him here.


    He sat up slowly, his muscles protesting, his body feeling like a single massive bruise. He tested his limbs carefully, wincing as he stretched his sore arms and legs. No sharp pain, no obvious breaks or fractures, just a pervasive soreness and a lingering fogginess in his head. He let out a slow breath, trying to gather his thoughts, piece together what had happened.


    The last thing he remembered was falling - plummeting through the trees, his power flaring wildly as he tried to cushion his descent. And then¡­Nothing. Blackness. He scowled, his mind immediately jumping to Karen. Had she gotten away? Had Pidgeot managed to spirit her away from their attackers? His Pokemon should at least somewhat cooperate with her if things had gotten really bad. They knew the command structure, and as much as he and Karen butted heads, he had made sure they understood she wasn''t an enemy. But even as he thought it, doubt gnawed at him. He had no idea where he was, or where she was.


    Would his Ghosts behave when he wasn''t around to settle their natural inclinations?


    No¡­ He wouldn''t think like that. Karen was fine, his Pokemon were fine and well able to protect her, as she would them.


    Which was good¡­


    ¡­


    He didn''t want to anger Agatha by losing her apprentice after all.


    Ezra forced himself to his feet, ignoring the protests of his battered body. He moved to the door, running his hands over the cold, smooth metal, searching for any sign of a weakness, doing the same to the walls, but found none. He turned away with a sigh, returning to sit down on the cot. He leaned back against the wall and let his eyes sweep over the rest of the cell. It was almost comically bare, devoid of any clues or hints that might help him figure out where he was. And the more he looked, the more his frustration grew.


    "What a coincidence that this happened right after running into Shae again," He muttered to himself, the sarcasm in his tone laced with bitterness. It was too convenient, too perfect. She shows up, all mysterious and flirty, then out of nowhere they''re attacked mid-air. He was not inclined to believe in coincidences.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed as he studied the corners of the cell, his gaze lingering on the upper edges where the walls met the ceiling. No visible cameras, no blinking red lights or telltale lenses, but that didn''t mean they weren''t there. He wouldn''t put it past whoever was holding him to have hidden them well. He turned away, his mind racing. He could wait and see what this was about, try to play the game, figure out who was behind it. But patience had never been his strong suit, and he had a burning desire to meet whoever had dared to attack him face to face.


    He''d like to file a complaint¡­ Vigorously.


    He wasn''t going to wait around like a good little prisoner. He had a point to make. A message to send. But he couldn''t show all his cards¡­


    Casually, he leaned back against the cell wall, his fingers brushing the cold metal of the cot. He closed his eyes, his breath steadying as he reached out with his aura, sending a pulse of intent through his shadow. The darkness beneath him stirred, the cold, familiar energy shifting as it responded to his call. There was a flicker of movement, and then one of the Gastly that had been hiding in his shadow slipped free, its form invisible to the naked eye as it merged seamlessly with the cot and then the wall behind it, becoming completely incorporeal.


    Ezra kept his face impassive, his body relaxed, giving no indication of what he was doing. He didn''t need to escape right this moment. No, he had no intention of trying to break out without some conditions being met. The last thing he wanted was to reveal too much about his abilities too soon.


    He focused on the Gastly, sending it a clear, sharp command. It would move through the walls. Its goal was simple: find and destroy the electrical wires in the area. Knock out cameras, lights, anything that relied on power. Especially around his cell. With a final mental nudge, he let the Gastly go, its presence fading from his immediate senses as it moved away.


    Ezra exhaled slowly, forcing himself to stay calm, his heartbeat steady. He closed his eyes, resting his head back against the cold metal of the wall, letting his mind drift. He could feel the cold spreading through the cell, his aura leaking out, the darkness deepening, thickening. His anger simmered beneath the surface, a cold, controlled fury that threatened to boil over. He wanted answers. He wanted to know who was behind this, who had dared to attack him and Karen in such a cowardly manner.


    It took almost an hour before he heard the hurried footsteps outside the cell, the sound echoing through the silent corridor beyond. He opened his eyes slowly, a faint, predatory smile curving his lips as he waited. The locks on the door clicked and whirred, and then the heavy metal swung open, revealing a gangly man in a Team Rocket uniform. The man''s expression was a mixture of irritation and confusion, his brow furrowed as he glanced around the cell.


    So it''s them after all¡­ Concerning that they''ve been after me twice at this point¡­


    "What the fuck did you do, brat?" the Rocket demanded, his voice sharp and accusing. He shivered visibly, rubbing his arms as he glanced around the cell, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. A small Nidoran was at his feet, its body tense and ready, as if sensing something was off. The man looked back at Ezra, his scowl deepening. "You''re the only new one down here. How did you knock out the cameras?"


    Ezra just watched him, his smile widening as he took in the man''s agitated state. He could see the uncertainty in the Rocket''s eyes, the way he shifted from foot to foot, his movements jerky and nervous. And more than that, he could feel the fear radiating off him, the way the man''s gaze flicked around the cell, unable to settle.


    He should be feeling confident, he was the only one with a Pokemon¡­ As far as he knew.


    Yet it seemed something in his little monkey brain understood exactly what was going to happen.


    "Why is it so fucking cold in here?" The Rocket muttered, his voice tight as he rubbed his arms again. The Nidoran at his feet gave a low, uneasy growl, its ears flattening as it glanced around, its small body trembling.


    Ezra''s red eyes gleamed as he leaned forward slightly, his gaze locked on the man''s. He let his smile widen, his teeth flashing in the dim light. "Thank you for the confirmation," He said softly, his voice low and almost friendly. The Rocket''s eyes widened, a flicker of fear crossing his face as he took an involuntary step back, seeing something on his face.


    Ezra''s smile widened, the glint in his red eyes turning dangerous as he watched the Rocket grunt''s fear escalate. He didn''t have time to play games. Karen was out there somewhere, who knew if she''d been captured too, or was still fighting¡­ Whoever was behind this had made the mistake of underestimating him - and they would pay the price.


    The shadows beneath him stirred, a ripple of darkness spreading across the floor of the cell like spilled ink. They stretched outward, growing and thickening, tendrils of darkness weaving together into a solid, tangible form. The Nidoran at the grunt''s feet shifted uneasily, its ears twitching as it sensed the change in the atmosphere. It let out a low growl, its small body tensing as it prepared to attack even without an order.


    Ezra barely twitched his fingers, and the shadows reacted instantly. A thick, rope-like coil of darkness shot forward, wrapping around the Nidoran''s body before it could even move. The Pokemon let out a startled squeal, its legs kicking out wildly as the shadow tightened around it, squeezing with a slow, relentless pressure. Ezra watched, his expression impassive, as the Nidoran struggled, its growls turning to whimpers as the shadows constricted further, pressing down on its small form, constricting its ability to breathe, intent on knocking it out.


    It wasn''t the Pokemon''s fault it''s masters were scum.


    The Rocket grunt''s eyes widened in shock, his face paling as he watched his Pokemon being subdued so easily. "Hey - what the hell are you doing?!" He shouted, his voice cracking with a mix of anger and fear. He took a step forward, reaching out as if to break it free, but froze when Ezra''s eyes snapped to him, the cold, almost predatory look in his gaze freezing him in place.


    Ezra said nothing, his focus shifting back to the Nidoran as the shadows continued to constrict. He was curious, his shadow, which had struggled at times to perform certain actions, or at least had been draining to do, was suddenly moving with such ease - so he didn''t let up, studying what was going on with a keen eye.


    The Pokemon''s struggles grew weaker, its small body twitching helplessly as the darkness squeezed the breath from its lungs. The tendrils of shadow tightened one last time, and then, with a final shudder, the Nidoran went limp, its eyes closing as it slumped unconscious within the grip of the shadow.


    The Rocket grunt let out a strangled sound, his face twisted in horror as he stared at his fallen Pokemon, obviously assuming the worst. "You¡­ You bastard!" He hissed, his hands balling into fists. "How are you doing this? It''s impossible!"


    Ezra didn''t let him continue. The shadows moved again, a thick, heavy tendril of darkness rising from the floor like a coiled snake. It solidified, the edges sharpening as it hovered in the air beside Ezra, poised and ready. The Rocket''s eyes darted to it, his mouth opening in a silent gasp of shock.


    Hmm, it seems it responds well to anger and hate. Concerning. But useful at the moment, Ezra thought, studying his shadow as it flexed, following his will without any of the usual strain.


    Without warning, the shadow struck, lashing out with the speed and force of a whip. It slammed into the side of the Rocket''s head with a dull, sickening thud, the impact echoing through the small cell. The man''s eyes rolled back, his body swaying for a moment as if in slow motion before crumpling to the ground like a puppet with its strings cut.


    Ezra watched the man collapse, his expression calm and detached. He hadn''t even broken a sweat. The shadow tendril hovered in the air for a moment longer, then dissipated, melting back into the pool of darkness that surrounded Ezra''s feet.


    "Can''t be too overt going forward¡­ At least he''ll have a concussion, unlikely he''ll be believed even if he says anything," Ezra muttered under his breath, his gaze sweeping over the unconscious Rocket and his Pokemon. He stepped forward, his movements measured and deliberate, and nudged the man''s limp form with his boot. No response. The grunt was completely out cold.


    Ezra let out a slow breath, his mind racing as he considered his next move. This was clearly Team Rocket''s doing - there was no mistaking the uniform.


    He glanced down at the grunt, his expression hardening. He didn''t know how long it would take for someone else to notice the cameras were still out or for them to check on the situation, it was kind of pathetic it had taken an hour in the first place. His Gastly would still be moving around, continuing its sabotage; he''d have to use his Pokemon from now on, making the Rockets believe they somehow missed his Pokeballs.


    It had been unwise to let his shadow loose in front of a witness. He''d have to hold himself back from now on. For a moment he debated on killing the man... In the end, he decided not to go that far.


    With a final glance at the fallen man, Ezra turned toward the door, his mind already working on how he was going to break out of this place. He had a few ideas, and none of them were going to be pleasant for whoever tried to get in his way.


    Ezra stepped out of the cell. The corridor beyond was dimly lit, The air was thick with the scent of mildew and something else - something metallic and sharp that set his nerves on edge. Blood, he realized grimly. The whole place reeked of it.


    The corridor stretched out in both directions, lined with identical steel doors, each one bolted shut with heavy locks. The walls were bare, painted a sickly, peeling gray, and the floor was scuffed and stained. It was a place that felt devoid of hope, the kind of place where suffering happened in the dark, where no one would hear you scream.


    What kind of fucking horror show did they bring me into? He wondered, he knew Team Rocket were terrorists, but this seemed a bit¡­


    Ezra glanced back at the cell he''d just left, the unconscious Rocket grunt sprawled on the floor inside. What have you people been doing down here? He returned, only to frisk the grunt, finding a set of keys, perhaps there are others¡­


    The first few cells he checked were empty, the heavy locks clanging as he swung the doors open, only to find nothing but bare walls and filthy floors. His frustration grew with each one - empty, empty, empty - but when he reached the sixth door, he paused. A dark stain marked the floor just outside, a deep rust-colored smear that spread from beneath the door and trailed down the hallway like some grotesque marker.


    Ezra''s jaw tightened, I need to know... He reached for the door handle, his shadow swirling around his feet like an angry storm. The lock was stubborn as he struggled with the key, so with a twist of his shadow, he snapped it open with a metallic crack, the door swinging wide. He took a step inside and immediately gagged, the stench of blood and decay hitting him like a physical blow.


    He raised his arm, covering his mouth and nose with his sleeve, his eyes watering from the foul air. The cell was small and cramped, its concrete walls splattered with dark, dried blood. A single bare light bulb hung from the ceiling, casting a sickly yellow light over the scene.


    Tied to a chair in the center of the room was a man in a shredded green vest, his head slumped forward, the brim of his ranger''s cap stained dark with blood. He was unmistakably a Pokemon Ranger, the emblem of the organization sewn onto his uniform''s shoulder. His hands were bound to the arms of the chair, the ropes digging deep into his skin, leaving raw, bloody welts. His face was battered, swollen and bruised, a deep gash splitting his brow. His eyes were closed, his mouth slightly open, but Ezra knew immediately that he was dead.


    But that wasn''t the worst of it.


    Ezra''s gaze moved beyond the man to the floor around him, where the remains of several Pokemon lay scattered. A Kangaskhan, its once powerful form now reduced to a bloody, mangled heap, its limbs bent at unnatural angles. A Fearow, its wings broken and splayed out as if in a final, desperate attempt to shield its trainer. A Growlithe, its fur matted with blood, its eyes wide and empty. The Pokemon had been killed and displayed around their trainer, their bodies arranged in a horrific tableau of suffering and death.


    Team Rocket stole Pokemon, what was this¡­ Waste? This needless cruelty?


    Ezra felt his stomach churn, his blood turning to ice in his veins. This wasn''t just murder. This was a message. These monsters had tortured this man, made him watch as they killed his Pokemon one by one. Maybe they''d been trying to make him talk, or maybe they''d just wanted him to suffer. Either way, the brutality of it was sickening.


    He took a deep, shuddering breath, forcing himself to look away from the scene. His hands were trembling with barely contained rage, his shadow pulsing and writhing at his feet like a living thing, responding evermore to his fury. He bowed his head slightly, a silent gesture of respect for the fallen ranger and his Pokemon. He hadn''t really taken Team Rocket seriously, not until now. He''d seen them as a bunch of thugs and opportunists, dangerous but not truly terrifying. He''d been wrong. This was real. This was a nightmare made flesh.


    An organization that did this, was not a joke, was not a band of thieves.


    Ezra would be the first to admit his morals were somewhat¡­ Flexible.


    Lying, cheating and such minor things really weren''t a big deal, if people couldn''t even figure out you were doing it, what was the harm? But he would stand against anyone that thought this was acceptable.


    The cold fury within him only grew, a chilling calm settling over his mind as he turned away from the gruesome scene. His shadow spread across the floor, frost forming wherever it touched, the temperature in the cell plummeting as he stepped back out into the hallway.


    He knew he needed to control his power. That he needed to keep it hidden, but his anger was so immense, it was a struggle to hold it back.


    He had to find Karen, get her and his Pokemon, and then - Ezra paused, his eyes narrowing as his gaze fell on the cell directly opposite this one. The door was cracked open, just a sliver, enough to let the dim light from the corridor spill into the darkness beyond. He hesitated, then moved forward, his fingers brushing the handle. The door creaked as he pushed it open, and he immediately wished he was too stupid to realize the implications of what he saw.


    Obviously the reason for the delay in the guard checking on his cell, was because he''d been busy in here. So busy in fact he failed to secure the door in his rush to see Ezra¡­


    The room was small, with a single flickering light bulb casting feeble light over the single occupant. Huddled in the far corner, curled up against the wall, was a girl. Her frame was thin and frail, dressed in nothing but a tattered dress that was obviously not hers. Her skin was pale, almost gray, and she was shivering violently, her eyes wide and glassy with fear.


    Ezra''s heart clenched painfully at the sight of her. Bruises covered her arms and face and elsewhere, ugly purple and yellow blotches that stood out starkly against her pale skin. There were other wounds too - cuts, scrapes, things he didn''t want to think about. She was trembling, her whole body shaking as she pressed herself back against the wall, as if trying to melt into it, to disappear.


    She looked up at him, her eyes widening in terror as she saw him standing in the doorway. Ezra realized belatedly that he must look terrifying, his face hard with anger, especially with his appearance, red eyes and pale white skin and hair. He took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down, to push back the cold rage that was clawing at his insides.


    "Hey," He said softly, his voice as gentle as he could make it. "I''m not here to hurt you. I''m here to help." He stepped back, giving her space, trying to seem as non-threatening as possible. "I''ll leave the door unlocked, but don''t come out, okay? I''m going to deal with the people who did this. You''ll be free soon enough."


    The girl didn''t move, didn''t speak. She just stared at him, her eyes huge and terrified, her body trembling so hard he could see her teeth chattering. Ezra knew he wasn''t helping. His presence, his aura - it was all wrong for this. He was too intense, too harsh. Right now, with his anger simmering just beneath the surface, and his scary visage, he was probably the last person she needed to see.


    He stepped back, his heart aching as he gently closed the door. She was just a girl. Just a young trainer on her first journey. Caught in something she should never have had to face. He''d seen trainers like her before leaving Lavender Town, young and eager, their eyes bright with dreams of adventure and glory. She should have been out there, exploring the world with her Pokemon, not huddled in a filthy cell, broken and terrified.


    He leaned against the wall for a moment, his hands clenched into fists, the shadows around him spreading out, creeping along the floor and walls like a living thing. He was the first to admit he was an asshole. He''d done plenty of things that would offend people, bent the rules, crossed lines. But there were limits, things you just didn''t do. This - this kind of evil, this senseless cruelty - it was beyond anything he could tolerate.


    Ezra took a deep breath, forcing himself to focus. He couldn''t afford to lose control, not now. He needed to be cold, calculating, precise. Whoever was running this base was going to pay. He was going to make sure of that.


    His shadow rose around him like a vengeful spirit, and he let it.


    No holding back¡­ This is unacceptable, they can''t get away with it¡­


    Ezra''s face grew stony, he''d died, the body he was in now, it had died. Death followed him wherever he went. He wasn''t enthused about killing, despite taking care of the Rockets that had attacked him previously¡­


    But this¡­


    He straightened, his expression hardening as he pushed off the wall and turned back toward the corridor. He extended his hand, and the shadows responded instantly, flowing out from beneath him like water, spreading and coalescing into ghostly forms. Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Misdreavous, Duskull, and more emerged from the darkness, their eyes glowing with an eerie light as they hovered around him, their spectral forms shifting and pulsing in response to his rage.


    Ezra''s shadow moved ahead of him, slipping into his former cell, where the Rocket grunt still lay unconscious. The darkness crept over the man''s body like a living thing, curling around his limbs, his neck. The grunt''s face twisted in fear even in his unconscious state, his body jerking weakly as the shadow tightened around his neck, then Crack!


    Ezra''s eyes burned with a cold, terrible light as he watched, his voice a low hiss that sent a shiver down the spine of every ghost in the room. "We''re going hunting."


    The shadows pulsed, a collective murmur of agreement echoing through the air as the ghosts gathered around him, their forms solidifying as they prepared for what was to come. Ezra''s gaze flicked back down the corridor, his expression dark and unforgiving.


    That girl - she''d been on her first journey, just a kid, barely old enough to be out on her own. The thought of what she''d gone through, what she''d been forced to endure, made his blood boil. He couldn''t let this stand. Not here, not anywhere. He''d wipe this place off the map, and anyone who got in his way would pay dearly for it. There would be no mercy.


    He wasn''t like other trainers; something he liked to shout to anyone who would hear. Well today he''d prove it, not in the way he had expected. Not how he wanted it, but this was needed. Because unlike other trainers¡­ He wouldn''t wait for the law to dispense justice. These people deserved everything that was coming for them.


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    Ezra moved swiftly down the corridor, his shadows trailing behind him like a living cloak, the cold air of the hallway growing even more frigid as he went. The ghosts floated around him, their eyes glowing with an ethereal light, their forms shifting and pulsing with anticipation. They could sense his rage, his thirst for retribution, and they were eager to carry out his will.


    The cameras would be dead, so the only way someone could reveal his powers was if they left here alive. Something that had a very easy solution.


    He reached the end of the hallway and paused, listening. The sound of distant footsteps echoed through the concrete walls, accompanied by muffled voices. His lip curled in disdain as he heard the careless chatter. These bastards had no idea what was coming for them. They thought they were safe here, hidden away in their little underground base, far from the eyes of the law and the League. They thought they could do whatever they wanted to people like that girl and the ranger without consequence.


    They were wrong.


    Perhaps this was why he''d been brought to this world? As a vengeful spirit? Who knew?


    He was an inherently selfish person, not the ideal avenger in any manner. But he didn''t lack power¡­ Whichever Legendary gave him that boon¡­ He hoped they approved of what he was going to do today.


    Ezra glanced at his ghosts, a silent command passing between them. Without a word, the spectral Pokemon dispersed, their forms fading into the shadows as they moved to take up positions along the corridor. They would cover every angle and wait for his word.


    He moved forward again, his footsteps echoing softly in the oppressive silence. The walls around him were bare, featureless concrete, but there were stains here and there - dark smears that looked suspiciously like blood. His jaw clenched as he passed a large, rust-colored handprint smeared across the wall beside one of the cell doors. He didn''t stop to check inside. He didn''t need to. He already knew what he''d find.


    The voices were growing louder as he approached the next intersection, a T-junction where the corridor split off in two directions. Ezra paused, leaning against the wall, his heart pounding with a cold, hard fury. He could hear the laughter, the coarse, mocking tones of the men around the corner. They were talking about the girl, their words crude and degrading, each one a dagger to his nerves.


    "She was crying like a baby," One of the voices said, a nasty chuckle following the words. "Begging and everything. Can''t believe the boss wanted us to keep her alive. Would''ve been easier to just get rid of her, not that I mind the free service."


    Another voice joined in, a deeper, more grating tone. "Yeah, but you know how he is. Likes to keep a few spares around for leverage. Plus, she''s got family somewhere in Goldenrod. Might be useful for a trade if nothing else."


    Ezra''s vision blurred with rage, his fists clenching so tightly his knuckles turned white. He had been hesitating still, even for all that his blood sang for vengeance. Him, caring for absolute strangers? Hah, so unlike him, yet he''d been immediately invested anyway. That girl deserved to know her tormentors could never come back.


    These cockroaches needed to perish.


    He glanced at the shadows on the floor, and they rippled in response, a dark, undulating wave that spread across the walls and ceiling, creeping forward like a living thing. The ghosts moved with it, silent and deadly, their forms flickering in and out of the darkness like wraiths.


    Ezra took a deep breath, his mind sharpening to a razor''s edge. He stepped out from around the corner, his voice echoing coldly down the corridor. "Hey, assholes."


    The reaction was immediate. The men spun around, their eyes widening in shock as they saw him standing there, his shadow stretching out behind him like the wings of some dark, vengeful spirit, crawling over the walls and floor towards them. For a split second, there was silence, the air crackling with tension as they stared at him, their expressions a mix of surprise, confusion and fear.


    Then everything happened at once.


    One of the grunts - a tall, broad-shouldered man with a leering smile - reached for his belt, his hand closing around a Pokeball. He didn''t get the chance to release it. Ezra''s shadow shot out like a spear, wrapping around the man''s wrist and yanking him towards the wall with bone-crushing force, only for the shadows there to spike, the man meeting a messy end, Ezra uncaring of the splatter as he stared emotionlessly at the other two.


    The other two men had managed to release Pokemon at that time, as they backed away, shouting commands. A Koffing and a Raticate had materialized in the corridor, their forms flickering in the dim light. The Koffing''s noxious gasses filled the air, and the Raticate bared its fangs, hissing and snapping as it crouched, ready to strike.


    Ezra didn''t even flinch. His shadow lashed out again, a dark tendril wrapping around the Koffing''s bloated form and tightening like a vice. The Pokemon wheezed and thrashed, its gas sacs bulging and shrinking as it struggled to free itself. With a harsh, twisting motion, Ezra slammed it against the ceiling, the impact sending a shockwave through the concrete. The Koffing''s struggles ceased, its body hanging limp in the shadow''s grip.


    "You all are filth, you monsters deserve worse than I have time to deliver." Ezra told the Rockets coldly, even as he showed mercy to the Pokemon. The League could sort out which ones were still salvageable.


    The Raticate lunged at him, its fangs gleaming with dark energy. But before it could connect, a Haunter''s clawed hand shot up from the shadows on the floor, grasping the Raticate''s throat and lifting it off the ground. The Raticate kicked and flailed, but the Haunter''s grip was unyielding, its spectral eyes glowing with a malevolent light as it grew out of the floor.


    His Ghosts all grew out of the walls and floor at that point, coming out of his ever expanding shadow, the Raticate taking three Hypnosis attacks at once, putting it out of the fight. Meanwhile, one of the Rocket grunts had the sense to flee, and ran straight into a circle of Gastlys led by a Gengar, his screams echoed across the corridor before they ended with a wet gurgle.


    Ezra''s gaze shifted to the last Rocket grunt, a wiry man with a scar running down the side of his face. The man''s eyes were wide with fear, his hand trembling as he held out another Pokeball, as if hoping to ward off Ezra with the mere gesture.


    "W-wait! Don''t - " The grunt stammered, his voice breaking with panic. "We - we didn''t mean -"


    Ezra''s eyes were like ice, his voice a low, deadly growl. "You''re going to tell me everything I want to know," He said, his words sharp and cold, cutting through the man''s feeble protests like a knife. "Who runs this base? How many of you are there? Are there any other prisoners?"


    The grunt''s mouth worked soundlessly, his face pale and slick with sweat. He glanced at his fallen comrades, at the limp forms of the Koffing and Raticate, and then back at Ezra, his expression a mask of desperation and terror.


    "I - I don''t know!" He blurted out, his voice high and thin with fear. "I swear, I don''t know anything! I''m just a grunt, they don''t tell me stuff like that! Please, I - I''ll do whatever you want, just don''t - don''t hurt me!"


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, his shadow tightening around the man''s ankles, pulling him off balance and dragging him closer. The grunt let out a strangled yelp, his hands scrabbling at the floor as he was pulled toward Ezra, his face twisted in fear.


    "Wrong answer," Ezra said softly, his voice dripping with menace. "You know something, and you''re going to tell me. Or we''ll see how long it takes before you''re begging to talk."


    The grunt''s eyes darted around wildly, his breath coming in short, ragged gasps. "P-please!" He whimpered, tears streaming down his face. "I don''t know much, I swear! They - they brought us in a few days ago, said we were going to be guarding some important stuff, some kid the higher ups wanted, and some kind of experiments. There''s - there''s a lab upstairs. They''re doing something with Pokemon, I don''t know what! That''s all I know, I swear!"


    Ezra studied the man for a long moment, his gaze cold and unyielding. The grunt was shaking, his whole body trembling like a leaf, his eyes wide and pleading. Ezra could see the fear in his face, the desperation, and he knew the man was telling the truth. Or at least, as much of the truth as he could give. No doubt ''the kid'' in question was him.


    He wondered if somehow someone knew about all he could do¡­ But no¡­ How? Maybe it was just enough to know as Lavender did, that he had a knack for corralling Ghost Pokemon¡­


    He let out a slow breath, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. The shadows around the man loosened their grip, sliding back into the floor like water. The grunt collapsed in a heap, his body limp with relief, his breath coming in ragged gasps.


    Ezra looked down at him, his expression hard. "You''re going to show me where this lab is," He said flatly. "Try anything funny, and I''ll let my Ghosts have you. Understand?"


    The Gengar took that opportunity, to get right into the Rocket grunts face, grinning maliciously.


    The grunt nodded frantically, his head bobbing up and down like a puppet on a string. "Y-yes! Yes, I understand! I''ll - I''ll do whatever you say, just please!"


    It only took a few minutes to get to the lab level, as it was apparently the level above the holding areas. That¡­ Did not say good things about what they were working on¡­


    He also found it odd¡­ That no alarms had gone off, or that he wasn''t being swarmed in Rockets yet. His Gastly should be disabling the cameras, yes, but that alone should have prompted investigation, surely?


    The lab level soon stretched out before Ezra, his guide moving ahead, proving himself slightly useful by punching in the codes necessary to enter the area. The place was a cold, clinical maze of metal and glass that seemed to go on forever. The walls were stark white, and every surface gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights. The sterile smell of disinfectant mingling with the faint, acrid scent of chemicals, blood and burnt metal.


    They had passed a map a few corridors back, its digital display revealing the labyrinthine layout of the facility. It was five levels deep, each floor sprawling out like the roots of some malignant, underground tree. He''d only explored the fifth level, and was now on the fourth, but what he''d seen already made his blood run cold.


    This was not a place for research or development in any humane sense. It was a factory of horrors, a place where boundaries were pushed, not for the sake of progress, but for something much darker. A mad hunt for power no matter the means.


    He stepped into a large room lined with glass tanks, each one filled with preserved Pokemon body parts. There were wings, claws, tails, and other organs suspended in a clear, viscous fluid that refracted the light in eerie ways. Labels were attached to each tank, detailing the origin and intended purpose of each sample. Ezra''s stomach churned as he read them. Some were parts of common Pokemon like Growlithe and Nidorino, but others were rarer - pieces of Dragonite wings, the spine of a Tyranitar, even the spectral remains of a Dusknoir''s hand, twisted and still.


    But it was what he saw next that truly set his teeth on edge. In the adjacent room, visible through a wide glass window, he saw something that made his breath catch. Human remains, laid out on cold metal slabs, each body marked with grotesque alterations. Some had Pokemon limbs grafted onto their forms - an arm replaced with a Scyther''s blade, a leg with the sturdy, muscular limb of a Machamp.


    Ezra clenched his fists, his aura flickering like a guttering flame around him. They were trying to create hybrids, to merge humans and Pokemon in a twisted attempt to grant people the powers of Pokemon. And they were using innocent people as subjects, casting them aside when the experiments failed.


    Without even thinking about it, his guide fell bonelessly to the floor, his neck broken, Ezra''s shadow had lashed out in his agitation. And here he''d thought his anger couldn''t climb new heights¡­


    He forced himself to look away, his jaw tight with barely controlled rage. As he moved deeper into the lab, the chilling reality of what had been done here became even more apparent. More rooms held similar scenes, some filled with racks of computer servers and monitors displaying reams of data, diagrams detailing failed experiments and projected outcomes. Others had surgical tables stained with blood, the implements laid out beside them clean and orderly, as if they were waiting for the next subject to be brought in.


    He passed one workstation where a series of blueprints were pinned to a corkboard. They showed a horrifying progression - human silhouettes overlaid with various Pokemon parts, each one marked with annotations detailing strengths, weaknesses, and possible applications. A file folder sat open on the desk, pages covered in dense, clinical handwriting describing the fusion processes, the integration of Pokemon biology into human anatomy.


    "Monsters," He muttered under his breath, his voice trembling with barely suppressed fury. He had to force himself to breathe, to keep his mind clear. Anger wouldn''t help him now, not when there were people - living people - who might still need his help. But the knowledge that this place existed, that it had operated for who knew how long, and that it had taken lives so casually - it burned like acid in his veins.


    The windows to the lab began to frost over as he walked, a thin layer of ice spreading across the glass in delicate, fractal patterns. His aura was slipping out of his control, the cold of his anger seeping into the environment around him. He had to focus. He had to stay in control, or risk losing himself to the fury that churned inside him.


    He turned a corner and found himself facing a large, open room filled with advanced scientific equipment. Banks of computers hummed softly along one wall, their screens flickering with lines of code and data graphs. In the center of the room stood several large, cylindrical tanks filled with a viscous, glowing liquid. Each tank held what looked like the beginnings of a hybrid form - half-formed limbs, distorted shapes that might have once been human or Pokemon, or both.


    He could hear voices now, urgent and frantic. The scientists and grunts in the lab had finally noticed his presence, all of them together in this one room for some reason. They were huddled together near the back of the room, almost two dozen of them in total, staring at him with wide eyes, their fear palpable in the still air as his shadow flexed and his Ghosts hovered above him. Several of them scrambled for Pokeballs, their movements jerky and panicked.


    "He''s only one person!" A man in a lab coat shouted, sending out a Voltorb.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed as he watched them, his heart pounding in his chest so hard he could barely hear them. The temperature dropped further, frost creeping along the floor, and the lights flickered as the frost spread to the ceiling.


    "Deal with him!" Another of the scientists barked at the grunts, and they moved forward, releasing their Pokemon in quick succession. The lab was filled with the sharp cries of battle-ready Pokemon as they materialized on the floor, their eyes locked on Ezra with the fierce intensity of trained fighters.


    Ezra''s eyes flashed with hate, even as a multitude of Pokemon attacks came his way, his shadow flowing forward like a great wave, before rising to shield him.


    The attacks impacted and the lab trembled as they were stopped in their tracks, the lab around them taking the brunt of it as the attacks bled off into the floor and surrounding work stations. Glass exploding everywhere, one scientist falling to the ground, a glass shard embedded in her forehead.


    The wall of shadows receded, Ezra''s red eyes wide as he slowly walked forward, "My turn¡­" He hissed, "Kill!"


    His Pokemon flowed forward, exclusively going for the humans, even as his shadow rolled forward to ensnare their Pokemon.


    "W-wait!" One of the scientists managed to shout, before a Haunter used Shadow Claw to cleave through the top of his skull.


    The lab erupted into chaos, as the grunts and scientists got into each other''s ways, as they desperately tried to either fight or flee, shouting orders or begging for mercy, all of it in vain.


    Ezra continued to slowly walk forward, his boots crunching on glass as he stepped past incapacitated Pokemon, fighting against his shadow, a Rocket Grunt attempted to tackle him, only to take a dozen Shadow Balls at full power to the torso at the same time, only half a Rocket grunt making it to his feet as he walked past.


    "How many have died here¡­ How many have you preyed on?" He raged, picking up a beaker of something bubbling from inside a metal container, and throwing it into the face of a scientist that was desperately trying to fight off his Ghosts with his Zubat.


    A tendril of shadow latched onto the Zubat, tying it up, even as the scientist screamed, falling to the floor, the screams soon only turning into gurgles, before they ended.


    Ezra would have felt sick, except he couldn''t feel anything but ever growing anger. Trainers left on their journey at a young age, because despite everything, it was fairly safe. If you stuck to the routes. And these¡­ Monsters. Had been taking advantage, using them as materials.


    "This is taking too long!" He growled, the dozen still remaining Rockets suddenly lifted into the air, his shadow tendrils around their throats, "Any last words?" He told them, before immediately breaking their necks, dropping them like trash onto the floor, "Nevermind, it would be a disservice to your victims to give you even that courtesy."


    He looked around at the lab, the captured Pokemon, and everything still burned inside of him.


    "I hate this¡­"


    <hr>


    Ezra moved through the base like a storm. The hallways seemed to stretch endlessly before him, twisting and turning in a maze of sterile, metal-lined corridors. Every corner he turned, every door he burst through, brought more Rockets, more trainers throwing themselves and their Pokemon at him in a desperate attempt to stop his relentless advance.


    His Ghost Pokemon swirled around him, a chilling vortex of shadows and ethereal forms. They moved with deadly precision, responding to his unspoken commands with a grace and ferocity that was both beautiful and terrifying to behold. The Gengar floated at his side, its wide, malevolent grin flashing in the dim light as it released bursts of dark energy toward the oncoming Rocket grunts, sometimes slipping into poison moves to make them suffer instead. The Haunter''s disembodied hands darted through the air, Shadow Claws cutting through the chaff as they worked their way up the base, leaving none alive.


    One of the grunts stumbled and fell, clutching at his throat as a Gastly had drifted toward him. The ghost Pokemon had phased through the man''s open mouth, its vaporous form seeping inside. The grunt''s eyes widened in terror, his body convulsing as he struggled to breathe. It filled his lungs with dark, suffocating smoke, while Ezra slowly walked past him.


    A surge of movement drew Ezra''s attention. More Rockets were flooding into the corridor, their faces set with determination despite the fear that flashed in their eyes. Their Pokemon leapt forward, a chaotic mix of types and sizes - Raticates, Golbats, Koffings, and even a few Arbok slithered along the floor, their fangs bared.


    "Keep them off me!" Ezra called, his voice steady even as the air around him crackled with tension. His shadows extended, solidifying into tendrils that lashed out at the Rockets, stealing the rest of their Pokeballs before they could come into play. One of the sharpened tendrils caught a grunt across the throat, sending him sprawling with blood gushing as he helplessly tried to stem it, while another wrapped around the leg of a fleeing Rocket and yanked him off his feet, using him as a flail on his comrades.


    The Gengar floated forward, its claws glowing with dark energy. With a swift, slicing motion, it unleashed a series of Night Slashes, the blades of darkness cutting through the air. The attacks landed with precision, knocking the Pokemon back, as a Misdreavous and a few Gastly badgered them with constant Hypnosis attacks, his shadow tripping them up whenever a Pokemon tried to counterattack.


    "We surrender!" A rocket grunt called out, even as more and more of their Pokemon fell asleep or fainted.


    "Haunter, Shadow Ball!" Ezra ordered, uncaring of the surrender, and Haunter responded instantly, forming a sphere of condensed ghostly energy between its floating hands. It hurled the attack forward, the Shadow Ball exploding in a burst of dark energy as it struck a group of Rockets clustered near the back of the corridor. They were thrown to the ground, dazed and disoriented, his shadows rising above them, and falling on them with deadly intent.


    "We have rights! We''re surrendering!" The same Rocket screamed.


    Ezra waved a hand causally, sending a spiked tendril through his heart, glaring at the dumbfounded look on the grunts face, "The people you used, tortured and murdered here had rights too, I''ll give you all the same courtesy you gave them." He told the corpse snidely.


    A Zubat swooped down from above, its wings beating furiously as it aimed for Ezra''s head. He didn''t even flinch. His shadow swatting it away like a bug.


    Ezra''s eyes flicked over the battlefield, assessing the situation. The grunts were faltering, those still alive, their Pokemon struggling to keep up with the relentless assault of his Ghosts. But more were coming, pouring in from every side, shouting orders and commands as they tried to stem the tide. They were getting desperate, and desperation made people dangerous.


    He had to end this quickly.


    The Rockets were panicking now, their shouts becoming frantic as their Pokemon faltered. One of the grunts, a woman with a stern face and a Weezing at her side, stepped forward, her expression set in grim determination. "Weezing, Explosion!" She cried, and the Weezing began to swell, its body pulsing with unstable energy as it began moving forward, the woman moving to back away.


    Ezra acted quickly, his shadow moving to encapsulate the pokemon and the female grunt, who only managed a cry of shock, as the darkness covered them both, before it shook as the explosion went off, the shadows bulging briefly.


    He let it recede, the Rockets frozen in shock at what just happened, staring at the crater in the floor, not much remained of their colleague, a fainted Weezing lying inside the crater.


    "Nice try," Ezra muttered, his voice low and dangerous. He turned his attention back to the rest of the Rockets, his gaze icy. "But you''re not blowing anything up today, you''re not hurting anyone, ever again, this is retribution coming for all of your sins."


    His shadow surged forward, spreading out across the floor like a living thing. It snaked around the feet of the grunts, wrapping around their ankles and pulling them to the ground. They struggled, thrashing against the inky tendrils, but there was no escape. The shadows tightened, binding them in place as Ezra advanced.


    His Gastlys flitted through the air, their laughter high-pitched and eerie as they moved among the downed Rockets. They hovered over the struggling grunts, their gaseous forms swirling ominously. With a swift movement, they dove down, phasing into the Rockets'' through heir mouths or nostrils, filling their lungs with suffocating smoke. The grunts gasped and choked, their faces turning pale as they fought for breath.


    Ezra turned his gaze to the remaining grunts, some of whom had obviously lost control of their bowels, his eyes cold and unyielding. "You think you can do whatever you want, don''t you?" He said, his voice low and dangerous. "You think you can take people, experiment on them, hurt them for your enjoyment, and get away with it?"


    He took a step forward, his shadow creeping along the ground, stretching out toward the remaining Rockets. "You''re wrong," He hissed, his voice dripping with venom. "You''re all so very wrong."


    The remaining grunts faltered, their expressions shifting from fear to hopelessness as they took in the sight of the dark energy swirling around him, the shadows that moved at his command. They looked at each other, their resolve crumbling, but there was nowhere for them to run. They were trapped, caught between Ezra''s unrelenting advance and the walls of the base that now seemed to close in around them.


    The grunts stared at him, their eyes wide with fear and disbelief. They had expected a fight, when they''d been called in to pacify an escaped prisoner, but not this - a force of nature, a vengeful storm that tore through their ranks without hesitation or mercy. They stood still, their Pokemon subdued, too afraid to move, too afraid to even breathe.


    Ezra stood amidst the chaos, his eyes burning with cold fury. He was not here to play games, and he was not here to show mercy. Not today.


    "Kill." He ordered, yet again.


    <hr>


    Two floors later,


    Ezra moved swiftly down the corridor of the fourth level, or if you counted from the top, the second level, his boots thudding softly against the cold, tiled floor. The air was thick with the lingering scent of smoke and blood, the aftermath of his relentless onslaught through the facility. He was covered in blood - most of it not his own - his clothes torn and dirtied from the constant fighting, even his powers not being able to protect him fully when facing so many people at once. His eyes were hard, his expression set in a grim mask of determination as he approached a door marked "Communications and Security."


    A place like that should have more information for him.


    He didn''t bother with subtlety. With a powerful kick, the door flew open, slamming against the wall with a deafening crash. The room beyond was small and cluttered. A bank of monitors lined the far wall, each screen dark and lifeless. It was clear that his Pokemon had already done their work, ensuring no one could keep track of what was happening in the base. Every camera was down.


    A startled yelp broke the silence as a gangly teen with disheveled blue hair spun around in a swivel chair, his eyes wide with fear. He wore the unmistakable black uniform of Team Rocket, though it seemed to hang loosely on his frame, like it didn''t quite fit him. His hands trembled as he raised them in a placating gesture. He had a name tag on for some reason, Cecile.


    Sounds more like a woman, he thought, some humor seeping through, his exhaustion having dulled some of his anger. The growing horror in the back of his mind at all he''d done quickly shoved back down again. It''s necessary¡­ He reminded himself again.


    In this world where spirits could turn into Ghost Pokemon, he owed it to them to lay them to proper rest, by avenging the horrors they''d undergone.


    "I''m not with Team Rocket!" The teen blurted out, his voice high-pitched and panicked. Such a Cecile.."I-I swear! I''m just... I was just -"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, his gaze sweeping over the boy. He was thin, almost scrawny, and looked like he hadn''t slept properly in days. His eyes were red-rimmed, and there was a desperate, haunted look in them. Ezra''s expression remained impassive as he took in the sight of the boy, then his gaze drifted to the equipment behind him.


    "To be clear," Ezra began, his voice calm and cold, "You''re a guy wearing a Team Rocket uniform, sitting in their security and communications room, running their systems. But you''re not with them?"


    The boy swallowed hard, his Adam''s apple bobbing nervously. "I... I was kidnapped!" He stammered. "I''m from Goldenrod City. I was a whiz with computers, and they - they took me. Executive Proton had me grabbed off the street and brought here to program and run their security!" He spoke quickly, his words tumbling over each other in his haste to explain.


    Ezra stared at him, his eyes narrowing slightly. There was something about the kid - his desperation, the genuine fear in his eyes - that made Ezra pause. He''d encountered plenty of Rocket grunts today, and most had faced him with a mix of aggression and arrogance, sure it had turned to fear quickly, like this guy... But¡­


    Cecile looked like he''d piss himself if Ezra so much as blinked wrong. And he hardly looked the part of a Rocket either.


    I''m inclined to believe him¡­


    "Your security is shit," Ezra said dryly, folding his arms over his chest.


    Cecile managed a weak, tremulous grin, though it looked more like a grimace. "W-Well, I wasn''t exactly trying very hard to make it work..." He glanced nervously at the door, then back at Ezra, his hands still raised. "I swear, I wasn''t helping them by choice, and I''ve kind of kept them from communicating off base or getting a proper report on what''s going on."


    Huh, no wonder every team that ran into me seemed absolutely shocked about what was happening¡­ He thought. They''d known a prisoner was loose. But they continuously came at him without all their Pokemon loose, having no clue of what he was capable of.


    Ezra studied him for a moment longer, then nodded slightly. "Can you lock down the facility from here?"


    The boy blinked, clearly not expecting that question. "Uh, yes? I mean, I can, but... Why would you want to? Aren''t you trying to escape?" He blinked again, his confusion evident. "And, uh, can you take me with you?"


    Ezra''s expression didn''t change. "I don''t want any of them to get away," He said evenly. No one makes it out, no one¡­


    The boy''s eyes widened, and he swallowed again, his gaze darting around the room as if he were considering his options. After a moment, he gave a small, jerky nod and turned back to the console. He pulled the keyboard toward him, his fingers flying over the keys as he typed in a series of commands. The computer screen, the only screen operational in the room, flickered, and a list of options appeared, the words "Facility Lockdown" flashing in bright red.


    "There," Cecile said, his voice shaking slightly. "The facility is on lockdown. Not even Proton can get out without putting in the proper password." He hesitated, then glanced back at Ezra. "I, uh... I changed the password to FuckURockets.''" He gave another shaky smile, though it didn''t reach his eyes.


    Ezra nodded slowly, the faintest hint of approval in his gaze. "Good."


    The boy seemed to relax slightly, but only for a moment. "So, uh, what now?" He asked, his voice still trembling. "Are we... Leaving? I mean, I''d really like to get out of here before they realize what''s going on." He hesitated, then added quickly, "And, uh, can you stop looking at me like that?"


    Ezra tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "I have need of a programmer," He said calmly. "You''re hired. Stay here until I come get you."


    If the guy was good enough for Team Rocket to kidnap, he should be good enough, and with him being saved, he should stay loyal enough to at least perform the start-up work Ezra needed.


    More and more his thoughts could pierce through the cloud of anger and hate he''d been under. This would work, he''d take it, something good to come from this day of death and horrors.


    Cecile blinked, clearly caught off guard by the statement. "Hired?" He repeated, his voice rising slightly. "I''m not looking for a job right now! I just want to get out of here, and -" He trailed off as Ezra''s gaze sharpened, the intensity in his eyes silencing the boy''s protests.


    "You''re hired," Ezra repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument. The boy gulped, then nodded rapidly, his head bobbing like a puppet on strings.


    "R-Right, hired. Got it." He swallowed again, then glanced nervously at the door. "But, uh, why can''t I come with you now? Why do I have to stay here?"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, his gaze cool and assessing. "Do you enjoy seeing dead bodies?" he asked, his voice almost conversational.


    The boy paled, his face going ashen as he shook his head frantically. "N-No! I... I''ve already seen... I mean..." He shuddered, his hands clutching the edge of the console as if it were the only thing keeping him upright. "I''ve seen enough things here¡­" He said weakly, looking sick, his eyes going downwards, shame filling his face.


    Ezra''s expression softened, though only slightly. "Then I suggest you stay here. And wait." He turned, his gaze lingering on the boy for a moment longer before he stepped back toward the door. Cecile watched him go, his eyes wide and fearful, but he made no move to follow.


    Ezra moved on, his mind already focused on his next target. The lockdown was in place, the facility was sealed, and no one was getting out. Now, it was just a matter of hunting down every last one of them. His fury burned cold and steady in his chest, a driving force that would not be denied. It was lessened now, but his promise still burned in his chest.


    He had promised that no one would get away.


    And he intended to keep that promise.


    <hr>


    Half an hour later, top level.


    Ezra strode through the top level of the Rocket base, moving towards the entrance way, everywhere else¡­ Pacified. His boots echoed loudly against the cold floor, each step purposeful and unyielding, cackling laughter followed him as his Ghosts cavorted around him, all of them having immensely enjoyed themselves.


    He walked through the last stretch, coming upon a large room with a vault-like door at the end, his Ghosts sinking back into his shadow at his command. It wouldn''t do to frighten them too soon¡­


    He wanted to see the moment where they understood just how fucked they were - when he released them all.


    Ahead of him, a man with disheveled green hair and what looked like a hastily thrown-on suit barked orders at a group of grunts clustered around the sealed metal door. A large, armored Tyranitar stood beside him, its eyes alert and menacing as it glanced between the man and the assembled grunts.


    "Get the damn door open, you useless idiots!" the man snapped, his voice high with frustration. "Tch, what a time to not have a teleporter available..." He ran a hand through his hair with obvious frustration, "I should have you all whipped for waiting until the base is practically overrun before waking me, you cretins!"


    At the sound of Ezra''s approach, the man stiffened, then turned sharply to face him. His expression morphed into a mask of forced confidence, though his hands still trembled slightly. "You''ve done well to come this far, young man," He called out, his voice carrying a strained warmth. "Team Rocket could use a man of your talents. You''d surely become an Executive like myself in no time."


    One of the grunts looked confused and glanced between the man and Ezra. "Executive Proton, didn''t you say to kill him? That he was too scar-"


    Proton slapped the grunt with a gloved hand, cutting him off. He forced another strained smile as he turned back to Ezra. "These idiots say the most foolish things," He drawled, his tone thinly veiled with unease.


    Ezra tilted his head slightly, a slow, unsettling look spreading across his face. "How many?" He asked, his voice quiet but carrying an undercurrent of chilling intent.


    Proton blinked, his forced smile faltering. "Excuse me?" He took a cautious step back, his hand hovering over the Pokeballs at his belt. The Tyranitar beside him shifted, its massive body blocking the path between its trainer and Ezra.


    "How many little girls have you destroyed?" Ezra''s voice was a low hiss, his eyes narrowing with cold fury. "How many innocents have suffered while you grafted Pokemon parts onto them?"


    Seeing him standing here¡­ Suddenly my disquiet for all the death is absent again¡­ Ezra thought, anger spiking again. This was the person in charge. The person that had to have signed off on all the monstrous actions down below.


    Proton''s face went ashen, his eyes flicking to the door behind him as if considering any avenue of escape. "Tyranitar, deal with him!" He shouted, his voice breaking slightly.


    Ezra''s shadow rippled and flared out behind him like a living, dark cloak. From its depths, every single Ghost Pokemon he commanded flowed out, their forms wreathed in shadowy mist. "Shadow Ball," He commanded, his voice calm and resolute, ordering every single one of them to attack at once.


    In unison, the Ghosts launched their attacks, each Shadow Ball streaking across the room like a bolt of darkness. Tyranitar braced itself, its powerful body absorbing the initial barrage, even as it stomped the ground a earthen barrier rising up. It held its ground longer than any other Pokemon had so far, it''s tough hide repelling the onslaught of attacks for a few precious moments. But the sheer force and number of hits eventually overwhelmed it, and with a pained roar, it collapsed to the ground, fainting.


    Even with its Dark typing, there was only so much one could do to a barrage of several dozen attacks.


    Before Tyranitar could hit the ground, two more of Proton''s Pokemon leaped forward from behind it, their protective shields flaring up as they used Protect to shield their trainer. Proton''s voice rang out again, high and frantic as he ordered the grunts to attack.


    Ezra''s shadow surged forward, its tendrils snaking out to restrain the grunts. Each one found themselves lifted off the ground, their bodies held firmly in mid-air by their throats, unable to move. The grunts struggled, fear etched across their faces as they hung helplessly.


    Meeting Proton''s eyes, Ezra''s smile was full of teeth, as a dozen loud cracks echoed across the room, followed by the sound of bodies hitting the ground.


    The abject look of fear on the man''s face pleased Ezra, even as exhaustion threatened to overwhelm him. He was putting on a show, but if he was entirely honest. He was beginning to run on fumes.


    He didn''t even want to know how he''d feel when the anger and hate receded. Perhaps one of the reasons he never once thought of stopping his rampage.


    His Ghosts turned their attention to the remaining two Pokemon, their spectral forms darting through the air. The battle was swift and decisive, each of Ezra''s Pokemon striking with calculated, overwhelming force. The opposing Pokemon were soon subdued.


    Ezra''s gaze remained locked on Proton as the chaos unfolded around them, his expression unreadable. The room fell into a tense, uneasy silence as they were left the only two humans alive in the room.


    Proton swallowed hard, his face pale and sweaty as he took a cautious step backward. "I-I have connections, money, anything you need," He stammered, his voice trembling. "Just - just let me go. We can work something out. I can make you rich beyond your wildest dreams."


    Ezra''s lips curled into a cold smile. "So what you''re saying is that I shouldn''t capture you, that I should kill you, because if I send you to jail, you''ll just find a way out."


    Proton waved his hands frantically, his voice rising in pitch as he tried to placate him. "No, no, please, you''re making a mistake! Team Rocket could do so much for y-"


    He was cut off as Ezra''s shadow surged forward, dark tendrils shooting out and piercing Proton through his limbs, slowly lifting him in the air as the man screamed.


    "You all will be a message to Team Rocket."


    <hr>


    Johto''s forests, outside the Rocket Base.


    Agatha scowled as they approached the hidden Rocket base, the vault-like door almost indistinguishable among the dense foliage of the forest. The old, gnarled trees loomed overhead, their branches interlocking like a cage hiding the thing under its foliage. How had Team Rocket managed to establish something this vast under their very noses?


    The thought sent a ripple of fury through her, but she kept her expression impassive, her sharp eyes flicking over the others. Lance, dressed in his ridiculous cape, stood at the front, his jaw clenched, gaze fixed on the door. She could feel his impatience radiating off him in waves, but it was a foolish sort of eagerness. Always so quick to charge ahead, never pausing to consider the finer details.


    So young.


    She detested Pryce, but this one was too eager for glory.


    Her scowl deepened at the thought the Rockets had something like this hidden away. This took resources, to build, to hide, to man and run. They had severely underestimated Team Rocket, it seemed.


    Her gaze shifted to Karen, who was clutching the belt of Pokeballs Ezra had sent to save her. Agatha''s scowl deepened at the sight. Why would that boy sacrifice his own strength for another? It was an illogical move for his type, not at all the one she expected from someone like him. It bothered her, this inconsistency, though she couldn''t quite place why.


    She was still thankful to the boy. Karen had almost been caught too, having to use the boy''s Pokemon to escape and notify her. It would take days to find the girls'' Pokeballs scattered across the forest. She was tempted to make the girl do it herself, as a lesson to keep her Arceus damned Pokeballs on her person no matter the circumstances.


    She tapped her cane against the ground absently, the click as it hit metal, echoing in the stillness. The thought of Team Rocket trying to take her apprentice ignited a cold, simmering rage within her. Karen was hers. She might be a rebellious, headstrong nuisance, but she was still under Agatha''s tutelage. To see her taken or harmed was an affront, a challenge that could not go unanswered.


    She''d have already torn this base apart if it weren''t for the idiocy of the new Champion. Lance, always trying to play the hero. Karen had managed to call for help eventually, once she beat the team sent for her, her voice shrill and panicked.


    Unfortunately Lance had been in her office when Karen called, and had heard everything, and of course, the mighty Champion had to make it a grand spectacle. Now they were saddled with this pomp and ceremony instead of swift, efficient retribution.


    They should have been here hours ago.


    Agatha''s lips curled in disdain as she watched Lance give the order. His Dragonite surged forward, its maw opening wide as a massive beam of energy erupted from its mouth. The Hyper Beam struck the vault door with a deafening roar, obliterating the thick steel and sending shards of metal flying through the air. Smoke and dust billowed out, obscuring their view.


    "Move!" Lance barked, his voice ringing with authority as he charged forward through the smoke, cape billowing behind him. The League''s finest followed in his wake, Karen at Agatha''s side, watching, her face pale and anxious.


    Agatha trailed behind, her steps measured, her cane tapping softly against the ground. Her heart was thrumming with anticipation, an old, familiar feeling she hadn''t indulged in for too long. Her Pokemon hovered in the shadows around her, their forms barely visible, yet their presence tangible and comforting. She was ready, oh so ready, to remind these criminals of their place. How fortunate that their laws afforded no mercy to terrorists. She almost smirked at the thought.


    Her old blood was singing to her, asking for her to rip and tear and bathe in the blood of her enemies. Just like old times.


    But as they stepped into the base, all thoughts of battle fled. They came to a sudden, jarring stop. Agatha''s eyes narrowed as she took in the scene before her. Bodies - Rockets - were strewn across the floor. Blood pooled in dark, gleaming puddles, reflecting the harsh overhead lights. The walls were smeared with crimson, and the metallic tang of blood hung thick in the air.


    And there, standing amidst the carnage, was Ezra Kassian. His stark white hair and red eyes made him look almost otherworldly, a ghost among the dead. Blood splattered his face, his clothes soaked in it, making his pale skin stand out even more starkly. He looked like something dragged up from the depths of hell itself, an avenging specter come to reap the souls of the damned.


    For a moment, there was silence. Even the League members, hardened and battle-scarred, seemed taken aback, their weapons and Pokemon at the ready, but hesitant to act. Karen was the first to break the stillness, her voice shrill and shocked as she cried out his name.


    "Arceus, Ezra!"


    The boy turned slowly, his expression calm, almost serene, as if he were standing in the middle of a garden and not a battlefield. He offered them a smile, but it was hollow, not reaching his eyes. "It was like this when I got here, I swear." He said lightly, trying to affect innocence.


    Agatha snorted, unable to hold back her disdain. The boy couldn''t pull off innocence if his life depended on it. He stood there, drenched in blood, trying to play the part of an ignorant bystander. It was laughable, truly. But there was something about the way he stood, the set of his shoulders, the glint in his eye, that made her pause.


    She looked him over slowly, her gaze sharp and assessing. There was a hunger in her, an old, long-buried desire for battle, for the thrill of a worthy challenge. Seeing him like this, drenched in the aftermath of violence, stirred something in her. A dark, possessive feeling took root, spreading like poison through her veins.


    This boy¡­ She had wanted him before, she realized, but now? Now it was something more. She gripped her cane tightly, her knuckles white. He was dangerous, unpredictable, and brilliant in a way that few ever were. And that brilliance needed to be harnessed, directed. By her.


    A slow, satisfied smile spread across her lips as she watched him, her eyes gleaming with a fierce, almost fevered light. Yes, she thought, her heart pounding in her chest, he must be mine. At all costs.


    And then¡­


    Maybe one last good battle.


    <hr>

 A Heros Welcome.

    <hr>


    Lance stood rigidly, his tall frame tense as he spoke in low tones with Agatha and Rollo, the Pokemon Ranger in charge of the area. The dim light of the afternoon was fading, casting shadows over the trees around the hidden Rocket base. The vault door that had been blown open, now lay in ruins. League personnel moving in and out, removing bodies.


    Lance''s eyes drifted toward Ezra, who sat some distance away, his posture stiff and weary as Karen continued to badger him, with clear worry behind the severe words. Several League trainers hovered around them, not entirely sure whether to treat Ezra as a hero or a threat.


    To be honest, Lance wasn''t so sure about the distinction either.


    "This is a whole mess," Lance grumbled, running a hand through his thick hair, the weight of the situation pressing down on him.


    Agatha scoffed, leaning on her cane with a smirk playing at the corners of her lips. The old woman''s sharp features seemed to glow with a perverse amusement as she surveyed the scene before them. "Seems to me all our problems are solved. There was a Team Rocket base here," She gestured lazily toward the blown-apart door, "And now there isn''t."


    Lance shot her a tired look. He''d never grow used to Agatha''s flippant attitude, but today, it grated on his nerves more than usual. "You know what I mean, Agatha. We can''t get actionable intel from corpses," He said, rubbing his temples as if to stave off an oncoming headache. "And that''s not even mentioning the issue of how this happened."


    Rollo, shifted uncomfortably. He wasn''t a man of many words, but even he felt the tension in the air. His uniform was worn and stained with blood and dirt, having been one of the first men to assist in clearing out the bunker, his hard-lined face grim from what they had uncovered inside the base. "Sir, it is by all rights legal to defend yourself from terrorists, even up to lethal means," He reminded the Champion, his voice steady but with a flicker of something guarded behind his eyes.


    Lance shot Rollo a quick glance, his brows furrowed. "You''re not even the slightest bit curious how a young lad, who didn''t have his Pokemon, managed to kill an entire base of terrorists?" He sighed, the sound heavy and frustrated. His hands dropped to his sides, fingers flexing in a gesture of restrained exasperation. "Not to mention the issue of killing so many people while still managing to remain composed enough to only capture their Pokemon. Scenes like these belong in a war, not in times of peace."


    Agatha let out a short, mocking laugh. "You people would all know about scenes of massacres, wouldn''t you?" She bit out, her voice dripping with venom. Her eyes, once distant, locked onto Lance with an intensity that made even the Champion falter for a moment.


    But only for a moment. He was the Champion now, and he wouldn''t allow anyone to treat him like anything but.


    Lance''s gaze snapped to hers, his stance straightening as his temper flared. "I don''t want to hear that from the Mistress of Madness," He spat back, his voice taut with restrained anger.


    War had almost ruined both regions, but there were few names which had been as feared in Johto as the Mistress of Madness. Even now, as nominal allies, Lance still had his Dragonite out.


    Agatha cackled, her lips curling into a devious expression. She loved pushing his buttons, and today he was far too easy to provoke, she thought. That didn''t mean she''d let anything he said go however¡­"Oh, you want to talk about madness, sir?" She hissed, her cane stabbing into the ground with every venomous word, the sarcastic inflection on ''sir'' twisting the title into something contemptuous.


    Rollo shifted uneasily between them, his eyes darting back and forth as if he was caught in the crossfire. He was not accustomed to standing in the middle of such volatile exchanges between League elites. His gaze shifted toward the base, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his rugged features. He cleared his throat, but any words he might have said were swallowed by the animosity that crackled between the Champion and the Elite Four member.


    Agatha''s finger stabbed through the air, pointing toward the base''s smoldering ruins. "Madness is turning that against us," She sneered, her cold eyes flashing. The shadowy remnants of the fallen Rockets and the atrocities they had committed lingered in the air, thick and oppressive, as well as the power necessary to end them all.


    Lance frowned, his face softening ever so slightly, though his stance remained firm. "I am aware you have an interest in the young lad, but that doesn''t make any of this less of an issue. If anything, Agatha, it worries me more."


    Agatha barely could be bothered to show up for any fights, including actual Elite Four challenges, nor did she show up for many of the events, so anyone she showed an interest in¡­ Was a potential problem.


    If Agatha was excited, Lance knew to be worried. The last thing the world needed was another Agatha.


    Rollo, standing beside them, grimaced, his weathered face contorted in a mix of concern and caution. "Sir," He interjected again, his voice low and firm, "By law, he''s allowed to defend himself." His tone carried the weight of the law behind it, though the words felt hollow given the bloodbath they had walked into.


    With the Ranger found dead inside the base and taking in account his and his team''s state¡­ Rollo wasn''t about to let anything sneaky by him - in regards to the young man who''d extracted revenge for the Rangers.


    Lance shot him a pointed look. "I know, Chief Ranger." His voice softened slightly, but the tension in his posture remained. "But are you not curious, even in the slightest, about how he did it? How a young man, who should be just like any other trainer, managed to tear through a base filled with Rocket grunts? There''s more here than just legalities. This is unnatural."


    Agatha tossed her head, her silver hair catching the fading light in a way that made her seem even more witchlike, more formidable. "Is the League in the business of requiring trainers to reveal all their secrets now? Do the clans agree to that? Does the Blackthorn clan agree to that? Am I allowed to inquire about their secrets?" Her voice was scathing, her challenge clear.


    Lance''s face grew stony. "That''s not what I''m saying, Agatha." His words were slow and measured, his control slipping, but not yet lost. Damnable woman!


    "Good," Agatha replied, her smile sharp and unpleasant, like a knife''s edge. "So we''re agreed, then. The lad cannot be forced to give up his secrets." She turned her head slightly, eyeing Ezra in the distance. The boy was still sitting there, blood-soaked and pale, the scene around him surreal.


    What had Lance been expecting to do? Drag him in chains to Indigo Plateau? Force him into a corner and demand answers? If anyone was going to pry open Ezra Kassian''s secrets, it would be her. Not Lance. Not the League. And she would never let them lock him up like a lab experiment.


    He''d only grow if he was free. How would he ever be a challenge one day, if he was locked up? Now if only she could also get him to accept her tutelage¡­


    Lance looked at her with something like resignation, but it was tinged with a deep sense of duty. "We still need to question him," He stated, crossing his arms over his chest. The words were final, though weariness edged into his voice.


    Being Champion was nothing like he''d imagined. Half the League practically hated his guts on sight, simply as a byproduct of his nationality and clan. It still somehow all worked, but it didn''t make it pleasant.


    Agatha cocked her head, her gaze shifting lazily to the side. Lance reluctantly followed her line of sight, and his eyes fell on the young girl they had recovered from the base. She sat huddled against the side of a tree, wrapped in a League jacket and blankets, trembling. Her eyes were wide, her face pale with shock, but she was alive.


    The League had written her off as dead weeks ago. A mistake, one that would have consequences in Goldenrod City going forward¡­


    "You take that young man in," Agatha drawled, her voice smooth but laden with warning, "and you''ll have a rebellion on your hands, Champion." She spat the word ''Champion'' with disgust. "That''s Gym Leader Whitney''s sister as you''re well aware. And if even half of what I imagine happened to her is true, Whitney will rip you apart herself if you push too hard on the one who saved her. And she won''t be alone. Pryce, Morty, and the rest of them will back her. Don''t think you can press this."


    Lance knew she wasn''t entirely wrong. Clair of course would back him, perhaps one or two of the others as well¡­ Never mind that Pryce had still been in charge when the girl had been taken¡­ He would be the one with egg on his face.


    Lance''s shoulders sagged slightly, though he remained resolute that they needed some answers. "He still needs to be questioned." His words were firm, but his weariness was more apparent now. "Agatha¡­ I know there are differences between Kanto and Johto, but we don''t need this antagonism between us."


    Rollo looked as though he would rather disappear into the underbrush, his face a mask of discomfort as he stood between the two most powerful trainers in the region. His loyalty was to the law, but he could feel the shifting tides of politics tugging at his duty.


    Agatha chuckled, her laughter dry and humorless. "Then question him right here, right now. Not in League custody, not dragged back to Indigo Plateau for all your bureaucratic nonsense. Here. Now. With me present to ensure you don''t overstep your bounds." Her eyes gleamed, cold and dangerous. "And, Champion¡­" She let the title hang in the air, dripping with disdain. "I''ll end my antagonism toward you and yours on one simple condition¡­"


    Lance raised an eyebrow, bracing himself. "And what''s that?" He asked warily, though the exhaustion in his voice was growing, like a man who knew what was coming, and could only brace for it.


    Agatha''s smile widened, cruel and gleeful, her words sharp as she whispered, "Bring back my daughter. Reverse time, and stop the massacre of Viridian."


    Lance sighed, the weight of the past pressing down on him like an iron mantle. "I was a boy back then, Agatha. This scorn serves no purpose. I had no hand in that war."


    If he had, he wouldn''t have done something so foolish, the only thing killing so many non-combatants had done - was to inflame the war for another year, for no purpose other than more death and destruction. Kanto had been on the brink of surrender already, the massacre had only extended the unnecessary war.


    If Lance could say it without political fallout, he''d admit that the Blackthorns'' part in the massacre was the greatest blemish on the clan''s history. Killing women and children in dragonfire served no one. But he couldn''t say so, so they were at an impasse.


    Agatha''s eyes narrowed, her voice dropping to a low, deadly murmur. "Oh, you''re not a Blackthorn then?" She asked coldly, her gaze boring into him like a sharpened blade.


    And trust her to go straight for that jugular, he thought tiredly.


    For a moment, there were no words. Only the sound of the wind rustling through the trees and the distant cries of Pokemon. Lance said nothing more, his shoulders drooping as the weight of her words settled over him like a suffocating blanket. He sighed again, nodding slowly, the fight draining from him as he turned toward Ezra.


    Without another word, he began to walk toward the boy, Agatha and Rollo following.


    <hr>


    Ezra sat on a moss-covered log, slouched and exhausted. His belt, now once again filled with his Pokeballs, hung loosely at his waist. His body ached in ways he hadn''t felt in a long time - not since his previous life, back when every day had been a battle just to survive. He almost smiled at the irony of it. He''d come to this world with extraordinary power, yet here he was, sore and beaten down, bone weary after pushing himself too far, too fast.


    With the ache and pain he was in, he had a feeling that if he''d gone too much longer, he might have actually succeeded in killing himself. He needed to be careful going forward, it was too easy to lose himself if he let hate and anger dictate his actions.


    If he was going to murderblender a Rocket base in the future, it would be because he came to that decision himself, sound of mind. Not a knee jerk reaction to seeing atrocities.


    And he''d definitely not let loose like that! Now he was in a bit of a pickle¡­


    At least Cecile had been smart enough to remove his Rocket gear, and had been let out as just another victim of kidnapping. Now Ezra just had to figure out how to get himself out of trouble. Not for the deaths, he was fairly sure he was legally covered, but how to explain the way they all died¡­


    Karen, however, didn''t seem to care about his physical state or mental state at the moment. She stood in front of him, hands on her hips, her face flushed with anger and exertion. "How could you be so damn stupid!? Don''t ever throw away your Pokemon like that again!" Her voice rang out, sharp enough to draw the attention of the League trainers stationed around them, though they all pretended not to listen.


    Ezra chuckled, though it was a tired, strained sound. "Ah, wouldn''t you have been captured if I hadn''t?" He shot back, eyes half-lidded from exhaustion. "Or, I don''t know... Broken a few limbs without Pidgeot swooping in?"


    Honestly, where was the appreciation? It wasn''t often Ezra was a gentleman like that. It might be twenty more years until next time. She should savor it when it happens.


    Karen scowled, stomping her foot into the dirt, her silver hair flying around her face as she huffed. "I don''t care! Don''t EVER throw your own life away for me, I can handle myself, you idiot!" Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, her fury unabated.


    Ah, that''s what it''s about¡­


    Ezra smirked, though it was weak, the kind of smile that comes when you''re too tired to really engage in the conversation. "It''s cute that you care so much," He teased, his voice low and worn out.


    But he was never too tired to bully Karen.


    Karen''s eyes narrowed dangerously, her face going blank for a moment. She stepped forward and jabbed him hard in the shoulder with a finger. The force, though not strong enough to hurt, was enough to knock Ezra off balance. He toppled off the log and landed on the ground with a heavy "Oof."


    "Die," Karen said with feeling, glaring down at him as he groaned from the ground.


    "~Cute," Ezra fired back from where he lay, though the smirk on his face was still visible even as he closed his eyes, half-hoping the soft moss beneath him would ease the ache in his bones. Could he just sleep now? And avoid the headache the League would be?


    Karen huffed, her face growing redder with every second. "I swear to Arceus, Ezra... Call me cute one more time!" She threatened, rolling up the sleeves of her jacket like she was ready to square up with him.


    Ezra just chuckled, his laughter quiet and breathy, not even attempting to sit up from where he had landed.


    One of the female League trainers nearby, who had been watching the whole scene with barely concealed amusement, shook her head and quipped, "Kids and their flirting nowadays." She exchanged a knowing look with her colleague, the humor evident in her eyes.


    Karen''s glare shot over to the two trainers, her expression livid. "You losers!" She yelled, jabbing a finger in their direction. "He''s still covered in blood! Why are you just standing there? Get some towels or something! Do something productive for once!"


    The trainer who had spoken first just snorted, unfazed by Karen''s outburst. "Girl, you just pushed him over and now you want to coddle him? He''s definitely right; you''re too cute."


    Ezra started chuckling again, the sound rumbling from his chest even as he remained sprawled on the ground. His laughter only seemed to fuel Karen''s frustration, her face growing progressively redder with each passing second.


    "I am not cute!" Karen practically shrieked, her voice breaking just slightly as her fists clenched tighter. She was about to storm over and give Ezra another shove when a voice cut through the playful chaos.


    "Am I interrupting something?" Lance''s voice was calm, polite even, though there was a glint of amusement in his eyes as he approached, Agatha and Rollo in tow. The League Champion smiled at Karen, his usual cape fluttering slightly in the breeze. "We''d like a few words with the young man," He said, tilting his head toward Ezra, who was still lying on the ground. Lance''s smile widened slightly. "If it''s alright with his cute girlfriend, of course."


    Ezra''s chuckling intensified at that, his body shaking with tired laughter as he lay there. Karen''s face, already flushed, turned an even deeper shade of red as she turned away, muttering under her breath. "Even the Champion is teasing me now..." She was visibly embarrassed, clearly on the verge of either exploding or storming off in a huff.


    Lance''s smile softened, but he didn''t comment further. Agatha, on the other hand, had a knowing smirk on her face, her old, sharp eyes gleaming with something that could almost be described as amusement. She tapped her cane on the ground, a quiet chuckle escaping her.


    "I would like to ask you a few things, if you''re up for it." Lance reiterated, seriously.


    Ezra''s smile faded slightly as he straightened up, pulling himself back onto the log, the weight of the day''s events settling back onto his shoulders. He glanced at Karen, who was still fuming but had taken a step back to let him speak. The League trainers around them shifted, their relaxed postures turning a bit more serious as they subtly positioned themselves closer.


    Agatha and Rollo stood behind Lance, watching with interest. Rollo''s expression was neutral, though there was a trace of curiosity in his eyes as he sized up Ezra. Agatha, however, was harder to read. She leaned on her cane, her face impassive, but her sharp gaze never left Ezra. There was something in her eyes - an intensity that hadn''t been there before.


    He''d seen that kind of hungry look on teen girls before¡­ Which made it very disturbing to see it on Agatha''s face. At least it couldn''t be for the same reason¡­ Right?


    Ezra nodded eventually, his voice quieter now. "I figured there''d be questions." He glanced down at his blood-stained clothes, then at the trainers still loosely surrounding him. "Though I don''t suppose this is a friendly conversation?"


    Lance''s smile didn''t quite reach his eyes. "Friendly enough," He said, though there was a weight behind his words. "We just need to know what happened in there¡­ What really happened."


    Ezra shrugged. "You saw the base. It wasn''t pretty." His eyes darkened as memories of the lab flashed in his mind. "But I did what I had to do. No more, no less."


    Rollo stepped forward, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "You saved people," He said, his tone steady. "That much is clear. But the how is what we''re trying to wrap our heads around. We are grateful for what you''ve done, I especially thank you for allowing Ranger Joseph''s spirit to get rest, and to be allowed to be laid into the earth by his brothers and sisters."


    Ezra''s red eyes met Rollo''s, and for a moment, there was silence between them. The exhaustion Ezra felt was more than just physical. It was a bone-deep weariness that came not only from his power, but from the knowledge of what he had done - what he had let loose.


    "That''s something I''d rather not get into," Ezra finally said, his voice low. "Not now, anyway."


    Lance exchanged a look with Agatha, then turned back to Ezra. "We don''t need every detail right now. But there are things we need to know. Not for our sake, but for yours." His voice was calm but firm. "The League will want answers. I''ll try to protect you from any consequences, but... You''ll have to meet me halfway."


    Ezra sat in silence for a moment, his mind racing as Lance''s words hung in the air. He couldn''t tell them the truth - not about his powers, not about the things he''d done inside that Rocket base. The League didn''t need to know just how much he was capable of. But Lance''s gaze was unrelenting, and Rollo wasn''t any easier to deal with, his steady, neutral expression practically begging for details. And then there was Agatha, sharp and silent, studying him with an intensity that felt almost predatory.


    Ezra''s breath hitched as he weighed his options, trying to find the right lie, one believable enough to pass but still vague enough to keep him out of too much trouble.


    He shifted slightly on the log, glancing down at the blood still caked on his clothes. "You want answers," He murmured, his voice low, calculated. "I get it. But what happened in there... It''s not something that should really be spoken about." He acted hesitant, dragging his words to give the impression that he wasn''t ready to share. It was better this way. A lie would be more believable if they had to drag it out of him.


    If he just spilled his guts, they''d be more likely to pick apart what he said, then if they had to coax him to reluctantly release the information.


    Lance wasn''t going to let it go that easily. "The League needs to know," He pressed, his voice firm but not harsh. "We need to understand what we''re dealing with. This was an entire Rocket base, and you somehow walked out of there with nothing but a few bruises. That''s not... Typical."


    Ezra scoffed, his eyes narrowing as he stared Lance down. "Am I under arrest, Champion?" His tone was flat, almost challenging, and he watched with satisfaction as Lance paused, the weight of the accusation settling over him.


    There was a long, tense silence. Agatha coughed lightly, her eyes glinting with cold amusement, clearly enjoying the standoff. Lance let out a slow breath, his face stony, before he finally spoke.


    "No," Lance admitted after a long pause. "You''re not under arrest. But this is a matter of national security. As a citizen, you can understand why we''re concerned about this situation."


    Just a little longer, make them work for it, he thought.


    Ezra snorted, lifting an eyebrow in mock surprise. "National security, huh? I''m from Kanto, not Johto," He said blithely, watching with amusement as Agatha let out a sharp, approving laugh. Lance, on the other hand, twitched slightly, visibly holding back his irritation.


    "The League encompasses both regions," Lance said, his voice tight with barely contained frustration. "That still makes you a citizen. Won''t you assist us in this matter?" His tone softened as he straightened up, trying another tactic. "I''m asking you, as the Champion of the Pokemon League, to be forthright."


    Ezra sighed, slumping his shoulders in an exaggerated show of reluctance. "Fine..." He muttered, lowering his gaze as if resigning himself to the pressure. "If it didn''t want to be known, it wouldn''t have gotten involved." He kept his voice low, serious, crafting the perfect lie.


    Lance and Rollo perked up immediately, their attention razor-sharp. Agatha, however, stroked her chin thoughtfully, her eyes narrowing as she watched him, clearly trying to figure out if he was playing them. Ezra maintained his cool, careful not to show any cracks in his story.


    "It?" Lance asked, his voice slow, cautious. "Am I to understand a Pokemon helped you?"


    Ezra nodded, keeping his expression deliberately neutral. "I broke out and fought off a few Rockets, found the girl," He gestured towards the traumatized girl, who was being looked after by medical staff, wrapped in blankets, "And then reinforcements started pouring in. I was getting overwhelmed... That''s when it showed up." He paused, letting his words hang in the air, spinning his tale like a master storyteller.


    He was creating a story they''d want to believe. Because a guy doing all that by himself, with no Pokemon? That was out there, but a Pokemon doing it, maybe not so outlandish¡­


    The image of Darkrai formed in his mind, though he wouldn''t say the name. He wanted them to imagine it themselves, let their own knowledge fill in the gaps, especially in case none of them even knew of Darkrai, he couldn''t show himself as too knowledgeable. "The room went cold," He began slowly, his voice dropping as he described the scene. "Shadows crept along the walls, deeper than anything I''ve ever seen. And then... Out of those shadows, it came. Like a wraith, it moved through the darkness, silent but powerful. Its form... It hovered in the air, almost like a black skirt all that held up its lower half, glowing emerald eyes looked me over, and it had a pale, almost smoke like in appearance ''hair'' on top of its head, a red bulky something around its neck¡­ It''s what handled the rest of the Rockets¡­"


    He could see the effect his words were having. Lance''s eyes flickered with recognition, and Rollo''s expression darkened as he shifted uneasily. Agatha, however, only looked more intrigued, her gaze locking onto him like she could smell bullshit.


    Ezra hoped she wouldn''t call him out if that''s what she believed. He''d chosen a Sinnoh Legendary/Mythic Pokemon, because to the Johto native Lance, the fact other regions legendaries might be roaming Johto would take precedence in his mind over Ezra. Also because Agatha might believe him, because it''s a dark type, so it would technically fit what she believed of him.


    "It didn''t attack me," Ezra continued, after letting them ruminate on his reveal for a minute, his voice steady. "It went after the Rockets, cutting through them like they weren''t even there. Every time one of them tried to fight back, it was like... Like their moves didn''t matter. They couldn''t touch it."


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "We are... Aware of that Pokemon," Lance said slowly, his face tightening with caution. "Though it doesn''t usually appear in Johto." His voice trailed off, clearly thinking through the implications.


    Rollo nodded thoughtfully. "It would explain some of the¡­ Damage," He murmured. "The grunts had a lot of wounds that we couldn''t quite categorize, given the typical battle patterns from a human angle."


    Lance hummed in agreement. "I suppose that would explain things..." He muttered, but then his eyes narrowed as a thought crossed his mind. "But why... Did the apparent leader appear to have been tortured?" His tone sharpened, and he gave Ezra a hard, questioning look. Agatha, too, leaned in, her interest palpable.


    Ezra hesitated for effect, then looked away, pretending to be sheepish. "Ah... I asked him a few questions, and when he refused to answer..." He trailed off, deliberately leaving the sentence unfinished, letting their imaginations fill in the blanks.


    Sure, the big bad legendary decided to do a spot of torture, not him, no siree, innocent boy here, look no further.


    Rollo''s eyes widened, and he leaned in, suddenly more alert. "And what did he tell you?" He asked urgently. "Any locations of other bases, names of their leadership, future plans?"


    The Pokemon Rangers didn''t really have a hat in this game normally, but it was personal now.


    Ezra licked his lips, feigning reluctance as his gaze flickered between the three of them. "The only thing he kept... Screaming," Ezra''s voice lowered, "Was that Giovanni was his boss and that he''d reward me if I let him go."


    The clearing fell silent, the weight of that name sinking into the air like a stone dropped into still water. Even the nearby League trainers seemed to tense up, overhearing the bombshell Ezra had just dropped.


    Karen, who had been standing nearby, muttered under her breath, "What the fuck?"


    Agatha was suddenly in front of Ezra, her bony fingers gripping his chin with surprising strength. Her eyes burned with a fierce intensity as she hissed, "Do not lie to me, Kassian! Giovanni is a patriot! He fought harder than anyone during the last war and lost more than any dozen others you''d care to name. He''d NEVER do this!"


    Lance quickly stepped forward, pulling Agatha back with a warning look, though his own expression was clouded with concern. "Are you sure that''s the name he said?" He asked Ezra, ignoring Agatha''s scornful snort.


    Ezra watched Agatha warily, taken aback by her fierce defense of Giovanni. He hadn''t expected that reaction. But he quickly turned back to Lance, giving him a firm nod. "Yes. I''m sure," He said tightly, trying to keep his voice steady.


    He''d decided it wouldn''t hurt to drop Giovanni''s name, but by Agatha''s reaction, perhaps he''d been hasty¡­


    Lance pinched the bridge of his nose, his face twisting in frustration. "This conversation is now classified at the highest levels," He said, his voice loud enough for the nearby League trainers to hear. "Anyone who so much as breathes a word of this to anyone else will pay to the fullest extent of the law."


    The trainers immediately snapped to attention, saluting. "Yes, sir!" They chorused, their faces serious and tense.


    Agatha shook her head, her voice firm and unyielding. "It''s not Giovanni. It can''t be. He''s not that kind of man."


    Lance sighed, his gaze softening. "I agree it''s unlikely. Maybe the local leader was trying to throw someone under the Snorlax, some petty revenge before the end." He looked around, his voice still commanding. "But we can''t allow word of this to spread. It''s either defamation, in which case it would cause unnecessary harm to a respected Gym Leader... Or it''s true, and we can''t let him know we''re onto him."


    Agatha scoffed, crossing her arms, but Lance shot her a pointed look. "Agatha, he can''t know about this. I have to investigate." He hesitated for a moment, before powering on, "I know you have¡­Ties.. But I need your promise on this."


    Agatha''s lips tightened into a thin line. "You expect me to lie to a trusted comrade?" She spat, her voice dripping with disdain.


    Lance raised an eyebrow, his tone unyielding. "Yes, I do. You''re still an Elite Four member, sworn to the Pok¨¦mon League, aren''t you?"


    Agatha huffed, but after a tense moment, she gave a stiff nod. "Fine. For now."


    Lance turned back to Ezra. "Ignore everything you just heard," He said firmly. "And keep what you saw quiet. This is a League matter now." He paused, giving Ezra a small, kind smile. "But don''t worry. Giovanni is not that kind of man. It''s likely a lie, but either way, your part in this is done."


    Ezra nodded slowly, suppressing his irritation at how easily Lance and the others had dismissed Giovanni as a culprit without any real thought. Ezra had expected some resistance to the idea, but he hadn''t counted on Agatha''s fierce defense of the man. It was a valuable insight - clearly, Giovanni had a stronger hold on Kanto''s elite than Ezra had anticipated. He would need to keep that in mind for the future. Still, it worked to his advantage. They''d completely dropped any other life of questioning, focusing on the bomb he''d dropped.


    Lance cleared his throat, bringing the conversation back to the present. "Now," He said, his tone businesslike, "We still have to ensure that the Rocket threat is fully contained. But your involvement is concluded, Kassian. You''ve done your part, and from here on, it''s up to the League."


    Ezra inclined his head, as if in agreement, though his thoughts were far from settled. He didn''t like the idea of letting the League sweep everything under the rug without further investigation, especially not with Giovanni''s name thrown into the mix. But Lance''s tone made it clear that, for now, the League considered the matter closed.


    "Anywhere we can drop you off when we leave?" Lance asked, his voice softening a bit as he tried to offer some courtesy. "I don''t want to leave you out here in the wilderness, not with everything that''s just happened."


    Ezra hesitated for a moment, weighing his options. He could continue on his journey without League interference if he played this right. But then an idea came to him, a way to leverage the situation to his advantage.


    "Goldenrod," Ezra said, his voice firm. He didn''t look at the girl he''d saved, but her presence lingered in his mind. Now that he knew she was Whitney''s sister, the idea of heading to Goldenrod seemed even more appealing. He had helped save her, and that alone could give him a powerful connection to Whitney, the Gym Leader. Ezra wasn''t one to let opportunities slip through his fingers. Having Whitney - or at least her gratitude - in his pocket would be a boon.


    Lance gave a nod of approval. "Goldenrod it is, then. We''ll arrange transport." He paused, his eyes meeting Ezra''s one last time, the weight of the conversation lingering in the air. "And remember, everything you''ve heard and seen here today is classified. Don''t discuss this with anyone. Understood?"


    "Understood," Ezra replied, giving a nod that was far more obedient than he actually felt. Inside, he was already thinking about his next moves. The League could believe whatever they wanted about Darkrai or Giovanni. He had no intention of correcting them now. In fact, the more they underestimated him, the better.


    It was annoying he couldn''t have Giovanni stopped this simply, but if it drew attention away from him, then either way it was still a win right at this moment.


    As the League trainers began to pack up their gear, preparing to leave the forest, Ezra cast a glance toward Whitney''s sister. She was still wrapped in blankets, her face pale but her eyes flickering with awareness. Ezra didn''t know what all she''d been through in that Rocket base, but he could guess it had been horrifying. She was a part of his story now, a card he could play if the need arose. And by heading to Goldenrod, he could ensure that his connection to her - and, by extension, to Whitney - stayed strong.


    Having a Gym Leader in his pocket would be a valuable advantage as he continued his quest to establish his own power base.


    As the League trainers finished their preparations, Ezra stood, feeling the weight of everything that had happened pressing down on him. His body ached, his powers had been pushed to their limit, and yet he couldn''t help but feel a grim sense of satisfaction. He had survived the Rocket base. He had manipulated the League into buying his story. And now, he was heading toward an opportunity that could set him up for greater things.


    It was pure luck, but he''d take anything he could get.


    <hr>


    The next day, Viridian City, Kanto.


    Agatha made her way through the upscale restaurant with her usual briskness, her cane tapping sharply against the polished marble floor. The grand chandelier above cast a warm, golden light over the lavish dining hall, glinting off the delicate crystal glasses and fine china laid out on the tables. Waiters dressed in immaculate black suits moved with practiced grace, attending to the well-heeled patrons who whispered in hushed tones, sharing intimate conversations over expensive meals. The aroma of seared meats, fragrant wines, and freshly baked bread filled the air, but Agatha hardly noticed. This wasn''t her scene.


    The maitron''d, a man trying too hard to look formal in his freshly pressed uniform, approached her, but Agatha waved him off with a sharp, "I know where I''m going, brat," Not bothering to even glance his way. She made her way toward the back of the restaurant, moving with the confidence of someone who had been here more than once but still loathed every visit.


    Too many memories¡­


    How the man could stand it, she didn''t know. Perhaps he was just stronger than her¡­


    Her scowl deepened as she passed by a snoozing Meowth lounging in the hallway, its sly eyes cracking open as she approached. When the creature leaped forward, one paw darting toward her pocket, she brought her cane down with a sharp whack on its head. The Meowth recoiled, rubbing its head with a pitiful mewl. "Really, your Pokemon are still as cheeky as ever¡­" She muttered under her breath, irritated. Giovanni always did have a knack for raising ill-mannered creatures.


    She pushed open the door to the private dining room without knocking, stepping inside with the same uninvited authority she had in every part of her life. The room was bathed in soft, ambient light, the walls paneled in rich mahogany with paintings of Viridian landscapes hanging on the walls. A long table made from dark oak dominated the room, its surface gleaming under the dim light of a few candles.


    Sitting at the head of the table was Giovanni, dressed impeccably in a tailored charcoal suit, every line crisp and perfect. His dark hair, peppered slightly with silver, was slicked back with a meticulous neatness that reflected his personality - a man always in control. He nursed a glass of scotch in his hand, his face calm, composed, the picture of someone who never seemed ruffled. By his side, perched regally, was his Persian. The sleek white-furred feline lay with its paws tucked neatly beneath it, its red gem glinting ominously in the candlelight. Persian''s eyes glowed with an unnerving hunger as it tracked Agatha''s entrance, its tail flicking back and forth with languid menace.


    Agatha took her seat across from Giovanni, her face set in its usual scowl. She didn''t need to be invited. The history between them - though marked with disdain - made the formalities useless.


    Giovanni was the first to break the silence, his smooth voice filling the room. "It''s not like you to call a meeting, Agatha." He sipped his scotch slowly, watching her with those calculating eyes of his, always measuring, always assessing.


    Agatha huffed, her hand tightening around the knob of her cane. "Having to see your mug again isn''t my idea of enjoyment either." She shifted in her seat, her eyes flicking to the Persian, watching the predator''s movements with the caution of someone who knew exactly how dangerous it was. She still remembered the day she saw it rip a Rhyhorn to shreds with a casual flick of its claws.


    Giovanni''s lips twitched into a faint smile, but it was devoid of warmth. He waited, as he always did, attempting to assert dominance through silence, to make her speak first. But Agatha had known Giovanni long enough to be immune to his games. She stared back, her expression unreadable, and let the silence stretch.


    When Giovanni realized Agatha wasn''t going to play along, he gave in, setting his glass down with a soft clink. "So, what''s this about?" His tone was light, but there was an edge to it, a hint of wariness beneath the polished exterior.


    Agatha leaned forward, her fingers drumming impatiently on the head of her cane. "Lance is going to investigate you." She watched his reaction carefully, noting the slight tightening of his jaw. "I''m only telling you because I think it''s ridiculous and I know you''re not that stupid." She snorted, her voice filled with a bitter amusement. "Well, that and to spite the damn Johtan brat."


    "How unlike you," Giovanni drawled sarcastically, raising an eyebrow.


    Agatha shot him a scathing look. "If I last another two years amongst the Elite Four before that brat forces me to retire, I''d be surprised. Fuck him and his holier-than-thou attitude." She spat the words like venom, her hands tightening around her cane as though imagining it was Lance''s neck.


    Giovanni''s expression remained unreadable, but there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Verbose for you. He must have really gotten under your skin."


    Agatha''s lip twitched in irritation. "He keeps acting like the wars never happened. Like there wasn''t bloodshed, sacrifices... It''s a disgrace to their memories." Her voice lowered, thick with contempt.


    At that, Giovanni''s expression darkened, his eyes hardening as he swirled his drink in thought. "Indeed... And to think I believed we''d be better off without Pryce." His grip tightened around the glass, betraying the controlled fury simmering beneath the surface. He shook his head slowly, as if dispelling the old memories.


    Agatha relaxed slightly, leaning back in her chair. Her Gengar appeared from the shadows, floating up behind her, its long claws clutching a bottle of scotch, ''borrowed'' from Giovanni''s liquor cabinet. Without being told, it poured her a generous drink, filling the glass with a smooth amber liquid. She took it without a word, nodding in silent gratitude before raising it to her lips.


    "You haven''t even asked what he''s investigating you for," She muttered, shooting him a shrewd look. "Don''t tell me you know already?"


    Giovanni scratched behind Persian''s ears, his face serene once more. "I don''t really care, my dear. The war is over. I just run my business and my Gym and stay as far away from Indigo as I can get away with." His tone was dismissive, but Agatha could see the spark of intrigue in his eyes.


    "Hmph, at least they won''t find anything then," Agatha muttered, narrowing her eyes at him. "If you''re still running a smuggling ring, keep it quiet for a few months¡­"


    Giovanni flashed her a dark grin, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. "Why, Agatha, I''m sure I have no idea what you''re talking about."


    She harrumphed loudly, her eyes narrowing. "I know you''re no Jigglypuff, Gio. I''ve never cared before because it was harmless. But don''t give that Johto brat an excuse to stick his nose in your business."


    Giovanni''s smile faded, his eyes sharpening. "Don''t call me that," He said darkly, his voice holding an edge of warning.


    Agatha sighed, her tone softening ever so slightly. "Force of habit from listening to my girl go on about you¡­ My mistake." It was as close to an apology as Giovanni would ever get from her. She took another sip of her drink, the tension between them easing into something more familiar.


    For all her suspicion, she was certain of one thing - Giovanni wasn''t part of Team Rocket. He might be capable of many things, and sure, he was involved in less-than-legal dealings, but he wouldn''t betray Kanto like that. Not after everything they''d fought for. Team Rocket''s presence in both Kanto and Johto made it impossible for her to believe Giovanni had any true ties to them.


    He''d never stand for an organization that betrayed Kanto values. She could easily believe he''d fund something to tweak Johto''s nose, but not Kanto. He was even more of a patriot then she''d been back when.


    "I can''t stay long," She said after a moment, breaking the silence as she swirled the drink in her hand.


    Giovanni nodded slowly, his gaze drifting toward the window for a moment, as if lost in thought. When he spoke again, his voice was quieter. "Tell me again," He said, almost hesitantly. "The story where she let herself be defeated by a Magikarp for years in that pond of yours. Just to make it happy."


    Agatha snorted into her drink, a flicker of melancholy passing over her face. "That fool girl..." She whispered, her voice soft and filled with an old sorrow, she gave her son-in-law a slow nod.


    "Always a fool," Giovanni agreed, downing his drink in a single, bitter gulp.


    <hr>


    Three days after arriving in Goldenrod City,


    Ezra lay sprawled on the bed in his cramped room at the Goldenrod Pokemon Center, finally feeling somewhat like himself after days of forced recovery. His body had ached like never before, a bone-deep exhaustion that even the usual Pokemon Center treatment couldn''t shake. His bed was surrounded by his team, all of them crowding the small space as if they refused to leave his side. Akuma, his Annihilape, sat cross-legged at the foot of the bed, its wild, furious aura strangely calm. Morrigan, the Dreepy, floated lazily around the ceiling, occasionally weaving in and out of Cheshire, his mischievous Haunter, while Loki, the ever-sullen Banette, lurked near the shadows, watching over them all. Nyx, Alduin and Rider were all keeping watch around the bed, the three of them worried about his safety.


    It had been days since the chaos at the Rocket base, and while Ezra''s body was still recovering, his mind was mostly back to its sharp self. Karen, though, had taken full advantage of his weakened state, and her overbearing nature had been a mix of annoying and oddly comforting. She''d insisted on sticking close to him, even watching over him at night, much to her delight and his irritation. And yet, a part of him didn''t mind the constant company - although he''d never admit it.


    The door to the small room creaked open, and Karen strode in with a look that was the embodiment of smug satisfaction. She was dressed in her usual casual wear - dark leggings, boots, and a sleeveless top. Her dark hair was tied back, though a few strands framed her face. She took one look at Ezra lounging on the bed and crossed her arms, her eyes twinkling with smugness.


    She''d really enjoyed spoonfeeding Ezra that first day, when it turned out his hands just wouldn''t cooperate, pain making his fingers spasm.


    "Feeling good enough to play with your Pokemon, huh?" She asked, sarcasm lacing her tone. "Need me to fluff your pillow while I''m at it to make sure you''re nice and comfy and don''t fall on your face again?"


    Ezra smirked, stretching out his arms in a dramatic fashion. "You know," He began, not even bothering to sit up, "If being annoyed with me usually means you''ll practically waiter on me hand and foot, I should probably annoy you more often. Just saying."


    Karen rolled her eyes and made a show of inspecting her nails. "Fuck you, Kassian," She retorted, her voice dripping with exasperation. "See me ever help you again."


    Ezra''s grin widened. She had been hovering over him for days, and he knew she wasn''t truly angry. There was something softer under the surface - a bit of worry, maybe. He decided to play along, but for once, his voice dropped the teasing edge. For a minute only.


    He was kind, truly.


    "Well..." He said, sitting up slightly, "Either way, thank you. I couldn''t have recovered this quickly without you." He flashed her a sincere smile, a rare moment of honesty.


    Karen blinked, clearly caught off guard by the sudden sincerity. But before she could respond, Ezra''s Pokemon, as if on cue, all turned to her and bowed in thanks. Every single one of them, in perfect sync, their faces completely serious. Akuma even let out a gruff grunt of respect, it''s eyes closed in a faux meditative pose.


    Karen''s cheeks immediately flushed, her hands flailing wildly as she tried to wave them off. "Stop bowing, you idiots!" She barked, her face now a bright shade of red. "It was nothing! Besides, it gave me time to train and catch up." She crossed her arms and attempted to regain her composure, but the heat in her face remained as she shot Ezra a challenging look.


    Ezra chuckled, leaning back against the headboard, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Cute how you think a couple of days would be enough to close the gap."


    Karen scoffed, narrowing her eyes at him as if she were sizing him up for a battle. "I''ll show you," She shot back, her voice full of determination. "I''ll take you down one of these days."


    Ezra smirked, placing a hand behind his head in a mock-relaxed pose. "Ah, a takedown maneuver by a cute girl." He made a show of thinking deeply, tapping his chin with a finger. "My mother warned me about this." He whispered, "My innocence is at risk!"


    Karen didn''t flinch this time. Instead, she gave him a deadpan look, unimpressed. "You don''t have a mother," She pointed out, her voice flat.


    Ezra sighed dramatically, clearly savoring every moment of the back-and-forth. "True. I agree, that was weak. I''ll have to work harder to get you flustered from now on."


    Karen''s lips twitched, betraying the smile she was trying to suppress. "Stop saying shit like that, now get up. Whitney is finally available, and she''s waiting on your dumb ass."


    Ezra gave a nod of acknowledgment as his Pokemon began returning themselves to their Pokeballs, each one tapping the center and disappearing with a flash of light. He tossed off the blanket and swung his legs over the side of the bed, groaning slightly as his sore muscles protested. The floor felt cool beneath his feet, and he stretched once more.


    Suddenly, a strangled sound came from Karen, who had spun around with her back now firmly facing him. "Why are you naked!?" She practically screeched, her voice full of outrage.


    Ezra chuckled darkly, clearly enjoying himself. "Why, I thought I had nothing you hadn''t seen already," He teased, his voice full of amusement. "Someone did undress me that first night, after all. Did you¡­ Take advantage of me, Karen?" His smirk widened, "The least you could have done was wake me and let me enjoy it~."


    Karen made a noise somewhere between a growl and an exasperated groan, her hands flying to her hair as she pulled at it in frustration. "Stop saying stupid shit!" She snapped. "And I sure as hell didn''t undress you!"


    Ezra began pulling on his clothes, still grinning. "Huh. Nurse Joy is more interesting than I thought then..."


    Karen groaned louder, her voice strained with embarrassment. "Just¡­ Stop talking," she muttered, her fists clenched at her sides as she kept her back turned to him. However, something caught Ezra''s eye - her gaze kept flickering toward the mirror across the room.


    Ezra blinked, his smirk growing impossibly wider. "Turning your back doesn''t do much when you''re just using the mirror to peek," He pointed out smugly, his voice filled with unbridled amusement.


    Karen jumped as if she had been caught red-handed, letting out a string of incomprehensible words before bolting for the door. "You¡­ Shut up!" She yelled over her shoulder, her face practically glowing red as she rushed out of the room, slamming the door behind her with a loud thud.


    Ezra chuckled to himself, finishing getting dressed at a leisurely pace. The door rattled slightly from the force of Karen''s exit, and he could still hear her muffled grumbling on the other side.


    He shook his head, grinning as he straightened his shirt. At this rate, he might have to thank Agatha for saddling him with Karen. She was just too hilarious to mess with.


    He wondered idly if calling her a pervert instead of cute would get her even more flustered.


    Sounded like a worthwhile experiment. She was just too fun to bully, it really wasn''t his fault.


    <hr>


    Half hour later, Goldenrod City, Johto.


    Ezra and Karen approached the Goldenrod Gym, the towering structure a blend of elegance and charm amidst the busy city. The exterior had a sleek, modern design, a large glass fa?ade reflecting the bustling streets of Goldenrod. Inside, it was clear this wasn''t just a place for battles but a hub of community life. The pink-and-white color scheme carried through the interior, warm lighting casting a cozy glow across the plush carpets and soft pastel walls. It was clear from the first glance that the gym''s aesthetic matched its famously bubbly leader, Whitney.


    An interesting thing to note, for Ezra. Because according to Karen she''d only been a Gym Leader two years, yet the Gym reflected her to such a point. She was definitely a go-getter then.


    As they walked through the gym''s lobby, they were immediately greeted by a gym trainer who had been standing near the door as if waiting for their arrival. She had short brown hair and wore the gym''s uniform - pink with white accents, much like the building itself.


    "Ezra Kassian?" Whe asked, her tone polite but clearly filled with gratitude. She smiled gently at him, her hands clasped in front of her. "Come this way." Without waiting for a reply, she turned and began walking through the lobby toward a private area of the gym. "Thank you for what you''ve done," She added quietly as they walked. "On behalf of all of us at the gym. We owe you so much."


    Ezra gave her a nod, following her through a hallway that led deeper into the gym. Karen walked beside him, though she seemed a bit tense as the gym trainer continued to express her thanks. They were led past a large training area where other gym trainers were working with their Pokemon, the soft hum of conversation and the occasional cry of a Pokemon filling the air.


    Soon, they arrived at a door with a plaque that read "Whitney." The gym trainer knocked gently on the door. "Leader Whitney, I have your guests with me," She called softly.


    The door didn''t so much open as it did fly off its hinges. A pink blur shot out at lightning speed, and before Ezra could fully process what was happening, something small and powerful collided with him, knocking him off balance. A hand gripped his hair firmly, yanking his head back, and then lips crashed against his, stealing his breath in the process.


    Ezra staggered slightly, wide-eyed as he processed the situation - he was being kissed. Aggressively. And the culprit? Whitney, the Gym Leader of Goldenrod City, infamous for her pink hair, bubbly personality, and fierce Miltank. Her body pressed firmly against his, every inch of her warm and very present as her body molded against his.


    "What the hell, get off him!" Karen''s sharp voice broke through the haze, her outrage palpable. At the same time, the gym trainer let out a horrified gasp. "Leader Whitney, show some decorum!"


    Whitney pulled back, releasing Ezra from her grip, though she kept her hands planted firmly on his shoulders. Ezra blinked, a little dazed, licking his lips as he tried to regain his composure. The taste of watermelon lingered in his mouth. "Hm... Watermelon," He muttered absently, as if that were the most important detail to note.


    Whitney stood before him, her bright pink hair slightly disheveled from the rush, her wide eyes sparkling with excitement and gratitude. She wore a pink-and-white workout outfit that was both stylish and functional, perfectly matching the gym''s aesthetic. Despite her small curvy frame, she radiated an energy that filled the entire room, her smile wide and unabashedly pleased.


    "Thank you so much for everything!" Whitney gushed, her hands still gripping his shoulders like she had no intention of letting go anytime soon.


    Without warning, Whitney whirled around and grabbed Karen by the arm, pulling her in close. "You helped too, didn''t you?" She asked with an intense look that bordered on manic.


    Karen''s eyes widened, and she frantically shook her head. "No, no, I -"


    Ezra, standing just behind Whitney, couldn''t help but smirk, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "Oh, don''t be modest, Karen," He said, his voice teasing. "I couldn''t have done it without you."


    Karen turned a furious glare on him, her expression screaming betrayal. "Ezr-mmphf!" Her protest was cut short as Whitney, not one to waste time, grabbed Karen by the back of the head and pulled her into an equally aggressive kiss. Karen''s arms flailed helplessly for a moment before her protests turned into muffled mewls of frustration, that soon turned into tiny noises of another kind.


    The gym trainer looked absolutely mortified, her face buried in her hands. "This is why we have a reputation," She moaned despondently.


    Ezra watched the scene unfold with unbothered amusement, folding his arms across his chest as if this were the most natural thing in the world. Goldenrod had certainly taken an unexpected turn, but he wasn''t complaining. In fact, it was quickly becoming one of his favorite cities.


    Whitney finally released Karen, who staggered back, looking dazed and utterly confused. The gym leader grabbed both of them by their arms, her energy seemingly endless as she dragged them into her office, slamming the door behind her with her hip, effectively shutting it in the gym trainer''s face.


    "Right!" Whitney said brightly, her bubbly demeanor back in full force as she led them inside. "That was just me showing my appreciation, but I still need to thank you both properly!"


    Karen, still looking slightly dazed, blinked several times, trying to process what had just happened. Meanwhile, Whitney gave them a deep, respectful bow. "I''m Whitney, the Gym Leader for Goldenrod City. Thank you for everything you''ve done. I can never repay you!"


    Ezra opened his mouth, fully prepared to offer a few creative ways she could repay him, but Karen cut him off before he could get a word out.


    "Whatever this idiot says," Karen began, her voice firm, "He did all the work. I only called for help. He''s the one who deserves all the gratitude." She crossed her arms, clearly determined to deflect any thanks that might be sent her way.


    Whitney straightened, her expression softening as she looked at Karen with genuine appreciation. "Then thank you for calling for help," She said sincerely, her eyes warm. "That was just as important."


    Karen faltered, clearly unsure how to respond to Whitney''s earnest gratitude. She shifted uncomfortably, the stubborn edge in her expression slowly softening.


    Sensing the tension, Ezra decided to steer the conversation in a different direction. "How''s your sister doing?" He asked quietly. It was the polite thing to do, and he genuinely hoped she was alright. He wasn''t that much of an asshole..


    He''d still use the situation of course. He wasn''t a paragon of virtue either, but he genuinely hoped she''d be able to heal.


    Whitney''s face darkened, and the shift in her mood was almost jarring. The normally bubbly pinkette clenched her fists tightly, her eyes clouded with pain. "She''s¡­ Not okay," She admitted, her voice quieter now. "But¡­ She''s managing." She didn''t offer any more details, and it was clear the topic was painful for her.


    Ezra gave her a sympathetic look, while Karen, in an uncharacteristically gentle gesture, patted Whitney awkwardly on the shoulder, her usual tough exterior momentarily softened.


    "I managed to get information on a small Rocket presence in Goldenrod while I was in the base," Ezra said, breaking the silence. His voice was casual, but the offer was deliberate - he had been holding on to this information for the right moment, this moment. "If you''d like it, that is."


    There was no doubt that this small cell were the people who had facilitated the kidnapping of Whitney''s sister.


    Karen, who had been looking at Whitney with sympathy, suddenly snapped to attention. "You didn''t tell Lady Agatha that!" She exclaimed, her tone accusatory.


    Ezra shot her a look, his red eyes gleaming with complete determination. "Whitney deserves to be the one to take retribution, don''t you think?" He replied smoothly, his tone full of calm confidence.


    Karen hesitated, biting her lip as Whitney turned her pleading eyes toward her. Ezra knew it wouldn''t take much to sway Karen, and after a brief moment of inner turmoil, she finally relented. "I suppose¡­ It doesn''t matter who takes them down," She muttered, clearly still conflicted.


    Whitney, on the other hand, looked positively fired up. She pumped her fist into the air, her usual cheerfulness replaced with a fiercer, more determined look. "Oh, I''m going to enjoy this," She said, her voice low and full of resolve. "Where are they?" She asked Ezra, her face set in grim determination.


    Ezra told her, watching with amusement as her face hardened with fierce satisfaction. She turned to him, her eyes blazing with gratitude. "I owe you so, so much," She said, her voice filled with genuine emotion.


    "If you say so," Ezra replied easily, though inwardly, he was already thinking ahead. Having a Gym Leader like Whitney beholden to him? That could only help him in the future.


    As Whitney leaned in for seconds, her intentions more than clear, and Karen let out an exasperated screech behind her, Ezra found himself thinking that this whole hero gig had side benefits he hadn''t quite considered before.


    Very good side benefits.


    <hr>


    Later that evening, Goldenrod City, Johto.


    Ezra sat across from Cecile in the quiet, dimly lit room he''d rented for the young programmer. The space wasn''t particularly large, just enough to house a desk, a bed, and a small table, but it was functional. Cecile sat at the desk, the only source of light coming from the lamp overhead, illuminating the piles of papers in front of him. His eyes darted over Ezra''s detailed plans - pages upon pages of business projections, market analysis, coding specifications, and a roadmap to build a social media empire centered around Pokemon battles, events and activities.


    Ezra had ditched Karen by sicking Whitney on her, the two having a girls night. Karen not able to say no without being rude. Normally not a problem for her, but with the situation with Whitney''s sister as it was - she hadn''t been able to say no.


    Having Whitney looking very favorable on him was already paying off, he''d had her use her Gym Leader credentials to look up Shae. Whitney had easily agreed when he''d suggested she might have been affiliated to the Rockets. There hadn''t been a bevy of information, but his theory seemed to have been wrong in the end.


    Shae had lost family to Team Rocket, which made it highly unlikely she was part of that crowd. He was still suspicious however. Just because she wasn''t part of them, didn''t mean she wasn''t part of something. But nothing in her records indicated what. So it was something he''d have to ask the girl himself the next time she popped up.


    Ezra''s crimson eyes stayed locked on Cecile''s face, watching for every flicker of expression as the teenager worked through the material. He could see the gears turning in the kid''s head, but Cecile wasn''t exactly a great poker player; the way his brows furrowed and his lips pressed into a thin line told Ezra that Cecile was both impressed and overwhelmed.


    Finally, Cecile set the papers down, leaning back in the chair with a pensive look, his fingers rubbing at his chin like he wasn''t sure where to start.


    "Well?" Ezra asked bluntly, his voice cutting through the silence.


    Cecile blinked and looked up, slightly startled by Ezra''s straightforwardness. "I¡­ I can probably do it. I mean, technically, yeah, I can do it. The platform you''re talking about, the algorithms for the media platform, the capabilities for editing and categorizing the footage - it''s all possible." He paused, eyes darting away nervously. "But¡­"


    Ezra''s patience was not infinite. He crossed his arms, leaning forward slightly. "But what? What''s the issue?"


    Cecile fidgeted, glancing back at the pages on the desk, then at Ezra, before lowering his voice. "Look, I didn''t exactly volunteer for any of this, you know? You¡­ You sort of just¡­ pulled me into it." He shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable. "I wasn''t exactly given a choice."


    Ezra waved off the complaint like it was nothing more than an annoying fly. "If you were truly against it, you could''ve told the League to take you in when we left the base. They''d have brought you back to some quiet corner of Johto, where you could''ve disappeared. But you didn''t. You''re here. So, cut the crap. What''s the real problem?"


    Cecile swallowed hard, shifting in his chair like a child caught in a lie. "It''s just¡­ This is big. Like, really big." He paused, running a hand through his disheveled blue hair. "Once this takes off, it''s going to explode across regions. The algorithm you want me to build, the way you plan to make yourself the centerpiece of all these battles¡­ You''ll be a star. Fast. Really fast."


    Ezra smirked, his tone dry. "That''s the point, Cecile. People are supposed to be drawn to this. Pokemon battles, tournaments, interviews - It''s all designed to capture attention, to dominate viewership. The world will be watching every battle I''m in." He leaned back in his chair, his smirk deepening. "It would be a pointless investment if people spent their time watching Eevee videos instead."


    Cecile winced at Ezra''s casual dismissal of his concern. He fiddled with his hands, glancing down at the desk. "I get that, sir. I really do. And yeah, I can see how this could work, how you could become¡­ Well, the biggest name in the Pokemon world." His voice lowered again, almost a whisper now. "But there''s something else. I¡­ I was kidnapped once already. If I build this for you, if this blows up the way you want it to¡­ People will come for me. Again."


    Well, he probably wasn''t wrong¡­


    Ezra''s smirk faded slightly, his gaze hardening. For a moment, he didn''t say anything, just studying the teenager in front of him. Then, without warning, Ezra leaned forward, placing a firm hand on Cecile''s shoulder. His grip was tight, almost reassuring, but there was an undeniable intensity behind it.


    "You saw the aftermath of what I did to that Rocket base," Ezra said, his voice low and full of menace. "You saw the aftermath of what I did to the people who took me. I left no one alive for kidnapping me." His hand squeezed Cecile''s shoulder just a bit tighter, making sure the boy understood the weight of his words. "If someone takes you, I''ll do the same to them. I''ll kill them all."


    Strangely, rather than being reassured, Cecile looked even more uncomfortable. His eyes darted to the floor, his lips pressing into a tight line. The teen let out a nervous laugh, clearly unsure if that was supposed to comfort him or terrify him. But after a few moments, he nodded slowly, his expression resigned.


    "Yeah¡­ I guess that''s one way to look at it," Cecile muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright. I''ll get started. The preliminary work, at least. I''ll need a few more things to get it all running smoothly, though." His fingers danced nervously over the edge of the desk. "And maybe some Porygon, like we talked about."


    Ezra nodded sharply, satisfied with the boy''s compliance. "Once we''re back in Kanto, I''ll get the Porygon you need. You''ll also have a few assistants from whatever group my lawyer manages to scrape up from the Kanto universities. You''ll have everything you need to make this a reality."


    Cecile gave a hesitant nod, finally reaching for the keyboard to begin working. Ezra watched him with a cold, calculating gaze. He knew that once the infrastructure was set up - once this platform started gaining traction - he''d be unstoppable. Pokemon battles had always dominated television ratings, but the internet had barely been tapped for its potential. He could stream every gym battle, every tournament, every exhibition match with the touch of a button. Global audiences would tune in. He would control the narrative, the viewership, and ultimately, the fame.


    Ezra stood from his seat, crossing his arms as he watched Cecile begin tapping away at the keyboard, the hum of technology filling the quiet room. He could already see it - the streams, the highlights, the battles with tens of millions watching. People wouldn''t just know his name - they''d be unable to avoid it.


    With the internet''s reach, his rise to stardom would be swift and undeniable. Every match, every victory, would be amplified tenfold, and soon, his name would carry weight far beyond his abilities as a trainer. He would shape the culture of Pokemon battles. He wouldn''t be untouchable, of course - there was still personal power to consider, especially in a world where strength was everything - but he''d be as close as one could get.


    He would be able to push for Gym Leader status even without support from the likes of Lance with that kind of backing¡­


    Ezra''s thoughts swirled with the possibilities, the avenues of influence that would open up once this machine was in place. Fame wasn''t just a tool for recognition - it was a shield, a weapon, and a stepping stone to even greater power. Once the world knew who he was, they wouldn''t be able to touch him without consequence. And for those that tried¡­ Well, he''d have other means of handling them.


    Soon, he thought, soon¡­


    <hr>

 Step up Challenger!

    <hr>


    Goldenrod city, Johto.


    Ezra and Karen made their way through the bustling streets of Goldenrod City a few days after all the excitement, the smell of food vendors selling freshly baked pastries and the sounds of shopkeepers haggling with the early bird customers filling the air. The city was alive with energy, the largest in Johto and it showed, and today''s battle only added to the excitement in Ezra''s case.


    Even if it was against a normal gym, which he should really not have any issues with¡­ That said, he couldn''t push his general cheating trolling asshole move here, he actually liked Whitney.


    And not only because she was¡­ Enthusiastic in her affections.


    That was just the cherry on top.


    He usually found bubbly people to be the most annoying people to interact with, but somehow he didn''t actually mind Whitney, probably in the way she was so earnest about it. There was nothing put on or over the top fake about her cheer and excitement.


    Ezra was feeling a bit too relaxed for Karen''s liking however, he noticed, his hands stuffed in his pockets, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. Meanwhile, Karen was clearly less amused, her arms crossed, and her expression a constant scowl as they approached the gym. So¡­ Typical Karen.


    "I still can''t believe you''re just walking into a gym challenge like this," She muttered under her breath, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight as she shot him a look of disapproval. "It''s cheating."


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, glancing at her sideways. "It''s only cheating if you''re caught, Karen." His tone was playful, but there was an underlying sharpness in his words. Really, this was going to be her complaint? He did worse than this every morning when he pilfered the Pokemon centers shampoo and put it in his bag.


    What could he say¡­ They had some kickass shampoo.


    Just because he was going to be filthy rich didn''t mean he needed to be a perfect saint.


    Karen glared, refusing to let it slide. "Whitney''s gym has a two-week waiting list. Two weeks! And somehow, you''re waltzing right in without even needing to ask properly. That''s not just ''cutting in line'', that''s exploiting her gratitude. It''s cheating."


    Ezra let out a soft scoff, clearly dismissing her concerns. "Gratitude? If I used her gratitude to have her give me the badge without a fight, maybe then you''d have a point. But skipping the line for a battle?" He waved a hand, dismissively. "That''s nothing. Inconsequential."


    He suspected she was only really complaining because she was off kilter after her almost capture, the bloodbath, and then Whitney''s¡­ Aggressive thank you. Because this was kind of silly even compared to her usual ornery behavior.


    Karen clenched her fists, clearly frustrated by his flippant attitude, or just generally frustrated. But before she could respond, Ezra continued, his smirk widening as he shot her a teasing look. "Are you sure you haven''t been spending too much time around Agatha? You''re starting to sound like an old lady." His voice was light, almost mocking.


    If he wanted her out of this funk, well¡­ Bully Karen is always his go to anyway.


    Karen sputtered, her cheeks flushing slightly. "That''s not it!" She snapped, her eyes narrowing as she shot him an indignant look.


    Ezra shrugged, strolling casually beside her, Rider his Alolan Marowak keeping pace at his feet, the small ghostly flames on his bone staff flickering as he glanced around the city. Ezra''s pace was lazy, but Rider''s eyes were sharp, always watching, always calculating.


    He patted Rider on the head, good boy, he thought, Rider preening slightly at the touch.


    "Well then," He said easily, "Stop complaining about skipping the line. You''ve seen me do worse things, Karen. This hardly qualifies as ''cheating'' in the grand scheme of things."


    Karen''s glare faltered slightly, her scowl softening just a bit, though she still looked annoyed. "I just don''t want to see any more of your flirting with that¡­ Woman!" She bit out, her voice dripping with frustration. "It''s indecent!" She hurried out right after, probably realizing what that sounded like.


    Heh, so that''s your problem? He thought.


    Ezra put on a mock-affronted look, his hand resting dramatically over his heart. "Me? Flirting? Karen, please, Whitney is the one flirting with me, not the other way around." He paused, his smirk returning in full force. "Not that I mind. She''s a great kisser, you know. Very... Aggressive."


    Karen''s face reddened instantly, her glare intensifying as she practically growled, "That never happened." Her words were clipped, her fists clenched tightly at her sides as she tried to suppress her growing irritation. But her body language wasn''t as stressed in her flushed state.


    Ezra''s smirk only widened, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "If you say so," He said lightly, enjoying her reaction.


    The rest of their walk was filled with idle chatter about training, Karen grudgingly focusing on her own team and their recent improvements. Her tone was still slightly agitated, but Ezra could sense the subtle shift in her mood. She talked at length about her Dark type Pokemon, how they''d grown stronger, faster, more responsive in battle.


    "Honchkrow has been dodging attacks like nothing I''ve ever seen before," Karen admitted, her voice taking on a more thoughtful edge. "And Sneasel¡­ I swear, her speed has doubled in the last week. Even Houndoom seems sharper, more in tune with my commands." Her eyes flicked toward Ezra, studying him carefully. "It''s strange, though. They''ve always been strong, but lately... It feels like they''ve been pushing beyond their limits, listening to me without the struggle, the inherent need for dominance..."


    Ezra gave her a casual glance, raising an eyebrow but saying nothing. He knew what she was getting at. She''d noticed the change, the subtle edge that came with being around him, but she wasn''t sure how to ask directly, apparently - her Dark Pokemon were simply boosted by his aura, and more settled, but she wasn''t aware of it like Agatha was.


    It was definitely noticeable, he was surprised she wasn''t outright asking though - although perhaps Agatha had made the right choice in keeping her ignorant, wanting her to figure it out on her own.


    Oh well, that aspect wouldn''t be the worst for her to find out eventually, Agatha likely held something similar, with how quickly she''d spotted it¡­


    Karen pressed on, her tone more curious now, though still wary. "It''s almost like they''re feeding off of something. The closer we are to you, the more responsive they become. It''s like they''re being drawn to your¡­ Presence." She glanced at him, her eyes narrowing slightly. "What''s going on, Ezra?"


    Ezra simply shrugged, his smirk never faltering. "Maybe I''m just that inspiring," He said, his tone light and playful. He wasn''t going to give her a straight answer, not yet. She''d figure it out eventually, but for now, it was more fun to keep her guessing. "Or simply that good looking?"


    Karen scowled, clearly unsatisfied with his response, but before she could push further, they arrived at the Goldenrod Gym.


    The gym had a vibrant and welcoming feel. It was clear from the design that this gym wasn''t just about battles, but also about fostering a community. Inside, the atmosphere was equally warm and friendly, with soft pastel walls and plush carpeting. Trainers of all ages were gathered around, some engaged in battle theory lessons from gym trainers - while others practiced or chatted.


    As they stepped through the entrance, they were greeted by the same gym trainer who had escorted them the last time they visited. The young woman looked slightly embarrassed, her face flushed as she approached them with a polite bow.


    "Ezra, Karen," The gym trainer greeted, her voice soft but filled with a hint of nervousness. "Welcome back. Please, follow me to the arena, leader Whitney is ready for your battle."


    As they began walking, the trainer hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her tone apologetic. "I hope you won''t judge the entire gym based on Leader Whitney''s¡­ Excessive behavior." She glanced sideways, clearly embarrassed by her leader''s more¡­ Exuberant displays.


    Ezra''s expression darkened almost immediately, his usual smirk vanishing as he shot the trainer a sharp, cold look. "She is your leader," He said bluntly, his voice low and firm. "You should not be disparaging her like this."


    It didn''t matter what she was doing or how she was appearing. This was her gym, she''d obviously made it a shining pillar in the community, her own trainers should not be talking like that. He scowled further, imagining his own reaction one day if his own gym trainers talked shit about him behind his back.


    The gym trainer paled, her eyes widening in panic as she quickly waved her hands, her voice rising in alarm. "Ah, no! I didn''t mean it like that! Please, don''t take it that way!" She stammered, her face flushed with anxiety. "I only meant -"


    Before she could finish, Karen grabbed Ezra by the hand and dragged him forward, scowling as she muttered under her breath, "Stop bullying the trainers."


    Ezra, however, only grinned, his eyes dropping to their intertwined hands. "So our relationship has evolved to hand-holding, how ~lewd!" He teased, his voice lilting with amusement, dropping the trainer from his mind.


    Karen refused to react, though the tops of her ears turned a distinct shade of red. She pressed forward with determination, her grip tightening slightly as if to keep him in line.


    She''d have to evolve far further then hand holding if she wanted to keep him in line, he thought with some amusement, just allowing her to drag him forward.


    They arrived at the arena shortly after, the large double doors opening to reveal a brightly lit battlefield. The gym''s signature pink-and-white color scheme carried through, with soft lighting casting a gentle glow over the entire space. The arena was spacious, the floor marked with the familiar patterns of a Pokemon battle field. On one side, large bleachers sat empty, though they were clearly designed to accommodate large crowds. The air was filled with the faint scent of flowers and the hum of excitement.


    And there, standing in the center of the arena, was Whitney. The pink-haired Gym Leader was bouncing on the balls of her feet, her usual bright and bubbly energy practically radiating from her. She wore her typical pink-and-white workout outfit, her hair tied back in a high ponytail. Her bright pink eyes sparkled with excitement as she spotted them, her entire demeanor screaming anticipation.


    Whitney waved enthusiastically, her grin wide and infectious. "Ezra! Karen! You made it!" She called out, her voice cheerful as she jogged over to meet them.


    Ezra chuckled softly, giving her a nod as he approached. "Of course. Wouldn''t miss it for the world, I''m looking forward to our battle." He said, trying to be smooth and confident.


    By Karen''s elbow into his side, and hissed, "No flirting!" He''d succeeded.


    Whitney beamed, her energy practically vibrating. "I''ve been looking forward to this battle for like ~months! I can''t wait to see what you''ve got!" She punched the air playfully, her competitive spirit shining through.


    The gym leader behind them face-palmed, "You''ve only known him for a week at most." She muttered, exasperated.


    Whitney beamed at her, "It''s the thought that counts, Jessie!"


    Said Jessie looked heavenward, "My thoughts never count¡­" She whined.


    Ezra looked at her, still remembering her earlier comments, "That''s because your thoughts don''t matter." He said brutally.


    Karen smacked him on the arm immediately, "I said stop it!" At the same time Whitney stared him down seriously, "Ezra, don''t bully my cute trainers."


    Jessie made a sigh of relief, only to bow her head in depression when Whitney added, tongue out and one eye closed, "That''s my job, you know!"


    Ezra couldn''t help but laugh a little at that, giving her a small nod. Ezra tilted his head to the arena shortly thereafter, "Shall we?"


    Whitney grinned and turned about, "Let''s!" She agreed.


    Soon enough, Whitney stood on the far side of the arena, her usual bubbly energy radiating from her as she gave Ezra a playful wink. "Ready to get physical, Kassian?" She teased, her voice echoing across the polished battlefield. Jessie, who had slotted in as the referee, stood to the side, in a shielded box, raising her hand to indicate the start of the match.


    Karen, meanwhile, sat up in the stands, arms held out holding Ezra''s Pokedex, which was recording the whole event at his request. Her expression made it clear that she wasn''t entirely on board with this, but Ezra, as always, seemed unfazed with her complaints.


    Jessie cleared her throat, addressing both trainers with the official rules. "This will be a six-on-six battle. Each side is allowed only two substitutions. This is a star challenge for the Goldenrod Gyms badge. Are the trainers ready?"


    Ezra gave a sharp nod, his eyes narrowing with focus as he sized up Whitney. Across the field, Whitney twirled a Pokeball in her hand, her smile never faltering.


    "We''re ready already, let''s goooo," She called, her voice light but tinged with determination. With that, she tossed her first Pokeball into the air, even though the challenger is supposed to go first... "Let''s get this party started! Clefable, you''re up!"


    In a flash of light, Clefable appeared on the field, its round, fairy-like form bouncing slightly as it landed. The pink Pokemon stretched its stubby arms and gave a little twirl, its large eyes focused on Ezra. Ezra responded quickly, sending Rider forward, his Alolan Marowak. Rider announced himself with a low growl, spinning his bone club menacingly as the pale flames flickered at its tip.


    "Clefable, use Odor Sleuth and BOUNCE!" Whitney ordered immediately, wasting no time as she examined Ezra''s Ghost type. Clefable nodded, its body glowing briefly using the move that nullified usual immunity to Normal type attacks.


    Rider had already been moving in for an attack, Ezra having suspected Whitney would have a way to ensure her Pokemon could hit, it would have been different perhaps if he''d come to the gym as a surprise, but now that she knew¡­


    As Rider attempted to strike with Iron Club, Ezra''s order prior to the match even beginning, Clefable was literally bouncing across the arena like some sort of demented rubber ball, never staying in the same place for more than a second.


    Whitney knew she was at a starting disadvantage, as each of her Pokemon would have to pull off the same kind of move to hit his Ghosts, so theoretically, Ezra would have the advantage of the first hit. Except Clefable had managed to avoid that with some surprising speed and agility.


    Whitney winked at him, "You didn''t think it would be that easy to slide up my skirt and give me a buggering, did ya?" She tapped her nose, smiling smugly.


    "Phrasing, please, leader¡­" Jessie said long sufferingly.


    Ezra clicked his tongue, it was only to be expected really, it just meant a more long range battle for now, which Rider wasn''t as suited for, he for a second debated blowing one of his recalls on this, but decided to soldier on, "Rider, Flamethrower."


    The Alolan Marowak twirled around spewing flames, shooting out eerie blue flames toward a general area of Clefable''s bouncing. The attack hit its mark, barely. The ghostly flames surrounding Clefable and immediately inflicting a burn. Clefable winced, its movements slowing slightly as the burn began to sap its strength.


    Whitney''s cheerful demeanor didn''t falter, though. "Not bad, very hot! But let''s see how you handle the power of randomness! Clefable, use Metronome!"


    Clefable''s stubby fingers wiggled mockingly in the air as it summoned the power of Metronome, a move that could become any Pokemon move, from the worst¡­ To the best. Just random luck, the deciding factor. "Come oooon! Mama wants a Draco Meteor!" Whitney called out, at the same time as Ezra told Rider, "Go into a dodging pattern then Iron Tail."


    The anticipation was palpable as both trainers watched, waiting to see what random move would emerge. Then, with a burst of light, Clefable fired off a Hyper Beam, the devastating energy beam barreling toward Rider with unrelenting force.


    "Dodge it, Rider!" Ezra called out, his voice tense, a superfluous order, as Rider had already been moving about the Arena in a twisting hopefully unpredictable manner.


    But the Hyper Beam was too fast, and Rider couldn''t escape it. The beam struck the Alolan Marowak dead-on, sending him flying back across the field. Rider hit the ground with a hard thud, his body motionless as the dust settled around it.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, even with Hyper Beam, he should have survived one hit¡­ How strong is that Clefable?


    "Rider is unable to battle!" The referee, Jessie, announced, raising her arm toward Whitney''s side of the field.


    Whitney gave a playful wink, blowing a kiss in Ezra''s direction. "Oops, did I overdo it? Guess that one wasn''t up for a Hyper Beam after all." She pouted slightly afterwards, slapping her competitors box, "So boooring though, a normal type move? I could have just used that then!"


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, but he kept his cool. Rider losing that quick was unfortunate and a bit of bad luck, but this wasn''t over. Far from it. Without missing a beat, he reached for his next Pokeball. "Cheshire, your turn."


    His Haunter, Cheshire, materialized on the battlefield, his wide, toothy grin flashing as he floated in midair, his eerie purple body phasing in and out of the shadows. He looked as though it was itching for a good fight.


    "Cheshire, SSH!" Ezra said immediately, trying to hide what he was doing from Whitney.


    Whitney immediately shot finger guns at her Clefable, who grinned and began bouncing again, slightly hampered by the burn, but still going all over the place, making it hard to pin down. "Sweet Kiss~" She added, winking at Ezra.


    Clefable shot a pink heart at Cheshire, but by then he was already gone, the Clefable''s minute stop to launch a technique exactly what he needed for Cheshire to perform his orders. Shadow Sneak, and Hypnosis.


    Cheshire''s glowing eyes locked onto Clefable as he literally grew out of its shadow, sending waves of drowsy energy toward the ''normal'' type. Clefable, slower with the burn, couldn''t dodge away in time. Its eyes fluttered as the Hypnosis took effect, and within moments, it was fast asleep.


    Ezra saw his opening to hit it hard, knowing the burn could make it easier for the Clefable to wake up from the pain anyway, limiting how much time he had the annoying thing still. "Now, Shadow Claw to hold it, hit it with Shadow Ball!"


    Cheshire sunk dark claws into the Clefable, making it wake up as it cried out, Whitney quickly calling out, "Light Screen!" trying to offset the damage coming.


    Yet it was too late, as Cheshire had already formed a dark, pulsating orb of energy from it''s mouth and shot it point blank at the already reeling Clefable. The Shadow Ball struck Clefable directly, knocking it clean out, with the accumulated damage it had already taken pushing it far enough the Shadow Ball took it the rest of the way.


    "Clefable is unable to battle!" Their referee called out, sounding put out.


    Whitney didn''t seem too bothered by the loss. She returned Clefable to its Pokeball with a smile, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Not bad, holding me down like that and having your way with ~me. But I''ve still got plenty of surprises for you! Let''s go, Dodrio!"


    Ezra could only shake his head with amusement. It was your Pokemon, not you, but you do you, Whitney¡­ He thought.


    With a flash of light, the three-headed bird Pokemon appeared on the field, its long legs kicking several times at the floor as it stared down Cheshire with all three of its heads. Dodrio let out a screeching cry, its heads bobbing wildly as it prepared for battle.


    Ezra immediately snapped out, "Acid Spray around it!"


    Whitney at the same time, wasted no time with her own order, having no other choice on her first one. "Dodrio, Odor Sleuth, keep moving!"


    Dodrio''s three heads sniffed the air in unison, locking onto Cheshire and nullifying his Ghost type advantage for defense against normal type moves, it then immediately began moving, but this time Ezra had been quicker, the Acid Spray spewed out from Cheshire making the Dodrio yelp as it had to run through the poisonous move.


    "Cheshire, use Confuse Ray!" Ezra ordered, as the Dodrio faltered slightly, Whitney calling out, "Agility!"


    Cheshire''s eyes glowed again, and a burst of chaotic energy shot toward Dodrio, except the bird Pokemon shot out of the way, two of the heads cackling as Whitney shouted out, "Now, Trailblaze!"


    Ezra cursed mentally, even as he ordered Cheshire to, "Acid Spray right in front of you, now!"


    It wasn''t really meant to be a defensive move, but the Dodrio, who''d used a grass move that both dealt damage, and further upped its speed again, chose not to run headsfirst into a spray of acid.


    Ezra had been working on Cheshire''s poison moves lately, as he realized he''d underutilized its versatility, it seemed he''d made the right choice.


    "Alright, that was kickass¡­" Whitney admitted, adding, "Baton Pass~!"


    Ezra swore under his breath, Dodrio was fast right now, but also poisoned, so they could play things out, but Baton Pass would switch it out for another Pokemon, and pass any status changes on to the incoming Pokemon!


    Notably, speed increases counted, for whatever reason, poisoning did not. "Cheshire, S2, Toxic Spikes." He ordered.


    Whatever Pokemon came out would be fast, so he''d prioritize Cheshire getting out of the way, and then laying the field with Toxic Spikes, limiting movement. Unfortunately his double Shadow Sneak to avoid a super fast attack ended up useless, as Whitney had other plans.


    "Delcatty! Odor Sleuth, ~Attract!" Whitney called out, throwing a Pokeball forward, a Delcatty appearing on the field, immediately performing the move Odor Sleuth, before catching Cheshire with Attract just as he laid a field of Toxic Spikes, the yellow and purple cat Pokemon winking and purring as it moved almost sensually across the field.


    Cheshire got a tint of red across his cheeks, and Ezra''s order of "Ignore the cat, Confuse Ray then Toxic!" Was completely ignored. He clicked his tongue irritably.


    "Pound him hard, Delcatty, Ice Beam." Whitney said, eyes amused.


    Jessie, the referee, moaned loudly, "Leader, please! We''re being filmed!" Gesturing to Karen.


    Whitney nodded firmly, even as her Delcatty moved, firing off a beam of ice. She glanced at Karen, and then pulled her top more snugly against herself, winking at the camera, "Thanks for reminding me, Jessie, gotta look good so that Ezra can watch me spank him ~over and ~over again!"


    Ezra was focused on Cheshire, wincing as the Ice beam did a fair bit of damage, but not enough to be out of the fight. Thankfully ''chilling'' him, seemed to have removed his impromptu crush. "Back off, use the Toxic Spikes to keep it away, fire Dark Pulses to herd it." He ordered.


    If Cheshire had enough distance, he could dodge another Ice Beam, or simply Shadow Sneak around it, forcing Delcatty to come through his field of Toxic Spikes to get close.


    Except of course Whitney had other plans¡­


    "Return." She said simply, before sending Dodrio out again, not needing to add Odor Sleuth, "Fly, then Tri-Attack!" She ordered, completely bypassing his Toxic Spike field.


    "The gym leader has used all her allowed substitutions." Jessie piped in with.


    Ezra couldn''t help but grin, his blood pumping, of all the battles he''d had so far, this was the first time he felt someone really did something other than try using overwhelming force as a means to deal with him. Whitney for all her teasing and cheerfulness, was tactical.


    "Confuse Ray, hold your ground." He ordered. Cheshire could survive another hit, but he wanted the Dodrio down now. So confuse it, disrupt it''s flying.


    He''d either send it down to the Toxic Spikes, excarberating the poisoning it was already suffering from before¡­ Or get another hit in and end it.


    The move connected, and Dodrio immediately began wobbling in the air, its three heads bickering and bobbing in confusion. Cheshire looked a little bit more worn however, Dodrio''s attack having hit right before.


    Whitney frowned, but her cheerful attitude remained. "Come on, Dodrio! Snap out of it!"


    But it was too late. "Cheshire, use Thunder Punch!"


    Cheshire''s ethereal hands crackled with electricity as it glared at the Dodrio, landing a powerful punch that sent the bird Pokemon sprawling across the field, rolling across the Toxic Spikes. Dodrio struggled to stand, its legs shaky and its heads still dazed, but it was too much, the poison ticking away at it, it fell down.


    "Dodrio is unable to battle." Jessie called out, sending Ezra a small glare.


    Ezra just rolled his eyes, this gym trainer should make up her mind already, he thought. Either she wanted to rag on her leader, or be her little snapping guard dog, she couldn''t be both.


    Whitney pouted, though there was a playful gleam in her eyes. "Aww, poor Dodrio! Guess I''ll have to bring out something a little tougher!" She pulled out her next Pokeball, twirling it in her hand before tossing it onto the field. "Lickilicky, your turn!"


    The large, pink, rotund form of Lickilicky appeared, its massive tongue hanging out as it gave a low grunt. The Normal-type Pokemon bounced slightly as it landed, its eyes locked onto Cheshire.


    Whitney gave Ezra a playful wink. "I hope Cheshire likes licking games," She teased, her voice full of innuendo, Jessie just sighing, finally just giving up on trying to ride herd on her boss.


    Ezra rolled his eyes, but he wasn''t about to underestimate Lickilicky. It was bulky and likely hard to take down if anything he''d seen by Whitney so far held true. He had to play this smart.


    "Lickilicky, use Odor Sleuth!" Whitney ordered,


    "Cheshire, SP!" Ezra called out at the same time. Having an advantage as Whitney''s Pokemon was stuck doing her necessary move.


    Cheshire appeared in Lickilicky''s Shadow with Shadow Sneak, a Dark Pulse already beginning to form, before he shot it straight into the back of the Lickilicky, which unfortunately didn''t seem like it did overly much¡­


    Was this her tank? He wondered, even as Cheshire was already backing off.


    Whitney grinned. "Nice try! But you''re too ~close, Lickilicky, Power Whip!"


    Lickilicky''s massive tongue lashed out, wrapping around Cheshire and slamming him into the ground with a thud. The impact was hard, and Cheshire winced, struggling to free itself from the grip of Lickilicky''s tongue, the move managing to prevent just fading back ghost style.


    Ezra however saw his chance for Cheshire to get something out of this setback. "Cheshire, use Toxic, point blank!"


    Cheshire, still tangled in Lickilicky''s grasp, formed a deluge of poison around itself and fired it directly into Lickilicky''s face. The burn of the poison forced Lickilicky to release its grip, stumbling back as it felt the effects of Toxic spreading across its body.


    Whitney didn''t seem fazed. "Lickilicky, use Flamethrower!"


    Ezra could do nothing but call, "Acid Spray!" Hoping Cheshire could get one more in, but the spray was subsumed as the flamethrower hit, Cheshire still right in his opponent''s face, finally putting Cheshire down, but somehow not completely out. To his annoyance, Whitney then pointed at his Toxic Spike field, and the flamethrower cleared it while they waited on him to throw his next choice in.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Ezra recalled Cheshire, whispering to the Pokeball, "You fucking nailed it, Cheshire." technically Cheshire wasn''t out yet. He did have two returns to use, of which this was one, but he was really on the last legs, and unlikely to make a difference if he came back on the field.


    "Challenger, pick your next Pokemon."


    "Akuma, you''ll have to work hard to show up Cheshire!" He said, sending out his Annihilape.


    Akuma landed with a thud, his primal form crouched low, glowing red eyes glaring across the field at Lickilicky. A low growl rumbled from its chest, and Ezra could feel the fury bubbling beneath his calm exterior. "Vacuum Wave!" Ezra ordered.


    Whitney raised an eyebrow, her usual playful demeanor softening into something more serious. "Ooh, scary! But let''s see how tough you really are, big guy. Lickilicky, ~Earthquake!"


    Lickilicky jumped into the air, landing with a harsh glow about it, getting hit by Akuma''s attack as he landed, smacking into the ground, it''s attack still going off, the field reverberating as Akuma suddenly had the ground beneath him splinter, crushing into him, doing a lot of damage. Ezra could only growl, Akuma''s attack was a move that always went first, but in this case it hampered him, leaving him defenseless for the Earthquake, not in position to dodge in time.


    It was a small consolation that the force of pure vaccum shot from Akuma''s fist had slammed straight into his opponent and given the Lickilicky a full hit as well.


    "Akuma, use Body Slam, pound it!" He ordered darkly, knowing that just like him, his Pokemon would be pissed right now.


    Akuma''s whole body glowed with an intense energy as he charged forward, dodging Lickilicky''s tongue as Whitney tried to get it to use Power Whip to grasp Akuma, and slamming its whole body into the Normal type''s large form. The blow landed with devastating force, knocking Lickilicky off balance.


    "Akuma, finish it! Use Close Combat!" With how Toxic worked, the Pokemon should be sufficiently weakened now, he thought¡­


    Akuma roared as his fists flew in a blur, landing punch after punch on Lickilicky''s body. The Normal type Pokemon tried to defend itself, but the relentless onslaught of blows was too much. With a final strike, Lickilicky collapsed onto the battlefield, its tongue lolled out as it fainted.


    "Lickilicky is unable to battle!" Jessie declared, raising her arm toward Ezra''s side of the field, for once actually acting neutral.


    Whitney let out a dramatic sigh, her lips curling into a playful smile. "Well, that was a smackdown. I guess I need to bring in someone who can take a spanking." She pulled out her next Pokeball, grinning. "Let''s go, Ursaring!"


    The massive bear-like Pokemon appeared with a roar, its eyes locked on Akuma. Ursaring flexed its claws, towering over the battlefield as it prepared to strike. Akuma looked if anything thrilled to be facing off against someone in its weight class.


    Whitney didn''t waste time. "Ursaring, use Odor Sleuth!"


    "Akuma use Bulk Up!" Akuma''s muscles tensed and expanded as it powered up, its body glowing with increased strength. The Annihilape''s fury was building, and Ezra knew he had to make this next move count. He was fairly damaged, so he needed to make one good hit count.


    Besides, for all that the fact Whitney needed to use Odor Sleuth just to be able to hit him with most of her moves, the normal types anyway¡­ He hadn''t actually been able to take advantage of it that well, so he might as well buff.


    Whitney grinned, looking excited for the fight between the two tough looking Pokemon. "Ursaring, Hammer Arm!"


    "Akuma Low Kick!" Ezra ordered quickly.


    Ursaring''s massive arm glowed with power as it rushed forward, arm swung down toward Akuma, aiming to crush the Ghost/Fighting - type with a devastating blow. But Akuma was just slightly faster.


    Akuma darted underneath the strike, narrowly avoiding Ursaring''s Hammer Arm. As the bear-like Pokemon stumbled, Akuma retaliated with a powerful Low Kick, its leg flowing with energy. The move hit harder the bigger the opponent was, causing the large Normal type to roar in pain.


    Whitney''s grin faltered for the first time in the battle. "Come on, Ursaring, use Stomping Tantrum!" She ordered, hand thrown forward beseechingly.


    "Dodge back and Seismic Toss!" Ezra countered.


    Ursaring roared again, its body glowing with a dangerous energy as it charged at Akuma, throwing its full weight into the attack as it stomped and threw itself around wildly. Stomping Tantrum stronger and more effective after a missed move.


    Ezra could only sigh, as he recalled Akuma, who was stomped into the ground, already having taken too much damage from that first Earthquake.


    "Akuma is unable to battle." Jessie announced, Whitney doing a little twirl, blowing her Ursaring a kiss.


    To everyone''s amusement, the Ursaring put its large paw out, mimed capturing the kiss, and pressing it against his chest.


    What the fuck is she training her Pokemon to do? Ezra thought, shaking his head, before he released his next Pokemon. "Loki," He said, and didn''t bother with pleasantries, "Shadow Sneak, Confuse Ray."


    Unfortunately for him, at that exact time, Whitney showed she hadn''t been sleeping through their fight, "Ursaring, behind you, Crunch!"


    "Abort!" Ezra immediately called out, half a second too late, as Loki appeared behind the Ursaring, only for the bear to crunch down on his Banette, powerful jaws wafting of Dark energy savaging him. "Destiny Bond." He said, just as Ursaring followed Whitney''s request to finish Loki.


    The Ursaring slammed his claws into Loki, but Destiny Bond had been achieved, and they both fainted.


    Ezra sighed, recalling Loki, that had been¡­ Probably the fastest he''d failed so far, but at least he''d gotten something out of it.


    Whitney sighed as well, with a smile on her face, snapping her fingers, "Thought for sure I had you bent over and begging on that one."


    "Ursaring is unable to battle! Loki is unable to battle!" Jessie announced, waving her hands at both of them, "Release your Pokemon!"


    "Go, Delcatty!" Whitney called out, returning the Pokemon that had so charmed Cheshire. At the same time, "Morrigan, counting on you." Ezra called out.


    In a flash of light, Morrigan the Dreepy appeared on the battlefield, floating ominously above the ground. Its eerie form flickered in and out of the shadows, its sharp eyes locked onto Delcatty.


    The sleek, cat-like Delcatty appeared on the field again as well, its large, violet ears twitching as it eyed Morrigan with a sly grin. Delcatty was smaller, more nimble, but Ezra knew better than to underestimate it after the first time.


    Whitney raised an eyebrow, her lips curling into a grin. "Ooh, spooky! Let''s see how well you handle this! Delcatty, use Thunderbolt!"


    Ezra''s eyes widened. "Morrigan, dodge it!"


    Morrigan darted to the side, narrowly avoiding the crackling bolt of electricity that shot from Delcatty''s jaw. The Dreepy floated higher, keeping its distance as Ezra called out his next move.


    "Morrigan, use Dragon Pulse!"


    Morrigan opened its mouth, firing a beam of draconic energy toward Delcatty. The attack didn''t hit its mark, the Normal type already dodging it before Whitney could even order it.


    Whitney smirked, winking at him. "Delcatty, use Attract!"


    Delcatty''s eyes sparkled as it struck a cute pose, sending waves of charm toward Morrigan. The Dreepy hesitated for a moment, her movements faltering, but then it became infatuated with the feline Pokemon.


    "What the hell? She''s female! Cheshire was male! Attract shouldn''t work on both!" Ezra cried foul. Mentally admitting Morrigan had probably been a bad choice for this battle, young and untested still.


    Whitney frowned at him, wagging a finger, "Hey now, Mister! Don''t disparage a Pokemon''s sexuality like that!"


    Pokemon can be gay? Ugh whatever, what the fuck am I even thinking? He thought. He cursed under his breath. He needed to end this quickly if Morrigan was to stand a chance. "Morrigan, snap out of it! Use Dragon Pulse again!"


    He was hoping that calling on a draconic move would use some sort of dragon impulse or something, to break out of the Attract. And he really wasn''t lucky today, it had about a fifty percent chance to work, but Delcatty had a hundred percent today in her two tries. One miss and it would have been a different battle.


    But in the end, Morrigan was too distracted, her gaze locked on Delcatty as she floated aimlessly in the air.


    Whitney grinned. "Now''s our chance! Delcatty, use Thunder!"


    The crackling electricity struck Morrigan before the Dreepy could do anything, not that she was going to try, infatuated as she was, sending her tumbling through the air. With a soft cry, Morrigan hit the ground, unconscious.


    "Morrigan is unable to battle!" The referee declared. And yeah, there was the smugness, neutrality lost again.


    Ezra''s jaw tightened. Whitney was good - better than he''d anticipated. He''d also made too many mistakes today. But he wasn''t out of the game yet. He reached for his next Pokeball, his eyes narrowing with determination. "Nyx, you''re up."


    The Spiritomb materialized on the battlefield, her eerie form swirling with dark energy. Her glowing eyes flickered as she let out a low, haunting wail. She floated ominously above the battlefield, her glowing eyes locked on Delcatty. Ezra could feel the tension in the air, knowing that Whitney was pushing him to his limits. But Nyx was tough, and he still had his tricks up his sleeve.


    ¡­ As long as Nyx somehow wasn''t into girls or something¡­ Or was it that Delcatty was bi? Ugh, this was simpler in the games.


    Whitney, ever playful, gave a wink. "I like this one! A little spooky, but cute in a creepy kind of way." She giggled. "Delcatty, let''s not waste time! ~Attract!"


    Well, Ezra couldn''t blame her for trying the same thing again¡­ It was fucking working after all¡­ Arceus¡­ Karen was probably laughing at him that flirting was putting him on the brink.


    "Nyx, Skill Swap, then Attract!" Ezra commanded. Well, two could play that game.


    Luckily for him, Nyx seemed unaffected by Delcattys flirting, and the skill swap took hold, giving Nyx, Delcattys skills.


    It was¡­ Odd, for all of them, to see Nyx try to be alluring. He supposed her usually haunting wail sounded¡­ Slightly less creepy? And the dots that normally made up a creepy smile changed into a heart¡­ So that was a thing.


    Whatever, it worked. Even Whitney looked amused as Delcatty sat at attention, face slightly red as it stared dreamily at Nyx.


    "Nyx, Thunder, and then just keep doing it until it''s down." He ordered, shaking his head. It wasn''t how he''d planned to fight this battle, but it was how he was going to win.


    Nyx crackled with electricity, and in an instant, a large bolt of lightning shot toward Delcatty. The Pokemon wailed as electricity ran over its form, its fur standing on end, just to take a second Thunder straight to the face as it shook its attraction off, yet caught in paralysis, knocking it straight out.


    "Delcatty is unable to battle!" The referee announced, raising her arm toward Ezra''s side of the field. "Gym Leader Whitney is down to one Pokemon, Challenger Ezra is down to two." She added.


    Ezra could hardly count Cheshire, so it was basically one on one right now¡­


    Whitney pouted as she recalled Delcatty to its Pokeball. "Aww, poor Delcatty. Looks like I''m running out of playmates!" She glanced down at the Pokeball in her hand, her expression turning mischievous. "But don''t worry, I''ve saved the best for last." She tossed the ball into the air, her voice full of energy. "Miltank, let''s show them what we''re made of!"


    With a flash of light, Whitney''s infamous Miltank appeared on the battlefield, its pink hide gleaming as it landed with a confident thud. It pawed at the ground, its eyes full of determination as it stared down Nyx. Miltank was known for being Whitney''s ace, and Ezra knew this wouldn''t be easy.


    Whitney gave a playful wink. "Let''s roll, Miltank! Use Odor Sleuth!"


    Ezra''s mind raced. Nyx was strong, but Miltank''s bulk would be a problem. He needed to play this smart¡­ The Skill Swap had ended after three moves, so Nyx had her usual skill set back. "Nyx, Curse!" When in doubt, go for status effects, and he did have a free hit pretty much with Miltank using Odor Sleuth, and not being as speedy as a Delcatty or Dodrio on dodging right after.


    Nyx''s eyes glowed, sending waves of chaotic energy toward Miltank. The move connected, and Miltank was now cursed. It was now a game of time. For every move Miltank used, it would lose twenty-five percent of its life. On the flipside, Nyx lost fifty percent to curse the Miltank.


    So could the Miltank take out Nyx in under four moves, and then Cheshire as well? It was a gamble, but he felt it was the best way to handle her ace that gave him a chance. "Dark Pulse." He ordered, wary of using Shadow Sneak to get in closer, as it was becoming a little bit of a go to move, and Whitney had already caught it once.


    "Miltank, Rollout." Whitney said at the same time as he gave his own order, a large grin on her face, not seeming to be bothered with the Curse.


    Miltank tucked into a tight ball, rolling at breakneck speed across the battlefield, dodging the Dark Pulse as it barreled toward Nyx. The attack hit hard, absolutely barreling over Nyx knocking her down, as Miltank then rolled over her against crushing her into the ground.


    Ezra stood there, just glaring at the ground, before he recalled the defeated Nyx, Miltank would have three moves left, against a completely weakened Cheshire. He was probably toast. Yet¡­ It showed that he was still new to this, he wasn''t as good as he thought, it wasn''t his Pokemon that had failed him. He''d failed them.


    He needed to be better. Less predictable. Less¡­ Confident. Morrigan shouldn''t have been in this fight for one. He''d misused Loki, one of his most powerful Pokemon had been down and out at first sight¡­


    Even starting with Rider had turned out to be the wrong move.


    "Nyx is unable to battle. Challenger, release your last Pokemon." Jessie called out.


    "Cheshire¡­ Do your best." He said, sending him onto the field, the Haunter slightly droopy, as he was on his last legs. He could only hope to dodge Miltank for three moves until it fainted now¡­


    Maybe help along with one technique in passing.


    At least its Rollout wouldn''t grow more powerful, having been stopped by the change in Pokemon, instead of growing increasingly stronger every attack.


    "Miltank, use ~Milk Drink!" Whitney singsonged.


    Fuck¡­


    Ezra clicked his tongue as Miltank used the healing move, regenerating fifty percent of its life, exactly what it had lost at that point by using its second move. She was good - really good. He was kind of fucked. "Confuse Ray, then Toxic Spikes." He ordered.


    Another thing for him to work on, he''d known she''d had a Miltank, but because it was a normal type gym, he hadn''t done enough research. He didn''t have encyclopedic knowledge of Pokemon. He hadn''t known it had a healing move. If he''d studied up, he wouldn''t have wasted Nyx on using Curse¡­


    He clicked his tongue again when the Miltank shrugged off the Confuse Ray, but at least the Toxic Spikes should cost it something if she..


    Whitney''s eyes gleamed as she watched Cheshire hover into the air. "You''re not getting away that easily! Miltank, go back to using Rollout!"


    Did that¡­


    It would mean she would be locked in for that move if she hit as it would continue on, but if she hit¡­ Cheshire was probably out¡­


    Miltank, still spinning in its ball form, charged at Cheshire with terrifying speed.


    "Cheshire, use Hypnosis!" Ezra commanded, face tight, as he glared at the oncoming Miltank.


    Cheshire''s eyes glowed with a hypnotic light as it stared down the rolling Miltank. The spinning Pokemon faltered for just a moment, its speed slowing as its eyes drooped - but then the Miltank just continued on, not quite pulled out of its move.


    "Cheshire!" Ezra yelled at the Miltank impacted with his Haunter, who grasped and fought against it with Shadow Claw, snarling at the Miltank, refusing to give up.


    Ezra sent as much as he could of his aura to Cheshire, hoping to boost him for just a little longer, knowing ''that'' at least wasn''t visible on camera. He could have done it earlier¡­


    But he hadn''t wanted to use it against Whitney, but in the face of a loss¡­ He''d cheat one more time for victory.


    Cheshire snarled again in the Miltank''s face, being slowly pushed back, his Haunter seemingly growing bigger the more under pressure he was.


    Wait¡­


    Growing bigger?


    Cheshire''s usual mischievous grin had completely faded, replaced by a snarl of determination. The shadows around his form started to thicken, dark energy gathering at its core like a storm ready to erupt. Its glowing eyes narrowed, and a pulse of energy rippled out from its core, causing the very air around it to warp and twist. The arena lights flickered, dimming slightly as if in response to the raw power gathering within the Haunter.


    Ezra felt it too, the air around him crackling with energy, pulling on his aura, had he done this by feeding so much into him? "Cheshire..." He whispered. His heart pounded in his chest as he watched, his eyes wide with anticipation.


    The black mist surrounding Cheshire''s hands began to coalesce, hardening into a tangible force as the Pokemon strained against Miltank''s bulk. The two were locked, neither giving an inch now - until the air itself seemed to vibrate with a new intensity. Cheshire''s form, which had always seemed so fluid and ghostly, began to change. It was no longer just a cloud of gas and shadow; its body started to solidify, growing more defined, more... Real.


    A low, guttural growl escaped Cheshire as the transformation took hold. The Haunter''s hands pressed harder against Miltank, his body expanding, becoming more muscular, more tangible. The gaseous trail he once had shortened, becoming a solid, rounded lower body, and his hands, once disembodied, now connected firmly to his newly formed torso. His grin, now wide and terrifying, stretched even further as his eyes gleamed with a fierce, new energy.


    Cheshire was a Gengar now!


    Whitney''s eyes widened in disbelief as she watched the shift in power. "Miltank, pull back!" She shouted, but it was too late.


    With a roar, Cheshire pushed forward with newfound strength, his shadowy aura exploding outward in a surge of dark energy. Miltank, despite its sturdy frame, was forced back, broken out of its Rollout, skidding several feet as it struggled to regain its footing. Cheshire, now fully evolved into a Gengar, stood before it - far more solid and imposing than ever before. His purple body gleamed under the lights of the arena, and his once playful grin had transformed into something more menacing, more assured.


    He was also¡­ At least twice the size of any Gengar he''d seen before.


    Ezra''s smirk was sharp, proud. "Good job, Cheshire," He muttered, his voice filled with satisfaction.


    It might be an ass pull right now, but he''d take it. Victory was victory.


    Cheshire''s red eyes flashed as he bounced on his new, solid legs, ready for the next round. With a single, deep growl, he launched forward again, no longer a ghostly presence, but a full embodiment of power - Gengar had arrived.


    Ezra''s grin was vicious as he called out, "Sludge Bomb, Venoschock!" Capitalizing on Whitney''s sudden silence as she processed the large menacing Gengar suddenly in front of them.


    Miltank, without a clear order, tried to dodge, but Gengar was fast. The force of the attack, combined with the poison, was too much. Miltank tumbled to the ground, dripping in purple sludge that burned it, and was completely unprepared for the Venoshock that knocked it right out.


    "Miltank is unable to battle! The winner is Ezra Kassian!" Their referee announced, raising her arm toward Ezra, sounding absolutely shocked.


    Whitney stared at her fallen Miltank for a moment, then let out a long, exaggerated sigh. "Oh, my poor Miltank! She never stood a chance against that cute little Gengar." She gave Ezra a playful wink, her smile returning. "Looks like I''ll have to hand over the star studded plain badge after all!"


    Ezra smirked, returning Cheshire to his Pokeball. But in the end, his team had pulled through. Mostly¡­ Despite him, instead of aided by him¡­ He definitely needed to work on not being too clever and getting set in patterns as well.


    Whitney walked over, holding out a badge with the added stars to denote the holder as having defeated a gym at the highest level. "Here you go, Ezra. You''ve earned it."


    Ezra took the badge, feeling the weight of his victory.


    Then Whitney got up really close to him, her eyes twinkling as her lower lip trembled, "You big meanie, make it up to me for spanking me so hard!" She cried out, poking him in the chest, "Take responsibility!"


    "Stop filming this!" Jessie screamed at Karen, not even trying to tell her leader off again.


    Ezra blinked, "Alright." He could see where this was going¡­ Nice.


    ¡­


    Twenty minutes later, he sat with his arms crossed, glaring at her in an ice cream shop, Karen grinning at him as Whitney practically orgasmed over a milkshake the size of her head, with whipped cream, shaved chocolate, caramel syrup, two cherries on top, and three candy straws.


    He definitely hadn''t seen it going this way.


    "...Can I have some?"


    Whitney just shook her head rapidly, shoving all three straws in her mouth, and showing off quite some sucking power as she slurped up half the milkshake in one go.


    Ezra twitched.


    Not at all how he thought it would go.


    Stop being smug, Karen!


    <hr>


    That night, Goldenrod city, Johto.


    Ezra walked silently through the dimly lit streets of Goldenrod City, the soft glow of the street lamps the only light as he made his way toward a quieter part of town. It was well past midnight, and most of the bustling city had gone to sleep. He wasn''t too concerned about Karen - his Gengar - and wasn''t that a treat to think on - Cheshire - had taken care of ensuring she stayed out of his business for the night. Cheshire''s Hypnosis had worked like a charm, leaving her deep in sleep back at the Pokemon Center. She wouldn''t be meddling in his business tonight.


    Ezra arrived at a small room where Cecile was waiting for him. The teen was perched nervously on the edge of the bed, tapping away at a laptop, his thin frame illuminated by the faint blue light of the screen. His wide eyes flickered toward Ezra as he approached, a mixture of nervousness and anticipation etched across his face. Cecile had been hard at work since Ezra first recruited him a few days ago, and now the results were starting to take shape.


    "So, what have you got for me?" Ezra asked casually. Loki on his shoulder, grinning darkly at his employee.


    Cecile hesitated for a moment, then turned the laptop toward Ezra. The basic layout for the social media and video-sharing site Ezra had requested was already mapped out, a rough but functional framework. There were menus for battle highlights, Pokemon training tips, and a live stream option for real-time viewing. It was rudimentary, but Cecile had managed to pull it together quickly, and Ezra could already see the potential.


    Of course this wasn''t something which could go online right now, but it was the framework for how it would work. Still good work for a few days¡­


    He could see why Team Rocket had kidnapped him.


    Finders keepers.


    "It''s... a start," Cecile said quietly, nervously pushing his glasses up his nose. "I''m still working on the backend stuff - the algorithms you wanted to focus attention on specific types of battles and trainers, yourself specifically. But this... This is the skeleton of it."


    Ezra studied the screen for a moment, his red eyes flicking across the various tabs and menus. He nodded approvingly. "You''ve done well," Je said, his voice low and smooth. "This is exactly what I wanted. We''re on the right track."


    Cecile blinked, looking slightly relieved but still uncertain. He hadn''t expected Ezra to be so pleased it appeared. "It''s... Going to take a lot more work before it''s ready, though," He added quickly. "I need more time, more resources."


    Ezra reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a thick envelope, handing it over to Cecile without a word. The teen took it, his fingers fumbling as he opened it. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw the stack of cash inside - more than enough to cover his needs for the next few months.


    "What''s this for?" Cecile asked, blinking in confusion. His gaze shifted from the money to Ezra''s calm expression.


    Ezra chuckled softly. "Money for food, clothes, whatever else you need. Can''t have my ''employee of the year'' starving now, can I?"


    Cecile blinked again, his brain seeming to stall for a moment. "Employee of the year? I''ve only been working for you for, like, days." He protested weakly.


    Ezra smirked, crossing his arms and leaning back against the wall. "True. But you''re my only full-time employee right now, so it''s an easy title to win." He gave a slight shrug, his smirk deepening. "Besides, if we pull this off, you''ll be set for life. You''ll be my best employee ever - and that means you can have anything you want."


    Cecile''s face turned slightly pale as he gulped, looking down at the envelope of money as if it were suddenly much heavier. "I''m... I''m not very good with money," He admitted quietly, his voice faltering slightly.


    Ezra chuckled darkly, his crimson eyes gleaming in the dim light, Loki chuckled along with him, Cecile shuddering at that. "Well then, it''s a good thing I''ll always have work for you. You''ll never have to worry about going broke as long as you stick with me." He paused, then pointed to a set of tickets tucked into the envelope, which Cecile had only just noticed.


    "What are these?" Cecile asked, pulling the tickets out and inspecting them. There were train tickets, ferry tickets, and coach tickets - an entire travel itinerary to get him from Goldenrod to Kanto.


    Ezra''s voice was calm and measured as he explained. "Those are your tickets to the coast. From there, you''ll take a ferry to Kanto, and then a coach to Pewter City. That''s where I''m set up right now." He tapped the side of his jacket, where another envelope was tucked away. "Also in there is my lawyer''s business card and an employment contract, If you get to Pewter before I do, go see him. He''ll have the Porygons ready for you, and give him the contract you will have signed." He handed over the second envelope, sliding it out of his pocket.


    Cecile nodded slowly, processing everything. It was all happening fast, and the idea of being shipped off to another region, alone, weighed on him heavily. But he didn''t voice any objections. He knew better than to argue with right now, especially when the stakes were this high.


    "I guess... I''m going to Kanto," Cecile muttered, more to himself than to Ezra.


    Ezra didn''t miss a beat. "You''re going to Kanto," He confirmed, his tone decisive. "And once you''re there, we''ll get this platform running. I already have a video ready to upload as soon as the first iteration of the site is live." He glanced down at Cecile, smirking. "Just say the word, and we''ll get things rolling."


    Cecile nodded again, though his mind seemed to be elsewhere. He was clearly overwhelmed by everything happening, but there was a quiet determination in his eyes. He was starting to realize just how big this could be.


    Just as Ezra was about to say more, his Pokedex began to ring, the familiar buzzing cutting through the quiet night. Ezra glanced down at the screen, narrowing his eyes slightly as he saw the name flash across it - Professor Oak.


    He hesitated for a moment, then smirked, glancing at Cecile. "Might as well do this now," He muttered, swiping to answer the call. He turned slightly away from the screen, angling his body so that Cecile couldn''t see everything but could still hear.


    "Professor Oak, to what do I owe the pleasure?" Ezra''s voice dripped with sarcasm, though his expression remained neutral.


    On the other side of the call, Professor Oak studied Ezra intently, his aging face thoughtful. "Mister Kassian," Oak began, his voice steady but firm. "I''ve heard many things about you as of late since our last call."


    Ezra couldn''t resist the urge to mess with him. "I swear, all those Nurse Joys were consenting adults," He deadpanned, his voice completely serious, though a playful glint danced in his eyes. Without turning fully toward Cecile, he winked at the teen, who was now gaping in shock.


    Cecile''s mouth literally hung open, clearly horrified by what he was hearing. Ezra couldn''t help but stifle a chuckle at the reaction.


    Professor Oak seemed caught off guard, clearing his throat awkwardly. "Uh... Yes, well... That''s not why I''m calling," He managed, his voice wavering slightly. "I was actually calling about your Pokemon. One was entered into League records recently. You call it... An Annihilape?"


    Ezra''s smile turned sharp, and his eyes gleamed with amusement. He''d known he wouldn''t be able to keep Akuma hidden forever, especially once he started making waves in battles. Still, part of him had hoped to surprise Agatha with a surprise raging monkey ghost to the face one day. But Oak? This would be fun. He gave a placid smile, raising an eyebrow. "Yes?" He said, his voice deceptively innocent.


    Oak twitched slightly, clearly expecting a bit more cooperation. "Can you share any details?" He wheedled, trying to mask his eagerness behind a calm exterior.


    Ezra smiled wider, all teeth. "Of course, Professor," He said smoothly, watching as Oak perked up on the screen. "I named him Akuma. He enjoys long walks on the beach, posing and flexing, and isn''t particularly fond of vegetables, or it might just be the color green honestly." He made a thoughtful noise, "I have yet to test if this extends to grass Pokemon."


    Oak blinked, visibly thrown by the unexpected response. "I... I''m sorry?" He stammered. "I should have clarified - "


    Ezra cut him off, his tone still casual but carrying an underlying edge. "Oh, did you mean information on how he evolved, the specifics of his species?" His smile turned darker, more predatory. "Have you changed your mind about making a deal with me, Professor?"


    Oak''s face fell slightly, a frown tugging at the corners of his mouth. He slumped a little, looking almost defeated. "No, I''m afraid not," He muttered, his voice carrying a hint of regret. "I don''t give out my support easily, young man, not anymore, not after.. " He visibly took a deep breath, before continuing, "Nevermind that, ancient history."


    Ezra shrugged, the smirk never leaving his face. "Completely understandable," He said sympathetically. "And, of course, you understand perfectly that I don''t give out details on my Pokemon easily either, yes?"


    You don''t get shit for free, got it?


    Oak was silent for a long moment, the tension palpable even through the screen. Finally, he twitched, his face betraying his frustration. "I suppose," He mumbled, clearly displeased.


    Ezra''s voice remained smooth, his smile never faltering. "I''m always happy to help, Professor. Just give me a ring when you''re ready to meet me halfway." He delivered the line with a false cheeriness that only made the tension worse.


    Professor Oak stared at him for a moment longer, his lips pressed into a thin line. Then, without another word, he ended the call, the screen going dark. Silence filled the room for a long beat before Cecile finally spoke, his voice trembling slightly. "That was... Professor Oak!" Cecile squeaked, his voice high-pitched and filled with awe, as if he had just seen a ghost.


    Well¡­ Perhaps that didn''t work as a saying as much, Ezra thought, feeling Loki on his shoulder.


    Ezra only smirked and preened at his comment however, his expression full of smug amusement. He gave a casual nod, leaning back against the wall as if what had just transpired was no big deal. "Yes, it was," He confirmed, his tone growing dismissive. "He''s growing more and more interested in me and my methods." His eyes gleamed with amusement as he crossed his arms, tilting his head slightly toward Cecile. "Stick with me, girl, and you''ll rise to the top."


    Cecile blinked, looking even more flustered now. His cheeks flushed, and he shifted uncomfortably. "I''m a guy," He whined, his voice cracking slightly with embarrassment.


    Ezra couldn''t help but snort, his chuckle rich with condescension. "Not with whining like that, you aren''t." He raised an eyebrow, giving Cecile a teasing glance. "Besides, Cecile is a girl''s name, you know."


    The teen slumped a bit, the weight of his complaint hanging heavy in his voice. "My parents wanted a girl," He muttered, sounding like he''d had to explain this far too many times in his life.


    Ezra nodded affably, a devilish grin tugging at the corners of his lips. "And I''m sure they''re happy they got one," He shot back, the teasing edge in his voice impossible to miss.


    For a moment, Cecile just stared at him, speechless. Ezra, meanwhile, fought to suppress his laugh, enjoying the look of exasperation on Cecile''s face. Maybe he should stop bullying his people so much. Then again, they just made it so easy.


    Cecile shook his head slowly, still looking a little shell-shocked, but he didn''t argue. He shoved the envelope of money and tickets into his backpack along with the second envelope, zipping it up and standing awkwardly. "I''ll... I''ll get to Kanto, then. Pewter City, right?"


    Ezra nodded, satisfied. "That''s right. Once you''re there, my lawyer will get you set up with the Porygons you need. And don''t forget, you''re not just a programmer now. You''re the architect of the biggest platform the Pokemon world''s ever seen. Keep that in mind."


    Cecile gulped, looking both excited and terrified by the prospect. "Yeah... I guess I am."


    Ezra clapped him on the shoulder, a little harder than necessary, and smirked. "Good. Now I expect you gone in the morning. Do your shopping on the way."


    Cecile chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Right, whatever you say." He adjusted his backpack, glancing over his shoulder toward the door leading out of the small room. He hesitated for a moment, then turned back to Ezra, his voice soft. "Thanks... For trusting me with all this. It''s a lot, but I won''t let you down."


    Ezra''s expression softened just slightly, a flicker of something close to sincerity crossing his features. "I know you won''t," He said, his voice low. "You''re good at what you do, Cecile. Besides, I chose you, even if you dropped in my lap, and that automatically makes you better than other people."


    Cecile nodded, looking more resolute as he turned and started to walk away. Ezra watched him go, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. Once Cecile was out of sight, Ezra pulled his jacket tighter around him and started making his way back toward the Pokemon Center, his mind already whirring with thoughts of what was to come.


    For now, things were falling into place. Cecile was on his way to Kanto, the platform was coming together, and Oak''s interest was piqued which would eventually end up with the man folding once even more evolutions came out. Everything was moving according to plan. He just had to stay ahead of the game, keep pulling the strings, and soon enough, the world would be his for the taking.


    As he approached the Pokemon Center, a smirk tugged at his lips. Yes, soon enough.


    He''d have all the power, influence, and riches he could ever want.


    <hr>


    Undisclosed location, forest somewhere.


    Shae pushed through the thick forest undergrowth, her steps light and unhurried, the damp earth soft beneath her boots. The forest was dense, the trees stretching high above her, their dark branches intertwining, forming a canopy that barely let in the moonlight. Shae moved with an ease that suggested she had walked this path many times before. The air was still, heavy with the scent of moss and damp bark, and the sounds of nocturnal Pokemon echoed faintly in the distance. A slight breeze ruffled her hair, but beyond that, the night was silent, almost too silent.


    After a while, she reached a small clearing. Here, the trees opened up to reveal a cave, half-hidden by the surrounding overgrowth. Flickering lights floated in the air - small, ethereal candles that cast a soft glow over the area. They swayed gently in the breeze, their flames unnatural but somehow comforting in the otherwise dim forest.


    Shae sighed, rolling her eyes at the theatrics. She crossed her arms and called out, her voice dripping with impatience, "Come out already, you old bitch."


    The cave''s shadows shifted, and after a few moments, an ancient woman hobbled out, her small frame barely reaching up to Shae''s waist. Her back was hunched, her skin wrinkled like old parchment, and her wispy gray hair framed a face that looked like it had weathered centuries. Despite her frail appearance, there was nothing weak about the way she moved. She stomped forward with purpose, her gnarled hands clenched into fists. A massive Gengar hovered behind her, its wide, menacing grin glowing in the candlelight, casting sharp shadows across the clearing.


    "Whaddya disturbing me for, brat?" The old woman growled, her voice raspy yet strong, filled with the irritation of someone dragged out of bed far too early. "Dontcha know I need my beauty sleep?" She stomped forward, her heavy steps crunching on the grass beneath her feet, the sarcasm in her voice almost palpable.


    Shae gave her a look, one eyebrow raised, her lips curling into a smirk. "You''d need more than a hundred years of sleep to even start being able to call it ''beauty'' sleep, Ma." The playful insult rolled off her tongue easily, her tone dripping with amusement.


    The old woman scowled, waving a hand dismissively. "I ain''t your mom, spoiled little shit," She grumbled, but there was a gleam in her eye that betrayed the warmth beneath her irritation.


    "I know," Shae said sweetly, her smile widening. "But it annoys the fuck out of you when I say it." There was a glint of mischief in her eyes, and she could tell by the slight twitch in the woman''s expression that her words had hit their mark.


    The old woman let out a grunt of frustration but then allowed a small smirk to form on her face. "Hmph. I trained you too well," She muttered, almost to herself. Her gaze shifted to Shae''s hands, noting the bundle she held. "So... Whatcha got?"


    Shae tossed the bundle onto the ground at the woman''s feet, the rough cloth barely making a sound as it landed. "Some information on some of the things you wanted," She said casually, brushing off her hands. "Team Rocket seems the real deal, even if they''re totally Kanto dick suckers." She wrinkled her nose in distaste, clearly unimpressed by the organization.


    To limits yourself to such an extent¡­ Just sad.


    The old woman clicked her tongue in disappointment, her Gengar floating closer, its grin widening as it eyed the bundle. "A pity," She muttered, prodding the bundle with her foot, "A more reasonable organization might''ve been worth speaking to." She glanced at the package, then at Shae, her curiosity piqued. "And about the other thing?"


    Shae paused, a slow, smug smile creeping across her face. She ran a hand through her dark hair, pushing it back as if to preen before she spoke. "Totally is him," She said confidently, her tone carrying an air of finality. "No doubts about it - might have quibbled after the first meeting, but it''s three times now, it''s him."


    The old woman stopped moving, her body going unnaturally still. Her sharp, piercing eyes locked onto Shae''s, scrutinizing her with a gaze so intense it could have cut through stone. "You''re sure?" She asked, her voice low, a hint of something dangerous lurking beneath her words.


    Shae met her gaze without flinching. "Absolutely."


    The tension between them hung in the air for a moment, thick and heavy like the forest mist. The old woman took a step forward, her face drawn with a mixture of contemplation and anticipation. Gengar''s grin seemed to widen even more, if that were possible, its eerie red eyes gleaming in the candlelight.


    The floating candles swayed again, casting long, flickering shadows on the cave walls as the ancient woman considered the news. She let out a long, slow exhale, the sound almost like a hiss. "Well now," She murmured, more to herself than to Shae. "It''s been a long time since something from a myth crossed my path."


    Shae watched her carefully, her smirk fading into a more serious expression. "You gonna tell me what the big deal is?" She asked, her voice casual but laced with curiosity.


    The old woman didn''t respond right away. She stared at the floating candles, lost in thought for a moment, her fingers twitching at her side as if she were calculating something. Finally, she turned to Shae, her eyes sharp again. "That one you found... He''s more than just a¡­ Being I suppose is a good enough word..."


    Shae raised an eyebrow. "What does that even mean?"


    The old woman nodded slowly, her wrinkled face set in grim determination. "That one''s special. Dangerous, if the myths speak any truth." She narrowed her eyes. "And if he''s what I think he is, we''re going to have to keep a close eye on him."


    Shae frowned, crossing her arms. "He''s strong, sure, but why the interest? You''ve never told me what it is, just the signs to watch for¡­" She paused, a small smirk creeping back onto her lips. "Is the old hag finally scared of something?"


    The woman let out a dry laugh, her voice cracking like old parchment. "I don''t scare easy, brat. But I don''t take chances either. You''d do well to remember that." She glanced at the Gengar floating beside her, its massive form almost blending into the darkness behind her, it almost looked like something else, just for a moment, then it was gone. "There are forces in this world, girl¡­ And he might just be tied to them."


    Shae''s smirk disappeared entirely, replaced by a more serious expression. "Forces?" She glanced back at the bundle she had dropped, her own little offering, her curiosity piqued on what other meanings lay behind everything. "You think he''s connected to something bigger? That''s why he''s important?"


    The old woman didn''t answer directly. Instead, she let out a long, slow breath and looked toward the forest beyond the clearing, her gaze distant. "You did well, bringing me this," Dhe said quietly. "But this is just the beginning." She glanced back at Shae, her sharp eyes gleaming with something unreadable. "Keep an eye on him. Don''t let him out of your sight."


    Shae chuckled, though there was an edge of unease in her laughter. "You''re asking me to babysit? Come on, Ma. I''ve got better things to do."


    The old woman''s eyes flashed, her tone turning stern. "You''ll do as I say, brat. Or you''ll wish you had."


    Shae rolled her eyes but didn''t argue. Instead, she glanced back at the bundle on the ground. "Yeah, yeah. I''ll keep an eye on him. But what''s the play here?" She asked, her voice growing more serious. "What are we supposed to do with him?"


    The old woman''s smirk returned, though this time it was colder, more calculating. "We''ll figure that out soon enough. But for now, just watch. And be ready for when the time comes."


    Shae nodded, though she couldn''t shake the strange feeling growing in her gut. She wasn''t afraid of much, but the way the old woman was talking... it was enough to make anyone nervous.


    <hr>


    Goldenrod City, Pokemon Center, next morning.


    Karen sat cross-legged on her bed in the Pokemon Center. The soft hum of the screen of her Pokedex illuminated her face as she stared at it, her fingers drumming nervously on the keyboard attachment. She had been staring at the blank screen for what felt like hours, her mind spinning with conflicting thoughts.


    "This is way more difficult than it should be," She muttered under her breath, leaning back against the headboard, arms crossed. She had written reports for Lady Agatha before - tons of them, in fact - but none had felt like this. Usually, they were straightforward, clinical even. Just details about what she saw, what needed to be reported. But now... Now it was complicated.


    She bit her lip and glanced out the window for a moment, her thoughts wandering. Ezra was making everything complicated. He had saved her. She didn''t ask him to, but he had, and now the simple task of reporting on his Pokemon and activities felt... Wrong.


    She scrolled down the screen, trying to find a place to start. "What am I supposed to write?" She whispered to herself. The standard report would cover his Pokemon, their abilities, maybe some tidbits about his battle strategies. Lady Agatha had asked her to keep an eye on him, after all. But what else? What did she leave out? What did she dare put in?


    Karen sighed, dropping her head into her hands. Her thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Whitney''s over-the-top thank you. Her face flushed bright red, remembering the Gym Leader''s lips and tongue and how quickly things had escalated in that area. "Well, I''m definitely not reporting that." She muttered, shaking her head as if to banish the memory. No way she was telling Lady Agatha about that!


    Karen leaned forward again, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. Her eyes flicked toward the door, half-expecting Ezra to burst in at any second, some smug comment on his lips. He was always so casual about things, like nothing ever fazed him. But that wasn''t true, she knew it wasn''t. She''d seen the look in his eyes back in that Rocket base. She knew what he was capable of, even if he tried to act like none of it mattered.


    The horrors in that base had been real. She''d only caught a glimpse of the carnage - just enough to understand what Whitney''s sister had gone through. But Karen couldn''t help but think of herself in that situation. She''d only escaped capture thanks to Ezra. And sure, if captured, she would have only been there for a few hours before Ezra and that Legendary would have broken them out¡­ But what would have happened to her in that time if Ezra hadn''t sacrificed his strength to help her? The thought sent a shiver down her spine.


    She knew exactly what would have happened¡­


    She owed him. There wasn''t a question about it.


    Was it really fair to report everything? Lady Agatha had asked for details on his Pokemon, and his abilities, not on everything that had happened¡­ And she didn''t even really know anything about his abilities anyway. Surely she didn''t care about their personal interactions. Lady Agatha wasn''t the type to gossip about people''s feelings. No, what she really wanted were facts - battle strategies, insights into Ezra''s growing team.


    Maybe she''d¡­ Just skip her insights into Ezra himself. It had nothing to do with abilities or Pokemon really.


    Karen began typing, her hands moving with newfound purpose. She wrote about the Pokemon he''d used in his battles - Rider, Nyx, Cheshire, and the rest. She detailed their abilities, their strengths, how they worked in tandem with Ezra''s sharp battle instincts. She described their training sessions, making sure to emphasize how skilled Ezra''s Pokemon had become under his tutelage.


    While¡­ Not going very heavy into details on some things¡­ Like her own meteoric rise in success with her own Pokemon.


    But when it came to the parts about Shae, about the growing tension with Whitney, about the way Ezra seemed to charm his way into any situation? Karen skipped over those. She couldn''t bring herself to include the minor stuff. Lady Agatha didn''t need to know about that, surely. Those details weren''t important to the mission. Besides, after what Ezra had done for her, she owed him at least that much.


    Satisfied with the balance she had struck, Karen reviewed the report once more, tweaking a sentence here and there. She smiled to herself, feeling good about the outcome. She had done her duty, fulfilled her obligation to Lady Agatha, but she hadn''t betrayed Ezra. It was the best of both worlds. She hit ''send'' on the email, her chest lighter now that the task was finally done.


    "There," She said with a nod, sitting back on her bed. "All finished. I can sleep easy tonight."


    As if on cue, the Pokedex screen flickered. Karen blinked, her brow furrowing in confusion. Suddenly, a familiar shape popped out of the screen, its jagged, grinning face looming in front of her. The damned Pokemon had just gone through her bed from underneath it, and through her Pokedex!


    "Loki!" She shrieked, falling backward in her bed, hitting her head on the headboard as Ezra''s Banette floated before her, blowing a loud raspberry. The ghost type cackled mischievously, its glowing eyes sparkling with mischief.


    Karen''s heart pounded in her chest as she scrambled to her feet, her pulse racing. "Ezra! I''m going to kill you!" She screamed, grabbing the nearest object - a pillow - and throwing it at the cackling Pokemon. Loki effortlessly dodged, his laughter echoing through the room as he phased through the wall, disappearing as quickly as he had arrived.


    Karen rushed toward the door, fury bubbling inside her as she glared at the empty space where Loki had been.


    Why did I ever want to do him a favor, CHA! She thought harshly, grabbing a Pokeball, intent on pounding some sense into him.


    Head trauma could only improve his personality, right?


    <hr>

 Rock On!

    <hr>


    Pewter city, Kanto.


    The night air in Pewter City was crisp and cool, the stars glittering above the quiet expanse of trees that surrounded the makeshift seating area on his property. A roaring fire crackled in the center of the clearing, its warm glow casting flickering shadows over the ground. Karen sat nearby, her legs comfortably curled into her Houndoom and Sneasel, who both lay at her feet. The flicker of the fire danced across her face, giving her silver hair an ethereal shimmer as she absentmindedly stroked Sneasel''s sleek fur.


    Ezra sat opposite her, staring into the fire with an intensity that seemed almost unnatural. His crimson eyes reflected the flames as he was trapped in his own thoughts, far from the fire and the present. For once, his usual smirk was nowhere to be found, replaced by a contemplative expression. None of his Pokemon were with him tonight - they had been left to train in the nearby woods under his general instructions, giving him a rare moment of solitude.


    Karen shifted slightly, growing tired of the prolonged silence. "Are you still hung up about things?" She finally asked, breaking the quiet. Her voice was laced with a mix of curiosity and impatience.


    Ezra remained silent for a few moments longer, still watching the fire as if it held all the answers to his inner turmoil. His brows furrowed slightly, replaying his recent battle with Whitney over and over again in his mind as if was playing out inside the flames, the movements of the Pokemon, his choices, his miscalculations. "I''m... Reflecting," He answered slowly, his voice low, as if the weight of the thoughts made it harder to speak. "I did almost everything wrong, and I need to remember that for the future..."


    Karen snorted, leaning back and folding her arms. "You still won." There was a trace of annoyance in her voice, her eyes narrowing slightly as she observed him. For someone who had claimed victory, he was being far too serious about the whole thing, she thought.


    Ezra shook his head, finally tearing his gaze from the flames to glance at her. "I won because of luck," He corrected her, his tone tinged with self-reproach. "And because Whitney wasn''t really fighting with her heart in it. She still ''owed'' me in her eyes."


    It was annoying to admit. But it was the truth, Whitney could have done much better, and had limited herself. And still, he''d only barely won, Cheshire evolving at the end in a stroke of luck.


    Karen growled under her breath, her expression darkening at the mention of Whitney. She looked away from him, her fingers tightening slightly in Sneasel''s fur. "How that girl is a gym leader... No sense of decorum at all!" She spat, clearly still harboring her own frustrations about the pink-haired gym leader.


    Ezra''s lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile, amused by Karen''s obvious jealousy, but he didn''t let it distract him from his introspection. "I was arrogant," He admitted, his voice quiet but firm, as the realization had been weighing on him for the past few days. He didn''t even take the chance to tease Karen about the kiss she and Whitney shared, truly he was off his game¡­


    Karen shot him a look, raising an eyebrow. "No, really, you? Arrogant?" She said with mock surprise, her words dripping with sarcasm.


    Ezra rolled his eyes, but the tint of humor in her voice was a welcome break from his brooding. "There''s nothing wrong with arrogance in general," He replied, "As long as it doesn''t go to your head. This was a good wake-up call for me because that''s exactly what happened." His voice was sharper now, more self-critical. "I didn''t do my research, I brought an unprepared Pokemon into the battle, and I failed to utilize Akuma as my trump card."


    Frankly, he had done so many things wrong in that battle. Some moves were right, but for the most part, he had been a fool. Wasting Loki immediately, bringing Morrigan into it at all¡­ Starting with Rider instead of leading off with Akuma charging in¡­


    Then failing Akuma by dismissing the threat against him, making him stationary, an easy target¡­


    Karen sighed, her frustration bubbling over as she leaned forward slightly. "Yet you still won," She pointed out again, exasperated. "So you screwed up - every trainer does. Learn from your mistakes, yadda yadda, but you''ve done nothing but pout for days, and it''s getting annoying!"


    Ezra tilted his head slightly, his lips curving into a familiar, mischievous smirk. "Oh? Are you saying you miss my usual charm?" He latched onto the opportunity, his tone shifting back to its teasing cadence. "Karen? Why didn''t you tell me you were sad that I hadn''t flirted with you lately?"


    Karen gave him a dry, unimpressed look, though there was a faint flush of color rising to her cheeks. "Of course, that''s how you take it, idiot." She scoffed, "At least you''re not sounding as mopey now¡­"


    "Don''t worry," Ezra continued, his grin widening as he leaned back on his hands, his voice dripping with feigned innocence. "I''ll still call you cute when you''re ~mad."


    Karen scoffed again, but the pink tint on her cheeks deepened. She flicked her gaze toward the fire, trying to hide her reaction. "Your Pokemon flirt better than you," She said brutally, throwing the comment at him with a smirk of her own.


    Ezra''s smirk faltered slightly at the reminder, his mind flashing back to the battle with Whitney and how Attract had completely messed with his strategy. "Yeah, well..." He muttered, the memory clearly still a sore spot.


    It had highlighted another of his faults. He hadn''t bothered preparing for his opponent, what tactics and moves they might use. At the very least he''d know better now. He''d already begun studying up on all the known Pokemon and general tactics of the Gym Leaders around this area of Kanto, as a precaution.


    Pewter had been easy to figure out. It was all about overwhelming force and steadfast defense. Nothing he couldn''t crack, although this time he wouldn''t leave it at just that. Not that he planned to hit the gym anytime soon, he had work to do first¡­


    Karen''s curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned forward, her eyes gleaming with interest. "What did you do with Skill Swap to make it work that way, anyway?" She asked, her tone probing. "And when? I train with you, and I don''t remember that ever happening."


    Ezra just tapped the side of his nose, his smirk returning as he remained coy. "A magician never reveals his secrets," He teased, drawing a frustrated groan from Karen as she fell back into her seat.


    Inwardly, Ezra was thinking about how careful he had to be. He didn''t mind showing off some training techniques in front of her, the ones that didn''t matter too much, but there were deeper strategies he practiced when she wasn''t around. He always waited until after she was asleep to conduct his more advanced training sessions with his Pokemon - especially the ones involving his aura. Merging moves and abilities together was an edge he wasn''t ready to give up, not even to Karen.


    Speaking of which... He glanced up at the moon, calculating the time in his head.


    "Time for bed, isn''t it?" He said casually, as if the idea had only just crossed his mind.


    Karen rolled her eyes, stretching her arms above her head as she stood, her Houndoom and Sneasel stirring from their positions. "What, we have a bedtime now, gramps?" She teased, though she couldn''t resist the satisfied stretch that tightened her shirt in all the right places, highlighting her chest, before she recalled her Pokemon, fastening the balls to her belt.


    Ezra watched, his crimson eyes sharp and amused as he caught the slight smirk on her lips. Karen would have to work harder if she thought he''d be flustered by something so simple. When she left she was swaying her hips just a little as she walked toward the stables and her guest room. "Sweet dreams," She said somewhat tauntingly over her shoulder.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, chuckling to himself. Nice try, he thought, fully aware that she was trying to mess with him. But if she thought he''d be rattled by a little sway of the hips, she''d underestimated him. He made sure to enjoy the sight for a moment, though, before getting up to follow her lead, making his way toward his own room. Not that he was intending to sleep.


    As soon as Karen was in fact asleep, he''d have one of his Ghosts use Hypnosis again, ensuring that she stayed in her slumber while he did some real training with his Pokemon. The thoughts flickered in his mind once more as he thought about the way he''d managed to tweak Skill Swap, how he''d cobbled together several techniques to bend it into something new.


    Now the question was... What else could he achieve?


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with ambition, his thoughts drifting toward the future battles he''d face, and the new strategies he''d need to come out on top.


    Tonight, he would push his Pokemon further, beyond what they thought possible. The path to mastery was still long, but every step took him closer.


    His aura helping him get across to his Pokemon in a way other trainers couldn''t - coupled with how it could boost their stamina, was really the worst cheat of them all¡­


    <hr>


    An hour later,


    The night air in the forest around Ezra''s stable was alive with the sound of training - cries of exertion, the rush of wind from quick movements, and the hum of energy as his Pokemon pushed themselves through another intense session. Shadows flickered between the trees as the moonlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting an eerie glow over the clearing.


    Ezra walked around the edge of the clearing, his arms crossed, his crimson eyes gleaming with intent. Around him, his Pokemon moved in pairs or small groups, engaged in mock battles designed to improve their speed and reflexes while learning to utilize their energy in a new way. Each ghost and dark type was pushed to the limit, their bodies straining under the effort of faster dodges, more fluid attacks, and quicker recoveries. They had no choice but to rely on instinct, their bodies reacting without hesitation.


    Ezra thought it was the main reason why Pokemon performed better, grew stronger, and evolved in battle - more than training.


    Pokemon didn''t think like a human, so training usually only did so much for most trainers he suspected, as the Pokemon couldn''t quite internalize it all. But when you worked them to an instinctive level¡­ Like in a battle, that''s where they thrived, their bodies made to improve from such instincts.


    Of course since he could make himself understood to his ''mon to a level most trainers couldn''t¡­ Both ways could work.


    Ezra watched closely as Morrigan, his Dreepy, zipped around the clearing in a blur of motion. She had taken well to his coaching, surrounding herself in a shell of her own ghostly energy to propel herself through the air. Something the others were struggling with. It was like using ExtremeSpeed, yet not.


    Not a technique in full, or perhaps he was making a new one - energy directed around them to allow them to move and turn in ways they normally couldn''t - and boosting their speed in exchange for the cost of stamina.


    Her speed was impressive, but her control still needed work. Every few seconds, she veered off course and slammed headfirst into a tree, bouncing back with a dizzy shake before zipping off again. Ezra chuckled softly to himself. Directions were still an issue, obviously, but the raw potential was there.


    "Focus on control, Morrigan," Ezra called out, his voice calm but firm. "Speed is useless if you''re crashing into everything in sight, you already got the beginnings down, no need to rush."


    Morrigan let out a determined cry, spiraling around one of the trees in the distance before quickly correcting herself to avoid a second collision. She zoomed through the clearing like a streak of shadow, moving faster than any of his other ghost types were capable of as of yet.


    As Ezra turned his attention to the others, he knew Morrigan was the exception of the training so far. The others were still struggling.


    Nyx, his Spiritomb, floated lazily in place, her eerie face peering at him, the Keystone hovering underneath her, which seemed to be what was throwing her off from utilizing the technique the same way.  She was attempting to use her ghostly essence around herself to push herself forward, but the movements were sluggish, uncoordinated, and nowhere near the sharpness that Ezra wanted. She was still thinking too much, he realized - trying to strategize, to map out every move before making it.


    "No hesitation, Nyx," Ezra advised as he strolled past her. "You''re overthinking it. Trust your instincts. When you see an opening, go for it and then just keep moving, just let your energy flow."


    Nyx''s ''eyes'' glimmered as she absorbed his words, trying again. Her essence shuddered, flickering outward as she forced her body to move faster. It was better than before, but still, she wasn''t zipping around with the fluidity of Morrigan. Nyx was a more cerebral fighter, methodical, and getting her to simply move without thought was a challenge on its own.


    Nearby, Loki, his Banette, darted around as well, his stitched grin stretched wide as he zipped across the field, laughing as he avoided attacks from the Murkrow that swooped above him. While his ghostly energy wrapped around him like a cloak of sorts, almost exactly as intended, Loki still had a penchant for mischief, stopping mid-dodge to taunt his opponent or pull a trick. Ezra sighed softly at the sight, knowing that Loki was more concerned with toying with the Murkrow than actually getting faster.


    "Loki, less tricks. More dodging." His voice was sharp even as he was slightly amused. "This isn''t playtime."


    Loki shot him a wicked grin, but his movements quickened, his body now darting with more purpose as he narrowly avoided Murkrow''s attacks. Ezra watched the ghost and dark types clash, each trying to outmaneuver the other. The training was working, though progress was slow.


    It would be energy draining¡­ There was no way around that. His ''mon using their energy to constantly be mobile would cost them, but the more they practiced, the less the drain would be in the end. And mobility in combat would be priceless. Both in himself and other trainers, he''d seen too much of the habit of standing still and exchanging techniques.


    Hence attempting to get his Ghosts to enhance themselves, coating themselves in a thin layer of their energy, that they then used to propel themselves in any direction, at any time, in hopes of making them truly unpredictable.


    His dark types, on the other hand, required a different approach. Unlike his ghost types, they couldn''t propel themselves with a shell of ethereal energy, at least not in the same way. Their power came from something more tangible - darkness that fueled their limbs, strength that coursed through their physical forms.


    Alduin was zipping around almost as fast as Morrigan, albeit using his energy differently. He''d have to see about battling some regular trainers soon, get Alduin and Morrigan some actual experience before taking them to a gym battle again.


    He had his Dark Pokemon working on channeling their energy into their limbs, or out of them, specifically to increase speed and reaction time, and while the results weren''t as dramatic as with the ghost types, they were improving steadily. Murkrow, in particular, was already doing well, able to zip through the air with quick bursts of dark energy that allowed his ''mon to change direction almost instantly.


    Not only were they enhancing their limbs, Ezra hadn''t left it at just that¡­ They were also practicing short bursts of dark energy from said limbs when they needed a burst of movement. Comparable he supposed, to Soru, from the One Piece Anime he''d watched in his old world.


    Again, it meant they were doing a sort of bastardized ExtremeSpeed, one they could keep up indefinitely.


    Well¡­ Until they ran out of energy.


    Which granted, would happen fast. But he could work on that. Or cheat with his aura worst case to refill them a bit.


    Ezra kept a close eye on Murkrow as she continued her battle with Loki. Her movements were sharp, her flight patterns unpredictable. Each time Loki tried to grab her or fire off a Shadow Ball, she would twist in the air, banking sharply and avoiding the attack by mere inches. Her growing mastery over dark energy was evident - she''d learned to let the power fuel her wings, speeding her up at critical moments before - now she could also flip on a dime by letting out short bursts.


    "Good, Murkrow!" Ezra called out, his voice carrying over the clearing. "Keep it up - don''t let him catch you."


    Murkrow cawed in response, her form twisting in mid-air as she narrowly avoided another strike from Loki. It was also working to engage Loki into taking things seriously. So Ezra considered it a job well done.


    His eyes narrowed in thought, as he watched Akuma move away from attempting to coat himself in a shell like the other Ghost Pokemon, watching his dark brethren instead, stomping his feet on the ground.


    Ezra watched for a few minutes, Akuma''s partner, Ezra''s Houndor, giving him time while working on her own skills.


    His Eevee was following him, and he picked her up and pet her, idly thinking he''d need to start using her to battle and train properly soon, their bond hopefully enough for an Umbreon to coalesce.


    Suddenly Akuma exploded into the air, dust and earth shooting off as ghostly energies erupted under one of his feet, only for Akuma to bounce midair, letting loose another small blast from his foot, slamming into the ground. "Akuma¡­ Keep practicing that." He ordered, almost salivating at the thought of Akuma becoming that mobile.


    That was¡­


    That would give him so many options¡­


    He soon left him to it, keeping an eye on the rest of his ''mon.


    The mock battles were doing their job with the rest of them. Ezra had realized long ago that his Pokemon performed better when they weren''t given too much time to think. Forced into fast-paced, instinctual fighting, they became more efficient, more dangerous. They were learning through experience, using their bodies to grow instead of relying on mental preparation or repetition of moves and movements.


    As he walked behind them, Ezra''s own shadow extended and stretched along the ground, slapping away any stray techniques that came too close to him. His eyes darted from one battle to the next, offering advice here and there, adjusting stances, critiquing mistakes. "Never be static," He reminded them. "The moment you stop moving is the moment you lose."


    It was a lesson he had failed to enforce with Akuma during the gym battle with Whitney. He''d underestimated his opponent, grown complacent, and allowed Akuma to stand still for far too long, making him a sitting target for that damned Earthquake. It was a failure Ezra would not repeat.


    Several ''mon on his team levitated or flew, giving them the advantage of a three-dimensional battlefield - so why keep the rest limited? He wouldn''t let that happen again. His Pokemon should always be moving, always looking for their next opportunity, no matter where it came from. He had failed to maximize his advantages. Failed to cover for his weaknesses.


    Now, he was determined to fix that.


    As he continued to observe, his attention was drawn to a particular mock battle happening nearby. Cheshire, his newly evolved Gengar, was grinning wickedly as he squared off against Duskull. The little ghost Pokemon floated in the air, her single red eye burning with fierce determination as she faced off against her much stronger opponent. Duskull, despite her size and limited abilities, was holding her own better than Ezra had expected.


    Cheshire taunted the Duskull constantly, firing off Shadow Balls and flicking his tongue out playfully, trying to goad the smaller Pokemon into making mistakes. But Duskull remained focused. Ezra could sense the intense determination radiating from her, it was almost palpable in the air. She was straining, trying to move faster, to surround herself with ghostly energy and zip around like Morrigan, but she was still struggling. Each time she tried to propel herself, she faltered, her movements jerky and uncoordinated.


    Ezra considered stepping in to help, but something held him back. There was a fire in Duskull''s eye that told him to wait, to let her push itself. The frustration in her movements was clear - she was desperate to keep up, to match Cheshire''s speed. His Gengar, ever still the trickster, was only making it harder, popping in and out of the shadows and flicking Lick attacks at Duskull whenever she got too close.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity of taunting, Cheshire managed to land a solid hit, catching Duskull off guard with a surprise Lick coming out of a Shadow Sneak. The smaller ghost yelped, shuddering from the attack as it recoiled backward, her body flickering with ghostly energy. For a moment, Ezra thought the fight was over, that Duskull would retreat.


    But then, something changed.


    A roar of frustration echoed through the clearing, and Duskull''s entire body began to glow. Her ghostly form expanded, growing larger, more defined, as it was enveloped in a bright, white light. Ezra''s eyes widened in surprise, recognizing the telltale signs of evolution. He just hadn''t expected another one so soon. "Maybe you''re next." He muttered to the Eevee in his arms.


    Cheshire, equally surprised, backed away, his grin widening as he watched the transformation unfold before him.


    Duskull''s form stretched and contorted, her body taking on a new, larger shape. The white light grew brighter, pulsing with power as the little ghost type grew, its limbs elongating. Within moments, the glowing figure of Duskull had evolved into something far more intimidating - a Dusclops.


    The newly evolved Dusclops let out a low, eerie growl, her single red eye gleaming with power as she floated before Cheshire. The air around her seemed to warp and twist, as if reality itself was bending in response to her presence.


    Ezra couldn''t help but smirk at the sight. Evolution, especially while training, was always a sign that his training was working. The raw potential that had been simmering beneath the surface had come to the forefront.


    This was proof his methods worked.


    "Well, well," Ezra muttered to himself, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "That wasn''t quite what I had in mind for speed training... But obviously something''s working."


    Dusclops wasted no time. With a cry of victory, she hurled a much improved Shadow Ball straight at Cheshire, who was still caught off guard by the sudden evolution.


    Cheshire pouted at him when he began laughing and praising Dusclops. But really, she deserved the praise.


    He''d just have to give Cheshire someone to prank later, that would make him happy again.


    Now who was the literally only person always around him available to prank?


    Hmm?


    <hr>


    A few days later,


    The streets of Pewter City were alive with color, sound, and movement. Streamers of black, brown, and white hung between buildings, fluttering in the breeze. Vendors lined the streets, their stands overflowing with sweets, trinkets, and all manner of festival foods. The air smelled of grilled meats and sugary treats, mixing with the faint scent of pine from the nearby forest. Laughter and the excited shouts of children echoed from every corner as people moved through the city, embracing the holiday spirit of Victory Day.


    Ezra walked beside Karen, who, oddly enough, was the one with the pep in her step today. She moved with uncharacteristic cheerfulness, her silver hair bouncing slightly as she practically floated through the street. It was strange to see her so buoyant, and Ezra had to admit it amused him.


    Usually, she was more inclined to sulking or scowling - mostly because of his actions, to be fair - but two of her Pokemon had evolved in the past few days. It gave her an extra spark of confidence. With his stable available for her as well, she''d been able to bring along more Pokemon then the carrying limit of six, and had gotten some good training done.


    Pewter City itself was dressed to the nines for the festival, celebrating a holiday that Ezra hadn''t even known existed - Victory Day. It wasn''t something they celebrated in Lavender Town, where he''d spent most of his time in this world


    But here in Pewter, it seemed to be a major event. Even the outskirts of the city were transformed, with a circus tent set up just outside town limits where a troupe performed with their Pokemon every hour on the hour, focusing on entertainment rather than battles. They were apparently fairly well known, even if Ezra personally had never heard of them. But then, he hadn''t even realized there was such a thing to begin with.


    He was definitely still lacking in information about the world he inhabited, having not finished his education, as it were, in Lavender.


    Still, it was a welcome change of pace after several days of intense training. Ezra had invited Karen to join him for the festival, if only to unwind a bit after the grueling sessions they''d both put themselves and their Pokemon through.


    Oddly enough, she hadn''t seemed to notice it was sort of a date - something that both amused and slightly frustrated him. He teased her constantly, enjoying how easily she flushed at his words, but the moment he asked her to join him for something that most people would consider a date, she hadn''t even blinked.


    But Ezra wasn''t about to complain. After all, he liked having Karen in a good mood almost as much as he liked having her mad - it made her fun to be around, and today was shaping up to be one of those rare occasions when she was in a good mood.


    "So, where to first?" Karen asked, her voice bright as she surveyed the stalls and vendors lining the street. She seemed almost overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.


    Ezra smirked, stepping closer to her as they walked. "Let''s start with the games," He suggested, nodding toward a section of the festival where several stands were set up for carnival-style activities. "I''d like to see if you''re as good with your hands as you are with your Pokemon."


    Karen rolled her eyes but didn''t seem bothered by the innuendo. "If I beat you, you''re buying me whatever I want," She said, her tone challenging.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, inwardly pouting that she didn''t bite. "Deal."


    The first stall they stopped at was one of the more classic carnival games - a ring toss. The rings were designed to land on the necks of small long necked Pokemon figures, with varying prizes depending on how many rings you managed to land. Of course, the figurines were small, and the rings were designed to bounce off at the slightest touch, making it more of a game of luck than skill.


    "I''ll go first," Karen declared confidently, stepping up to the booth and taking the rings from the attendant.


    Ezra watched as she lined up her shot, the sunlight glinting off her skin as she focused on the figurines in front of her. With a quick flick of her wrist, she sent the first ring flying - and it bounced off the Gyarados figurine, spinning wildly before landing back at her feet. Karen narrowed her eyes, her mouth set in a determined line.


    Ezra chuckled softly. "You''re going to have to do better than that." He teased her, "Perhaps you aren''t as handy as I thought."


    "Shut up," She muttered, her cheeks tinting slightly red as she tried again.


    The second ring hit the same figurine and bounced off once more, but the third managed to land perfectly, ringing the neck of the Gyarados with a soft clink. Karen grinned triumphantly, shooting a glance at Ezra as if daring him to do better.


    "Not bad," He said, stepping up to the booth. He took the rings from her, flashing her a cocky grin. "But watch how it''s really done."


    Ezra tossed the first ring with a flick of his wrist, watching as it arced perfectly toward the same figurine - only to bounce off in almost the same way Karen''s had. He blinked in mild surprise, but Karen''s soft laugh made him shrug.


    "Beginner''s luck."


    "Uh-huh," Karen said, crossing her arms, a smug grin on her face.


    The second ring was no better, and by the third, Ezra was scowling slightly as it too missed the target. Karen burst out laughing, her eyes shining with amusement.


    "Guess you''re buying me something after all," She teased, giving him a playful nudge with her elbow.


    Ezra grumbled good-naturedly, but the smile on his face betrayed his enjoyment of her mood. "Alright, what do you want?" He asked, glancing at the various prizes lining the shelves behind the booth.


    You could win one by getting all three rings on to their targets, but since that likely literally never happened, they also sold the prizes.


    Karen considered her options for a moment before pointing to a plush of a Houndour, her expression softening slightly. "That one."


    Ezra handed over some money to the attendant, who passed him the plush. He turned to Karen, holding it out to her with an exaggerated flourish. "For the lady with the skillful hands."


    Karen rolled her eyes again, though the slight blush on her cheeks remained as she took the plush from him. "Don''t think this makes up for your teasing," She warned, though her smile was genuine.


    They continued through the festival, stopping at various stalls and trying out different games. One stall featured a game where you had to toss berries into a Whimsicott''s fluffy coat from a distance, each berry that stuck earning you points.


    Ezra had no idea where they came up with some of these games¡­


    He was staying far away from the toss the Magikarp game, which seemed a recipe for the one in a million chance of sudden Gyarados in your face. He was surprised they allowed it.


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Ezra, with his experience in cheating, managed to land several berries with ease on the Whimsicott, by making sure to first land some near the Pokemon''s mouth as tribute - while Karen struggled at first, the berries bouncing off the soft wool as the Pokemon kept moving at the last second, appearing to almost snicker at her.


    "Why is this so hard?" Karen muttered, narrowing her eyes at the Whimsicott.


    Ezra laughed, stepping up behind her to guide her hand. "You''ve got to have a lighter touch on the throw," He said, his voice low as he leaned in close.


    Karen flushed, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "If you don''t move, I''ll throw the berry at your head, followed by my fist." She threatened.


    Ezra chuckled but didn''t back off. "Go ahead. I''ll still win."


    Despite her grumbling, Karen managed to land a few berries with Ezra''s guidance, though she insisted it was more luck than anything else. They moved on to other games, including one where they had to hit targets with a blowgun, while a Pidgey flew in erratic patterns to stop them by snapping up the berries they fired. Karen was surprisingly good at this one, getting several targets with ease, while Ezra only managed a couple.


    He narrowed his eyes at the smug looking Pidgey, it had it out for him¡­


    And why was everything done with fucking berries anyway?


    Hours passed as they wandered from one part of the festival to the next. They tried carnival food - Ezra laughing with Karen as she dropped her ice cream on a kid''s head ''by accident'' while it was whining loudly - and they watched a few street performers who used their Pokemon in their acts, dazzling the crowds with synchronized tricks and acrobatics. The energy of the festival was infectious, and even Karen''s usual guardedness seemed to fade as they immersed themselves in the festivities.


    The streets were packed with people, many of whom were dressed in festival attire, their clothes adorned with the colors of Kanto or Pewter. Banners and streamers decorated every building, and flags bearing the emblem of Pewter City fluttered proudly in the breeze. Everywhere they went, people were laughing, singing, and enjoying the atmosphere of celebration.


    Ezra and Karen passed by a group of old men, clearly drunk, their arms slung around each other''s shoulders as they staggered down the street, singing loudly. The song they sang was rough, off-key, and could charitably be called a drunken anthem, but the lyrics were unmistakably rude.


    "Fuck Johto, the asshole on the body of the world! Fuck Johto, where the rotten trash is hurled! We''ll drink to Kanto, and spit on the rest, For Kanto''s the only land that''s truly the best!"


    Karen stiffened beside him, her cheerfulness vanishing as the song reached her ears. As someone from Johto, she apparently couldn''t help but feel offended at the casual disregard, and her hands clenched into fists as she growled. Ezra frankly didn''t think it was that bad, but he knew Karen had a temper.


    One of the drunks, catching her reaction, squinted at her through bleary eyes. "Oi, you! Johto whore, are ya?" He slurred, pointing a wobbly finger at her. "Don''t like our song, do ya?"


    Karen''s eyes widened, shock and anger flashing across her face, but before she could respond, Ezra stepped forward, grabbing her arm and pulling her back. "Ignore him," Ezra said quietly, his voice tight with control. He might not have thought much of the song, but calling Karen a whore¡­


    He usually enjoyed how quick Karen was to lose her temper, but in this situation it wouldn''t be good unfortunately. He idly noted just how many drunk people were nearby on this street. A drunken mob could become a problem.


    The drunk, however, wasn''t done. "Go back to your cesspool of a region!" He shouted, staggering forward. "We don''t need Johto scum here!"


    Before the situation could escalate further, bystanders stepped in, pulling the drunk back. One of them whispered to him, and the drunk finally seemed to understand that he''d crossed a line. His friends dragged him away, though he continued to grumble under his breath.


    Unfortunately he wasn''t the only drunk, and some of them were eying him and Karen and muttering.


    Ezra kept a firm grip on Karen''s arm, holding her steady as she blinked in shock, clearly rattled by the sudden confrontation based simply on her nationality.


    "Karen," He said softly, leaning in, "Let it go. He''s not worth it, he''s just a drunk."


    Before Karen could fully process what had happened, another figure emerged from the crowd. Brock, the Pewter City Gym Leader''s son, strode forward, his usually calm demeanor clouded with concern. He quickly placed himself between any other drunks and Karen, his broad shoulders and tall frame creating a solid barrier.


    "Enough," Brock said firmly, addressing a few of the drunk men who were still muttering slurs. His voice carried authority, and it cut through the noise of the festival like a hot knife through butter. The other men shrunk back, as Brock turned toward Karen, his face apologetic, his brow creased with discomfort.


    "I''m really sorry about that," Brock said, shaking his head. "They really didn''t mean it like that. And¡­ Tom¡­ The man lost three of his children to Johto during the war, and ever since then... It always comes out on Victory Day, he''s perfectly pleasant any other day I promise."


    Karen stood there, still tense, but the anger that had flashed in her eyes softened at Brock''s explanation. "Three kids?" She whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of shock and sadness. "That''s... Awful." She looked away, rubbing her arm with one hand, "There''s nothing worse than losing your entire family¡­"


    Ezra glanced at her thoughtfully, Karen¡­


    Brock nodded solemnly. "Yeah, it is. But I know it''s got nothing to do with you, Karen. Please don''t take it personally. The war took a lot from a lot of people."


    Karen, still visibly rattled, let out a deep breath. She forced herself to relax and gave a slow nod, her silver hair catching the glow from the street lamps. "I''m fine. Thanks, Brock." She looked sad for a moment, but she wasn''t one to show weakness for long, her spine stiffening almost immediately, as she forced a smile on her face.


    Ezra gave Brock a nod of thanks and then turned to Karen, squeezing her hand gently. "You okay?" He asked to make sure, his voice low enough that only she could hear. He didn''t let go of her hand, and she didn''t pull away, the tension in her fingers slowly loosening.


    Karen nodded, though her expression remained distant. "Yeah, I''m fine. Just... Caught me off guard." Her voice was steady, but her usual fire had dimmed.


    Ezra turned his attention back to Brock. "What''s this Victory Day all about?" He asked, trying to change the subject, his voice casual but genuinely curious. "I''ve never even heard of it before. We didn''t celebrate anything like this in Lavender."


    Brock grimaced, one hand raking through his spiky hair. "That''s because most of Kanto stopped celebrating it," He explained with a sigh. "Pryce¡­ When he became champion, he put pressure on a lot of the region''s mayors and leaders to stop celebrating the holiday. Said it was a reminder of the war that needed to be forgotten."


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "That''s a bit heavy-handed, don''t you think?"


    Although perhaps it had been thoughtless of him to ask about this subject, he realized. Squeezing Karen''s hand again.


    Brock shrugged, his expression weary. "Maybe, but no one really put up too much of a fight over it. Except my dad." He hesitated, glancing around as if checking to see if anyone was listening. "Pewter''s the only city that still celebrates it. It''s a tradition here now - one that my dad refused to let die."


    Karen, who had been silent during the exchange, muttered, "Kanto lost the war." Her voice was low, almost lost in the noise of the festival, but it was enough to catch Ezra''s attention. The cheerfulness she''d carried earlier in the day was now completely gone, replaced by a quiet, reflective sadness.


    Ezra squeezed her hand a little tighter, but he didn''t push her. Instead, he looked back at Brock. "She''s right, though. If Kanto lost, why keep celebrating it?"


    Brock looked even more uncomfortable now. His shoulders slumped, and his eyes darkened as if he was struggling with how much to say. "It''s...  Complicated. This isn''t really taught anymore, but I know about it because of my dad." He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly debating how to explain. "There was a massacre in the last year of the war. A lot of Kanto civilians and soldiers were killed. But after that... Kanto struck back in a big way, one last time."


    Ezra frowned, his curiosity piqued. "Struck back how?"


    Brock shifted his weight, glancing around as if he didn''t want to be overheard. "All the different clans and heroes of Kanto came together. They launched a massive counterattack, and for a brief moment, Kanto had the upper hand. That strike... It was the last time Johto was really ''beat'' before the end of the war. That''s what Victory Day celebrates."


    "Your dad must be one hell of a patriot if he''s the only one still keeping the festival going," Ezra muttered, his mind turning over the new information. There was clearly a lot more to this war business than he''d thought. Lavender had kept him in the dark about most of it, the isolated nature of the town keeping people removed from the deeper history of Kanto and Johto''s conflicts. Or the school system just sucked.


    Brock''s discomfort deepened. His mouth opened, as if he was about to say something more, but before he could, a deep voice rumbled from behind them.


    "Talking about me, son?"


    Ezra turned to find himself face to face with a towering figure. Flint, Brock''s father and the current Gym Leader of Pewter City, stood behind them, his massive arms crossed over his broad chest. The man was a mountain of muscle, his large graying beard tucked into his belt, and his clothes straining against his powerful muscular frame. He was nothing like the pathetic drifter Ezra had once seen in an old episode of the anime. Here, Flint looked every bit the embodiment of a rock type Gym Leader - a man who could bench an Onix if he wanted to.


    The air around him seemed to grow colder, more tense as Flint''s piercing flinty eyed gaze swept over them.


    "You, girl," Flint said, his voice gruff as he turned his attention to Karen, who had tensed at the sight of him. "You''re Agatha''s Johto toy, aren''t you?"


    Karen''s eyes flashed with anger at the insult, but before she could respond, Brock stepped forward, looking horrified. "Dad, come on -"


    But Karen beat him to it this time. She squared her shoulders, her voice sharp. "Lady Agatha to you, Gym Leader Flint," She snapped, her tone icy. "And I am her apprentice, as you well know."


    Flint snorted, clearly unimpressed. "At least there''s some fire in you, for a mongrel."


    Ezra''s expression darkened, his jaw clenching as he stepped forward. "Apologize," He said, his voice low and dangerous. He had seen Karen flinch, and it sent a surge of protectiveness through him. He wasn''t sure where it even came from, but he wouldn''t allow this rockhead to bully his¡­ Friend?


    Flint gave him a bemused look, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "This is my city, brat. I can tell any Johto chit whatever I please."


    Ezra''s hand hovered over his Pokeballs, his eyes narrowing as he repeated, "You will apologize." He demanded.


    The mocking smile on Flint''s face widened, and he laughed - a deep, booming sound that seemed to shake the ground beneath them. He leaned forward, towering over Ezra as he looked down at him with condescension. "You gonna take me on, freaky boy?"


    Brock looked like he wanted the earth to just swallow him whole.


    "Yes," Ezra answered, his voice filled with a cold determination. He didn''t flinch, his crimson eyes blazing with anger. Karen tugged at his arm, shaking her head, trying to pull him back, but Ezra remained still, his gaze locked with Flint''s.


    Brock, looking defeated, let out a long sigh, but before he could say anything, Flint raised his voice, calling out to the festival crowd. "OY, LISTEN UP, YOU ROCKHEADS!" His voice boomed through the streets, drawing the attention of the people nearby. "FESTIVAL''S ABOUT TO GET SLAMMING! GYM CHALLENGE IN TEN MINUTES AT THE OLD QUARRY! THREE VS THREE, MY OWN KICKASS TEAM ON THE LINE!"


    The crowd erupted in excitement, and Flint turned back to Ezra, a leer on his face. "Let''s show you how we do things in Kanto, freaky boy."


    Ezra smirked, his hand still hovering over his Pokeballs. "Gladly."


    <hr>


    Minutes later,


    As Flint continued to hype up the crowd, his voice booming across the festival grounds, Ezra and Karen trailed behind him. Brock walked beside them, head lowered slightly in embarrassment as he mumbled a quiet apology to the two of them.


    "Look," Brock said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, "I''m sorry about my dad. He... Well, he gets like this sometimes, especially during Victory Day." The quiet added mumble, "Especially if he''s been drinking¡­" Was barely audible.


    Ezra waved it off, not particularly interested in blaming Brock for his father''s behavior. "It''s not your fault," Ezra replied, his voice casual. "I''ve met worse people." He didn''t mention that he also thought Brock''s father was a bit of a bully, but the fact that Brock had turned out to be a decent guy despite that... Well, it spoke volumes.


    Karen nodded in agreement, offering a brief smile to Brock. "Don''t worry about it. Your dad''s not your responsibility." She hesitated for a moment before adding, "Though I can see why you''ve chosen to take a part time job for Ezra if that''s what it''s like at home¡­ No offense."


    Ezra nodded, also remembering that Brock seemed to deal with mostly young trainers at the gym. As if he was staying away from the older trainers, his father''s men.


    Brock gave a rueful smile. "Yeah, I guess you could say that." He sighed, shaking his head. "But really, this isn''t normal. Most of the time, he''s just... Strict. Victory Day just... Stirs things up, makes him a little more - "


    " - Intolerable?" Ezra offered, smirking. Not that he could talk really.


    Brock laughed awkwardly. "Yeah, something like that." He gestured to the quarry ahead, where Flint was already walking toward the makeshift battle arena. "This field... It''s where he goes when he wants to play. It''s an old quarry, but the people love it. Gives everyone a front-row seat."


    As they reached the outskirts of the town, the energy of the festival was replaced with the raw intensity of the old quarry. A large field, cut into the jagged rocks, stretched before them. The upper edges of the place was filled with a throng of spectators who had gathered to watch the match, their voices a hum of excitement that rose and fell with every movement Flint made. The sheer number of people watching made it clear that this wasn''t going to be just any normal gym battle.


    No wonder Flint took them here if he wanted an audience, the gym arena wouldn''t even fit a tenth of the crowd¡­ Ezra was going to enjoy humbling him here¡­


    Ezra surveyed the field, mentally preparing himself. This time, he wasn''t going to make the same mistakes he had made in previous battles. His strategy was clear in his mind, his focus unwavering. Flint might have the crowd, the strength, and the reputation, but Ezra had something better - type advantage and an ace up his sleeve.


    He muttered under his breath as they walked toward the battlefield, his eyes fixed on Flint''s back. "The only one allowed to bully Karen is me!" The comment said with relish, as he realized what his main complaint with the situation was.


    Unfortunately for him, Karen had sharp ears. She turned to him, her brow raised in equal parts amusement and annoyance. "Of course that''s why," She huffed, letting out a soft snort. "Idiot."


    Ezra shot her a grin, but his expression quickly turned back to one of intensity as Flint roared to the crowd, his voice cutting through the air.


    "This kid here got his feelings hurt, so let''s do a battle and see who was right!" Flint''s deep voice carried over the crowd. "Might makes right!"


    "Might makes right!" The crowd cheered. Their excitement growing with every word Flint spoke. Brock looked visibly uncomfortable beside Ezra and Karen, his shoulders hunched as the older man continued to rile everyone up.


    "They''re really not like this usually," Brock mumbled, clearly embarrassed. "It''s just Victory Day... It makes the older folks a little... Odd."


    Ezra only nodded, his gaze not leaving Flint. "It doesn''t matter. I''m going to end this quickly." His fingers traced the outline of the Pokeball in his hand, his mind already running through the battle ahead. That said, the fact Brock had to keep bringing it up to defend them, didn''t speak well for all these old drunks stuck in a time that was dead and over.


    "What''s with the slogan?" He asked.


    Brock frowned, "It''s something he really shouldn''t be saying." He said darkly. "It was Kantos slogan at the beginning of the war, but it''s been co-opted by Team Rocket now, so he really shouldn''t be saying that¡­ The League will come down hard if they hear about that kind of thing¡­" He looked worried now.


    Ezra looked at Flint with new eyes after that, wondering¡­


    Also, he thought¡­ That creed was just all kinds of stupid. Not that he was generally opposed to the idea, as he certainly would enjoy personal power allowing him to rule his little fiefdom once he achieved his dream¡­


    But if their philosophy was Might makes Right? Then why the sour feelings over Johto winning. Shouldn''t their victory have proven their might, Kanto folding to their rightful masters?


    It just showed to Ezra that even those espounging the creed, didn''t actually follow it, only using it as a call for their own goals. It was no wonder Team Rocket had latched on to it¡­


    It allowed them to hoover up all the suckers.


    As Flint reached the center of the field, he pointed at Brock. "My foolish son will be the referee, alright, freaky boy?"


    Ezra shrugged, not particularly caring about the formalities, even as he tried to hide the twitch from that particular moniker being used. He twirled a Pokeball in his hand, his voice sharp and cold. "I don''t care. Give me your star team, and I''ll crush them into the ground. Then, you''ll give me your badge and your apology."


    Flint roared with laughter, his hand clapping down heavily on Ezra''s shoulder, the force of it jarring, as was the smell of alcohol on his breath, making Ezra grimace. "That''s the Pewter spirit!" Flint boomed, grinning widely. The crowd echoed his sentiment, cheering even louder.


    They lined up on opposite sides of the field. There were no booths or shields, no protective barriers. Just the trainers and their Pokemon in the open, the crowd standing further back to keep a safe distance, also protected by the Quarry walls as they stood well above the fighting. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, the air crackling with tension. It wasn''t a typical gym battle. This was something more personal.


    At least to Ezra. Flint seemed entirely too jovial at the moment, but then he was intoxicated..


    Brock took his place off to the side, his voice carrying through the field. "This is a star badge challenge of the Pewter Gym! Three versus three! No substitutions allowed. Release your Pokemon!"


    Without hesitation, Flint tossed his first Pokeball into the air. With a flash of light, an absolutely massive Onix appeared, towering above the battlefield. The rocky serpent let out a thunderous roar, its stony body shifting as it prepared for battle. It was also absolutely covered in war paint, which appeared to be trying to cover up old scars.


    Ezra''s cold smirk grew as he released Akuma, his Annihilape, who appeared on the field in a blur of movement, his eyes glowing red with intensity. The crowd gasped at the sight of the ghostly, primal creature, its fists clenched and ready for the fight ahead.


    This fight might have been a bit impromptu, but this was exactly what he''d been training for.


    Ezra wasted no time. "Just like we trained, Akuma. Move like a butterfly, sting like a bee." His lips quirked at what he was saying, but he''d own it. It was champion talk, after all.


    Flint, standing with his hands on his hips, shouted his first command, followed by a thrust of his hips that had the female section of the crowd cheer wildly, "Rock Throw!"


    Big surprise, the Rock trainer going for overwhelming force immediately, Ezra thought, not concerned.


    Onix immediately slammed its tail into the ground, sending a barrage of large boulders and smaller shards of stone hurtling toward Akuma as the earth split before it. But Akuma was already moving. In the blink of an eye, he shot upward, a burst of energy propelling him into the air as he effortlessly dodged the incoming rocks. His movement was erratic, unpredictable, as he bounced between different points in the air with sharp bursts of energy making it appear like he was kicking the air, zipping back and forth like a living pinball.


    Ezra had worked tirelessly on this technique with him during their training for the last few days. While Akuma hadn''t yet fully mastered the ghostly propulsion of energy around his entire body he was trying out for the others, they''d found that his workaround worked better than imagined. Ezra likened it to something out of One Piece again, this time Geppo, a rapid burst of energy from Akuma''s feet that allowed him to shoot through the air in quick, controlled movements bouncing around like a pinball when he went at his highest speed - It wasn''t perfect, but it was effective enough for now - and it was about to be devastating.


    Flint''s eyes narrowed as he watched the Annihilape move, clearly impressed. But he wasn''t about to let that rattle him, ordering his Onix to keep the pressure up, filling the air with a hailstorm of stone.


    Both Ezra and Brock had to dodge a few as the storm swept across their areas. It was impressive in its breadth¡­ Against anyone without a solid high tier defense or mobility technique, they''d be buried with this one move.


    Akuma darted between the flying rocks and utilized the larger rocks to avoid the shrapnel sized deluge, disappearing and reappearing with every burst of energy, moving too fast for Onix to keep track of. The massive serpent let out a frustrated roar as its attacks missed their mark, its large body too slow to keep up with Akuma''s nimble movements.


    "Low Kick!" Ezra ordered, his voice sharp and anticipatory.


    In an instant, Akuma shot toward Onix, landing a powerful Low Kick to its side that rang out across the quarry. The impact was enough to stagger the giant rock snake, but Akuma didn''t stop there. With another burst of energy, he disappeared into the air again, dodging the tail that came crashing down where he had just been.


    "Cross Chop!" Ezra called out, his eyes glittering with glee.


    Akuma reappeared above Onix, his fists glowing with energy as he delivered a devastating Cross Chop to Onix''s head. The sheer force of the blow sent the rock-type reeling, its massive body shaking from the impact as its head slammed into the ground, half buried into the loose rock.


    Flint''s Onix, to its credit, was incredibly resilient. Despite taking two super-effective hits, it remained in the fight, its eyes burning with determination as it let out another roar, raising its head from the ground, sending another slate of rock forward, a tint of steel visible.


    But Akuma wasn''t done. "Hammer Arm!" Ezra ordered, laughing as he looked at the Onix with anticipation. With a final burst of energy, he shot into the air once more, rising high above Onix''s head. For a brief moment, he hovered there, a silhouette against the fading evening sky, before he came crashing down like a comet.


    Akuma''s arm glowed with energy as he descended, the force of his descent amplifying the power of the attack. He slammed into Onix''s back with a thunderous impact, the ground beneath them shaking from the force of the blow as Onix folded in half, his middle section absolutely buried into the ground.


    Onix let out a final, guttural roar before collapsing fully onto the ground, its massive body thudding against the earth. Dust and debris kicked up into the air, settling slowly around the battlefield.


    "Onix is unable to battle!" Brock declared, looking shell shocked, raising his arm toward Ezra. The crowd erupted into cheers, though the tone of surprise was clear. They hadn''t expected the battle to start so one-sidedly.


    Ezra stood tall, his arms crossed over his chest, a satisfied smirk on his lips. Akuma stood beside him, breathing heavily but looking completely unfazed by the battle. Ezra let a trickle of his aura revitalize his ''mon, determined to crush Flint for looking down on him. And for how he acted too, of course.


    Flint, however, didn''t seem disheartened at all. If anything, his grin grew wider. "Not bad, kid!" he roared, recalling his Onix. "But I''ve still got more tricks up my sleeve. Let''s see how you handle what comes next!"


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with anticipation. This battle was far from over, and he was ready for whatever Flint had in store - ready to further showcase Akuma''s strength.


    Flint, his laughter still echoing from the loss of round one, tossed out his next Pokeball, and with a flash, a Graveler appeared on the field. This wasn''t just any Graveler though - it was easily the most muscular of its kind that Ezra had ever seen. Its arms rippled with rocky muscle, veins of stone crisscrossing its body, and its four fists clenched tightly, eager for a fight.


    Ezra narrowed his eyes, not underestimating it despite his confidence. Graveler or not, Flint was clearly not to be taken lightly. He''d seen what Akuma could do, no doubt he intended to do something about it with the Graveler.


    "Akuma, go in! Don''t give it time!" Ezra''s voice was sharp and decisive. "Force Palm!" He commanded, his voice cutting through the noise of the crowd.


    At the same time, Flint''s booming voice roared across the quarry, "Let''s kick up a storm, Graveler! Sandstorm Deluxe, now!"


    The massive rock Pokemon raised its arms, preparing to summon a swirling vortex of sand and debris, but Ezra''s Pokemon was quicker, despite the speed slowdown inherent in having used Hammer Arm.


    Akuma, his Annihilape, was already a blur of motion, his glowing red eyes locked on the Graveler. His body tensed as he burst forward with high speed, covering the distance in mere moments. Before the Graveler could finish his move to fully summon the sandstorm, Akuma materialized in front of it, his hands glowing with powerful energy.


    The sand had just begun to swirl at that point, and Ezra noticed that rocks were being swept up, a mix of Rock Throw and Sandstorm?


    But it was too late.


    Akuma''s hands glowed bright as he thrust them forward, slamming into Graveler''s midsection with a resounding CRACK!


    The impact was instant. Graveler let out a deep cry, its rocky body trembling as the force of the blow reverberated through its core. For a brief second, it seemed like Graveler might hold its ground, but then, with a sudden explosion of energy, the boulder-like Pokemon was launched into the air.


    The Graveler rocketed back across the quarry, slamming into the side of the stone wall with a loud crash, causing dust and debris to rain down. The Pokemon lay motionless, its body embedded into the rock, its eyes closed, a crack running down its body.


    The crowd fell silent. Not a single voice could be heard, not even a murmur. The shock of how fast the battle had ended left everyone in awe.


    Flint stood there for a moment, staring at the scene before him. Then, a booming laugh escaped his chest, startling the crowd out of their collective silence. "Hah! You sure showed me, brat!" Flint''s voice was filled with genuine amusement as he gazed across the field, his eyes resting on Akuma with admiration. "What a monster..."


    Ezra''s face remained expressionless, though his mind buzzed with satisfaction at how perfectly executed the attack had been.


    Flint scratched his chin thoughtfully, his gaze still lingering on Akuma. Then, to everyone''s surprise, he raised his hand and waved it dismissively. "Alright, I forfeit!" He announced loudly, shocking not only the crowd but also Brock and Ezra.


    There was an audible gasp from the spectators, a collective intake of breath as they processed what Flint had just said. Flint - the man who had built a reputation on toughness and never backing down - was forfeiting.


    "Uh..." Brock stumbled, looking between his father and Ezra, clearly flabbergasted by the unexpected turn of events. "The challenger wins... Via forfeit?"


    Ezra felt a surge of frustration rise in his chest. His sharp glare locked onto Flint. "What the hell?" He spat, his voice cold with disbelief. This wasn''t how he had envisioned the fight ending. He wanted to crush Flint, to take the win cleanly, not to have it handed to him like some hollow victory.


    What was it lately with his wins having all the satisfaction drained out of them?


    Even Akuma seemed to share Ezra''s irritation, pounding his fists into the ground and snarling in frustration. The primal energy within him was clearly bubbling, ready for more action. Ezra quickly sent calming energy through his aura, trying to soothe Akuma before he lost control. He couldn''t afford to let his Annihilape get too worked up.


    He''d vastly underestimated how much more potent his attacks were with the backing of extreme speed.


    Sure it was against ''mon he had type advantage on, but still¡­


    Flint, however, seemed completely unfazed by Ezra''s frustration. He chuckled as he walked closer, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Ah, what I''ve got left on me isn''t enough to deal with that kind of type advantage," He admitted, casually, whistling as he neared Akuma. He gave the Annihilape an appreciative nod, as though admiring a finely crafted weapon. "One day you''ll have to take on my starter. Now that''d be a hell of a fight."


    He flexed, grinning widely, all earlier antagonism completely absent, "Your guy there could have fit right into the war, not something I''ve ever said to one of you youngins before."


    Ezra felt his fists clench at his sides, his jaw tightening. Sure, he had gotten what he wanted - he''d beaten Flint, humiliated him even, not that the crowd seemed to care. But Flint had taken all the satisfaction out of it by forfeiting. It wasn''t a true victory. "You forfeited to make yourself look better," Ezra accused, his voice low and simmering with anger.


    Flint''s grin widened, and he winked at Ezra with a playful glint in his eye. "Ayup. Looks a lot better for an old man like me to say - this kid''s promising - than to get my ass spanked three times in a row." He folded his arms, completely at ease with the situation.


    Ezra was thrown. He couldn''t make heads or tails of this man. Why was he like this? Why did people act so... Confusing? Flint''s behavior was so contradictory. It was beyond frustrating. "This is why I don''t do people," Ezra muttered under his breath, exhaling in exasperation.


    As Ezra stood there, still trying to process everything, Flint turned and made his way over to Karen. To Ezra''s surprise, the gym leader stopped in front of her and bowed his head slightly. "I apologize," Flint said, his tone serious and respectful. "I sometimes get swept away and don''t think before I speak, you didn''t deserve any antagonism on my part or from my people''s."


    The apology only frustrated Ezra further, even if it was exactly what he''d asked for. He''d wanted to rage and spit at the man, not have him turn around and be¡­ Suddenly reasonable and affable!


    Karen, who had been taken aback by the abrupt turn of events, blinked in surprise but quickly composed herself. She accepted the apology with grace, offering a polite nod. "Thank you," She replied, her voice unsure.


    Ezra, watching the interaction, was still grappling with the surreal nature of it all. Flint, the loud, brash drunk gym leader, was apologizing with sincerity? It was hard to believe after their first interaction.


    Brock walked over, holding a badge in his hand, a runner having brought it from the gym during the fight. His expression was a mix of resignation and embarrassment. "Yeah, don''t ask me to explain. Dad can be like this," He muttered, clearly used to his father''s antics. He handed the badge over to Ezra, the three stars marking it as a star challenge victory.


    Ezra took the badge, still feeling like he''d missed something. "I can''t tell if I''m more annoyed or impressed," He muttered to himself, staring down at the badge in his hand. Either way, it was another hollow victory.


    Before he could process the thought further, Flint suddenly appeared behind Brock, grabbing him in a playful noogie and ruffling his son''s hair. The crowd erupted into cheers, their earlier shock forgotten as Flint''s larger-than-life personality filled the quarry once more.


    "Alright, you lot!" Flint called out to the crowd, his voice booming. "Go party! Stop standing around like a bunch of rocks! The beers on me!"


    The crowd erupted into applause and laughter, many of them turning to leave the quarry, ready to resume the Victory Day festivities. The tension of the battle dissipated as quickly as it had come, leaving Ezra standing there, still bewildered.


    Brock palmed his face, "Dad! The budget!" He protested.


    Flint waved it away, "Bah, like forty percent of that is like miscellaneous expenses - like buying a few rounds."


    "No¡­ That''s not it at all." Brock said, looking skyward.


    Flint just laughed again, slapping Brock so hard on the back he fell over, "Eh, if the budget goes to crap, that''s why I have so many kids who''ll work for free!" He continued laughing, standing there with his hands on his hips, even as Brock grew more depressed.


    Ezra shook his head in disbelief, turning to recall Akuma back into his Pokeball. "You were kickass," He muttered softly, offering his Annihilape a rare compliment before the Pokemon disappeared in a flash of red light.


    Flint turned back to Ezra with a wide grin, his hands still on his hips. "Ah, sometimes my emotions get the best of me, but I''m man enough to handle the consequences. I apologized to the little lady, so no harm done, right?" He shot Ezra a wink.


    Ezra stared at him, utterly at a loss. "You... Are a very frustrating man," Ezra breathed out, finally accepting the absurdity of the situation.


    Flint threw his head back and laughed heartily, his deep voice filling the quarry. "It''s the Kanto way!" He declared proudly, clearly somehow satisfied with how the day had turned out.


    Ezra exhaled sharply, still irritated, but he couldn''t help but feel a grudging respect for Flint''s strange, chaotic approach to life - the man was obviously popular, and from what he''d seen of Pewter, ran a tight ship, for all of his¡­ Eccentricities.


    Ezra had gotten his badge in the end, tested Akuma''s new style in battle, and put Flint in his place, even if the old man had taken the wind out of his victory. In the end, Ezra supposed, things had turned out alright.


    But he still couldn''t help muttering to himself as they left the quarry. "People are exhausting..."


    <hr>


    The journey back to Ezra''s stable was uneventful, save for Brock''s repeated apologies for his father''s behavior. Flint had been larger than life, and Brock''s embarrassment about the entire ordeal was palpable. But Ezra and Karen brushed it off casually at that point, both of them agreeing that Flint''s eccentricity wasn''t something to hold against Brock. Besides, Ezra had won, albeit with some frustration still there from the manner of victory.


    When they arrived at the stable, the familiar sounds of Pokemon rustling in their resting places or playing tag around the buildings greeted them. The stable had become a home away from home for Ezra and Karen both - an unexpected comfort in the chaos of their journeys so far.


    Ezra wondered if Karen was even consciously aware of how she''d begun decorating the guest room and leaving some of her things behind whenever they left.


    Brock, who had followed them all the way, stood by the door, still looking slightly abashed. Karen had been unusually quiet for most of the walk, her expression somewhere between contemplative and simmering irritation.


    But that silence didn''t last.


    The moment the stable door closed behind them, Karen suddenly whirled around and lunged at Ezra, grabbing him by the shoulders and shaking him violently. "What the hell was that!?" She demanded, her eyes blazing with frustration.


    Ezra blinked, feeling slightly dizzy from the unexpected assault. "I defended your honor, my lady," He quipped, offering a wide grin. "Normally the shining knight gets a kiss?" He added as a suggestion.


    "Fuck that." She gave him a hard shove, causing him to stumble back. "What the hell was that move? How did you get Akuma to do that? I''ve been watching you train, and you never showed anything like that!"


    Ezra sniffed, brushing off his shirt with a casual, nonchalant air. "Well, if you''re going to jerk me around like this, I don''t see why I should answer," He replied smugly, glancing at Brock. "Right, Brock?"


    Brock, leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, chuckled, clearly amused by the entire exchange. "Doesn''t seem conducive to answers, no," He agreed, a wide grin spreading across his face.


    Ah, Brock is such a bro, Ezra thought with a small nod at the teen.


    Karen shot Brock a dark look. "No one asked you," She muttered, though there wasn''t any real bite behind her words.


    "My feelings are hurt now," Ezra added, placing a hand over his heart dramatically. "I don''t think I can answer your question with how brutishly you assaulted my person."


    Karen rolled her eyes, crossing her arms over her chest in a show of unimpressed exasperation. "You''re such an idiot." She said, with - dare he say it? - some fondness.


    Brock''s grin widened, enjoying the banter. "Perhaps a kiss for the guy who fought in your honor would unlock the answers?" He suggested, his tone playful as he exchanged a look with Ezra.


    Karen''s face immediately flushed bright red, her expression shifting between embarrassment and indignation. She glared at Brock. "You are just as bad as your dad!" She hissed.


    Ezra, however, raised a fist toward Brock, and with a grin, the two fist-bumped, silently acknowledging their shared amusement. Brock was clearly relishing being a part of the teasing dynamic.


    Karen, meanwhile, looked like she was about to explode. After a moment of internal debate, she groaned in frustration, then quickly leaned in and pressed a brief kiss to Ezra''s cheek. Her face was beet red, and she looked like she wanted to be anywhere but in that moment. "There, you degenerates. Now give me my answers!"


    Ezra, ever the troll, dramatically patted the cheek she had kissed, his eyes wide with mock horror. "My innocence... It has been stolen," He lamented, his voice thick with exaggerated despair. He even gave his best attempt at a tragic sigh, which only made Brock double over in laughter, barely able to contain himself.


    Karen looked like she was about to actually explode. "Answers, now!" She practically yelled, her fists clenched at her sides as she glared daggers at him.


    "Ah yes... The secret to my training," Ezra began, leaning in conspiratorially, his tone full of mystery and allure. Karen, despite herself, leaned in as well, eager for whatever wisdom he was about to impart. Her eyes were alight with curiosity, her earlier embarrassment temporarily forgotten.


    Ezra''s smirk widened as he whispered, "Is a ~secret!"


    Karen''s reaction was immediate. She let out an almost animalistic growl of frustration, a sound that was somewhere between a snarl and a roar. Without hesitation, she lunged at him, her hands outstretched in fury. "RAWR!" She cried, throwing herself at him in an attempt to throttle the answer out of him.


    Ezra laughed loudly, already backpedaling to avoid her grasp. "Away! Away, I say! My innocence is not for you to spoil!" He called out dramatically as he dodged Karen''s wild swipes, his grin wide and full of mischief.


    Karen chased him around the yard, her face still flushed but her expression determined as she tried to grab hold of him. "Get back here, you idiot!" She yelled, though there was no true anger in her voice at this point. It was playful, and despite the fiery look in her eyes, it was clear that she was enjoying the chase.


    Brock, by now, was literally doubled over with laughter. He had to lean against a post to keep from collapsing entirely, tears forming at the corners of his eyes as he watched Karen chase Ezra around the stable yard. "This is... This is too much," He gasped between breaths, clearly entertained by the chaotic energy of the two of them.


    Ezra, despite being chased, had a shit-eating grin plastered across his face. There was something incredibly satisfying about messing with Karen. No matter how tough or serious she tried to act, getting her riled up like this always managed to put him in a good mood. Watching her flustered - it was all just too fun.


    Eventually, Karen managed to grab him by the back of his shirt, pulling him toward her with surprising strength. "You better start talking," She huffed, though the playful gleam in her eyes remained. "Or I swear, next time, you won''t be getting a kiss, you''ll be picking teeth off the ground instead!"


    Ezra, still grinning, twisted around to face her, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Oh, keep that up and I''ll start thinking you''re obsessed about my body," He teased, winking at her.


    Karen''s face turned an even brighter shade of red as she pushed him away again. "You''re impossible!" She exclaimed, though there was no denying the smile tugging at her lips.


    Ezra laughed, brushing off his shirt once more as if her rough treatment had somehow ruffled his dignity. "I aim to please," He said with a dramatic bow, before straightening and shooting Karen a smug look. "But don''t worry. One day, maybe, I''ll let you in on my little secret."


    Karen rolled her eyes, finally giving up on chasing him. "One day? Hah! You''re so full of yourself." But despite her words, there was an undeniable lightness to her tone.


    Like the earlier stress of the day had just fallen off.


    And as the sun set behind the hills, Ezra couldn''t help but think that, no matter how confusing people could be, messing with Karen would always make things better.


    <hr>


    The next day,


    Ezra sat up in the dim light of his room, his Pokedex buzzing on the nightstand beside him. The small screen lit up, displaying the name Steven Stone. He glanced over, glad that Karen was away, currently soaking in a bath after a long day of training. Her absence afforded him some privacy for the conversation he knew was about to take place.


    With a casual swipe, he answered the call, bringing the device up to face him. "Steven. Always a pleasure."


    "Ezra. Good to see you. You look well." Steven said pleasantly, as always looking well put together.


    Ezra smirked, leaning back in his bed. "And you look as composed as ever, do you sleep in a suit, by chance?"


    Steven chuckled, his voice smooth and even. "I think I''ll leave such displays to you, young Ezra. But, in all seriousness, I''m calling to let you know our joint business is completed. Facilities are built, security''s tighter than Lance''s grip on his outdated traditions, and the Pokemon you requested are mostly available. Some are still in transit, but things are coming together."


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed at the news, his fingers tapping lightly on the Pokedex. "Good. That''s what I like to hear." He leaned forward slightly, voice dropping to a more focused tone. "And you''re sure everything''s secure? If any of your people spread this¡­ It won''t work."


    The only reason such things as a Milotic farm would work - was that no one yet knew that they evolved from Feebas, or how. Same for many of the other evolutions he''d be selling.


    Steven nodded firmly. "More than secure, I assure you. My people are under control, but there''s one last thing. I need you to come down to finalize the process, make sure everyone''s trained up properly. Especially with the evolution techniques we discussed. You''re the expert on that front." His smile was wry, as if acknowledging the ridiculousness of Ezra knowing more than experts in the field.


    Ezra sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You realize I''m not exactly welcome in Lavender Town, right? We''ll need to be discreet if you want me there."


    Steven scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Discreet? I can arrange that to not be a problem. You let me worry about the logistics, Ezra."


    But Ezra shook his head, his lips twisting into a smirk. "Oh no, Steven. I''m insisting on being sneaky about this one. When I do go back to Lavender, I want it to be an event. Not some half-baked return where I slip into a barn and lecture a bunch of scientists on how to evolve Feebas into Milotics. That''s not my style."


    His fists clenched as he continued, "I will walk into Lavender one day, like a conqueror of old, powerful, undeniable, and above all else, smug, as I rub all their faces in it!"


    Steven raised an eyebrow, though a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "How theatrical. Fine, you can keep your games, but remember - this is a business. As long as we make money on this venture, all is well. But I will not stand for theatrics ruining profit."


    A bit rich coming from him, Ezra thought. That said, it wouldn''t hurt to assure him, "Steven, trust me. The Milotic farm alone will pay for this project ten times over. Add in the other Pokemon we''re working on, and we''re sitting on a goldmine. You''ll get your in to Kanto, and I''ll be swimming in more money than I''ll ever need."


    Steven leaned back in his chair on the other side of the screen, a thoughtful look crossing his face. "That''s what I like to hear, Lance if anything has made it harder to get into the market then old Pryce, and in such a short timeframe... Just make sure you arrive within the week for this. I''ll hold you to that promise of profit."


    Ezra nodded, already mentally calculating his timeline. "You have my word. I''ll be there." He paused for a beat, his tone shifting slightly to a more proud one. "It''ll be good to finally show you what I can give to our partnership. You won''t be disappointed."


    "I''m counting on it," Steven replied, his voice firm. "I''m excited to see all that you have to offer, Ezra."


    With that, they exchanged their goodbyes, and the call ended, leaving Ezra alone in the quiet room. The silence felt heavier now, the weight of his coming success pressing down on him. He stared at the blank screen of his Pokedex, letting the implications of the call sink in.


    "It''s all coming together¡­" He muttered, his voice barely above a whisper.


    He rose from his chair and crossed the room to the window, looking out into the night. The moon hung low in the sky, casting soft silver light over the landscape. In the distance, he could hear the faint rustling of Pokemon in the woods near the stable, the sounds of their nocturnal movements blending into the night.


    Ezra''s mind buzzed with thoughts of the future. The Milotic farm would be a game-changer on its own, financially speaking. With Steven''s resources and Ezra''s knowledge, they''d have a monopoly on one of the most sought-after species in the region. The money wouldn''t just flow.- it would pour in, and with it, once he expanded, influence. Power.


    The dream was becoming reality, one step at a time.


    Yet, despite his confidence in the project, his thoughts wandered to Karen. She was just a few rooms away, blissfully unaware of the magnitude of what was happening behind the scenes. He had been trying to build a rapport with her, to get her on his side, but she was getting under his skin more than he expected. She was sharp, stubborn, and fiercely independent in her thoughts. Qualities he admired, but at the same time, they were maddening.


    Ezra''s fingers drummed idly against the window frame as he considered his next move. Did he take her with him? This was, at least on some level, a public project. The breeding programs were no secret, and Karen was already part of his inner circle, if only by Agatha''s machinations. Bringing her along would be the logical thing to do to keep that avenue going.


    But logic had never dictated all of Ezra''s decisions.


    Karen was a wildcard here. While she was useful, there was always the risk that she''d pry too much, ask too many questions about things he wasn''t ready to share. And as much as he had come to enjoy messing with her, she had a way of complicating things through her connection to Agatha.


    He was¡­ Wary, of the fact Karen was from Johto - not that he gave two shits about that. But from everything he was understanding, Agatha should have. So why had Agatha picked up a Johto kid?


    His mind raced through the options, weighing the benefits and drawbacks of each scenario. On one hand, if he left her behind, he could move through the project without distractions, focusing entirely on the task at hand. On the other hand, bringing her along might build the trust he was slowly working toward, solidifying her as a reliable ally in the long term.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed as he stared out into the night, lost in thought. Karen was becoming a larger factor in his plans than he had anticipated. The real question was, did he want her to be?


    The sound of running water in the distance reminded him that she was still in the bath, oblivious to the decisions being made. He''d have to make his choice soon.


    <hr>

 Its a Metapod Life.

    <hr>


    The early morning light filtered through the windows of the stable''s kitchen as Ezra worked over the stove, flipping strips of bacon in a sizzling pan. The air was filled with the rich scent of cooking food - bacon, sausages, eggs. Beside him, perched on the counter with a focused intensity, was Rider, his Alolan Marowak, mixing pancake batter with a wooden spoon. Rider took his role seriously, his eyes fixed on the bowl as he stirred, the flames at the end of his bone weapon flickering softly in rhythm with each stir.


    He''d had to remind him a few times to not use his bone as a stirring tool, the batter and flame likely would mix well.


    Ezra chuckled softly as he caught Rider''s attempt to dip a finger into the batter again, clearly tempted to taste it. With a swift but gentle poke to the Marowak''s side, Ezra shook his head. "I''ll let you have some of the finished product, don''t eat the batter."


    Rider let out a soft grunt of disappointment, his eyes narrowing in concentration as he resumed stirring, determined to resist temptation. Across the room, Cheshire and Loki, Ezra''s Gengar and Banette respectively, floated lazily near the ceiling, watching the proceedings with clear amusement. Every now and then, they''d blow raspberries at Rider, snickering to themselves whenever his ''mon was caught trying to sneak some batter.


    Ezra shot them both a warning look. "No jeering from the peanut gallery," He scolded, raising a spatula threateningly. "At least he''s helping."


    Cheshire and Loki exchanged mischievous grins but floated back a little, settling on draping themselves over the cupboard tops. Ezra sighed, his gaze flicking to the kitchen, particularly the flour-covered cabinets - a telltale sign of Cheshire''s earlier "help" in fetching ingredients. The Gengar had caused a mini-flour explosion, covering half the kitchen in a fine white dust that Ezra had half-heartedly cleaned up.


    He''d just hire someone to clean the place up later, that was the point of having money after all. That and maids. Maids in cute outfits with way too short skirts.


    At least Rider was focused, unlike his ''helpers'' Cheshire and Loki. Ezra eyed the pancake batter again, noting that it was ready to go.


    Ezra had a few of his Pokemon outside, training in the crisp morning air as usual, but today, Rider, Loki, and Cheshire had insisted on staying inside, eager to help with breakfast, or at least avoid the rigors of the morning workout. He didn''t mind; a little company was nice while cooking.


    As he flipped the last of the bacon and set the strips onto a plate, his sharp hearing picked up the faint sounds of footsteps descending the stairs. Karen was awake.


    Ezra didn''t turn around, waiting until she appeared at the kitchen entrance, her silver hair disheveled, her eyes half-closed in sleepy droopiness. She looked a little more than a mess - her Pikachu-patterned pajamas wrinkled, and her gait slow as she shuffled toward the table. She didn''t even glance at him, her focus entirely on the food sizzling in the pan.


    "Cute," Ezra commented, a teasing smile tugging at his lips as he eyed her Pikachu PJs.


    Karen gave a noncommittal grunt and slid into a chair at the table, resting her head on her arms, her gaze fixed on the food. "It''s too early to care about your teasing, Ezra," She mumbled, her voice muffled by her arm.


    Ezra''s smirk widened, but before he could respond, Loki floated down silently behind Karen, his ghostly grin wide as he hovered near her shoulder, clearly plotting some sort of morning prank. But just as Loki reached for Karen''s shoulder, she raised a single finger without lifting her head, her voice low but dangerous.


    "Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice¡­" Her tone was sharp, cutting through her sleepy demeanor. "Sneasel, if that jokester moves, cut a bitch."


    From beneath the table, Sneasel popped up, her eyes glinting mischievously as she saluted Karen with a crooked grin, claws extended. Loki jolted back, his grin faltering as he quickly retreated to a safer distance. He hadn''t noticed Sneasel''s stealthy presence, and Ezra couldn''t help but chuckle. He''d sensed Sneasel sneak in, but it was worth letting the moment play out.


    Sliding a plate toward Karen, he set down a hearty portion of bacon, eggs, and toast, along with a steaming cup of coffee. "Well, we wouldn''t want you to cut a bitch," He said with mock seriousness. "So eat up."


    Karen, still half-asleep, muttered something unintelligible but picked up her fork, using it to lazily drag a piece of bacon toward her mouth without lifting her head from her arms. She took a bite, her eyes still barely open. After a few moments of chewing, she sighed contentedly.


    "Ugh, why are you so domestic?" She grumbled, her voice tinged with groggy annoyance. "You''re only missing an apron. It''s weird."


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, flipping a pancake with a smooth motion. "Domestic? If you can''t cook at least bacon and eggs and toast, do you even deserve to live?"


    He wasn''t exactly a chef, but making a simple breakfast was well within his abilities. He found himself wondering what Karen usually ate while traveling if she thought this was anything special. Because this was as basic as basic got.


    Karen made another noncommittal grunt, clearly not interested in debating the merits of cooking while she was still in her half-awake state. Slowly, she started to eat more of the food in front of her, washing it down with sips of coffee. Meanwhile, Ezra finished up the pancakes, tossing a few smaller ones to Rider, who caught them with a delighted expression before hopping off the counter to sit beside Ezra.


    By the time Ezra sat down with his own plate - pancakes drenched in jam - Karen looked a little more awake. She ran a hand through her tangled hair, attempting to straighten it out as she speared a piece of pancake and immersed it fully into a cup of honey.


    Ezra glanced at her choice of condiment and made a face. "Honey? Really?" He shook his head, amused and horrified. "Honey has no business being violated like that."


    Karen raised an eyebrow, glancing at the sticky honey-coated pancake on her fork. "To each their own, weirdo," She retorted, taking a bite and letting out a satisfied hum, dunking another piece entirely into the honey just to mess with him, swirling it about.


    They ate in relative silence for a while, the occasional clink of cutlery or the soft sound of Rider stealing the odd piece of pancake from Ezra''s plate breaking the quiet. After a while, Karen looked up from her plate, watching Ezra demolish his stack of pancakes with impressive speed.


    "So why the spread?" Karen asked, her tone more curious than accusatory as she watched him. "I mean, this is a bit more than your usual breakfast, not that I''m complaining."


    Truth was they both usually settled for some toast, cereal bars or some fruit, neither one of them much for cooking. So this was out of the norm.


    Ezra took his time chewing before answering, contemplating how best to approach the subject. He had made his decision, but it required delicacy. If he phrased things wrong, Karen might take it the wrong way - and that could complicate matters further.


    He swallowed and leaned back slightly. "I''m going somewhere," He began slowly, his tone measured, "And I figured a nice breakfast was a good way to start before breaking the news that I''m not taking you with me."


    In the end the choice had been clear. Karen wasn''t on his side enough at this point, to bring her in fully to the business side of things. He couldn''t take her with him. The risk was too much.


    Karen''s head snapped up, her eyes narrowing into a weak glare. "You know my mission," She warned, her voice low.


    Ezra nodded, holding up a hand in a placating gesture. "I know, and I''m aware it''s going to put you in an awkward position," He said, attempting to mollify her. "But hear me out - I have a reason beyond just saying ''screw you, Agatha''."


    Karen''s glare sharpened at the mention of her mentor, and she crossed her arms defensively. "Don''t speak of Lady Agatha like that," She growled.


    Ezra smiled, with a butter wouldn''t melt in my mouth kind of smile. "Of course."


    He was mindful of the fact that Karen was still reporting to Agatha about him, just as he was aware that she had started feeling conflicted about doing so. If he played this right, it could work in his favor.


    "Look," He continued, leaning forward slightly, "Agatha already knows I''m running a business, right? If you come along, you''d end up learning a lot of business secrets that would be of no use to her and would only get you in trouble if you shared them and break my trust. It''d also create a mess with my business partner. You understand that, right?"


    Karen''s frown deepened, but she didn''t interrupt, gesturing for him to go on.


    Ezra speared the last pancake on his plate and offered it to Rider, who happily took it, before continuing. "Instead of just disappearing and creating an issue between us - and between you and Agatha because you ''lost me'' - I''m giving you a heads-up," He explained reasonably. "You can report to Agatha that I left for business, how long I''ll be gone, and that I refused to let you in on any business secrets. It''ll make sense to her, and she won''t question it."


    Karen''s expression remained conflicted, though she slowly nodded, chewing on her lower lip as she thought it over. "I feel like you''re not giving Lady Agatha the proper respect¡­ But I can see how that might work out."


    Ezra mentally exhaled in relief. So far, so good. Being upfront seemed to be working. He knew flipping Karen fully would be difficult, but this was a start. "So you can understand why I need to be gone for a few days?" He added, flashing her a teasing smile. "I know you''ll miss me terribly."


    Karen rolled her eyes, letting out an exaggerated sigh. "Who would miss you, idiot¡­"


    She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms, her posture inadvertently causing her thin pajamas to stretch across her chest, revealing more than she likely intended. Ezra, never one to let an opportunity pass, flicked his gaze downward for the briefest moment, a smirk curling his lips. Karen, unaware at first, continued speaking, her voice still filled with mock annoyance.


    "I don''t like it," She admitted, sighing again. "I''m sure Lady Agatha is going to chew me out for letting you go off without me. But¡­ You''ve been honest with me." She paused, biting her lip thoughtfully before adding, "I guess my decision rests on whether I believe you''re telling the truth or lying to me."


    Ezra put on his best innocent face, his crimson eyes wide and guileless. "Does this look like the face of a liar?" He asked, attempting to hold her gaze with the utmost seriousness.


    He could only manage the act for a few seconds before his eyes dropped again, his expression turning into a wicked leer as he eyed her stretched pajamas and the bounty that was literally on display.


    Karen blinked in confusion at first, her tired mind slowly catching up. Then, realization hit her like a thunderbolt, her face flushing a deep pink. She immediately uncrossed her arms, tugging her pajama shirt down to smooth out the fabric, glaring at him furiously.


    "Pervert," She muttered under her breath, trying and failing to hide her embarrassment as she quickly rose from her seat. "I should go get dressed," She managed to say, her voice tight with both flustered frustration and embarrassment.


    Ezra chuckled softly, watching her stomp off toward the stairs, her steps heavy with indignation. He couldn''t resist calling after her, his tone teasing. "I''d let you convince me of a lot more if you keep wearing those thin pajamas!"


    Karen froze mid-step, her body stiffening as if she was about to turn back and throw something at him. But instead, she let out a strangled huff of frustration and stormed up the stairs, disappearing from sight.


    Ezra leaned back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head and smirking to himself. That had gone better than expected. He''d managed to tell Karen about his plans without her completely losing her temper. Of course, it had taken some teasing to defuse the tension, but that was just how their dynamic worked.


    He''d been right in his approach. Leaving without telling her, or lying, would have just broken the fragile cooperation they had going right now. By telling her the truth, he''d given her enough of an excuse to justify to herself letting it happen.


    How many more times could she avoid reporting something to Agatha before she was entirely caught in not being able to say anything, because it would reveal she didn''t say anything before?


    And more importantly, if he bought her a set of PJs like that, would she wear them again for him?


    He was about to get up to clean the table when Karen''s voice rang out from the upstairs hallway, sharp and annoyed.


    "I can tell you''re thinking perverted things! Knock it off!" She shouted.


    Ezra blinked in genuine surprise. Could she actually tell? Or was she just that good at guessing?


    Shrugging off the mystery of the female mind, which was not worth looking too deep into, as only madness lay there. He glanced down at Rider, who was still sitting beside him, chewing on the last bits of pancake. "Rider," Ezra said, "Go fetch the others. We''ll be leaving soon."


    The Alolan Marowak nodded solemnly, hopping off the chair and making his way to the door. Ezra stood up, stretching his arms above his head as he mentally reviewed the day ahead.


    He had to move quickly - before Karen had time to second-guess herself and before Agatha caught wind of what he was doing if she decided to share what she knew this early. The sooner he could slip away, the smoother everything would go. The Milotic project wasn''t going to wait, and Steven had made it clear that his presence was necessary for the next steps.


    The other evolutions, the knowledge needed to set his business up for instant success, get the money rolling in for him, and his figure endeavors.


    Cecile should be arriving soon too¡­ He''d have to drop a note for his lawyer on the way out, to ensure he took proper care of his golden egg laying duckling.


    As he cleaned up the breakfast dishes and Rider trotted off to gather the rest of the team, Ezra couldn''t help but think about the strange balancing act he''d been walking with Karen. She was sharp, loyal to Agatha, and surprisingly perceptive. But she was also fun to mess with, and if Ezra was being honest with himself, she was starting to get under his skin far more than he''d planned.


    A soft chuckle escaped his lips as he set the plates into the sink, turning on the water to rinse them. No matter what happened, he knew one thing for certain - Karen kept things interesting.


    And that was something Ezra didn''t mind at all.


    ¡­


    Upstairs, Karen splashed cold water on her face, trying to calm her racing thoughts. Ezra had been open with her about his business, which wasn''t something he''d usually do. He kept his cards close to his chest, always two steps ahead, always with some scheme in mind. And yet, today, he had told her his plans straight out.


    She sighed, gripping the edge of the sink and staring at her reflection in the mirror. The truth was, Ezra was getting under her skin in a way she hadn''t expected.


    He was infuriating, arrogant, and constantly teasing her. But then there were moments - like this morning - where he appeared to let his guard down, where he seemed almost¡­ Genuine. It was confusing, and Karen hated feeling confused. She was Agatha''s apprentice, trained to be sharp and decisive, to not get caught up in emotional games.


    But Ezra¡­ Ezra had a way of twisting her thoughts, making her feel like she was constantly playing catch-up.


    "Ugh, why do you have to be so difficult?" She muttered under her breath, wiping her face with a towel.


    Dressed and feeling a little more composed, she made her way back downstairs, bracing herself for more of Ezra''s teasing remarks. She found him standing at the door, his back to her, as he called out instructions to his Pokemon, who had gathered near the stable''s entrance.


    He turned as she approached, a knowing smirk already in place. "Ready to see me off?" He asked casually.


    Karen rolled her eyes, crossing her arms, then immediately uncrossing them when she remembered earlier. "Don''t flatter yourself, I''m only making sure you actually leave, and aren''t planning to prank me or something."


    Ezra chuckled, pushing open the door and stepping outside. "I''ll be back in a few days," He reminded her. "Try not to miss me too much, I know you''d go crazy without me poking at you."


    "Right," Karen replied, watching him as he stepped into the early morning light. "Don''t get yourself killed by running into someone who can''t stand your bullshit."


    Ezra shot her one last mischievous grin before heading off with Rider back at his side, the rest of his team already out front, waiting for him.


    Karen watched him go, standing in the doorway with an odd mixture of relief and apprehension.


    "Don''t get yourself killed," She muttered under her breath again, softer this time, before turning back into the stable, the door clicking shut behind her.


    Whatever Ezra had planned, she couldn''t shake the feeling that this was just the beginning of something much bigger.


    He never seemed to do anything by halves.


    ¡­


    Ezra, walking along the dirt path leading away from the stable, allowed himself a rare moment of introspection. Everything was coming together - the breeding project with Steven with the Pokemon evolutions, his training, the social media project with Cecile - and now, his plans were starting to take shape and really head towards realization instead of just planning them.


    But there was one thing he hadn''t fully accounted for.


    Karen.


    She was a wrinkle in the ointment, someone who had entered his life at the insistence of Agatha, but who had become far more than just a watchful little spy. He could see it in her eyes - the hesitation, the doubt. She was caught between her loyalty to Agatha and the strange connection that had formed between them.


    Ezra smirked to himself, shaking his head. Women were always a complication. But he had to admit that some complications made life more interesting, and in the end, he wouldn''t change a thing.


    If Karen thought he was difficult now, she hadn''t seen anything yet.


    ¡­


    Back at the stable, Karen paced the kitchen, her mind racing. Ezra''s departure had left her feeling unsettled, and she didn''t know why. She had been trained to deal with difficult situations, to assess risks and make the right calls. But with Ezra¡­ It was just too different.


    Nothing Agatha had trained her in had prepared her for how complicated he made everything. His stupid smirk shouldn''t be so cute!


    "Stop overthinking," She muttered to herself, shaking her head as if to clear her thoughts.


    But even as she told herself to let it go, she couldn''t shake the nagging feeling in the back of her mind.


    "Damn him," She muttered, sinking back into her chair at the table.


    No matter how hard she tried, Ezra had a way of just worming his way in, forcing himself into her thoughts, making her think about him, making her care what happened with him


    With his stupid smirk, his stupid face, his stupid teasing, his annoying competence and secrecy¡­


    The way he¡­ Listened to her. Took her words seriously¡­ Noticed her.


    And the worst part was, she wasn''t sure if she wanted him to stop.


    <hr>


    Lavender Town, Kanto.


    The sun hung low in the sky as Ezra Kassian landed just outside the dense woods that bordered Lavender Town. The town itself was hidden in the distance, a faint silhouette framed against the horizon. He had chosen this spot deliberately, ensuring he was far enough away from any prying eyes. Lavender was the last place he wanted to be seen openly. Too many chances of discovery. Too many eyes that would recognize him.


    It''s not like it would be a real issue, him skirting their little banishment. At worst he''d get a slap on the wrist and told to get out. But he wanted his return to be grand, to really rub it into their faces, and this occasion was not that. So he could not be seen.


    As he dismounted from his Pidgeot that had flown him in, Ezra scanned the area, his crimson eyes narrowing in concentration. He wrapped his aura around himself, using his own shadow like a shroud, blending into the darkness cast by the trees. His form became nearly invisible as he moved, a faint ripple in the darkness the only sign of his presence as he skirted the edges of the forest.


    His many training sessions at night while Karen was knocked out, was not only improving his Pokemon, but his own abilities as well.


    After several minutes of silent travel, he reached a hill overlooking his destination. Nestled among the rolling hills and bordered by a slow-moving river was the farm that had been constructed for him. It was impressive - far more elaborate than he''d expected.


    The property was enclosed by high stone walls, sturdy and imposing, built to prevent anyone from catching a glimpse of what lay inside. From his vantage point, Ezra could see a shimmering river cutting through the land, winding toward a small lake that took up a significant portion of the acreage. A small forest hugged the western edge of the property, and beyond it, rolling green hills stretched out, the land a patchwork of natural beauty and careful planning. In the center of it all stood a large compound of buildings - offices, training grounds, and quarters for staff, all built with practicality and privacy in mind.


    Ezra''s lips quirked into a satisfied smirk. Steven had really outdone himself. The place was perfect for what it was meant to be - an isolated, secure facility for breeding and raising rare Pokemon without too many chances of prying into its secrets.


    Pulling his shadows away, Ezra stepped out of the trees and made his way toward the entrance. The main gate, a heavy iron structure, was flanked by two guards, both trainers. Each had three Pokemon stationed beside them, all alert and watching the perimeter with sharp eyes. Even from a distance, Ezra could feel the scrutiny of the guards and the professional attitude they held. These guards were no joke - Steven had clearly invested in top-tier security.


    As Ezra approached, one of the guards stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he raised a hand to stop him.


    "Halt. Identify yourself," The guard ordered, his voice firm. The Pokemon at his side - an imposing Rapidash - growled low in its throat, its eyes locking onto Ezra. "This is a restricted area."


    Ezra''s smirk widened. Steven didn''t play around. He liked that. It said good things about how successful this venture would be. And how seriously Steven took it.


    "Ezra Kassian," He said smoothly, his tone dripping with confidence. "Part-owner of this wonderful place."


    The guard didn''t relax. Instead, he pulled out a clipboard and checked it, before looking back up. "Apologies, but for identification purposes, we''ll need to see some ID - and your Pokemon. ¡­ Rhyno, is it?"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, amused. He reached into his coat pocket, pulling out his Trainer ID and handing it over. "You need my ID? I thought my charming appearance was enough." He was kind of easy to identify compared to the average person, "And it''s Rider, not Rhyno." He added.


    The guard took the ID, barely glancing up at Ezra''s comment. His expression remained serious as he examined the card. "Looks can be faked," He said flatly, still not lowering his guard completely.


    Ezra suppressed a chuckle. These guys were good. The other guard stood back, his Pokemon alert but unmoving, ready to jump into action if needed. To think they even named his Pokemon wrong to try and trip him up.


    With a flick of his wrist, a Pokeball was tossed out as Ezra summoned Rider, his Alolan Marowak. The ghostly Pokemon materialized beside him, his bone club ablaze, his expression curious as ever.


    The guards visibly relaxed at the sight of Rider, though they still maintained their professionalism. The Rapidash stepped back, its growl fading as it returned to its post. Ezra supposed the likelihood of someone else figuring out how to evolve a cubone into a Ghost type Marowak yet was low enough just this was enough for identification.


    "You''re clear," The guard said, handing back Ezra''s ID. "You may enter. Mister Stone is expecting you. My partner here will escort you to him."


    The second trainer - a tall, lean man with an almost delicate, effeminate appearance and a permanent scowl etched on his face - stepped forward. He had three Pokemon flanking him; a sleek Persian, a muscular Machamp, and a floating Solrock. Despite his grumpy demeanor, there was an unmistakable air of competence about him.


    Ezra gave a small nod, motioning for Rider to stay at his side as they followed the trainer through the gates. He idly noticed that the two trainers by themselves were not enough to open them, and that they had to contact the compound and have a third trainer press something from their side.


    At least he could feel comfortable in this not being an easy location for Team Rocket to strike at.


    As they walked along the path leading toward the compound, Ezra glanced around, taking in the finer details of the operation. The land had been expertly divided, with different areas designated for different types of Pokemon. He could see water Pokemon gliding through the river, while flying types circled the skies above the small forest.


    "Security''s tight," Ezra commented approvingly, his eyes scanning the landscape as they passed a few more patrolling guards, no one seemed to be by themselves, always accompanied by at minimum a second guard.


    "Sure is, sir," The trainer replied, his tone professional. "We''ve got multiple layers of security. There''s a Pokemon stationed underground at the gate even, so even if the guards were taken out immediately, we''d still have a report sent back in time for a response. We''ve got a trio of Alakazam maintaining a barrier to prevent any unauthorized flying over the walls. And we''ve got Dark type specialists and their Pokemon ensuring teleportation will not happen without our permission.


    Ezra nodded, impressed. Maybe a bit overly cautious, but then again, you could never be too careful in this line of work, it would be insanely profitable after all. The secrecy of this project was everything. If word got out about the particulars about how the breeding programs worked, they''d lose their competitive advantage. And Ezra wasn''t about to let that happen.


    "Your competency makes me hard." He murmured, eying all the security measures.


    "... As you say, sir¡­" The trainer replied, looking uncomfortable.


    The trainer led him to the main building, a sleek, modern structure overlooking the lake. The large windows offered a view of the entire property, and Ezra could already tell this was where the operation was being overseen. A prim secretary type, dressed in sharp business attire, greeted him at the entrance.


    "Welcome, Mister Kassian," She said with a polite smile. "Mister Stone is expecting you."


    She led him through the building, her heels clicking on the polished floors as they passed various offices and labs. As they approached a large set of double doors, the secretary knocked once before pushing them open, revealing a spacious office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the farm.


    And there, standing by the window with his back to the door, was Steven Stone. Dressed impeccably in a tailored suit, complete with a sweeping cape that fluttered slightly as he turned, Steven cut an imposing yet refined figure. His steel blue hair caught the light, gleaming like the stones he was so famously obsessed with.


    "Welcome to the Ranch," Steven said, a knowing smirk on his face as he stepped forward to greet Ezra. He extended a hand, his eyes gleaming with something undecipherable. "I hope it''s everything you dreamed of?"


    Ezra clasped Steven''s hand, his own smirk widening into a wild grin. "Oh, it''ll do perfectly."


    Steven chuckled, releasing Ezra''s hand as he gestured to the window. "Take a look. We''ve got everything set up exactly as you wanted. The lake is stocked with Feebas. Once we finalize the details on how many we want at a time for sale and for keeping around to harvest scales from, the Milotic farm will be up and running within the week."


    Ezra stepped closer to the window, gazing out at the sprawling property. It was all there - everything he needed to ensure the success of their venture. The river flowed steadily, feeding into the lake, where he could just make out the faint ripples of movement beneath the water''s surface. The forest provided shelter for the flying types, and the hills were dotted with small enclosures for the other Pokemon they planned to breed and evolve.


    The operation was bigger than he had imagined. And the potential for profit¡­ It was staggering. Considering the obsession in this world over Pokemon, let alone rare or beautiful ones¡­ This alone had the potential to make him one of the richest men alive.


    "You''ve outdone yourself, Steven," Ezra said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. "This place¡­ It''s going to make us more money than we''ll know what to do with."


    Steven''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "And it''s only the beginning. Once we get the first batch of Milotic on the market, we''ll have a monopoly on one of the most beautiful and rare Pokemon in the world. Every rich collector and trainer in every region will be lining up to buy from us." He made a sweeping gesture, "And we can artificially create more of a market by holding them back and selling a few at a time, ensuring our sales of scales remain robust."


    Ezra nodded, his mind already racing with ideas. "And that''s just Milotic. We''ve got other Pokemon in the works like I told you. Dragon types, rare evolutions¡­ We''re going to control the market on some of the most powerful species out there." He couldn''t wait to see his bank account explode.


    Steven walked over to a desk in the center of the room, picking up a folder and handing it to Ezra. "These are the final plans for what we have available for the breeding programs and evolutions possible based on the information you''ve given me. You''ll need to look them over and make sure everything''s in place. We''ve also got a few of your requested Pokemon in transit. They''ll be here by the end of the week."


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Ezra flipped through the folder, his eyes scanning the details. Everything was laid out perfectly - timelines, security measures, known evolution techniques that''s the norm for the world as is, before he was about to shock it completely. Steven had thought of everything.


    Professor Oak was going to have a stroke once they put out their first auction, and showed off what they had. Ezra idly reminded himself he would have to send the man an invitation, a smug one.


    "This is good," Ezra said, closing the folder and tucking it under his arm. "Once I''ve had a look around, I''ll finalize the training procedures for your people. Some of the evolution methods we''re using that I have developed are¡­ Unconventional."


    Steven smirked, his eyes glinting with interest. "I wouldn''t expect anything less from you, Ezra after our first talk and subsequent discussions. I''m looking forward to seeing your methods in action."


    Ezra gave a curt nod, his mind already moving on to the next steps. The pieces were all in place.


    It was time to make it rain money.


    <hr>


    Ezra and Steven walked through the wide, open stable area, their boots crunching softly on the gravel path that wound between the enclosures. The stables themselves were designed with care to accommodate the multitude of rare and diverse Pokemon already housed there. Various Pokemon species were busy inside their enclosures - some darted around in groups, others were perched on ledges, or dozing in the shade provided by carefully placed canopies.


    As they walked, the caregivers and handlers who managed the day-to-day work of caring for the Pokemon watched Ezra with attentive eyes. They all knew who he was - he was the one responsible for much of the evolutionary ''research'' behind this entire program. Steven of course had assured him that the people hired to work here were all vetted professionals from his corporation, and there was no hiding the spark of curiosity and excitement that flickered in their gazes whenever Ezra walked past.


    They''d also been buried in NDA''s and punitive contracts to ensure their life would be effectively over if they shared the methods used here with anyone else.


    The two men continued their stroll, with Steven mostly silent, watching Ezra''s reactions as they passed the various enclosures. Finally, they approached a pen where several Mankeys were running about, playfully wrestling one another, and making their usual loud, chattering noises. Ezra stopped, a smirk tugging at his lips. The addition of Mankeys? That was going to make him a fortune.


    Maybe.


    It wouldn''t be the easiest one to handle, but it would definitely be one unlikely to be able to be cracked by anyone else anytime soon.


    If he could get a few of these creatures to evolve into Annihilape, they would be priceless - especially considering how rare the evolved form likely was, he doubted anyone else had one. He could already picture collectors and competitive trainers throwing money at the chance to own one.


    Noticing Ezra''s interest, one of the handlers, a tall man with a notepad and pen at the ready, eagerly stepped forward. "I noticed you were focusing on our Mankeys, sir. Could you give us the details on how to evolve them?" He asked, his voice a little breathless with anticipation. The rest of the crowd of people following them all perked up as well.


    Ezra flicked a glance at Steven, who simply gave him a small nod, his lips curling into a faint smile. "Go on," Steven urged. "This is what you''re here for, after all. I admit, I''m curious myself."


    Ezra turned back to the group of handlers, now standing much closer, their eyes fixed on him with a mix of awe and expectation. It was amusing, really, how everyone seemed to hang on his every word. He was glad they''d all signed the necessary NDA''s - no one would dare cross Steven Stone, and that alone was enough security for Ezra.


    If he''d done this by himself¡­ Even with the ten million, it would have been impossible, and he couldn''t have guaranteed silence half as well as someone like Steven, who few would dare cross in such a way.


    "Alright," Ezra began, clasping his hands behind his back. "For this particular evolution¡­ It''s not the safest or easiest to handle." He paused for a moment, watching the crowd of handlers lean in slightly, eager to hear the details. "First, they have to evolve into Primeape, which I assume you all know how to do."


    Several of the handlers nodded in response. They were experienced enough to handle that much, at least. It had probably been much easier to gather a gaggle of Mankeys than Primeapes, which is why they had the unevolved forms here.


    "Now," Ezra continued, his voice dropping slightly, "The secret to getting an Annihilape from a Primeape¡­" He paused dramatically, enjoying the way the crowd seemed to hold its collective breath, hanging on his next words. "¡­is to piss it off until it dies from rage."


    The silence that followed his statement was almost comical. The gathered men and women stared at him, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. Even Steven''s normally composed expression faltered for a moment, his eyebrows raising in surprise, with a mutter of, "What?" Falling from his lips.


    Ezra''s smirk widened as he saw their reactions. "I know, it sounds crazy," He said, holding his hands up in a mock surrender. "But it works. That''s why it''s not exactly the safest process. You''ll need to take precautions, but yes, you have to enrage a Primeape to the point where its fury literally consumes it. Instead of dying, it becomes an Annihilape."


    One of the handlers, a young woman with a notebook clutched tightly to her large chest, blinked and raised her hand hesitantly. "You mean¡­ We have to kill them with anger?" She asked, clearly trying to process the information.


    "Not exactly," Ezra clarified, waving a hand. "It''s more about pushing them to their limits - enough to trigger the evolution before they can succumb. Teaching them Rage Fist, for example, and having them use that move repeatedly can help build up that energy. The more they use it, the closer they get to reaching the necessary state. That said, you need to actually make them angry, constantly, and consistently until the rage boils over."


    He chuckled, "Calling them weak or disparaging their fighting skills seem to work."


    There was a murmur of agreement among the handlers, though many still looked a bit skeptical. One of the men - an older, grizzled handler who seemed unfazed by the process - chuckled darkly. "Well, that''s one way to handle it," He said, shaking his head, while rubbing his hands together almost gleefully, "Pissing people off is my specialty."


    The man who had initially asked the question for Ezra to share his knowledge, Sebastian, as Ezra would later learn - nodded thoughtfully. "Too right Blake," Before he got a sly look, "Jordan, you''re on Primeape duty with Blake," He said without hesitation.


    The rest of the group snickered as a man named Jordan groaned, casting an exasperated look skyward. "What did I ever do to you, Sebastian?" Jordan grumbled, clearly not thrilled at the idea of handling enraged Primeapes.


    "You slept with my wife," Sebastian replied dryly, not missing a beat.


    Jordan rolled his eyes. "You hate your wife, I was doing you a favor."


    "It''s the thought of how sick you are to climb that hill that counts in my book," Sebastian sniffed, before turning back to Ezra with a respectful nod. "Thanks for the details, sir. We''ve already been told how to evolve Feebas into Milotic, and honestly, I can''t believe no one else figured that out earlier." He shook his head, amazed at the oversight. "Could we get the details for the next set?"


    Ezra chuckled at the banter between the handlers but nodded in response to Sebastian''s request. "Of course," He said, gesturing for the group to follow him.


    For the next hour, Ezra led the team through the various stables and enclosures, stopping at each pen to explain the unique evolutionary processes for the Pokemon in question. He took his time, walking the handlers through each step, making sure to give detailed notes where necessary.


    At one enclosure, they stopped to admire a group of Scyther, the young bug types clashing with each other for entertainment as they watched. "Scyther, as some of you might know, is a fairly popular Pokemon without an evolution." Ezra explained. "That''s not true, train with one wearing a metal coat, and it will evolve into what I call Scizor, a bug/steel type," He smirked as the handlers all gasped in excitement, "Expose the Scyther to Black Augurite¡­ And you''ll get what I call Kleavor, a bug/rock type Pokemon."


    "This is pure gold." Sebastian almost moaned out, as he scribbled down notes with a mad grin on his face.


    Ezra only chuckled, before he had a thought, "The first Kleavor¡­ I want it sent to Brock, Flint''s son in Pewter." He ordered.


    The guy was such a bro, he deserved a reward above what he was being paid.


    Sebastian nodded, making a note of it.


    They moved on, Ezra giving detailed instructions for the rarer Pokemon, including strategies for helping them evolve all based on his memories, and he was fairly certain some of the information would be slightly off, but the evolution part should be right at least. The handlers listened intently, scribbling notes on their clipboards or tapping on their devices as they absorbed the information. The air was filled with the soft murmur of Pokemon and the scribbling of pens as they followed Ezra through the facilities, each of them eager to apply his techniques.


    Ezra felt a deep sense of satisfaction as he shared his knowledge and saw them swallow it whole, eager to try it, and to expand on what they''d learned. This was his domain, even if shared with Steven. And soon enough, the world would come knocking at their door, ready to pay whatever price they demanded.


    He was essentially rich already. His bank account just didn''t know yet.


    <hr>


    A few hours later,


    Ezra and Steven stood in front of the vault door, a massive, reinforced barrier that seemed more appropriate for a high-security government facility than for a breeding farm. The keypad on the door blinked, awaiting input, and above it, a scanner glowed faintly, ready to check for their retinal patterns. Ezra couldn''t help but raise an eyebrow, impressed despite himself.


    "I have to say," Ezra muttered, stepping forward to enter the code Steven had given him earlier, "I didn''t expect this level of security for what''s essentially a farm."


    Steven simply smiled as the door emitted a mechanical click and swung open with a smooth, soundless motion after it had scanned his eye. "If it''s worth doing," He said with a smug edge in his voice, "It''s worth doing well. Never forget that."


    Ezra chuckled as they walked into the vault. The lights flickered on, revealing a room lined from floor to ceiling with shelves filled with evolution stones. It was as if they''d walked into a treasure trove. The walls were stacked with Leaf Stones, Thunder Stones, Fire Stones, Sun Stones, and every other variety known to man. Some of them glimmered in the artificial light, their inherent energy almost tangible.


    He also noted to his pleasure - a small collection of Black Augurite, which meant Brock would get his gift sooner then he''d expected.


    "I have to admit," Ezra said as he looked around, taking in the sheer quantity of stones, "You certainly don''t waste time." He reached out, picking up a Sun Stone from one of the lower shelves, weighing it in his hand. "It''s impressive."


    Steven hummed in satisfaction, his eyes scanning the vault with pride. "I''ve always found that patience is overrated in business. You seize the moment or you lose it. The Eeveelutions you mentioned aren''t exactly unknown to the entire world, but they''re rare enough to be seen as almost mythical in Kanto and Johto at least, and in some aspects Hoenn and Sinnoh as well. And with access to stones like these¡­" He gestured broadly at the room. "We''ll control the market."


    Ezra nodded. He had noticed during his research that even common knowledge about certain Eeveelutions was hard to come by. Leafeon, for instance, wasn''t even listed in some of the more thorough databases, and finding references to specific evolutions of Pokemon like Arcanine had been surprisingly difficult. Where it should have really been fairly easy for someone to test how the evolution worked.


    He suspected clan shenanigans working at suppressing information that gave them an advantage.


    "It''s not that people don''t know then, I suppose," Ezra commented, placing the Sun Stone back carefully on the shelf, "It''s that they don''t have the resources. These stones are expensive, and unless you''re loaded or get lucky, most trainers can''t justify the cost of an evolution stone on a whim, especially if they''re not sure."


    Steven turned to face him, a knowing smile tugging at his lips. "And that''s where we come in. While the knowledge of stone-triggered evolutions isn''t exactly hidden amongst researchers and the like. Most trainers are not so aware of the possible evolutions or their means. Our job is to control how many of them are available and for how much, ensuring even those who know can''t match us in the quantity of evolutions."


    Ezra smirked at the thought. It was the perfect plan. Supply and demand would be heavily skewed in their favor. "So, the fact that some of these evolutions are already known¡­ Won''t be an issue?" Ezra asked, though he already knew the answer.


    Steven''s eyes glinted with predatory satisfaction. "Not at all. You see, while these evolutions are mostly known to a select few researchers and specialists, they''ve never been available on a commercial scale. A Flareon here, a Vaporeon there, perhaps one or two Leafeons in obscure studies. But the general public? They have no idea how to access these evolutions and in many cases don''t even know they exist yet, and the trainers who have managed it aren''t exactly sharing the details." He paused, a smirk forming on his lips. "And once the information does leak out, we''ll have an almost total monopoly on the stones themselves due to my efforts. No one else will be able to scale this as fast or as effectively as we can."


    Ezra let out a low chuckle, fully appreciating the genius of the plan. "You bought up every stone you could find, didn''t you?"


    It wouldn''t stop people from finding a stone. But to match their industrial level? No one would be capable. If you wanted a Jolteon, a Glaceon, and so on, you''d have to come here.


    Steven''s smug smile widened. "I did. I spent the time since you informed me of this plan of yours, quietly purchasing evolution stones from every corner of the globe that I had access to. No matter where they''ve been found, traded, or stored, I''ve ensured they''re now in our possession. And yes, we may not be the sole keeper of the evolutionary secrets, but by the time that information becomes common knowledge, we''ll already have a stranglehold on the supply."


    Ezra''s grin matched Steven''s as he glanced around the vault, marveling at the sheer number of stones they had gathered. He could already imagine the demand that would skyrocket once word got out. Collectors, trainers, researchers - everyone would come crawling to them, desperate for one of these evolutions.


    "We''ll be able to pick our price," Ezra murmured, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. "And the rarer Eeveelutions¡­ They''ll sell themselves."


    Steven''s eyes sparkled with a mixture of excitement and pride. "Exactly. Even moving away from Eevees, Arcanine alone will bring in a fortune. I''ve already begun discussing potential supply deals with the police force. With their Growlithes, they''ll be very interested in the Arcanine evolution. And as for the rest of the Eeveelutions - Vaporeon, Jolteon, Leafeon, and beyond - trainers will pay whatever we ask to get their hands on them."


    The two of them shared a look of understanding. This wasn''t just a breeding farm; it was a business empire in the making, and Steven had clearly gone all in. Ezra had to admit, seeking him out as a business partner had been one of his smarter moves.


    Just then, behind them, Sebastian, the overly eager handler from earlier, entered the vault, able to as they''d left the vault door open. His eyes immediately lit up as he saw the walls lined with evolution stones. He approached them quickly, his notepad already open, and Ezra could see the excitement practically buzzing off him.


    "Sir," Sebastian said, glancing between Steven and Ezra, "I''ve been told you have three Eeveelutions that don''t require stones for their transformation. Would you care to share the method with us?" He looked almost reproachful for a moment, "You must have forgotten earlier¡­"


    Ezra crossed his arms and glanced at Steven, who offered him an amused shrug. "Go ahead, Ezra. This is what they''re here for, after all. And I admit, I''m always interested in what you have to say on the topic of evolutions."


    Ezra sighed, turning back to Sebastian. The handler looked at him like he was a starving man about to receive his first meal in days. His enthusiasm was almost unnerving. "Alright," Ezra said, deciding to start with Umbreon, "For Umbreon, it''s relatively straightforward. You''ll want to allow the Eevee out at night only. Play with them, bond with them - and battle with them, if possible. It''s all about happiness and trust. Once they''re happy enough with their trainer, and the conditions are right, they''ll evolve into Umbreon."


    Sebastian scribbled furiously in his notebook, his eyes wide with interest. "Friendship, you say?" He muttered to himself, shaking his head as if the concept was ludicrous. "That''s not exactly something the science community would have guessed¡­"


    Ezra smirked. "Trust me, it works. And it''s not like it''s a difficult process. The Eevee will become quite attached, though, so doing it in revolving groups should help mitigate that somewhat while still giving the Eevee enough attention."


    His thoughts went to his own, wondering how much longer until he had an Umbreon.


    That particular Pokemon was known about, but as with so many other things, the method to get that evolution was not public knowledge.


    Sebastian nodded eagerly. "We''ll make it work."


    Ezra continued, moving on to the next evolution. "For Espeon it''s the same process but for days instead of nights. For Sylveon, it''s essentially the same process, with needing to interact with the Eevee during the day as well, and the key is to teach it a Fairy-type move. Baby-Doll Eyes, Charm - anything in that category will do the trick."


    For a moment, the vault was deathly silent. Sebastian had frozen, his pen hovering over his notepad. His eyes locked on Ezra, his mouth slightly agape.


    "What?" Ezra asked, genuinely confused.


    "Fairy?" Sebastian repeated slowly, his voice hushed as if he could hardly believe what he was hearing.


    Ezra blinked, realizing his mistake. "Oh¡­ Right. I forgot. You people don''t really have Fairy type confirmed yet, do you?"


    Steven, who had been watching with interest, stepped forward, his expression sharp. "Fairy?" His voice was a mix of curiosity and frustration. "I know there have been some researchers theorizing a Fairy type, but they haven''t managed to present any concrete evidence."


    Sebastian''s hand shot to his notepad, and he began furiously scribbling once more. "Of course¡­ That would make sense. The interactions, the affinities¡­Clefable is fairy, not normal, of course!"


    Ezra sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was what happened when he let things slip too easily. "Look, all you need to know is that Fairy type moves are a trigger for Sylveon''s evolution. Teach Eevee a Fairy type move, bond with them, and you''ll get your Sylveon."


    "Fascinating¡­" Sebastian muttered, his hand never slowing as he wrote down every word. "This changes so much¡­"


    Steven, meanwhile, folded his arms, his gaze narrowing in thought. "How do you know this?" He asked, his voice quiet but probing. "The theory of Fairy types is still in its infancy, and no one has definitively proven their existence."


    Ezra scratched his chin, regretting his loose tongue for the hundredth time. But he needed to share enough to make the project work - Sylveons would be top sellers, after all. "I''m¡­ Burdened with terrible knowledge," He said, his tone almost joking.


    Steven paused, his expression thoughtful. "Another Legendary working through you, perhaps? Or was it Darkrai? No¡­ You knew this before that, didn''t you?"


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed as he glared at Steven. "How do you know about that?" Ezra''s voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. He had expected Steven to be resourceful, but knowledge about the ''Darkrai'' incident? That should have been classified beyond anyone''s reach.


    How useless was Lance?


    Steven chuckled lightly, his gaze almost amused. "Ezra, Lance is from Johto, as was Pryce before him. It has never been difficult to¡­ Persuade certain members of Kanto''s League staff to share secrets. At least, for those who have the means." His smile was calm, calculated. "Secrets don''t stay hidden for long when Kanto and Johto are as divided as they are. Especially not when people in power can use them to undermine their rivals."


    Ezra''s expression darkened. "You''re saying this classified information was just¡­ Up for sale?"


    Steven gave a casual shrug, not bothered in the slightest by the tension now hanging in the air. "Top-secret or classified doesn''t mean much when it''s in the hands of people who hate each other. If there''s even a hint that something might hurt Lance''s position - or Pryce''s before him - people are more than willing to talk. I hate to break it to you, but your League is a mess. Everyone has an agenda, and there are few who are truly loyal to the concept of a unified Kanto and Johto."


    "Fantastic," Ezra muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose again. So, Giovanni didn''t need a word from that base to know what went down, he thought angrily¡­ He could just ask around and someone would happily spill everything."


    Steven nodded, his face now serious. "Exactly. That''s why Lance, and Pryce before him, rarely flexed their full power. If they did, half the gym leaders in Kanto would openly rebel. They don''t make big moves because any sign of heavy-handed rule from Johto would lead to open revolt. It''s all a delicate balance, which is why most of what the League does is compromises that leaves everyone equally unhappy."


    The Hoenn prick was taking way too much amusement out of explaining this, Ezra thought, feeling like he''d put too much trust in the likes of Agatha and Lance to not be incompetent.


    "Great," Ezra muttered again. It was starting to become clear that the aftermath of the Kanto-Johto war still hung like a storm cloud over everything. Even though the fighting had officially ended, the war had left deep scars, and that tension was still playing out in the shadows. He was beginning to understand just how fractured the world really was. The League wasn''t a unified body, but a patchwork of old grudges and shaky alliances.


    Now he definitely did not want to become Agatha''s apprentice. Last thing he needed was to become a simple pawn on that chessboard.


    Not that being instead a knight - a gym leader - would necessarily save him from headaches.


    Steven''s tone softened slightly, sensing Ezra''s frustration. "It''s a mess, but it also means opportunities. People who can navigate the chaos - people like us - can come out on top. That''s why I made sure this venture is protected from prying eyes. We can make a fortune, and no one''s going to interfere because they''re too busy fighting each other." He gained a look of amusement, "Or in Lance''s case, too busy ensuring I don''t hang around, to care about another money making venture¡­ As long as we pay our taxes."


    Before Ezra could reply, Sebastian, who had been silently scribbling in his notebook during the entire exchange, suddenly interrupted. His eyes were gleaming with hunger for more information. "This is all fascinating, but the politics are irrelevant to me. What I care about is this Fairy typing you mentioned." His intense gaze locked onto Ezra, practically pinning him in place. "Tell me more. We need to understand this better if we''re going to fully exploit it."


    Ezra shot Steven a pleading look, but Steven merely smiled, clearly enjoying the situation. "Go on," Steven said casually. "You''ve opened Pandora''s box now, Ezra. Might as well see it through."


    Ezra groaned internally, before telling Sebastian, "Oh, look at the time, Steven and I have that thing, right? Remember the thing?" He told Steven, in no mood to be caught with a nerd in infoorgasm mode.


    Steven smirked at him, checking his watch, "Oh, I can handle that on my own, no need to worry, Ezra, you have all the time in the world."


    As Steven walked away, chuckling, Ezra gave him a death glare, promising himself he''d get the man back for that. Even as Sebastian crowded in way too close for comfort, eyes wide, pleading with him to share everything he knew.


    Ezra gave him an uncomfortable look, he looked almost like he wanted to crack Ezra''s skull open and suck up all the juicy information.


    It was creepy.


    Damn you, Steven!


    <hr>


    Pewter city, Kanto.


    The sun was shining brightly over the rolling fields around Ezra''s stable, with the air thick with the smells of grass, fresh earth, and the subtle musk of various Pokemon that roamed freely. Karen and Brock moved through the area, their footsteps light as they wandered from one place to the next, feeding Ezra''s Pokemon.


    Karen seemed especially at home, her hands lingering a little longer over the Dark types, their forms responding to her with affection. A sneaky Sableye clambered up onto her shoulder, its mischievous grin widening as it nuzzled against her neck.


    "Dark Pokemon really do seem to like you," Brock commented, tossing a handful of berries into the forest, where a Murkrow was watching them from the shadows of a tree.


    Karen smiled, gently scratching the Sableye''s head. "I guess, it''s really only gotten to this point since I met Ezra... That said, I''ve always loved them, there''s something about their intensity... Their raw, unpredictable nature. It''s like they''re always one step away from chaos, yet still keeping on the right side, and I appreciate that." She cast a glance at the Murkrow, her eyes gleaming with pride in her chosen craft. "Besides, they keep me on my toes more than boring rock types."


    Brock laughed lightly. "Yeah, I guess we''re easy." He responded to the tease easily, "You certainly seem to handle them better than most trainers. Dark types can be tough to bond with from what I read up on." He looked around the stable thoughtfully, admiring how well-kept and organized all the Pokemon kept. "It''s weird to see it all go down so well, even with me, these Pokemon haven''t behaved anything like they''re supposed to. Dark or Ghost, they''re just so¡­ Calm."


    "True, it''s definitely strange." Karen mused, her gaze following a Poochyena and Houndor as they scampered across the field. "I suppose I shouldn''t be surprised he created something like this either¡­ It lets him run his businesses, train his Pokemon, and... Well, probably scheme." She snickered at the thought, imagining Ezra constantly thinking up new ways to make money and irritate people in equal measure.


    For once it wouldn''t be her, which she was thankful for. Even if she was curious what exactly he was getting up to. She was still awaiting word from Agatha, expecting a blistering for accepting that she had no business getting into¡­ His business.


    They walked a little further, stopping to feed a few more of Ezra''s Pokemon with a few of Karen''s intermixed, when Brock glanced at Karen out of the corner of his eye, clearly trying to steer the conversation elsewhere. "So... I know my dad apologized, how did you take that?"


    Karen''s mood soured instantly, her hand pausing mid-pet as she looked at Brock with narrowed eyes. "You really want to talk about that guy?" Her voice dripped with irritation, though it wasn''t directed at Brock. "He''s... something else. I still can''t believe the way he treated you back at the festival, let alone how he reacted to me at first. If I had to live under his roof, I''d go nuts."


    Brock sighed, running a hand through his hair, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yeah, Dad''s... complicated. He''s not always that bad, though. Victory Day just brings out the worst in him." He winced, as if the memory of his father''s antics still weighed heavily on his mind. "But it''s not all bad. He means well -"


    Karen cut him off with a scoff. "Means well? Brock, he humiliated you in front of a crowd, talked down on you, called you his fool son amongst other things. If that''s his way of showing love, he needs a serious reality check." She picked up a handful of berries and tossed them absently into another enclosure, her gaze hard. "I don''t know how you put up with it, but you shouldn''t keep making excuses for him."


    She knew she was really butting in where she wasn''t wanted. And with her experience¡­ Family wasn''t something she should really give advice on - but then again, he''d brought it up himself, so she felt it was fair to speak her mind on the issue.


    Brock shifted uncomfortably, clearly not wanting to dive too deep into that topic. "It''s just... How he is. He can be overbearing, sure, but... At the end of the day, he''s my dad. I try to see past the rough edges." He quickly tried to change the subject, glancing at a particularly large group of Dark Pokemon near the far end of the stable, most of them Karen''s "Anyway, what''s your favorite Dark type here? I noticed you spent a lot of time with the Sneasel earlier, and Ezra told me you have a Weavile as well."


    Karen gave him a sidelong look, knowing exactly what he was doing, but she let it go. "Sneasel''s alright," She said, her voice more casual now. "But I have a soft spot for Houndour and Houndoom. There''s something about their loyalty and fiery attitude that resonates with me. Plus, they''re strong as hell if you work them right."


    Brock nodded, looking relieved at the continued shift in topic, which made Karen want to roll her eyes, since he had brought it up in the first place. "Yeah, I can see where you''re coming from. I''ve always been more into Rock types since it''s kind of the family business, it''s what I know, but I can see the appeal. Dark types are... Unique."


    Their conversation continued as they made their rounds, Brock asking more about the Dark types to avoid going back to family matters. Karen was in the middle of describing the differences in temperament between some of the Pokemon when a loud thump echoed from the far side of the stable. Both trainers froze, their eyes snapping to the source of the sound.


    Three figures vaulted over the high fence surrounding the property, landing with surprising agility in the open field just a few meters away from them. Two men and one woman stood there, each dressed in the unmistakable black uniforms of Team Rocket, though their appearances were a bit... Off.


    Before either Karen or Brock could react, one of the men stepped forward, grinning wickedly. "Alright, brats! Hand over your Pokemon and all your cash, and no one gets hurt!" He released a Raticate from a Pokeball, its sharp teeth gleaming in the sunlight. The other two grunts quickly followed suit, releasing a Zubat and a Koffing.


    Brock squinted at the trio, unimpressed. "Seriously? Is this a joke?" His arms crossed over his chest, showing no fear whatsoever.


    The two of them weren''t exactly rookie trainers to begin with, and they were also standing in a stable full of Pokemon. Even now, many of the Ghosts and Dark types around were paying close attention to the three grunts and their freshly called Pokemon.


    "Hey, are you deaf? Cough up your Pokemon already!" One of the grunts said, pointing dramatically at them.


    Karen''s lips curled into a dark smile as she glanced around the stable. One by one, Dark types and Ghost Pokemon began emerging from the shadows, their eyes glowing eerily as they surrounded the intruders. "Oh, you mean these Pokemon?" She purred, clearly relishing the opportunity for a fight.


    The Rocket grunts exchanged nervous glances but stood their ground, barking orders at their Pokemon. "Raticate, Hyper Fang! Zubat, Supersonic! Koffing, Smog!"


    The Pokemon rushed forward, but they didn''t get far.


    "Rhyhorn, let''s show them how it''s done!" Brock called out, throwing a Pokeball into the air. His massive Rhyhorn hit the ground with a thunderous stomp, its eyes locking onto the approaching Pokemon. Without hesitation, it stomped the ground before rushing forward, the Raticate losing it footing as the ground shook, never finishing its Hyper Fang as the Ryhorn barreled into the Raticate with devastating force, sending the Normal type flying across the field.


    Karen didn''t even need to give a command as the Dark types and Ghosts surged toward the intruders'' Pokemon. She was somewhat disappointed to not get to play, even as she stood there enjoying the view of the multitude of Pokemon rushing in on the three idiots.


    Even still, her eyes narrowed as she studied them as they flailed pathetically, something is definitely off¡­


    The grunts'' Pokemon didn''t stand a chance as the stable Pokemon descended. Within seconds, they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of Dark types and Ghosts swarming them. Koffing''s Smog was snuffed out by the dark energy of the attacking Dark types, and Zubat was quickly grounded by a coalition of Ghosts whose attacks laid it out with extreme prejudice. Raticate, already battered by Rhyhorn''s charge, barely managed to get to its feet before being buried again as the Ryhorn casually stepped on it.


    The grunts, seeing their Pokemon completely overrun, began to panic. "This isn''t going as planned!" One of them shouted, eyes wide with terror.


    Karen and Brock shared a look of incredulity.


    "No kidding!" The female grunt screeched, backing up against the fence as she tried to recall her unconscious Zubat. "We need to get out of here!"


    Brock shook his head, unimpressed. "It''s a little late for that." He watched calmly as the Dark types corralled the defeated Pokemon, nipping at them while giving them threatening smiles, ensuring none of them would be getting up anytime soon as they quivered."You''re not going anywhere."


    Karen''s eyes gleamed as she approached the woman, her grin widening. "Looks like you picked the wrong place to rob." She waved a hand, and the nearby Ghost Pokemon floated in closer, their eyes glowing ominously. "Consider yourselves lucky we''re feeling merciful today, surrender, or I let them have you, they''re not exactly ~mine, they might not ~listen if you wait too long." Her grin kept widening as she walked forward, almost singing in glee as she got closer to the grunts, "What''s it going to be, hmm?" She purred, "Total devastation?"


    The grunts, now visibly trembling, held their hands up in surrender. "Alright, alright! We give up! Just... Don''t let them eat us!" The lead grunt cried, his voice shaking as he glanced at the snarling Pokemon circling them.


    Karen snorted in amusement as she and Brock quickly tied up the grunts, using some leftover rope from the nearby tool shed. Once the three were securely bound, Brock sent a quick message to his father, requesting backup.


    If Team Rocket was making a move in Pewter, he needed to know.


    Personally, Karen thought something stunk about this whole thing, and she wasn''t sure she wanted Flint around. But Brock was the local so she''d deferred.


    As they stood over the defeated grunts, Karen frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. As she put to words what she''d been feeling the entire time since these idiots arrived. "Something''s... Really off about these guys."


    Brock glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean?" He glanced at them again, snorting, "Except for their stupidity I''m assuming?"


    One of the grunts called out, "Hey, we already surrendered, you don''t need to pick on us!" Brock gave him a disbelieving look.


    Karen poked one of the grunts with her boot, her frown deepening. "I''ve run into Team Rocket before, and they weren''t nearly this sloppy. These guys feel... Wrong." More pathetic, then anything, she thought.


    The female grunt, still cowering on the ground, yelped in protest. "Hey, quit poking me! That''s harassment!" She whined.


    Karen ignored her, crouching down and tugging at the woman''s sleeve. She frowned as she felt the material, then tugged harder, examining the fabric. "Their uniforms aren''t right. The fit, the feel, even the color''s a little off now that I''m looking closer."


    Brock blinked, surprised. "Wait... Are you saying these guys are copycats?" He sounded flabbergasted, "Who would be stupid enough to copy terrorists?"


    Then he looked them over again, crossing his arms, nodding firmly, "Actually, I could believe it of these ones."


    A trio of "Hey!" Sounded out, but they both ignored them.


    Karen straightened up, tapping her lips as she mulled it over. "It''s possible. I can''t see the real Team Rocket sending these losers after us. It doesn''t make sense, not after..." She trailed off, glancing at Brock and then the grunts, clearly holding something back. "Nevermind."


    She really didn''t need to talk to him about that attack, and what the base had looked like after, or Whitney''s sister¡­ Karen gave the trio a dark look, if they were really Team Rocket¡­ She''d be willing to have a long¡­ Hard¡­ Talk about their proclivities, before handing them over to the authorities.


    Before Brock could press her for more details, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed through the yard. Flint arrived, his massive frame easily visible as he approached. His Onix slithered behind him, its rocky segments scraping the ground. Flint''s face was a mixture of concern and annoyance as he took in the scene - Team Rocket grunts tied up, their Pokemon beaten and cowed, and Brock and Karen standing over them.


    "Right, what''ve we got here?" Flint rumbled, eyeing the grunts with disdain. He bent down and, with one hand, lifted all three effortlessly by their collars, ignoring their protests. "You three idiots must''ve hit your heads to think you could pull a stunt like this in my town." He rumbled.


    Karen crossed her arms, her eyes narrowing. "Something''s off about them. Their uniforms aren''t right. I think they''re copycats, or a false flag of some sort."


    Flint grunted, his expression hardening as he glanced at the fake Team Rocket uniforms. "Huh. Figures. Real Rocket grunts would''ve put up more of a fight I suspect, my son isn''t used to fighting anyone worth a damn, so the fact these guys were taken down says a lot." He shook the grunts slightly, making them squirm. "I''ll get them over to the police. We''ll get answers, even if I have to let Onix roll over ''em a few times."


    Without waiting for a response, Flint marched off, still holding the grunts like they weighed nothing, while Onix slithered behind him with an eerie hiss.


    Karen eyed him suspiciously, that had been off too. He hadn''t really seemed that surprised about any of it. More annoyed than anything. She had also noted with distaste that he''d gotten another dig in on Brock again.


    As Flint disappeared into the distance, Karen and Brock exchanged a look, confusion hanging in the air for one of them, the other more suspicious.


    "What the hell was that?" Karen muttered at Brock, shaking her head. "Did it strike you as at all odd?"


    Brock let out a long sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "No idea, but something tells me this isn''t over." He paused, then added with a frown, "Copycats or not, it''s weird they''d come here. Makes you wonder what they were really after."


    Karen glanced back at the Pokemon still roaming the yard, her mind spinning. "Yeah. Too bad Flint didn''t seem all that concerned." She shrugged. "Guess we''ll find out soon enough." She added darkly.


    Maybe she was too paranoid, but she definitely didn''t like how fake this whole situation had seemed.


    They stood in silence for a moment before Brock finally spoke. "Well, we should finish feeding the Pokemon. Ezra will want to know about this when he gets back."


    Karen groaned, "Ugh, of course he''s gone for the actual work, and I bet he''ll complain about it all too, the jerk."


    "That doesn''t sound like him." Brock said loyally.


    "Both of you having a dick doesn''t mean you automatically have to take his side, you know." Karen snarked.


    "I''m going to tell Ezra you mentioned his dick." Brock said, with an angelic smile, as Karen gaped at him in shock.


    "Brock, I was only kidding¡­ Come on¡­"


    "Brock!"


    "You''re joking, right!?"


    <hr>


    Later that day, a few hours from Pewter.


    Ezra had decided to take the scenic route back to Pewter, deliberately walking along the winding forest paths to encounter a few trainers. His usual mode of travel was faster, and while convenient, it lacked the opportunity for the one thing he desperately needed right now - training for his newer, lower ''leveled'' Pokemon. Morrigan, Alduin, Dusclops, and Mimikyu needed experience amongst others, and the best way to get that was through battles. Idiot trainers lined the roads around here, which would provide the perfect opportunity.


    It didn''t take long before he found his first victim. Or should he say the victim found him first?


    A loud, shrill voice broke through the quiet forest. "Hey, you!" A kid in the most ridiculous bug-catching uniform Ezra had ever seen - complete with oversized net and a hat far too big for his head - ran toward him. "You can''t pass here without facing the mighty Bug Pokemon!" He screeched, waving his net dramatically.


    Ezra stared at the boy, unamused but curious about what this ''mighty'' team could consist of. Bug trainers were usually pushovers unless they had something worth a challenge, like a Scyther at the very minimum. But this kid¡­ The net, the overenthusiasm, the weirdness... It was a bad sign. Still, he had to battle, get some experience in for his less blooded ''mon.


    He couldn''t just go from gym challenge to gym challenge. Not all his Pokemon could handle that level right now, especially as he was going for star challenges instead of a regular gym bout.


    "Alright, I''ll accept your challenge." Ezra said coolly, reaching for one of his Pokeballs. He called out Alduin, his Deino, who emerged with a bark of excitement. The dark/dragon type wriggled happily, clearly ready for some action.


    "Emperor god-king Metapod, I choose you!" The kid yelled triumphantly.


    Ezra stared. A Metapod materialized on the battlefield - a green cocoon-like creature that just... Sat there. Alduin''s excitement visibly deflated as he gazed at the immobile bug.


    "Kid¡­" Ezra began, his voice laced with pity. "Do you have anything better?"


    At this level, his Pokemon couldn''t even get anything close to a challenge, even his weakest Pokemon would chew this thing up like a chew toy. Did it even know anything except Harden?


    "Nothing is better than Bug Pokemon!" The boy roared, thrusting his net into the air with passion. "Emperor god-king supreme overlord Metapod, goooooo!"


    Did he just add another title? I almost want to just walk away in embarrassment, Ezra thought.


    Eventually, he just sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I mean¡­ Do you have a Scyther or something? Or at least a bug that can, you know¡­ Move?"


    The kid glared at him, insulted. "Metapod, Harden!" He then gave Ezra a smug look, like he''d actually accomplished something of a victory.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow as the Metapod''s body shimmered briefly, hardening its shell. "You''re kidding me." He looked at Alduin, who whined in disappointment, eyes narrowing at the still cocoon.


    "Alright, Alduin," Ezra said with a half-hearted sigh. "Dragon Rage. Let''s get this over with."


    Alduin barked happily, energy building in his mouth before he launched it toward the Metapod in a cascade of dragon flames. The cocoon Pokemon didn''t stand a chance. The blast sent it skidding across the dirt, hitting a tree trunk with a dull thud, fainted on impact.


    The kid grit his teeth, returning the fallen Metapod with a frustrated huff. "You think that''s all I''ve got? Metapod, go!"


    Another Metapod emerged from his Pokeball.


    Ezra groaned. "Seriously?" Alduin let out an annoyed growl, eyeing the new Metapod with growing irritation.


    "Harden, Metapod!" The kid ordered with the same enthusiasm.


    Ezra had to fight the urge to facepalm. "Dragon Rage again, Alduin. Finish this." Did he happen to run into the only trainer with a mental deficiency around here?


    Another blast of dragon energy. Another Metapod fainted. At least Alduin got to practice his move in a live battle¡­ He supposed.


    The boy continued sending out Metapod after Metapod, each one ordered to use Harden, and each one being obliterated by Alduin''s increasingly aggressive Dragon Rage. By the time the sixth Metapod hit the ground, Ezra was just done with the whole affair.


    Alduin stood proudly, though Ezra noticed the gleam of dissatisfaction in his dragon''s eyes. Six Metapods hadn''t exactly made for thrilling combat. But still, Alduin was proud to have won so clearly.


    "Good¡­ Fight." Ezra forced a smile as the bug catcher begrudgingly handed over his prize money, muttering about how his strategy always worked before. How did it ever work? Ezra couldn''t help but wonder as he pocketed the money.


    His mind flashed to two trainers just shouting Harden as their Metapods stood there, until one grew bored and left. To be fair¡­ That strategy did have a chance to work - Ezra had almost walked away midway through.


    Before Ezra could walk away, a voice piped up from the sidelines.


    "Hey! You! I want a battle too!" A girl, who had been watching the entire fight, stormed over to Ezra with her fists clenched, her face flushed with determination.


    Ezra sighed again, but nodded. "Fine. Let''s do this." It couldn''t be worse, at least.


    He released Mimikyu this time, the little ghost-fairy Pokemon appearing with its familiar Pikachu disguise. The girl''s eyes widened in shock and then horror.


    "What''s wrong with that Pikachu!?" She shrieked, flailing her hands. "Are you starving it, you monster!?"


    Ezra''s face twitched in annoyance. "It''s not a Pikachu¡­ Just send out your Pokemon."


    The girl glared at him, holding her Pokeball close to her chest like she was about to unleash something incredible. "Show that poor Pikachu who''s boss!" She whispered dramatically to the ball before tossing it forward.


    The light faded, and another Metapod appeared.


    Ezra groaned, rubbing his temples. "Oh, come on¡­" This had to be a joke, Karen actually followed him and put these people up to this. It had to be!


    "Don''t look down on me!" The girl shot back angrily. "The power of Bug Pokemon can beat anything!"


    Ezra''s expression deadened. "You better not have any more Metapods after this one," He muttered darkly. "Mimikyu, take it out."


    Mimikyu, who had been hopping up and down curiously, looked at the Metapod in confusion. With a quick, disinterested Wood Hammer, it knocked the Metapod out cold.


    The girl returned her fallen Pokemon, glaring at Ezra as she pulled out another Pokeball. "Metapod, go!"


    Ezra couldn''t take it anymore. He called Mimikyu back and released Annihilape, whose ghostly form appeared with a growl, fists clenched and ready to smash something.


    Ezra smirked darkly, looking at his Annihilape. "Scare them so badly no one with a Metapod will go near me for the next few miles," He ordered.


    Annihilape let out a blood-curdling roar, slamming his fists into the ground, cracking the earth beneath him. The girl and her Metapod both froze, eyes wide with terror. The next few moments were a blur of chaos - Metapod fainting instantly, the girl stumbling backward in fear, and the rest of her team (more Metapods) running for their lives.


    Ezra watched the girl flee in tears, shaking his head in disbelief. "Idiots."


    Later, as he strolled down the path, Ezra was stopped by a Pokemon Ranger who handed him a fine for "Unnecessary intimidation of inexperienced trainers."


    Ezra glanced at the ticket, smirked, and shrugged. "Worth it."


    He slaughtered the trainers down the route for the next few hours. Figuratively of course. His Pokemon getting some great practice.


    Strangely, no bug trainers approached him again for some reason.


    <hr>


    Cinnabar island, Kanto.


    Cecile peered at the weathered wooden sign in front of him, its faded letters clearly reading ''Cinnabar Island.'' His brow furrowed in confusion, his fingers pushing up his crooked glasses as he scratched his head.


    "This... Isn''t Pewter." He muttered to himself, staring hard at the sign as if he could somehow will it to change.


    His mind spun as he retraced his steps. He''d done everything right, hadn''t he? First, he''d taken the train to the coast, which had been a miserable experience. He''d spent most of the journey pressed against the window, turning green with motion sickness while clutching his bag like it was the only thing tethering him to sanity. After that, he''d gotten on the boat to Kanto, where - surprise, surprise - he''d gotten sick the entire way again.


    But once the boat docked, he''d made what he thought was a sound decision. He wasn''t about to subject himself to any more motion sickness, so he''d decided to walk the rest of the way to Pewter City. It couldn''t be that far, right? He''d stick to the roads, avoid any wild Pokemon, and get there in no time.


    And yet¡­ Here he was, staring at a sign telling him that he was on Cinnabar Island.


    He tapped his chin, deep in thought. "Pewter is supposed to be up north. Did the city move? No, that can''t be right." He turned slowly, eyes scanning the surroundings. The soft roar of the ocean waves reached his ears, and the salty breeze ruffled his messy brown hair. The island seemed quiet, peaceful even, with fishermen dotting the docks and a few tourists milling about in the distance.


    Cecile groaned softly, his memory finally jogging. "Wait... I did take a nap in that vegetable cart. That''s probably how I ended up here!" His eyes narrowed at the thought. "That dastardly vegetable wagon must''ve brought me all the way to Cinnabar! Pewter was so close, and now -" He glanced at the endless water surrounding the island. "I need to find another vegetable cart to get back."


    He spun around in place, trying to figure out which way was north. "Pewter''s to the north, right? North is¡­ That way!" He pointed confidently in a random direction toward the water. "And then east is over there¡­ And west is next to that, and south is¡­ The opposite of north." His voice trailed off, his eyes filled with a mix of confidence and confusion.


    A nearby fisherman, who had been watching Cecile''s entire monologue with growing bewilderment, finally stepped forward. He couldn''t just stand by and let this kid keep spinning in circles.


    "Sonny," The old man said, his voice rough like gravel, "That''s not how directions work."


    Cecile blinked and turned to the fisherman, studying him curiously. "Are you sure? I''m a programmer. I''m very good at math," He said with absolute certainty, as if that cleared everything up.


    The fisherman stared at him, utterly baffled. "Directions ain''t math, lad." He scratched his grizzled chin, eyes narrowing slightly as if he was trying to figure out if this kid was messing with him.


    Cecile, undeterred, nodded to himself. "North it is." And with that, he confidently began walking toward the south end of the island, where the shimmering ocean stretched endlessly into the horizon.


    The fisherman watched in stunned silence as the young man headed straight for the sea. Shaking his head, the old man muttered under his breath, "Well, it''s an island. He''ll figure it out eventually, I guess." He shrugged and returned to his fishing, deciding it wasn''t worth the effort to explain things further.


    Cecile continued down the path, humming softly to himself as he walked. His mind, as always, was already moving on to the next topic - perhaps how he could optimize a certain algorithm or finally finish that puzzle game he''d been working on. As long as he kept walking, he figured, he''d reach Pewter City eventually. Whether it was north, south, east, or west didn''t really matter, did it?


    The cool breeze off the ocean swept across his face, and despite his confusion, Cecile couldn''t help but smile. The sun was warm, the day was calm, and, in his own meandering way, he was getting where he needed to go.


    At least¡­ That''s what he told himself.


    Really, as long as he kept going north it would all be alright, surely?


    ¡­


    The next day, late at night.


    Cecile stared at the sign declaring him to have arrived in Fuchsia city. "This isn''t Pewter either, but I went north, I''m sure of it, there''s only one north¡­ Right?"


    <hr>

 Mt. Moon.

    <hr>


    The sun was hanging low in the sky as Ezra and Karen made their way up the winding trail toward Mt. Moon, the looming mass of rock and rugged cliffs visible on the horizon. They''d been walking for nearly an hour, a steady pace carrying them north through the rugged route that linked Pewter to the areas beyond.


    Karen cast a wary glance up the trail, groaning as she saw how far they still had to go. "Tell me again why we can''t just fly to Cerulean?" She muttered, shifting her backpack higher on her shoulders.


    Ezra smirked, glancing over at her. "What, a little walk too much for you? You''re looking a bit¡­ Soft lately. I''d say some hiking will do you good." He flashed her a teasing look, barely holding back a laugh.


    Karen turned to him, her expression as smooth and calm as ever. "You know, lots of things can happen in a cave," She said conversationally. "And I guarantee you they''d never find your body if you keep on like that."


    Ezra grinned, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright, point taken," He said, though his eyes gleamed with amusement. "But really, I want to take some time to train up my lower-level team on the way, give ''em some real experience instead of just jumping from gym to gym."


    She raised an eyebrow, looking over at him with a faint expression of disbelief. "I seem to recall you saying something about not wanting to do a ''normal'' journey. What changed?"


    "Nothing''s changed," He replied smoothly, looking up at the peaks of Mt. Moon with a thoughtful expression. "I still don''t want to spend weeks on end out here¡­ Shitting in the woods."


    Karen wrinkled her nose, visibly repulsed. "Lovely, you couldn''t think of any other way to phrase that?"


    He shrugged, smirking. "I say it like it is. I like my creature comforts. Don''t worry, I''m not about to start trekking all over Kanto and Johto, living out of a tent. But a little training now and then won''t kill me. And my ''mon could use it."


    They continued walking, both of them eyeing the trainers scattered along the roadside. Most were already locked in battle, shouts of encouragement and commands echoing through the trees as Pokemon clashed in the grass. They were everywhere, and both Ezra and Karen knew they''d likely be challenged before long.


    That was entirely the point. Ezra needed lots of battles to give the likes of Alduin and Morrigan some proper experience.


    Karen sighed, reaching to her belt and palming one of her Pokeballs with a resigned expression. "I suppose I have one or two Pokemon who could use a little more battle experience¡­" She muttered.


    Ezra gave a wry nod, rolling a Pokeball between his fingers as he kept a wary eye out for any overly enthusiastic Bug Catchers - the menaces. His stomach turned slightly at the thought of seeing yet another Metapod. "Just bear with me," He said, smirking slightly. "A few days of extra training, and we''ll be in Cerulean before you know it."


    Karen''s lips pressed into a thin line, her jaw tightening at the mention of Cerulean. She looked away, her gaze fixed on the trail ahead. "Yes¡­ Cerulean¡­" She muttered with the barest hint of an eye twitch.


    "Something wrong with Cerulean?" Ezra asked, clearly amused as he tilted his head to try to catch her eye. Like he didn''t know exactly what was wrong with Cerulean.


    Especially to an overachieving girl like Karen.


    "Oh, look," Karen said loudly, cutting him off. "There''s someone to battle right now. Excuse me." She turned abruptly, ignoring his question as she strode over to challenge a girl sitting proudly atop a Tauros.


    Ezra shook his head, smirking to himself. Karen always seemed to have a way of avoiding conversations she didn''t want to have. But he didn''t have much time to think about it, as a young boy with a Pikachu on his shoulder stepped up to him, his face set in serious lines.


    "Hey, you!" The boy called out. "I challenge you to a battle!"


    Ezra sighed inwardly, glancing at Karen, who was already immersed in her own battle against the Tauros girl. He gave a small nod, accepting the boy''s challenge and grabbing a Pokeball from his belt. "Sure thing, kid," He said, releasing Alduin, his Deino, who gave a fierce little roar, clearly ready for some action.


    The boy''s Pikachu jumped down from his shoulder, its cheeks sparking as it prepared to battle. "Pikachu, Quick Attack!" The boy shouted, his face lighting up with excitement.


    Alduin tensed, tracking the yellow blur as Pikachu shot forward in a burst of speed. Ezra didn''t flinch, calmly observing as the little dragon met his opponent''s charge with a snarl. Already having begun the technique he''d trained him to start with if his opponent utilized a speed move.


    A Protect materialized in front of Alduin, just in time.


    "Dragon Breath," Ezra ordered. Alduin held firm, letting Pikachu slam into his shield with a flash of light, not even flinching from the impact just in front of his face. With a deep growl, he released a swirling vortex of blue flames, which engulfed Pikachu who didn''t have time to dodge - and who''s trainer hadn''t given it any further orders anyway, sending it flying back toward its trainer with a faint yelp.


    The boy gritted his teeth, looking at his Pikachu with concern as it wobbled, struggling to get back on its feet. "Come on, Pikachu, don''t give up!" He shouted, determination flaring in his eyes. "Thunder Shock!"


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with amusement, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Alduin, Quick-Attack, Bite."


    Alduin sidestepped with ease as he went into the Quick-Attack, the bolt of electricity missing him by inches as he let out a fierce bark, clearly enjoying the chance to show off his speed as he rushed it. The boy''s Pikachu looked visibly frustrated, its cheeks sparking as it tried to ready another Thunder Shock, but Alduin didn''t give it a chance.


    Alduin lunged, his jaws snapping shut around the Pikachu, careful not to hurt it too badly, but enough to end the battle. The boy''s Pokemon slumped to the ground, defeated, and the young trainer let out a defeated sigh as he returned it to its Pokeball.


    Ezra gave the boy a nod, accepting the modest sum he offered as a prize, though his thoughts were already drifting back to the road ahead. This was going to be a long few days if every trainer wanted a battle. But it was what he needed for the moment.


    A few hours passed in much the same way, with Ezra and Karen both battling their way through a mix of eager young trainers, overly enthusiastic hikers, and a few scattered Bug Catchers. Ezra was thankful none of them had yet presented a Metapod. That might''ve been more than he could bear.


    As they finally reached the base of Mt. Moon, the evening sun cast a warm orange glow over the rugged landscape, with shadows stretching long across the dirt path. Ezra and Karen stopped to take a breather, leaning against a boulder and watching as the last rays of sunlight dipped behind the rocky peaks.


    Karen rolled her shoulders, groaning as she stretched her back. "Well, that was exhausting."


    Ezra chuckled, crossing his arms as he looked out over the path they''d traveled. "And you wanted to fly," He teased. "See? A little exercise doesn''t kill you." He gave her a half lidded look, smirking, "And if gives you an amazing ass."


    Although truly, Karen had one to begin with, but it wouldn''t hurt to keep her at it. Letting an ass like that lose its definition would be a crime against humanity.


    Karen shot him a withering look, but there was a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Fine, fine," She admitted grudgingly. "But if we don''t reach Cerulean by tomorrow at the latest, I''m going to start making you regret this whole ''exercise'' idea." She cracked her knuckles, her Sneasel giggling at her feet, "By using you for exercise."


    Ezra snorted, "As far as threat goes, you might think that one over again." He said with amusement.


    He wasn''t entirely opposed to being ''used'' after all. Karen only huffed, her ears reddening as she turned away from him.


    They lapsed into comfortable silence, both of them gazing up at Mt. Moon as the night deepened, the cool night air settling over them. For now, at least, they could enjoy the peace before facing the darkness of the caves ahead in the morning.


    At least by the time he was done in Cerulean, his wayward programmer should finally have arrived in Pewter¡­ Ezra would be very annoyed if the dork had managed to get himself kidnapped again or something.


    He swore to Arceus¡­ If he had to go pick the guy up¡­ Well¡­ He couldn''t actually punish him too badly, because he needed the guy, and therefore needed to use a lot more carrot than stick. But he''d figure something out, he''d just have to get creative.


    "Share a tent?" He offered, laughing as Karen threw her water bottle at him. He simply opened it and took a sip, "Ooh, an indirect kiss!" He teased, tossing it back.


    Karen just sighed, "Do you ever stop?" She somewhat whined, but the twitch of her lips betrayed her.


    "I''ll let you know if I ever run into such a phenomenon."


    "Just shut up." She groaned.


    He did not in fact shut up.


    <hr>


    The crackling fire painted the night in a warm glow, as they sat around it in the makeshift camp they''d set up right in front of Mt. Moon. Karen sat cross-legged on her blanket, absently petting her Sneasel, whose sharp claws gently raked the ground as it purred in contentment. Across from her, Ezra lounged against a log, his Eevee curled in his lap, her fluffy tail twitching every now and then as his fingers ran through her soft fur. Above them, fireflies danced in the dark, their lights flickering like distant stars, blending with the faint constellations overhead.


    Karen broke the quiet with a thoughtful hum. "You know," She began, her voice soft yet pointed, "You don''t talk much about your past."


    Ezra''s crimson eyes slid over to her, his lips curving into an amused smirk. "What past? You know I have amnesia," He replied smoothly, his tone as light as the flickering flames before him.


    He wasn''t sure where this was coming from, but he certainly wasn''t going to let on about his extra dimensional existence. He was never telling anyone that.


    Karen didn''t smile back. Instead, she pursed her lips, her piercing gaze fixed on him. "Not sure I believe that. Not entirely."


    Ezra raised a brow, tilting his head slightly. "What brought this on?" She gets riled so easily I sometimes forget she''s intelligent¡­


    Karen leaned forward, propping her chin on her hand, her elbows resting on her knees. The firelight highlighted her sharp features, her silver hair glinting in the amber glow. "You''ve got way too many weird inside jokes, way too much¡­ Strange knowledge, to only have memories for such a short time. It doesn''t add up."


    Ezra''s smirk widened as he turned his attention back to the Eevee in his lap. He trailed his fingers along her back, making her let out a soft, pleased chirp. "Perhaps I have a few tidbits here and there," He admitted, his tone playful, "But that''s not so unusual, is it? Even people with amnesia aren''t completely blank slates."


    He''d know. He''d looked it up as to better continue playing the amnesiac. Although he''d let some of that fall to the wayside since leaving Lavender, he had to admit.


    Karen didn''t respond right away, watching him with narrowed eyes. But as he turned his focus entirely back to his Eevee, she sighed and leaned back, letting the firelight warm her face.


    Ezra, meanwhile, chuckled softly as his Eevee stretched, rolling onto its back to expose her belly. "You''re getting spoiled," He murmured, running his hand along her fluffy underside.


    That''s when the glow began.


    At first, it was faint - a soft shimmer, like moonlight reflected on water. But it quickly intensified, surrounding the Eevee in a golden light that pulsed with an almost hypnotic rhythm. Ezra froze, his hand stilling as he stared down at the radiant glow enveloping his Pokemon.


    "Ezra," Karen said sharply, sitting up straighter, her voice edged with surprise and curiosity. "You can''t be serious? Again!?"


    Ezra''s smirk faded into genuine awe as he leaned back slightly, his eyes never leaving the Eevee. "She''s evolving," He said softly, his voice almost giddy.


    The golden light grew brighter, swirling around the Eevee as her form began to shift. Her legs stretched, becoming more slender, and her tail elongated into a sleek, elegant curve. When the light finally dimmed and faded, a new Pokemon stood in its place - sleek black fur gleaming in the firelight, golden rings and symbols glowing faintly along its body. Her piercing red eyes looked up at Ezra with a proud intensity.


    An Umbreon.


    The Umbreon arched her back, shaking itself out before stepping away from Ezra and strutting around the campsite. She moved with the confidence of a predator and the elegance of a shadow, each step deliberate and purposeful. The faint glow of her shining rings and symbols reflected off the nearby stream, as Umbreon pranced happily.


    "Aren''t you the prettiest little thing," Ezra said with a pleased smirk, his voice filled with admiration. His Umbreon flicked her tail, preening under his praise as she continued her circuit around the camp, clearly reveling in her newfound form.


    Karen watched the display, a fond smile tugging at her lips. "You always do something crazy," She said with a sigh, though her tone was more amused than annoyed. She pointed a finger at him accusingly afterwards though. "But don''t think for a second that you can distract me with this. We were talking about something."


    Ezra leaned back against the log, his smirk returning full force. "Oh, yes, about how your past is shrouded in mystery, right?" His tone was teasing, his eyes gleaming with playful defiance.


    Because he knew practically nothing about her either. So he wasn''t the only one who was keeping his cards close to the chest.


    Karen growled softly, her Sneasel chittering in support as it perched beside her. "You are so Arceus-damned annoying," She muttered, one eye twitching in frustration. But then she sighed, giving him a resigned look. "Fine. I''ll tell you mine if you tell me yours after."


    "How naughty," Ezra murmured with a wicked grin, though he held his hands up in mock surrender when Karen shot him a withering glare.


    Karen leaned back, resting her weight on her hands as she stared into the fire, the flames reflecting in her sharp eyes. For a moment, she was quiet, the words catching in her throat. But then she sighed again, finally speaking.


    "I grew up in Johto," She began, her voice low and measured. "You already know that much. My parents¡­" She hesitated, her jaw tightening. "My parents were double agents for Agatha back when. They¡­ Died on a mission for her. And she¡­ Took me in, practically raised me, until I fought my way to an apprenticeship."


    Ezra frowned, his smirk fading as he listened. When Karen fell silent, he tilted his head, his gaze sharp. "That was the worst storytelling I''ve ever heard," He said dryly, though there was no real heat in his tone. "You didn''t actually tell me much of anything." He shook his head, "Have you never heard a bedtime story?"


    Also it contradicted some of what she''d hinted at before¡­


    It also meant his plot to pull her away from Agatha might have a few more snags then he''d realized if she was being truthful.


    Karen glared at him, puffing her cheeks out in indignation. "Dead. Parents." She said flatly, as if that explained everything.


    "Oh. Right," Ezra said, though his frown deepened. He leaned forward, his crimson eyes narrowing as he studied her. "Still, you didn''t give me much to work with. I already told you everything that happened in Lavender. What more do you want in return?" He splayed his hands out, "I have nothing else."


    Karen smirked slightly, showcasing her disbelief, before leaning back with a challenging look. "Then tell me a story," She demanded, her voice light but firm. She closed her eyes, her expression softening as the fire crackled beside her.


    Ezra grumbled under his breath but eventually relented, leaning back against the log as he began to speak. His voice was smooth and steady, weaving a tale of faraway lands, ancient battles, and legendary Pokemon. It was a story most people wouldn''t have heard - a tale buried in the folds of history, obscure and forgotten by all but the most dedicated researchers. Or so he told her anyway - telling a story about a land far far away.


    But as he reached the halfway point of his story, he noticed Karen''s breathing had evened out, her head tilted slightly as she leaned against Sneasel. She was fast asleep, her expression peaceful in the firelight.


    Ezra sighed, shaking his head with a faint smile. "Figures," He muttered, pulling a blanket from his bag and draping it over her. He looked to his newly evolved Umbreon, who had settled beside Sneasel, its glowing rings casting faint light over the sleeping pair. "Watch over her for me, alright?" He murmured.


    The Umbreon gave a soft, affirmative growl, its piercing red eyes gleaming in the dark.


    Ezra leaned back against the log, his thoughts drifting as he stared into the flames. Karen''s story had been brief - too brief. He knew there was more to it than what she''d shared, more pain and more complexity than she was willing to admit. But for now, he let it rest. There would be time to unpack it later.


    He headed for his tent, it was time to get some rest, tomorrow they had Mt. Moon to cross, and he now had Umbreon to add to his rotation of rookies.


    <hr>


    The air inside Mt. Moon was damp and cool, with the faint, earthy scent of stone and moss lingering in the cavernous tunnels. The faint sound of dripping water echoed intermittently, punctuating the otherwise eerie quiet. The light of Ezra''s Umbreon illuminated the path ahead, they had flashlights as well, but Umbreon''s flash was much more encompassing. Morrigan, Ezra''s Dreepy, floated silently beside him, her translucent form almost blending into the dim surroundings at times.


    There were certain rest stops within the mountain where trainers congregated to get a rest halfway through, he''d let the others out for some battles at that point - Morrigan and Umbreon plenty enough to handle some wild Pokemon.


    The rest stop was run by the Pokemon rangers, as a way to ensure trainers didn''t get lost within Mt. Moon. Or to Ezra''s cynicism, ensured they went through one particular route instead of creating problems by running amok everywhere, bothering the Pokemon inhabiting the mountain.


    Karen walked a few paces ahead, her Sneasel darting between the shadows, its sharp claws glinting faintly in the light. Beside her, her Murkrow flapped lazily, its eyes alert as it scanned the tunnel for any movement. The two trainers moved cautiously yet steadily, their footsteps muffled by the uneven ground beneath them.


    "So," Karen began, her voice low but cutting through the stillness, "Remind me again why I''m in this rock-infested hellhole?" She let out a breath, hands on her hips, "How I keep getting convinced by you¡­ I don''t know."


    Ezra smirked, his hand brushing over Umbreon''s sleek fur as the Pokemon stayed close to his side. "Because we''re training, remember? Your Murkrow could use a bit more practice too, from what I''ve seen. Don''t tell me you''re scared of the dark, now?"


    Karen shot him a glare over her shoulder, her silver hair catching the faint glow of Umbreon''s light. "Whatever, at least you can''t pull off anything else weird now that we''re stuck underground, I''ve had enough weirdness for the year."


    Ezra chuckled softly, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement. "It''s cute how you think that somehow limits my weirdness, or anyone''s else''s."


    Karen wrinkled her nose, looking thoroughly unimpressed. "I''m not kidding Ezra! I want a normal week. Normal. With nothing odd happening, no new never before seen Pokemon or asspull evolutions!" She stepped closer to him, pulling on his cheek, "Normal!" She stressed, speaking slowly and clearly.


    "I can''t do normal," He said with a mock bow, his smirk widening. "I like to think it''s one of my many talents."


    He wondered what she would say if he revealed what he could actually do? Although with the reveal she''d basically been brought up by Agatha¡­ There was zero chance he''d ever tell her.


    Karen rolled her eyes but didn''t bother responding again. Instead, she refocused on the path ahead, her sharp gaze scanning the rocky terrain for any sign of movement. The tunnels were vast and winding, with jagged walls and uneven floors that made progress slow. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like stone daggers, dripping water into shallow pools that glimmered faintly in the dim light provided by Umbreon.


    They walked in silence for a while, the only sounds being the quiet tapping of their footsteps and the occasional flap of Murkrow''s wings. It wasn''t long before the first disturbance came. A rustling sound echoed from a pile of loose rocks nearby, and moments later, a Zubat burst out, its wings flapping wildly as it screeched and dove toward Karen. Several others behind it as they flew erratically.


    "Of course," Karen muttered, stepping back instinctively. "Sneasel, Murkrow, handle it."


    Her Sneasel darted forward with lightning speed, its claws glowing faintly as it slashed at the Zubat mid-air. The bat Pokemon let out a startled screech before crumpling to the ground, dazed and unwilling to fight. Sneasel chittered triumphantly, its grin sharp and mischievous as it flicked its claws clean. Murkrow cawing proudly from where it sent the other Zubats back with a spiral of wind.


    "Good work," Karen said, giving the Pokemon an approving nod before turning back to Ezra. "You''d think the wild Pokemon here would be smart enough to leave us alone. Our Pokemon aren''t that weak¡­"


    Ezra smirked, his tone light. "Wild Pokemon aren''t exactly known for their intellect at times, Karen, that''s how even those bug idiots manage to catch them. Though I''ll admit, the ones here do seem a bit¡­ Aggressive." He said, furrowing his brows.


    "Mm," Karen hummed noncommittally, though her brow furrowed slightly as well.


    The specific route outlined by the rangers that they were following, was done as such specifically because it avoided the Pokemon habitats and shouldn''t have much in the way of encounters.


    Certainly not a small swarm of Zubat. Although at least they''d been easily dissuaded without having to fight very hard.


    They continued deeper into the tunnels, their Pokemon staying alert as they moved. The winding paths led them through narrow corridors and into larger caverns, some of which were filled with clusters of glowing crystals that bathed the space in a faint, light.


    "Nice ambiance," Ezra remarked, gesturing to the crystals. "I''d almost call it romantic, if it weren''t for the constant threat of some sniveling bug trainer wandering down here."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Karen snorted, glancing at him with a dry look. "Romantic? Really? You are deep in a cave surrounded by wild Pokemon and romance is something on your thoughts?"


    Ezra shrugged, his smirk never fading. "You could do worse for a place for a date. I''d like to think I''m a man of culture, even if the setting''s a bit¡­ Rustic."


    Karen just snorted, finding something amusing with what he said, she glanced around before focusing on the next turn in the path. As they rounded the corner, a trio of Geodudes rolled into view, their rocky forms blocking the narrow tunnel ahead. The Pokemon let out deep, rumbling growls, their fists clenching as they prepared to attack.


    At the same time, several Paras skittered in behind them.


    Ezra frowned, now that''s definitely odd behavior.


    "Great," Karen muttered, noticing the same, "Somehow this is your fault, I just know. Murkrow, back me up, Sneasel Quick-Attack and Ice Fang."


    Ezra stepped forward, his voice calm and measured. "Contrary to all other evidence so far in this journey, I am not actually behind everything that happens," He turned to his own Pokemon, leaving the Geodudes to Karen, "Umbreon, keep the light steady for us while I grab my flashlight, then go wild. Morrigan, flamethrower at the Paras." He gave his excited Pokemon a look, "Thin stream, we are in a tunnel." He didn''t need to roast himswlf here.


    Morrigan floated forward, her small form glowing faintly as she gathered energy. She unleashed a stream of flame, catching one of the Paras and making it screech and withdraw, running around with flames flickering around it.


    By then Ezra had his flashlight out, and Umbreon cut flash, as she speed forward in a Quick-Attack, not even bothering with another technique as she simply bowled over the Paras, both of them, just as they were releasing their own techniques, a mist of spores being released well out of Ezra and his Pokemon''s way thanks to Umbreon''s tackle.


    Discombobulated, the two Paras were quickly dealt with by Morrigan and Umbreon, with another Flamethrower, and a Bite taking care of them. The third one had disappeared with its burns, likely fleeing.


    Umbreon turned Flash back on, as they turned towards Karen, to find three fainted Geodudes, Karen scowling at nothing as she stood by them, the damage looking like Ice Fang and Wing Attack had done most of the work.


    Ezra watched the scene with an approving nod. "Not bad," He said, his tone casual. "Looks like your team''s finally pulling its weight, that looks like one hit KO''s."


    Karen shot him a sharp look, a scowl on her face. "What the hell do you mean finally?" She snapped at him.


    "Only that I tend to do all the hard work," Ezra replied smoothly, stepping over the fallen Geodudes as the group pressed on, more wary now.


    He probably deserves the punch to the shoulder that comment got him.


    The deeper they went, the more frequent the encounters became. Zubats swooped from the shadows, only to be swatted down by Morrigan''s Dragon Breath or Murkrow''s Wing Attack. Paras scuttled out from beneath rocks, their glowing mushrooms making them easy targets for Sneasel''s Ice Fang or Umbreon''s Dark Pulse. Even the occasional Clefairy, though rare, didn''t stand much of a chance against their combined efforts. Yet¡­ The Rangers should have cleared this route¡­


    Karen couldn''t help but notice something odd about the Pokemon''s behavior and pointed it out to Ezra. They weren''t just defending their territory - they seemed actively agitated, almost as if something had disturbed them.


    By the time they reached a larger cavern near the halfway point to the first rest spot, Karen''s unease had grown. She paused, her gaze sweeping over the darkened space as her Sneasel sniffed the air, its ears twitching.


    "Something''s not right," She said, her voice low and serious.


    Ezra glanced at her, raising a brow. "You mean aside from the rock Pokemon and flying rats trying to kill us every five minutes?"


    Karen ignored his sarcasm, her frown deepening. "No, I mean¡­ The Pokemon here. They''re more riled up than they should be. It''s not even only that something''s agitating them." She bit her lip, "It''s like someone''s driving them this way."


    Ezra''s smirk faded slightly as he considered her words. He glanced at Umbreon, whose glowing rings seemed to pulse faintly as she sniffed the air, its ears twitching in a similar manner to Sneasel''s. "You might have a point," He admitted, his tone more serious now. "But the question is¡­ What''s causing it?"


    Karen didn''t answer right away, her gaze focused on the shadows ahead. For a moment, the cavern was silent save for the faint sound of dripping water.


    "We should keep moving," Karen said finally, her voice steady but tinged with caution. "Whatever it is, I''d rather not stick around long enough to find out."


    That''s when The cavern''s oppressive darkness was abruptly pierced by a blinding spotlight.


    Oh¡­ No. Ezra thought.


    The light appeared to be a stage light, and suddenly from nowhere, music began playing.


    No, seriously, just no.


    Ezra and Karen shielded their eyes, squinting against the sudden illumination. From the shadows emerged a trio of figures, their synchronized voices echoing through the subterranean chamber.


    "Prepare for trouble!" A female voice declared with theatrical flair.


    Oh you''re fucking kidding me? Team Rocket is a proper terrorist organization and still has these idiots! Ezra quietly bemoaned.


    "And make it double!" A male voice chimed in, equally dramatic.


    As their introduction continued, the figures stepped into the light, revealing themselves. The woman, Jessie, stood tall with an air of confidence. Her vibrant magenta hair cascaded in a voluminous wave, defying gravity as it swept back from her face. She wore a white, form-fitting crop top emblazoned with a bold red ''R'', paired with matching white pants and long black gloves that reached her elbows. Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she struck a pose, one hand on her hip.


    Beside her stood James, his lavender hair styled in a sleek bob that framed his delicate fuckboy features. He wore a uniform mirroring Jessie''s, complete with the prominent ''R'' symbolizing their allegiance to Team Rocket. His eyes held a playful glint as he mirrored Jessie''s stance, although not with as much panache.


    Between them, a Meowth stood on its hind legs. Its cream-colored fur contrasted with the gleaming gold charm on its forehead. The feline''s eyes gleamed with cunning intelligence, and its mouth curled into a sly grin, revealing sharp fangs. It flexed its claws, adding a touch of menace to its otherwise diminutive stature.


    "To protect the world from devastation!" Jessie proclaimed, her voice dripping with melodrama.


    "To unite all peoples within our nation!" James added, his tone equally grandiose. And he somehow had a rose from somewhere too.


    "To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie continued, her expression fierce.


    "To extend our reach to the stars above!" James declared, raising a fist skyward.


    "Jessie!"


    "James!"


    "Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!" They announced in unison, striking a final, dramatic pose.


    Meowth leaped forward, landing gracefully between them. "Meowth! That''s right!" it chimed in, its voice a distinctive, nasal pitch.


    Ezra and Karen exchanged incredulous glances, their initial surprise giving way to exasperation. The ostentatious display seemed almost absurd in the dank, foreboding depths of Mt. Moon.


    "Who are these clowns?" Karen muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she assessed the trio. "No way they''re actual Rockets."


    Ezra smirked, although he allowed some of his annoyance seep through. "Looks like we''ve stumbled upon some local entertainment," He quipped, his tone laced with sarcasm.


    Because really, he couldn''t take these people seriously. Ash constantly defeats them in the future. Half the time without even knowing about it himself really, just happenstance.


    Then Karen let everything catch up to her, and she pointed at the Meowth, "Wait a minute, did that Pokemon just fucking talk!?"


    Jessie''s eyes flashed with irritation at their dismissive remarks. "How dare you mock Team Rocket!" She snapped, her hands clenched into fists. "We''re the most notorious organization in all of Kanto and Johto!"


    James nodded vigorously, his expression earnest. "Indeed! Our exploits are the stuff of legend!"


    Ezra crossed his arms, "We weren''t mocking Team Rocket. We were mocking you." He taunted.


    "Is no one else going to say anything about the fact that fucking Pokemon just talked!?" Karen growled, pointing at Meowth. "How do some loser cosplayers get a talking Pokemon? Why is the world not fucking making any sense anymore!?"


    They all ignored her.


    Ezra didn''t know the Rockets'' reasons, but he did it because it was funny.


    "To think we were limited to simply guarding the way, while the boring people took care of the Pokemon Rangers, and yet we found ourselves with some delicious catches before us!" Jessie crowed, making an exaggerated, "Hohoho!" Sound while holding her hand to her lips.


    James nodded and did a small pirouette, still clutching a rose to his chest. "Indeed, we''ve truly stumbled onto the chance to rise within the organization!"


    Ezra and Karen both exchanged a hard look at that information. The real Team Rocket was attacking the rest stop and the Pokemon Rangers right now. That''s why the wild Pokemon had been going nuts. They needed to take care of these jokers.


    Meowth crossed its arms, puffing out its chest, speaking at the same time as Karen spoke up pointing at him, "Let''s take that one, the League will definitely want to study him." - "Yeah! We''re here to steal your Pokemon!"


    Meowth blinked slowly, "Wait, what?" Pointing at himself, looking up at Jessie and James as if he was double checking he''d heard things correctly.


    Jessie snapped at Karen, "We''re the thieves here, don''t steal our schtick!"


    "I suppose, if it will get me some goodwill." Ezra sighed, nodding at Karen, ignoring the joke squad as he agreed to attempt to capture Meowth.


    Meowth scrambled behind James legs, squeaking out, "Ahh! It''s not supposed to go this way, don''t let them take me!"


    James threw the rose before him, before drawing a Pokeball, "En gard!" Striking a pose at them.


    Karen''s Sneasel hissed, baring its claws in a display of readiness. Beside her, Murkrow flapped its wings, its eyes gleaming with anticipation. Ezra''s Umbreon stepped forward, her eyes glowing ominously, while Morrigan hovered nearby, ready at a moment''s notice.


    "You really think you can take us on?" Karen challenged, her voice cold and steady.


    Ezra chuckled softly, his gaze fixed on the trio. "Oh, you really should have just stayed with bullying mentally challenged kids," He murmured, a smirk playing on his lips.


    Sure, Ash wasn''t going on a journey yet, as far as he knew, so it was interesting these bozos were around. But he was so far away from that naive kid as could be, and he was definitely not one for excessive amounts of mercy.


    Jessie and James exchanged determined glances before each tossing a Pokeball. "We''ll show you the true power of Team Rocket!" Jessie declared, her eyes blazing with resolve.


    "Prepare to face defeat!" James added, his voice firm.


    Meowth flexed its claws, a wicked grin spreading across its face. "Let''s get ''em!"


    A Koffing and an Ekans appeared from the Rockets Pokeballs, arriving on the cavern floor before them.


    Ezra''s smirk widened as he met Karen''s gaze. "Shall we?" He asked, his tone light but edged with anticipation.


    Karen nodded, her expression steely. "Let''s teach these fools a lesson."


    Jessie and James both cried out together, "Foul!" Waving their arms like they were the referees at a football game.


    Their reason?


    Akuma punching his fists together, Loki floating over Ezra''s shoulder, his Mimikyu and his Deino, Alduin, joining Umbreon and Morrigan to face off against the Rockets.


    By Karen''s side, all six of her Pokemon were out as well.


    "Well¡­ Here''s the thing, clowns." Ezra said with a dark smile that promised violence. "When facing a terrorist organization¡­ All. Bets. Are. Off."


    Playing fair? What was that?


    It was for suckers. That''s what.


    Karen made a play off looking at her nails, casually checking them over as she spoke, with malice in her voice, "These caves are so nice, a big cavern like this will really make your screams echo, at the same time as no one is down here to hear you scream!"


    Ezra thought that was kind of a poor attempt at intimidation, but he''d leave her be this one time.


    Meowth showed he had the most sense out of the trio as he immediately abandoned Jessie and James and ran for the hills.


    Unfortunately for him, Karen''s Sneasel was very fast. It blocked the path grinning with pure anticipation.


    "Oh, don''t go anywhere, I''m very interested to find out how you work." Karen said, eyes intent on the talking Pokemon.


    Jessie bit her lip, "Hahaha, you know, we were really just kidding, playing dress up, you see?" She said, sweat pouring down her face.


    James glanced at her, "We were?" Before receiving a hard punch to the shoulder, squeaking out, "Yes, of course we were."


    "Oh in that case we''ll let you go." Ezra said, friendly like.


    "Oh, really." James said, shoulders slumping, "That''s so nice -"


    "No. Not really. Sick ''em."


    At the same time Karen growled out, "Make it hurt."


    <hr>


    Minutes later,


    So it turned out¡­ Jessie and James were kind of pathetically weak.


    As in hugged each other crying as their Pokemon waffled indecisively kind of weak.


    Ezra and Karen tied them up, and were now at kind of a loss at what to do with them.


    Karen glared at them, one foot tapping at the ground, "We can''t just leave them here, eventually they''ll get away¡­" She frowned at them, "Or get eaten."


    The two cried even more, making Ezra give Karen a dirty look for that last comment, not that he cared - he just didn''t want the whining. She just shrugged, continuing to look at the two with disgust.


    The two of them, not three¡­


    Because they already had Meowth wrapped up like a mummy and stuffed in Ezra''s backpack. If the Rockets had a Pokeball for him, they didn''t have it on them anymore, so they''d been forced to get creative.


    They''d also taken their Pokeballs and would be bringing their Pokemon with them no matter what they decided with these two clowns. There was a bounty on returning Rocket Pokemon after all.


    "You can''t take our Pokemon! That''s not fair!'' Jessie shrieked suddenly, her tears evaporated like they were never there.


    Ezra couldn''t help but laugh a little at their delusional world view. "Ah, so it''s only okay when you take them from others?"


    "Yes!" Jessie snapped, then seemed to understand the fallacy of her argument and floundered for a way to argue more.


    Karen solved it by duct taping her mouth shut. Like she''d already done to James after he''d loudly proclaimed that she could use his body in exchange for their freedom, that he was willing to make that ''sacrifice'' for his team.


    "You''re technically the one with league connections here, it''s your decision." Ezra said, now that the fools were quiet.


    Personally he didn''t really care what happened to these two, they were ridiculously stupid. So perhaps being caught and brought to justice would rehabilitate them, because he doubted they''d done anything truly egregious.


    They were failures. Not terrorists.


    "Taking them with us means we have an issue if we run into ''real'' Rockets." Karen grumbled, giving the two squirming captives the stink eye as they protested vehemently against her insinuation that they weren''t the real deal.


    Ezra gave her an amused look, "They don''t have any Pokemon anymore, and I''m sure we could take them in a fist fight." He shrugged, "Like I said, your choice, I''m fine with leaving them too."


    Karen sighed, looking like she was already regretting what she was saying before even saying it, "We''ll bring them with us, just attach a rope to the dumbasses and we can lead them along."


    Both of the Rockets squirmed where they were sitting, their body language and gestures making it pretty clear they were asking to go to the bathroom.


    Ezra stepped away, "Like I said, you''re the one with the league connection, they''re your captives."


    "Ezra! Don''t walk away from this! I am not watching this jerk pee!"


    Ezra laughed as he walked away, determined to wait on the other side of the cavern until they were ready to go. "Maybe he''s asking for something else?"


    Not that it would make it better of course.


    It just wasn''t his problem.


    He was fine with letting them take off or get left behind after all - they already had the prize in Meowth anyway.


    "Ezra!!"


    <hr>


    The tunnels of Mt. Moon seemed to stretch endlessly, the labyrinthine passageways seeming to twist and shift with every step Ezra and Karen took. Their progress was slow but steady, the dim glow of Umbreon''s flash illuminating the rugged path ahead due to the Rockets having broken the lit path towards the rest stop. Beside her, Akuma, Ezra''s Annihilape, watched their captives, holding on to the rope tied around Jessie and James, dragging them along should they attempt to slow down or impede them in any way.


    It had only taken four times of being dragged through the rocky ground before the clowns stopped trying to play games and walked along sullenly.


    "Could we pick up the pace?" Karen asked, her tone sharp as her Sneasel darted ahead, checking for any more ambushes.


    "Could we not?" Ezra countered with a lazy smirk, his flashlight''s beam sweeping across the walls as he assured Umbreon in lighting up the way. "We''re not exactly on a deadline here. Besides," He gestured to Akuma, who growled lowly at the pair of restrained Rockets. "Our passengers don''t seem to be in a hurry."


    As far as Ezra was concerned, the Rocket attack either would be happening just as they arrived - as per narrative - or had already been over with for quite awhile. So why worry?


    The two captives grumbled behind their duct-tape muzzles, glaring daggers at the trainers leading them. Jessie attempted to toss her hair dramatically but failed, given her bonds. James merely sighed, his face a picture of resigned indignity.


    Karen rolled her eyes. "Let''s just hope the Rangers at the rest stop are in a better mood than I am. I don''t want to deal with this circus any longer than I have to." Her eyes were hard as she added, "The worst shit always happens to us it seems¡­"


    Ezra snorted lightly, his voice echoing softly off the stone walls. "Oh, come on, Karen. This isn''t the worst thing that''s happened to us. Think of it as... Character-building."


    Although it did somewhat put a pin in their whole reason for this outing. Getting some more battles in with various trainers throughout the journey.


    Karen shot him a dark look. "I have enough character, thanks."


    The tunnels widened as they continued, the air growing slightly cooler and fresher. After nearly two hours of navigating the cavernous maze, the dim light began to shift. It wasn''t the artificial glow of flashlights or lanterns, or the soft shimmer of Umbreon''s Flash. Instead, it was natural light - soft beams of silvery luminescence filtering through veins of metallic ore in the ceiling and walls. The sight was breathtaking, the walls glittering like starlight scattered across the stone.


    "Wow," Karen muttered, momentarily distracted from her foul mood. Her Murkrow flapped above, letting out a small coo of approval as it flew across one of the glowing veins right up against it, admiring the shiny.


    Ezra gave a low whistle, his eyes sweeping over the scene. "Alright, I''ll admit, that''s impressive." He paused, reaching out to touch one of the glittering walls, only for Umbreon to growl softly at him in worry. "Fine, fine. No touching. It''s still pretty, though."


    He watched the wall thoughtfully, not sensing anything through the shadows, but Umbreon apparently thought differently, so he''d leave it alone.


    Karen smirked. "Even you have moments of awe, huh?"


    He grinned. "I''m not made of stone, unlike certain walls around here."


    Karen groaned. "Stop. Just stop."


    Soon after they arrived at the first point of Mt. Moon, the first major rest stop.


    The rest stop cavern was a marvel of both nature and careful human intervention. The chamber itself was massive, its ceiling soaring high above in a dome of jagged stone. Glittering veins of silver and other metallic ores wove through the walls and roof, catching the natural light that filtered down through narrow fissures. These cracks acted as skylights, spilling soft beams of light into the cavern and illuminating the space in an ethereal glow. The effect was mesmerizing, as though the entire cave was alive, its walls shimmering with an inner light.


    At the heart of the cavern was a circular arena carved into the rocky floor, its edges outlined by smooth, polished stone. The battle circle wasn''t overly large, but it was clearly well-used, with faint scuffs and scratches marking the surface. It served as both a training ground and an area for trainers to challenge each other during their journeys through Mt. Moon. The circle was surrounded by sandy ground, likely brought in to cushion the area and make it safer for battles.


    Around the perimeter of the cavern, several small buildings were built into the natural stone walls. They were practical and sturdy, blending seamlessly with the rocky surroundings. Their exteriors were simple, constructed from a mix of wood and stone, but there was a deliberate elegance in their design. Smooth wooden beams framed the entrances, while sturdy metal lanterns hung from hooks, their warm yellow light complementing the natural glow of the cavern.


    One building, marked with an open hand, was the washroom and shower facility, or at least according to what Ezra had read about the place before making this journey. Trainers could clean themselves up after long hours of trekking through the dusty tunnels.


    The gentle sound of running water that echoed across the cavern hinted at an underground spring that was likely feeding the plumbing. Next to it was a small canteen, its entrance marked by a hand-painted sign that read "Rest Stop Caf¨¦." The scent of warm food and brewing coffee emanating from it, not that Ezra intended to partake, according to the guide he''d read, they were known for outrageous prices - they quite literally had no competition down here.


    Nearby was the barracks, split into two sections. One was reserved for the Pokemon Rangers, its doorway guarded by a pair of Growlithe who sat attentively, their eyes scanning the cavern. The other was for trainers who needed a place to rest during their trek.


    The cavern''s natural beauty wasn''t lost even amidst the signs of conflict. Stalactites hung from the ceiling like stone chandeliers, their dripping water forming small, clear pools on the ground. Moss and hardy ferns grew in patches along the walls, adding a touch of green to the otherwise earthy tones. The air was cool and damp, but not unpleasant, carrying the faint, mineral-rich scent of the underground.


    Near the far wall of the cavern, a set of stairs carved into the rock led upward to another level, possibly to more tunnels or even a second rest station. A few Rangers stood near the stairs, their postures alert as they kept watch for any signs of further trouble. Their Pokemon, a mix of sturdy Rock-types and agile Flying-types, stood ready at their sides, their gazes scanning the cavern with practiced vigilance.


    "Guess we have nothing to worry about." Ezra told Karen, gesturing to the center of the cavern.


    Several Rockets were there, tied together in a neat cluster, sat in the middle of the battle circle, their expressions ranging from surly to outright terrified. The Rangers had clearly dealt with the attackers swiftly and efficiently. Burn marks scarred the walls of a few buildings, evidence of attempted arson, and a handful of Rangers were stationed around the cavern, their Pokemon standing alert at their sides.


    More disturbingly, there were several bodies lying still near the edges of the cavern, unmoving and clearly lifeless. Ezra''s gaze lingered on them briefly before shifting to the gathered Rockets, who seemed to shrink under the watchful eyes of their captors.


    Thankfully all but one of the bodies wore Rocket uniforms. Whoever else had died, they weren''t a Ranger - Ezra doubted they''d be left on the ground if that had been the case.


    "Well," Ezra said after a long pause, his tone light but edged with amusement. "That makes things easier anyway."


    Karen hummed her agreement, though her sharp eyes scanned the cavern for any signs of lingering danger. "Guess they didn''t need us after all."


    Ezra felt a flicker of humor at the realization. Maybe he was developing a bit of protagonist disease, assuming everything would revolve around him. He''d been so certain they''d end up having to fight off the Rockets themselves despite their slow movements, but here they were, walking into a scene already handled by professionals.


    A Ranger approached them, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a serious expression. His uniform was pristine despite the obvious signs of battle around him. He held out a hand silently, his gaze expectant.


    Ezra and Karen both handed over their trainer IDs without complaint. The Ranger scanned them briefly before nodding, his voice a low rumble. "Caught two, huh? What were they up to?" He gestured toward Jessie and James, his tone neutral.


    Karen scoffed, her arms crossed. "These two idiots were just on the path trying to steal Pokemon. They''re complete morons." She gestured to them with disgust, "I honestly have trouble believing they''re actually Rockets."


    Ezra nodded in agreement, smirking slightly. "Honestly, if it weren''t for the attack here happening at the same time, and then having knowledge of it, I''d have thought they stole those uniforms from somewhere and were masquerading as the real thing."


    Jessie and James protested vigorously, their muffled voices little more than garbled nonsense through the duct tape. Their wild gesticulations only made them look more ridiculous, as if they were trying to convince the Rangers of their innocence of incompetence, not realizing that it simultaneously would be admitting guilt.


    The Ranger gave them a flat look before turning back to Ezra and Karen. "I''ll take it from here. You have their Pokemon?" He eyed Akuma warily as the Annihilape handed over the rope with a low growl.


    Karen nodded, handing over the pair''s Pokeballs. "Right here," She said casually, making no mention of the Meowth hidden away in Ezra''s bag.


    They''d hardly let such a treat go. The Rangers might give them a commendation and a pat on the head - but then they''d have no idea about what came of it.


    Karen would obviously want to go straight to Agatha and use her League connection. While Ezra doubted he could convince her otherwise - he wouldn''t mind sending the Meowth to his business and have him studied. Steven would be interested, he was sure.


    The Ranger grunted in acknowledgment, slipping the Pokeballs into a secure pouch on his belt. "Your profiles will have the bounty added once it''s processed. Good work, trainers." He paused, his gaze softening slightly. "The rest stop is currently not available," He added apologetically.


    Ezra shrugged, unbothered. "We''re fine with walking straight through. Our Pokemon haven''t even gotten a scratch." He gestured to his team, who stood tall and alert despite the long journey.


    Karen sent a sharp glare toward the cluster of Rockets still tied up in the battle circle. "Yeah, we''ll move on," She said curtly, clearly eager to put the whole thing behind them and get as far away from the Rockets as possible.


    The Ranger nodded, "Another trainer assisted with the takedown and should be leaving momentarily, it might be wise for you to team up." He offered, and then he stepped aside, allowing them to continue. As they walked past the battle circle, Jessie and James renewed their muffled protests, their flailing drawing a few bemused glances from the surrounding Rangers. Karen didn''t even spare them a second look, though Ezra couldn''t help but chuckle softly at their antics.


    "Think they''ll last the night?" He murmured to Karen, his tone low and conspiratorial.


    Karen smirked faintly. "Depends on how loud they are. Something tells me the Rangers don''t have much patience for whining."


    Ezra snorted, his amusement carrying them forward, although it died a swift death as someone walked out of the building dedicated to the washrooms and showers.


    "Hey, Kassian, fancy seeing you here." Shae said with an irreverent smirk, her Arbok slithering next to her.


    This was the other trainer assisting in taking down the Rockets? He thought, clenching his teeth.


    Is this a double bluff?


    <hr>


    The winding tunnels of Mt. Moon carried the echoes of footsteps and low conversation as Ezra, Karen, and Shae traversed the uneven path. Ezra''s crimson eyes stayed sharp, glancing frequently at the woman now walking slightly ahead of them. Karen''s Sneasel and Murkrow flanked her protectively, their gazes flickering toward Shae as if they, too, shared their trainer''s suspicion.


    Shae, meanwhile, seemed entirely unbothered. Her stride was confident, her arms crossed in a way that accentuated her chest. Her Arbok slithered at her side, its hood flaring slightly every so often as if daring the others to question its trainer''s presence.


    Finally, Ezra broke the silence, his tone blunt and suspicious. "Are you following me?"


    Shae stopped and turned slightly, fixing him with a cocky smirk. "Normally? No." She leaned slightly toward him, the action drawing attention to her curves in a way that seemed entirely deliberate. "Right now?" She winked. "You betcha."


    Karen''s sharp glare could have cut steel. "She admits it! Come on, Ezra, you can''t trust this girl."


    "I don''t," Ezra said flatly, his voice cold as his gaze bore into Shae''s. He took a deliberate step closer. "Last time we met, we immediately flew into a Team Rocket ambush afterwards..."


    Karen seized the opportunity, crossing her arms and stepping between Shae and Ezra. "And here we are again," She said with a dark tone. "And guess who else just happened to be here." Her tone was all but accusing.


    Shae giggled, a bright sound that quickly turned darker, almost sinister. "I fought the Rockets, you loons," She said, spinning on her heel to keep walking, but her voice carried easily. Her grin widened, taking on a bloodthirsty edge as she looked back at them. "If I''d known about them ambushing you back then, I would have crushed them, slowly, and with great pleasure."


    Ezra hated how he could never seem to understand if Shae was full of shit or not. Karen was easy to read - Shae always seemed a contradiction.


    Karen didn''t even hesitate to fire back, her voice cutting through Shae''s like a razor. "You''re not sounding more trustworthy, just so you know." If anything, Ezra would say that Karen sounded quite¡­ Catty.


    Was she jealous? He found some amusement in that, even as he didn''t let his guard down, watching Shae warily.


    Shae shrugged, unperturbed. "I''m not trying to sound trustworthy." She tilted her head, shooting them a sly glance over her shoulder. "I''m actually very untrustworthy. You definitely shouldn''t trust me." She confided in them coyly.


    Ezra cursed under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "Is everything a double bluff with you?" His voice carried his growing irritation. "What''s real? What''s fake?"


    And what the fuck did she want with him? Because Rocket or not, she definitely wanted something. And she had yet to even hint to what¡­


    Shae turned toward them, now walking backward with an infuriatingly playful grin. "That," She said, drawing out the word for dramatic effect, "Is a good question!"


    Ezra''s teeth clenched audibly, his temper hanging by a thread. "And the answer?" He forced out, his voice low and dangerous.


    Shae''s giggle echoed in the tunnel. She winked again. "You wouldn''t trust me if I told you, so you''ll just have to watch me and ~find out!" She spun back around, her steps light and carefree as if they were on a leisurely hike instead of traversing a cave system with known terrorists infecting it.


    Ezra kind of doubted the attack on the rest stop and those two morons - had been all that was planned for Mt. Moon. He especially thought something was going on now that Shae had showed up again.


    Karen yanked Ezra back by the arm, forcing some distance between them and Shae. Her voice dropped to a harsh whisper. "You''re not believing this bullshit, right?"


    Ezra let out a frustrated growl, his narrowed eyes fixed on Shae''s back. "I don''t know what to believe," He admitted, his voice low but heavy with irritation. "That''s the problem¡­"


    Karen''s scowl deepened. "I don''t like her. She''s hiding something, and I don''t like the way she''s playing this whole ''mystery act''. Her Sneasel growled in agreement, its claws flexing against the rocky ground. Ezra''s Pokemon were comparatively silent, trusting in Ezra to let them know if there was anything to worry about.


    The problem was, he didn''t know.


    Ezra''s gaze didn''t waver as he replied to Karen. "You think I don''t see that? I just¡­ Don''t know yet what her angle is. And until I do, I can''t do anything about it."


    "Except not let her travel with us!" Karen hissed, throwing up her hands in exasperation.


    "And then what?" Ezra countered sharply. "Let her wander off, only to show up again later with even more surprises? I''d rather keep an eye on her. If she''s planning something, I want to know about it."


    Karen made a noise of frustration but didn''t argue further, her hands curling into fists. She hated when Ezra made sense, especially when she couldn''t argue against his reasoning.


    Shae, meanwhile, seemed to revel in the tension she was causing. Her pace didn''t falter, and she hummed lightly to herself as if oblivious to the heated conversation behind her. Her Arbok slithered along, its yellow eyes occasionally flicking back toward Ezra and Karen with a predatory gleam.


    The trio continued their uneasy march through the tunnels, the faint echoes of dripping water and the occasional flutter of Zubat wings the only sounds aside from their footsteps.


    Finally, Shae broke the silence again, her tone light and conversational. "So, what''s the plan, fearless leader?" She glanced back at Ezra, her grin sharp. "Just keep walking until we stumble into the next disaster?" There was a light mocking tone to the last sentence.


    Ezra''s jaw tightened. "The plan," He said through gritted teeth, "Is to get to Cerulean. Anything else is a bonus."


    Their training plan was a complete bust at this point, and he felt somewhat naked not having his full team of heavy hitters with Shae here - who he knew packed quite the punch.


    Worst case he had the ghosts in his shadow and the shadow itself, but revealing that was a last ditch effort if everything truly went dire.


    Karen snorted. "You mean if she doesn''t sabotage us on the way." She glared challengingly at Shae.


    Shae laughed, the sound echoing off the walls. "Oh, Karen, you wound me. What possible reason could I have to sabotage two fine trainers like yourselves?" The glib tone making it clear to Ezra at least that she was now purposely messing with their other girl.


    Karen''s glare could have frozen magma. "You really want me to answer that?"


    Shae''s smirk only widened. "Please do."


    Karen opened her mouth, but Ezra cut her off, his voice cold and clipped. "Enough." He stepped forward, his gaze locking onto Shae''s with an intensity that wiped the smirk off her face. "You want to tag along? Fine. But one wrong move, keep trying to rile up Karen, and I swear I''ll -"


    "Relax, Kassian," Shae interrupted smoothly, her cocky demeanor quickly returning. "I''m not here to cause trouble." Her voice dropped, taking on a more serious edge. "At least not for you."


    The tension in the air thickened as Ezra and Shae locked eyes, neither willing to back down. Finally, Ezra stepped back, his posture stiff. "Just keep walking." He said irritably.


    If there truly was Rocket shenanigans going on, Shae could be a valuable ally. Especially as both he and Karen didn''t have their strongest teams.


    It definitely wouldn''t be smooth sailing¡­


    Shae gave him a mock salute before turning back around, her steps light and carefree once more. Karen shot Ezra a dark look but said nothing, falling back into step beside him as they resumed their uneasy trek through the cavern.


    The tension didn''t fade, but it settled into a wary silence as the three of them moved forward, each step carrying them closer to whatever awaited them.


    With the rest stop behind them, they''d have to camp in the caverns unless they made it to the next stop - which was highly unlikely.


    Ezra already looked forward to trying to go to bed with these two there¡­


    He was never going to tell Karen that she''d been right about just flying past Mt. Moon¡­


    <hr>

 A Legendary Fate

    <hr>


    The cavern walls shimmered faintly providing enough ambient light, as the trio moved deeper into Mt. Moon''s tunnels. The faint sound of dripping water provided a rhythm to their otherwise uneven footsteps, and the occasional skittering of Zubat wings broke the stillness of the underground expanse. Ezra walked slightly ahead, his posture stiff, his hackles raised due to Shae''s presence.


    He would have answers soon.


    Or else.


    He couldn''t say he was the most patient of guys, and someone so obviously up to no good in regards to him - he wasn''t going to let it go on indefinitely.


    Karen was a step behind him, her silver hair catching the soft light as her Sneasel and Weavile both, padded silently at her side. She stole glances at Ezra, her lips twitching as if she wanted to speak but thought better of it. Instead, her sharp gaze often flicked toward Shae, who trailed behind with an infuriatingly relaxed demeanor, her Arbok, Pride, slithering alongside her.


    She''d probably be less relaxed if she knew I had my Pokemon following behind in her shadow¡­ Ezra thought darkly.


    He wasn''t taking any chances, Rocket or no Rocket.


    Shae seemed to enjoy the tension, her arms crossed loosely as she walked with a cocky grin plastered on her face. Every so often, Pride would hiss softly, its hood flaring slightly, as if mirroring her amusement.


    "So," Shae began after another period of silence, her voice cutting through the quiet like a blade, "Are we going to keep walking in this awkward silence, or is someone finally going to say something interesting?"


    Ezra didn''t even look back, his tone cold as he spoke. "If you''ve got something interesting to say, Shae, now''s the time. Otherwise, keep fucking quiet."


    He was only interested in the real reason she was stalking him, everything else concerning her was just an annoyance.


    Karen smirked faintly, her sharp tone laced with mock sweetness as she pounced. "Don''t strain yourself, Shae. Interesting might be too much for you to manage, skeevy or trashy seems to be more in your ballpark."


    Shae let out a laugh, the sound echoing through the tunnel. "Oh, Karen, you''re adorable when you''re all defensive and jealous. I almost feel bad for teasing you." She leaned closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially, "Almost." She clicked her teeth together in a mocking bite as she leaned towards Karen.


    Karen''s Pokemon growled lowly, mirroring their trainer''s glare. "I''m not defensive," Karen snapped. "I just don''t trust people who show up at the worst possible times and act like they''re doing us a favor simply by being present!"


    Ezra silently agreed, but wasn''t in the mood to waste his words on the brewing argument. He wanted to get to a good defensive position to set up camp, and then get the truth out of Shae.


    Shae feigned surprise, her hand to her chest. "Doing you a favor? When have I ever acted in such a way, we''re just travel buddies aren''t we? Traversing the mountain together because of the Rocket infestation." She grinned coyly, "Although if you do want a favor¡­ I''m willing to talk about a mutually satisfactory arrangement sweetie."


    Ezra''s jaw tightened at the cattineas infecting his space. "Both of you, shut it," He said sharply, his tone leaving no room for argument. "Any further discussion is pointless at this time with this bullshit, stop wasting my time and your breath."


    It was too bad that he needed to keep his shadow secret, right about now would be a good time to scare the two bickering women into silence.


    Or just knock them out and drag them along. It was getting more and more tempting¡­


    A simpler solution for his short term peace of mind - and unfortunately not viable long-term.


    For now.


    If they were going to keep sniping at each other, he might have to reassess.


    Shae raised an eyebrow, her grin widening. "Oh, Kassian, you wound me! I thought you''d miss my sparkling personality if I didn''t keep you entertained on the way, or that at least you''d want answers? And here you just want me to seal my lips instead?"


    Karen let out a scoff, "I think what he misses is his peace and quiet. Something you wouldn''t understand, trash."


    Ezra gave Karen an annoyed look, because he wanted her to shut up too. He also was trying to put his finger on what was up with Shae, because she was almost¡­ Giddy, which was different then her previously cocky attitude - not that there was much difference between the two in practice.


    Both were equally fucking annoying.


    "Oh, I understand silence just fine," Shae said dismissively to Karen. "I just choose to make things actually fun and interesting. You should try it sometime, Karen. It might make you less of an uptight old lady." Her saccharine smile at the end, directed towards Karen, was obvious incitement.


    Karen''s fists clenched at her sides, her Sneasel and Weavile both watching her warily as if expecting her to explode. But she merely let out a slow breath, her voice dripping with venom as she spoke. "I''d rather be uptight than whatever you are claiming to be."


    Shae laughed again, unbothered. "I''ll take that as a compliment."


    Ezra sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "If you two are done, we still have a long way to go. Save the bickering for when we''re not surrounded by potentially hostile Pokemon or terrorists."


    Not that a Team Rocket attack right now would be necessarily bad. He could use a target for his frustrations that was acceptable to brutalize.


    Karen glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "Sorry, Ezra," She said, her tone sincere. "I''ll focus." She promised, looking somewhat chagrined to having been caught up in Shae''s flow.


    Shae tilted her head, her grin turning sly. "How sweet. You really care what he thinks, don''t you?"


    Karen''s glare was immediate, but Ezra cut in before she could respond. "Shae, enough," He snapped, his voice cold. "You''re not making the impression here that you think you are, I will knock you out and leave you here..."


    Shae held up her hands in mock surrender, her grin never faltering even in the face of his threat. "Alright, alright. I''ll behave. For now."


    The group pressed on in silence. The path grew narrower quickly as they got deeper, the walls closing in as the air turned warmer. Umbreon padded closer to Ezra, keeping the way lit up as they encountered more sabotaged tunnels, normally maintained by the Ranger station, the lighting completely destroyed the deeper they went. Morrigan floated silently beside him, her translucent form blending into the shadows as she was on watch for surprise attacks.


    Other than the Pokemon hiding in his shadow, and the ones he had hiding in Shae''s, he was keeping his other Pokemon back for now, in reserve.


    Too many Pokemon clumped together in these narrow tunnels would be more of a danger then a help if something happened.


    Karen''s Murkrow flapped its wings, landing on her shoulder with a soft call of its name. She reached up absently to stroke its feathers, her gaze flicking toward Ezra. "Do you think the wild Pokemon are still riled up from earlier? We haven''t run into any¡­"


    Ezra was going to nod, but paused as he thought it over. "I was going to say that we were likely to see such, but now that you mention it¡­ We haven''t seen any sign of wild Pokemon at all¡­" He glanced around thoughtfully, "It''s possible the Rockets didn''t go this deep and was only active in the first section of the tunnel system." Even as he said it, he wasn''t sure he believed that.


    Shae hummed softly, a hand gesture having Pride slithering ahead to scout the path. "If anything, this silence is more suspicious then if we''d have a multitude of encounters," She said with a dubious look at their surroundings. "I wouldn''t count on nothing being wrong..."


    Ezra agreed, he wasn''t an optimist to begin with, and zero encounters? After a Rocket attack that riled up the inhabitants of Mt Moon? Something else was going on. "And you have no idea what, do you?" He asked Shae pointedly.


    Shae sighed, some of her exaggerated mien slipping off, "Look, Kassian, I get that my actions look suspect, but I''m not in the habit of risking my own life. If I wanted to get at you, I wouldn''t be walking along with you, alright?"


    Ezra glanced back at her, unconvinced, "That''s exactly what someone who''s leading me into a trap might say¡­"


    Shae chuckled lowly, "I guess my own enjoyment in playing around too much has bitten me in the ass, huh?" She shrugged, running a hand through her hair, "Fair enough, I''ll take my lumps, it''s my own fault really. I''d offer to let you spank me for being so bad, but I don''t want to muscle in on Karen''s territory."


    Karen''s Sneasel let out a warning growl, its claws flexing as it eyed Shae, reacting to Karen''s sudden explosive glare and hissed out breath. Her Weavile was more used to her temperament and just kept an eye out for the return of the Arbok, marking it as more important.


    Karen patted Sneasel''s head reassuringly, her voice low even as she boiled on the inside. "Don''t waste your energy, Sneasel. The trash is not worth it."


    Shae''s smile widened as she got the reaction she''d fished for. "Ouch, Karen. That almost hurt my feelings, maybe you''re the one I should offer to spank me?"


    Ezra sighed again, his patience wearing thin. "If you two don''t stop, I''m leaving both of you behind."


    He was beginning to mean it too. There was only so many times he could say something and have it ignored - before he got truly pissed off.


    Karen''s expression shifted, her tone softening as she addressed Ezra. "You wouldn''t leave me, right? I mean, I''m the only one here who''s actually helpful." She implored.


    Ezra''s lips twitched into a faint smirk despite himself. "Keep telling yourself that, Karen. It must be nice to be so optimistic."


    Shae bullying Karen was annoying.


    But his bullying of the other trainer was of course always a highlight of his day.


    Shae laughed, her voice echoing off the walls. "Oh, he can be fun. I see why you like him so much, Karen."


    Karen''s cheeks flushed, and she turned sharply away. "I don''t know what you''re talking about!"


    Shae''s eyes gleamed with mischief. "Oh, you definitely do. Let me know if you need any tips, girl to girl."


    "Definitely not!" Karen spat out, eyes still averted and body posture stiff.


    Shae opened her mouth, a victorious grin on her face, only for Ezra to cut in with a sharp command, "Leave her alone, Shae."


    Shae mimed sealing her lips shut, although her expression was still amused.


    Karen gave him a thankful look, only to stumble and almost faceplant as he continued unabashedly with - "The crush is obvious and it''s rude to bring it up to try and use it against her."


    Karen spluttered, face red, as Shae broke down laughing, shoulders shaking as she turned away to try and keep some of her composure in the face of Karen''s absolute shocked and blindsided face.


    Of course Ezra knew about it. It was obvious. And maybe it was a little mean of him, but the sooner it was out in the open the better - so Karen could begin making her choices¡­ Besides, their little catfight was annoying him, so this would finally shut it down, he hoped.


    The group continued their trek in silence, the path eventually widening into a larger cavern. Stalactites hung like jagged teeth from the ceiling, and the faint glow of bioluminescent moss painted the walls in shades of green and blue. The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth, and the sound of dripping water echoed softly.


    Shae paused, her gaze sweeping over the cavern with an almost predatory intensity. "Nice place for my little interrogation," She said lightly. "Cozy."


    Karen rolled her eyes. "If this is your idea of cozy, I don''t want to know what your home looks like."


    Shae raised an eyebrow. "How nice of you to assume I have one. Some of us grow up without any happiness and stability you know?" She gestured to the cavern, "Compared to cold nights on a dirty street and all that comes with it, this is practically luxury."


    Karen opened her mouth to snap back, resolutely not looking at Ezra, but at Shae''s words she deflated, "You¡­ You did this on purpose didn''t you?"


    Shae cocked her head, a sly smile on her face, "Would I do that?"


    Ezra, choosing to ignore their exchange, moved toward a small pool of water near the center of the cavern. Umbreon padded beside him as he crouched down, studying the water with a thoughtful frown. A place like this should have definitely seen some traffic from wild Pokemon in the area¡­ Yet¡­ Nothing. He thought.


    He chose to ignore Shae''s words, he wasn''t an anime protagonist. Telling him a sob story wouldn''t change his mind, even if it obviously worked to blunt Karen''s ire. If the story was even true in the first place, something he couldn''t discount.


    Karen joined him, her tone somewhat blank as she continued to look in his general direction but not right at him, "What is it?"


    "No tracks," Ezra said, frowning, "A place like this should have seen something come through at some point. Yet the mud around the water''s edge is completely untouched."


    Shae wandered over, her Arbok hissing softly as it slithered beside her. "Huh, now that''s possible I suppose, but questions keep stacking up¡­" She said, her tone curious as she wrinkled her nose at the continued mystery.


    Mt Moon had a dedicated Pokemon Ranger detachment precisely because it was full of wild Pokemon. So where were they?


    Ezra straightened up from his crouch, his expression serious. "Stay alert. We won''t get any answers right now, but we know to be careful." He looked around, assessing the area with hard eyes.


    The cavern had only one entrance, making it defensible, and the floor, while uneven, was at least dry. The access to fresh water was also a nice bonus. "We are far from the next rest stop, let''s just camp here." He said, voice firm, making it clear he wasn''t listening to any objections.


    Karen glared at Shae, just waiting for a smart comment, but Shae only nodded, unslinging her backpack, a conflicted look on her face.


    Ezra dropped his backpack near the wall with a low grunt, brushing a hand through his messy white hair. His eyes swept over the area, scanning for any potential avenues for threats that he might have missed in his first cursory study. Karen made a sharp gesture, her Sneasel and Weavile both darting toward the entrance to keep watch.


    Shae leaned casually against the wall nearby, and watched them with a frown on her face, her Arbok coiled at her feet, its hood half-flared in idle menace as if feeling its mistress conflicted emotions.


    "Bit early to make camp," Shae said, her tone light. "But I suppose it''ll do."


    Karen shot her a glare as she unfurled her bedroll with sharp, precise movements. "It''s better than wandering around all night and getting ambushed because someone can''t keep their mouth shut."


    Shae''s grin widened in delight, even as Ezra audibly sighed at Karen biting again, this time completely unprompted.


    "Oh, Karen, don''t blame me for your lack of ability. I can hold your hand if you get scared, you know?"


    Karen''s hands clenched into fists, but Ezra cut in before the bickering could escalate, again. "Enough," He said sharply, his voice echoing slightly in the enclosed space. "We need to focus on getting this camp set up first and foremost."


    Karen huffed, but she focused on smoothing out her bedroll. "Fine. But she''s not helping with anything. She''ll probably just make things worse."


    Shae chuckled, sauntering over to Ezra''s side as he unpacked a small portable stove. "You wound me, Karen. I''m great at making a little go a long way when it comes to food, you know." She smiled at Ezra, "I''ll gladly volunteer for cooking duties."


    Ezra didn''t even look up, his tone dry. "The last thing I need is you poisoning us."


    Shae placed a hand dramatically over her heart. "So much distrust. I''m hurt, Kassian."


    Karen snorted, laying out her supplies in a neat row, but not saying anything this time, to Ezra''s relief.


    "Watches," Ezra said as he finished setting up the stove. "We''ll need to rotate. Umbreon and Morrigan can take the first shift with me. Karen, you and your ''mon are next. Shae, you and yours can take the final watch." So I can be up and awake at the same time, he left unsaid.


    Shae tilted her head, her smirk returning. "Oh, giving me the most sleep, are we? How kind of you."


    Ezra glanced up at her, his expression cold. "Depending on your answers, things might change¡­"


    Karen smirked faintly at that, while Shae chuckled, not looking overly worried, which did somewhat alleviate Ezra''s thoughts. If he could believe anything she''d say anyway, he''d have to see what she''d claim.


    As the stove began to heat, Ezra opened several canisters of soup and poured it into the pot. The savory smell wafted through the cavern soon enough, making Karen''s Murkrow caw softly in anticipation. Ezra gave it a look, "Don''t even try, I know Karen has food for you."


    Murkrow lowered its head sadly, Karen giving it a scratch, and a quiet admonishment, "No begging, I''ve told you this¡­"


    "Let me guess," Shae said, leaning over to peer into the pot. "Plain soup? No seasoning? How ~exciting."


    Karen rolled her eyes, tossing her silver hair over her shoulder as she pulled out a packet of dried rations for her Pokemon. "You''re welcome to eat whatever you brought." She said snidely.


    Shae only chuckled, seemingly happy to just watch Ezra cook their dinner.


    Finally, as they settled in to eat, Ezra set his bowl aside for a moment and reached into his backpack. Karen glanced at him, raising an eyebrow, looking right at him for the first time since his comment about her crush. "What are you doing?"


    Ezra pulled out a tightly bound bundle of cloth and wraps, which wriggled faintly. "Letting out our guest."


    Shae''s eyes gleamed with curiosity. "Oh, am I going to get to find out why your backpack has been acting out this entire time?"


    "In front of her?" Karen complained, giving Shae the stink eye.


    "She couldn''t take us both even if she wanted, and we can''t leave him in my backpack all the way to Cerulean." Ezra said plaintively, getting Karen to give him a reluctant agreeing nod.


    Ezra untied the bundle, revealing the restrained Meowth. The talking Pokemon''s eyes blazed with indignation as he struggled against the bindings. Ezra carefully removed the crude muzzle they''d fashioned. The moment it was off, Meowth launched into a tirade.


    "Finally!" Meowth snapped, his voice nasal and grating. "I was startin'' to think yous forgot about me!"


    He paused for breath for just a moment, before immediately continuing, "Do yous have any idea how disgusting that muzzle was?" He snarled. "It smelled like a Muk''s armpit! And these bindings - what are they, recycled Zubat wings treated to be extra itchy? And don''t even get me started on that backpack! Cramped, dark, and reekin'' of old socks! I''m a civilized Pokemon, not some wild Rattata!"


    Ezra noticed that Shae didn''t seem overly surprised at the talking Pokemon, making him frown, because she didn''t look like she knew Meowth specifically, so she knows other talking Pokemon? He thought with interest.


    Karen''s lips twitched at Meowth''s rant, finding some amusement in the Pokemon''s complaints, even as she still seemed amazed that he could speak. "You''re alive, aren''t you?"


    "Barely!" Meowth snapped. "And the way yous argue? Torture! Absolute torture! I''m starvin'', dyin'' of thirst, and forced to listen to you three go at it like a buncha Primeape in a fightin'' ring!"


    Ezra, unfazed, opened a container of Pokemon food and placed it in front of Meowth, having finished unbinding just one hand. "Here. Eat."


    The Pokemon wasn''t exactly wrong about the arguing, so he had no reason to fire back against him.


    Meowth sniffed the food suspiciously before diving in, his complaints abruptly silenced as he chowed down with gusto.


    Shae giggled, watching the scene with delight. "Things are always happening around you, Kassian! You really are¡­" She searched for the words for a moment, before smiling seemingly honestly, "So different."


    Ezra eyed her contemplative, wondering if it was time to push for his answers. "So -"


    Only for Karen to talk over him, her focus entirely on Meowth. "You''ll have a great time with Lady Agatha," She said, her tone almost sweet. "She''s one of the greatest Pokemon researchers in the League, even if not usually geared towards your typing. You''d be studied thoroughly, your abilities documented for future generations in a way that could revolutionize Pokemon relations and knowledge forever."


    Meowth froze mid-bite, his eyes wide with horror. "Agatha? The ghost lady? No way! No how! I ain''t goin'' anywhere near her!" Meowth protested adamantly, casting his eyes around, looking for any escape routes.


    Ezra smirked slyly, leaning back against the wall, seeing an opportunity. "Or¡­ You could come with me. Sure, it''d be a research project, but you''d be one of the leads, not just a subject. You can speak for yourself, after all. And you''d have all the luxury you could want. Food, a proper bed, clean accommodations, ladies¡­"


    Meowth looked a lot less flight prone at that, cocking his head with a gleam of interest in his eyes, even as Shae giggled and muttered, "Pimp." Under her breath.


    Karen glared at him, her voice sharp as she got fired up. "You can''t just poach him like that! He''s evidence, and he belongs with the League!"


    Ezra met her glare with a calm expression. "It''s only fair the Pokemon gets to choose since he has even more agency than any other Pokemon due to his communication skills."


    Meowth twitched in irritation, his tail lashing behind him. "I choose to go back to Jessie and James then!"


    "Denied," Ezra and Karen said in unison, their voices firm.


    When Ezra meant agency, he meant agency to choose his business. Not to go back to two bit criminal hacks.


    Meowth groaned, slumping to the ground dramatically. "I hate all of yous."


    Soon enough, the Pokemon had been watered and fed. Meowth packed up again, although left unmuzzled for now. He was still a flight risk so he wasn''t allowed unbound, and got to spend the night in Ezra''s backpack again.


    With the diversion taken care of, both Karen and Ezra turned to Shae, who gave them a wan smile.


    "Guess it''s my turn huh? And I didn''t even get the benefit of being all trussed up and helpless either?" She sighed, sitting down cross legged, expression turning slightly softer.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "No lies, no bullshit or disassembling. Full stop, tell me what you''re up to, why you''re after me, and everything even slightly connected to these things." Ezra said bluntly, sitting down across from her, Karen sitting at his right side.


    Only known to Ezra, his Pokemon hiding in her shadows were ready to go into action at any time if needed.


    Although it would take a lot, considering Karen was right there, but worst case he''d put her to sleep, and deal with Shae himself.


    For the first time since they''d met her, Shae wasn''t filling the silence with barbs or provocations. Instead, her voice came low and steady, carrying a hint of an emotion neither of them had heard from her before - vulnerability.


    "I didn''t start as much," She began, her fingers absently tracing patterns in the dust on the ground. "Less than dirt, really. Just another broken street rat, scrounging for scraps in whatever alley or dumpster I could find. No family. No friends. No future."


    Karen snorted, muttering under her breath, "And here comes the sob story."


    Shae''s gaze flicked to Karen, her eyes sharp for just a moment before softening again. "Believe what you want," She said, her tone unusually restrained. "I''m not looking for pity. Just giving you the truth."


    Ezra said nothing, his gaze remaining steady as Shae turned back to meet his gaze. Her voice grew quieter as she continued, the cavern amplifying every word.


    "It was just one of those nights, you know? The kind where you wonder why you bother? Why you fight so hard just to see another day that''s as miserable as the last." She gave a bitter smile. "That night, I didn''t bother. Some gang decided I looked like a fun target, and, well¡­ Let''s just say they didn''t leave much of me intact."


    Karen shifted uncomfortably, her arms tightening around herself, but she didn''t speak. Ezra''s eyes narrowed, but his expression gave away nothing.


    She was either telling her truth or she was the best liar he''d seen so far.


    Shae let out a hollow laugh, her voice tinged with a mix of amusement and bitterness. "I was left there, bleeding out in the middle of an alley. Cold. Alone. And for the first time, I didn''t even care. I figured, that''s it. That''s the end of the great and mighty Shae, huh? What a joke."


    Her fingers stilled in the dust, curling into a fist. "But then¡­ Then I heard a voice. Clear as day. A voice despite there being no people in that alley. A voice that shouldn''t have been there."


    Karen scoffed, breaking the somber air with her sharp tone. "Let me guess, the voice told you you''re special and destined for greatness, right?"


    Ezra tilted his head, giving Karen a look, her interruptions were not needed, and if Shae was being truthful, was only going to make the girl feel bad later.


    For all her temper, Karen was a surprisingly empathetic girl deep down.


    Shae didn''t rise to the bait. Instead, she met Karen''s gaze, her expression unreadable. "It told me I had a greater fate," She said simply. "That I wasn''t meant to die in that alley. That there was something I had to do - that I had a use."


    Ezra leaned forward slightly, his voice cold but curious. "A Pokemon spoke to you." He guessed. Just from her reaction to Meowth.


    Shae nodded, a faint, wistful smile on her lips. "Yeah. Not like the one in your bag, though. Older. Wiser. And a lot less annoying." Her gaze grew distant again. "It picked me up - dragged me, really - and brought me to this forest, into somewhere special. A place I didn''t even know existed, that I still don''t know how it exists."


    Karen''s skepticism deepened, her glare sharp. "And let me guess, the forest was full of magical people and talking Pokemon who all wanted to save the world?" She scoffed, ignoring Ezra''s deepening glare, "It''s the standard fairy tale, you''re not even original!"


    Shae chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Not quite magical. But there were others like me. Street rats. Runaways. People who didn''t belong anywhere. And yeah, there were talking Pokemon, too. Not many, but enough to teach us. Guide us, together with Ma, and the elders."


    "Guide you to what?" Ezra cut in, his tone demanding. "What does any of this have to do with me?"


    Shae''s smile faded, her gaze turning serious as she looked directly at him. "Everything."


    Ezra''s jaw tightened, but he didn''t interrupt. Shae took a deep breath before continuing.


    "They taught us about the Legendary who''d created the commune," She said, her voice reverent. "About the one protecting it, and sometimes¡­ Testing it. And they told us about the One. The mythical person destined to stand at the center of it all when darkness would stand ascendant."


    Karen rolled her eyes, her voice laced with disbelief. "This is a fairy tale. A cult fairy tale. And you''re actually falling for this, Ezra?" She gestured at Shae, "She''s in a cult!"


    "I''m listening," Ezra corrected sharply, his gaze never leaving Shae. "Keep going."


    No matter what Karen was saying, he believed Shae. That her emotions and reactions were not faked, nor were her words. And perhaps this was a clue to how he''d come to be in this world¡­


    Shae nodded, grateful for the chance to continue. "We worshipped the Legendary who brought us together. Gave us food, shelter, purpose. But they never demanded much of anything from us. No sacrifices, no blind devotion, no dues or services. Just one thing."


    She met Ezra''s eyes, her voice steady. "To find and assist the One. To guide them, protect them, help them reach their destiny. That was all that was ever asked of us." She shrugged, "We weren''t told much of the how and why, the myths are in generalities, but we know enough."


    "And you think I''m this One?" Ezra''s tone was curious, his expression unreadable.


    Shae''s smile returned, faint but confident. "I didn''t at first. I wasn''t sure. But the more I watched you, the more I saw it. The way you move. The way things happen around you - like you''re a focal point. The way the shadows cling to you like they''re alive." Her eyes gleamed. "You''re not normal, Kassian. You''ve never been normal. And you know it."


    Karen''s voice cut through the air like a whip. "This is all bullshit! A sad little girl gets picked up by a cult, brainwashed into believing some fantasy, and now you think you''re part of some grand destiny? You''re pathetic, Shae!" She snapped, agitated from Ezra''s easy acceptance, her head whipping back and forth between them.


    "Ma took care of me, the old crazy bat¡­ She made a broken girl wishing for death, grow up into someone who could enjoy life and do some good, have some worth." Shae said slowly, fists clenching, "Call it a cult, whatever you like, but they''re good people. They save those who have nothing left."


    Karen looked away first, grimacing.


    Ezra leaned forward, "Tell me more about this group who''s so sure I''ve got something to do with this mythical ''One'' and this Legendary." He requested.


    Shae opened her mouth, and the calm around them was shattered by a low rumble that echoed through the walls. Ezra, Karen, and Shae froze, their bodies tensing as they exchanged wary glances. The sound grew louder, the ground beneath them trembling slightly, and the faint patter of skittering claws followed behind it.


    "Something''s coming," Ezra said, his tone low and cold as he rose to his feet. His red eyes were sharp, scanning the cavern entrance.


    Karen grabbed her Pokeballs, her expression tight as her silver hair glinted in the firelight. "A lot of somethings," She said grimly, three of her Pokemon already released in Sneasel, Weavile and Murkrow.


    Shae''s expression was replaced by a more serious one as she straightened, her Arbok uncoiling beside her with a low hiss. "Well, this should be fun," She muttered, though her voice lacked its usual levity.


    The noise grew into a cacophony - rocks grinding, wings flapping, claws scraping against stone. Then, with an earsplitting screech, the first wave of Zubat poured into the cavern, a swirling cloud of leathery wings and piercing cries. Behind them came the thunderous rumble of Geodudes rolling in, followed by the heavier thuds of Gravelers and the earthen roar of an approaching Onix. Paras and Parasects skittered in next, their glowing mushrooms casting a glow over the rest, Sandshrews darted between their larger, more aggressive companions.


    The sight made Karen hiss sharply. "It''s a stampede," She snapped, her voice tight with anger. "Why are they all coming this way?" She quickly released her last three Pokemon, Honchkrow, Houndor and Houndoom.


    "Does it matter?" Ezra bit out, already releasing the rest of his Pokemon as well to join Umbreon and Morrigan. His Annihilape, Akuma, stepped forward with a guttural growl, cracking his knuckles in anticipation, Alduin, Mimikyu and Dusclops all readying themselves. "We have to hold them here."


    Shae released her Weezing and Croagunk, as well as releasing her other Pokemon, a Crobat, a Nidorina and a Muk, "I guess this makes us friends for the night after all," She quipped, though there was no humor in her tone.


    Karen''s Murkrow and Honchkrow flapped into the air with loud caws, her Houndoom and Houndor stepping forward to stand beside Sneasel and Weavile as the horde approached. "Don''t get in my way," She said curtly to Shae before nodding at Ezra. "Let''s do this."


    The horde of wild Pokemon surged toward the trio, their combined cries and roars reverberating through the cavern. Ezra barked out his first command. "Umbreon, Flash as bright as you can, blind them! Morrigan, Dragon Breath on the Paras! Dusclops watch our flanks and snipe anyone trying to circle us. Alduin, Mimikyu, use Protect on your comrades, Akuma, make a defensive perimeter, don''t stray from backup, but let loose!"


    Umbreon unleashed a wave of pure bright light, the pulse rippling through the air and slamming into the oncoming horde. Dozens of Pokemon screeched as they stumbled and fell only to be trampled by those behind them, but more surged forward to take their place.


    Morrigan hovered higher, releasing a stream of crackling blue flames that engulfed a cluster of Paras, forcing them back,  Alduin''s and Mimikyu''s Protect shimmered in front of the group, blocking a couple Geodude''s Rollouts with a loud crack even as Dusclops vanquished two sandshrews who''d circled around them with full powered dark pulses, elevated by Ezra''s aura.


    Akuma gleefully pounced on the Geodudes that had failed to get through, completely annihilating the Pokemon with his fists, shimmering with fighting energy.


    Karen''s commands were sharp and precise as her Pokemon were constantly moving in a circle around her, crushing anything that tried to make it through. Her Murkrow and Honchkrow fighting back against the cloud of Zubat, Ezra''s Pokemon taking a few potshots when they got a moment free as well.


    With Weavile, Houndor and Houndoom circling her in a tight ring and slicing, icing, or burning away all opposition, Karen snapped an order.


    "Sneasel, Ice Shard on the Zubat, we can''t let them overrun us!" Adding Sneasel into the mix of Pokemon keeping the fliers off them.


    Sneasel darted forward, sharp shards of ice forming in its claws before being hurled at the Zubat. The ice struck true, sending several crashing to the ground. Houndoom decided to assist in a moment of peace, and opened its jaws, releasing a searing stream of fire that licked at the edges of the Zubat cloud, making them shriek and retreat slightly. Murkrow and Honchkrow took the chance and swooped up, their wings glowing as they slashed through the air, scattering the smaller Pokemon.


    Shae wasn''t idle either, her voice carrying a mix of irritation and steel as she rapid fire orders. "Pride, use Glare to slow them down! Envy, Sludge Bomb right in the middle, give them less room to move! Lust, assist them against the Zubats! Greed keep our six clear, Wrath, assist Envy."


    Pride, her Arbok, glared, its eyes glowing ominously, freezing a group of Sandshrew in their tracks as they locked eyes with the serpent. Envy, her Weezing spewed a thick bomb of sludge that impacted the hordes center, impacting the sandshrews and a few Geodudes while poisoning the ground for those coming behind them in a thick purple sludge that forced the whole Horde to readjust even in their frenzy.


    Lust, her Crobat zipped through the air with precision, its wings slicing through the cloud of Zubat and also firing down a mix of wind attacks and poison, striking several Sandshrew and Paras attempting to circumvent the poisoned ground.


    Greed, her Croagunk, did as Akuma did, and took up position to smash down any Pokemon that squeezed through the many techniques that were constantly firing into the mess, while her Muk, Wrath, alternated firing more sludge into the group, and assisting Greed with targeted toxic spikes. Meanwhile her Nidorina mostly stayed by Shae, not likely equipped to do much against such a horde.


    Yet for every Pokemon they pushed back, more surged forward, their numbers seemingly endless. The horde wasn''t just attacking their position - it was relentless and mad, and the trio quickly realized they couldn''t afford to waste a single move as more and more Pokemon slipped through.


    "Hold the line!" Ezra barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Dusclops, Will-O-Wisp on the Onix! Akuma, Rage Fist on the Graveler coming in hot!"


    Dusclops'' hollow eyes glowed as it summoned ghostly blue flames that wreathed the approaching Onix. The massive Rock Snake let out a deafening roar as the flames bit into its body, slowing its charge - but more importantly, in its rush forward, the flames impacted the small army of paras riding along. Meanwhile, Akuma launched forward, his fists glowing with a fiery red aura. He slammed into the Graveler with a deafening crack, sending the rocky Pokemon reeling back.


    Karen gritted her teeth, stepping closer to Ezra to consolidate their defenses. "Houndour, assist Sneasel''s flank! Ember on the Paras trying to get through!" She turned to her Weavile, which had just returned to the fray after briefly covering Shae''s back from a group of Geodudes. "Weavile, Ice Shard on the Gravelers!"


    Houndour darted to the side, releasing small but fierce bursts of flame that scattered the advancing Paras. Weavile''s claws gleamed with ice energy as it tore into the Graveler nearest to it, firing several ice shards that cracked it open, causing the Pokemon to stumble and lose its balance, crushing a sandshrew underneath it.


    Shae, meanwhile, stood slightly apart, her face lit by the eerie glow of her Muk''s body as it seemed to expand out. "Wrath, Acid Armor and spread yourself out! Greed, Poison Jab anything that gets close to the trainers!"


    Muk shuddered before melting into a toxic puddle, spreading across the rocky floor and creating a treacherous barrier for the wild Pokemon trying to advance. Croagunk moved with surprising agility, its glowing fists jabbing at Paras and Sandshrew alike, forcing them back with each strike.


    But the horde pressed on.


    A Graveler barreled through Muk''s toxic pool, its Rollout increasing in speed as it aimed directly for Karen''s Houndoom. "Houndoom, Protect!" Karen shouted, her voice sharp. A shimmering barrier appeared in front of the Dark type just in time, stopping the Graveler in its tracks. Greed falling upon it immediately with vicious jabs.


    Ezra noticed the Graveler''s momentum had created an opening through the horde. "Umbreon, Dusclops, rapid pressure Shadow Balls! Focus the center!" They immediately began firing, scattering a cluster of Paras and Geodudes, leaving room for Shae to take advantage and she immediately took it, spreading the poison across the ground through her Weezing and further forcing the horde on the backfoot.


    Meanwhile Akuma and Karen''s Weavile tag teamed the Onix before it could crush them, the fighting attacks combined with Weavile''s ice, bringing it down with a loud crash, crushing dozens of the horde at the same time.


    Karen''s Murkrow and Honchkrow worked in tandem above, keeping the swarm of Zubat at bay with a combination of Wing Attack and Dark Pulse. "Keep them off us!" She commanded. "I don''t want those things getting near the others!"


    They were managing, the Onix going down and the poison fields funneling the horde, but it could all go awry if the Zubat cloud got free reign.


    Ezra caught Karen''s eye for a brief moment. "You''re doing great, keep it up," He said, before barking an order to Mimikyu, "Help against the flyers, Alduin, focus on protecting Mimikyu and Umbreon." Morrigan had already switched to targeting the flyers as Akuma cleaned up the area in front of them, the remaining horde for some reason not willing to get close.


    Karen nodded tersely at Ezra''s words. "You too. Don''t let your guard down, it''s not over."


    Shae, however, smirked from her side of the line, her Crobat darting through the air like a whirling blade, cutting down Zubats by the dozen. "Aww, look at you two getting along," She teased, her voice lilting even as she called out commands to her Muk and Croagunk.


    Wrath''s amorphous form surged forward, its toxic barrier forcing the advancing Sandshrew to retreat. Greed darted behind it, landing precise Poison Jabs on any Pokemon that dared to cross the line as the horde began struggling.


    The battle dragged on, the trainers and their Pokemon holding their ground with gritted teeth and sheer determination. Every time the wild Pokemon broke through, they were met with a barrage of attacks that pushed them back.


    Wild Pokemon should have fled by now. But then nothing about this was normal.


    Ezra growled in frustration as a Geodude rolled past Alduin''s Protect and barreled toward him. "Dusclops, Shadow Punch! Now!"


    Dusclops moved, its ghostly fist slamming into the Geodude with a force that sent it crashing into the cavern wall. Ezra exhaled sharply, glancing at Karen. "We need to thin them out faster."


    Karen nodded, her eyes sharp as she assessed the battlefield. "Weavile, join Houndoom! Ice Beam and Flamethrower - aim for the Geodude formation, and the Parasects!"


    The two Pokemon moved as one, their attacks striking the cluster of Geodudes and Parasects and forcing them into retreat as dozens fainted or worse. The fiery and icy blasts sent steam hissing through the air, creating another opening in the horde.


    The tide of battle shifted slightly, the trio of trainers slowly gaining control over the chaos. The horde was relentless, but their combined efforts created a tenuous balance. Each trainer and their Pokemon worked tirelessly to hold the line, their exhaustion beginning to show in their movements.


    Ezra''s voice rang out again, steady despite the strain. "Morrigan, another Dragon Breath! Alduin, Dark Pulse to back her up!" The Deino no longer used for defense as they pushed to break the horde.


    Morrigan released another wave of crackling blue flames, the attack washing over a group of advancing Sandshrew. Alduin followed up with a pulse of dark energy that scattered the survivors, buying the trainers a brief respite.


    Karen wiped sweat from her brow, her voice firm as she called out to her Honchkrow. "Finish off those Zubat! Murkrow, cover Honchkrow''s flank!"


    The two dark and flying types dove together, their combined attacks finally bringing down the remains of the Zubat swarm.


    Shae flashed Karen a grin. "Not bad for a League girl. Maybe there''s hope for you yet."


    Karen didn''t dignify her with a response, focusing instead on directing her Houndoom and Houndor to block another surge of Paras and Parasects.


    The battle continued, each moment feeling like an eternity as the trainers fought to hold their ground. Slowly but surely, the horde began to thin, the wild Pokemon finally showing signs of retreat, hundreds of corpses and fainted Pokemon littering the ground.


    Ezra glanced at the others, his voice low but commanding. "Keep pushing. We''ve almost got them."


    Karen nodded, her expression resolute. "Everyone, one more push! Let''s end this!"


    Shae''s smirk returned, her confidence undiminished. "Gang, full out push, let''s show them what we''ve got!"


    With one final coordinated assault, the trio of trainers and their Pokemon broke through the horde''s defenses. The remaining wild Pokemon scattered, their cries fading into the distance as they fled the cavern.


    For a long moment, the only sound was the trainers'' labored breathing and the faint rustle of their Pokemon settling into place. That and the haunting sound of dying or injured Pokemon and the sizzling of the poisonous fields as Pokemon slowly succumbed before them.


    Ezra exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair as he surveyed the scene. "Well, that was... Something."


    He had almost thought he''d have to reveal his shadow there for a moment.


    Karen nodded, her expression tight as she recalled the most exhausted of her Pokemon. "We need to get moving. If there''s another wave, we might not be so lucky."


    Shae laughed lightly, leaning against a dead Graveler. "Oh, come on. You''re not even going to say anything about how kickass we were? I think we made a pretty good team."


    Ezra shot her a look, his red eyes sharp. "We''re not done talking, but that doesn''t make us friends yet." He warned her.


    Shae smiled, looking pleased. "Ah, but I heard a yet there, so I''m on my way already, hmm?"


    "We''ll see."


    <hr>


    A few minutes later,


    The cavern''s oppressive silence was the complete opposite of the chaos they had just endured, whatever noise the dying had been making had petered off, as they finished packing up their belongings.


    Ezra was on edge still, his gaze sweeping over the scattered remains of the earlier battle - a field of dead and fainted Pokemon that would be an oddity in anything but a war or a major culling of the likes which the League had only ever been forced into a few times in their history.


    Or so Karen had said, while looking out over the field with a somewhat haunted gaze. The teasing about her crush was old news now, the brutality they''d been forced to use not lingering with Ezra, but obviously affecting Karen.


    He looked away from her, focusing on his team.


    His Pokemon were tense, their breaths coming hard but steady as they reformed their ranks around him. Morrigan hovered protectively near his shoulder, her ghostly form flickering faintly. Akuma cracked his knuckles, his imposing Annihilape form emanating barely restrained fury as he still looked for opponents to test himself against. Alduin, Mimikyu and Umbreon were all underfoot, tight against his legs, while his Dusclops stood apart, seemingly unaffected.


    "If Team Rocket set that off," Ezra muttered, his voice sharp, "I''m going to have some very angry words for them." He crouched briefly, checking on Alduin, the Deino snorting softly as he nudged Ezra''s hand in reassurance. He somehow doubted it was them however. It didn''t feel right.


    Karen rolled her eyes as she surveyed the cavern, wiping grime from her gloves. "We all know you don''t actually mean words, and I''ll help extract the punishment," She said flatly, her tone determined. Her Sneasel and Weavile stood beside her, ready for any further surprises.


    Shae stood a few feet away, her arms crossed and her expression thoughtful as she studied the wreckage. Her Crobat flitted overhead, scanning for any signs of lingering threats. "I don''t think it was them," She said after a moment, her tone uncharacteristically serious. "They probably stopped whatever scheme, after the Rangers weren''t taken down and called in reinforcements."


    Ezra thought she was probably right. There hadn''t been much of a point for Team Rocket to send a horde of wild Pokemon after them instead of simply trying to capture them, not to mention how hard gathering them up would have been to accomplish. At that point why not just capture the lot?


    "To drive so many Pok¨¦mon into a frenzy¡­" He frowned deeply, the implications gnawing at him. "It would take more than those small-time tactics we saw earlier. And I can''t think of any reason why they''d waste so much effort when the Rangers are already aware of their presence and would no doubt keep them from whatever real objective they have."


    Unless this was meant to kill them.


    A possibility. If Team Rocket knew how badly he''d spanked them, which from how he''d found out the League leaked like a sieve - was likely.


    Karen scowled as she crossed her arms, her Sneasel pressing against her leg. "Then what else? A frenzy like this doesn''t just happen." Her glare shifted toward Shae. "Unless you know something we don''t."


    Shae tilted her head, her lips curling into a smile that was almost amused. "A test, perhaps." She said simply, locking eyes with Ezra.


    Ezra''s scowl deepened, his red eyes narrowing into a glare. "If this was you¡­" He let the threat linger, his voice sharp enough to cut stone. Beside him, Akuma slammed his fists together, the sound echoing ominously. Ezra patted the Annihilape''s shoulder to steady him, though his gaze never left Shae.


    Shae held up her hands in mock surrender, though her expression remained calm. "Not exactly," She said. "I''m talking about what Legendaries are capable of, Ezra."


    Karen threw up her hands, her voice laced with disbelief. "You have got to be kidding me." She gestured wildly at Shae, as if Ezra needed to understand something. You see this? Can you believe it? Her entire mien seemed to say.


    Ezra''s gut twisted as he processed the statement, a part of him suspecting she was telling the truth. "You know a lot about Legendaries, do you?" He asked, fishing for more information while his voice carried a dangerous undertone.


    She''d began telling him before all this started, but hadn''t had a chance to get into details as of yet.


    Shae''s wry smile widened. "I''m part of a... Let''s call it a group, that worships one, remember, so yes."


    Karen''s expression darkened into one of pure incredulity. "I almost forgot she''d said it, but¡­ She''s in a cult. Burn it with fire, Ezra. It can''t be saved."


    Ezra rubbed his face, exhaustion creeping into his voice. "What, your cult believes a legendary Pokemon is testing me?"


    "Yep!" Shae popped the ''P'' with a maddening cheerfulness. "Not a cult by the way." She added, before continuing, ignoring Karen''s scoff, "I wasn''t sure at first, but I think it might be the case now. Our Myths speak of several tests of the ''One''."


    "Fuck any Legendaries," Ezra snapped coldly, absolutely not having it. "I am in charge of my own destiny. I don''t need any Pokemon to decide my fate. I don''t care what you think you see."


    Karen, emboldened by Ezra''s words, turned on Shae with a triumphant smirk. "You tell her, Ezra. We don''t need her or some stupid Legendary. Which, by the way, I don''t believe for a second," She added venomously.


    The ground beneath them trembled, the vibrations growing stronger until the entire cavern shook violently. All three of them were thrown off their feet, their Pokemon bracing themselves as the rock walls groaned ominously. As debris rained down, it sounded like the mountain itself was splitting apart, as rocks tore asunder and they couldn''t even hear themselves think over the cacophony.


    Shae''s gaze shot to the roof of the cavern, as things settled down and the noise level lowered, beads of sweat forming on her brow. "I really hope that was a coincidence." She muttered.


    Karen scoffed, steadying herself with a hand against the wall. "Stop the bullshit, Shae. This isn''t some test or whatever you''re claiming, earthquakes happen."


    "Yeah?" Shae pointed toward the far end of the cavern, where the wall had been split wide open, torn through like tissue paper. "Tell that to that guy."


    Ezra and Karen turned, their gazes locking on the massive figure filling up the entire back wall. A Rhyperior stood there, its towering form nearly scraping the cavern ceiling. It was unlike any Rhyperior Ezra had ever seen - Kanto didn''t even have any yet, not any known one as far as he could tell - and it was taller than a Snorlax and rippling with an unnatural, feral energy.


    Its eyes glowed a fiery red as it roared, the sound reverberating through the cavern like a shockwave. It clapped its massive hands together, creating a blast of air so powerful it knocked the trainers and their Pokemon to the ground again, the air whistling by them like they were caught in a wind tunnel.


    "You were saying?" Shae snarked, brushing dirt off her sleeve as she scrambled to her feet. "Sure seems like something like a test to me! I''ve never even seen that Pokemon before!"


    Karen snarled wordlessly, her frustration and disbelief written across her face. Her Weavile and Sneasel growled lowly, their hackles raised as they squared off against the colossal Pokemon.


    Ezra didn''t care about the hows or whys of the situation. All he knew was that he wasn''t about to be bullied - not by a Legendary, not by a freakishly large Rhyperior, and certainly not by Shae''s cryptic nonsense. His eyes blazed with determination as he pushed himself to his feet, his voice like steel as he declared his intention.


    "Crush it!" He growled, his command snapping his team into action.


    Akuma let out a battle cry, his fists glowing with energy as he charged forward. Umbreon flanked him, her eyes intent and pulsing with dark energy as she released a concentrated Dark Pulse aimed directly at the Rhyperior''s head. His other Pokemon all fired over or around Akuma, as his Annihilape roared and slammed into the Rhyperior, fist glowing brightly.


    Only to have the Rhyperior roar and smack Akuma back, a shimmer coming across its skin as it tanked the attacks, taking only cosmetic damage, Umbreon having to jump back with a a squeak as the Rhyperior slammed a foot down almost on top of her.


    Karen didn''t miss a beat. "Houndoom, Houndor, Flamethrower! Weavile, Sneasel, Ice Beam! Murkrow and Honchkrow, double Wing Attack - keep it occupied!"


    The issue that rested at the back of their minds was the concern over how most of their Pokemon were already on their last legs. Shae being the only one who''d conserved energy by not tossing too many high energy attacks during the previous horde frenzy.


    Karen''s team responded with precision despite their exhaustion, each Pokemon releasing their respective attacks in a coordinated assault. Houndor and Houndoom''s flames licked at the Rhyperior''s armor-like hide, while Sneasel and  Weavile''s beams of frost struck its legs trying to freeze them in place. The Flying types dove in, their wings slicing through the air as they targeted the creature''s face.


    Shae joined the fray without hesitation. "Lust, Cross Poison! Pride, Wrap it up - go for its legs! Wrath, Acid Spray - keep it on defense!" Her mouth clicked shut as she was unable to order her other Pokemon forward, as the Rhyperior stomped once, and the earth rippled, before a large rock smacked her other Pokemon away, dazing them as they hit the wall, hard.


    Her Crobat, Lust, zipped through the air, releasing a venomous strike that hit the Rhyperior''s chest. Meanwhile Pride, her Arbok slithered forward, its powerful body coiling around one of the beast''s legs in an attempt to immobilize it. Wrath, her Muk oozed across the ground, releasing a toxic spray that hissed against the Rhyperior''s armor. At the same time, another round of attacks slammed into it from Ezra and Karen''s Pokemon.


    But the Rhyperior was unfazed. It roared again, slamming its massive fists into the ground and sending a shockwave rippling outward. The force knocked several Pokemon back, and cracks spiderwebbed across the cavern floor.


    Ezra gritted his teeth, his mind racing. "Morrigan, Dragon Breath! Alduin, Dark Pulse! We have to keep hitting it - don''t let up!" Nothing they were doing was doing anything, he felt a creeping dread begin to set in. He changed at Karen and Shae, wondering if he should reveal everything.


    To his shock, Morrigan and Alduin pushed themselves so hard, they began shining brightly. They were evolving.


    Which meant they weren''t able to attack, as Akuma was slapped back, getting slammed into the earth so hard its legs and lower torso got stuck. Ezra was forced to divert his other Pokemon to help Akuma, hoping Karen and Shae could keep the Rhyperior from using any truly devastating attacks.


    His eyes, even in the situation they were in, were drawn to Alduin and Morrigan.


    Alduin''s small, quadrupedal body started to elongate and expand. The black fur that once covered his head and neck receded, revealing two emerging heads, each with fierce, determined snarls. His limbs grew more robust, supporting his now larger frame. The transformation culminated in the evolution from Deino into Zweilous, and in any other situation he would have been thrilled.


    Simultaneously, Morrigan''s slender, spectral form began to shift. Her translucent body became more defined, and her head more triangular and solid. Her tail extended, becoming more substantial, and her eyes gleamed with a sharper, more focused light. She''d evolved into a Drakloak.


    "Use that newfound energy! Charge up and let loose your strongest Shadow Balls, aim for the eyes!" He ordered the newly evolved Pokemon, even as Akuma was back on his feet again, but staggering in obvious exhaustion and injury.


    Also while he''d been distracted, Karen and Shae had been unable to as much as put a dent in the Rhyperior, their Pokemon flagging.


    Ezra growled, his focus entirely on the battle again. His team''s relentless assault was starting to take its toll on the Rhyperior, as it averted its head with a pained roar, but it wasn''t enough. The creature clapped again knocking the Pokemon back with a flash of wind, its fiery eyes locking onto Ezra specifically with a chilling intensity.


    The massive Rhyperior then roared again, the sound reverberating off the stone walls and shaking loose chunks of rock. It stomped forward, its massive legs leaving craters in the cavern floor with each step. Ezra shouted commands to his Pokemon, his voice hoarse from the effort, while Karen and Shae flanked him, their teams throwing everything they had at the towering beast.


    Shae''s Muk oozed forward, releasing a sickly green cloud of toxic gas that began to fill the cavern. Combined with Crobat''s Poison Fang and Weezing''s Smog, the air was becoming nearly unbreathable. Ezra coughed sharply, his voice cutting through the chaos.


    "Shae!" He barked, glaring at her across the battlefield. "Stop spraying poison everywhere! You''re going to suffocate us before that thing even touches us!"


    Shae whipped her head around, her eyes narrowing at him as her Croagunk leapt forward, narrowly dodging a falling stalactite. "Tying one hand behind my back isn''t going to help!" She shot back, but her tone softened as she added, "Fine, fine. Wrath, pull back! Envy, Flamethrower - aim for its eyes, it''s the weak spot, cover his vision!"


    Ezra and Karen immediately understood what she was going for, and moved to continue the distraction as they moved towards the perfect opportunity to pierce the beast''s eyes.


    Karen''s voice rose above the noise, sharp and commanding. "Weavile, Ice Beam! Sneasel, Quick Attack and fire Ice Shards into the joints! Houndoom, Flamethrower! Keep it pinned!" Her Pokemon darted around the Rhyperior with practiced precision, their attacks battering its rocky hide as they tried to distract it to allow someone, anyone to get a clean strike to its eyes.


    Her other Pokemon had been returned, too weak to continue fighting, either from exhaustion or damage.


    Ezra''s team moved in tandem, but other than Morrigan and Alduin, they were all exhausted. He did his best to help them with his aura, but even that wasn''t enough with the damage they were taking and the energy they were expending.


    He was forced to recall Mimikyu and Dusclops as both took the brunt of one of Rhyperiors attacks as their attack was broken apart.


    Just as they thought they had the opportunity, Rhyperiors vision blanked, and massive attacks hitting his torso and head, the Rhyperior retaliated, ending the opportunity.


    With a deafening roar, the Rhyperior slammed both fists into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the cavern as the ground cratered. The force knocked several Pokemon off their feet violently, including Karen''s Houndoom and Shae''s Weezing, who crashed into the cavern walls with a sickening thud.


    It didn''t do much better to them, as both Ezra and Shae were now bleeding from their legs, several rends in their skin, Karen somehow getting off scot free from the large scale attack. Their Pokemon were now spread out, unable to quickly do the massed attacks that had kept the Rhyperior at bay so far.


    They were in a bad situation.


    "Houndoom, no!" Karen cried out, watching as her Pokemon struggled to stand. Her teeth bared in frustration, as she called it back to its Pokeball.


    Shae''s Crobat screeched in anger at the defeat of its comrade, diving toward the Rhyperior and slashing at its face with its wings. "Envy, get up! Stop being lazy! Greed, Poison Jab! Aim for its eyes!" Shae''s commands were relentless, but the exhaustion in her voice was starting to show just as it showed in their Pokemon.


    Ezra felt a pang of frustration as he watched the Rhyperior shrug off their attacks. His own Pokemon were on their last legs as well. "Come back together!" He ordered them, halfway pondering a retreat as the only way forward.


    If the thing would let them go.


    The Rhyperior roared again, swiping at Morrigan and catching her with a glancing blow. The Drakloak cried out as she spiraled through the air, landing near Ezra and fainting on impact, dust and dirt kicking up.


    The Rhyperior shouldn''t be able to so easily handle Ghost Pokemon, but like everything else in this situation, it was working against them in an unfair way.


    Ezra cursed under his breath, recalling her to her Pokeball. "Damn it!" His hand tightened around the ball before he turned his focus back to the battle. "Akuma, keep it distracted! Alduin, help Karen''s team!"


    The cavern shook again as the Rhyperior stomped forward, its glowing red eyes locking onto Karen''s Houndour. The smaller Pokemon let out a desperate howl before being knocked aside by a massive crushing sweep. It didn''t get back up. Ezra averted his eyes with a grimace.


    The red light of the Pokeball return mechanism failed, the Rhyperior roaring in victory.


    Karen''s face twisted in fury and grief as she tried again and again to recall her lost Pokemon. "You''re going to pay for that!" She snarled, her voice shaking with emotion. "Sneasel, Slash - go for its throat!"


    Shae''s Arbok lunged forward, sinking its fangs into the Rhyperior''s leg, but it was thrown off by a violent kick, crashing into the cavern wall with a pained hiss.


    "Pride, no!" Shae shouted, her confident facade cracking for the first time. She clenched her fists, her teeth grinding audibly. "We''re not done yet! Lust, Supersonic! Wrath, screw the surroundings, Sludge Bomb then toxic!"


    Her attacks didn''t even get a chance to go off, the Rhyperior making the earth move again, throwing her Pokemon off, her Crobat missing it''s own attack due to needing to dodge debris.


    Ezra''s mind raced as the battle raged on. They were losing ground. One by one, their Pokemon were falling, and the Rhyperior showed no signs of stopping. Its hide was cracked and bleeding in places, but it still stood tall, its glowing eyes filled with an almost malevolent fury.


    "We need to hit it with everything we have at one point," Ezra said, his voice low and urgent. "All at once. No holding back, go for the throat!"


    Karen nodded, her expression grim. "Agreed. We''re running out of options, and this thing needs to die!"


    Shae wiped blood from a cut on her cheek, her eyes blazing with determination. "Fine by me. Let''s end this."


    The three trainers barked out commands in unison, their voices overlapping as their remaining Pokemon rallied for one final assault. "Alduin, Dragon Pulse! Akuma, Close Combat! Umbreon, Dark Pulse!"


    "Weavile, Ice Beam! Sneasel, Slash!"


    "Lust, Cross Poison! Wrath, Sludge Bomb! Sloth, Poison Sting! Greed, Bullet Punch, Envy, Flamethrower!"


    The combined attacks collided with the Rhyperior in a blinding explosion of light and energy. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the cavern, kicking up a massive cloud of dust and debris that obscured the battlefield. Rocks crumbled from the ceiling, and the ground trembled beneath their feet.


    Ezra shielded his face with his arm, his heart pounding in his chest. The air was thick with dust, making it impossible to see. For a brief moment, silence filled the cavern, broken only by the sound of falling rocks and the labored breaths of their Pokemon.


    "That had to have worked," Ezra muttered, his voice strained as he peered into the haze. His shadows stirred around him, instinctively pooling at his feet. He clenched his fists, readying himself for the worst. If the choice was life or death, he would choose life - even if it meant revealing everything.


    The dust began to settle, and Ezra''s eyes widened in horror as a massive shape emerged from the cloud. The Rhyperior was still standing. Its hide was battered and cracked around its throat and face, bleeding from multiple wounds, but its glowing eyes burned brighter than ever. With a guttural roar, it charged forward, its massive flat hand aimed directly at Ezra.


    He didn''t have time to react. The shadows beneath him surged upward, but they wouldn''t reach him in time. His body tensed as he braced for the impact, knowing he wouldn''t make it.


    That his shadows and all he''d done wasn''t enough.


    "Not him!" Shae''s voice rang out sharply, desperately.


    Before Ezra could process what happened, Shae shoulder-tackled him with all her strength, knocking him out of the way. Time seemed to slow as he stumbled backward, his eyes locked on the scene unfolding before him. The Rhyperior''s hand collided with Shae, slamming her into the cavern wall with a sickening crunch. The force of the blow cratered the rock, and blood and viscera splattered across the stone as the wall caved in completely, thankfully hiding the sight from view.


    "Shae!" Ezra shouted, his voice raw with shock and disbelief. Why? Did she believe in this bullshit that much!?


    Her Pokemon erupted into a frenzy, their cries of rage and anguish filling the cavern. Crobat screeched as it dive-bombed the Rhyperior, its wings slashing with deadly precision. Muk and Nidorina unleashed everything they had, their attacks wild and frenzied, her Weezing beginning to glow the bright light of self destruction even as her Arbok cried to the ceiling, before launching itself forward.


    Karen grabbed Ezra by the collar, dragging him back as the poisonous gases began to fill the cavern as Shae''s pokemon went full tilt. "We need to go!" She shouted, her voice trembling with urgency and rage.


    Ezra grimaced, his chest tight with a mix of fury and helplessness. He cast one last glance at the scene - the raging battle, the bloodstained wall, Shae had been crushed through. "Her Pokemon will give us the time we need," He agreed bitterly, his voice heavy with guilt and hatred.


    He didn''t see Shae as one of his, she hadn''t even been a friend. But she''d saved his life. And it would be a debt he couldn''t ever get rid off, because she was gone.


    The foolish girl saved him because of a story. A myth. Throwing everything away because of some Legendary.


    If he were to ever repay her¡­ It would be by finding the Legendary she had believed so much in, and making it regret playing with humans'' fates.


    Ezra''s heart burned with anger as he glanced back at the Rhyperior. He would be back one day. And he would kill that thing.


    And if this really was some challenge from a Legendary?


    He clenched his fists, his red eyes gleaming with defiance.


    He would kill that too.


    <hr>

 Victory through Minimal Effort.

    <hr>


    The tunnels of Mt. Moon seemed more endless than ever as silence weighed on Ezra and Karen as they pressed forward. The air was thick and damp, clinging to their skin as their footsteps echoed in the oppressive stillness. Ezra didn''t glance back often, but when he did, Karen was always just behind him, her head bowed, her silver hair hiding her face. Her arms were wrapped tightly around herself, and the occasional hitch in her breath told him she was crying softly.


    Ezra wasn''t much for comforting people, especially not now. His own mind was a roiling storm of anger and frustration, and he didn''t trust himself to say anything without snapping. What could he say, anyway?


    ''Sorry for your loss'' wouldn''t cut it.


    He clenched his fists, his boots crunching over loose gravel as they trudged through another narrow passage. His gaze flicked to his reflection in a puddle of water on the cavern floor - his albino, angular face, was marred by dirt and a streak of dried blood along his jaw. His crimson eyes stared back at him, sharp and cold. They were the only part of him that didn''t seem entirely exhausted.


    Because beneath the surface, he was furious.


    Furious at Shae for throwing herself away so recklessly. Furious at the colossal Pokemon that had crushed her and humiliated them all. Humiliated him, showing him how weak he still was. Furious at the legendary figure Shae had spoken of, if it even existed, for toying with their lives. But most of all, he was furious with himself.


    He''d failed to get the answers he needed. He''d failed to beat the creature. And in the end, he''d needed someone else to save him, and she''d died for it. The anger burned in his chest, a dark, seething thing that made his hands shake and his stomach churn.


    He couldn''t say he''d come to like the other girl, her admittance of practically stalking him hadn''t exactly endeared her to him. But he''d respected her skill and her take life by the balls attitude.


    She didn''t deserve to go down like that¡­ Whatever group she came from, whatever Legendary was behind all this¡­


    He''d show them one day¡­


    For himself as much as Shae¡­


    Humans weren''t the playthings of Pokemon, Legendary or not.


    Pokemon served him, not the other way around.


    ¡­


    When they reached the next rest stop, the atmosphere was chaotic. Pokemon Rangers were everywhere, their faces etched with fatigue and frustration. Trainers were being ushered out of the mountain in groups, many of them bandaged or nursing injured Pokemon. The air buzzed with tension, and the low murmur of voices was punctuated by sharp commands and the occasional cry of a wounded Pokemon.


    It was obvious from the dead bodies in Rocket uniforms that hadn''t yet been dealt with - Team Rocket had attacked more than the first rest stop in Mt. Moon.


    Ezra and Karen were quickly intercepted by a tall, stern Ranger with a clipboard. Her brown hair was pulled into a tight bun, and her piercing blue eyes scrutinized them like a pair of misbehaving students.


    "Names, nature of any injuries?" She asked curtly, her pen poised over the clipboard.


    "Ezra Kassian. Nothing that needs attention." Ezra replied, his tone flat. Karen said nothing, her gaze fixed on the ground. The Ranger seemed to know who she was anyway, because after a glance at her, she didn''t ask for Karen to identify herself.


    "We will need a statement, don''t worry, it will be quick, we just need to check with each trainer coming through what their experience has been to see if we can puzzle together a timeline of events." The Ranger said clippedly.


    Ezra glanced at Karen, who was still quiet, eyes downcast, and spoke up for both of them, "Alright, lead the way¡­"


    The Ranger nodded and gestured for them to follow her to a large tent set up as a field station and temporary command center. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of antiseptic and the faint, coppery tang of blood. A few Rangers tended to injured trainers and Pokemon, while in a cordoned off section, others pored over maps and documents, their expressions grim, putting down markers on tunnels as reports came in from trainers.


    The Ranger led Ezra to a chair, but Karen waved them off when they tried to seat her beside him. She stood near the entrance, arms crossed, her face pale and drawn. She was obviously not ready to speak, and the Rangers seemed inclined to let her, due to who she was attached to.


    Ezra could understand it, Agatha wasn''t someone a normal peon would want to piss off.


    "We need to know what happened during your travels, encounters with either Team Rocket or waves of wild Pokemon, or if you noticed anything at all out of the ordinary," The Ranger said, her tone brisk but tinged with exhaustion. "Start from the beginning."


    Ezra glanced at Karen, but she didn''t move or speak still. He sighed, leaning back in the chair and running a hand through his hair. He wearily explained the Pokemon wave they''d been forced to endure, the Ranger narrowing her eyes as she wrote down the details, a few Rangers nearby seemingly openly shocked at the numbers they had survived.


    The fact three trainers were mentioned in the story he was telling, and only two of them were there - got them sympathetic looks from some of the grim faced Rangers as they obviously listened in. Ezra doubted Shae was the only death, if others had run into similar waves, or whatever Team Rocket had been up to in attacking the rest stops.


    As he got to the end of the waves, he hesitated, rubbing his face wearily, he couldn''t name the Pokemon obviously, or reveal everything Shae had claimed, so Karen''s silence was a boon in a way right now¡­


    "We were just packing up to leave after beating the wave when a gigantic Pokemon caused the earth to shake. It tore through the cavern wall like it was paper."


    The Ranger''s eyes narrowed. "What Pokemon was it?"


    "Don''t know," Ezra lied smoothly. "Never seen anything like it. Massive. Bigger than a Snorlax, maybe twice the size. Its hide looked like stone, and it had these glowing red eyes. It moved like it didn''t even notice our attacks, like they didn''t matter."


    He paused, letting that sink in. The Ranger''s pen moved quickly over her clipboard. "Would you be able to sketch it?" She asked, handing him his own clipboard.


    Ezra nodded, sighing as he got to work sketching out the Rhyperior. He wasn''t exactly Michelangelo, but he could do a passable attempt.


    When he handed back the drawing, a few Rangers immediately gathered around it, muttering inaudibly. The grim ambiance worsened, and Ezra felt he''d done the right choice in not dropping the name - the Rangers obviously had no idea what kind of Pokemon this was, especially for the size it was.


    Which made Ezra all the more certain this had been the action of a Legendary and not a random event.


    "We tried to stop it," He continued as the Ranger interviewing him gestured for him to go on, his voice cold. "Didn''t do much good. Our teams were strong, but that thing? It was in a whole different league. It tore through us like nothing." He scoffed slightly, "Three teams of trainers throwing everything at it, and it barely scratched it¡­ No wonder the other Pokemon were acting rabid if that kind of being was stomping around."


    The Ranger glanced up from her notes, her gaze sharp. "You''re thinking it''s responsible for the waves of Pokemon we''ve seen in the mountain?"


    Ezra hesitated. "Some of it, yeah. But not all. Team Rocket was stirring things up, but I''m sure you''ve already noticed that¡­ Whatever that thing was though¡­ It probably made everything much worse."


    "Team Rocket," The Ranger muttered, her pen pausing mid-scribble. "We know they attacked multiple rest stops, but why would they risk provoking something like this?" She seemed to be speaking to herself, yet Ezra answered her anyway.


    "They didn''t," He said bluntly. "If they''d been after that thing¡­ They couldn''t handle it even if they tried, if they couldn''t handle the security at the rest stops, they wouldn''t have managed that thing at all."


    The Ranger frowned, her pen tapping against the clipboard. "That is another matter, one for the Rangers, not yourself, but I appreciate the information you have provided." She said somewhat softer in tone, "We will recover your friend''s body, if we are able."


    Ezra shrugged, feigning indifference. "She''s dead, don''t waste your efforts if you still have the living to take care of."


    Cold perhaps, but Ezra thought the trainers still caught in this chaos were more important than someone already lost.


    The Ranger''s expression darkened, obviously put out at his attitude, and she glanced at Karen, who remained silent, her arms wrapped around herself. "What about you?" She asked, her voice softening slightly again "Do you have anything to add?"


    Karen shook her head, her silver hair falling over her face. "No," She said quietly. "I don''t."


    And that was the end of their meeting, the Rangers having too much to do to press for more details.


    ¡­


    The Rangers gave them a small supply of potions to get their Pokemon on their feet again and insisted they move on. The mountain wasn''t safe, and they were evacuating trainers as quickly as possible. Ezra and Karen left the rest stop without argument, their Pokemon healed enough to be battle-ready, while not at optimal strength.


    With the Rangers running defence across the tunnels, and the waves of Pokemon already defeated, there were no wild Pokemon encounters on the final stretch of the route, to Ezra''s relief.


    He could have used the stress relief of absolutely bullying them, but his Pokemon, and Karen, were not in the state to really handle it.


    They passed another rest stop on their way out of the mountain hours later. This one was in even worse shape, its buildings partially collapsed and the air thick with smoke. The sight of it made Ezra''s stomach churn, but he pushed the feeling aside. There was nothing they could do for the people who had already left or the people or Pokemon that might still be buried beneath the rubble.


    Karen said nothing, her silence stretching into a tangible weight that Ezra couldn''t ignore forever. He wanted to say something - anything - but the words stuck in his throat. What could he possibly say to someone who''d lost a piece of her team? A piece of herself?


    He knew he didn''t have quite the same bond with most of his Pokemon that other trainers did. He''d mourn if he lost someone, he thought, but he''d move on. His goals are, after all, more important than any one of his Pokemon.


    Karen wasn''t like him.


    She loved her Pokemon, each and everyone of them.


    And he didn''t know how to even begin to help her.


    Especially since all of this happening¡­ Was likely because of him.


    ¡­


    When they finally emerged on the Cerulean side of the mountain, the sight of the sky was like a balm for Ezra''s frayed nerves. The pale blue expanse stretched endlessly overhead, the clouds tinged with the soft hues of early evening. The air was crisp and cool, a relief compared to the oppressive stillness and dampness of the tunnels.


    But any sense of relief was short-lived.


    A League contingent was waiting for them just beyond the exit. Several tents were set up in a loose circle, their white canvas stark against the rocky terrain. Uniformed officials moved between them with purpose, their expressions grim.


    At the center of it all stood Agatha, waiting for them.


    The sight of the old woman made Ezra''s stomach drop. She was leaning heavily on her cane, her sharp eyes fixed on him with unnerving intensity. Her hunched form and frail appearance were deceptive - Ezra knew better than to underestimate her. There was a weight to her presence, a sense of authority that demanded attention.


    He''d hoped not to have to see her lovely face for quite some time.


    "Fucking hell," Ezra muttered, his shoulders slumping. He glanced at Karen, who blushed furiously and looked away, refusing to meet his eyes.


    He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair.


    He should have really seen this coming.


    <hr>


    Agatha sat across from him in the tent she''d brought him to, her thin frame hunched slightly as she leaned on her cane. Her gnarled fingers traced the edge of the sketch he''d once again drawn, as if willing it to reveal more than it did. Her sharp eyes flicked up to meet Ezra''s, and for a moment, it felt as if she could see straight through him.


    "Let''s not waste time, young Kassian," She said, her voice like brittle iron. "Start from the beginning. Everything. Don''t leave out a single detail."


    Ezra leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. His crimson eyes gleamed with a mixture of defiance and calculation. "You already have my report to the Pokemon Rangers, I''m sure. As Karen''s master, don''t you have more important things to deal with right now?"


    She was her master, and apparently had partly raised her, Ezra would gladly dump fixing her heartbreak onto the older woman. He was man enough to admit his own personality wasn''t the most well suited to be comforting.


    He was well aware he was an asshole.


    Agatha''s expression didn''t change, but the slight tightening of her knuckles on the cane betrayed her irritation. "Karen is resilient," She said sharply. "And this is about something far more important than her feelings. Now, speak."


    Ezra shrugged, adopting a deliberately casual tone. "Alright. Big scary Pokemon busts through a wall in Mt. Moon. Red eyes, rocky hide, built like a tank on steroids. It stomped around, smashed things up, shrugged off everything we threw at it, and killed someone. The end."


    He had already made his deal with Agatha, he didn''t need to be her bitch now. Nothing in their deal said he had to be pleasant and subservient.


    Whereas before he''d had to navigate things very carefully, he now held more cards in his deck. He was known now, to Gym Leaders, to Professor Oak, to the League. It wouldn''t be as easy to railroad him.


    Not to mention Karen had gotten attached enough that Agatha would risk alienating her if she went too heavy-handed.


    So he would not be as subservient in this meeting as their last¡­


    Agatha''s lips pressed into a thin line. "Don''t be clever, boy. I''ll not tolerate flippancy when lives are at stake. Describe the creature in detail." She tapped the sketch with a bony finger. "Its size. Its strength. Every action it took."


    Ezra sighed dramatically, running a hand through his hair, he supposed he could give some details just to save time on arguing, it had been a long day. "Fine. It was bigger than a Snorlax, taller too. Its hide looked like a mix of stone and steel, tough as hell. Red eyes glowing like it hated the entire world. It didn''t move fast, but when it did, it hit like a meteor." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on his knees. "We threw everything we had at it - ghost, dark, ice, fire, poison, fighting moves. Barely scratched it."


    Agatha''s gaze didn''t waver. "And its abilities? Did it display any unique powers?"


    "Other than being a walking disaster?" Ezra snarked, feeling annoyance rippling through him. "It could make the ground ripple like an earthquake when it stomped. Knocked most of our Pokemon off their feet. It also had this... shimmer around it sometimes, like its skin was hardening or being protected. Made it even harder to hurt, not that we managed to hurt it anyway."


    Agatha leaned back slightly, her cane tapping rhythmically against the ground. "Hmm. And you''re certain this wasn''t Team Rocket''s doing?" She probed.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow. "You think a bunch of bumbling criminals who couldn''t even take down a half-staffed Ranger station could wrangle that thing?" He gave her a dry sarcastic look, "Please. That thing would''ve turned them into paste before they got anywhere near it."


    Agatha nodded slowly, her eyes narrowing. "Agreed. The Rockets in this area of the region lack the resources and intelligence to wrangle such a creature. Which begs the question¡­" Her gaze sharpened. "What do you think happened?"


    Why the fuck are you asking me, you old hag? He wondered. How much had Karen told of Shae''s story¡­?


    Ezra held her gaze, his expression carefully neutral. "No clue," He said evenly. "It showed up, wrecked everything, and left a lot of dead Pokemon and people in its wake. If you''re looking for a grand conspiracy, I''m not the one to ask."


    Agatha chuckled darkly, a sound that sent a chill down Ezra''s spine. "A deflection form a true answer, boy. You know more than you''re saying."


    Ezra tilted his head, his tone light and mocking. "If you''re so sure, why bother asking? Did Karen not give enough details?"


    Agatha''s smile was razor-thin, her grip tightening on her cane. "Careful, boy. You''re not as untouchable as you think."


    Ezra leaned back, his smirk unwavering. "Noted."


    For now she wanted him a hell of a lot more than he wanted her, and now that he was mixed in the middle of all this, he wasn''t as easily removed as he had been during their first discussion. He could afford to be a little more bold, if not entirely antagonistic.


    She was still an Elite Four with immense power. So he couldn''t tell her to fuck off. It was a balancing act.


    For a moment, the tent was silent except for the faint rustle of papers and the distant murmur of voices outside. Then Agatha shifted, her gaze dropping to the sketch before her. "What about the girl? The one who died." Her voice was quieter now, almost contemplative. "Did she mention anything... Peculiar before her end?"


    Ezra''s smirk faded slightly. He leaned forward, his crimson eyes narrowing. "Why are you so interested in her?"


    Karen¡­ I guess I haven''t seduced you to my side quite enough yet¡­


    Agatha didn''t answer immediately. She traced the edge of the sketch with her finger again, her expression unreadable. "Did she name the group she was working for? A commune, a cult, anything of the sort?"


    Confirmation that Karen had indeed reported everything that happened. He''d have to work harder on her going forward.


    Ezra frowned, his mind racing, wondering why Agatha had an interest in Shae''s origin. "No," He said cautiously. "She didn''t."


    Agatha''s eyes flicked up to meet his, her gaze piercing. "Pity. That would''ve saved us some trouble."


    Ezra''s frown deepened. "What kind of trouble?"


    Agatha paused, her fingers tapping against the table. "How much do you know about the end of the war?" She asked suddenly.


    Ezra blinked, caught off guard by the shift in topic. "Not much," He admitted. "Kanto lost obviously, the other regions were all embroiled in full out war and Johto was facing an invasion after beating us, and some Legendaries stepped in to cut the regions off from each other. Big dramatic show of power, everyone went home. That about covers it, right?"


    Agatha muttered something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like ''failure of the school system''. She leaned back in her chair, her gaze growing distant. "The Legendaries are mercurial beings," She said slowly. "Their actions are often random, driven by whims we can''t begin to understand. They''ve shaped the world as much by accident as by design."


    Ezra tilted his head, his curiosity piqued despite himself. "So why''d they work together to end the war? That doesn''t sound random." If Agatha was in a sharing mood, he was going to take advantage.


    Agatha''s lips curved into a faint, approving smile. "Indeed. That cooperation was... unprecedented." She leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a bitter almost haunted tone. "There was a community - a cult, if you will - that worshipped the Legendaries. They prayed to them, made pilgrimages, offered sacrifices of all kinds. They claimed to have a connection to these beings."


    Ezra''s stomach twisted slightly. "What kind of sacrifices?" He asked, already having a feeling.


    Agatha''s expression darkened. "Some distasteful. Others... Unforgivable."


    The silence that followed was heavy, oppressive. Ezra forced himself to speak. "And they convinced the Legendaries to stop the war?"


    Cultist like that seemed more likely to have other types of goals¡­


    Agatha nodded, her gaze sharp. "Somehow. Almost a dozen Legendaries cooperated to sever the regions from each other for a time. You can understand why we''re very interested in what that girl told you¡­"


    Ezra hesitated, then asked, "What happened to the cult?"


    Agatha''s face went stony, her eyes narrowing. "They disappeared. Never to be heard from again." Her tone left no room for argument, and Ezra knew better than to press the issue. But privately, he had his suspicions.


    ''Disappeared'' probably meant ''slaughtered''. Whatever reason they''d had to convince the Legendaries to separate the regions, no government would trust that they wouldn''t have other more nefarious goals, or leave a group alone, which was capable of negotiating with Legendaries to that extent.


    Watching Agatha''s dark eyes, a flash of satisfaction in them, flaring briefly, he wouldn''t be surprised to hear she had a personal hand in the group''s ''disappearance''.


    Agatha''s expression darkened slightly, her tone remaining firm. "If any more of these members approach you, Kassian, you are to take them down and contact me or the League immediately. Understood?"


    Ezra snorted, crossing his arms. "I''m not your dog, Agatha. I''ll decide for myself what to do."


    Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "I''m not joking, boy. Neither Kanto nor Johto will tolerate such a cult continuing to operate."


    Ezra leaned forward, his smile cold and sharp. "Is it illegal to talk to them?"


    Agatha''s lips thinned. "You may consider it to be so," She said coldly.


    Ezra''s smile widened, though there was no warmth in it. "So, in other words, no, it''s not."


    "You''re playing with fire, young Kassian," Agatha warned, her voice low and dangerous. "I will not tolerate a resurgence in such dangerous people¡­ If you are connected to them¡­" She let the threat trail off.


    Ezra shrugged, unbothered. He knew she wanted him, and with their previous deal already in place, this was just empty threats, at least for now. "We already have a deal. If you want me to do more, you''ll have to sweeten the pot."


    If he actually met with this cult¡­ He would have to make sure she didn''t find out, he didn''t want to test their deal to the straining point.


    Last thing he wanted was to be locked up on the Indigo Plateau as her ''totally willing apprentice'' on eternal house arrest.


    Agatha smirked, tapping her cane against the ground. "Heh. Precocious brat." She leaned back in her chair. "Fine. I''ll leave it alone, for now."


    Ezra didn''t trust the glint in her eyes, but he said nothing. He knew she was only backing off because she expected Karen to tattle if anything happened.


    Well... He''d work on that.


    Karen was already hiding things from Agatha. What was one more secret? He did note she didn''t ask about Meowth, so Karen hadn''t shared everything.


    Curious she''d allow him first chance at the talking Pokemon after all.


    But a good sign.


    <hr>


    That night, camp outside Mt. Moon.


    The campfire crackled softly, sending tendrils of smoke curling into the night sky. Ezra sat cross-legged by the flames, his gaze fixed on the flickering embers. Beyond the firelight, the faint silhouettes of the League''s tents stood against the darkness. Somewhere close, Karen sat hunched on a log, her knees drawn to her chest, her silver hair disheveled.


    She''d been like that all day - silent, brooding, and tearful. Ezra wasn''t good at this kind of thing, but he''d spent enough time with Karen to know she wasn''t going to snap out of it on her own anytime soon. She hadn''t even insulted him once today. That, more than anything, worried him.


    Okay. You can do this. Just¡­ talk. He told himself.


    He cleared his throat, earning a slight flinch from Karen, though she didn''t look up. "Hey," He started awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. "You, uh¡­ Want some soup or something?"


    Karen''s shoulders tensed, but she didn''t respond. She simply stared into the flames, her red-rimmed eyes hollow.


    Ezra sighed, shifting to sit on the edge of the log she occupied. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, and glanced sideways at her. "Look, I know today''s been rough. More than rough, actually. But you don''t have to go through this alone, you know."


    Karen let out a mirthless laugh, her voice brittle. "You''re bad at this, you know that?" She muttered, wiping at her eyes with the sleeve of her jacket.


    Ezra cracked a small grin despite himself and how awkward he felt. "Yeah, well, I never claimed to be good at comforting people. Kind of a work in progress here, I''m way better at insulting them."


    Karen sniffled, finally looking at him. Her eyes were puffy, and streaks of dried tears marked her pale cheeks. "Then why are you even trying? Shouldn''t you be off brooding about Shae and her prophecy or whatever?" There was a lot of bitterness in her voice, that made him think Houndor wasn''t the only thing she was so upset about.


    Ezra tilted his head, considering her words. "Thought I''d mix it up and try being helpful for once."


    Karen blinked, and despite the heaviness surrounding them, her lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile. "You''re really bad at this." She reiterated.


    He felt he wasn''t too bad at this, she''d smiled, so he was doing alright. Progress, right?


    "Yeah, well, you keep saying that, but I don''t see anyone else lining up for the job." Ezra shifted slightly, nudging her with his shoulder. "Come on, Karen. Talk to me. What''s going on in that pretty head of yours?"Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Her smile faded, replaced by a flicker of guilt. She hugged her knees tighter, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don''t feel bad about her."


    Ezra frowned. "Shae?" He guessed.


    Karen nodded, her hair falling forward to shield her face. "I know I''m supposed to or whatever. She saved you. She died so we could run. But¡­ I just can''t bring myself to care about her. And that makes me feel like a terrible person."


    Ezra exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair. "Karen, look at me."


    She hesitated but finally lifted her gaze to meet his.


    "It''s okay not to care about her," Ezra said, his voice steady. "You barely knew her. Hell, I barely knew her. And let''s be honest - she was annoying as hell most of the time. Just because she did one decent thing at the end doesn''t mean you have to feel something about her. That doesn''t make you a bad person."


    Karen''s lip trembled, but she quickly bit down on it. "But I feel bad about not feeling bad. Does that even make sense?"


    Ezra chuckled softly. "Unfortunately, yeah, it does. Look, I''ve got mixed feelings about her too. She saved my life, sure, but she also spent half the time she was with us being cryptic and obnoxious. You''re not alone in feeling conflicted."


    Karen nodded slowly, her arms loosening slightly around her knees. "Maybe¡­ Maybe you''re right."


    Ezra tilted his head, giving her a faint smirk. "Of course I''m right. When am I ever not?"


    Karen rolled her eyes, the action a little too forced to be genuine. But then her expression darkened again, her voice dropping. "It''s not just her, though."


    Ezra watched her closely, sensing she was about to spill what had been weighing on her all day. Her Pokemon''s sacrifice.


    "It''s Houndour," She whispered, her voice cracking. "I failed him, Ezra. I didn''t recall him in time. He - he died protecting me, and it''s my fault."


    Ezra felt a pang in his chest as he saw the tears welling up in her eyes again. He reached out hesitantly, placing a hand on her shoulder. He had to try. "Karen, listen to me. Houndour loved you. He would have done anything to keep you safe, and he wouldn''t have blamed you for a second."


    "But I -"


    "No," Ezra interrupted firmly. "You didn''t fail him. That thing we fought in Mt. Moon? It was a monster, Karen. We were all outmatched, all doing the best we could. Houndour knew what he was doing. He chose to protect you because you meant everything to him. That''s not failure - that''s love."


    Karen''s breath hitched, and she wiped at her eyes again, though the tears were falling freely now. "It still feels like I should have done more."


    Ezra nodded, his tone softening. "I get that. I really do. But beating yourself up about it isn''t going to help. The best way to honor Houndour''s memory is to get stronger. Strong enough that nothing like this can happen again. That''s what he''d want."


    Karen sniffled, her gaze dropping to the ground. "Do you really think so?"


    Ezra gave her shoulder a gentle squeeze. "I know so."


    They sat in silence for a while, the crackling of the fire filling the space between them. Ezra kept his hand on her shoulder, offering a steady presence as she quietly wept for the Pokemon she''d lost. The sky above them shifted, the deep blue of twilight bleeding into shades of orange and pink as the sun dipped below the horizon.


    "Look," Ezra said softly, nodding toward the sky. "The sunset''s pretty tonight, the world goes on still, life moves on, Houndor won''t blame you for moving forward."


    Karen glanced up, her tear-streaked face softening as she took in the view. The vibrant colors painted across the sky seemed to cast a warm glow over the camp, offering a brief moment of peace.


    Ezra shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders in a hesitant but comforting gesture. Karen stiffened for a moment, then relaxed against him, resting her head on his shoulder.


    "Thanks, Ezra," She murmured after a while, her voice thick with emotion.


    "For what?" he asked, genuinely puzzled, because he''d honestly not said anything she didn''t already know.


    "For trying," She said simply. "Even if you''re bad at it."


    Ezra chuckled, the sound low and rumbling in his chest. "I''ll not argue the point with you today, as a personal favour. You can win this one time." He lightly teased.


    Karen nodded, a faint smile gracing her lips as she leaned into him. For the first time all day, she felt like the weight crushing her chest had lifted, if only slightly. And for now, that was enough.


    <hr>


    The morning sun cast a golden glow over the landscape as Ezra and Karen set off from the League camp. Ezra had been in no mood to linger, especially after hearing Agatha mention that Bruno was en route to investigate the gigantic Pokemon and to scour Mt. Moon of any more issues.


    Agatha was enough trouble to deal with. Another Elite Four member? No, thank you.


    Karen walked beside him, quieter than usual but no longer the withdrawn, brooding figure from the night before. She''d tied her silver hair back, her expression steely as she adjusted her pack. Ezra stole a glance at her, relieved to see a bit of the fire back in her eyes.


    They crested a hill just before midday, the dirt path sloping down into a wide plain, and paused as the view of Cerulean City unfolded before them. Ezra blinked, taking in the sight of the sprawling city below.


    Cerulean looked nothing like the cities they''d passed through before. It was vibrant, alive, and impossibly picturesque. Cheerfully painted buildings in shades of blue, green, yellow, and white were scattered across a landscape seemingly woven with ribbons of sparkling water. Rivers and canals crisscrossed the city, dividing it into countless small islands connected by arched wooden bridges and smooth stone walkways. The water reflected the bright sunlight, making the entire city shimmer as if it were enchanted.


    In the middle of it all, the Cerulean Gym stood out like a beacon. The building towered over the surrounding structures. A massive arena extended from the back of the gym, its tall walls visible even from this distance.


    "Ugh, this is going to suck," Karen groaned, breaking Ezra''s study of the bright city before them.


    Ezra turned to her with an amused smile, already guessing what her problem was. "Why''s that?"


    Karen scrunched her nose in distaste, glaring at the city as if it had personally offended her. "You''ll see," She grumbled.


    Ezra chuckled, his curiosity piqued on what exactly she''d experienced to be so reluctant, but decided not to press her. Instead, he adjusted his bag and started down the hill, leading the way toward the city. Karen followed with a sigh, muttering under her breath.


    ¡­


    As they entered Cerulean, the city seemed even livelier than it had appeared from above. The streets bustled with people and Pokemon alike, the air filled with the cheerful hum of conversations and the sound of rushing water. Families strolled across the bridges, children pointing excitedly at the Magikarp and Goldeen swimming in the canals below. Trainers stopped to battle or show off their Pokemon, their voices rising in enthusiastic chatter.


    "This place feels like a postcard," Ezra remarked, glancing around. His Umbreon padded at his side, ears twitching at the noise.


    Karen snorted, her arms crossed as she walked. "Too cheerful," She muttered. "Like they''re trying too hard."


    "Not a fan of water towns, huh?" Ezra asked, smirking. "Is that really why you don''t like it here?" He poked at her.


    Karen shot him a sidelong glance. "I prefer places where you don''t have to worry about falling into a canal every five minutes."


    Ezra grinned, his amusement growing. "Bet you fell in when you were younger." He teased, even if he was sure she was lying about her reason for disliking the city.


    Karen''s cheeks flushed, and she looked away, her expression sour. "Shut up."


    Ezra laughed, shaking his head. They passed a fruit vendor who was selling vibrant blue berries that Ezra didn''t recognize. Karen stopped to buy a handful, tossing one to her Murkrow, which cawed happily before snatching it out of the air.


    The bridges they crossed were adorned with colorful flower boxes, the petals of lilies, marigolds, and tulips cascading down in vibrant displays. Ezra noticed a pair of trainers fishing on a wooden dock, their Poliwag and Psyduck lounging nearby, the water rippling with the occasional splash of a hooked Magikarp.


    As they continued, the streets narrowed in places, and the sound of running water became louder, the air cooler and tinged with the smell of vibrant nature. Karen muttered complaints about the humidity and how her hair would frizz, earning a teasing remark from Ezra about vanity that she pointedly ignored.


    Eventually, they reached the Pokemon Center.


    Nurse Joy greeted them with her usual serene smile from behind the counter. "Welcome to the Pokemon Center. How can I help you?"


    Ezra stepped forward, placing his Pokeballs on the counter, having recalled Umbreon as well right before entering. "We need a full heal for our teams."


    Karen followed suit, her movements slower, more hesitant, no doubt due to having one less Pokeball to hand over. Nurse Joy took their Pokeballs with practiced efficiency, placing them on the healing machine. "This will just take a moment."


    As they waited, Ezra noticed Karen staring at the counter, her fingers tapping lightly against its surface. "You okay?" He asked, keeping his tone casual.


    Karen nodded quickly, not meeting his eyes. "Yeah. Just tired."


    Ezra didn''t push her, instead leaning back against the counter and scanning the room. Trainers of all kinds filled the lobby, from eager-looking rookies to seasoned veterans. A group of kids crowded around an older trainer who was showing off his Gyarados''s Pokeball, their eyes wide with awe.


    At least he was smart enough to not actually release it. He thought, studying the man. He was probably lying anyway, he concluded. The type of man capable of taming a Gyarados was generally not the type to show off to a bunch of brats about it.


    Nurse Joy soon returned, handing them their healed Pokemon. "All set. Your teams are in perfect condition."


    "Thanks," Ezra said, taking his Pokeballs. He stepped to the side, motioning for Karen to do the same. "You switching anyone out?"


    Karen shook her head. "Not yet. I''ll wait until we know what we''re dealing with after the gym."


    Ezra nodded, already knowing he needed to swap some of his Pokemon. He walked over to the PC in the corner of the room, logging in and scanning his roster. It didn''t take long to make his decisions, his fingers moving quickly over the controls. Moments later, the Pokeballs he needed appeared in the retrieval slot.


    Karen watched him from the corner of her eye as he rejoined her. "Getting serious, huh?"


    Ezra shrugged, tucking the Pokeballs into his belt. "Not going to make the mistake of not taking a star badge battle seriously this time."


    He''d kept Morrigan and Alduin in, but the rest of the team was his heavy hitters. He wasn''t going to mess around. With their evolutions, Morrigan and Alduin had a lot more hitting power now, especially as he could enhance them using his dark aura.


    Thinking about that, he briefly wondered what had happened to the ghosts who''d been hiding in Shae''s shadow, because they hadn''t returned to him. Another mystery he''d probably never get an answer on.


    Karen said nothing to that, looking pleased he''d learned from his mistakes, leading the way out of the Pokemon Center. The midday sun was warm against their skin as they stepped outside, the sound of rushing water greeting them once more.


    "So," Ezra said as they started walking, "You gonna tell me what your deal with this place is? Or are you just going to grumble about it the whole time?"


    Karen shot him a glare but didn''t answer right away. Instead, she adjusted her bag and muttered, "You''ll find out soon enough."


    "It must be really bad if you''re this reluctant to talk about it." He teased, but she steadily refused to talk about it.


    Soon enough they arrived at their destination.


    Ezra stared at the Cerulean Gym''s glossy sign, its cheerful lettering clashing horribly with his increasingly foul mood as he realized the sisters running it were going to be as bad as he''d thought. It wasn''t just a gym; it was a full-blown tourist attraction. The sign boasted of ''The Stunning Sensational Sisters'' Spectacular Water Show!'' in bold, glittering letters, complete with colorful illustrations of Pokemon performing tricks and synchronized swimming routines.


    The actual gym section of the gym was barely noticeable, almost covered up by the advertising.


    A gym leader was supposed to test trainers and serve as a pillar of the League system, not run a circus, he thought with irritation. Hold contests, run a show¡­ Sure¡­ Beyond your regular duties, as something extra for an income or to revitalize the city. Not as a replacement for the duty you already had.


    Not that he was that interested in the duty part of running a gym, other then to make sure he was the obvious best at it - but he really didn''t want to face one day being compared as these girls equals.


    As they approached the entrance, Ezra muttered to Karen, "This already feels like a waste of time."


    He''d been so focused on teasing Karen he''d forgotten he''d have to be the one dealing with all of¡­ this.


    Karen shrugged, her expression unreadable. She''d been quiet for most of the walk, but a slight curve at the edge of her lips betrayed some hidden amusement. "Oh, you''ll love it," She said dryly, voice dripping with sarcasm.


    Inside, the lobby was bright and pristine, but instead of an air of competitive energy, the place felt like a theme park. Posters of the Sensational Sisters adorned the walls, showing the three gym leaders in elaborate costumes, posing with Water type Pokemon like Starmie and Seaking. A counter at the far end was manned by a bubbly receptionist in a sea-green uniform, smiling at them as if they were customers rather than challengers.


    The giant gift shop filled with plushies that took up more room than the lobby added to this feeling. He wasn''t opposed to monetizing, obviously. But making it so obvious that the gym was second fiddle was distasteful.


    Ezra wasted no time, marching up to the counter and pulling his trainer ID from his pocket. "I''m here to challenge the gym leaders for my Star Badge."


    The receptionist''s smile didn''t falter, but there was a flicker of something Ezra couldn''t quite place in her eyes - amusement, maybe? "I''m sorry, sir," She said in a sing-song tone, "but the Sensational Sisters are fully booked for the next two months."


    Ezra blinked, unsure if he''d heard her correctly. "Two months?"


    They were in the middle of the League season, hundreds of trainers needed to challenge the gym, no one could book ahead that far. A gym leader could run dozens of battles a day, easily.


    It wasn''t that uncommon for first badgers to sometimes not even meet the gym leaders if the load was too heavy, earning their badge from a veteran gym trainer. Although it was rare any gym was so cramped the gym leader didn''t have time.


    But two months!? That was beyond ridiculous.


    The receptionist nodded, her tone too chipper for the news she was delivering. "Yes, they''re incredibly popular! Between performances, media appearances, fan signings, and their rest days, they''re just completely swamped."


    ¡­ There were supposed to be gym battles, somewhere in that, wasn''t there? Ezra thought, one eye twitching irritably.


    Karen scoffed behind him, muttering something he didn''t catch. Clearly, she''d expected this.


    Ezra scowled, leaning forward slightly. "I''m doing a Star Badge challenge. I don''t have time to waste so a bunch of snot-nosed twelve-year-olds can try to fight them pointlessly with Geodudes once a day."


    The receptionist''s smile widened, and Ezra hated how smug it looked. "I''m afraid there''s nothing we can do. The Sensational Sisters'' schedule is set, and all our appointments are filled. Even if you want to try impressing them, you''d have to get through every single gym trainer first."


    "That''s fine," Ezra said immediately. "I''ll fight them all."


    The receptionist chuckled, shaking her head. "Even if you managed to do that - and trust me, it wouldn''t be easy - it would only mean you might get their attention. A maybe." She stressed, "They have an important show to prepare for and that takes precedence."


    Ezra''s patience, already stretched thin from recent events, snapped. "Where are they now?" He growled.


    The receptionist''s smile faltered slightly, but her tone remained light. "Practicing for their show. This isn''t a battle day." She chided slightly.


    Ezra almost felt like he was having a coronary, not a battle day!? The gym was open, but not for battling, what was this bullshit! He immediately thought of a way to get his point across and force a battle, a devious look in his eyes.


    Karen stepped up beside him, eyeing him warily. "What are you planning?" She asked, her tone laced with curiosity and caution. "I know that face."


    Ezra''s smirk was slow and dangerous, the kind of expression that promised trouble. "I''m just going to remind them what their jobs are."


    Karen''s own smirk grew, her eyes gleaming with anticipation for the first time that day. "Oh, I will enjoy this," She said, her voice carrying a rare note of enthusiasm. "Whatever it is."


    The receptionist''s cheerful facade faltered completely as she watched them walk past the counter, heading deeper into the gym. "Hey! You can''t just - wait! You need permission to go back there!"


    Ezra didn''t slow down, as he made his way toward the doors that likely led to the practice area. Karen followed, her earlier gloom replaced by something resembling amusement.


    ¡­


    The Cerulean Gym buzzed with youthful energy, filled with the chatter and laughter of teenage trainers. Some lounged against the walls, their Pokemon at their sides, while others roamed the brightly lit hallways, patrolling like sentinels - gossiping sentinels. The trainers wore a mix of gym uniforms and casual clothing, their appearances as eclectic as their Pokemon. Despite the supposed duties of being gym trainers, it was clear that their real interest lay elsewhere.


    "Did you see Daisy in her new outfit during practice yesterday?" A boy said, his voice low and conspiratorial as he leaned against a vending machine.


    The girl beside him rolled her eyes, flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. "Oh, please. Everyone saw it. She was stunning, as always. But Violet''s performance was way better. Did you see her Starmie''s spin attack? Perfectly synchronized."


    Another boy snickered nearby, lounging with his Psyduck. "You''re all wrong. Lily''s the best. She doesn''t even have to try, and she still outshines the others."


    The conversations were punctuated by the occasional splash of water and muffled commands from the gym''s practice area. The trainers weren''t oblivious to their duties, but their attention was split between idolizing the Sensational Sisters and maintaining a half-hearted watch over the hallways.


    Unseen by any of them, Ezra leaned casually against the wall just before the gym trainers area. His face was an impassive mask, but his eyes gleamed with sharp amusement as he released Cheshire, Loki, and Nyx. The trio of ghost Pokemon materialized with soft, ominous chuckles, already feeling his intentions.


    "Keep it subtle," Ezra instructed quietly, his voice low enough that only the ghosts and Karen could hear. "Just scare them enough to clear the way."


    Karen, leaning against the wall beside him, raised an eyebrow. "Subtle isn''t exactly your style," She said with a smirk, before looking around with distaste at all the posters of the sensational sisters. "But this? I can get behind."


    Unbeknownst to Karen, as the visible ghosts drifted into the gym, Ezra''s shadow rippled unnaturally. His unseen Pokemon slipped through the wall he was leaning against, ready to join in on the chaos.


    ¡­


    Inside the gym, the first victim was a boy no older than fifteen, wearing a gym uniform two sizes too big for him. He was patrolling a hallway with his Squirtle when Cheshire, Ezra''s Gengar, materialized silently behind him. The boy hummed a cheery tune, oblivious to the malicious grin spreading across Cheshire''s face.


    Cheshire suddenly grabbed the boys head from behind him, it''s tongue giving him a long lick that dragged his hair up with it.


    The boy froze mid-step, his shoulders tensing as he turned slowly. When he saw the Gengar grinning at him, its red eyes gleaming with mischief, he screamed, bolting down the hallway. His Squirtle blinked in confusion, then waddled after him. Leaving Cheshire giggling in the empty hallway.


    ¡­


    In another corridor, a pair of teenage girls sat cross-legged on the floor, whispering about the sisters'' latest performance. One of them flipped through photos she''d taken on her Pokedex, showing off blurry shots of the show''s finale.


    "I swear, Lily''s Seel is the cutest thing ever," One of the girls said, her voice hushed with awe.


    "Seel? Please. Did you see Violet''s Goldeen?" the other girl replied. "So elegant."


    Their debate was interrupted by Nyx, Ezra''s Spiritomb, emerging from the shadows between them. The ghost''s swirling, ethereal form glowed faintly, and her hollow, echoing laughter filled the hallway. The girls screamed, scrambling to their feet and knocking over their backpacks in the process. Nyx cackled louder, her malevolent amusement reverberating as the girls fled, screaming about ghosts, leaving the hallway behind.


    ¡­


    Further inside, Loki, Ezra''s Banette, targeted a group of boys sitting around a vending machine. They were arguing over who was the strongest among the sisters, their discussion peppered with playful jabs and exaggerated boasts.


    "Daisy''s obviously the best," One boy declared, popping open a can of soda. "Her Starmie can outspin anything."


    "Yeah, right," another boy retorted. "Lily''s Seadra would wreck - "


    The vending machine let out a loud clang, and the boys fell silent. They exchanged uneasy glances, then turned to see Loki peeking out from the top of the machine, his stitched grin impossibly wide. His button eyes glowed menacingly as he slowly tilted his head, letting out a ghostly giggle as a soda can shot out of the machine hitting one of the boys in the crotch as he let out a high pitched squeal.


    One of the other boys screamed even louder, staring at Loki, dropping his soda as they all scrambled away from the vending machine "Run!" One of them shouted, his voice cracking as they fled, leaving their snacks and their  Pokemon behind.


    The Pokemon and Loki looked at each other for a few moments, before the Pokemon seemed to sigh, all trudging off after their fleeing trainers.


    ¡­


    Elsewhere, one of the unseen ghosts from Ezra''s shadow had targeted a lone trainer patrolling with a Poliwag. The trainer walked confidently, spinning one of his Pokeballs on one finger as he hummed a tune. His Poliwag waddled beside him, its spiral pattern hypnotically swirling with each step.


    Without warning, the hallway lights flickered and dimmed. The Poliwag paused, tilting its head curiously as a chill filled the air. Then, from the darkness, an unearthly wail echoed, a sound that sent shivers down the trainer''s spine.


    "Who''s there?" He called out, his voice wavering as he clutched his Pokeball tightly.


    A translucent hand materialized from the shadows, brushing against the back of his neck. He shrieked, dropping the ball as he bolted down the hallway. His Poliwag slowly picked up the Pokeball, looking up as the Haunter and Misdreavous poked their heads out of the wall.


    ¡­


    The chaos continued to spread through the gym. Some trainers fainted outright, overcome by fear as Loki appeared from walls or Cheshire licked their faces. Others barricaded themselves in closets, trembling as Nyx''s laughter echoed outside.


    Ezra had wanted to avoid having to fight through a bunch of scrubs, but he hadn''t expected how pathetic of a showing they''d pull off.


    But then it seemed most of the gym trainers were very young, and all big fans of the sensational sisters. If they had any trainers left from their parents'' time, none of them had shown, leaving only easily scared teenagers who completely left the gym undefended.


    After fifteen minutes of this calculated chaos, the Cerulean Gym was a shadow of its former lively self. Trainers had either fled or hidden, their confidence shattered by the relentless ghostly onslaught. The once-busy hallways were eerily silent, save for the occasional muffled sob or distant wail.


    The most pathetic part of all of this¡­ The sisters hadn''t even noticed anything had happened, and none of the trainers fleeing had bothered calling them. It was so incredibly sloppy, he just wanted to crush these pretenders.


    Ezra leaned casually against the wall just outside the sisters practice arena, having strolled through the gym with ease, his expression smug as he observed the gym''s empty hallways, even as he felt a twitch of annoyance at how easy it had been. Karen stood beside him, her arms crossed and a rare smile on her lips.


    "That was the most fun I''ve had in days," She admitted. "You''re evil, Ezra. Absolutely evil."


    Ezra smirked, pushing off the wall as he adjusted his jacket. "You say that like it''s a bad thing."


    Ready for whatever came next, they entered the practice arena.


    <hr>


    The practice area was more elaborate than what Ezra had expected - an oversized pool surrounded by platforms, with sparkling water reflecting the bright, artificial lights above. Elaborate decorations hung from the walls - shells, coral-like structures, and shimmering fabrics that mimicked ocean waves.


    In the middle of it all, the Sensational Sisters were rehearsing. They wore matching sea-green one piece costumes, their hair styled in intricate updos adorned with pearls. A Starmie floated beside one of them, spinning gracefully in the water, while a Dewgong leaped from one end of the pool to the other, creating a perfect arc of water droplets.


    "Wow, they really are just focusing on being performers," Karen muttered, her tone somewhere between irritation and disdain.


    Ezra didn''t bother hiding his irritation. "Performers are fine. They just shouldn''t be gym leaders if they don''t want to do the job."


    Karen scoffed under her breath, crossing her arms tightly. "Told you this place was a circus," She muttered.


    The sisters finally noticed the pair, Lily''s voice cutting through the room like a bell. "Oh my gosh, who are you guys?" She said, flipping her hair dramatically. "Like, this is so not a visitor day."


    The trio climbed out of the pool, and Ezra didn''t his once over, they were all in swimsuits after all, and they were pretty girls. He was only human. Too bad they were obviously too stupid to actually run a gym¡­


    Stupidity was a major turn off.


    Ezra raised a brow, unamused with their antics. "We''re here to challenge the gym leader. You know, your actual job?"


    The sisters exchanged wide-eyed glances before bursting into a chorus of giggles. Violet leaned forward, resting her chin on her hand as she smirked. "Like, that''s cute and all, but we''re, like, totally busy right now? We don''t have time for random challengers."


    Karen muttered something that sounded suspiciously like ''idiots'', but Ezra held up a hand, stopping her from continuing. His eyes fixed on the sisters, his patience rapidly wearing thin.


    "I''m doing a Star Badge challenge," He said slowly, enunciating every word as if speaking to a particularly dim child. "That means I don''t have time for your nonsense. Where''s the arena?"


    Lily rolled her eyes, placing a hand on her hip. "Ugh, you''re one of those. Look, we''re, like, totally booked for the next two months. You should''ve, like, made an appointment or something?"


    Karen smirked viciously at Ezra''s increasingly irritated expression. "This is going to be good," She whispered, even as she stepped back towards the stands, Ezra''s Pokedex in hand, she needed to film the fight anyway, so what if he got a little pre-fight banter on record?


    Ezra took a step closer to the pool, his presence seeming to darken the bright, glittering atmosphere. "You''re booked because you spend half your time doing these ridiculous shows instead of your actual duties - like little girls unable to handle the pressure," He said, gesturing to their practice. "If you can''t manage to do your job, maybe someone else should take over."


    The sisters gasped in unison, Daisy clutching her chest dramatically. "How dare you!" She exclaimed. "Do you even know who we are?"


    Violet pointed a manicured finger at him. "We''re, like, icons, okay? People come from all over to watch us! Do you have any idea how hard it is to maintain this level of perfection?"


    Ezra glared at her, "They come to see your tits. Wear a robe instead of a swimsuit and watch your show die." He said mercilessly.


    Lily looked incredibly offended, as her other two sisters both gasped loudly and overly dramatically. "Alright, you''re, like, on! You and me, we''re, like, totally doing this battle, okay? Like, right now! Let''s, like, see if you can, like, handle me and my team!"


    Ezra rolled his eyes, "At least one of you is finally useful for something then, don''t worry, it will probably be over for you in five minutes or less... Let''s do this." He couldn''t really feel any enjoyment about this upcoming battle. These three were too ridiculous.


    Also, if they kept using like in every second word. He couldn''t be held responsible for what happened¡­


    Lily stood ahead of her sisters, not far from him, a hand dramatically on her hip as she pouted at his words. Her sisters, Violet and Daisy, noticing Karen filming, checked their reflections in compact mirrors while idly chatting about how ''totally unfair'' it was that their routines had to be interrupted.


    "This is, like, such a buzzkill," Daisy whined, adjusting her sparkling headband. "What''s the point of a battle if no one''s, like, watching us? I mean, where''s the fun if there aren''t people cheering and taking, like, a bajillion pictures?"


    Violet blew an exaggerated sigh, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "Totally, Daisy. It''s, like, so boring without an audience. I mean, do you even know how much effort it takes to look this good?" She gestured at herself with a flourish, batting her lashes at Ezra, who was visibly unimpressed at their antics.


    Ezra rolled his eyes, just wanting to get this over with. "Maybe you can worry about being thirst traps on your own time," He said coldly, glaring at them. "I''m here for a battle, not to see you flaunt everything for pity points."


    Karen, seated nearby with the Pokedex poised, let out a low chuckle, a smirk spreading across her face. "Oh, please keep going, Ezra," She said, her voice dripping with venomous amusement. "This is gold."


    Violet''s eyes lit up as she finally paid attention to Karen, showing they did know each other. "Yoohoo! Karen, can we, like, sit with you, girl?" She called, waving enthusiastically, apparently not noticing her vitriol.


    Karen''s expression immediately soured, and without hesitation, she reached for a Pokeball. With a flash of light, her Weavile materialized beside her, its sharp claws gleaming and its ice-cold demeanor matching its trainer''s mood.


    "Weavile," Karen said, her voice loud enough to carry, "Ice Fang anyone who comes near me."


    The sisters froze for a beat before bursting into giggles. Daisy clasped her hands together, beaming at Karen. "Oh my gosh, that''s so Karen! Ice cold, as always." She winked playfully. "One day, sweetie, we''re gonna, like, totally melt that frozen heart of yours."


    Karen''s lips curled into a sneer. "I''d rather die."


    The sisters laughed even harder, clearly not taking her seriously. "You''re so dramatic!" Violet teased, clutching her stomach as if Karen''s words were the height of comedy.


    Lily smirked, sashaying toward Ezra with a deliberate sway in her hips. She stopped in front of him, placing a hand lightly on his chest and letting it linger there. "Maybe this guy here already melted her, huh?" She said, her voice dripping with suggestive amusement.


    Karen bristled, her eyes narrowing to icy slits as she glared at Lily. "Lily. Shut up or die," She growled, her tone sharp enough to cut steel.


    The other two sisters broke into more fits of giggles, their smirks widening. "Ooooh, you''re so right, Lils!" Daisy said, nudging Violet with an elbow. "She''s totally got a thing for him."


    Ezra, never one to resist an opportunity to rile Karen up, leaned in slightly and stage-whispered to the sisters, "Don''t tell her I said anything, but she does have a crush on me."


    He might think these three were annoying idiots, but he never missed an opportunity to mess with Karen, and with Agatha now circling around more then ever, the sooner they could figure things out, the better.


    And Karen would definitely need to be pushed for it.


    Karen''s entire face turned crimson, and she shot to her feet. "Ezra! You bring that up again, and I swear you won''t keep the thing making you a man much longer!"


    Lily giggled, undeterred by Karen''s fury. "He''s kinda, like, cute though, isn''t he?" She said, trailing her hand up to Ezra''s cheek. "Unusual looking, yeah, but, like, exotic. Confidence is so sexy."


    Karen''s glare intensified, her eyes practically glowing with rage. The sisters continued to smirk, exchanging conspiratorial glances. Ezra stood still, looking increasingly bored as Lily''s hand slid into his hair. Just because he wanted to mess with Karen, didn''t mean he had any interest in this stupid girl.


    "Say," Lily said, her tone turning syrupy sweet as she twisted a strand of his white hair around her finger. "Why don''t we, like, forget about the fight? You and I could go on a date instead." She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Or, like, all three of us could go. What do you say, cutie?"


    The tension in the room skyrocketed as Karen''s teeth began grinding audibly, her fists trembling as she struggled to keep her composure. Ezra finally grabbed Lily''s wrist, his movement quick and deliberate. She smirked as if she''d won, clearly thinking he was reciprocating her attention - until he unceremoniously pushed her hand away.


    "Sorry," Ezra said flatly, his voice devoid of interest. "You have to have at least this many brain cells to be worth my time." He held up his fingers an inch apart. "Playing with pretty dolls isn''t my thing."


    Lily''s jaw dropped, her shock mirrored by her sisters. Karen, on the other hand, burst into laughter so loud it echoed across the practice arena. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as tears streamed down her face.


    "Oh my Arceus," She gasped between wheezes, barely able to breathe. "You shut them down so hard!"


    Ezra noticed a quiet giggle, and saw Misty''s head sticking out between some equipment not far away from them, spying on them and laughing at her sisters after his last comment.


    Ezra ignored her and turned to pat Lily''s shoulder, his expression one of faux sympathy. "Don''t worry. You''ll understand what I said one day if you study hard. Maybe."


    Lily''s face turned bright red, her shock giving way to indignant fury. "Are you serious?" She shrieked, stomping her foot. "You said that to me?"


    Ezra smirked, clearly enjoying himself. "I did. Do you need me to repeat it? I know long sentences can be tricky for you girls."


    Lily let out a furious screech, her hand darting to the Pokeball on the belt she''d picked up when she''d agreed to fight. "Fine! I was gonna, like, go easy on you, but now I''m gonna wreck you!"


    "Finally," Ezra said, pulling out a Pokeball of his own and rolling it lazily between his fingers. "If I''d known insulting you was all it took, I would''ve done it sooner."


    The other two sisters cheered Lily on as she stomped over to the pool''s podium, her sequins glittering dramatically under the lights. Ezra took his place at the challengers'' side of the arena, the smug grin never leaving his face. Karen positioned herself a few feet back, Pokedex still recording as she wiped away tears of laughter.


    "This performance you''re prioritizing over battles - what was the reason for it?" Ezra asked, his voice carrying across the room. "The circus wouldn''t take you, so you made your own?"


    Lily''s face contorted with rage, as Ezra smugly looked at her, some of his irritation leaking away now that he had an outlet for it.


    This was just going to be plain bullying. But he needed something like it right now, to get himself back on track. "Well, are we starting? Or are you still trying to puzzle out that I said? I can write some cue cards for you?" He said with faux kindness.


    Lily let out an earsplitting screech, prompting her sisters to cheer her on. "Kick his butt, Lils!" Daisy yelled.


    "Like, you''ll pay for being such a butt!" Lily shouted, holding her Pokeball at the ready, glaring angrily at him.


    Ezra grinned, readying his own Pokeball to begin this ass kicking that was so sorely needed. "With how you flaunt your body, you''d know all about being paid for your butt," Ezra said with a smirk.


    He could hear Lily gritting her teeth together from where he stood, and it was glorious.


    As Ezra was preparing to start, Misty ran out from where she''d been hiding, surprising her sisters. "I''ll be the judge for this match!" She declared, sliding to a stop beside the arena.


    "Like, whatever," Daisy said with a dismissive wave. "Just don''t, like, get in the way or something, Misty."


    "Yeah," Violet added. "We, like, don''t need your commentary either, just like say when Lily''s totally won or whatever."


    Misty shot them an annoyed look but said nothing, stepping into the judge''s box. "This will be a three-on-three star badge battle! Challenger, are you ready?"


    Ezra nodded, casually tossing a Pokeball into the air. In a flash of light, Morrigan, his Drakloak, appeared, her ghostly form hovering above the water with a faint shimmer.


    Lily smirked, tossing her first Pokeball. "Like, you''re gonna totally regret messing with me!" She threw the ball, and in a splash, her Seel appeared in the water, barking cheerfully. "Seel, like, show him what we''ve got!"


    Misty raised a flag. "Begin!"


    Lily immediately launched into a flurry of orders. "Seel, like, use Aqua Jet! No, wait, like, use Ice Shard! Or, like, maybe Water Pulse? Actually, just, like, do all of them! You''ve got this!"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curling into a cold smirk. "Morrigan, Dragon Breath."


    Morrigan didn''t hesitate. Opening her jaws, she released a crackling stream of blue flames that shot across the pool. The attack slammed into Seel mid-dive, sending the Pokemon spiraling through the water with a pained cry.


    Lily''s jaw dropped as her Pokemon floundered. "What?! Like, no way! Seel, like, get up! Use... uh¡­ Ice Beam! Yeah, like, Ice Beam now!"


    Ezra didn''t give her the chance. "Morrigan, Shadow Sneak, and Dark Pulse. Keep attacking."


    The Drakloak disappeared, reappearing behind the Seel who was just beginning to gather it''s Ice beam, as Morrigan hovered behind it, gathering dark, swirling energy in her jaws before firing another blast. It struck Seel head-on, knocking the Pokemon unconscious before it could get its attack off, and leaving it floating belly-up in the water.


    Ezra might be boosting Morrigan heavily with his aura to give her a bit of an extra kick¡­ What can he say¡­ He was making a point to these posers.


    Misty raised her flag. "Seel is unable to battle! The first round goes to the challenger!"


    Karen let out a low whistle, her smug grin widening as she focused the Pokedex''s camera on Lily''s dumbfounded expression. "Wow, this is almost too easy," She muttered.


    Lily huffed, recalling her Seel with an annoyed flick of her wrist. "Like, whatever! That was, like, a total fluke! You''re not even that good!" She grabbed her next Pokeball. "Starmie, like, it''s your turn!"


    The Pokeball arced through the air, and with a burst of light, Starmie appeared, its jewel-like core gleaming as it spun gracefully in the water.


    "Starmie, like, Rapid Spin and then, like, use Water Gun!" Lily shouted, slamming a fist down on the podium in front of her.


    Ezra barely glanced at her before issuing his own command. "Morrigan, Phantom Force, then SB."


    Before Starmie could even complete its spin, Morrigan vanished, disappearing into thin air. The arena fell silent, save for the gentle ripples of the pool and then the water gun attack went off, hitting nothing at all. Lily''s eyes darted around in panic. "Starmie, like, where is it? Look, like, behind you or something!"


    Morrigan reappeared again, facing Starmie, striking down with a ball of dark energy in Shadow Ball, fully empowered by Ezra. The impact sent Starmie careening into one of the platforms, its core dimming as it fainted on the spot from both the full powered Shadow Ball, and the physical impact of slamming into the edge of the platform.


    So Ezra was cheating a little¡­


    He felt pretty good about it.


    "Starmie is unable to battle!" Misty announced, wide eyed. "The second round goes to the challenger!"


    "Two for two," Karen said, smirking as she zoomed in on Lily''s increasingly flustered face. "This is embarrassing." She teased, "One attack too? Is this really your best?"


    Lily stomped her foot in frustration. "Ugh! Like, I wasn''t even trying, okay?! That was, like, a warm-up!" She pulled out her final Pokeball, her hand trembling with anger. "Cloyster, like, don''t mess this up!"


    In a flash of light, a Cloyster appeared, its massive shell snapping shut with a menacing clack. The Pokemon glared at Morrigan with its glowing eyes, a thin mist rising from the water around it.


    Ezra smirked, rolling his shoulders lazily. "Morrigan, 3SB." He ordered, not really needing to hide what moves he''s doing in this cake walk, but it amused him how panicky Lily looked having no idea what he was doing.


    3SB, being exactly what he''d already been doing. Shadow Sneak and Shadow Ball, easy enough to figure out if the other trainer had paid any attention at all.


    "Cloyster, like, use Aurora Beam! No, wait, Icicle Spear! Or, like, Hydro Pump! Just, like, hit it with something!" Lily ordered frantically, making it very clear she hadn''t been battling much with her indecisiveness.


    Morrigan had already disappear in a Shadow Sneak when Cloyster completely ignored Lily''s orders to fire off a high powered water gun. Morrigan reappeared in its shadow, and gathered a sphere of dark energy in her jaws, launching it at Cloyster with unerring precision. The attack slammed into the shell Pokemon, cracking its armor slightly and sending it skidding backward on the water, until it slammed into the pools edge.


    "Cloyster, like, protect yourself! Use Withdraw!" Lily screamed, but her Pokemon was already too disoriented to respond.


    Ezra didn''t relent. "Dragon Pulse. End it."


    Morrigan unleashed another powerful blast, the swirling energy colliding with Cloyster and sending it crashing into the bottom of the pool. When the ripples settled, the Pokemon floated motionless, its shell cracked and its eyes dimmed.


    "Cloyster is unable to battle!" Misty declared. "The challenger wins!"


    The arena fell silent as Lily stared at her defeated Pokemon in shock. Daisy and Violet exchanged wide-eyed glances, their usually smug expressions replaced with disbelief.


    After all, they''d just been walked over like they were pathetic rookies.


    Ezra couldn''t wait until he had his online business set up, and could post this battle.


    Sure he''d get the whiners crying about how mean he was, but people always enjoyed seeing the popular rich girls taken down a peg.


    Karen burst into laughter, nearly doubling over as she stopped recording. "Oh, that was beautiful! You didn''t even break a sweat!"


    Ezra stepped forward, his hand outstretched. "The badge."


    Lily glared at him, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she reluctantly waited for Misty to run off and grab a badge case for her, after which she pulled out a Cerulean Badge and slapped it into his hand. The star-shaped adornments to the badge glinted in the light as Ezra inspected it with a smirk.


    "Like, whatever," Lily muttered, crossing her arms. "I wasn''t even trying, okay? This wasn''t, like, even a battle day!"


    "Yeah," Violet chimed in, flipping her hair over her shoulder. "We weren''t, like, ready or anything. Totally unfair."


    Daisy nodded. "Totally. It''s, like, not our fault."


    Misty muttered under her breath, "That''s the most serious I''ve ever seen them, and it was still pathetic¡­"


    "What did you, like, say?!" Lily snapped, whirling around to glare at her. "Nobody asked you, midget!"


    Karen sauntered over to Ezra''s side, her smirk practically glowing with satisfaction. "We should get going," She said, her voice dripping with condescension. "Wouldn''t want to accidentally catch an STD or something from contaminated water."


    "Vicious," Ezra said, laughing as he held out a fist. Karen bumped it with her own, her mood clearly lifted.


    "You''re just, like, jealous," Daisy said, her voice sharp. "Because we can, like, actually get a guy."


    Karen''s cheeks reddened, but instead of snapping back, she grabbed Ezra by the collar, pulling him close. Before he could react, she pressed her lips to his in an awkward kiss, their teeth bumping together clumsily.


    She tested like raspberries he idly noted, meeting her eyes with a questioning look.


    She pulled back just as quickly, her face now a deep shade of crimson. "Seems I''m beating you both as a trainer and as a woman," She said, her voice defiant despite her obvious embarrassment. "None of you can beat me, and none of you have guys that can spank you as bad as Ezra did."


    Ezra smirked, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Interesting escalation," He murmured, clearly enjoying the spectacle. And the progression of Karen''s interest.


    It would make convincing her to side with him much easier.


    Plus¡­


    Well she was really hot.


    The sisters stared, their jaws hanging open in shock as Karen grabbed Ezra''s hand and tugged him toward the exit. "Come on," She said, her tone sharp. "Let''s get out of here."


    As they reached the town''s borders shortly after, Ezra looked at who was awkwardly standing there peering at the town sign. "Cecile¡­ What are you doing in Cerulean?" He asked sharply.


    Cecile, his programmer who should be in Pewter, turned and saw him, eyes lighting up, "Oh, I''m finally in Pewter then?" He said, standing, it must be noted again, by the sign saying welcome to Cerulean. "I took a right turn at Fuchsia and then arrived here."


    Karen looked confused. "That¡­ Doesn''t make any sense¡­"


    Ezra sighed, because of course the one guy he was counting on to make him the undisputed emperor of the online world was an idiot in every other way. "This is not Pewter¡­ Just¡­Come with me, I''ll take you back."


    He''d have to fly them back, because he wasn''t trusting in this guy finding his own way. Which meant they''d need to get back to the Pokemon center and switch the teams around, and he''d have to ask Karen to lend one of her flying Pokemon for this idiot to ride.


    What an annoyance.


    The sound of running footsteps echoed behind them. They turned just in time to see Misty skidding to a stop, her breath coming in short gasps.


    "Please take me with you!" She begged, her wide eyes filled with determination.


    What the fuck?


    <hr>

 Misty and Karen.

    <hr>


    Cerulean City, Kanto


    Misty blocked their path with her arms stretched out like she could prevent them from leaving by sheer determination alone. The faint sounds of rushing water from the city''s many rivers played in the background as Misty realized no one was moving and brought her hands down self consciously, just in time for Karen to reply.


    "No. Not just no. Hell no!"


    Misty, her hands balling into fists at her sides, stared up at Ezra with determination blazing in her eyes, ignoring Karen''s reply. "Please, take me with you!" She repeated, her voice carrying a mix of desperation and conviction. Her fiery orange hair was held back with a scrunchy, still wet from the pool, and the way she stood - shoulders squared, chin high - made it clear she wasn''t backing down easily.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. He crossed his arms, glancing at Karen out of the corner of his eye. She looked less than pleased as she regarded Misty with a glare that could rival a Gyarados.


    "You can''t be serious," Karen muttered, stepping closer to Ezra as though staking a claim. "We don''t need another tagalong, especially not her."


    Ezra kept his silence, letting things play out as inwardly his mind was going over the pros and cons of acquiring Misty. He sure as hell wasn''t going to bring her along out of the goodness of his heart or any such thing.


    If he did this, and it was still a big if, it would be because he benefitted.


    Misty''s nostrils flared as she turned to Karen, her green eyes narrowing. "Oh, come on, Karen. Don''t act like you''re the only one allowed to travel with him, that''s his choice not yours." She tilted her head slightly, "Aren''t you Agatha''s apprentice anyway?"


    Karen scoffed, crossing her arms and brought her head up, staring down her nose at her. "Lady Agatha is none of your business! And what exactly do you think you''re going to bring to the table here, huh? You''re part of the Cerulean Circus, not a real trainer. What, are you going to dazzle trainers with a synchronized swimming routine?"


    The jab hit its mark, but Misty didn''t flinch. If anything, her expression hardened. "Yeah, Cerulean is a joke," She snapped, her voice sharp. "But that''s exactly why I want to leave. I want to get better. Be the trainer Cerulean deserves. I don''t want to be like them." She gestured back toward the gym with disdain. "I don''t want to waste my life playing dress-up and pretending that counts as leadership."


    Ezra hummed slightly in approval, both girls'' heads immediately snapping his way. But when he didn''t say anything, they focused back on each other.


    Misty did have more potential than becoming Ash tagalong, he thought, beginning to lean towards that decision. Yet¡­ More people along for the journey, was that worth the benefit?


    More people to work around and hide the full limits of his abilities from¡­


    "I can be better than them, I know it!" Misty implored, half turned to Ezra.


    Karen rolled her eyes, her tone biting. "That''s rich coming from someone who''s been a part of it, stuck by them, without saying a word¡­ What makes you think you can just up and leave and suddenly be taken seriously?"


    "Because I''m willing to work for it!" Misty shot back, her voice rising. She turned fully to Ezra, her gaze imploring. "I''m not asking for charity. I want to learn. I want to be strong enough to actually deserve this gym one day, not just inherit it because my sisters are too busy preening in front of mirrors. I can work hard, I can help you guys, I won''t be a burden."


    Ezra remained silent, his eyes flicking between the two girls as they continued to argue. Karen looked like she was about to explode, her hands clenched into tight fists. Misty''s frustration was equally apparent, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to keep her emotions in check.


    She really wanted this.


    It put a different look on how easily she just ended up leaving with Ash, he thought.


    "You think tagging along with us is going to magically fix all that?" Karen demanded, taking a step forward. "Newsflash - this isn''t a training camp. We''re not here to babysit."


    Unlike Ezra who was watching it all dispassionately, Cecile was looking back and forth between the girls nervously, he opened his mouth to step in at one point, before catching Ezra''s slow shake of his head, and closing his mouth.


    "I don''t need babysitting!" Misty snapped, after having simply gaped openly at Karen''s comment for a moment, her cheeks flushing. "I can pull my weight. I''ve been training my Pokemon outside of those stupid shows for long enough. Just because I haven''t had a chance to prove myself doesn''t mean I''m useless!"


    Karen scoffed again, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, right, because your performance Pokemon are really going to be helpful when we''re up against real threats. What''s your go to, Misty? Have your Goldeen do a pirouette while the rest of us actually fight?"


    Misty''s face turned red, whether from anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell. She took a deep breath, clearly trying to rein in her temper. "You don''t know anything about me or my Pokemon," She said coldly. "Don''t act like you''re the only one who''s ever faced challenges."


    Karen laughed bitterly, her voice icy. "Oh, please. You don''t know the first thing about challenges. You''ve had everything handed to you on a silver platter. Your parents'' gym, your family''s reputation, your whole life - it''s all a gift you didn''t earn."


    Misty''s jaw tightened, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words. Then, her voice softened, almost stuttering for a moment. "M-maybe you''re right," She admitted, her gaze dropping to the ground. "But that''s why I need to leave. That''s why I need to prove I can be more than what they expect of me, more than a family name."


    Karen blinked, clearly not expecting Misty to concede the point. Her glare faltered, but she quickly recovered, crossing her arms again. "And you think Ezra is going to be the one to help you do that?" She switched tacks to Ezra''s amusement.


    She obviously didn''t want to poke that wound when Misty was so earnest about it, he thought.  His own mind was already made up now. He could do something with that drive¡­


    Misty lifted her head, her eyes locking onto Ezra with a renewed intensity. "Yes," She said simply. "Because he''s strong. Because he doesn''t care about appearances or what people think. He''s exactly the kind of trainer I need to learn from."


    Ezra leaned against a nearby post, his expression carefully neutral as he listened to their heated exchange. He wasn''t in any rush to intervene; watching them bicker was amusing. But in the back of his mind, he weighed the pros and cons of Misty''s request to formulate his argument to keep Karen from whining too hard.


    He''d already decided after all.


    Having a future gym leader indebted to him could be incredibly useful. Misty''s connections and influence, however small they might be now, could prove valuable down the line. And despite Karen''s derision, Misty wasn''t completely useless. She had potential; that much was clear from the fire in her eyes and the determination in her voice.


    He already had an in with Brock, so why not add Misty? That could potentially gain him an ally in both Pewter and Cerulean once he had his own gym up and running. Even if Brock ended up running off, he''d likely return one day to take over. And with Misty with him, she wouldn''t be running off, she''d be returning to kick ass.


    On the other hand, adding another person to their group meant more complications. More opinions to deal with, more logistics to consider, and more potential for drama - especially with Karen''s obvious hostility toward Misty. He wondered if she even knew herself, why she was so hostile¡­


    Well, He''d have to suffer through the extra drama, stealing Misty and making her indebted to him was too useful to ignore. He''d just avoid the downsides when he told Karen why later.


    "You really think he''s going to waste his time on you?" Karen asked, completely missing the cues his silence entailed, her voice laced with scorn. "He doesn''t owe you anything, Misty. If you want to get better, do it on your own."


    Misty stepped closer to Karen, her expression fierce. "I am doing it on my own. Asking for help isn''t weakness, Karen. It''s knowing when to seize an opportunity."


    Karen opened her mouth to retort, but Ezra finally decided it was time to step in. He straightened, his red eyes locking onto Misty''s with an intensity that made her pause.


    "Alright," He said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "You can come along."


    Both girls turned to him, their reactions immediate and polar opposite. Misty''s face lit up with relief and gratitude, while Karen''s jaw dropped, her expression a mixture of shock and betrayal.


    "What!?" Karen practically shouted. "Ezra, are you serious?"


    Ezra shrugged, his tone calm and measured. "She wants to learn. If she''s willing to pull her weight, I don''t see the harm."


    He tried to silently tell her they''d talk later, but it flew over her head, her frustration too close to the surface.


    Karen scowled, her hands balling into fists. "She''s going to slow us down. You know that, right?"


    Misty stepped forward, her voice firm. "I won''t. I promise."


    Ezra held up a hand, silencing them both. "That''s enough. Misty, you''re in. Karen, get over it."


    Karen glared at him for a long moment before finally turning away with a frustrated huff. Misty, meanwhile, smiled hesitantly, clearly aware that she wasn''t exactly welcome but determined to prove herself anyway.


    "Thank you," She said quietly.


    Ezra nodded, his expression neutral. "Don''t thank me yet. You''ve got a lot to prove." He warned.


    Misty nodded, her resolve clear. "I will."


    And with that, their group grew by one. Ezra only hoped he wouldn''t regret it.


    With Karen glaring at him, Misty beaming at him, and Cecile nervously vibrating in the periphery of the group¡­


    He was probably going to regret it within minutes.


    <hr>


    The midday sun was still high as the group trudged back into Cerulean City. Ezra led the way, while Karen lingered a few steps behind, her arms crossed and her expression a thundercloud of simmering irritation. Misty followed close to Ezra, her face set with determination.


    Bringing up the rear, Cecile ambled along, a look of mild confusion on his face as he stared around at the vibrant waterways and bustling streets, clearly wondering how he had ended up here instead of Pewter. His illogical explanation of taking a wrong turn at Fuchsia still irritated Ezra, but it wasn''t worth addressing right now.


    He''d have to make plans for Cecile''s stay in Pewter, hire minders to take care of his needs. Or his programmer would wander out to get milk and find himself in Kalos¡­


    "Alright, listen up," Ezra began, his voice cutting through the sounds of the city as they crossed a stone bridge over one of Cerulean''s many rivers. "Misty, if you''re coming with us, we''re doing this my way. No exceptions."


    He wasn''t going to deal with any whining. She''d work hard, or she wouldn''t be along at all.


    Misty perked up, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "Understood," She said, nodding firmly.


    Karen let out a loud scoff, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight as she shook her head. "Oh, this is going to be good. She''s already hanging on your every word." She wrinkled her nose looking disgusted. "I''ll try not to puke."


    Ezra ignored Karen''s comment, glancing briefly over his shoulder before continuing. He''d talk with her later. "First thing''s first - if you''re tagging along, you''re going to be useful. I don''t coddle anyone. You''re a resource, Misty, not a charity case."


    Misty''s jaw tightened, but she nodded again. "I wouldn''t expect anything else."


    "Good," Ezra said. His tone was clinical, cold, and sharp as he laid out his terms. "I have contacts. I''ll start looking for a Water/Psychic Pokemon for you, something versatile. Once I find one, I''ll finance teaching it Teleport if it doesn''t already have it."


    That little addition alone almost made her presence worth it. With both him and Karen being dark trainers, they didn''t have access to teleport. If he was going to be dragging along more people on his travels, he was going to cut the traveling portion down.


    Misty blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly as if she couldn''t quite believe what she was hearing. "You''d¡­ Do that for me?"


    Ezra''s gaze was unwavering. "Yes, because a Pokemon with Teleport benefits me just as much as it does you. It solves our travel problems, streamlines our movement, and saves time. Making us more difficult to predict and giving us more time to train. Something you especially will need."


    Misty''s face shifted, a mixture of gratitude and resolve hardening her features. "I understand. I''ll do whatever it takes."


    Karen rolled her eyes dramatically. "This is pathetic," She muttered. "Why bother? The Cerulean Gym is probably going to be under administration by the end of the month anyway. Agatha or Bruno will show up, take one look at how that place is being run, and slap a League-appointed manager on it."


    Misty winced at the comment, her teeth gritting audibly. "It''s no less than they deserve," She admitted, her voice low but steady. "But I''m not letting them ruin the gym forever. I''ll be back to fix it."


    Ezra tilted his head slightly, eyeing Misty. "If that''s your goal, you have about a year, tops. Once they''re audited and put under administration, that''s the timeframe you''ll have to come back and challenge them for the position. If you don''t make significant progress by then, you might as well forget it."


    Misty clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes. "I''ll make it. Whatever it takes, I''ll make it."


    Karen snorted, her tone dripping with disdain. "We''ll see."


    "We''ll also have to do something about your clothes." Ezra said flatly.


    Misty immediately puffed her cheeks up in annoyance, "What''s wrong with my clothes?" She challenged him.


    "Apart from covering too little, you look ridiculous next to us." He said, one eyebrow raised in surprise that she couldn''t see the issue.


    Misty looked between his own dark clothes and leather jacket, and Karen''s dark and purple outfit, and then looked at her own colorful yellow top and blue shorts.


    "Fine¡­" She admitted begrudgingly, "I don''t know why you''re complaining anyway, guys like it when girls show some skin!"


    "They have to have something to show off first." He said with brutal honesty, ignoring Karen''s delighted cackle and the way Misty clutched her chest like she''d just been stabbed.


    "What is your current team?" He asked moments later, having to look back with an annoyed glance when Misty didn''t immediately answer him.


    Misty''s arms were crossing her non-existent bust as she glared at him, pouting slightly even as she answered. "Staryu and Goldeen." She admitted, hurriedly adding, "I know it''s not a lot but -"


    Ezra interrupted her, "It will do, with the addition of the Pokemon I''m getting you, and a Magikarp, you''ll have a good start."


    He''d probably ''gift'' her a Milotic eventually, to really hammer in how much she owed him by the time she could stand on her own two feet.


    "I can already tell what you''re thinking. Don''t." Karen told him bluntly. "Gyarados are no joke, and even if you succeed in evolving that Magikarp, this squirt can''t control one."


    Misty reluctantly added her agreement. "Evolving a Magikarp is really hard, and it''s dangerous, it would probably be better to go another route."


    "Gyarados are scary." Cecile added his own two pokecents, everyone ignoring him.


    Ezra rolled his eyes, "You''re all wrong. Gyarados might be the Rage pokemon, but the agreed method to evolve a Magikarp has been to abuse the hell out of it to give it enough experience to evolve¡­" He gave them both a dry look, "So just¡­ Don''t do that¡­"


    "It''s not that easy." Karen scoffed.


    "It is that easy." Ezra rebuffed with certainty in his voice. He gave Misty an even look, "Train it like a normal Pokemon, even if it will be useless most of the time. Give it your support, pets, treats, and surprise, it will retain that bond when evolving¡­"


    "That will take forever." Karen grumbled, as Misty looked thoughtful, "Although I suppose it explains the few trainers who have Gyarados on their teams¡­"


    "Just assume I''m always right." Ezra said with a smirk.


    Karen snorted, a smile blooming on her face against her will, "That''s a dangerous precedence to set."


    Ezra gave the thoughtful looking Misty a stern look, "Either way, feel free to argue if you see something wrong with what I''m saying, but in the end, you came to me for training, so you will do what I say."


    Making Misty used to taking his orders would only benefit him in the end.


    When they reached the Pokemon Center, Ezra pushed the door open without hesitation, the cool air inside a welcome relief from the sun. Nurse Joy greeted them with her usual serene smile from behind the counter, but Ezra barely acknowledged her as he strode toward the reception desk.


    "I''ll need rooms for the night for three people," He said flatly, placing his trainer ID on the counter. Karen and Misty quickly followed suit.


    Karen''s scowl deepened at the action however. "I thought we were leaving," She muttered, her arms still crossed tightly.


    Ezra didn''t look at her as he replied, his tone calm but firm. "That was the plan, but Cecile here can''t be trusted on a flying mount, and I''m not keen on heading back through Mt. Moon right now - if they have even opened it up yet."


    He also didn''t want to have the argument with Karen of having her lend Misty a flying mount. He had to pick his battles - and that one wasn''t worth it.


    Cecile, who had been idly examining a poster on the wall, looked up at the sound of his name. "I don''t think I''d fall off," He said innocently. "Probably get motion sick though."


    Karen shot him a withering glare, then turned her frustration back on Ezra. "So what? We''re just going to sit around here twiddling our thumbs?"


    Ezra got his ID back from the reception, who had completed the check-in process, and turned to face the group. "No. You''re going to rest up, keep Cecile on a leash so he doesn''t wander off, and start questioning Misty on everything she knows about Pokemon and battling."


    Karen raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Misty, who visibly tensed under the scrutiny. "Interrogate her, you mean." She said with some relish.


    "If you want to call it that, sure," Ezra said, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    Misty gulped, her hands gripping the straps of her bag tightly as Karen''s icy gaze bored into her. "I - uh - sure. No problem."


    Karen''s smirk was anything but friendly as she stepped closer to Misty, her eyes gleaming with predatory intent. "This should be ~fun."


    "Don''t let her bully you too bad, I just want a baseline of what you know so I don''t waste time teaching you." He told Misty flatly.


    He was doing this for the benefits he''d get one day, but it didn''t mean he was thrilled about it, as it held no real benefits to him right now.


    "And you?" Karen asked, her voice laced with suspicion as she turned back to Ezra. "What are you going to be doing while I''m stuck babysitting?"


    Ezra adjusted his jacket, his expression unreadable. "Making a call," He said simply. "If I can''t find us a Pokemon to solve our travel issues, we''ll be stuck here longer than any of us want."


    Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked toward the far end of the Pokemon Center, where a row of public communication terminals stood. Karen glared after him, but said nothing, her frustration evident in the way she clenched her fists. Misty shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure of how to handle Karen''s hostility.


    "Well," Karen said, her voice cold as she turned back to Cecile and Misty. "Let''s get this over with."


    Cecile scratched the back of his head, looking at the two girls nervously. "Uh¡­ should I go too, or - ?"The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Karen grabbed his arm, pulling him along as she stalked toward the Center''s stairwell to the second floor and the bedrooms. "You''re not going anywhere until I''m sure you won''t get lost again."


    Misty hesitated, glancing in the direction Ezra had gone before reluctantly following Karen and Cecile. Her steps were slow, as if she were walking into a lion''s den.


    Ezra watched them go, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn''t envy Misty, but he had to admit he was curious to see how she would hold up under Karen''s relentless questioning. For now, though, he had other matters to attend to.


    Ezra sat down at the public terminal in the corner of the Cerulean Pokemon Center, his eyes scanning the bright screen as he navigated through it to the video call function.


    Why have a contact like Steven Stone if one weren''t willing to use it?


    Leaning back in his chair, Ezra crossed his arms, the edges of his mouth curling into a faint smirk. He tapped the screen, initiating the call, and waited as it connected. The loading symbol spun for a few seconds before a polished voice, clipped and professional, answered on the other end, no video on the call.


    "Steven Stone''s office. This is Miranda speaking. How may I assist you?"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow. Of course, he wasn''t going to get through on the first attempt, his own fault for being polite and calling his office number instead of his personal one. "Ezra Kassian here. I need to speak with Steven directly. Tell him it''s about a mutually profitable endeavor."


    It wasn''t entirely a lie. He was going to pay after all.


    And the more time Ezra had to do productive things instead of pedestrian stuff like walking across the region, the more money Steven would make.


    Honestly, he should have done this before now¡­


    There was a pause, the sound of keys clicking faintly in the background. "Mr. Kassian," Miranda said smoothly. "Mr. Stone is in a meeting at the moment, but I can schedu-"


    "Put me on hold," Ezra interrupted. "I''ll wait."


    A beat of silence, followed by the cheery yet grating jingle of hold music. Ezra sighed, resting his chin on his hand as the tune looped endlessly. Several minutes passed before the music abruptly stopped, and Miranda''s voice returned, a faint trace of annoyance in it.


    "Mr. Kassian, Mr. Stone''s meeting has concluded. Please hold a moment longer while I transfer you."


    The screen flickered, and after another small pause, the image of Steven Stone materialized. The CEO of Devon Corporation looked as immaculate as ever, his steel blue hair perfectly styled, his sharp suit unwrinkled. His piercing eyes met Ezra''s through the screen, a faint smile playing on his lips.


    "Ezra," Steven said smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "You''re a difficult man to pin down when it comes to motivations. What brings you to me today?"


    "Steven," Ezra greeted, his tone casual but tinged with impatience. "I need a favor - or rather, I''m here to spend some money. Consider it a little bonus to our ongoing partnership, while also something that will free me up to assist more in the business."


    Steven raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A favor and money? From the ever reticent Ezra Kassian? I''m already interested. Go on."


    "I need a Water/Psychic Pokemon," Ezra explained. "Something strong, a veteran, adaptable, and capable of either already knowing Teleport or being powerful enough to handle teleporting several people once trained. Ideally, you''d have it to me by the end of the day."


    Steven''s smile widened, his fingers steepling as he regarded Ezra thoughtfully. "That''s quite the request, though not an impossible one. But why come to me for it? I''m flattered, but surely there are other avenues you could pursue."


    Ezra shrugged, his smirk deepening. "We''re business partners, Steven. If I''m going to spend money, I''d rather it go to you. Even if it''s peanuts to someone like you, I prefer dealing with the best, and that means going to the best."


    Steven chuckled softly, a note of genuine amusement in his voice. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Ezra, I''m glad to see you play the game. Fine, I''ll see what I can do. By the end of the day, you''ll have exactly what you need - though it will come at a steep cost."


    "Of course," Ezra said, well aware Steven was going to charge him through the nose for the rush order. "Send the bill along with the Pokemon. Have it delivered to Cerulean''s gym."


    Steven nodded, making a quick note on a nearby tablet. "Consider it done. But now that we''ve addressed your request, tell me - how''s our little joint venture progressing on your end?"


    Ezra''s smirk turned into a full grin, his posture relaxing slightly. "The Eevee evolution project is thriving. Your team''s communication channels were a good move. From what I''ve seen, preorders for the rarer evolutions are booked two years ahead already."


    They could fill them all already, what with their stockpile of rare stones. But that would tank the prices, so they''d keep the sales to a set amount of each stock for now.


    Steven''s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "And they''re already raking in revenue then," He said. "The appeal of new Eeveelutions is undeniable. Trainers love the idea of exclusivity - and we''re delivering close enough to that for now. My only question is, how do you plan to keep the momentum going?"


    "I have more evolutions up my sleeve, albeit not Eevees," Ezra replied casually. "Once we''re ready to expand, I''ll share them."


    He quite honestly had more than he knew what to do with. Holding knowledge from years of games that were in this world''s future had given him a motherload of advantages.


    Steven tilted his head slightly, his expression curious. "More evolutions, you say? You always seem to know just the right time to drop these bombshells. How do you come across all this information?" He prodded, something flashing in his eyes.


    Ezra leaned back in his chair, his red eyes gleaming with amusement. "I was born lucky." He said, deflecting the question.


    Steven regarded him silently for a moment, the weight of his curiosity palpable. "One day," He said slowly, "I''ll figure you out. I don''t like mysteries, Ezra. Especially not ones tied to my business."


    Ezra''s smirk widened, his tone dry. "If you ever manage to figure it all out, I''ll be impressed. I haven''t figured it out yet myself."


    He still didn''t know how he''d arrived here, or how he had the powers he did.


    Saying a Legendary did it, wasn''t an answer.


    The two men held each other''s gaze for a long moment. Finally, Steven broke the silence with a chuckle, shaking his head.


    "Very well," He said, his voice warm again. "I''ll have your Pokemon sent to the Cerulean Gym by the end of the day. Expect a call once it arrives."


    "Appreciated," Ezra said, inclining his head slightly. "I''ll make sure it''s worth the investment."


    Steven smiled faintly, his fingers tapping against the edge of his desk. "I don''t doubt it. Until next time, Ezra."


    "Until next time," Ezra echoed, his tone polite but distant.


    The screen flickered off, leaving Ezra staring at his own reflection for a brief moment. His smirk returned as he leaned back in his chair, already calculating the next steps in his ever-expanding plans.


    Even Steven wouldn''t know what to do when faced with the entirety of Ezra''s plots.


    <hr>


    Later that evening, Karen''s room.


    The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting a warm, golden hue over the walls. Karen sat on the edge of the bed, her legs crossed and her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked tense, her brows furrowed as she stared at the floor, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the mattress. Across the room, Ezra stood near the window, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked out at the darkened Cerulean streets. The faint sound of water rushing through the city''s canals filtered in through the slightly cracked window.


    "You''re really doing this?" Karen asked, her voice breaking the heavy silence. She glanced up at Ezra, her piercing eyes catching the soft light. "You''re really letting her come with us?"


    Ezra didn''t turn around immediately, his gaze lingering on the reflections of city lights dancing on the water below. After a moment, he sighed and turned to face her, his expression calm and unreadable. "Yes."


    Karen let out a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Why? She''s dead weight, Ezra. A little girl with a lot of misplaced ambition. You saw her sisters - you said yourself that Cerulean''s a joke. So what''s the point?"


    Ezra studied her for a moment, his face remaining impassive. "Because," He said simply, stepping away from the window and leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. "She has potential."


    Mostly her lineage, but she did have some determination in her. It took guts to throw her lot in with a random trainer, leaving her comfortable life behind - betting it all on that one choice.


    Karen scoffed, shaking her head. "Potential? Based on what? The way she begged you to take her? Or the fact that she''s running away from her problems instead of fixing them?"


    Ezra''s lips curled into a faint smirk. "You don''t like her much, do you?"


    Karen shot him a sharp look, her cheeks faintly coloring. "That''s not the point."


    "Isn''t it?" Ezra countered, his tone mild. He pushed off the wall and took a few steps closer to her, his gaze steady. "You''ve been on edge since she joined us. You keep calling her useless, but I think you''re worried."


    "Worried?" Karen repeated, her voice rising slightly. She stood, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared up at him. "What would I have to be worried about?"


    Ezra met her gaze evenly, his smirk fading into something more serious. "That she''ll take your place. That I''ll trust her more than you."


    Karen''s jaw tightened, and she looked away, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "You''re wrong," She muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.


    Ezra tilted his head, his expression softening slightly. "Karen, come on. You know that''s not going to happen."


    Karen stayed silent, her shoulders tense. After a moment, she let out a frustrated sigh and sat back down on the bed, rubbing her temples. "I just don''t get it," She said quietly. "Why are you so sure about her?"


    Ezra sat down on the windowsill, resting his elbows on his knees as he regarded her thoughtfully. "Because she has something her sisters don''t. She''s self-aware enough to know they''re all a joke - their entire gym is. And she''s willing to do whatever it takes to change that."


    Karen snorted, looking up at him with a bitter smile. "And you think that''s enough? Ambition without skill is just... Desperation."


    "She''s not without skill I''m fairly certain," Ezra replied evenly. "She''s inexperienced, yes. But she has the foundation to build on. And if she stays with us, she''ll learn. She''ll grow. You know as well as I do that I don''t coddle anyone. If she''s tagging along, she''s going to pull her weight."


    Karen leaned back on her hands, her expression skeptical. "And if she doesn''t?"


    Ezra''s gaze turned cold, his voice sharp. "Then she''s gone. Simple as that."


    Karen studied him for a moment, her eyes searching his face. "You''re really serious about this, aren''t you?"


    Ezra nodded, his tone unwavering. "She''s a future gym leader, Karen. Whether she takes over Cerulean from her sisters or builds something else entirely, she''s someone worth investing in. And if she owes me for getting her there, that''s leverage I can use."


    Karen frowned, her brows knitting together. "So it''s about control."


    "It''s about opportunity," Ezra corrected. "For her and for me."


    Karen shook her head, letting out a frustrated sigh. "You make everything sound so calculated. Do you even care about what she wants? Or is she just another pawn?" Am I one? He could hear the unasked question.


    Ezra''s expression darkened slightly, his voice quiet but firm. "She came to me, Karen. She begged me to take her with us. If she didn''t want this, she wouldn''t be here."


    Karen stared at him for a long moment, her gaze searching his. Finally, she sighed and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she buried her face in her hands. "I still don''t like it," She muttered.


    Ezra''s smirk returned, though it was softer this time. "You don''t have to like it. But you do have to accept it, you''re the one following me around, not the other way around."


    Karen groaned, letting her hands fall to her lap as she looked up at him with a wry smile. "You''re insufferable, you know that?"


    Ezra chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You keep telling me that. And yet, here we are."


    Karen shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. I''ll give her a chance. But if she screws up -"


    "She won''t," Ezra interrupted, his tone confident. "She knows what''s at stake."


    Karen sighed again, leaning back on her hands as she looked up at the ceiling. "I hope you''re right."


    Ezra stood, crossing the room to stand in front of her. He reached out, gently tapping her on the forehead with two fingers. "Trust me," He said, his voice low but steady.


    Karen blinked, her cheeks coloring faintly as she looked up at him. "You''re really annoying, you know that?"


    Ezra smirked, stepping back toward the window. "So I''ve heard."


    The room was quieter than Ezra would have liked after that, a stillness settling in that was only occasionally broken by the faint sound of rushing water from the canals outside. Karen was sitting stiffly on the edge of the bed, her silver hair spilling over her shoulders as she twisted a loose thread on her sleeve. Ezra leaned back against the windowsill again, his arms crossed, watching her with mild curiosity and a small amount of worry.


    It wasn''t like Karen to be this quiet. Usually, she would have something biting to say, a sarcastic jab or a sharp retort. But now, she seemed hesitant, almost vulnerable - a side of her Ezra rarely saw.


    "Well?" Ezra asked finally, raising an eyebrow. "What''s on your mind?"


    Karen flinched slightly, her cheeks flushing as she looked down at her lap. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again, clearly struggling to find the right words. Ezra waited patiently, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips.


    "I¡­ Uh¡­" Karen stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced up at him, her eyes wide and uncertain. "About earlier. You know, the¡­ Kiss."


    Ezra''s smirk widened, his interest piqued. "Ah, that. What about it?"


    Karen''s face turned a deeper shade of red, and she shifted uncomfortably on the bed. "What does it mean?" She asked, her voice breaking slightly. "I mean, does it mean anything? Or was it just -" She broke off, biting her lip.


    Ezra pushed off the windowsill, crossing the room with an almost lazy gait. He sat down on the chair across from her, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward slightly. "What do you think it means?" He asked, his tone teasing.


    If anything she should know, she had been the one to kiss him, after all.


    Karen groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Don''t do that. Don''t answer a question with a question."


    Ezra chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Fine, fine. You want to know what I think?" He asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.


    Karen nodded, peeking at him from between her fingers.


    Ezra''s smirk turned sly as he began to list things off on his fingers. "Well, let''s see. You''ve got everything I''d want in a woman. Intelligence, for one. You''re sharp, quick on your feet. You''ve got a badass attitude, always ready to throw down if someone crosses you. Skill - can''t forget that. You''re a damn good trainer."


    Karen''s lips twitched into a small smile, her cheeks still pink. "You mean that?"


    "Of course I mean it," Ezra said smoothly. Then, with a wicked grin, he added, "And, let''s not forget, you''ve got an ass I could die for."


    Karen''s smile vanished as her eyes widened in shock. "Ezra!" She squeaked, her face turning scarlet as she swatted at him. "You''re such a pervert!"


    It succeeded in drawing a laugh out of her though, so he considered it a win.


    Ezra laughed as well, dodging her half-hearted blows with ease. "What? I''m just being honest. The rest of you is hot, don''t get me wrong, 10/10. But that ass..."


    Karen groaned, covering her face with her hands again as she squirmed in embarrassment. "I can''t believe you said that."


    "Come on, Karen," Ezra said, still chuckling. "You know you like the compliments, and you definitely believe I would say it."


    Karen peeked at him from between her fingers again, her lips twitching despite herself. "You''re impossible," She muttered.


    "I try," Ezra said with a mock bow, still grinning.


    The playful banter eased some of the tension, but Karen''s expression soon grew serious again. She lowered her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve as she looked down at the floor.


    "Seriously, though," She said quietly. "What does it mean? That kiss. What are we doing here?"


    Ezra''s grin faded, and he studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "You really want to talk about this?"


    Karen nodded, her eyes meeting his. "I need to know."


    Ezra leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees again. For once, he didn''t tease or smirk. His tone was calm, almost gentle. "Karen, if you want to explore this - us - I''m all for it. We can try dating, kissing, the whole thing. See where it goes."


    Karen''s cheeks flushed again, and she bit her lip, her hands twisting in her lap. "You mean that?"


    "I do," Ezra said, his red eyes steady. "But -" He held up a hand before she could interrupt. "It will be just that. Exploring. Having fun."


    Karen frowned, her voice small as she asked, "You don''t like me like that?"


    Ezra sighed, running a hand through his white hair. "I do, Karen. I like you a lot. I could see us together, easily."


    Karen''s heart fluttered at his words, but the hesitation in his tone made her stomach twist. "Then what''s the problem?"


    Ezra''s gaze turned serious, his voice firm. "The problem is trust. As long as you''re here as Agatha''s spy, there can''t be anything serious between us. Relationships require trust, Karen. And right now, that''s a bridge we haven''t built yet."


    Although he was getting there, already getting her to not report everything. He wondered if this would be the push to fully bring her over on his side.


    He doubted it.


    It was too soon. It wouldn''t hurt to plant the seed though¡­


    Karen flinched at his words, her shoulders tensing as guilt flickered across her face. She opened her mouth to respond but closed it again, unable to find the words.


    Ezra stood, crossing the space to stand right in front of her. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek before straightening and placing a hand on her shoulder. "It''s up to you," He said quietly. "I''ll wait for your answer. I''m in no rush."


    Karen looked up at him, her eyes wide and conflicted.


    "But I won''t wait forever," Ezra finished, his tone firm but not unkind.


    Karen nodded slowly, her throat tight as she tried to process his words. "I... I understand."


    Ezra squeezed her shoulder gently, offering her a faint smile. "Good. Get some rest, Karen. We''ve got a lot to do tomorrow."


    With that, he turned and walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the knob. He glanced back at her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and sincerity. "And for the record? You''re still the smartest, most badass woman I know. Pervert comments aside."


    Karen couldn''t help but smile, her cheeks still pink. "Goodnight, Ezra."


    "Goodnight," He replied, stepping out into the hallway and closing the door behind him.


    He returned to his room, where Cecile was already snoring away, feeling quite pleased with himself.


    Things were looking up again after that disastrous Mt. Moon episode.


    Now he just needed to keep that momentum going.


    A loud complaint came from his backpack, and he realized he hadn''t let Meowth out for the entire day.


    Alright¡­ Momentum can pick right up again after he feeds the little shit.


    <hr>


    Morning, Cerulean City.


    The morning air was crisp and cool as the group gathered outside the Cerulean Pokemon Center. Misty stood near the others, her eyes practically glowing with excitement as she admired her new Pokemon - a large Starmie that bobbed in the air, several scars criss crossing its purple body.


    Steven had pulled through, he''d gotten Ezra exactly what he needed. A retired veteran Pokemon that didn''t mind amusing himself with one last spin around the world. Laid-back enough to not make an issue over getting a rookie trainer to hold the reigns.


    Despite its scars, the Starmie''s gem gleamed with brilliance, refracting the sunlight into soft rainbows. It hovered with an elegant ease, its many parts spinning slowly as it floated before them. Misty ran her hands over its smooth surface, murmuring affectionate words of encouragement.


    "This is amazing," Misty gushed, unable to stop herself. "You''re amazing, aren''t you, big guy? So strong, so cool¡­" She trailed off into more cooing, her hands tracing the edges of the Pokemon''s scarred limbs.


    Ezra watched her with a faint smirk, his arms crossed. "My contact came through," He began, drawing Misty''s attention back to him. "This bad boy already knows most cities in Kanto and Johto, so we can teleport wherever we need to go. Although¡­" His smirk faded, his tone turning pragmatic. "If we''re all going at once, that''ll pretty much exhaust it for the next few hours. No back-to-back trips."


    Misty nodded eagerly, barely able to contain her excitement as she continued petting her new Pokemon. "That''s fine! This is already so perfect. Thank you, Ezra. Really."


    Karen stood apart from the group, her arms crossed as she leaned against a lamppost. She hadn''t said a word all morning, her expression unreadable as she watched the others interact. Her eyes flicked briefly to Misty''s Starmie before settling on the ground, her usual sharp comments notably absent.


    Ezra glanced at Karen, his gaze lingering for a moment before returning to Misty. "Did you go and get a Magikarp like I asked?" He inquired, his tone brisk.


    He knew she''d been out early already, because she''d come back in a different outfit. A simple pair of blue jeans and a black crop top with a motif of a cubone on the front.


    Misty nodded quickly, flashing a Pokeball with a proud grin. "Yep! My sisters didn''t even care. I just grabbed one of the ones from the gym. The little cutie was so excited to come with me - it was adorable."


    "Good," Ezra said with a nod. "That''ll come in handy later. You''ll want to start training it soon. Magikarp are weak now, but they don''t stay that way, just remember to treat it with care."


    Misty grinned, clutching the Pokeball tightly. "I''m on it."


    For someone who''d been immediately fearful of the thought of a Gyarados, she''d changed her tune quickly.


    Ezra looked around at the group, his gaze passing over Karen, who still hadn''t moved from her spot. "If everyone''s ready, let''s get going," He said, his voice firm but not unkind.


    He knew she''d need some time to puzzle through what they''d talked about.


    He hadn''t lied. He could see himself dating Karen, but only to a certain point. If they were to take it seriously, he needed to be able to trust her fully first.


    A relationship wouldn''t work if he had to hide half of himself.


    He eyed the Starmie, already plotting all he could do. Misty had been the excuse, but he really did feel like an idiot for not arranging this sooner.


    Once the Pokemon rested up, he''d have to get it to teleport him to Lavender, hopefully the outskirts, so he could drop Meowth off at his business and set him up in a way that would hopefully prevent his desire to escape. The mouthy pokemon was beginning to get very cross about living inside Ezras backpack.


    Hopefully money, all the good food he could want, and all the pussy he could want - would win him over.


    No one spoke up to delay, and Misty turned to her Starmie, her excitement bubbling over again. "Alright, big guy, we''re heading to Pewter. You ready?"


    The Starmie''s gem pulsed faintly in response, a soft hum emanating from its core. Misty placed a hand on one of its limbs, her voice steady as she gave the command. "Teleport us to Pewter."


    The world around them seemed to blur as the Starmie''s gem flared with a brilliant light. Ezra closed his eyes, his jaw tightening as the sensation of being pulled through space washed over them. For a brief moment, it felt as though the ground had vanished beneath their feet, the air itself shimmering and warping.


    Then, just as quickly as it began, it was over. The group materialized on the outskirts of Pewter City, the familiar sights and smells of the rocky town greeting them. The air here was drier, carrying the faint scent of earth and stone. The gray and brown hues of Pewter''s buildings immediately gave a different sight to the vibrant colors of Cerulean.


    Ezra glanced around, ensuring everyone had arrived intact. The Starmie hovered nearby, its movements slower than before as it rested from the strain of teleporting the entire group. "Good work," Ezra said, nodding to the Pokemon.


    He could do so much with this¡­


    Misty gave the Starmie a gentle pat, her smile wide. "You did so great! Thank you!" The Starmie''s gem pulsed faintly, a soft acknowledgment of her praise.


    Cecile looked green, stumbling to the side, eying a bush as he rubbed his stomach. "I don''t like traveling¡­" He complained.


    Ezra glanced at him, "Good, I need you to be a shut in, remember?"


    Karen finally stepped forward, her gaze lingering on the Starmie for a moment before turning to Ezra. "What''s next?" She asked, her tone carefully neutral.


    Ezra looked at her, then at the rest of the group. "We''ll rest up here for a bit. The Starmie needs time to recover before we can use it again. Misty, you''ll want to spend that time getting familiar with it and figuring out its move pool."


    Misty nodded eagerly. "Got it!"


    Karen raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "And you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.


    Ezra''s lips twitched into a faint smirk. "I''ve got a nerd to settle in," He said simply. "Once he''s settled, we can start in on the journey again, after a quick stop to drop Meowth off."


    Karen didn''t press further, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned away. Misty looked at them curiously, unaware of Meowth, although likely clever enough to figure out it pertained to the rumbling backpack.


    Ezra glanced at the Starmie again, its scarred form a testament to battles fought and won in the past. It would serve their needs well enough. He had plans - always plans - and this was just one more piece falling into place.


    "Let''s get moving," He said finally to Cecile, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We''ve got work to do."


    £ª£ª£ª


    The underground facility was cool and quiet, the hum of servers filling the air like a steady heartbeat. Ezra stepped into the space with Cecile at his side, his eyes scanning the rows of servers and blinking lights. The room was sprawling, a maze of high-tech equipment and dimly glowing screens. The three Porygon he''d purchased floated lazily in the air, their angular forms gleaming in the dim lighting as they zipped between the rows of machines, chirping softly to each other in digital tones.


    Cecile, meanwhile, was practically vibrating with excitement. The moment they stepped inside, he darted forward, his wide eyes darting between the rows of equipment. He reached out to touch one of the servers, then hesitated, looking back at Ezra for permission.


    Ezra smirked, gesturing for him to go ahead. "They''re yours to manage. Don''t blow anything up."


    Cecile grinned, his lanky form moving with an eager energy as he began to explore. "This is incredible," He breathed, his voice filled with awe. "This setup is way more advanced than anything I''ve seen around here. Where did you even get this stuff?"


    Ezra leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he watched Cecile flit between the machines like a kid in a candy store. "I have my sources," He said casually. "You don''t need to worry about where it came from. Just focus on using it."


    While the Pokemon world hadn''t utilized their computing power to its full capabilities, they did have the power. It was just fully focused on Pokemon study or research. Commercialism was limited to products that could be used to make Pokemon battles/breeding/raising better.


    Thankfully, miniaturizing technology was something they did have. Which meant he didn''t need server warehouses stacked up and down Kanto to kickstart his internet plans.


    Cecile let out a low whistle as he examined one of the monitors, his fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease. Lines of code appeared on the screen, the Porygon nearby watching with curious tilts of their heads. "This is insane," Cecile muttered, half to himself. "The processing power here alone¡­ I could build entire systems with this. Programs that make everything they''re using now look like ancient relics."


    Ezra''s smirk widened. That was exactly the point.


    The Pokemon world''s internet was rudimentary at best. Slow, clunky, and limited, it was a far cry from the interconnected networks Ezra had known in his previous life. It wasn''t bad, per se - most people seemed content with what they had. But to Ezra, it was laughably primitive. An untapped goldmine just waiting for someone with the right vision to come along and exploit it.


    And he had the vision.


    With Cecile''s programming expertise and the Porygon''s raw computational power, Ezra would create something far beyond what this world could imagine. He could already see it in his mind''s eye: a modern internet tailored to his needs, one where every citizen - fanatics for Pokemon as they all were - would flock to platforms like Poketube, Pokechat, and Pokegram. Social media, streaming, forums, apps - it would all be under his control, the very fabric of digital communication reshaped in his image.


    And the best part? With no real competitors, he''d be the only game in town.


    Cecile practically skipped over to another terminal, typing furiously as he tested the system''s capabilities. "This is crazy fast," He said, his voice filled with wonder. "I''ll be able to build anything we need with this as a baseline, with the Porygons assisting, it won''t even be difficult."


    "That''s the idea," Ezra said, pushing off the doorframe and strolling further into the room. "The platforms we''ll build will become everyday staples. Everyone will use them - trainers, breeders, fans, even the League. And once they''re hooked, we''ll control the narrative."


    Cecile paused, looking up from his work with a raised eyebrow. "Control the narrative?" He echoed, squirming a little, no doubt remembering the plans Ezra had already showed him.


    Ezra''s smirk turned cold. "The algorithm you will create will make sure of it. Every user will run into content about me on all platforms - my battles, my achievements, my story. They''ll see me as the best there is because the system will show them nothing else, any mistakes erased, any achievement blown up."


    Understanding dawned in Cecile''s eyes, and he let out a low nervous chuckle. "That''s¡­ A little diabolical. I like it."


    Ezra shrugged, his tone matter-of-fact. "Agatha thinks she can pull strings and intimidate me? She''ll find her threats worth a lot less once this gets going. The more influence we have, the less anyone can touch us." He eyed Cecile meaningfully, "Including you, no more worries about Team Rocket, you''ll be truly safe."


    What''s a little lie between friends?


    He''d do his best to keep him safe, but the main benefits would all fall on himself with this. Cecile''s ''apprentices'' would learn enough from him to take over in the worst case scenario.


    The Porygon floated closer to Cecile, chirping in unison as they observed his work. He glanced at them, a wide grin spreading across his face. "These guys are going to be amazing," He said, gesturing to the digital Pokemon. "They''re like living computers. They can process data way faster than I can. With their help, we could have the basics up and running in no time."


    Exactly what Ezra wanted to hear. The sooner the world wide web was an actual thing. The better for his own safety.


    He still ran the risk of the likes of Agatha throwing the weight of the government after him - this could ensure it would be political suicide to do so after its been up and running long enough that he was a constant in the publics eyes.


    Ezra watched the interaction, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the possibilities. The Porygon were a significant investment, but one he had no doubt would pay off. With their computational abilities and Cecile''s talent, the framework for his digital empire would be built faster than anyone could anticipate.


    "What about security?" Ezra asked, his tone sharp. The real risk now, lay in someone like Team Rocket hijacking this project on, or shortly after, launch.


    Cecile nodded eagerly, his fingers still flying over the keyboard. "No problem. These Porygon can set up firewalls and encryption that''ll be impossible for anyone here to break through, with my own code to back them up and this computational power to power it all. And I can create protocols to keep everything running smoothly. Trust me, boss, this setup is airtight."


    "It better be," Ezra said, his voice cold. "Because if anyone tries to compromise this, I''m holding you personally responsible."


    Cecile swallowed, but his grin didn''t waver. "Got it. No pressure or anything."


    As Cecile continued his work, Ezra''s thoughts drifted back to the broader implications of what they were building. This wasn''t just about money - though the potential for profit was staggering. Advertisers would pay a fortune to have their products featured on the only platforms that mattered. Companies would clamor for access to the user base they were creating. It was a license to print money.


    But more than that, it was about power. Influence. Control.


    Every post, every video, every comment would be a reflection of the system they created. And with the right programming, they could shape public perception in ways no one in this world had ever considered. He''d be more than a trainer, more than a businessman. He''d be a cultural phenomenon. An untouchable force.


    Agatha, the League, anyone who thought they could threaten him - none of them would stand a chance.


    Cecile''s voice broke through Ezra''s thoughts. "Hey, boss, check this out," he called, motioning for him to come over.


    Ezra walked over, his boots clicking against the tiled floor. Cecile pointed to the screen, where a live simulation of a potential platform was running. It was designed to capture attention. Videos of Pokemon battles played side by side with user-generated content, the interface smooth and seamless. It had only been an idea on paper, drawings, and already a simulation was up.


    Porygons were scary, he thought, eying the only one still visible, the other two having sunk into the computer screens.


    "This could be the prototype for Poketube," Cecile explained, his excitement palpable. "Trainers can upload their battles, fans can comment and share, and we can run ads in between videos. It''s simple, but it''s genius."


    Ezra nodded, his smirk returning. "Good start. Keep refining it. I want it to be perfect before we go live."


    Normally this would be months or years of work. But with the Porygons, and Cecile''s skill, he might see the first platform live within a month.


    "Of course," Cecile said, already diving back into his work. The Porygon chirped in agreement, their movements quick and efficient as they worked alongside him.


    "Cecile," Ezra said, his voice cutting through the hum of the servers.


    Cecile looked up, his grin wide and his eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah?"


    "Don''t screw this up," Ezra said simply.


    Cecile laughed, the sound echoing in the cavernous space. "Don''t worry, boss. I''ve got this."


    Ezra watched him for a moment longer, then turned toward the exit. "Good. Keep it that way."


    He''d have to invest in some security.


    The golden goose needed to lay his eggs in peace.


    <hr>


    Professor Oak''s lab, Kanto.


    Professor Oak sat hunched over his computer, his elbows resting on the mahogany surface, his face lit by the glow of the screen. His glasses had slipped down his nose, but he paid no mind as his sharp eyes scanned the lines of text and the images displayed before him.


    Another one.


    The words echoed in his mind as he leaned back, staring at the screen in a mixture of frustration and elation. New discoveries always did excite him.


    He was staring at an email from a contact of his. Displaying yet more discoveries by Ezra Kassian. Discoveries not shared in research circles, or academia, but first appearing as commodities for the highest bidder.


    An accompanying image showed the Pokemon in question - graceful and elegant, its pale pink fur accented by ribbons and bows that seemed almost alive, flowing gently as if caught in an invisible breeze. Its large blue eyes sparkled with a serene intelligence, and its demeanor exuded both charm and strength. Behind it, of course, was Ezra Kassian, looking as smug and self-assured as ever, his white hair catching the light like an aura of its own.


    Oak''s fingers tapped idly against the desk. "Sylveon," He muttered aloud. "Eevee evolves into this, but the method is hidden, of course..."


    The sentence hung heavy in the air. Oak removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Another evolution. That makes what - I''ve lost count!" He shook his head, muttering to himself. "And all from this one trainer."


    Ezra Kassian. A name that seemed to dominate the news articles lately. Oak couldn''t decide if he was more frustrated by the young man''s mysterious methods or elated by the breakthroughs his discoveries represented.


    "Where is he finding them? How does he do it?" Oak asked the empty room, his voice tinged with genuine bewilderment. Eevee''s evolutionary potential had been one of the most exciting mysteries in Pokemon research, but never in his wildest dreams had Oak imagined the sheer depth of it. He had spent decades uncovering the nuances of Pokemon evolutions, but Ezra Kassian seemed to pluck entirely new forms out of thin air.


    Oak rubbed his temples, staring back at the article. "It''s astonishing. It''s infuriating."


    He leaned back in his chair, the springs creaking beneath him. His gaze drifted to the window where a group of his own Eevee played in the sunlit field outside. A few of them wrestled playfully, their bushy tails swishing in the warm breeze. Watching them brought a pang of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times when he was the one making groundbreaking discoveries by the daily.


    But those days seemed long gone. Now, Ezra Kassian was the one on the cutting edge, pushing boundaries Oak hadn''t even realized existed.


    "And he doesn''t share anything," Oak muttered, his voice laced with irritation. "Not his methods, not his notes - nothing. Just these flashy announcements and carefully curated photos. As if to say, ''Look what I can do''." He drummed his fingers against the desk. "The boy is a walking enigma."


    Still, Oak couldn''t deny the value of the discoveries. Each new evolution added another piece to the puzzle, revealing just how adaptive Eevee''s genetic code truly was. The implications were staggering. If Eevee could evolve under such a wide array of conditions, what did that mean for other Pokemon? What secrets lay dormant in them all, waiting to be uncovered?


    He sighed heavily, running a hand through his graying hair. "If only he would cooperate. Share his findings with the scientific community. The progress we could make¡­" His voice trailed off, the sentence unfinished. Oak had reached out to Ezra several times, only to be met with polite but evasive replies. And sometimes not so polite replies and requests. The young man clearly had no intention of giving away his secrets.


    And that, perhaps, was what bothered Oak the most. The secrecy. He couldn''t support the young man, such a trade was not in his nature. His political capital, however aged, was not something he was willing to put on the table.


    "What else are you hiding, Kassian?" Oak murmured. "How much more do you know?"


    The hum of the lab''s machines filled the silence as Oak sat in contemplation. He hated to admit it, but there was something about Ezra Kassian that unnerved him. The young man was too confident, too calculated. His discoveries were too timely, too perfectly executed. It was as if he was following a blueprint no one else was privy to.


    "Luck doesn''t account for all of this," Oak said aloud. "There''s something more. Some advantage he has that he''s not sharing."


    The thought gnawed at him, equal parts fascination and frustration. Oak was no stranger to secrets; he had uncovered plenty in his time. But Ezra Kassian was a puzzle unlike any he had encountered before.


    Sliding his glasses back on, Oak turned his attention to the notes he''d been compiling. There was work to be done, questions to be answered. Whether Ezra Kassian wanted to share his knowledge or not, Oak was determined to uncover the truth.


    "Enjoy your secrets while you can, Kassian," He muttered, his resolve hardening. "I''ll figure you out eventually."


    <hr>

 A Dark Discovery

    <hr>


    Pewter City outskirts, Ezra''s farm.


    The clearing was filled with noise as Ezra stood at its edge, his arms crossed and his red eyes locked on Misty. She was crouched beside her Staryu by the small river running by, her voice rapid as she rattled off directions. The scarred Starmie hovered a few feet away, resting, as it had no interest in training, its jewel softly pulsing with its heartbeat as it napped.


    "Alright, Staryu, we''re trying it again!" Misty shouted, her fiery orange ponytail bouncing as she stood - Ezra having convinced her that her original way to keep her hair looked dumb. Her eyes sparkled with determination as she locked eyes with her Pokemon. "Water Gun, but sharper this time! Focus and aim right at that rock!"


    Staryu spun its core and fired, the jet of water streaming out and striking a nearby boulder. The shot hit with precision, carving a faint groove into the stone. Misty frowned, tapping her chin. "Better, but not sharp enough. Think of it like a blade! Let''s try again!" Her eyes flickered to Ezra, as if looking for validation.


    Ezra smirked faintly, his stance relaxed but his gaze sharp. He was impressed by her tenacity and enthusiasm, even if she didn''t fully grasp the nuances yet. She''s got drive. That''s something, at least, he thought.


    "Again!" Misty barked, clapping her hands, seeing that Ezra gave no other direction.


    Staryu obeyed, firing another Water Gun. This one was slightly more concentrated, chiseling a deeper groove into the rock. Misty''s excitement bubbled over as she cheered. "That''s it! We''re getting there, Staryu! Keep focusing!"


    Ezra stepped forward, his boots crunching against the grass. "It''s progress," He called out, his tone firm. "But remember what I told you earlier, stay the course, don''t move away until you''ve got this. Precision comes first, then power. If you go all in on brute force, you''ll lose control."


    Misty looked over her shoulder at him, her cheeks pink but her eyes blazing with admiration. "You make it sound so simple," She muttered, turning back to her Pokemon. "I never even thought of changing how to use a technique¡­"


    Ezra chuckled softly. "It''s not simple, necessarily. It''s just a more focused and specialized approach. That''s the difference - it''s less immediately rewarding, as you might spend weeks working on just one part of a technique."


    She didn''t have a cheat like he did, so it would take time. But this way, she would be able to match technique to technique with anyone, and have hers be stronger.


    Get five techniques down to a science, instead of ten techniques at the same skill level as everyone else. That was the ticket. Strategy everyone could work at and only battle experience made you grow - but this work on honing a technique to its absolute potential, would put her at the top one day.


    Behind him, of course. But still the top.


    Her enthusiasm reminded him of the earlier demonstration he''d shown her, the moment that had lit a fire under her.


    ¡­


    "Dusclops," Ezra had ordered, his tone as casual as if he were asking for a cup of coffee. The hulking ghost drifted forward, its single red eye glowing ominously. "Shadow Ball. Standard. Target that tree."


    Dusclops moved with deliberate precision, summoning a dense orb of shadowy energy. The orb hurtled forward, slamming into the tree with a crackling impact. The bark split, and the tree groaned under the force, its trunk visibly dented.


    Ezra glanced at Misty. "Now watch this."


    He snapped his fingers, and Loki, his mischievous Banette, appeared from the shadows. His zipper mouth stretched into a devilish grin as he awaited his command.


    "Loki, Shadow Ball, let loose," Ezra said, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "Same tree."


    Misty gasped as Loki conjured three orbs of dark energy rotating around each other, each barely the size of a marble. The Banette launched them immediately, the tiny projectiles striking with machine-like precision. Instead of merely denting the tree, the Shadow Ball assault with three points of contact, pulverized it. The trunk shattered, collapsing into a pile of splinters and sawdust, the tree itself falling with a loud crashing sound.


    Misty had stood there, dumbfounded, her mouth slightly open. "Holy¡­ Miltank," She whispered. "Is that even the same technique?"


    Ezra smirked, folding his arms. "It is. But techniques can be stretched and molded. What you saw there, Loki has worked on for months, sharpening the focus, making the technique denser and more compact, able to split it, as you saw, the power of ''one ball'' into three to give it extra striking power, and to all appearances, it looks like a different technique, but it''s still Shadow Ball, just better.


    It takes time and creativity, but it''s worth it."


    Misty''s eyes sparkled with awe. "Can I¡­ Can I do that with Water Gun?" She asked, in a hushed, awestruck tone.


    Ezra reached out and ruffled her hair, earning a bright blush from the girl. "Eventually. Work hard, push yourself and your Pokemon to always be better than you were yesterday. You''ll get there."


    ¡­


    The memory brought a faint smile to his face as he watched Misty throw herself into her training with renewed zeal. Staryu fired another Water Gun, this one slightly more concentrated. The rock began to chip, a faint crack forming.


    Nearby, Karen lingered at the edge of the clearing, her silver hair glinting in the sunlight. Her arms were crossed, and she looked torn between amusement and irritation. She hesitated, glancing at Ezra, before finally walking over.


    "Karen," Ezra said without looking at her, his tone casual. "Finally decided to stop sulking?"


    What could he say? He would probably never stop poking at her. It was too much fun.


    Karen scoffed, though there was no real heat behind it. "I''m not sulking," She said, though the faint pink of embarrassment in her cheeks suggested otherwise. She fell into step beside him, her voice quieter. "I was watching earlier. That thing with Loki and Shadow Ball. It was¡­ Impressive. You''ve done some amazing work with him."


    Ezra smirked, his gaze still on Misty. "Flattery, Karen? Careful, I might start to think you''re getting soft." He glanced at her playfully, "Hurry up and call me insufferable, or I might feel faint."


    Karen rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of a smile tugging at her lips. "Don''t get used to it. I just¡­" She hesitated, her voice faltering for a moment. "Do you think you could help me with my team too? Show me how to do stuff like that?"


    Ezra turned to her, raising an eyebrow. "What''s in it for me?" He asked, his tone dripping with mock seriousness.


    Karen groaned, already bracing herself. "I knew you''d make this difficult." She muttered, more to herself than to him.


    Ezra leaned in slightly, his red eyes gleaming with mischief. "Well, you could always offer something¡­ Personal in exchange."


    Karen''s face turned scarlet, and she took a step back, glaring at him. "You''re such a broken clock, is that all you think of?" She hissed, though her voice lacked any real bite, as she looked him up and down, biting her lip.


    Ezra chuckled, so enjoying seeing her expressions, "What can I say? I like to keep things interesting, and you make such cute faces when I say those things."


    Karen glared at him, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I''m serious, Ezra. Can you help me or not?" If anyone asked, she did not sound whiny!


    Ezra pretended to consider it, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Hmm¡­ I don''t know. It''s a lot of effort. I mean, maybe if you begged. Or grovelled? You''d look so cute on your knees."


    Karen let out an exasperated sigh, though her blush deepened as if she was considering it for a moment. "You''d like that, wouldn''t you?" She breathed out, something dangerous in her eyes.


    Ezra grinned, his tone softening as he stopped teasing her. "Relax, Karen. Of course, I''ll help you. No strings attached."


    It wasn''t as fun bullying her when she stopped being as embarrassed, after all.


    Karen blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his sincerity. "You¡­ You mean that?"


    "Of course," Ezra said, his voice genuine. "You''re important to me. If you''re not improving, we''re not improving. Besides¡­" His smirk returned, his tone turning teasing again. "I like having you around. It''d be boring without you."


    Karen rolled her eyes, but she couldn''t hide the faint honest smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. But if you start with the pervy jokes again, I''m throwing you into the nearest lake."


    Despite saying that, she looked very flushed, and if he was any guess, slightly disappointed, at how the conversation went.


    Ezra smirked, giving her a knowing look. "Deal. Now, let''s start with your Houndoom. I''ve got a few ideas¡­"


    As Karen moved closer, her earlier tension melted away. The banter between them felt easy, comfortable, even as Ezra continued to push her buttons with a sly grin and a teasing remark here and there. Meanwhile, Misty remained laser-focused on her Staryu, her voice ringing out with determination as she continued to train, her Magikarp and Goldeen also in the water with them.


    A rustling sound in the nearby bushes caught their attention, interrupting their continued discussion. Both trainers turned as a familiar figure emerged from the underbrush. Brock strode into the clearing, his face an unusual mix of elation and frustration. His dark eyes scanned the group before locking onto Ezra, and a wide grin split his face.


    "Ezra!" Brock shouted, his voice carrying across the clearing. Without hesitation, he crossed the remaining distance in long strides. "You absolute bastard!"


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, pushing off the tree trunk he was leaning against. "Well, hello to you too," He replied dryly.


    Brock didn''t stop. He closed the distance in seconds, throwing his arms around Ezra in a sudden, crushing hug that lifted him slightly off the ground. Ezra blinked in surprise, momentarily stunned, while Karen gawked from her perch on the boulder.


    Misty, glanced their way, eyes wide, as small dabs of blood appeared under her nostrils, until she hurriedly looked away from the two guys embracing.


    "What the - get off me," Ezra grunted, squirming in Brock''s grip.


    "Thank you!" Brock exclaimed, finally releasing him. "You''re a bastard, and thank you!"


    Ezra took a moment to adjust his rumpled jacket, giving Brock a wary look. "Yes, I am. And¡­ You''re welcome? For what, exactly?"


    He was a fantastic person, there could be a lot to thank him for honestly.


    "Don''t act like you don''t know!" Brock exclaimed, his tone hovering between exasperation and awe. "You know what you did. It''s amazing and infuriating at the same time! You don''t know half the crap you''ve started!"


    Karen rolled her eyes, jumping off the boulder she was sitting on, and crossing her arms as she glared at Brock. "Can you stop talking in circles and just tell us what''s going on?"


    Brock rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, finally calming down enough to explain. "Ezra sent me a Pokemon, an apparently completely new evolution of the Scyther line, a rock type, called Kleavor."


    Karen''s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief. "A completely new evolution of Scyther?" Her tone carried a distinct note of jealousy.


    Ezra smirked. "You''re welcome, by the way."


    Misty, having overheard the exchange, having been paying special attention since the hug, splashed out of the river and rushed over, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It''s called a Kleavor? What does it look like? What type is it? Can I see it?" She asked in rapid succession.


    Ezra was amused that even a bug fearing girl like Misty, liked Scythers enough to want to see its evolution.


    Brock laughed, holding up a Pokeball. "Alright, alright, calm down. I''ll show you."


    With a flick of his wrist, he released the Pokemon. A flash of light materialized into a tall, imposing figure. The Kleavor stood with its massive blade-like arms at its sides, its rocky, chiseled body radiating strength. Its yellow eyes gleamed as it surveyed its surroundings, its stance calm but ready for battle.


    Misty let out a delighted squeal, rushing forward to examine the Pokemon, making it squawk, losing its dignified stance. "It''s incredible!" She gushed, circling the Kleavor with wide eyes. "Look at those blades! They''re like battle-axes! And the texture - oh, is this reinforced stone? This is amazing! A whole new pokemon!"


    The Kleavor shifted uncomfortably under her scrutiny, glancing at Brock as if seeking reassurance. Brock giving it a thumbs up made it sag slightly in defeat.


    Karen snorted, never missing a chance to fire a shot at her junior, "What''s this, Misty? Are you switching your focus to Rock types now?"


    Misty straightened, crossing her arms as she turned her nose up at Karen. "Any true Pokemon lover would appreciate something this unique." She said with some sassy ''tude.


    Ezra''s smirk widened. "Don''t call yourself a Pokemon lover," He said, his voice carrying a teasing edge. "That phrase¡­ Has implications."


    Brock''s cheeks turned bright red as he looked away awkwardly. Karen burst out laughing, her voice sharp and amused as she mocked Misty, while Misty''s face flushed pink.


    "Oh, come on," Misty muttered, shooting Ezra a weak glare. "It''s not like it''s a Gardevoir or something."


    Brock sputtered, his eyes widening. "H-How do you even know about that stuff?" He stammered, his voice cracking slightly.


    Ezra sent him a side glance, how do you, hmm? Brock? He thought, saving the teasing material for later.


    Misty rolled her eyes. "Everyone knows why guys get Gardevoirs."


    Brock groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can we not do this right now?" He said, embarrassed.


    Both Misty and Karen got equal shark-like grins, smelling blood in the water. Things looked grim for Brock for a moment, until the girls noticed they were sharing an expression, and immediately both dropped it, glancing back and forth to see if the other girl was looking.


    Women, Ezra thought with amusement, turning back to Brock, as he asked, "So, you''re welcome of course. But why did you sound annoyed about it? People usually don''t call me a bastard when I do them a solid."


    Brock sighed, his earlier excitement dimming slightly. "My dad''s going nuts about it," He admitted. "The moment he saw Kleavor, he started talking about me taking over the gym. That I had something special now. I''m not ready for that kind of responsibility!"


    Karen raised an eyebrow, her voice laced with skepticism. "This is the same dad who called you useless not that long ago, right?"


    Brock deadpanned at her. "Apparently, I''m useless with a gimmick now. So¡­ Slightly less useless - and eligible for a promotion."


    Misty looked disheartened. "Is every gym leader garbage?"


    "Yes," Ezra and Karen said simultaneously.


    Ezra added with a smirk, "Except for Whitney." Letting out a faux dreamy sigh, just to mess with Karen.


    "Why Whitney?" Misty asked, tilting her head curiously, as Karen huffed, "Damn slut." Under her breath.


    Ezra''s grin widened. "We''ll tell you when you''re older."


    Misty rolled her eyes, reluctantly stepping away from the Kleavor. "Alright, alright. Can we get back to training now? Or is Brock going to keep whining about getting an amazing Pokemon?" She gave the older boy an unimpressed look.


    Brock sheepishly rubbed the back of his head, not meeting her eyes.


    Ezra chuckled, giving her an appraising look. "If you impress me, maybe you''ll get something special too." He hinted at.


    Misty''s eyes lit up, her determination flaring. Without another word, she turned and sprinted back to the river, diving in with a splash. Her Magikarp flopped eagerly beside her as she cheered it on, her voice carrying across the clearing.


    Karen''s sharp gaze settled on Ezra, her irritation evident. "Stop giving everyone priceless Pokemon," She snapped.


    Ezra glanced at her, reading the jealousy in her tone. "Don''t worry," He said smoothly, his smirk softening. "I''m saving something special for you."


    Karen''s frustration faltered, her cheeks flushing slightly. She opened her mouth to respond but couldn''t find the words. Instead, she huffed in embarrassment, stomping off toward the trees.


    Brock watched the exchange, his jaw dropping in amazement. "You''ve got to teach me how you do that," He said, his tone half-admiring, half-exasperated. "Ladies don''t blush like that for me!"


    Ezra clapped a hand on Brock''s shoulder, his expression solemn. "It''s simple," He said. "Just imagine what I''d do, and do exactly that. It''s foolproof."


    He was awesome, of course - be him - was good advice.


    Brock laughed, shaking his head. "You''re going to get me killed, Ezra."


    "Well that would stop your dad''s retirement plan, wouldn''t it." Ezra said, making Brock look thoughtful.


    If Flint pushed Brock too hard¡­ Ezra might have to pay him a visit.


    No one messed with his frie-things. No one messed with his things.


    <hr>


    The week passed in a steady rhythm, Ezra, Misty, and Karen had settled into a rigorous training schedule, their days structured around honing their skills and strengthening their teams.


    Misty was the first to rise each morning, her enthusiasm undampened by the sore muscles and bruises that came with her newfound intensity. She''d quickly learned that Ezra didn''t tolerate half-efforts. His training was brutal but effective, and each day she found herself growing faster, stronger, and more confident in her abilities as she worked out next to her Pokemon. Her Starmie hovered nearby at all times, a silent and graceful sentinel, while her Magikarp thrashed tirelessly in the shallow riverbank, earning her constant words of encouragement.


    "Come on, Magikarp! I know you can do this!" Misty cheered, her orange hair tied back in her new signature high ponytail. She waded knee-deep into the water, splashing alongside the Pokemon as if her sheer enthusiasm could will it to succeed. "Push harder! You''ve got so much more in you!"


    Ezra stood nearby, keeping an eye on a few of his own Pokemon, even as he watched Misty''s progress with a critical eye, occasionally stepping in with sharp, no-nonsense advice.


    "Ease up on the non stop yelling," He said, his tone calm but firm. "Magikarp can''t focus if you''re too loud, and it also risks your Pokemon growing used to communicating only in shouts. Be clear, not overbearing."


    Misty huffed, shooting him a glare, but she softened when she realized he was right, and that she was practically looming over her Pokemon. She crouched lower, speaking gently to her Pokemon instead. "Alright, Magikarp. Let''s try again, okay? Start slow, then build up, I trust you."


    Karen, meanwhile, had thrown herself into a different kind of training. She often separated from the group, retreating to quieter parts of the forest where she could work with her team without distractions. Her main team - Weavile, Sneasel, Honchkrow, Shiftry, and Houndoom - responded to her commands with a loyalty that bordered on reverence. But there was a heaviness to her movements, a weight in her voice that hadn''t been there before.


    The loss of one of her Pokemon still hung over her like a shadow, and though she rarely spoke about it, it was clear she was still grieving. She spent hours sitting with her team, not just training but talking to them, reassuring them with quiet words and gentle touches.


    "We''re still a team," Karen murmured one evening as Ezra overheard it, stroking the sleek fur of her Houndoom. The Pokemon growled softly, its eyes glowing faintly in the dim light. "We''re still strong. And we''re going to get through this, okay? All of us."


    Her Honchkrow cawed in agreement, hopping closer to nudge her shoulder with its beak. Karen managed a small smile, her fingers brushing the bird''s glossy feathers. "Thanks, guys. I don''t say it enough, but¡­ You''re all I''ve got, the family.. I.. You''re... I''m not giving up on any of you."


    Ezra respected Karen''s moments of solitude and chose to not interfere. He understood the need for space, especially when dealing with loss. Instead, he focused on his own training, rotating through the weaker members of his team and giving them personal attention.


    His main team were able to practice honing their techniques on their own for the most part, so he could focus on some of the others.


    His experiments with merging different techniques, with his aura a great help in pushing the boundaries, was proving hard, but not impossible.


    Something he''d have to focus on by himself when he had time, as his lesser strength Pokemon couldn''t handle that kind of thing as easily as of yet.


    His Mimikyu was the first he worked with, the little ghost''s floppy Pikachu disguise looking more worn than ever as it faced off against his Sableye. Ezra had set up a mock battle between the two, forcing them to adapt to each other''s strengths and weaknesses as they learned more about how to battle.


    Ezra allowed them more leeway then a normal battle, so theyd learn good instincts and figure out on their own what worked and what didn''t.


    ¡­.


    "Mimikyu, move faster, don''t be predictable!" Ezra commanded, his tone sharp.


    Mimikyu''s attack darted forward, but Sableye dodged with a quick burst of speed having seen it coming, its gem-like eyes gleaming mischievously as it taunted Mimikyu, who bristled and hefted a wooden hammer angrily.


    "Good. Sableye, Fake Out, then follow up with Shadow Claw," Ezra called, seeing how Mimikyu handled being on the defensive.


    The battle continued, the two Pokemon darting around the clearing with a surprising agility that kept Ezra on his toes. He alternated between praising their successes and correcting their mistakes, his voice steady and unyielding.


    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Faster, Mimikyu. You''ve got to close the gap before it can counter. Sableye, stop hesitating on the follow-through. Commit to the attack."


    By the end of the session, both Pokemon were visibly exhausted but also visibly improved. Ezra crouched down to pat Mimikyu on the head, his touch surprisingly gentle. "Good work. You''re getting there."


    One day, his little critter would make dragons fall from the sky.


    The next day, it was Poochyena and Houndour''s turn. Ezra set up a series of obstacle courses for them, using logs, rocks, and other natural barriers to test their agility and teamwork. And then made them fight while going through them.


    "Poochyena, stay low! Use your size to your advantage!" Ezra called as the small Dark type weaved through the course.


    "Houndour, faster! You need to keep up with him and anticipate his movements!"


    The two Pokemon worked tirelessly, their bond strengthening with each passing day. Ezra made sure to reward their efforts with treats and praise, knowing that building trust was just as important as building strength.


    ¡­.


    By midweek, the clearing they''d claimed for training had become a hub of activity. Misty''s Magikarp was no longer the clumsy flopper it had been at the start; it moved with a determination that hinted at the powerhouse it could one day become. Karen''s team was sharper and more cohesive, their bond with her stronger than ever. And Ezra''s weaker Pokemon had grown more confident, their movements smoother and more precise.


    They no longer needed to have their every action micromanaged, which would give them that extra point of a second in battle to intuit what was going to be requested of them.


    One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky in shades of gold and crimson, the three trainers gathered around a small campfire, enjoying a break, and a small barbecue meal.


    Karen poked at the fire with a stick, her eyes reflecting the flickering light. "This week''s been¡­ Good," She admitted, her voice softer than usual. "Needed to sort things¡­ It was good to have a break from the road."


    Misty nodded, her face flushed from the day''s exertion but glowing with pride. "I''ve learned so much. Ezra, I didn''t realize Pokemon could even do half the things you''ve shown me." She gushed, admiration clear in her voice, "I thought techniques were what they were, I feel silly now¡­"


    Ezra smirked, leaning back against a log with his arms crossed. "That''s because most trainers don''t bother to push the limits. They settle for the basics and never think to ask, ''What else is possible?'' But there''s always more. You just have to work for it, find it, abuse it until you''ve wrung out every drop of potential."


    Karen glanced at him, her lips twitching into a faint smile. "It''s so weird seeing you as this¡­ Teacher type, it doesn''t match your personality, at all."


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. "Don''t get used to it, I''m only doing this for you two."


    Misty had to hide her face behind her hands to try and hide the blush she got from being told she was that special.


    The three of them fell into a comfortable silence after that, the crackling fire and the soft sounds of their Pokemon settling for the night creating a peaceful backdrop.


    It had been a necessary week, Ezra thought, but it was time to move on again.


    He had gyms to crush.


    <hr>


    Pewter City outskirts, Ezra''s farm.


    The morning sunlight filtered through the windows of the farm house''s modest dining area. The air was filled with the scent of freshly brewed tea, buttered toast, and scrambled eggs as Ezra leaned back in his chair, casually sipping from his cup. Across the table, Misty was eagerly munching on a plate of pancakes, her orange ponytail bouncing as she animatedly chattered about the training session they had completed the day before. Karen, by contrast, picked at her food with deliberate precision, her eyes sharp as they darted toward Ezra now and then.


    She knew him enough to know today was different.


    Ezra set his cup down with a soft clink, folding his arms as he surveyed the two women. "We''re heading to Lavender Town today," He announced, his tone casual.


    Well, not the city itself, because he wouldn''t return until he could swoop in as an unassailable winner, but close enough to it. It didn''t count as entering the city if he teleported right outside of it, after all.


    Misty blinked mid-bite, syrup dripping from her fork. "Lavender Town?" She asked, her voice tinged with curiosity. "What''s in Lavender Town?"


    Karen raised an eyebrow, her fork poised over her plate, she knew his history with Lavender. "More importantly, why? I thought we were moving toward Celadon next."


    Ezra smirked faintly, his red eyes gleaming with purpose. "Change of plans. I''ve got a business to check on, and I''ve decided to bring you two along."


    He no longer needed to hide as much from Karen, she was halfway his already, and Agatha would soon lose all leverage anyway once he swept the world with his internet domination.


    Karen''s expression shifted to skepticism as she set her fork down with a soft clatter. "You''ve got business to take care of? You''ve never allowed me to be involved before..."


    "That''s because I didn''t want you involved then," Ezra said bluntly, leaning back in his chair. "At the time, Agatha was still a major factor. If you''d spilled anything to her, intentional or not, it would''ve been a potential problem. But things are different now."


    Karen''s eyes narrowed, her tone laced with suspicion. "Different how?"


    Ezra shrugged, his expression calm. "Let''s just say her leverage doesn''t carry as much weight anymore. She can''t strong-arm me politically soon enough, not with what I''m building."


    And he hoped she reported that.


    He wouldn''t mind Agatha being the one left to worry for once. Even if she began making moves now, he''d debut his trump card before she could win.


    And there was always the chance Karen wouldn''t report this. It would be interesting to see how far she''d come.


    Misty tilted her head, her curiosity piqued. "What are you building?"


    "You''ll see," Ezra replied, smirking. "But first, finish your breakfast. We''ve got a long day ahead."


    Karen didn''t look entirely convinced, but she didn''t press the issue. Misty, on the other hand, wolfed down the rest of her pancakes with renewed enthusiasm, clearly excited about the mysterious business awaiting them in Lavender Town.


    ¡­


    The outskirts of Lavender Town were quiet, as the three of them materialized in a shimmer of energy as Misty''s Starmie completed the teleportation. Misty stumbled slightly, still getting used to the disorienting sensation, but Ezra and Karen landed with practiced ease.


    Ezra lead them into Lavenders forest and around the city, eventually arriving at his target.


    Ahead of them loomed the facility, a sprawling complex surrounded by high fences and security checkpoints, with guards patrolling the perimeter and a few researchers milling about near the entrance looking to be let in.


    As they approached the gate, two uniformed guards stepped forward, their expressions stern. One was a tall, broad-shouldered man with a no-nonsense demeanor, while the other was a shorter woman whose sharp eyes scanned the group with suspicion.


    Each had two Pokemon out already, and although they obviously recognized him, they were still cautious because of his guests.


    He didn''t mind that paranoia at all, good for them.


    "Mr. Kassian," The male guard greeted, his voice gruff. "We weren''t expecting you today."


    "Change of plans," Ezra said smoothly. "These two are with me. Add their names to the approved list."


    The approved list was still only for people coming with him, they wouldn''t be able to get in on their own.


    The female guard frowned, her hand resting on the clipboard she carried. "We''ll need to verify their trainer IDs and conduct a search before letting them in." She warned, "Full body, we''ll skip the cavity search as they are your guests, sir.


    Karen''s eyes flashed with irritation as she crossed her arms. "Excuse me? A search?" She grit out, almost grasping for a pokeball when the woman mentioned a cavity search.


    Ezra raised a hand, his expression amused. "That won''t be necessary."


    The male guard hesitated, glancing at his companion. "Standard protocol, sir. Anyone not on the list before now, requires a full check."


    "They''re with me," Ezra said, his voice cutting through the tension sharply. "Just take down their trainer IDs and add them to the database. That''s all the verification you need."


    He appreciated them pushing, meant they were doing their jobs, but he was here, so there was no risk.


    The guards exchanged a glance before reluctantly nodding. The woman pulled out a handheld scanner and approached Karen and Misty, who both held out their trainer IDs with varying degrees of annoyance.


    "This is ridiculous," Karen muttered as the scanner beeped softly, logging her information. "Cavity search, I''ll show you a cavity search with my fucking fist¡­" She glared at the female guard.


    The guard only raised a cool eyebrow, "As an employee, I can not accept offers of sexual favors."


    Ezra had to hide his expression as Karen gaped at the woman, not expecting that comeback, the girl absolutely lost for words.


    Ezra would have to give her a raise, bullying Karen so expertly was definitely worthy of one.


    Misty, meanwhile, looked more curious than irritated. "Is security always this tight here?"


    "It''s necessary," Ezra replied. "Better to be over-prepared than under."


    Once the guards finished their checks and the gates creaked open, Ezra gestured for the girls to follow. "Let''s go."


    ¡­


    Inside the facility, the atmosphere was a mix of calm professionalism and controlled chaos. Researchers in white coats moved between labs and enclosures, their focus divided between jotting down notes, monitoring screens, and tending to Pokemon. The sound of typing, chirping, and splashing filled the air, creating an underlying hum of activity that was oddly soothing.


    Their first stop was a smaller building near the main complex, where a researcher was waiting with a clipboard. Ezra took a moment to unload his backpack, untying Meowth. The Pokemon had an expression that was a mix of irritation and boredom, as he was plopped down in front of the researcher.


    Most of his days had been spent locked either in a room, or carted around in Ezra''s backpack, so to say Meowth was bored, was likely an understatement.


    Ezra wasted no time. "This is Meowth," He said, gesturing to the Pokemon. "He''s... Unique. He talks, he''s got a bad attitude, but he''s useful. Your job is to keep him here, use him for research, and have him communicate with the Pokemon for us."


    The researcher nodded, though he looked slightly wary, and skeptical. "Understood, Mr. Kassian. Anything else?"


    "Yes," Ezra said, his tone sharp. "Don''t let him leave. Give him whatever he wants - within reason. He''s a possible flight risk."


    Meowth folded his arms, his tail swishing irritably. "I ain''t some lab rat, boss."


    The researcher openly gaped at Meowth, dropping his clipboard, having obviously not believed Ezra.


    Ezra crouched down, his red eyes gleaming with amusement as he met Meowth''s eyes. "You''re not. But you''re not walking out of here either. Do your job, and you''ll be taken care of."


    Meowth huffed, clearly unconvinced. "Yeah? Like what?"


    Ezra''s smirk widened. "All the pussy you want, day and night, they can arrange it."


    Meowth''s ears perked up, and his attitude shifted instantly. "Well, why didn''t ya say so? Happy to be here, boss! Where''re the ladies at?" His eyes flickering back and forth, like he could expect to see his harem right this moment.


    Karen groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose, while Misty just stared, her expression a mix of confusion and disbelief. Ezra hadn''t exactly shared much of this with Misty, so he was sure the girl was very confused right now.


    She hadn''t even glomped Meowth.


    Ezra stood, addressing the researcher again. "You heard him. Make it happen."


    "Yes, sir," the researcher said, looking faintly horrified as he jotted down a note.


    Apparently pimp hadn''t been quite the career advancement he''d wanted.


    ¡­


    The next stop was the facility''s crowning jewel - a massive artificial river system that stretched across several acres. The water sparkled under the sunlight, and the sleek forms of his big money-making Milotics glided gracefully beneath the surface. Their expensive scales shimmered like a rainbow, refracting light in every direction. Some lounged near the banks, their elegant tails curling lazily, while others swam in synchronized patterns, their movements mesmerizing as they performed a dance for their visitors.


    Misty''s jaw dropped as she rushed forward, her eyes wide with awe. "Milotic! Real Milotic! They''re even more beautiful in person! And so many!? I''ve never heard of these many together!"


    Ezra smirked, watching her reaction with mild amusement. "They''re here for two reasons really - breeding more of them for sale, and the Prism Scales they drop. Both are very profitable for me."


    Misty turned to him, her expression pleading. "Can I... Can I get closer?" Completely disregarding anything else he''d said as non-essential.


    "Go ahead," Ezra said with a nod, having no issue with it. They weren''t territorial.


    Without hesitation, Misty kicked off her shoes and waded into the river, laughing as the Milotic approached her curiously. Their gentle eyes and soft nudges made her giggle as she stroked their smooth scales.


    Karen stood back as she watched the scene unfold. "You''re being too generous, even for your ploys." She said, her voice skeptical. "What''s your angle here?"


    Ezra smirked, his red eyes gleaming. "Within a week, I''ve got her ready to agree to anything I say. This isn''t generosity - it''s an investment."


    Karen made a noncommittal sound, her expression skeptical.


    Ezra''s smirk deepened as he turned to her. "Speaking of investments, want to see where the Dark types hang out?"


    Karen tried to hide her eagerness, her tone casual. "Whatever. I guess if we have the time."


    Ezra chuckled, gesturing for her to follow. "Come on, then. Let''s see if we can find you something."


    He''d still have to look for something truly special, but still¡­ Perhaps a gift of a new Pokemon could help heal her after her loss.


    He wasn''t good with that shit, so this would have to do.


    Karen glanced at Misty, who was still splashing happily with the Milotic, before falling into step beside Ezra. She tried to maintain her usual aloof demeanor, but there was a flicker of excitement in her eyes that she couldn''t quite hide.


    <hr>


    The dark Pokemon area of Ezra''s facility was tucked away in the farthest corner, surrounded by dense trees and shadows that seemed to stretch longer than anywhere else on the property. The air was cooler here, carrying a faint hint of damp earth and moss. The sun''s rays barely penetrated the canopy above, creating an atmosphere that was both eerie and strangely serene.


    Karen followed Ezra through the winding paths, her eyes scanning the area with a mix of curiosity and excitement she tried desperately to suppress. Workers in plain uniforms moved through the area with quiet efficiency, feeding and tending to the Pokemon housed here. A pair of Poochyena snarled playfully at each other over a bone while a Sableye perched on a low branch, its gem-like eyes glinting as it watched them pass.


    "This section''s smaller than the others," Ezra explained as they walked. "Dark types aren''t as profitable as Milotic, Eeeves, or some of the rare breeds we work with. Not as much demand for them outside specific trainers."


    Really, they mostly had this space because of how easy it was for Ezra to catch and domesticate dark types.


    Karen smirked faintly, her hands stuffed into her jacket pockets. "Guess that makes us a special breed too."


    Ezra glanced at her, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "You could say that."


    He of course was a breed unmatched by anyone else - even his freaky looks apparently a hit - once he got out of Lavender and their misconceptions.


    A sneasel darted across the path ahead of them, its sharp claws glinting as it disappeared into the underbrush chasing a laser pointer''s ever elusive dot. A worker nearby chuckled softly as he watched the Pokemon''s antics, nodding politely to Ezra and Karen as they passed.


    "Most of the Pokemon here are ones we''re raising for future trainers to buy once a dark craze takes off," Ezra continued, knowing once he became famous, trainers would want to copy him, they had a ghost section for the same reason. "Some have been abandoned because of their nature. Others because they didn''t meet the expectations of their previous owners - and we took them on for free."


    It was pure profit really, with his aura, he didn''t need long around them to soothe them back down to a point where they''d be re-salable.


    Karen''s gaze softened as she looked around, her sharp demeanor giving way to something more thoughtful. "Idiots," She muttered. "Dark types are some of the most fiercely loyal partners you can have, if you can handle them right."


    Ezra nodded, his expression briefly unreadable. "Not everyone sees it that way." Thank Arceus for that, more money for me.


    As they turned a corner, a small black-and-red shape darted out from behind a bush. Karen froze as the creature stepped into the path, its large blue eyes glinting with curiosity. It was a Zorua, its sleek fur catching the faint light that filtered through the trees. The fox-like Pokemon tilted its head, studying Karen with a mischievous gleam in its eyes.


    Karen stared, her usual composure slipping for just a moment. "A Zorua," She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.


    The Zorua let out a playful bark and took a step closer, its bushy tail swishing behind it. Karen knelt down instinctively, her hands resting on her knees as she met the Pokemon''s gaze. "Hey there," She said, her tone unusually gentle. "What''s your deal, huh?"


    Usually dark Pokemon weren''t this nice. But well¡­ Ezra did good work¡­


    The Zorua padded closer, its nose twitching as it sniffed the air around her. Karen held out a hand, and the Pokemon hesitated for a moment before nuzzling against her palm. Its fur was soft and warm, and Karen couldn''t help the small smile that tugged at her lips.


    "You''ve got a fan," Ezra remarked, his tone amused as he watched the interaction. Seems we have a winner, he thought.


    Karen scoffed lightly, though her fingers continued to stroke the Zorua''s fur. "It''s just curious," She said, trying to sound indifferent. "They''re naturally mischievous, after all."


    The Zorua let out a small yip and jumped into Karen''s lap, causing her to let out a startled laugh. It curled up against her, its tail flicking contentedly as it settled into her arms. Karen''s face turned slightly pink as she glanced up at Ezra, who was smirking knowingly.


    "Mischievous, huh?" He teased, "We could use someone else around to mess with you, true."


    Karen rolled her eyes, though the smile on her face betrayed her. "Shut up."


    For the next few minutes, Karen remained seated on the path, the Zorua happily nestled in her lap. She asked it soft questions, her voice low and soothing, and the Pokemon responded with happy chirps and nuzzles. Ezra stood back, arms crossed, observing the rare sight of Karen completely dropping her guard.


    Finally, he stepped forward, his voice cutting through the quiet moment. "You want it?" He asked, his tone straightforward.


    Karen looked up at him, her silvery blue eyes wide. "What?"


    Ezra gestured to the Zorua, which was now batting at the edge of Karen''s jacket with its tiny paws. "Do you want it? It''s pretty clear it''s already chosen you."


    He hadn''t even had to cheat and nudge it with his aura, it had sought her out on its own volition.


    Karen opened her mouth to reply, but no words came out. She looked down at the Zorua, then back up at Ezra, her expression unusually soft. Instead of answering, she simply wrapped her arms around the Pokemon, holding it close.


    Ezra smirked, turning and calling over one of the nearby workers. A young man jogged over, clipboard in hand, looking attentive. "Yes, sir?"


    "Find whoever''s in charge of this section," Ezra instructed. "I want this Zorua transferred to her." He gestured to Karen, who was still cradling the Pokemon like it was the most precious thing in the world.


    The worker nodded, scribbling a note on his clipboard. "Understood. I''ll take care of it."


    Karen didn''t say a word throughout the entire exchange, her attention entirely focused on the Zorua. Even as the worker left to make the arrangements, she remained silent, her fingers gently tracing the Pokemon''s fur.


    When they began walking back toward the main complex, Karen cradled the Zorua in her arms, its small body nestled against her chest. It let out soft, contented noises, clearly comfortable in its new place.


    As they approached the path leading back to the river, Karen finally spoke, her voice barely audible. "Thank you."


    Ezra glanced at her, a faint smirk on his lips. "Anytime, for you," He said simply.


    Before Karen could respond, Ezra draped an arm around her shoulder, giving her a light squeeze. She didn''t shrug him off, nor did she make a snarky comment. Instead, she let out a soft sigh, her gaze fixed on the Zorua in her arms.


    <hr>


    The next day, Celadon City, Kanto.


    The city of Celadon sprawled before them as they teleported in, a harmonious blend of modern architecture and natural beauty. The air smelled faintly of blooming flowers and fresh rain, though the sky above was clear.


    Towering buildings made of sleek glass and steel reflected the sunlight, yet they were softened by an abundance of greenery. Trees lined every street, their branches arching overhead to create a leafy canopy. Colorful flowerbeds bordered the sidewalks, and fountains bubbled in almost every square. Parks dotted the urban landscape, their open fields filled with picnicking families and trainers sparring under the shade of sprawling oaks.


    Ezra paused at the entrance of one such park, his eyes scanning the scene. Children ran laughing through the grass, a couple of Butterfree flitting playfully around them, obviously belonging to the parents. Trainers rested on benches, their Pokemon lying at their feet. A Snivy sunned itself lazily on a rock near a sparkling fountain, while a Roserade gracefully watered a flowerbed nearby.


    "It''s a bit too sunny and cheerful. It''s just too much." Karen muttered as she glanced around.


    Ezra gave her a side eye, thinking, just because we dress dark and edgy doesn''t mean we''re goths, Karen, some sunshine and flowers won''t kill you¡­


    Misty, however, was practically glowing with excitement. "It''s gorgeous!" She spun in a circle, taking in the lush surroundings. "It''s like the city is alive. I''ve never seen anything like it! I barely ever left Cerulean, and my parents didn''t take me here!"


    Karen smirked. "Figures you''d love it. All these fountains probably make you feel right at home."


    Misty stuck her tongue out at her, but the teasing didn''t dim her enthusiasm. "Oh, come on, Karen! Look at that fountain and say it isn''t awesome!" She pointed to a large circular fountain in the middle of the plaza, its crystalline water spraying in intricate patterns from the Venusaur statue that was its focal point.


    Ezra said nothing, his gaze shifting from the fountain to the looming Celadon Gym in the distance. It was a structure unlike any other gym he''d visited so far, a sprawling, multi-leveled building that looked more like a living forest than a modern facility. Vines climbed its wooden frame, and trees grew straight through the roof, their branches spreading wide to form a natural canopy. Moss covered parts of the walls, giving it a very unique appearance.


    Apparently the Grass Pokemon gym took its typing very seriously.


    "We''re here," Ezra said, his tone clipped as he started toward the gym. As always, beginning to slip into a more focused mindset with the prospect of battle ahead.


    Karen and Misty followed, Misty still marveling at the scenery while Karen remained more reserved, though she occasionally cast curious glances at some of the Pokemon they passed. Celadon''s citizens apparently followed in its gym''s wake, as there were a lot of grass Pokemon around.


    As they approached the gym, the earthy smell of soil and flowers grew stronger, mingling with a faint sweetness that seemed to permeate the air. The entrance was framed by two massive trees, their roots intertwining to form an archway. A pair of Gloom rested beneath them, their sleepy expressions giving them a comical air as their positioning almost made them out to be guards for the gym.


    Inside, the gym was even more breathtaking, if too much nature in one place, for him personally. The entire structure seemed to have been built around nature rather than over it.


    Paths of polished wood wound through dense gardens of flowering plants and tall grasses. A small stream ran through the center, its clear waters home to a variety of aquatic Pokemon. Butterfrees and Beautifly floated lazily above, their wings shimmering in the filtered sunlight that streamed through gaps in the leafy ceiling.


    "Wow," Misty breathed, her eyes wide as she took in the scene. "It''s like stepping into another world."


    Karen crossed her arms, glancing around with an air of mild approval. "At least it''s not some boring, industrial mess, but it''s too far in the other direction."


    Ezra ignored their commentary, heading toward the reception desk near the entrance. A young woman with a friendly smile greeted them, her uniform adorned with a badge that bore the gym''s leafy insignia.


    "Welcome to the Celadon Gym," She said warmly. "Are you here for a standard challenge, or something more advanced?" She asked, eying him and Karen with a practiced professional eye.


    After Cerulean, this kind of evaluation and professionalism gave Ezra some relief.


    "Star Challenge," Ezra replied, placing his trainer ID on the counter. He was glad they weren''t kicking him out for being a dude, like in the Anime.


    But then again, that part of the Anime had been fairly retarded to begin with, no way the League would have allowed Erika to only let girls challenge her gym. Even if an all girl lesbian gym sounded like something fun to spectate¡­


    Karen could have been his sacrifice. She did get that kiss from Whitney and had liked it more than she wanted to admit¡­


    The receptionist''s eyebrows rose slightly, but she quickly nodded and began typing on her computer. "Of course. Star Challenges do require some additional scheduling, as Gym Leader Erika is currently booked with other challengers during our regular time slots. Let me check her availability for a switch."


    Misty and Karen exchanged glances as the woman worked, her fingers flying over the keyboard. After a few moments, she looked up with an apologetic smile.


    "The earliest available slot for a Star Challenge is in three days, with some switching around," She said. "I hope that won''t be an inconvenience."


    Ezra''s lips thinned, but he gave a curt nod. "Three days is fine."


    The receptionist printed out a confirmation slip and handed it to him. "Thank you for your understanding, and best of luck in your challenge."


    Karen raised an eyebrow as they stepped outside, the warm sunlight greeting them once again. "I''m surprised you didn''t throw a fit," She remarked, her tone dry. "I''d have bet money on you demanding they bump someone else off the schedule."


    Ezra shot her a sharp glare. "I''m not a child."


    Karen gave him an unimpressed look. "Could''ve fooled me."


    Before Ezra could retort, Misty burst into giggles, trying to stifle them behind her hand. Ezra''s glare shifted to her, but the amusement in her eyes only deepened.


    "I was going to take you out for dinner," Ezra said haughtily, his tone carrying an exaggerated air of wounded pride.


    Karen blinked, startled. "Wait, what?"


    Ezra ignored her, turning to Misty with a faint smirk. "Misty, do you want to go for dinner?"


    Misty''s face lit up with excitement, but a quick glance at Karen made her hesitate, her face going white. She stammered for a moment before forcing a smile. "Uh, actually, I think I''ll check out the mall instead! I hear Celadon has a great department store."


    Karen''s eyes narrowed as she grabbed Ezra''s arm, her grip firm. "So where are we going?"


    Ezra turned his smirk on her, clearly enjoying the moment. "Somewhere nice, I suppose, seeing as you''ve changed your mind."


    Karen rolled her eyes but didn''t let go of his arm. Misty watched them go, a mixture of amusement and disappointment flickering across her face before she turned toward the mall with a sigh.


    As they walked down the sun-dappled streets, the atmosphere between Ezra and Karen shifted into something more playful, her earlier skepticism replaced by a begrudging curiosity about what he had planned.


    Ezra glanced at her, his smirk still in place. "What? Expecting me to pull out all the stops?"


    Karen snorted. "I''m expecting you to try and annoy me. You always do."


    Ezra chuckled, his tone teasing. "That''s just my way of showing I care."


    Karen rolled her eyes again, but the faintest hint of a smile tugged at her lips as they continued toward the restaurant Ezra had in mind. For now, the teasing and banter were enough to keep the mood light, the tension of the gym challenge and their journey temporarily forgotten amidst the charm of Celadon City.


    <hr>


    The restaurant was nothing short of spectacular, nestled in the heart of Celadon City''s lush landscape. From the outside, its design merged seamlessly with the surrounding greenery, its walls made of dark wood adorned with crawling ivy and blooming flowers. Lanterns shaped like glowing Cherrim hung along the entrance, casting a warm light over the cobblestone pathway. A water feature at the entrance trickled softly, surrounded by a variety of aquatic Pokemon sculptures in a clear pond.


    Inside, the warmth continued with a color palette of deep greens, soft golds, and earthy browns. The ceiling arched high above, a latticework of wooden beams intertwined with real vines and flowers. Warm light from floating orbs resembling Chandelure flames bathed the room in a soft glow. Tables were arranged in cozy alcoves separated by tall, potted plants, offering privacy without sacrificing the restaurant''s open, natural ambiance.


    Karen paused just inside the doorway, her sharp eyes taking in the scene. "It''s packed," She muttered, glancing at the full tables, each occupied by patrons dressed in their finest - unlike them, in their regular wear. The murmur of pleasant conversation filled the air, punctuated by the occasional clink of fine china and crystal glasses.


    Ezra stood beside her, his gaze sweeping the restaurant with practiced indifference. He smirked slightly, noting the glint of doubt in Karen''s eyes. "Don''t worry about it," He said, his tone casual.


    Places like this all worked the same way.


    Karen gave him a dark look. "Don''t do it," She warned, her voice low but firm.


    Silly Karen, it''s like she forgot who she was talking to.


    Ezra turned his eyes to her, his smirk growing. "Don''t pretend you care about these people, Karen. It''s alright to want something, once in a while." Without waiting for a response, he stepped forward, approaching the impeccably dressed ma?tre d'' at the podium.


    The man glanced up from his reservations list, his polite smile fading slightly as he took in Ezra''s casual confidence - and his casual dress. "Good evening, sir. Do you have a reservation?"


    "No," Ezra said easily, leaning in slightly to murmur something under his breath. The ma?tre d''s eyes widened briefly, his expression flickering between surprise and calculation. Ezra reached into his pocket, producing a neatly folded stack of bills that he discreetly slipped into the man''s hand.


    Rich place or not, a few months'' salary at once would get even a snob to move his ass.


    The ma?tre d'' straightened, his professional demeanor returning instantly. "Of course, sir. Right this way."


    Karen watched the interaction with a mix of amusement and exasperation. As Ezra returned to her side, she muttered, "You''re such an ass."


    "And yet here we are," Ezra replied smoothly, his smirk intact. Karen rolled her eyes but followed him as the ma?tre d'' led them through the restaurant.


    They were escorted to one of the best tables in the house, situated near a large window that overlooked a beautifully landscaped garden illuminated by soft fairylike lights. The table, adorned with a pristine white tablecloth and a centerpiece of fresh flowers, seemed to radiate exclusivity.


    It also, by the curious looks from onlookers, had been cleared in under two minutes - he wondered who had been moved away?


    Not enough to look around for the angry faces, because he didn''t actually care.


    "This table just magically became available, huh?" Karen asked, her tone dry as she slid into her seat.


    Ezra chuckled, settling across from her. "Magic has its price."


    Their server appeared almost instantly, a young woman with a warm smile and a uniform adorned with nature-inspired accents. She handed them menus printed on golden embossed paper, each item described in elegant script. "Welcome to the Golden Rose," She said, her voice soft and soothing. "Please take your time. Can I start you off with a wine pairing?"


    Also when you dropped a load of dosh, people didn''t care to check ID.


    Karen raised an eyebrow at Ezra, but he nodded smoothly. "Something red," He said, having absolutely no idea what was good or not. "Surprise us."


    The server bowed slightly before disappearing, leaving them in the cozy privacy of their table. Karen glanced around, noting the envious looks they were getting from a few nearby patrons. "You love making people hate you, don''t you?"


    Ezra shrugged, picking up his menu. "They can hate me all they want. Doesn''t change the fact that we''re here, and they''re not."


    He met her eyes and smirked confidently, "Winning is what matters."


    Karen sighed, shaking her head, though the faint smile on her lips betrayed her amusement. "Your confidence is exhausting sometimes."


    Ezra smirked. "You like it. In small doses."


    Karen snorted softly. "Maybe."


    Their server returned with a bottle of wine and two glasses, pouring with precision before retreating once again seeing that they hadn''t perused the menu yet. Karen took a sip, raising an eyebrow in approval. "Okay, I''ll give you this one. It''s good."


    "I don''t settle for less," Ezra replied, leaning back in his chair. "Neither should you."


    Karen hesitated, her gaze flickering to her glass before meeting his. "Easier said than done."


    Ezra''s expression softened slightly, though the intensity in his red eyes didn''t waver. "You''re cut from the same cloth, Karen. You''ve just been taught not to reach for what you want because someone would smack you down if you tried."


    Karen looked away, her grip tightening on her glass. "And you''re saying I should just¡­ What? Ignore that?"


    "Stick with me," Ezra said simply. "No one''s ever going to smack you down again."


    Karen bit her lip, her cheeks faintly pink as she tried to focus on her plate. "Stop saying stuff like that. It''s embarrassing."


    "No," Ezra said plainly, his tone unyielding. "I''ll say what I want, and I''ll do what I want. Someone stronger might delay me for a moment, but in the end, I''ll get what I''m due. That''s how I''m going to live my life. And if I die, at least I didn''t die on my knees."


    Karen stared at him, her expression caught between admiration and disbelief. His words resonated with something deep inside her, stirring thoughts she wasn''t quite ready to voice. She opened her mouth, her tongue darting nervously over her lips, but before she could speak, Ezra''s gaze sharpened, his attention fixed on a table across the room.


    "Is that... Giovanni?" He asked, his voice low.


    Karen blinked, following his gaze. At a nearby table, a tall, imposing man with slicked-back black hair and a tailored suit was pulling out a chair for his companion. His every movement was deliberate, his expression calm yet calculating. The woman was dressed in a flowing kimono that highlighted her modest curves, and was undeniably cute - in the girl next door manner - her short brown hair was held back with a green headband with a figurine of a Bulbasaur stuck through it with a pin. Her perpetually sleepy expression gave her an air of gentle disinterest, but her soft smile as she spoke to Giovanni suggested she was enjoying his company.


    Karen''s lips twisted into a wry smile. "Yeah. And that''s Erika."


    Ezra frowned, his eyes narrowing as he studied the pair. The easy body language between them was unmistakable - too familiar, too comfortable. Surely not, he thought.


    She was young enough to be his daughter! Hells, possibly granddaughter.


    "Erika," He said slowly. "The Celadon Gym Leader, meeting with Giovanni." The leader of Team Rocket¡­


    It could be innocent, he was a gym leader, but Team Rocket also had a large base in this city, didn''t they?


    Karen nodded, seeming almost relieved to have a change of subject, as she reached for her wine. "Yep. That Erika."


    Ezra''s gaze lingered on the pair for a moment longer. Erika''s voice was soft, her mannerisms graceful yet understated. She seemed entirely at ease, chatting with Giovanni as if they were old friends - or something more.


    Ezra leaned back in his chair, his mind whirring with possibilities as he considered the implications. Whatever this was, it bore watching.


    Karen raised an eyebrow, watching him closely. "You look like you''re plotting something."


    Ezra''s smirk returned, though his eyes remained fixed on Erika and Giovanni. "Always."


    Karen shook her head, taking another sip of her wine. "Giovanni would break you without even trying."


    Ezra didn''t respond, his thoughts already drifting to how this unexpected connection might play into his plans. If Erika was on friendly terms with Giovanni, it could complicate things - especially if he was still on their target list.


    <hr>


    Later that night, Celadon Pokemon Center.


    The room was quiet, bathed in the soft light of a bedside lamp. Ezra sat cross-legged on the floor, his back resting against the foot of the bed. His sharp eyes were focused on the small object before him: a slightly speckled Pokemon egg resting on a plush nest of dark cloth. The egg had been with him since the battle tower tournament when he''d first battled Karen. But for weeks now, it had done little more than sit there, seemingly lifeless.


    Ezra frowned faintly, a trace of self-awareness flickering in his expression. Perhaps his treatment of the egg wasn''t exactly kind and had ended the Pokemon inside. For as long as it had been in his possession, he''d been soaking it in his dark aura. Experimenting. Seeing if the ambient influence of his own unique power would have any effect on the creature inside.


    "Maybe it was a bit cruel," He muttered to himself, his voice soft in the quiet room. "But what''s cruelty if it leads to discovery and profit?"


    And more importantly, victory and power¡­


    It wasn''t so different from making an omelet, he reasoned. People didn''t stop to think about what might have been inside the egg and would have eventually been born - if not for their want to consume it - before they cracked it into a frying pan. This was just... A longer process. And far more interesting.


    The room was filled with his Pokemon, each of them settled around him in varying states of relaxation, just enjoying all being out with him.


    Ezra''s fingers drummed idly on his knee as he stared at the egg. By now, he''d almost convinced himself that nothing would come of this. The Pokemon inside was probably dead, unable to survive the unusual conditions he''d subjected it to. But that was fine, too. The experiment wasn''t about ensuring the creature''s survival necessarily- although it would have been a better outcome - it was about seeing what would happen.


    A sudden crackling sound snapped him out of his thoughts.


    His head jerked up, eyes narrowing as he focused on the egg. A faint crack had appeared on its surface, thin as a hairline and almost unnoticeable. For a moment, he thought he might have imagined it, but then the egg shifted ever so slightly.


    "Well," He murmured, leaning forward with interest. "This is unexpected."


    And convenient. Almost too convenient. Was someone pushing things along again?


    The atmosphere in the room changed immediately. His Pokemon, sensing the shift, turned their attention to the egg. Loki drifted closer, his ragged grin stretching wider. Cheshire leaned over the edge of the bed, glowing eyes fixed on the egg. Rider jumped into his lap, to get the best look, and the best seat, Ezra patting his head.


    The rest of his Pokemon give them space, not as curious, Akuma just scoffing at his place guarding the door.


    Ezra''s mind was whirling. What a fortuitous turn of events for the egg to hatch now, when he was alone and safe from prying eyes. Whatever was inside, he''d have the time to assess it properly without immediate questions.


    Another crack appeared, this one more pronounced, splintering across the egg''s surface like a tiny lightning bolt. The shell wobbled, faint scratching sounds coming from within. His Pokemon watched with bated breath, their movements stilled as the egg gave another small jolt.


    Finally, a tiny piece of shell broke away, revealing a patch of black fur beneath. Ezra raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Most Pokemon eggs had a predictable color scheme to their shells, often hinting at the creature inside. But black fur wasn''t something he''d expected.


    More of the shell began to fall away, and Ezra''s intrigue deepened. The Pokemon inside struggled, its small body pushing against the confines of the egg until it finally burst free, landing in the soft cloth with a tiny, triumphant yip.


    It was a Vulpix - or at least, something very close to one. Its fur was jet black, a deep, glossy shade that seemed to drink in the light. The only hint of its typical coloring was a patch of orange-red on its forehead in a diamond shape, and the fiery tips of its six tails. Its bright amber eyes blinked up at Ezra, curious and unafraid.


    Ezra''s grin turned predatory, an eager glint sparking in his eyes. "Well, aren''t you  very interesting," He murmured, leaning closer to the small creature, reaching out with his aura and feeding it darkness.


    The Vulpix tilted its head, its tails wagging slightly. It let out another small yip, its voice high-pitched but oddly soft, as it clambered out of the cloth nest and onto his lap finding the space next to Rider. Ezra watched it carefully, noting the way it moved with surprising confidence for something that had just hatched.


    "This changes things," He said softly, his gaze never leaving the Vulpix.


    He was almost certain this wasn''t a normal Fire-type. The coloration alone suggested something unique, but it was more than that. The way it responded to his presence, and the subtle aura it exuded - all of it pointed to one conclusion.


    A Dark/Fire type.


    One he created!


    Ezra chuckled to himself, his mind racing with possibilities. The implications of this discovery were staggering. If this Vulpix truly was a new type combination, it could open doors he hadn''t even considered before. This one Pokemon could change everything. And wasn''t that just delightful?


    The Vulpix, seemingly oblivious to the weight of its own existence, nuzzled against Ezra''s leg. Its small body radiated warmth, but there was an undercurrent of something darker - an edge that hinted at its unique nature. It was soothed by the dark aura that had surrounded it since its conception, comforted by the very force that might have destroyed it.


    Ezra reached down, running his fingers gently over its fur. The texture was soft, almost silky, and the Vulpix leaned into his touch with a contented sigh.


    "Oh yes," He murmured, his voice low and almost reverent. "This could change a lot of things."


    He could already imagine the look on Professor Oak''s face if he ever found out about this. The man would likely have a coronary at the thought of Ezra deliberately influencing a Pokemon''s development in this way and the amount of different Pokemon he could create. But that was fine. Ezra had no intention of handing this discovery over to anyone - not yet, anyway. This Vulpix was his secret, his project.


    Not even his business needed to know he could do this. Not yet. Not until he had his safety net.


    The Vulpix let out another happy yip, curling up in his lap and resting its head on his knee. Ezra allowed himself a small, genuine smile as he watched it, his fingers idly stroking its fur.


    "Well, little one," He said softly, his tone almost full of greed. "You''ve just earned yourself a place in the history books. Let''s see what you''re capable of."


    The Vulpix yawned, its tiny mouth stretching wide before it settled deeper into his lap. Ezra leaned back, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction as he considered the possibilities.


    In the quiet of the room, surrounded by his loyal Pokemon, Ezra felt a flicker of excitement. The future had just become a lot more interesting.


    <hr>

 The Battle in the Grass.

    Celadon City, Kanto


    The sun was high over Celadon City, its golden rays filtering through the leafy canopy of trees lining the streets as Ezra, Karen, and Misty walked toward the Celadon Gym. The city''s natural beauty seemed even more vibrant today, with flower beds bursting with colorful blooms. Despite the tranquil surroundings, there was an air of anticipation in the group, especially from Ezra, whose usual smirk was stretched a little wider than usual.


    He intended to dominate. He had no problem empowering his Pokemon if necessary to ensure a conclusive victory. Both for his eventual release of a video of said victory, and because he was suspicious of Erika.


    Celadon, if any of the game held any truth, was a Team Rocket stronghold. And with Erika meeting with Giovanni¡­ He wasn''t sure how involved she was with that.


    It seemed unlikely she''d have absolutely no idea. This was her city.


    Karen and Misty flanked him, each looking forward to the fight for different reasons. Misty kept craning her neck to look at the gym''s towering structure up ahead, its roof nearly lost in the dense foliage of the trees that grew through it. Karen, on the other hand, seemed more interested in Ezra, glancing at him every so often as if trying to gauge his mood.


    She was also carrying her Zorua in her arms, snuggling it to her in an adorable way that Ezra would leave alone. For now.


    He could be nice sometimes¡­


    Mostly because his Dusclops, who excelled even more than normal Ghosts at staying invisible, had found that Karen had not reported recent happenings to Agatha, while spying on her for the past few days.


    Ezra was admittedly a little bit smug that he was succeeding in stealing Karen away. Sure, he also liked her. Alot. But you could have more than one reason for something.


    "So, just because you saw Erika have dinner with Giovanni, you''re going to crush her? Can you make that make sense?" Karen asked, looking almost constipated with the way her face scrunched up.


    "And this better not be about you being jealous of Giovanni possibly being close to her¡­" She added, a warning note to her tone.


    Ezra snorted, slipping his hands into his jacket pockets. "Please, I was going to crush her regardless, now I just have an actual reason to enjoy it more."


    Karen rolled her eyes, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips. "Of course. Why bother with strategy when you can just brute force your way through everything?"


    "Exactly," Ezra replied, flashing her a toothy grin.


    Misty, meanwhile, was practically bouncing with excitement, her bright orange ponytail bobbing with every step. "Do you think Erika will have any Pokemon we haven''t seen before?" She asked, her tone eager. "I''ve heard she uses a really strong Venusaur as her ace, but maybe she''s added something new!"


    Karen gave her a look, "You''re getting too used to Ezra''s bullshit already, other trainers do not pull completely new Pokemon or evolutions out of their ass."


    Ezra shrugged lazily. "We''ll find out soon enough. Not that it''ll matter, not against me."


    Misty seemed excited at his confidence, while Karen seemed torn between chastising him, or giving up on a lost cause.


    As they approached the gym''s entrance, the earthy smell of soil and flowers grew stronger, mingling with the faint sweetness of blooming herbs. The Gloom guards they''d seen on their first visit were still there, their drooping forms lounging in the shade of the archway. They barely stirred as the group passed through, their sleepy eyes tracking Ezra for only a moment before closing again.


    Inside, the Celadon Gym was just as breathtaking as before. The natural architecture made it feel like stepping into an enchanted forest, with sunlight streaming through gaps in the leafy ceiling.


    A young woman in a gym uniform greeted them at the reception desk, her smile warm and professional. "Mr. Kassian?" She asked, her eyes flicking to Ezra.


    "That''s me," Ezra replied, his tone casual, already rolling a pokeball in his hand.


    "Right this way," She said, motioning for them to follow. "Gym Leader Erika is waiting for you in the battle area."


    They were led through a winding path that seemed to weave through a miniature forest. Pokemon peeked out from the underbrush as they passed, their curious eyes following the group. A Bulbasaur lounged on a mossy rock, its eyes half-closed in contentment, while a Cherrim stood beneath a beam of sunlight, its petals fully unfurled.


    Misty couldn''t contain her awe, her gaze darting from one Pokemon to the next. "This place is amazing," She whispered, "In our gym we can''t let so many Pokemon hang out, they''d cause trouble."


    Karen raised an eyebrow. "I think that has more to do with the incompetents your Pokemon probably don''t even respect."


    Misty blushed, looking away, but her clenched fists as she stared at the lazing Pokemon showcased her barely hidden anger, still just under the surface whenever her sister''s were brought up.


    Ezra smirked. "Now that you''ve pointed it out, perhaps if we''re lucky, one of these Pokemon will lose it and give you a shock."


    He was almost tempted to poke one of them with his shadow, just to mess with her.


    Karen could say what she wanted, but he knew she liked arguing with him, and being ''bullied'' a little.


    Karen shot him a flat look. "Unlike you. The world doesn''t work on bullying logic."


    Lady doth protest too much...


    Ezra swore he could have heard Misty say, "Bully me too," but it was so low and quick, he might just have imagined it.


    They emerged into the main battle area, a wide open space surrounded by tiered bleachers filled with greenery and flowers. Trainers in gym uniforms were scattered throughout the seats, their eyes already fixed on the battlefield in anticipation. The arena itself was a blend of natural elements and clever design, with patches of grass, sand, and even small streams integrated into the battlefield.


    At the far end of the arena stood Erika, the Celadon Gym Leader. She was dressed in her signature kimono, its floral patterns blending seamlessly with the gym''s theme. Her short brown hair framed her serene face, and a small green headband held it back. She stood with a graceful stillness, her hands folded neatly in front of her as she waited for them to approach.


    She also looked like she was seconds away from falling asleep. But that seemed to be her normal state.


    Considering what kind of gym they were in, he was surprised she didn''t just abuse some sleep powder and take a couple naps.


    Her gym certainly seemed more competent than Cerulean. Some of her trainers could surely pick up the slack?


    Whatever, none of his business. He was only thinking about it because she was cute anyway, and he was self aware enough to know he''d help a cute girl over a guy any day.


    "Ezra Kassian," She greeted as they drew closer, her voice soft and melodic. "It''s a pleasure to finally meet you. Welcome to the Celadon Gym, where nature and the concept of grass holds court."


    Two Roserades standing in the branches above the battlefield cried out their names, as they emptied baskets of flowers, allowing them to rain down above Erika.


    "Erika! Kyaaaah! She''s so cute and perfect!" Some of the gym trainers watching cried out as the flower petals swirled in the air.


    Misty and Karen walked over to the bleachers, already ready to record, as Ezra watched in bemusement as several Oddish and Nuzleaf danced in a ring around Erika, only to bow before her as the flower petal rain ended.


    Ezra tilted his head, his red eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and confidence. She was definitely different, he thought. "The pleasure''s all mine. Your beauty is wonderful, but I''m here to crush you and your gym in a star challenge." He said, his tone laced with just enough irreverence to make Karen groan from the stands.


    Erika smiled faintly, seemingly unfazed by his attitude, even as the Pokemon around her left the field. "I''ve heard quite a bit about you, you know." She said, her gaze steady. "Your reputation precedes you."


    "Good things, I hope," Ezra said, though the smirk on his face suggested he didn''t particularly care either way.


    Erika''s expression still didn''t change, but there was a flicker of amusement in her perpetually sleepy eyes. "Let''s just say your approach has been noted as¡­ Unique."


    Heh, she''s heard from Whitney.


    Ezra crossed his arms, his posture relaxed. "I bet Whitney told you all about how unique my technique was." He flirted lightly.


    "Ezra!" Karen growled in the stands, Misty whispering a question that had a red faced Karen snap at her.


    Ezra ignored them, focused on his opponent. Who if he was not mistaken, had a bit of a red tinge to her expression.


    Erika inclined her head slightly, her tone calm still. "I look forward to how your unique experiences translate into battle then."


    Ezra''s smirk widened. "Oh, don''t worry. You''ll see. My technique outside of battle is something to see too."


    Erika looked amused for a moment, before her placid expression set back in, "Your reputation for shooting for the impossible seems to be correct. Focus here and now, or you will lose." She said, some actual steel creeping into her tone.


    There was a brief pause, the two trainers studying each other. Despite Erika''s calm demeanor, there was an air of quiet confidence about her that suggested she was more than capable of holding her own. Ezra, of course, radiated his usual cocky energy, but there was a sharpness in his gaze that hinted that he wouldn''t take this lightly.


    "You do seem quite confident," Erika remarked eventually, breaking the silence, her tone light but probing, "It''s been awhile since I had a star challenge¡­"


    "I''m confident because I''ve got the skill to back it up," Ezra replied, his voice carrying an edge of challenge.


    Erika''s faint smile remained, though it didn''t quite reach her eyes who were now sharp. "Confidence is important, but overconfidence can be dangerous in a trainer."


    Karen smirked from her seat, muttering under her breath. "Please let her wipe the floor with him."


    Misty giggled softly, though her eyes never left the battlefield. "I don''t know¡­ Ezra''s pretty good, right? Erika isn''t really known as the strongest. I think this is going to be close."


    On the field, Erika gestured to the referee, a young woman standing at the edge of the arena. "Shall we begin?" She asked, her tone calm but with an underlying note of anticipation.


    Ezra nodded, his smirk never wavering. "Let''s."


    As the referee stepped forward to announce the start of the match, the tension in the air grew thicker. The gathered trainers leaned forward in their seats, their eyes fixed on the battlefield as Erika and Ezra prepared to face off.


    For all his bravado, Ezra knew better than to underestimate her. Erika might be calm and soft-spoken, but she was a gym leader for a reason. This was going to be interesting.


    <hr>


    The referee took charge, calling out the rules. "This is a six versus six star challenge, only two switch outs allowed, you may release your first Pokemon!"


    Ezra''s smirk widened as he held Akuma''s Pokeball, not going to make the mistakes of his past, by starting out on the weak foot. Thanks to the wonders of all the TMs he''d bought, and his Pokemons inherent abilities, he would have the diverse set of abilities necessary here.


    Erika raised her hand gently, her calm demeanor unshaken as she tossed her own Pokeball onto the field.


    "Let''s begin," She said softly. "Vileplume, it''s your turn."


    A burst of light illuminated the field, and Erika''s Vileplume materialized. Its massive red-and-yellow flower shimmered with a faint sheen of pollen, its dark blue body rooted firmly to the ground. The air immediately grew heavier, tinged with the sweet but cloying aroma of Vileplume''s natural toxins.


    Ezra grinned, tossing his own Pokeball with a flourish. "Akuma, it''s your time to shine."


    The flash of light revealed Akuma, his Annihilape, to much awe from the crowd. His ghostly gray fur bristled with barely contained energy, his glowing red eyes locked onto Vileplume. A ghostly mist emanated from his body, and his fists clenched with anticipation. He let out a feral growl, eager for battle.


    Erika inclined her head slightly. "Vileplume, let''s start with a classic test. Stun Spore."


    The Vileplume''s petals shimmered as it released a golden cloud of spores into the air, the particles glinting like tiny motes of sunlight as they drifted toward Akuma. The crowd murmured in anticipation.


    Ezra''s voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Akuma, screech, just like we trained!"


    Akuma leaned back, blowing up slightly like a balloon, as if he was filling his lungs. Just as the rain of spores began trickling down, Akuma leaned forward, arms behind him as he bellowed, jaw opened wide, spittle flying.  The screech, beyond being loud enough to leave your ears ringing, making Vileplume flinch back - also had a wind component they''d trained in as an added effect - the storm of spores blowing away off the field.


    Erika''s calm voice broke through the momentary lull, even as she raised a surprised eyebrow. "Impressive adaptation. But let''s see how you handle this. Vileplume, Seed Bomb, make it nice and sweet."


    Vileplume shook its petals again, releasing a spread of large seed sacks into the air, before they exploded like bombs, tiny seeds shooting down like bullets towards Akuma. And if Ezra wasn''t mistaken, Erika definitely had some tricks of her own up her sleeve. The slight hint of purple he spotted meant they were poisoned.


    Well, poison wasn''t very effective on Akuma, and with Vileplume fairly stationary, it would be better to take this and prepare for the next battle after he crushed Vileplume. The damage would be negligible.


    "Tank it, use Bulk Up." Ezra ordered, eyes narrowed as he plotted his next move and tried to predict what Erika would try.


    Akuma roared, drumming his chest in defiance against the rain of Seed bullets, his muscles bulging as his attack and defense raised, the Pokemons rage, and power, rising due to the several hits he took during the process.


    Karen smirked slightly from the sidelines, commenting to Misty who was filming it all, "Ezra''s changing. Before, he would have focused entirely on dodging that instead of planning ahead. Let''s see how long that works against her."


    "He''ll win." Misty said loyally.


    Erika''s calm expression remained as she placidly ordered, "He''s giving us time, Vileplume, Grassy Terrain."


    The battlefield seemed to come alive as green energy surged from the ground. Grass sprouted rapidly, covering the area in a soft, lush carpet. The air grew even sweeter, and Vileplume seemed even more energetic. Ezra knew Erika''s grass Pokemon would get a slight healing boost as long as it was in effect. But it wouldn''t matter against him.


    Ezra gave Erika a respectful nod, having recognized the strategy immediately. "Not bad, setting the field for the future. But that''s not going to save you. Akuma, continue to Bulk Up!"


    Akuma growled, his body tensing as his muscles bulged even further. A faint red aura surrounded him as his attack and defense stats increased yet again, the ghostly mist around him flaring with power. His glowing eyes locked onto Vileplume, a feral grin spreading across its face.


    Erika''s tone remained serene at the coming threat. "Sleep Powder, direct blast while he''s stationary."


    Vileplume released another shimmering cloud, this time as a swirling cone of soft blue powder that flew straight toward Akuma in a twirling mass. The crowd leaned forward, murmuring as they watched the attack unfold admiring the Sleep Powder used in a more targeted fashion.


    Ezra grinned darkly. "Akuma, Bulldoze right in front of you!"


    In an instant, Akuma''s form blurred as he punched the ground hard, in front of him, boosted twice over. The ground erupted, shards of earth rising up and blocking the powder''s path, the rupture continuing towards Vileplume, forcing Erika to move her Pokemon instead of focusing on attacking.


    "Now, Fire Punch!" Ezra commanded.


    Akuma''s fist ignited with flames, the fiery glow contrasting sharply against the lush greenery of the battlefield. It closed the distance in a heartbeat, its blazing fist aimed directly at Vileplume.


    Erika reacted quickly. "Protect!"


    A shimmering green barrier appeared around Vileplume just as Akuma''s fist collided with it. The flames flared brightly, barely lasting through the attack, but it was stopped by the protective shield. Vileplume stood unharmed, its petals swaying gently as the Grassy Terrain continued to heal it from the small damage it had taken from the erupted earth.


    "Good reaction speed," Ezra muttered, his smirk fading slightly. "But you''re just delaying the inevitable. Akuma, Stomping Tantrum!"


    The move doubled in strength if the previous attack failed, and with Akuma''s already doubled strength, Vileplume was in for a bad time.


    Akuma raged, stomping and trashing against the ground, slamming his body into it, the earth rupturing around them as it crashed against Vileplumes Protect. Erika having quickly ordered it enforced - surprising Ezra as the Protect had expanded to cover Vileplume from all sides.


    Still, with Akuma''s raised strength, and the power of the technique. The Protect cracked under the force of the attack, and Erika''s calm demeanor wavered for the first time.


    "Vileplume, Stun Spore!" She ordered, obviously trying to send Akuma into the next round with a disadvantage.


    Vileplume''s petals shock, even as it cried out as the earth pressed in on it with its Protect destroyed, shaking loose a cloud of Stun Spores.


    "Overheat!" Ezra shouted at Akuma. "Burn it off and tackle Vileplume and pummel it."


    The air seemed to ripple around Akuma as he was covered in flames, the very air around him blistering. He channeled his anger into a devastating attack, shooting forward straight through the Stun Spore cloud, his flames protecting him. His entire body glowed with a furious red energy and flames, as he charged forward, his roar echoing through the gym.


    "Vileplume, Grassy Terrain!" Erika called, her voice uncharacteristically sharp.


    She knew her Pokemon was done for, and ensured her Terrain advantage would remain, the Grass growing as green energy suffused it, even as Akuma slammed into Vileplume.


    Vileplume''s petals drooped as it was battered by a wildly swinging Akuma, and with his strength boost, and the flames being super effective, in only moments, Vileplume lay fainted, as Akuma placed one foot on its body, and roared his victory to the heavens, raising his fists.


    The gym attendant raised his flag. "Vileplume is unable to battle. Annihilape wins!"


    Ezra smirked, calling Akuma back to his side. "Good work. That''s one down."


    Erika recalled the fainted Vileplume, her calm expression returning. "Impressive showing, very clever use of techniques and your Pokemons advantages. But this is far from over."


    Ezra crossed his arms, his red eyes gleaming with intensity as he awaited the next Pokemon. "Bring it on, Erika. I''ll take everything you got, and then some."


    The crowd hushed as Erika released her second Pokemon. The Pokeball erupted in a flash of light, materializing into an enormous Venusaur. Its broad, leaf-covered back supported a massive, blooming flower, the petals vibrant with color. Vines rippled like muscles beneath its thick green skin, twitching as if anticipating the battle ahead. Its heavy footfalls shook the battlefield slightly, and the sweet yet overpowering aroma of the flower on its back filled the air.


    it must have been at least twice as big as the average Venusaur, Ezra thought, Akuma roaring in glee at a proper challenge, stomping like a sumo wrestler, roaring out his challenge towards his opponent.


    Karen whistled softly, leaning back in her seat. "That''s one big Venusaur." She said appreciatively, "Look at the size of those legs, it''s all corded muscle.


    Misty''s hands gripped the edge of the bleachers, her voice tinged with concern. "It''s going to be tough for Akuma to get close to something like that, isn''t it?"


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with excitement as he studied the Venusaur, the grin on his face widening. "Well, this just got interesting. Akuma, ready for round two?" He asked, surreptitiously empowering his Pokemon through his aura, ensuring he wouldn''t run out of stamina after a few high powered techniques last round.


    Akuma snarled happily, pounding his fists together as ghostly mist flared around him as he took in the power boost, his fighting spirit burned as fiercely as ever. He crouched low, his glowing eyes locked onto the Venusaur like a predator sizing up its prey.


    Erika''s calm demeanor never wavered as she clasped her hands in front of her demurely. "Venusaur, let''s begin. Leaf Storm."


    Ezra really wanted to get that calm look off her face at some point in this battle¡­ "Akuma Dig."


    The battlefield transformed as green energy surged from Venusaur''s massive form. The Venusaur immediately disappeared from sight, as an absolute monster of a storm covered the battlefield, Ezra was glad for the forcefield covering his position, as the entire arena became filled with razor sharp leaves, Venusaur calling forth an absolutely insane amount of leaves, validating his status as an ace.If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Luckily, Akuma had already dug down, avoiding the barrage, as Ezra''s protective barrier was peppered in a staccato not too dissimilar from bullets hitting it.


    As soon as the storm settled, Akuma crawled out of his hole, dusty and eyes twitching in anger at having had to flee. Ezra wasn''t sure he could get away with an order like that again unless he really hammered him down with his aura.


    Something which was best left for emergencies, lest he damage his relationship with his Pokemon.


    Erika''s voice was soft but firm as she immediately got things going again. "Venusaur, Vine Whip."


    The thick vines on Venusaur''s back shot forward with startling speed, lashing out at Akuma like coiled serpents. Akuma narrowly dodged the first strike, his agility allowing him to sidestep the attack. But the second vine struck with a crack, grazing his side and forcing him to skid backward.


    "Shake it off!" Ezra barked. "Shadow Claw, cut those vines down!"


    Akuma snarled, his fists glowing with ghostly energies. He charged forward, slashing at the incoming vines. The ghostly energy cleaved through the vines, severing them and forcing Venusaur to pull back momentarily.


    "Good," Ezra muttered, brow furrowed. "Now Fire Punch!" Even as he ordered it, he stared at Erika, wondering why she hadn''t made another move, letting him gain initiative.


    Akuma''s fist ignited with flames as he leapt forward, aiming a devastating punch at Venusaur''s side. But the Venusaur''s heavy bulk shifted surprisingly quickly as it pivoted, a vine that appeared severed, knotting itself together and catching Akuma''s ankle, as Erika''s voice rang out.


    "Leech Seed."


    The flower on Venusaur''s back shuddered as it launched a cluster of seeds toward Akuma, who couldn''t escape, busy fighting the vine entrapping him. The seeds burst in midair, tangling Akuma in a web of thick vines that began to sap his energy. He growled in frustration, shaking violently to dislodge the parasitic plants.


    Ezra''s expression faltered slightly. "Burn those off! Overheat, now!"


    Akuma''s flames flared brighter as they surrounded him, even as he punched at the vines binding him. The fire scorched through them, freeing him just as Venusaur''s vines lashed out again, forcing him to leap backward, then again, having to go through acrobatics as Overheat ended and Venusaur''s vines continued to harass him.


    "Venusaur, Razor Leaf," Erika called a small smile playing at her lips, "Box him in."


    Massive leaves appeared off Venusaur''s back, spun like blades before launching forward in a storm of sharp projectiles. The air hissed as the razor-sharp leaves hurtled toward Akuma, forcing him to choose between grasping vines or razor sharp leaves.


    Ezra''s voice was sharp. "Akuma, Phantom Force!"


    "Oh, clever." Karen muttered to herself in the stands, as Akuma completely disappeared from the battlefield. Unable to attack, but also entirely safe from attack. A good ploy to avoid the situation they''d been in.


    Unknown to them all, in a private booth above the bleachers, someone else leaned forward, eyes intent on the battle, silently applauding the efforts so far.


    Erika had used the time to again reset Grassy Terrain, as Akuma returned to corporeal form, immediately receiving his marching orders from Ezra, as Venusaur''s vines had been retracted.


    "Close Combat!" Ezra commanded, "Get in its face, and don''t stop pummeling." It would cost him defensively, but if he could only get a hold of the Venusaur, it would be Ezra''s win.


    Akuma unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks, each strike a blur of power and precision as he jumped on the massive Pokemon. He landed a solid hit on Venusaur''s side, causing the massive Pokemon to stagger slightly. The crowd gasped, and even Erika''s calm expression flickered with concern.


    But the Venusaur didn''t fall. And even as they watched, the hulking beast steadied, Grassy Terrain already healing it.


    "Vines," Erika said simply, shooting Ezra a somewhat sharper smile.


    "Dodge!" Ezra ordered, but it was too late.


    The vines on Venusaur''s back shot out again, this time wrapping around Akuma''s arms and legs before he could react, having no room to dodge. The Annihilape snarled, thrashing against the bindings, but Venusaur''s grip was unrelenting.


    "Overheat." He tried, knowing the vines couldn''t withstand the flames, frowning as he wondered if he dared empowering Akuma again.


    Too much could be obvious.


    "Venusaur, Stun Spore," Erika ordered, her tone unwavering, as her Pokemon acted faster than his struggling one.


    The flower on Venusaur''s back shuddered, releasing a golden cloud of spores directly into Akuma''s face. The Annihilape coughed and snarled, his movements growing sluggish as the paralysis took hold. His body stiffened, his face stuck in a snarl.


    "Damn it," Ezra muttered, his fists clenching. "Akuma, move! Break free!"


    But Venusaur didn''t give Akuma the chance. With a low growl, it lifted the paralyzed Pokemon into the air with its vines and slammed him into the ground with a thunderous crash. The crowd winced at the impact as Akuma let out a guttural growl of pain.


    Misty leaned forward, her expression tense. "Ezra''s going to lose him if he doesn''t do something!"


    Karen shook her head, "He lost this match up when he used Close Combat instead of a more effective technique to close in."


    "Solar Beam," Erika said, her voice soft but commanding.


    The flower on Venusaur''s back began to glow with an intense light, the energy from the Grassy Terrain fueling the powerful attack. The air around the battlefield grew hot as the beam charged, the light building to a blinding intensity.


    Akuma needed to escape before it finished charging.


    Ezra''s jaw tightened. "Akuma, don''t let it end like this! Break out and finish it! Fire Punch, now!"


    Akuma''s eyes burned with fury as his body trembled, fighting against the paralysis. The ghostly mist around him flared violently, surreptitiously boosted by Ezra, and with a deafening roar, he broke free from the paralysis. His fists ignited with flames as he charged forward, breaking the vines through sheer muscle power, his movements unsteady but driven by pure rage.


    The crowd held its breath as Akuma leapt toward Venusaur, his fiery fist aimed directly at its face. The flames connected with a resounding impact, and Venusaur let out a bellow of pain, staggering backward, an obvious burning effect remaining from the hit.


    But the Solar Beam was ready.


    The energy burst from Venusaur''s flower in a blinding beam of light, striking Akuma head-on. The force of the attack sent him flying across the battlefield, slamming into the ground with a heavy thud, continuing to push him as the Solar Beam didn''t stop, pushing him further and further into the ground creating a long groove. The flames around his fist flickered and died as his body went still.


    Ezra had to admire the power the Venusaur held, boosted by Grassy Terrain or not, that was a very strong Solar Beam to take out Akuma in one hit.


    The referee raised his flag. "Annihilape is unable to battle. Venusaur wins!"


    Erika''s gym trainers sitting in the bleachers all cheered, Erika giving them a demure smile that only made them swoon.


    Ezra''s smirk was gone, replaced by a thoughtful expression as he recalled Akuma. "You did good," He murmured to the Pokeball, his voice low. "Rest up."


    Erika inclined her head to him, a spark of interest in her eyes. "Your Annihilape was impressive. But this battle isn''t over yet, show me what else you can do, challenger."


    Ezra''s eyes gleamed with dark intent, as he reached for his next Pokeball, the loss only fueling his determination. "You''re right, Erika. It''s not over. Let''s see how your gigachad Venusaur handles this one."


    Erika''s head tilted cutely, and you could almost see the question marks over her head, "Gigachad?" She asked, puzzled.


    The crowd''s anticipation crackled in the air as Ezra tossed the ball onto the field. The flash of light materialized into his Alolan Marowak, Rider, whose eerie green flames danced along the bone he held aloft like a torch. Rider''s skeletal mask glinted under the light, and his narrowed eyes locked onto the towering Venusaur with fierce determination.


    Karen muttered from the bleachers, "He''s using Rider? That Venusaur''s got the range advantage, and the field is stacked against him."


    Misty leaned forward, concern etched on her face. "Ezra''s got to have a plan, right? Rider''s fast, but Venusaur is so powerful¡­"


    Ezra''s calm, cutting voice echoed across the field, slicing through the tension. "Rider, keep moving! Don''t stop for anything, don''t get caught up in its vines, when you see an opening, fire only. "


    He was counting on Rider''s maneuverability to take it home. That, and the fire techniques he''d learnt.


    Rider responded with a sharp nod, immediately dashing across the battlefield with blinding speed, leaving streaks of green fire in his wake. His movements were erratic and unpredictable, using Quick Attack to dart left and right, back and forth, never staying in one place for more than a second. His ghostly flames trailed like a phantom, making it difficult for Venusaur to anticipate his next position.


    While Ezra had trained with some of his Pokemon on refining the strength of their techniques, with Rider, he''d built him for speed, making Quick-Attack second nature for him.


    Erika gave her command, looking thoughtful as she eyed Rider moving across the field. "Venusaur, cover the field. Stun Spore."


    The flower on Venusaur''s back shuddered before releasing a thick cloud of glittering golden spores. The cloud rose into the air, spreading outward and drifting downward like a toxic mist, attempting to cover the battlefield. Rider took advantage, not even glancing up at the shimmering sky, twirling his bone club, using Fire Spin, the technique shooting forward towards Venusaur, who was still affected by the burn of his previous bout, and was unable to fully dodge.


    Ezra''s smirk widened as he caught the faintest flicker of hesitation from Erika, adding to his orders, "Flamethrower. Up. Back and forth."


    Rider came to a sudden halt, planting his feet firmly on the ground as he raised his bone. The flames that danced along its length flared brightly, intensifying into a roaring inferno before he launched a column of fire into the sky moving back and forth. The Flamethrower met the descending Stun Spore cloud, incinerating it on contact. Golden particles vaporized in an instant.


    Erika''s attempted counterattack while Rider was busy was stymied, as Venusaur flinched back in pain, its burns hurting it.


    The crowd erupted into murmurs, impressed by the counter. Karen smirked slightly, muttering under her breath, "Of course. Burn it all."


    Erika''s soft voice rang out again. "Venusaur, fire is nothing to you, focus, Vine Whip."


    The thick vines shot forward once more, aiming to snatch Rider out of his rapid movements. Ezra''s voice was sharp. "Rider, dodge. Don''t stop moving." Reinforcing his standing order.


    Rider darted to the side just as the vines slammed into the ground where he had been standing. The battlefield turned into a dance of agility and precision as Rider used Quick Attack to stay ahead of Venusaur''s relentless barrage of vines. Every time the vines lunged at him, Rider shifted directions, slipping just out of reach.


    Erika''s calm command came again. "Razor Leaf." An attempt to give Rider no way out.


    Venusaur released a storm of spinning leaves following the same playbook as before, the sharp projectiles slicing through the air in a wide arc. Rider darted through them, narrowly avoiding the razor-edged leaves, though one grazed his side, drawing a thin line against his skin.


    "Shake it off!" Ezra barked. "Keep moving. Flamethrower on the vines!"


    Rider pivoted, sending another more encompassing burst of flames toward the encroaching vines. The fire scorched them, forcing Venusaur to retract its tendrils briefly. The battlefield seemed to settle into a tense rhythm, with Venusaur trying to ensnare Rider while the Marowak focused on evading and countering. Despite Rider''s agility, Ezra''s frustration began to mount as he realized they were in a stalemate. Rider couldn''t land a solid hit, and Venusaur couldn''t pin him down.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, his smirk returning as an idea struck him. His tone was deceptively casual as he gave his next command. "Rider. Play."


    It was a gambit, but Erika seemed to follow a pattern with Venusaur, no doubt born from hundreds of fights. If she does what he thinks she will, he would win this.


    Let Erika think the command was some variation on Play Rough.


    Rider froze mid-step, tilting his head slightly toward Ezra. For a moment, to an onlooker, it seemed like the command confused him, his movements slowing as he deliberately allowed one of Venusaur''s vines to catch him around the ankle. He let out a sharp cry, thrashing weakly as more vines coiled around him, dragging him toward the massive Grass Pokemon.


    Erika''s soft smile grew as she saw the apparent opening. "Venusaur, Sleep Powder."


    And made the exact move he''d expected from her playbook so far.


    The flower on Venusaur''s back released another burst of shimmering powder, this time a deep blue-green hue, aiming to lull Rider into unconsciousness. The powder drifted downward in a thick, choking cloud.


    Ezra''s voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Rider. Now. Fire Blast."


    Venusaur had nowhere to escape this time.


    Rider''s movements ceased entirely for a split second, his green flames surging into a blazing inferno. The bone he wielded flared brighter than ever before as he unleashed a roaring Fire Blast. The intense flames shot straight through the Sleep Powder cloud, incinerating it instantly. The fiery star-shaped blast continued forward, slamming into Venusaur with a deafening explosion.


    The crowd gasped as the flames engulfed the massive Pokemon. Venusaur let out a deep bellow of pain, its body staggering under the force of the attack. When the flames cleared, its flower was scorched, and its vines twitched erratically, another burn spreading across its side.


    Karen leaned forward, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Now that''s how you read a battle." She bit her lip, not even seeming aware as she muttered to herself, "That was so hot¡­"


    Misty was wide-eyed, and whispered, "That was incredible¡­"


    Ezra''s expression was calm but deadly as he called out, "Rider. Finish it."


    Rider, freed from the vines during the explosion, darted forward, his bone spinning in his hand as flames surged along its length. But Erika''s voice rang out just as Rider closed the distance.


    "Venusaur, Earthquake."


    The ground beneath them trembled violently as Venusaur''s massive body slammed into the earth, creating shockwaves that rippled outward. Rider stumbled, thrown off balance by the sudden quake, before crying out in pain as slabs of earth impacted him. The crowd braced themselves as the tremors shook the gym.


    Grassy Terrain made Earthquake halve its damage, thankfully, or Rider would have been out right there. What does it take to put this massive fucker down!? Ezra thought, annoyed.


    "You''ve got this!" Ezra shouted to his little go-getter of a Pokemon. "Get up and fight!"


    Rider gritted his teeth, pushing himself back to his feet even as Venusaur''s vines lashed out again. The two Pokemon clashed in a desperate, chaotic battle, flames and vines intertwining as they traded blows. Rider''s Flamethrower scorched through the vines, while Venusaur''s Razor Leaf and Vine Whip kept him on the defensive.


    The battle reached its climax as both Pokemon launched their final attacks. Rider''s Fire Punch collided with Venusaur''s Power Whip, used through three separate vines, the resulting explosion of damage sending both Pokemon backward. Rider landed hard, his flames flickering faintly as he struggled to rise, only to collapse moments later. Venusaur, its body scorched and trembling, let out a low groan before falling to the ground with a heavy thud as well.


    The referee raised both flags. "Both Pokemon are unable to battle. It''s a double knockout!"


    Ezra couldn''t be dissatisfied with that performance, that Venusaur was a monster, he recalled Rider with a quiet "You did good." Across the field, Erika recalled Venusaur, her expression pleased as she murmured something sweetly to her Pokemon. The crowd erupted into cheers and murmurs, the tension in the air finally breaking.


    Karen leaned back in her seat, letting out a breath she hadn''t realized she''d been holding. "Well, that was a hell of a fight, didn''t see a double KO coming."


    Misty nodded, her eyes shining with admiration for both trainers. "Rider was so cool! And that Venusaur, it''s kind of scary how tough it was!"


    Ezra''s gaze met Erika''s across the battlefield, his smirk growing sharper as he intended to up his game, now behind Erika in downed Pokemon. "Your Venusaur is a monster! It put up a good fight, but this is far from over, I''ll take it all from here on out."


    Erika inclined her head, her voice calm as ever. "Indeed. Let''s see what your next Pokemon can do, I''m looking forward to it."


    They both released their Pokemon at the same time, Erika releasing a Tangrowth, while Ezra released Loki, his Banette.


    "Loki, let''s ramp up the pressure! SS and Shadow Claw!" Ezra barked, his sharp tone cutting through the crowd''s murmurs.


    Loki surged forward, his zipper mouth splitting into an even wider grin as his clawed hands glowed with eerie energy. His movements were erratic, almost playful, as he closed the gap between him and Tangrowth in a flash, as he utilized Shadow Sneak to get behind it. The Banette''s claw slashed downward with a chilling screech, cutting through the air toward Tangrowth''s mass of vines.


    "Tangrowth, Protect," Erika said calmly, her voice soft but commanding.


    Ezra noted it down that she once again had given him initiative and focused on defense. Likely meaning she had a counter prepared.


    Tangrowth''s vines glowed green as before them, an impenetrable barrier formed just in time. Loki''s Shadow Claw slammed into the shield with a burst of energy, the impact forcing the Banette back. Loki hovered in midair for a moment, hissing softly as his grin faltered.


    "Dodge, get back here and Shadow Ball." Ezra ordered, Loki escaping just as Tangrowth let out a cloud of sleep powder.


    He narrowed his eyes, Tangrowth managing to evade Loki''s overpowered Shadow Ball by dragging itself out of the way using its vines that it had hooked into the earth.


    Erika didn''t even give an order¡­ Tangrowth must have a pre-set order to always release a cloud of sleep powder after a Protect, but I''ve seen through her strategy¡­ Ezra thought, a dark grin blooming on his face.


    "Loki, let''s do a fool''s gambit." He ordered, his Pokemon giggling, before disappearing in a Shadow Sneak.


    "Stay calm, Tangrowth," Erika said softly. "Feel the displaced air, counter with Power Whip."


    The mass of vines twitched, lashing out with surprising speed as Loki reemerged behind Tangrowth. Loki immediately Shadow Sneaking to get behind Tangrowth again, and as soon as Tangrowth turned to strike, he did it again, Tangrowth slower now, even as Erika sharply ordered it, "Catch it with Leech Seed!"


    Tangrowth extended several vines toward where Loki would arrive, launching a cluster of seeds that would burst into tendrils upon impact. Loki however hadn''t shown, not switching into Shadow Sneak, Fool''s Gambit was meant to disorient his enemy and make them prepared to turn around and fire, at which point Loki stopped appearing at his enemies back, and fired himself.


    Ezra quickly called out his order, even as Tangrowth and Erika realized they''d miscalculated. "Loki, enough playing around. Take this up a notch. Will-O-Wisp."


    The Banette hissed, conjuring a barrage of blue flames that orbited him like tiny ghosts. He flung them toward Tangrowth in a rapid spiral, the fire weaving unpredictably through the air. Tangrowth''s vines darted upward, attempting to intercept the flames with chunks of earth, but the sheer number of projectiles overwhelmed it. Several flames struck Tangrowth''s body, spreading ghostly burns across its vines.


    This was now a race against time for Erika, her Pokemon heavily burnt.


    Erika''s serene smile wavered as she watched Tangrowth flinch from the flames. "Mega Drain," She instructed. "Keep your vines moving behind you."


    She winced as Loki managed to sneak in a Shadow Ball attack during that, the three small hyper dense balls slamming into Tangrowth, making it cry out in pain.


    Tangrowth''s attempt at Mega Drain completely fizzled out. The burns sapped its strength, the extra damage from Loki''s attacks beginning to wear it down.


    Ezra saw his opening. "Loki, Dark Pulse. Hit it where it hurts!"


    Loki let out a gleeful laugh, raising his hands as a swirling vortex of dark energy formed between them. He hurled the Dark Pulse toward Tangrowth. The vortex slammed into Tangrowth with a deafening roar, sending it stumbling back, its vines flailing wildly.


    Erika''s expression grew tense, her calm demeanor finally showing cracks. "Tangrowth, Grassy Terrain." She ordered, trying to get something out of this bout, acknowledging Tangrowth would lose.


    Once again, the Grass grew as green energy suffused it, the field again ideal for Grass Pokemon.


    "Loki, end this," Ezra commanded, his voice darkly pleased. "Shadow Ball, don''t waste your energy."


    Loki summoned another sphere of ghostly energy, instead of condensing and splitting it, this one was larger and more volatile than before. The orb crackled with raw power as he hurled it forward, the attack streaking across the battlefield like a meteor. Tangrowth attempted to shield itself with its vines, but the Shadow Ball tore through them, slamming into its body with a resounding explosion.


    The smoke cleared to reveal Tangrowth swaying unsteadily, its vines scorched and its form trembling, before it fell, eyes rolling back. Erika sighed softly, her expression resigned. "Tangrowth, return." She held up its Pokeball, recalling the battered Pokemon in a flash of red light.


    The crowd erupted into murmurs, their shock palpable. Loki hovered back toward Ezra, his grin as wide as ever, Ezra smirked, giving him a slight nod of approval.


    "Good work, Loki. You''ll be my ace in this."


    Karen crossed her arms, smirking faintly as she watched Erika prepare her next Pokemon. "He''s in her head now. She knows she can''t play defense and counter forever, but that means changing styles half way through, not an easy switch to make mentally."


    Misty glanced at Karen, her expression still excited as she filmed the encounter. "But Erika''s a gym leader, she''s probably super smart. She won''t go down that easily."


    Karen''s smirk widened. "Yeah, but Ezra''s got momentum. And when he''s got that, there''s no stopping him, he''s got this."


    "You really like - like him, huh?" Misty said, an almost dreamy quality to her expression.


    Karen choked on her own spit, "D-don''t just randomly s-say shit like that!" She said, flustered, her hands waving in front of her as if to wave away the implication.


    On the field, the battle continued, with a burst of light, a Victreebel materialized, its massive bell-shaped body swaying slightly as it emitted a sharp, keening cry. The sharp teeth lining its mouth glinted, and its leafy appendages rustled as it locked its eyes onto Loki, Erika''s serene mask barely masking the tension beneath.


    "Victreebel, Sleep Powder across the field, cover behind yourself," Erika ordered immediately, her tone commanding.


    The air shimmered as a cloud of fine blue powder erupted from Victreebel''s mouth, spreading rapidly across the field, the miasma of powder behind it ensuring no backstabs were possible without consequences.


    Ezra smirked. "Loki, stay out of the cloud and spam Confuse Ray."


    Loki cackled as he floated away from the sleep powder, firing off Confuse Rays, Erika''s Pokemon all having one thing in common - they weren''t exactly speedsters. It was obvious her normal strategy was to play defensive, lay out traps and status effects and then counter.


    Something struggling against his team of overpowered offense.


    Victreebel was forced to cancel any further attack and utilise Vine Whip simply to toss itself out of the way of the many Confuse Rays coming its way.


    "Now," Ezra called casually, Loki so well trained and able to understand him through their connection that he immediately acted, slipping into Shadow Sneak, as Victreebel''s dodging had forced it to abandon the cloud of sleep powder slowly drifting down behind its back.


    Loki reappeared from the shadow beneath Victreebel, his claws already glowing with ghostly energy. "Now, Shadow Claw!" Ezra commanded, striking out with his own arm dramatically, copying the style of one Lelouch vi Britannia.


    The attack landed cleanly, Loki''s claws raking across Victreebel''s side. The Grass/Poison Pokemon screeched in pain, swaying as it tried to recover.


    Erika''s facade faltered, even as she ordered. "Victreebel, Leech Seed, then Mega Drain."


    The bell-shaped Pokemon retaliated quickly, firing a barrage of seeds that exploded into vines upon contact. The vines whipped through the air, trying to ensnare Loki, who stuck his tongue out playfully as he disappeared, utilizing, "Phantom Force." Almost moving before Ezra said the first syllable.


    Ezra''s smirk widened as Victreebel failed to get a single hit in. "Getting desperate, yet, Erika?"


    Erika''s lips pressed into a thin line, but she didn''t respond. "Victreebel, Sludge Bomb in the area the Banette will reappear in."


    Victreebel spewed a glob of toxic sludge toward Loki just as he rematerialized, the attack moving fast and splattering dangerously as it hit the ground, splashing up towards him. Loki narrowly avoiding the attack, already knowing about it, so tied into Ezra''s aura at the moment.


    "Loki, Flamethrower," Ezra ordered suddenly.


    The Banette opened his zipper mouth wide, unleashing a stream of fire that roared toward Victreebel. The flames scorched the battlefield, forcing Victreebel to retreat several steps as it shrieked in pain.


    "Now, Shadow Ball, full power." Ezra followed up.


    Loki conjured small and dense - cut into a trio - swirling orbs of energy in his hands, and hurled it directly at Victreebel. The attack struck the Grass/Poison Pokemon square in the center, sending it skidding back as its cries grew weaker, Erika''s cry of Protect coming too late.


    Victreebel let out a final cry as the burn took care of what little it had left, before collapsing, its body going limp.


    The gym fell silent, the only sound the faint crackle of residual energy dissipating from Loki''s attack. Erika stared at her fallen Pokemon for a long moment before recalling it into its Pokeball. She held the ball close to her chest, her eyes closing briefly as she murmured something under her breath.


    When she looked up, her serene expression had returned, though there was a flicker of something deeper in her gaze - respect, perhaps, or acceptance. "You''ve proven yourself, Ezra," She said softly, her voice carrying through the stillness. "Your Banette is a truly remarkable Pokemon. I foresee my defeat."


    Ezra smirked, his arms crossed as Loki floated back to his side, looking no worse for wear despite the intensity of the battle. "Thank you, but let''s save that for when I''ve truly beaten you," He said, his tone dripping with confidence.


    Erika exhaled softly, her serene mask slipping just enough to reveal a flicker of self recrimination. "You''ve trained your Banette well," She admitted again, her voice calm but tinged with some annoyance for the first time. "I choose the wrong strategy for this fight, you''ve certainly taught me to not rest on my laurels. Let''s see how well you handle the rest of my team."


    Ezra wasn''t worried. From her entire demeanor, he was fairly certain she only had her weaker Pokemon left. A Star challenge in technicality was supposed to face a gym leader''s best team - but gym leaders had more than six Pokemon, and he doubted all six of these were her starters.


    It was up to a gym leader''s discretion what they used.


    If he had to guess. Vileplume and Venusaur were the only ones that qualified.


    She released her next Pokemon. With a burst of light, an Exeggutor materialized, its three heads swiveling in different directions as if surveying the battlefield independently. The towering Grass/Psychic Pokemon swayed slightly, the leaves on its head rustling as it locked onto Loki with its many eyes.


    "Exeggutor, start with Psychic. Don''t give it any time to maneuver."


    The crowd murmured as Exeggutor''s eyes glowed, an aura of shimmering psychic energy attempting to surround Loki almost immediately. The Banette however had already slipped into Phantom Force on Ezra''s order, one given at the same time as Erika''s.


    Erika narrowed her eyes, Loki unavailable to attack, but only for so long. "Keep it up. Psychic the second he appears." She ordered.


    Ezra simply waited, coolly, his intent already brought forward by his aura and connection to Loki, unaware of the many impressed looks he was getting from the bleachers.


    As soon as he reappeared, Loki was already gone via Shadow Sneak.


    Loki''s grin wide even as the psychic energy crackled around him trying to grasp him. In a flash, Loki reappeared behind Exeggutor with an orange glow already visible in his mouth.


    "Now, Flamethrower!" Ezra commanded, at the same time as Erika smiled, saying, "How predictable. Psychic."


    Loki choked on his flames, as he was grasped within Psychic''s grasp, and slammed into the ground, the Banette''s body almost flattening like a pancake.


    "Exeggutor, Seed Bomb!" Erika ordered swiftly, hoping to take advantage, and knowing the Psychic wouldn''t hold forever.


    Exeggutor released a barrage of glowing green seed bombs from its leafy canopy. The seed bombs exploded, seeds ripping through the battlefield in bursts of energy. But Loki had already darted away, disappearing into the shadows once more to appear behind Exeggutor raking across its back with Shadow Claw.


    Erika''s lips pressed tighter together. "Use Trick Room. Change the flow of the battle."


    Exeggutor''s eyes glowed again, and a shimmering barrier surrounded the field. Time itself seemed to warp as the Trick Room took effect, shifting the battlefield so slower Pokemon would move faster and the faster Pokemon would move slower.


    In this case, the Psychic type would get the first shot as Loki got hampered within the Trick Room.


    Ezra raised an eyebrow, his smirk unfaltering. "Cute trick, but speed isn''t Loki''s only weapon."


    Exeggutor Grabbed Loki in Psychic again, but Ezra wasn''t about to lose his dominating win. He allowed his aura to flow into Loki, beefing his power up.


    To everyone else, especially a wide eyed Erika, it looked like Loki simply tore his way through both the Psychic and the psychic field, leaving Exeggutor reeling from the backlash.


    "End it. Shadow Ball, full power. Auto." Ezra commanded, his tone sharp. It would be tiring, but he was feeding his ''mon energy, so it was fine.


    The Banette cackled, summoning the three small swirling vortexes of ghostly energy in his hands again. The technique shot forward, followed by another and another, as Loki spammed it, all of them slamming into Exeggutor with devastating force. The Grass/Psychic Pokemon toppled, its three heads letting out synchronized groans before falling silent.


    Erika recalled her fainted Pokemon with a graceful motion, though her brow furrowed slightly. "I''m seeing a lot of new things today¡­" She remarked.


    She tossed another Pokeball into the air, her last one. With a burst of light, her Roserade arrived. It stood tall, its vibrant bouquet-like arms flexing as it prepared for battle.


    "Roserade, Venom Drench. Flood the battlefield."


    Roserade spun gracefully, releasing a slew of poisonous sludge that quickly spread across the arena. The purple wave rushed forward ominously, threatening to engulf Loki entirely.


    Ezra didn''t hesitate. "Loki, clear a path. Flamethrower."


    Loki opened his zipper mouth, unleashing a torrent of fire that roared through the poisonous sludge. The flames burned away the toxic wave in a straight line, leaving nothing but scorched ground in the wake. The crowd gasped at the display, but Ezra''s expression remained impassive as Loki''s form slipped through, cackling all the while.


    "Follow it up with Shadow Ball," He ordered at the same time as Erika ordered a repeat, a resigned expression on her face, already aware of her loss.


    Loki wasted no time, hurling a normal - if boosted by his auras - sphere of ghostly energy toward Roserade. The Grass Pokemon tried to dodge, but the Shadow Ball was too fast, striking it directly and sending it skidding backward.


    Erika let out a soft sigh, recalling her Roserade rather than allow it to take more damage in a foregone conclusion. "You''re relentless," She admitted, her voice calm but strained. "You''re certainly not an average trainer¡­"


    Her eyes pierced his for a few moments, as Erika seemed to mull something over, but eventually she just shook her head, as the referee called out the victor.


    Erika opened her eyes, her expression calm once more. "You''ve proven your skill, Ezra. I concede this match." She offered him a faint smile. "Your Banette is truly exceptional. I underestimated you."


    Ezra chuckled, his red eyes gleaming with pride. "You''re not the first. And you won''t be the last." He paused for a moment, "Good match." He acknowledged with an honest smile.


    Erika stepped forward, her graceful demeanor intact despite her loss. She extended a hand to Ezra, her smile faint but genuine. "Congratulations," She said. "You''ve earned this victory." With the other hand, she brought out a star badge for conquering the Grass Gym.


    Ezra took her hand briefly, his smirk softening just enough to appear gracious. "Thanks. You put up a good fight." He glanced down at Loki, who was already spinning in lazy circles as if bored. "But you were never going to win this one."


    Erika chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Perhaps not. But it was an honor to face you. I''ll be interested to see how far you go."


    Ezra smiled dangerously, "Keep an eye out, I''ll be the best soon enough."


    <hr>


    The crowd in Celadon Gym had mostly dispersed after Ezra''s decisive victory over Erika, though the energy still lingered in the air like the fading scent of flowers. Ezra stood near the battlefield, his arms crossed and his expression carefully neutral as a reporter from the local news chattered away, a microphone shoved almost uncomfortably close to his face.


    It had been bound to happen eventually, a news station cottoning on to what he was doing, or getting a tip from one of the gym leaders.


    It was good for him, no doubt. More exposure didn''t hurt, it would make it easier for him once his online presence took off.


    But reporters were just so annoying.


    They were only finally getting to the battle, the reporter wasting ten minutes going over his background and the names of his Pokemon¡­


    "Ezra Kassian, an impressive victory! Erika herself called your performance today remarkable - how does it feel to claim your latest gym badge in such a dominating fashion?"


    Ezra shrugged, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "It feels like I did what I came to do. Erika''s a strong opponent, no doubt, but my team''s prepared for anything."


    The reporter''s eyes gleamed, clearly hoping for such a boastful answer, Ezra kept his tone measured as he continued. "I''ve always said it''s about the work you put in before the battle. Winning here just shows that work is paying off."


    Cheating helps too, he thought with some amusement as the reporter immediately continued peppering him with questions.


    "And what about your Banette, Loki? It was absolutely relentless out there! A future fan favorite for sure - what''s your secret to such a high level of coordination?"


    Ezra tilted his head slightly, considering his words. "There''s no secret. It''s just trust and a lot of training. Loki knows I expect him to think on his feet and adapt. I give him the tools, but he makes the choices."


    The reporter nodded eagerly, glancing back at the cameraman for a moment. "One last question - what''s next for you, Ezra? With several star badges under your belt, are you looking to make history? No one''s ever completed a circuit with a full set of Johto and Kanto star badges."


    Ezra leaned forward, a cocky smirk on his face, his red eyes gleaming faintly under the gym''s soft lights. "Next? We keep going and keep crushing the opposition. I''ll face whatever''s next and keep proving we belong at the top, taking home that record. Simple as that."


    That should ensure he''d make the news. People loved that shit. Half to see an unlikely journey to the top - half hoping to see him crash and burn.


    But either way, the news media would be all over it, because hate it or love it - people would follow it.


    The reporter beamed. "Thank you for your time! Congratulations again on your victory, and best of luck on the road ahead!"


    Ezra gave her a small nod, already turning to leave before she''d even finished her sign-off. Misty and Karen were waiting near the bleachers, and Loki floated lazily beside him, his zipper mouth stretched wide in his usual mischievous grin. Ezra was ready to regroup and move on when a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks.


    "Impressive battle," Giovanni said smoothly, stepping forward from the shadows of the gym''s side entrance. His sharp suit and polished shoes looked out of place in the natural ambiance of the gym, his presence commanding attention with an ease born of experience.


    Ezra''s posture stiffened almost imperceptibly, though he quickly masked it with a polite smile. "Gym leader Giovanni, to what do I owe the pleasure?"


    That probably explains why a news crew was hanging around, he thought, chagrined.


    The Viridian City Gym Leader chuckled, his deep voice resonating across the now-quiet battlefield, his friends keeping their distance, seeing who he was with. "I was in town for other business and heard you''d be challenging Erika. Naturally, I couldn''t resist watching. Your reputation is growing quickly, Ezra."


    Ezra nodded slightly, keeping his tone neutral. "Glad you enjoyed the show." What does he want¡­? He couldn''t help but wonder.


    Giovanni''s dark eyes studied him for a moment, as though weighing something in his mind. "I see good things in you, young Ezra. You remind me of some of the finest trainers I''ve seen rise through Kanto, trainers I''ve helped along the way. Strong, determined, and unafraid to push boundaries. We need more young trainers like you - patriots who care about Kanto''s strength and future."


    Ezra kept his face impassive, though inwardly he was already wary of Giovanni''s words. "A


    I appreciate the compliment," He said carefully. "But I''m aiming to achieve things on my own terms. I don''t want to be under anyone''s umbrella."


    If he refused to be under Agathas''s thumb, he certainly wasn''t about to put himself under Giovanni''s.


    Giovanni smiled faintly, as though he''d expected the answer. "A noble sentiment. And one I can respect." His tone shifted slightly, becoming softer, almost paternal. "You''re ambitious, Ezra, and ambition can be a double-edged sword. But with the right support, it can change the world, keep that in mind should you ever need a helping hand, or even just a word of advice."


    Ezra met Giovanni''s gaze head-on, his expression polite but distant. "I prefer to forge my own path, for better or worse."


    This was playing with his head. Was this a low key recruitment effort? An attempt to get him somewhere for a proper kidnapping? Or was Giovanni being serious?


    Either way, he would obviously not take the man up on the offer.


    The older man chuckled, seemingly unbothered by Ezra''s lack of enthusiasm. Almost weirdly unbothered actually. How many people told him no, nowadays?


    "Fair enough. Candor is a rare quality these days, and I appreciate it." He paused, his tone taking on a more pointed edge. "But tell me - for my own curiosity, how are you holding up after your ordeal with Team Rocket? That must''ve been¡­ Unsettling."


    Ezra''s entire body tensed, though he fought to keep his voice steady. "How do you know about that?"


    He already knew the League was a leaky mess, but he couldn''t act like he knew, so the question had to be asked.


    Giovanni waved a hand dismissively, his smile remaining firmly in place. "Oh, I have friends in high places, as you can imagine. It''s part of the territory when you''ve served as a war hero and gym leader for as long as I have. News like that doesn''t stay hidden for long."


    He shook his head, a frown on his face, "It''s unfortunate that they appeared so heavy handed towards such a bright young man."


    Ezra clenched his fists at his sides, though he managed to keep his tone dry. "I am handling my experience just fine. It was unfortunate for them, I suppose. But when you''re dealing with terrorists, you can''t expect to find thoughtful, intelligent people. That''s why they''re terrorists, they''re too stupid to know better."


    Giovanni''s eyes glinted with something unreadable, his smile widening slightly, showing more teeth. "True. But I imagine their interest in you wasn''t entirely random. With your growing fame, it''s likely they intended to recruit you. A mistake, no doubt, on some subordinate''s part to attack you in such a way."


    Ezra''s heart raced, but he kept his expression carefully neutral. Was that a veiled admission? Giovanni had wanted to recruit him, not take him? He couldn''t trust it. "That sounds unlikely," He said, his tone cold. "But mistakes happen now and then, to people high and low."


    Giovanni tilted his head, his smile never faltering. "Indeed. Food for thought, perhaps. But it doesn''t matter now. What''s done is done, they''ve overstepped and were properly punished."


    Ezra nodded curtly, his mind racing. Every instinct screamed at him to finish this and get away, to not let Giovanni prod at him any longer. "If that''s all, sir, I should get going. Don''t want to keep my team waiting."


    Giovanni stepped back, his tone as smooth and polished as ever. "Of course. I won''t hold you up any longer. Good luck on your journey, Ezra. I''ll be watching your career with great interest."


    Ezra gave a polite nod, his expression unreadable. "Appreciate it."


    As Giovanni turned and walked away, his polished shoes clicking softly against the floor, Ezra let out a breath he hadn''t realized he''d been holding. Loki floated beside him, his mischievous grin replaced with something almost contemplative as he watched Giovanni leave - eyes flicking to Ezra, who shook his head immediately. Nope, no way!


    Spying on Giovanni was a bad idea. If anyone could detect a Ghost hiding in his shadow, it was that man.


    He appreciated Loki''s initiative, but that was just an all around huge risk he couldn''t take.


    Ezra''s thoughts churned as he made his way back to Karen and Misty, who had been watching the exchange from a distance. He could feel their questioning gazes as he approached, but he offered no explanation, his mind still preoccupied with Giovanni''s words.


    "That looked... Intense," Karen said cautiously, "What did he want?"


    "Nothing important," Ezra replied, his tone clipped. "Just making small talk."


    Misty frowned, clearly unconvinced, but Karen didn''t push further. "Well, whatever it was, at least you didn''t end up challenging him or something, you would have been wrecked."


    Ezra didn''t respond, his gaze distant as they left the gym. Giovanni''s words echoed in his mind, a subtle warning hidden beneath layers of charm and civility.


    That or a veiled recruitment offer.


    Food for thought¡­


    What did he know that he wants me that badly?


    <hr>

 A Torn Heart.

    <hr>


    A week after Celadon,


    Pewter City, Kanto.


    The sun was dipping toward the horizon, as they walked across the rocky terrain outside of Pewter City. The air was crisp, carrying the faint earthy scent of moss and dry stone. The landscape was quintessential Pewter - rugged flatland peppered with boulders and patches of sparse grass, with hills and the start of the mountain not far away in sight.


    Ezra walked with his hands in his jacket pockets, his posture relaxed but his gaze sharp as it flicked across the terrain, assessing the area. Beside him, Brock kept pace, arms folded across his broad chest, his expression somewhere between curiosity and exasperation. The rock gym heir was used to Ezra''s antics by now, but something about this walk struck him as different.


    "So," Brock finally said, breaking the silence, "Are you going to tell me why you''ve dragged me out here, or are you planning on keeping me in suspense forever?"


    Ezra smirked, his eyes scanning the rocky ground in front of them. "Don''t worry about it. You''ll find out soon enough."


    Brock let out a low grunt, his brow furrowing. "You''ve been staring at rocks for twenty minutes, and I''m starting to think you''re looking for fossils or buried treasure."


    Brock honestly wouldn''t be surprised if that was the case. Nor would he be surprised if Ezra somehow pulled an ancient Pokemon never before seen up from behind a boulder.


    It was just an Ezra thing.


    It made absolutely no fudging sense! But it was an Ezra thing.


    Ezra chuckled, kicking a loose pebble across the dirt path. "Nah, nothing like that. I''ve got bigger plans."


    Putting all your eggs in one basket was bad, two was better, three was good, but if you''re on a roll anyway? Why not four?


    Brock raised an eyebrow. "Bigger than all the other stuff?"


    "Much bigger." Ezra''s smirk widened as he bent down to inspect a patch of gravel, running a hand over the coarse surface. wondering if this area would be too loose, before straightening up. "But before I get into that, how are things with your dad?"


    The sudden shift in topic caught Brock off guard. He hesitated before answering, his gaze turning toward the distant silhouette of Pewter City. "He''s... Dropping hints still," Brock admitted, his voice laced with frustration. "Keeps talking about wanting to do a world tour, go on some grand adventure like the old days. You know, ''live a little'' before it''s too late."


    Brock tried to hide the bitterness, but he wasn''t sure he succeeded.


    Ezra snorted, shoving his hands back into his pockets. "Don''t you have, like, forty siblings or something?"


    Brock rolled his eyes. "Not quite that many."


    Even if it felt like it some mornings¡­


    "Still," Ezra scoffed, "What an unrepentant ass. He wants to leave you the gym you don''t even want and make you a single parent to your siblings, at your age. The sheer balls on this guy..."


    Brock''s jaw tightened, but he didn''t deny it. "Yeah, that''s... Pretty much the gist of it. Not much I can do about it."


    Ezra continued walking, the crunch of gravel beneath his boots the only sound for a moment. Then, without looking back, he said, "You could always leave on your own Pokemon journey before he dips."


    He didn''t want Brock to pick that option, he''d prefer him here. But it was an option, and Ezra might as well bring it out first, to make it easier to eviscerate if Brock showed any interest.


    Brock wrinkled his nose, his expression sour. "I''m not a quitter. And I''m not leaving my family holding the bag." He said seriously, the weight of his family pride evident in his tone.


    Ezra shrugged lazily, placing his hands behind his head as he walked. "Fair enough. There''s another option, though."


    Brock side-eyed him, suspicion flickering in his gaze. "Does it have anything to do with walking around and checking if this patch of rocky ground is different from the other patch of rocky ground?"


    Ezra only smirked, studying him for a moment.


    Brock narrowed his eyes defensively. "What?"


    "Nothing," Ezra said nonchalantly, turning his attention back to the landscape. "I''ve been a good influence on you, is all."


    Brock hadn''t had nearly this much sass in the beginning.


    Brock snorted in amusement but didn''t argue the point. "Sure, sure. So, what''s this big plan of yours then?"


    Ezra gestured to the stretch of land they were walking on, just a stone''s throw away from the outskirts of Pewter City but far enough from any residential areas to offer some privacy. The terrain was ideal - flat enough to develop but rugged enough to fit Pewter''s aesthetic.


    Also it was dirt cheap, because Pewter wasn''t exactly expanding.


    "If we can swing it," Ezra said, "I intend to start a business here."


    Diversify, diversify, diversify.


    Brock blinked, looking around as if trying to see the vision Ezra had in his head. "Another one?" He rolled his eyes slightly. "I''m surprised you even bother with the circuit, Mister Big Shot Businessman." He teased.


    Ezra buffed his nails against his jacket, pretending to inspect them for any imperfections. "Naturally, because I''m awesome enough to do both. Peasant."


    Brock chuckled, shaking his head. "Truly, I''m blessed to know you." He said sarcastically.


    "Truly, truly," Ezra agreed with a sage nod. Then, his tone turned serious as he explained, "I''m going to call it the Kassian Racecourse. A sports stadium, but focused entirely on Pokemon competing in athletic events. Swimming, flying, running, accuracy challenges - every type of contest you can think of and that will bring people''s money in, from the sheer novelty of something other than battling if nothing else."


    He knew these Pokemad people, this wasn''t even a bet. They would pay to see some Pokemon race each other, or duel in shooting challenges etc. Just because he thought the Orange League were idiots, didn''t mean he couldn''t see the profit in doing something similar, just for entertainment, not official gym challenges.


    Brock was silent for a moment, his brow furrowing as he considered the idea. Then, slowly, he nodded. "That... How has no one thought of that before? People would love it."


    Ezra shrugged, the corners of his mouth twitching into a satisfied smirk. "A lot of people are incredibly set in their ways when it comes to Pokemon. I picked Pewter because I have roots here already now, and my other business will be in Lavender. It''s good to diversify."


    There probably were small contests here and there, someone must have thought of it, they lacked what Ezra would have though - streaming access. Something that would ensure everyone knew about it.


    Brock muttered to himself, still thinking it over. "The Pokemon would even love it. Contests of ability and strength - it''s in their nature. People would come from everywhere to compete, trainers love new challenges too, especially if there is good prizes."


    Ezra''s smirk widened. "Which would give Pewter a nice chunk of change in tourism. The Racecourse will pay for itself through entrance fees, concessions, and competitor registration fees alone."


    The physical side he didn''t even care about, it''s how useful it would be for his online side of the business. Sure, it was a nice chunk of change to help pay for operations. But the real money would be in using it for making money online.


    Brock nodded thoughtfully, already picturing the impact on the city. "It''s a really good idea."


    "Of course it is," Ezra said, winking. "But you haven''t even heard the best part yet." He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "I can tell you, because I trust you not to go blabbing, and it''s going online soon anyway... But I have another business in the works. I''m building a platform for streaming Pokemon battles online - something way bigger than those clunky forums everyone''s stuck using."


    Brock raised an eyebrow. "You mean like a website? I don''t know, those aren''t very popular." He said dubiously.


    "Not just a website," Ezra said, shaking his head. "Functions that connect people instantly, anyone can tape a Pokemon battle and have it up immediately after for the whole region to see, even stream it live if they got the right gear. Video-sharing, texting, calls - all of it integrated in one place where everyone can join in. And more importantly for the business, the ability to transfer money directly through the platform."


    Ezra''s thoughts raced with barely held back excitement, as he mentally mapped out the infrastructure that was already put in place. Due to the trainer system, the banking system was already equipped to handle electronic transfers, which made monetizing his platform easier.


    The likes of Poketube, and the Pokeworld equivalent of Twitter and Instagram (new names pending) would all be free. Ads would bring in some of the dough once he became the only game in town capable of reaching all markets, but his largest revenue point would be elsewhere, still.


    Through his lawyer, he''d secured deals with the banks already in the past week, ensuring that payments would flow smoothly once it was set up on their end, which Cecile would have to help with, as the banks did not have the expertise in programming to be quick about it. And with no established internet regulations in Kanto or Johto or anywhere as far as he was aware. The League wouldn''t be able to retroactively censor him once everything launched.


    Because they did have laws on the book preventing them from randomly outlawing or forbidding something after the fact, without a serious cause for justification.


    And his lawyer would ruin them if all they had was - we don''t like that this kid can say what he wants and we can''t stop it. The League had the power, but they still had to manage the PR.


    Making betting online illegal after people already had their taste¡­ Would be practically impossible. People loved their Pokemon battles. They''d be addicted to betting on their favorites after the first nibble.


    Poketube, and add in his own version of Twitter, livestreams - everything was poised to explode in this Pokemad world. He''d already seen how much people loved watching battles in person. Giving them the ability to watch, comment, and more importantly, bet, online - was going to revolutionize everything.


    It would be a huge cash cow.


    As it were, the entertainment side of the world was very lacking, which meant most people really needed something to waste their hard earned earnings on. Everyone had some form of technology, either on them, or a PC in their home. The internet was underutilized, and companies had somehow not realized yet just how far reaching it could be.


    Physical casinos would be dicey with the laws and law enforcement. It would also increase the risk of criminal gangs getting involved trying to muscle in, and cause all kinds of problems for him. So he''d gone with the smarter option.


    With him running an online betting empire, where no one would be able to match him in time to matter, not with the stranglehold he''d have over online business for quite some time. He''d never have to worry about cash flow again, as Pokemon battles weren''t exactly going to stop. Ever.


    This little athletic event arena in Pewter would be perfect for giving people some diversity in experiences and something new to bet on.


    And while the arena would have his name slapped on - his online businesses wouldn''t.


    Sure. The government would know, but your average Joe would have no idea Ezra ran all that stuff online, with him controlling the flow of information, it wouldn''t even be hard to obfuscate.


    Brock''s voice snapped him back to reality. "Another business. I stand by my previous statement - you''re ridiculous."


    Ezra chuckled, his gaze sweeping over the land. "You''re missing the best part, Brock. Once the Racecourse is up, we can start betting on the events. Every contest will be streamed live, with bets placed through my online platform. Eventually, I want to stream every gym battle and let people bet on those too, even allow trainers to stream their own battles for bets too."


    He''d use the best like an influencer back in his own world. Letting them monetize their channels in return for more content. Always keeping the 24/7 money wheel spinning.


    "That can''t be legal!" Brock said, his eyes wide as he processed the scale of Ezra''s plan.


    Ezra grinned mischievously. "Kanto and Johto both have absolutely no laws against online betting."


    They really didn''t have any online laws yet, nothing worth mentioning anyhow.


    Wasn''t that just a dying shame?


    Brock sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Of course they don''t."


    Ezra pressed on, "Anyway, here''s my pitch. You want to study Pokemon, right? So how about I attach a stable to the Racecourse? You''ll have access to different species, can study and experiment with their dietary needs, behaviors, and training methods. And when there aren''t enough competitors, you can use the Pokemon in the stable to fill out the events."


    Once this was built up, it meant he''d lose Brock as caretaker of his Pokemon, but he could find other solutions there.


    Brock looked gobsmacked. "You want me to run it?"


    Ezra rolled his eyes. "Yes, rockhead. I''ll give you a ten percent stake. That should be enough to get you out of being a gym leader for a few years while still staying close to your family."


    And give him a dependable guy to keep all his Pewter interests under control. Really, Brock was worth more than the ten percent to Ezra.


    He just knew the idiot would have accepted at one percent, so really, he was being generous.


    Brock opened his mouth, but for once, he was lost for words. "Ezra... I don''t even know what to say."


    Ezra smirked. "Don''t get too sentimental. The ten percent is also because I''m leaving it to you to convince your dad to approve the business and its purpose, since it involves Pokemon on a large scale."


    The Gym Leader always had final say over these kinds of things if there was one. Otherwise the League would have to sign off. Like Steven had to do to push through with their Lavender breeding business.


    Brock raised an eyebrow, his voice dry. "Ten percent suddenly feels too small."


    "Suck it up," Ezra said with a grin, slugging his shoulder.


    <hr>


    That night, Karen''s room.


    Karen nervously eyed the screen, the soft hum of the device doing little to ease the tension weighing down her shoulders. Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted the camera angle, forcing herself to sit upright even as her heart raced in her chest. She hated these calls nowadays.


    They used to be so easy. But so much had changed. She had changed¡­


    The screen flickered, and the familiar face of Lady Agatha appeared. Her sharp features looked harsher in the low light on her end, the shadows highlighting every crease on her face. The old woman''s eyes narrowed, their intensity undimmed by age.


    Karen tried to offer a weak smile, but Agatha didn''t give her the chance to speak.


    "Karen," Agatha barked, her voice cold and curt. "What is this nonsense you''ve been sending me?"


    Karen''s mouth opened, but no words came out. She knew exactly what Agatha was talking about. Her recent reports on Ezra had been¡­ Lacking. Deliberately vague. But hearing Agatha call it out still sent a wave of dread crashing through her.


    "I-uh, I''ve been -"


    "Don''t," Agatha snapped, leaning closer to the camera. "Don''t you dare give me some half-baked excuse. Your latest report was a waste of time. Useless! Barely three paragraphs, and none of it worth reading. Where are the details? Where''s the progress?" Her voice was venomous, each word like a whip crack.


    Karen swallowed hard, her gaze dropping to the desk in front of her. "I-I''m trying," She stammered. "It''s not easy, Ezra doesn''t - he''s careful -"


    "Oh, spare me the sob story," Agatha said coldly, cutting her off again. "I didn''t expect it to be easy. Do you think I''d have sent you if it was? You''ve been with him long enough to make some progress. Instead, all you''ve done is send me vague nonsense and excuses."


    Karen''s chest tightened, her hands clenching into fists on her lap. "I''m doing the best I can."


    She knew it was a lie.


    "No, you''re not," Agatha said sharply. "You''re slipping, Karen. I can see it. You''re going soft."


    Karen''s head snapped up at that, her eyes wide. "I''m not -"


    The disappointment in her eyes¡­ Her chest hurt.


    "Don''t lie to me!" Agatha''s voice rose, and Karen flinched. "I know you, girl. I''ve trained you. I''ve seen the way you''ve changed since you started traveling with him. You were sharp, focused, determined. But now?" She shook her head, her gaze piercing through the screen. "You''re distracted."


    "I''m not distracted!" Karen protested, her voice shaking. "I -"


    "Are you in love with him?" Agatha''s voice cut through Karen''s protests like a knife, cold and merciless.


    Karen''s breath hitched, and her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. "I - what? No! I -" She stumbled over her words, her heart pounding wildly in her chest. "I''m not - It''s not -"


    Agatha leaned closer to the screen, her expression dark and dangerous. "You''re blushing. Stuttering. Do you think I can''t see what''s happening here? You''re smitten with that brat."


    Under her breath she added, almost spitting it out, "Teenagers, tch."


    Karen''s face burned hotter, and she shook her head violently. "I''m not -"


    "You''re a stupid, silly little girl," Agatha growled, her tone filled with ire. "Do you think you''re the first to fall for someone on the job? You''re not special. Stop thinking with your vagina, Karen. There will be plenty of lovers over the years. Trust me - I''ve had dozens, the first is always a disappointment, spare yourself the waste."


    Karen gagged internally, her stomach churning at the thought. "Please, I don''t -" She shook her head, her voice weak. "I don''t want to hear about your -"


    "Oh, grow up," Agatha snapped, waving a dismissive hand. "This isn''t about me. It''s about you losing your edge. You''re getting too close, and it''s affecting your work."


    Karen bit her lip, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. "I''m doing my best," She whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Why could she never¡­


    Why couldn''t she be strong when facing this. She''d known it would happen¡­


    Agatha scoffed. "You couldn''t fool even the dimmest Psyduck with that load of shit."


    The words hit Karen like a slap, her breath hitching as she tried to steady herself. Her mentor had always been harsh, but this felt different. More personal.


    Agatha''s gaze hardened, her tone dropping to something cold and unforgiving. "Listen carefully, Karen. You have one month. That''s it. One month to find out how Ezra makes his Ghost and Dark Pokemon so pliant, so obedient. I don''t care what you have to do. But if you fail¡­"


    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Karen''s breath hitched as Agatha''s face loomed closer to the screen, her eyes narrowing into slits. "If you fail," She said slowly, her voice like ice, "You will be recalled. And trust me, you will not like your remedial training."


    Karen''s throat felt like it had closed up, her breath shallow as her fingers trembled in her lap. "I -" She tried to speak, but her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I understand."


    "Do you?" Agatha pressed, her gaze unwavering.


    Karen nodded weakly, a bead of sweat trailing down her temple. "I-I understand."


    Agatha leaned back slightly, her sharp features softening just enough to reveal a hint of something more human beneath the cold exterior. She sighed, sagging slightly in her seat as she rubbed her temples. "I love you like a granddaughter," She said, her voice quieter but no less firm. "That''s why I''m being hard on you. I don''t want to keep punishing you. So, stop fucking up, Karen, so I can stop spanking you for it."


    Karen''s lip quivered, but she didn''t respond. What could she say? Agatha''s words hung heavy in the air, suffocating her. She didn''t feel like a granddaughter.


    She adored her mentor. Respected her. Owed her everything. But now more than ever, after what she experienced with Ezra¡­


    This relationship felt like a one way street.


    The silence was broken by the sudden, sharp sound of Agatha''s hand slamming down on her desk. The screen flickered, and the call abruptly ended.


    Karen sat frozen, staring at the blank screen in front of her. Her chest heaved as she struggled to catch her breath, her hands shaking uncontrollably. She squeezed them together, wringing them in her lap as she tried to process the conversation.


    "She''s right," Karen whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "I''m messing everything up."


    She''d been avoiding making a choice. It was her fault.


    Tears pricked the corners of her eyes, but she blinked them away, refusing to let them fall. She couldn''t afford to break down now. Not when the clock was ticking.


    Behind her, a faint ripple in the air went unnoticed. In the shadowed corner of the room, Ezra''s Dusclops hovered silently. Its single red eye glowed faintly, unblinking as it watched Karen''s every move.


    <hr>


    The next morning, Ezra''s kitchen,


    The comforting scent of scrambled eggs and sizzling sausage filled the room, punctuated by the faint hiss of batter hitting the hot pan. Ezra stood at the stove, flipping another pancake with a practiced flick of his wrist, his gaze thoughtful despite the casual smirk tugging at his lips.


    Behind him, Misty sat at the kitchen table, leaning over a large bowl of water where her Magikarp lazily burbled, its red scales glinting faintly in the light. Misty''s tone was soft and encouraging as she cooed at her Pokemon.


    "We''ll swim together for an hour today if you do your training as well as you did yesterday," Misty said sweetly, running her fingers along the surface of the water. The Magikarp flopped its fins enthusiastically, sending tiny splashes onto the table. Misty giggled, wiping them away with her sleeve.


    There was a knock at the door. Ezra didn''t bother looking up, casually calling over his shoulder, "Door''s open! Come on in and grab some food."


    He''d known Brock was coming long before the knock. His Ghosts had picked him up from the edge of the property ages ago. Not that Ezra would ever mention this to anyone. Letting people think you were just lucky or observant was far more useful.


    Brock entered the kitchen, pulling out a chair with a warm smile. "Morning, Misty," He greeted, his voice as grounded as ever.


    "Morning," Misty replied, offering a polite smile before returning her attention to Magikarp, stroking its back as it happily burbled in its bowl.


    Ezra finished the last pancake, sliding it onto a plate before carrying three servings to the table. He placed a plate in front of Brock, then Misty, before setting one aside for Karen, whom he could hear moving sluggishly downstairs. Each plate was filled with scrambled eggs, golden sausage links, and a small stack of pancakes - vaguely shaped like Pikachu.


    Misty giggled as she poked at the lopsided pancake on her plate. "Uhhh, is this supposed to be¡­ A Pikachu?"


    Ezra didn''t miss a beat, sitting down across from her. "If you can recognize it, then I did good work."


    Brock chuckled, cutting into his pancakes. "Looking for praise as always, I see."


    Ezra grinned, serving himself a generous helping of eggs and sausage while leaving Karen''s plate ready on the counter. He finally heard her footsteps on the stairs, slower and heavier than usual. His mind briefly flicked to what Dusclops had reported to him last night - his connection with his ghost good enough he could understand what it saw. Things were heading to a conclusion, he''d seen the confrontation with Agatha, the ultimatum, and Karen''s visible distress. They were entering the final round of their silent battle for her loyalty. Either Agatha would win¡­ Or he would.


    And Ezra Kassian didn''t lose.


    Karen shuffled into the kitchen, looking like a zombie that had been dragged through a storm. Her hair was a tangled mess, her eyes were rimmed red, and her skin was unusually pale. She wore an oversized sweatshirt that looked more like it was swallowing her whole than offering comfort.


    "Bad night?" Brock asked, his tone genuinely concerned.


    Karen collapsed into a chair, not even bothering to respond right away. Misty chewed her bottom lip nervously and darted a glance at Ezra, as though silently asking, Did you do something?


    Really, Misty? Ezra thought, exasperated. Where''s the belief? Not all girl problems were boy problems. Sure, in this case, it kind of was, but Misty didn''t need to know that.


    "Go sit on a Pinsir," Karen muttered darkly, grabbing the syrup container and squirting a liberal amount directly into her mouth. She then grabbed the Pikachu pancake off her plate, rolled it up like a burrito, and stuffed the entire thing in her mouth.


    Misty blinked, clearly unsure how to respond. "Uh¡­ I have training," She said quickly, grabbing her plate and bowl of Magikarp. "See you later!" Without another word, she rushed out of the kitchen, nearly knocking over a chair in her haste.


    Ezra shook his head as he watched her go. Misty obviously thought this was some sort of lovers'' spat. It''s just not like that, he thought dryly.


    Brock, meanwhile, was watching Karen with increasing concern as she drowned her scrambled eggs and sausages under an obscene amount of syrup. He looked to Ezra, his eyes silently pleading for help. "Doesn''t¡­ Doesn''t food usually require chewing?"


    "Just leave it," Ezra said, waving Brock off. "She''s allowed to be tired and cranky."


    Because, to him, her mood wasn''t a problem - it was confirmation. It meant Karen was conflicted. And if she was conflicted, then she wasn''t wholly on Agatha''s side. That was what mattered.


    He''d give her another little push¡­


    ¡­ Once she was done ruining breakfast.


    Brock, however, didn''t seem to get the memo. Seemingly having a light bulb moment, a bad one, "Oh, she''s on -"


    Ezra immediately began waving his hands, frantically gesturing for Brock to shut his mouth, but the big-headed idiot ignored him.


    " - her period. Makes sense. I hope you feel better," Brock added warmly, as though he''d just offered a helpful suggestion.


    The room fell into a deadly silence.


    Karen''s head slowly turned toward Brock, her neck creaking like a horror movie animatronic. Her eyes narrowed to dangerous slits, and her mouth twisted into a tight, rictus grin. "So, I have to be on my period if I''m not peppy enough for you, Brock?" She growled, her voice low and threatening.


    Ezra tried one last time to save his friend through a meaningful glare that practically screamed, Run, you fool! But Brock, in all his clueless glory, smiled sheepishly and kept going.


    "It''s okay. It''s only natural." Said while patting her hand.


    Ezra facepalmed. RIP, Brock. You brought this on yourself.


    Sure enough, Karen''s plate - still half-covered in syrup-drenched eggs - flew across the table and slammed into Brock''s face with a satisfying splat. The syrup dripped down his cheeks as Karen huffed angrily, crossing her arms.


    "Get a fucking girl before you try to be an expert," She snapped.


    Brock chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. "Uh¡­ I''m gonna go wash up and help Misty." He quickly bolted from the room, leaving a sticky trail of syrup on the floor behind him.


    Karen rolled her eyes, dragging Brock''s abandoned plate over and continuing to drown it in syrup, emptying the bottle that had been full before she sat down. She side-eyed Ezra, daring him to comment. "Any remarks, or are you smart enough to stay quiet?"


    Ezra shrugged, unfazed. "I''m an ass all the time. I''m fine with you being one too. Makes things more fun."


    A flicker of a smirk crossed Karen''s face before it shuttered, her expression turning guarded as she focused on her food.


    Ezra leaned back in his chair, watching her closely. He''d thought to wait longer before making his move, but what better time than now? She was vulnerable, torn, and teetering on the edge. Even if she betrayed him, it would no longer derail his plans. His businesses were set to launch with or without his direct involvement. The only thing left was the Kassian Racecourse, which was still in its conceptual phase.


    He made his decision.


    "I have a gift for you," He said smoothly, "Might cheer you up."


    Karen scoffed, her cheeks bulging with pancakes. She swallowed visibly before grunting, "I doubt it."


    Ezra smiled knowingly as he pulled out a Pokeball and released its contents onto the table. In a flash of light, the Dark Vulpix appeared, its black fur sleek and shimmering as it yipped happily, wagging its tails.


    "I already got you that Zorua," Ezra said, leaning forward slightly. "But you''re important to me, so I needed something special."


    Karen stared at the Vulpix, her cheeks flushing bright red as she registered his words. But then her eyes widened, and she pointed a shaky fork at the Pokemon.


    "Vulpix aren''t Dark Pokemon!" She blurted out, her voice a mixture of shock and disbelief.


    Ezra waved her concern off with a flippant hand. "New evolution. Doesn''t matter."


    Karen looked back and forth between him and the Vulpix, her hands trembling slightly. "You - this - do you have any idea what you''ve done?" She sputtered, her mind clearly racing.


    Ezra smirked, leaning back lazily. "Do you accept?"


    He knew exactly what he''d done.


    Vulpix was very well known. Very well researched. This was the proverbial last drop.


    Karen stared at him, her chest rising and falling as she struggled to process everything. She knew what this meant. By confirming through the Vulpix that he definitely had an unnatural ability or cheat, she was being forced to make a choice. Agatha or Ezra. There would be no turning back. No one month deadline like she''d been given.


    She''d have to choose. Soon.


    After a long pause, Karen sighed, slumping back in her chair. "Ezra¡­ Some days, I really hate you."


    "Thank you," Ezra said calmly, his smirk widening as he savored the small victory.


    <hr>


    The late morning sun hung high over the horizon, shining down on the small lake on the quiet outskirts of Ezra''s property in Pewter. The water shimmered like liquid glass, its surface occasionally rippling as a soft breeze danced across it.


    All of it creating a serene backdrop to Misty''s quiet swim. Her arms sliced cleanly through the water, her body gliding effortlessly beneath the surface before she broke through, gasping softly and brushing stray strands of her damp orange hair from her face.


    Nearby, her Magikarp splashed excitedly, creating small waves that lapped at Misty''s shoulders. She giggled, reaching out to gently pat the Pokemon on its head. "Good boy," She murmured, swimming in a slow circle around him. The Magikarp burbled happily, flicking its tail to spray her with a playful burst of water.


    Misty let out a delighted laugh, wiping her face as droplets dripped from her lashes. The water was cool and refreshing, a welcome reprieve after the intense morning of training she''d just put her Pokemon through. Her body ached pleasantly, muscles slightly fatigued, but it was the kind of ache that came from hard work, the kind that made her feel alive.


    It had been another tip from Ezra - one of many he''d generously shared with her since she''d joined him. "Work on something now and then with your Pokemon," He had said, that ever-present smirk tugging at his lips. "Show them you''re serious. Let them know you''re with them."


    At the time, she''d thought it sounded simple, almost too obvious to be worth mentioning. But now, as she floated lazily beside her Magikarp, she realized just how meaningful it really was. Her Pokemon weren''t just following orders - they were responding to her dedication. They saw her putting in the work alongside them, and in turn, they gave everything they had.


    Ezra''s a genius, she thought, her lips curving into a soft smile. Obviously some sort of hidden prodigy.


    Sure, some of his advice seemed obvious now, but wasn''t that the mark of true brilliance? Making something complex seem simple? If it were really that easy, then why hadn''t anyone else told her things like this before?


    The thought soured her mood slightly, her smile fading as she reflected on what Ezra had said about knowledge in the world of Pokemon training. Clans and gyms hoard information, he had explained to her one evening, his tone tinged with disdain. They keep it within their circles, refusing to share it with the average trainer. That''s why so many people never reach their potential - they don''t have access to the tools they need.


    Misty had initially been skeptical. It didn''t seem fair or right, but then again, not much in the world of Pokemon was fair. Perhaps she''d never noticed this knowledge-hoarding phenomenon because her sisters weren''t exactly¡­ well, competent. They had little to hoard, and Misty had always been forced to figure things out on her own.


    But the more she thought about it, the angrier it made her. How many water Pokemon didn''t she know about because their evolutions or training methods were locked behind closed doors by people who refused to share what they''d discovered? How much potential had been stifled because of that selfishness?


    She kicked her legs gently beneath the water, sending ripples outward as she exhaled a frustrated sigh. Ezra''s kind of doing the same thing, she admitted begrudgingly. He wasn''t exactly handing out his knowledge for free. But at least he was selling it, putting it out there for the world to see. Eventually, the information would be available to everyone. It wasn''t like those dirty clans who hoarded it forever.


    Her gaze softened slightly as she studied her reflection in the water. I don''t count, I''m not part of any clan anymore, she reminded herself firmly. Not really. The Cerulean Gym may have once been part of the power structures that hoarded knowledge, but that was in the past.


    Her mom had been the last real tie to those clan days - the waterflower clan was almost eradicated in the war - and with her gone, it was just Misty and her sisters. They weren''t a clan - they were just a group of girls trying to make things work.


    And that''s exactly how I like it, she thought, determination hardening her expression. She would make a name for herself as the greatest water type master in the world, and she''d do it on her own terms.


    Besides, the clans were why there had been a war in the first place! They were outdated. Someone like Ezra would show them! Maybe even Misty one day!


    Her Magikarp splashed again, pulling her from her thoughts. Misty giggled, paddling toward him and running her fingers gently along his scales. He wriggled happily beneath her touch, spraying her with another playful burst of water. "You''re getting stronger," She said softly. "Keep it up, and we''ll get you there."


    She kept a watchful eye on Staryu and Goldeen who were just lazily enjoying the water, too tired to splash around, a small burst of pride filling her chest again.


    She swam around them all in long lazy circles, her mind drifting back to Ezra. She owed so much to him already. Every day he either worked directly with her or sent one of his Ghost Pokemon to help with her training.


    Nyx and Cheshire, two of the most powerful and mischievous ghosts Misty had ever seen, were regular fixtures in her sessions. They would fire low-powered attacks at her Pokemon, forcing them to dodge, build stamina, and work their muscles harder. The results had been almost immediate - her team''s speed, evasion abilities, strength, and endurance had all improved dramatically.


    She couldn''t help but be amazed by it all. Ghost Pokemon were supposed to be difficult to train - mischievous and unpredictable, but Ezra made it look effortless. They worked independently under his orders, helping Misty for hours at a time without causing any chaos. Who else could do that? She wondered, her admiration for him growing with each passing day.


    Her cheeks flushed as she sank lower into the water, blowing bubbles as she tried to shake the thought. He''s just my mentor, she reminded herself sternly. That''s all. But her heart betrayed her, beating faster as she thought about how much time they''d spent together.


    How he always knew the right thing to say, even when she was feeling insecure. How he pushed her to be better without ever making her feel small.


    It''s not fair, she grumbled inwardly. Why did he have to be so¡­ Perfect? If he were just a little less amazing, maybe her stupid c-crush would go away. But no, he had to be the guy with all the answers, the guy who didn''t treat her like a kid.


    She sighed, sinking deeper into the water until only her eyes and nose were visible. Why couldn''t he be like other boys - dirty and clueless? Then maybe she could get over him.


    Her mind wandered, conjuring an image of a nice and pleasant Ezra, holding a bouquet of roses and smiling sweetly at her while dressed in a crisp suit. The image made her laugh underwater, bubbles rising to the surface. Nope. That''s not him at all. She adjusted the image, adding his usual cocky smirk, and suddenly it felt a bit more real. Still weird, but real.


    She wasn''t going to get between him and Karen though. It was obvious the two were going to end up together. A girl could dream though¡­


    With a huff, she kicked off the bank, surfacing with a splash. "Magikarp, everyone¡­ Let''s train more! 100 more laps!" She declared, her voice echoing across the water.


    Her Magikarp flailed enthusiastically, clearly up for the challenge. But in its excitement, it launched itself onto the grassy shore, flopping uselessly on the ground as it appeared to be trying to get away from the lake with each flop.


    "Magikarp! Silly, you can''t do laps on the ground!" Misty called, swimming over, scrambling across the ground to pull him back into the water. She cradled him in her arms, rolling her eyes affectionately. "What am I going to do with you?"


    She released him back into the pond, watching as he splashed happily before turning to wave over her Goldeen and Staryu. They exchanged wary glances before reluctantly following Misty''s lead.


    "Come on, you two," She said, already kicking off into the first lap. "We''re going to be the best water team in the world!"


    Goldeen let out a low groan, and Staryu''s core pulsed faintly in protest, but neither of them hesitated to follow. They followed Misty closely, cutting through the water as she set the pace. Her thoughts drifted away as the rhythm of her strokes took over, each lap a small victory toward her larger goal.


    Because one day, she would stand at the top, and everyone who had ever doubted her would see what a real water master looked like.


    <hr>


    Elsewhere, forest on Ezra''s land.


    Karen sat cross-legged in the middle of a quiet clearing, the forest around her alive with the faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of bird Pokemon. Shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the canopy, shining on the forest floor in patches of warmth that contrasted against the cool, damp soil beneath her. Her back rested against the sturdy trunk of an ancient oak, the rough bark pressing into her shirt as she leaned her head back, eyes half-lidded as she stared through the swaying branches above.


    She was alone, save for the Dark Vulpix nestled comfortably in her lap. Its shadowy tails curled lazily around her thighs as it nuzzled against her stomach, its warm breath soft against her skin. Karen''s fingers gently traced along its silky black fur, moving in slow, rhythmic strokes that should have been soothing. But no matter how comforting the sensation of the Pokemon in her lap was, it did little to calm the storm raging within her.


    I don''t know what to do.


    The thought had been repeating itself over and over in her mind, an unrelenting drumbeat that echoed through her chest and left her feeling hollow. She rarely knew what to do anymore, not since leaving on the journey with Ezra.


    That boy¡­ That infuriating, arrogant, brilliant boy had turned her world upside down. Life was different now. It was an adventure, a thrill that never seemed to end. Every day was something new, something exciting. It made her feel alive in a way she hadn''t known she''d been missing.


    But it was also terrifying.


    Scary, frustrating, maddening. Ezra had the ability to make her want to scream and laugh all at once, to pull her hair out one moment and then - somehow - be grateful he was there the next. He pushed her buttons like no one ever had, driving her to the edge of her patience with his smug comments and cocky smirks. He knew exactly what to say to make her blood boil, and worse, he seemed to enjoy doing it.


    And you enjoy it too, a small part of her admitted begrudgingly. She sighed, her fingers absently scratching behind the Vulpix''s ear. She loved arguing with him, loved being able to let her snarky, sarcastic side show without fear of being scolded or told to "act proper."


    With Ezra, she could be herself - flaws and all without worrying about judgment or expectations. He didn''t expect her to be quiet or subservient. He didn''t try to control her actions or thoughts. If she followed his lead, it was because she chose to, not because someone forced her hand.


    Despite everything, despite the situation that had been forced on her, she chose to stay. Even though she was a spy.


    She bit her lip, her gaze flicking down to the Vulpix as she ran her hand along its sleek back. The small Pokemon let out a contented yip, leaning into her touch. Did he know? she wondered. When he gave you to me, did he know what I was going through? It wouldn''t surprise her. Ezra had a way of knowing things he shouldn''t, of seeing through people''s masks and uncovering the truths they tried to hide.


    He hides things from me too, she thought, her chest tightening at the thought. It was obvious, and she couldn''t even blame him for it. She had her own secrets, her own baggage she kept locked away. He didn''t know the full extent of her history with Lady Agatha, and she wasn''t sure she ever wanted him to.


    Another sigh escaped her lips as she tilted her head back against the tree, staring up at the fragmented view of the sky. Does it even matter? She thought bitterly. In the end, it''ll all come crashing down no matter my choice.


    Her fingers tightened slightly around the Vulpix as she thought about the conversation she''d had with Agatha last night. The older woman''s voice had been sharp, her words cutting through Karen''s defenses. Agatha had accused her of going soft, of letting herself be blinded by something foolish and sentimental. Karen had denied it, stammered her way through a half-hearted protest, but even she hadn''t believed her own words.


    She blushed, her face heating as she remembered Agatha''s cutting remark. "Are you in love with him?" She had asked, her tone dripping with disdain.


    Karen had stuttered out a denial, but the mere thought had left her heart pounding and her cheeks burning. Agatha had cursed her, called her a stupid, silly little girl, and told her to stop thinking with her body. Karen cringed at the memory. She hadn''t needed Agatha to go into detail about her own romantic escapades, thank you very much. The thought alone was enough to make her stomach turn still.


    I''m not in love with him, she tried to convince herself, though the words rang hollow even in her own mind. She buried her face in the Vulpix''s fur, inhaling its comforting scent as she tried to sort through the mess of emotions tangled in her chest. She wasn''t sure when it had started - when the annoyance and frustration had turned into something warmer, something that left her blushing and flustered more often than she cared to admit.


    He''s just¡­ Different, she thought, her fingers tracing lazy circles along the Vulpix''s back. Ezra''s oddities were part of what made him so captivating. There was something about the way he carried himself, that air of confidence and self-assurance that seemed to radiate from him. And yet, for all his bravado, there were cracks in his armor - moments when he tensed at the wrong comment or avoided eye contact when certain topics came up.


    She''d noticed it in the way he interacted with the world around him. At Pokemarts or in crowded towns, strangers would mutter behind his back, call him a freak, or stare too long at his - to her - striking appearance. His albino features and piercing red eyes made people uncomfortable, and it wasn''t uncommon for children to point and ask their parents if he was even human.


    But Ezra didn''t seem to notice. Or if he did, he acted like it didn''t matter. He moved through the world with the kind of confidence that made it seem like normal people simply didn''t exist to him unless he was actively interacting with them. She would have marked it down as sheer arrogance if she hadn''t seen how he tensed when someone he was paying attention to mentioned it.


    It was like most normal people, the ones who weren''t Nurse Joys, gym leaders or great trainers, didn''t matter. He didn''t even pay attention to their existence unless he needed something from them. It was undoubtedly weird. But just another quirk of his that she lov-liked. That she liked.


    Karen banged her head lightly against the tree behind her, letting out a soft groan. Why am I even thinking about this? She chastised herself. She was supposed to be figuring out what to do next, not listing every strange, endearing quality Ezra possessed or how h-hot he was! If she wanted to spend all day thinking about him, she''d be stuck here forever.


    She blushed again, her mind betraying her with images of his smirking face and the sound of his voice - deep, teasing, and just a little too smooth for her own good. Maybe Agatha''s right, she thought miserably. Maybe I am thinking with my¡­ She blushed harder, unable to even finish the thought.


    I''m a healthy young woman, she defended herself. Fantasies were normal. Completely normal. She picked up the Dark Vulpix and hugged it to her chest, giggling softly as it licked her chin. Its warm, playful affection was a welcome distraction from the turmoil swirling in her mind.


    But distractions wouldn''t solve anything. She knew that all too well. At some point, she''d have to make a choice. The Vulpix yawned in her arms, its tails curling around her wrists as it settled back into her lap. Did Ezra know how much this gift would mess with my head when he gave it to me? She wondered again.


    There was no way this Vulpix was a fluke. He had something - some trick or method that allowed him to create these new evolutions. If she figured it out, if she found proof of his abilities, Agatha would have everything she needed to force him into service.


    Karen''s stomach twisted painfully at the thought. We could be apprentices together¡­ The idea had flitted through her mind before, but it always came crashing down under the weight of reality. Ezra wouldn''t see it that way. If she betrayed him, if she handed him over to Agatha, he would hate her. He would never forgive her.


    "I don''t know what to do," She whispered, her voice barely audible over the rustling leaves. She hugged the Vulpix tighter, tears brimming in her eyes as she rested her chin on its head. She was torn between her feelings and her duty, caught in an impossible situation with no clear way out.


    If she betrayed Ezra, she''d lose something she''d never had before - something she desperately wanted to hold onto. She''d lose the excitement, the friendship, and the warmth that came with being by his side. But if she betrayed Agatha, she''d lose her dream of becoming an Elite Four. The woman who had lifted her out of obscurity, who had trained her and shaped her into the person she was today, would cast her aside.


    And betraying Agatha would blacklist her from the League, she held no doubt.


    "Fucking hate you both," She muttered weakly, her tears spilling over as she snuggled the Vulpix closer. But even as the words left her mouth, she knew they weren''t true. That was the problem. She didn''t hate them. She had other feelings about them both, and that was what made it hurt so much.


    Why does it have to be like this? She thought miserably, her tears soaking into the Vulpix''s fur. She was trapped, torn between loyalty and love, between her dreams and her heart.


    And she didn''t know which side to choose.


    <hr>


    The midday sun hung high above the rocky terrain of Pewter City as Brock trudged up the steep incline toward the small family home nestled on the edge of town. The roof, covered in patches of moss, peeked out through a thicket of trees. It was the same house he''d grown up in before they''d moved to a larger home, and though it should''ve felt like a comforting reminder of simpler times, it didn''t.


    Because Flint was waiting inside.


    Brock adjusted his shirt collar, rolling his shoulders as though preparing for a fight. In many ways, he was. He''d known this conversation would happen eventually, but now that it was here, he felt the familiar tension coil in his chest like an Onix ready to strike.


    He pushed open the creaky wooden door without knocking, stepping into the dimly lit entryway. The smell of dust and faint traces of burnt toast hit him, and he sighed. Flint''s ''cooking'' was legendary - unfortunately, not in a good way.


    "Dad? It''s me," Brock called, stepping into the cramped living room. A worn leather couch sat lopsided against the wall, a pile of newspapers and empty coffee mugs scattered across the floor around it.


    His favorite hang out, for when he didn''t want to take care of his kids for a day.


    Flint lounged lazily in an armchair near the window, his feet propped up on a table cluttered with old Pokeballs and a half-empty bottle of whiskey. His broad shoulders stretched his shirt tight, the thick stubble lining his jaw added to his rough, weathered appearance, and his eyes - weary yet still sharp - flicked toward Brock with a mix of curiosity and irritation.


    "Well, if it isn''t my soon to be successor," Flint drawled, taking a swig from the bottle. "What brings you home to the old homestead instead of the new, boy? Didn''t think you''d come back unless I dropped dead."


    Brock closed the door behind him, swallowing his irritation. "We need to talk."


    Flint grunted, setting the bottle down with a heavy thud. "Alright, talk. But make it quick. I was just getting comfortable."


    Brock ignored the sarcasm, walking further into the room and standing stiffly by the table. "It''s about the Racecourse Ezra Kassian is building that I called you about."


    A wasted call, Flint had said no halfway through the first sentence, and then hung up.


    Flint''s brow furrowed, and he let out a derisive snort. "That kid again? What''s he want now? You already told me about his business ideas when we talked earlier, and I said no."


    "You didn''t hear me out before," Brock said firmly. "This isn''t just some small business idea, Dad. This could change everything for Pewter City. Ezra''s planning to build a Pokemon Racecourse - a stadium for competitions, events, and contests. It''ll bring in tourism, money, and jobs. We''re talking about a long-term investment that''ll benefit the entire city."


    Flint rolled his eyes, shifting in his chair as he stretched his arms. "And why exactly do I care about some stadium? I already run the Pewter Gym, and we''ve been doing just fine without any fancy new projects."


    Brock''s fists clenched at his sides, but he forced himself to stay calm. "You care because it''s not just about the stadium. Ezra''s offering us a ten percent ownership stake in the business." It''s good for us.


    Being good for the city should have been enough¡­


    Flint raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "And that''s supposed to mean something to me?" He began cleaning his teeth with a nail, showing just how little he cared for the discussion.


    "It means steady income for our family," Brock pressed on. "It means extra funds to help support my siblings and fix up this old house and our new one. It means less financial strain on you, especially if you''re so keen on leaving the Gym to me."


    Flint scoffed, leaning forward in his chair. "I''m not leaving the Gym to you because of money, Brock. I''m leaving it to you because it''s your duty. You''re my son. My successor. That''s how this works."


    Brock''s jaw tightened, his voice lowering into a controlled but firm tone. "I can still be your successor, Dad. But I don''t have to do it right now. There''s no reason for me to take over the Gym so early when I have other opportunities to explore."


    Especially when it''s just an excuse for you to fuck off¡­


    Flint''s expression hardened, and he leaned forward, planting his elbows on his knees. "There is a reason. I''m the reason. I''m the boss, and if I say you''re taking over the Gym, that''s all the reason you need."


    Brock exhaled through his nose, his patience wearing thin. "Ezra Kassian is going to be the next Steven Stone," He said, his voice struggling to remain even, his dad just made everything so hard¡­"A titan of industry. He''s already making waves, and it''s only a matter of time before everyone knows his name. Getting on his good side is a smart move, and getting on his bad side is a mistake you don''t want to make."


    Flint barked out a harsh laugh, slapping his knee as he leaned back in his chair. "Steven Stone, huh? That''s rich. What it sounds like to me, is that you''re planning to buy some skirts so you can bend over better for your boyfriend?"


    The crude comment hit Brock hard, but he didn''t flinch. He forced himself to remain steady, breathing deeply through the wave of anger. "This isn''t about me," He said, starting to get actually pissed off. "And it''s not about you, either. It''s about what''s best for Pewter City and the rest of our family."


    Flint''s grin faltered slightly as Brock''s words sank in, but he quickly masked it with another dismissive snort. "You''re young. You think you know everything, but you don''t. You''ll understand when you''re older."


    Brock''s fists unclenched as he straightened his back, locking eyes with his father. "I understand more than you think. And I''m telling you right now - this Racecourse is happening, whether you like it or not. I''ll push it through myself if I have to. I''ll fake your signature if it comes down to it."


    Flint''s eyes darkened, and he rose from his chair, towering over Brock like a looming mountain. His voice boomed, filling the small room. "You saying no to me, boy?"


    Brock''s heart pounded, but he didn''t back down. He met his father''s gaze head-on, his eyes hard and determined. "Yes. Because you''re being impossible."


    For a moment, the room was silent, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Flint''s eyes narrowed, his fists clenching at his sides. Brock braced himself, fully expecting his father to lash out, but instead, Flint burst into laughter - a deep, booming sound that echoed off the walls.


    "Good on you, son," Flint said between guffaws, clapping a hand on Brock''s shoulder with enough force to make him stumble slightly. "Finally showing some proper backbone. Alright, I''ll sign off on you and your lover boy''s little love nest. I can wait a few years to hand over the reins."


    Brock blinked, his mouth opening and closing as he tried to process the sudden shift. "Wait, that''s it?"


    Flint grinned, his teeth flashing, "Ayyup."


    "All this arguing, all that crap you just said -"


    "Yep," Flint said cheerfully, giving his son another heavy pat on the shoulder. "No boy of mine is gonna lack a steel spine. Tough love, you hardheaded little shit."


    Brock exhaled, a mix of relief and exasperation washing over him. "You''re such an ass."


    Flint laughed again, throwing his head back. "Ayyup."


    Brock couldn''t help but chuckle under his breath, shaking his head as the tension drained from his shoulders. "You better not make this a habit."


    "No promises," Flint said with a wink. "Now, go tell your boyfriend you won. Maybe he''ll bake you a cake or something."


    Brock sighed, he''d take what wins he could get.


    <hr>


    Late that night,


    The sky above Pewter was dark, showcasing a myriad of twinkling stars, the soft hum of crickets and the distant rustle of trees creating a serene backdrop to the quiet night. Ezra sat on a large flat stone near the edge of the forest surrounding his property, elbows resting on his knees as he gazed across the open fields.


    The cool breeze ruffled his white hair, making it fall messily across his face. A half-empty bottle of water sat beside him, condensation glistening in the moonlight. His thoughts were distant, drifting somewhere between plans for tomorrow and the challenges he''d face in the far flung future.


    The soft crunch of footsteps on the gravel path broke through his musings. He glanced to the side as Karen emerged from the shadows, her silhouette outlined by the glow of the moon. She wore a loose sweatshirt over her pajama shorts, her hair slightly disheveled, but her stride was purposeful. She didn''t say anything as she approached, simply plopping down on the stone beside him, her knee brushing against his.


    For a moment, neither of them spoke. They simply sat in the stillness of the night, the gentle sounds of nature around them.


    "You always this broody at night?" Karen asked, breaking the silence. Her voice was soft but teasing.


    Ezra smirked, running a hand through his hair. "Only when I''m scheming. Gotta keep up appearances, right?"


    Karen chuckled, leaning back on her hands as she looked up at the stars. "Scheming about the Racecourse?"


    "Among other things," He admitted, his eyes flicking to her. "What do you think of it, anyway? You never said."


    Karen pursed her lips thoughtfully. "It''s a good idea. Great, actually. Once it''s up and running, you''re going to have people from all over coming to Pewter to compete, watch, and blow their money on food and bets. Brock''s right - you''re setting yourself up to be the next Steven Stone."


    Ezra''s smirk widened, pleased, but pretending not to be. "I try."


    Karen turned her head slightly, studying him. "I might even want to do a few races myself. My Pokemon can be pretty speedy."


    Ezra''s red eyes gleamed with mischief as he leaned slightly closer. "Even if they''re not, I know a guy who can fix the races. You''d come out on top every time." He winked exaggeratedly.


    Karen rolled her eyes but couldn''t stop the small smile tugging at her lips. "You''re becoming more of a delinquent every day, you know that? Somehow, you''re climbing the business ladder while also being the guy who''d sell fake passes to a show to gullible innocents."


    Ezra ran a hand through his hair again, giving her a roguish smirk. "Delinquents are your type anyway."


    Karen''s cheeks turned a shade darker as she muttered under her breath, "Unfortunately."


    Ezra chuckled but didn''t press the comment. The quiet returned, but this time, it wasn''t awkward. They simply sat together, the breeze carrying the scent of dew-covered grass. Ezra tapped his fingers rhythmically against the stone, his gaze flicking between the stars and Karen, who seemed lost in thought.


    Then, she gathered her courage. "Your secret," She said softly, her voice cutting through the stillness. "The big one. How you control your Pokemon. Will you tell me?"


    Ezra turned his head, clearly surprised. His brow furrowed slightly, and for the first time in their conversation, his playful demeanor faded. "We had this discussion on trust, Karen," He said slowly, his tone measured.


    Karen nodded, her eyes locking onto his, the moonlight casting a glow over her determined expression. "Yes, and it goes both ways. Share your secret with me. Please."


    The weight of her words settled between them like a heavy stone. Ezra''s fingers stopped drumming against the rock as he studied her, trying to read the emotions swimming beneath her calm surface. He saw traces of vulnerability, guilt, and something else - something that made his chest tighten.


    Karen let the silence linger, her gaze never wavering. Then, she asked quietly, "Don''t you trust me?"


    <hr>

 Dark is as Dark does.

    <hr>


    The stars shone brightly overhead, casting a silver glow over the two figures sitting on the large stone at the forest''s edge. The cool breeze carried the scent of pine and grass, but Ezra barely noticed it. His mind was moving too fast, thoughts colliding and twisting into an intricate web of possibilities and risks. Karen''s gaze was steady, her question still hanging in the air - Don''t you trust me?


    His heart thudded in his chest as he considered the implications. This was very clever of her, another reason to find her so irresistible¡­ It was a test. Karen had backed him into a corner with terrifying precision.


    If he denied her, it wasn''t just about the secret. It would be her answer. She would know that she wasn''t important enough to him, not worth taking the risk. And then she''d choose Agatha. He could see it as clearly as if it had already happened.


    But if he told her, he''d be putting his fate in her hands. Risk everything. Before it was obvious that she''d chosen him.


    She doesn''t have to choose first, he realized with a sinking sensation. She''s making me decide if she''s worth trusting, and if I say no, she''s gone.


    Ezra swallowed hard. He didn''t trust anyone one hundred percent - he couldn''t afford to with all the knowledge he held. Not Karen, not Brock, not Misty, not Cecile. But Karen wasn''t asking for everything. She was asking for enough. Could he give her that? Could he hand over the one thing that had kept him ahead of everyone else, knowing full well that it could backfire if he was wrong about her?


    He didn''t think he was wrong. But there was always the chance, wasn''t there?


    Karen sat beside him, her expression soft but determined. She wasn''t pushing or demanding - she was waiting, giving him the space to decide. Smart, patient, dangerous, he thought, feeling both admiration and frustration. No wonder I like you so much.


    He leaned in without thinking, his hand sliding into her hair as he kissed her. The softness of her lips against his was like a spark to dry tinder, igniting something that burned away the noise in his mind, if only for a moment. Karen melted into him, her fingers brushing against his jacket as she kissed him back with equal fervor.


    It was also a wonderful way to give himself more time to think. Karen was unable to ask him to give her an answer with her lips occupied.


    But even as he lost himself in the moment, his mind continued racing. Karen was too sharp to not know what she was doing. Yet this wasn''t just manipulation, and it definitely was manipulative, no doubts about it - but it was also a desperation move from a girl begging for one clear out.


    She was as trapped as he was, and she needed a reason to jump off the ledge with him. If he gave her that reason, she''d choose him over Agatha, or so he guessed. But if he hesitated too much longer, or refused, she''d be gone.


    If she wasn''t trusted at least this much, there could never be a relationship after all¡­ Hadn''t he said so himself to her?


    Leap of faith, Kassian, he told himself. You wanted this, didn''t you? You wanted her to choose you.


    He ended the kiss, leaning back slightly, his fingers gently caressing her cheek. Her skin was warm beneath his touch, and her lips were still parted, glistening in the moonlight. Karen blinked dazedly, her blush deep and rosy, as though she were still caught in the aftershocks of what just happened.


    "Yes," He said, his voice quiet but resolute.


    He''d throw the die. Gamble on her.


    Worst case, Cecile could start the social media empire without him if Agatha locked him up to be studied if he was wrong. The public outrage he could create would free him.


    Eventually.


    Karen''s brows furrowed slightly, her breath hitching. "Yes what?" She whispered, still half-lost in the haze.


    "Yes, I trust you." His words hung heavy in the air, like the final click of a lock turning into place.


    For a moment, she just stared at him, as if trying to process what he''d said. Then, slowly, her expression shifted, her eyes brightening as a wide, radiant smile spread across her face. Without warning, she threw herself at him, toppling them both onto the cool grass as she wrapped her arms around his neck.


    "Thank you, thank you!" She cried, her voice brimming with emotion as she peppered his face with soft, frantic kisses. Her lips brushed his cheeks, his nose, his forehead - wherever she could reach, as though she couldn''t contain her happiness.


    Ezra was happy as well, because this reaction wasn''t one of - I just got what I needed to tell Agatha.


    It was joy that the person she was betting on, bet on her.


    Ezra chuckled softly, holding her close as she clung to him. "Want to see how I do it?" He asked, his voice a gentle murmur against her ear. "How I can control Pokemon so easily?"


    He could never, and would never, share his otherworldly origin or the basis of his knowledge. But his powers¡­ This much he could do. For her. For them.


    This one person. He could trust 98 percent.


    Karen pulled back just enough to meet his gaze, her cheeks flushed and her eyes sparkling with excitement. She nodded rapidly, though a hint of embarrassment flickered across her face as she realized how exuberant she''d been. She bit her lip, trying to compose herself, but her smile refused to fade.


    Ezra stood, helping her to her feet. "Come on," he said, leading her toward the forest.


    If he was doing this, he wanted more privacy, where no one could spy on them.


    The trees closed in around them as they walked, their footsteps muffled by the soft carpet of fallen leaves and moss. The air was cooler here, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles. Moonlight filtered through the gaps in the canopy, lighting their way.


    After a few minutes, Ezra found a small clearing surrounded by thick trees. The area was secluded, hidden from view. Karen stood in the center of the clearing, her breath hitching slightly as she watched Ezra.


    He exhaled slowly, closing his eyes as he extended a hand toward the shadows pooling around the base of his feet. "It''s not just based on good training," He said softly. "It''s something deeper. I have¡­ A connection to darkness. To shadow, an Aura if you will."


    Karen''s eyes widened as she watched the shadows pulse and writhe, like living tendrils responding to his will. They slithered across the ground, coiling around her feet before rising and twisting into the air like serpents. The sight was both mesmerizing and eerie, and Karen found herself holding her breath.


    Ezra opened his eyes, the red glow of his irises intensified as he focused. "I can feed this energy to my Pokemon. It strengthens them, makes them more attuned to me. It''s like an aura that binds us together, giving them power and, in return, their loyalty."


    He extended his hand toward her, the shadowy tendrils shifting direction and swirling around her ankles like a gentle breeze. Karen shivered, her heart racing as she felt the cool, tingling sensation of the darkness brushing against her skin.


    "It''s not something I control with commands or words," Ezra continued. "It''s instinctual. Like breathing. They listen to me because they can feel this power, and they trust it. It feels like home to them, like part of their own nature."


    Karen stepped closer, her gaze locked on the swirling shadows. "How¡­ How did you discover this?"


    Ezra shrugged slightly, the shadows retracting as he lowered his hand. "You know I woke up as an amnesiac one day. I can''t remember not having this ability, my assumption is I got close to death and somehow gained this aura. The more I practiced, the stronger the connection became."


    Karen''s mind buzzed with questions, but she forced herself to focus. "And you''ve kept this hidden from everyone?"


    From the look on her face. She didn''t blame him.


    "Of course," Ezra said with a smirk. "Imagine what the League would do if they found out. I''m not exactly eager to become their lab rat."


    Agatha would go balls to the wall if she thought there was a power that could literally allow someone to wield an army of Ghost and Dark Pokemon.


    Karen nodded slowly, understanding the gravity of what he''d shared with her. "Does anyone else know, other than me?"


    "No," Ezra admitted. "You''ll always be the only one." He said seriously.


    Karen exhaled, her shoulders relaxing as she processed everything. "Thank you for trusting me," She said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I won''t tell anyone. Not even Lady Agatha."


    Ezra''s gaze softened, and he reached out to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. "I know."


    Karen smiled, her heart swelling with a mixture of relief and affection. She had made her choice. Without hesitation she stepped forward and locked her lips with his again, relishing the feeling, how free she felt.


    Some time later. Teenagers, you know.


    The clearing was still dimly lit, the moon casting a soft silver hue over the grass and trees. Karen stood in the center, her chest rising and falling as she tried to calm the flurry of emotions still rushing through her. Her lips tingled faintly from their activities, her heart beating too fast, but she didn''t mind. This was real. It was happening. He trusted her. And for once, she felt the weight in her chest ease.


    "Alright," Ezra said, stretching his arms above his head, the smirk on his lips as self-assured as ever. "Now that we''re done with the confessions and making out - at least for the moment - let''s see what we can do with your team."


    Karen flushed, her eyes darting away as she tried to hide the blush creeping up her neck. Especially with the sight of the many hickeys she''d left in her enthusiasm, right there, drawing her attention far too easily. "Right, yeah. Sure."


    Ezra chuckled, clearly enjoying her flustered state. "Call them out, babe."


    Her heart fluttered at the casual use of babe, but she quickly reached for her Pokeballs, shaking off the distraction. One by one, she released who she was currently carrying into the clearing - Weavile, Shiftry, Honchkrow, Zorua, the Dark Vulpix, and Houndoom. Each Pokemon emerged with their distinct presence, stretching and shaking off the brief confinement of their Pokeballs. The Dark Vulpix yipped happily, circling Karen''s legs before settling next to her.


    Ezra took a step back, folding his arms as he surveyed the group. "You''ve got solid power here. But Dark Pokemon as you already know¡­ Well, they''re notorious for being a little stubborn. I bet they give you attitude sometimes."


    Karen raised an eyebrow, her lips twitching. "Sometimes, it''s mostly handled."


    He chuckled. "Good. Means they''ve got spirit. But tonight, we''re going to channel that spirit and make them crave working with you. We''ll link them to my aura for a bit, let them get a taste of what it''s like to have that extra power. Then they''ll associate you with it - and trust me, they''ll be eager to listen."


    If anything, his own Pokemon had shown how absolutely they wanted his presence, his aura drawing them in.


    Karen watched as he extended his hand toward the group, the familiar shadowy tendrils curling out from him and weaving through the air like smoke. He didn''t really need to make it visual, but it would show Karen better than if he just juiced them up.


    Her Pokemon stiffened slightly, sensing the energy, but the feel of Ezra''s calm aura kept them from reacting aggressively. Instead, they stood still, their eyes flicking between him and Karen as they luxuriated in the feeling.


    She felt Ezra move behind her, his hands gently resting on her shoulders as he leaned in close. "I''m going to guide you through this," He murmured, his breath warm against her ear. "Think of it like teaching them how to savor a good meal. My aura is the taste, the tease to get them to the table, but you''re the chef."


    Karen shivered slightly, the combination of his voice and his touch making it hard to concentrate. "R-Right."


    He smirked, knowing exactly the effect he had on her. "Let''s start with your Weavile. It''s naturally fast and hits hard, but we''re going to push it further. Tell it to use Night Slash, watch the difference."


    Karen nodded, her voice steady despite her racing heart. "Weavile, Night Slash on that tree!" She ordered, pointing at a nearby tree.


    The sleek Pokemon let out a sharp cry, its claws glowing with a dark purple energy before it lunged forward, launching the technique. Ezra''s aura pulsed in response, feeding into the attack and amplifying the power. The Night Slash was faster, sharper, and more destructive than usual, carving through a nearby tree branch with ease.


    Karen''s eyes widened. "Whoa." She realized now that this was the difference, the extra oomph she could never match.


    "See?" Ezra whispered, his hands gently caressing up her arms as he stood behind her. "Now¡­ Make sure it knows that burst of power came from you, that only because of you did it get that taste."


    "Weavile, that was amazing!" Karen said, her tone warm and encouraging. The Pokemon puffed out its chest proudly, its sharp eyes gleaming with satisfaction. "Keep working hard by my side and you''ll get more of that!" She continued.


    Maybe she felt a little scummy, like she was a drug dealer, giving someone their first hit. But it was drowned out by the exhilaration over how strong they''d all become. How strong she would become.


    Maybe her path to the Elite Four wasn''t entirely dead¡­


    Ezra smiled against her hair. "Perfect. Now, let''s do the same with your Houndoom. It''s got strong offensive potential, but we''re going to enhance its flames with dark energy. Tell it to use Flamethrower."


    Karen felt the warmth of Ezra''s aura surrounding her like a blanket, and it made her feel bolder. "Houndoom, Flamethrower! Tap into your dark energy, feel it and match it as it''s given to you."


    The large, black and white furred Pokemon growled low in its throat before unleashing a stream of fiery orange flames that had a dark tinge to it. Ezra''s aura boosted its connection to dark type energy, condensing the heat and intensifying the attack. The flames scorched the ground, leaving behind a trail of flames.


    Karen laughed softly, her excitement bubbling over. "This is incredible." Even as she had her Weavile use ice techniques to put out the flames.


    Ezra pressed a little closer, his hands sliding down her arms to rest lightly on her waist. "It''s all going to be you, Karen. I''m just the shortcut."


    She turned her head slightly, her eyes meeting his. "You''re more than just a shortcut," She said softly.


    For a moment, the training session faded into the background as they stared at each other. Ezra leaned in, brushing his lips against hers in a brief but tender kiss before pulling back with a smirk. "You''re my girlfriend now, aren''t you? Gotta make sure you make it to the top."


    Karen''s face lit up like a Torchic, her blush spreading to her ears. "Y-Yeah," She mumbled, her gaze darting to the ground. "I guess I am."


    He chuckled, brushing a thumb against her cheek. "Don''t guess. Be sure. Because I sure as hell am."


    Her heart practically melted, and she smiled shyly. "Okay. I''m your girlfriend."


    "Good," He said, kissing her forehead before stepping back. "Now, let''s move on with your Honchkrow. It''s Dark energy should feel heavier, more focused with how much I''ve pumped into it. Tell it to use Dark Pulse."


    Like with his own Pokemon, now that Karen''s had felt how much dark type energy was needed to change their attacks, boost them, or make them denser. They''d have an easier time recreating it.


    Karen cleared her throat, trying to shake off the lingering warmth from their exchange. "Honchkrow, Dark Pulse!"


    The large, dark-feathered bird flapped its wings, releasing a wave of crackling black energy that rippled across the clearing creating a shockwave that caused the surrounding trees to tremble, the attack at least thrice as strong as before.


    "Whoa," Karen breathed, watching as her Honchkrow settled back down, its feathers ruffled but its eyes gleaming with pride.


    Pokemon as well had their pride in their skills, they''d hunger for more, having seen the possibilities.


    Ezra gave her waist a gentle squeeze. "See? You''ve got this, you''ll grow stronger than ever with me."


    Karen bit her lip, her mind still spinning from everything that had happened. "Are you okay with people knowing about us?" She asked suddenly, her eyes darting to the hickeys.


    He tilted his head, curious. "Why are you asking?"


    She squirmed slightly, shifting her weight from one foot to the other. "So I know if I can kiss you in public without worrying about it."


    Ezra''s grin widened. Without warning, he spun her around, one hand cupping her cheek as he kissed her deeply. Karen''s breath hitched, her hands instinctively grabbing his jacket as she melted into the kiss. The world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of his lips and the steady beat of his heart against hers.


    When he finally pulled back, her lips were swollen again, her face flushed, and her breath ragged. "Does that answer your question?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.


    Karen let out a shaky breath, her fingers still clutching his jacket. "Y-Yeah. That answers it."


    She rested her forehead against his chest, letting herself bask in the comfort of his embrace. After a moment, she exhaled softly. "I''ll tell Lady Agatha I''ve made my choice."


    Ezra''s fingers played gently with her hair. "No, you won''t."


    Karen pulled back, her brow furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean?"


    "You have a time limit, don''t you?" He asked, his gaze steady. Making it out like he had guessed as much.


    Karen nodded hesitantly. "Yeah¡­"


    "Then keep things as they are," Ezra said smoothly. "Tell her you''re working on it, seducing me, teasing out my secrets. Play the part. The longer she waits for news, the better for us."


    Karen blinked, processing his suggestion. "You want me to lie to her?"


    "Think of it as a tactical delay," He said with a wink. "She doesn''t need to know you''ve already chosen. Let her stew."


    Karen hesitated, her loyalty to Agatha making her chest ache. But after a moment, she nodded. "I won''t fight her - I owe her too much. But I don''t have to tell her everything. I can fool her for a month."


    Ezra''s lips curved into a soft smile. "That''s my girl." He kissed her again, the warmth of his lips sending a shiver down her spine.


    Karen pulled away, her face flushed and her breath shaky as she planted her hands on Ezra''s chest. "Stop distracting me," She whined, her voice betraying more affection than actual frustration. Her gaze flicked to the side, embarrassed, but Ezra''s smirk told her he wasn''t about to make this easy.


    "No," He said, his tone dripping with mischief as he leaned back in, his fingers slipping around her waist. "Distracting you is too much fun." Without giving her a chance to protest, he kissed her again, deeper this time, his lips moving against hers with an intensity that made her knees weak, especially as his tongue slipped inside her mouth.


    Karen let out a soft whimper, her resolve crumbling like a tower of sand under a crashing wave. She tried - really tried - to keep her mind focused on anything but the heat pooling in her chest and the way his hands gripped her like she was something precious. But it was useless. Every nerve in her body seemed to light up, making her forget why she had resisted in the first place.


    Her fingers tightened against his shirt as she kissed him back, her heartbeat thundering in her ears. Just when she thought she might fully melt into him, she broke the kiss with a gasp, leaning her forehead against his. "Ezra," She whispered breathlessly, "I mean it. I have to focus."


    "Focus on me," He murmured, his lips grazing her jawline, igniting shivers that danced down her spine.


    Karen shuddered, her fingers clenching tighter in his shirt. "You''re dangerous," She said with a breathy laugh, but her words had no bite to them.


    "That''s why you like me," Ezra teased, pressing another soft kiss to the corner of her lips before finally pulling back, his hands still resting lightly on her waist. His red eyes gleamed in the moonlight, a mix of playfulness and something deeper - something that made her heart twist in the best way.


    Karen let out a shaky sigh, her lips still tingling. "You''re going to be a handful aren''t you?" She muttered, trying to gather her scattered thoughts.


    "And you''re stuck with me now," Ezra replied, giving her one last wink before finally stepping back to give her some breathing room. "I''m all yours, girlfriend of mine."


    Karen''s face lit up again, the warmth spreading all the way to her ears. She tried to hide her smile, but it was useless. "Yeah, yeah," She mumbled, brushing a hand through her hair as she glanced at her team.


    Her Pokemon had barely paid attention to their moments of distraction. Weavile and Shiftry were sparring playfully, while Houndoom stretched lazily, letting out a small yawn before firing off a casual Flamethrower at them. Honchkrow perched on a low branch, preening its feathers like it had better things to do, and her Dark Vulpix and Zorua trotted happily between them, watching their movements like they was taking mental notes.


    Karen chuckled softly, the sight of them grounding her. "Looks like they didn''t need me after all."


    Ezra smirked. "They''re smart enough to know when to give their trainer some privacy."


    Karen shook her head, but warmth bloomed in her chest. She looked up at Ezra, her gaze softening. "Thanks for this. All of it."


    He brushed a lock of hair away from her face, his thumb lingering on her cheek. "Anytime. We''re a team now." His voice dropped slightly, turning sincere. "Whatever you need, I''ve got your back."


    Karen smiled, the weight on her chest feeling a little lighter. For the first time in a long while, she felt like she could breathe without the crushing pressure of expectation. She had someone she could trust - and someone she was willing to fight for.


    "Alright," she said, rolling her shoulders and turning back toward her team.


    "Let''s get down to business!"


    She had no idea why Ezra suddenly started humming a tune, but she could only shake her head with fond exasperation at his randomness.


    <hr>


    Next day, Ezra''s farm.


    In the early morning glow that filtered through the windows of Ezra''s kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and warm toast filled the air. He was just settling into his chair, a plate of bacon and toast in front of him, when a whirlwind of orange hair burst into the room rushing down for breakfast.


    Misty''s sharp blue eyes locked onto Karen, who had just entered looking half-asleep, her hair tousled and lips slightly swollen from the previous night''s activities, her own hickeys visible. Misty''s eyes narrowed before she grinned in excitement, and before Karen could even sit down, Misty rushed over and grabbed her hand.


    "What - Misty!" Karen squawked as she was unceremoniously dragged toward the door.


    "Girl talk," Misty declared with an air of finality, ignoring Karen''s protests. "Gotta go."


    Ezra, halfway through assembling his bacon on bacon on toast sandwich, with extra bacon, paused, as he watched Misty drag a bewildered Karen out of the house. Karen threw him a helpless look over her shoulder, but Ezra just smirked and waved lazily with his hand.


    With the girls gone, the house fell into an unusual silence, a rare moment where the kitchen wasn''t filled with chatter or playful bickering. Ezra shook his head, amusement flickering across his features as he finally took a bite of his breakfast.


    "Peace and quiet," He muttered, though a part of him was already curious about what Misty had dragged Karen off to discuss. He had a good guess of course. But girls were tricky. For all he knew Misty was going to bury her rival.


    Reaching for the remote, he clicked on the small TV mounted on the wall, its screen flickering to life. The familiar jingle of Kanto''s morning news played as he lazily ate, savoring the calm moment. Across the room, Loki, his mischievous Banette, had gotten ahold of the syrup bottle. The ghostly doll cackled quietly as it tipped the bottle over, watching the golden liquid ooze out in slow, sticky streams onto Rider''s head. The Alolan Marowak, curled up in a peaceful nap near the table, didn''t stir - yet.


    Ezra shot Loki a warning glance, but the Banette only grinned wider, his zipper mouth pulling open just enough to reveal a set of wickedly sharp teeth. Ezra rolled his eyes. Fine. Let Rider deal with it. He should have known better then to nap out in the open this early.


    On-screen, the news transitioned to a special segment, and Ezra''s attention sharpened as the familiar face of Professor Oak appeared. The professor''s white lab coat was pristine, and his grandfatherly smile seemed warm and inviting as he spoke to the reporter.


    Ezra''s hands froze mid-air, holding his sandwich, when his own name came up.


    The reporter, a young woman with blue hair, leaned forward with curiosity. "Professor Oak, Ezra Kassian has been making waves recently with his success in both Kanto and Johto. He''s won the Orange League in record time, defeated several star challenges in multiple gyms, and even discovered new Pokemon evolutions. What do you think of this rising star in the Pokemon world?"Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.


    Professor Oak''s smile thinned, just enough for someone like Ezra to notice. "Ah, yes, Ezra Kassian," The professor said, his tone carefully measured. "He''s certainly¡­ Ambitious. But ambition, if not guided properly, can lead to troubling behavior."


    Ezra''s jaw tightened, his fingers curling around his sandwich. Oh, this is going to be good, he thought sarcastically, already bracing himself.


    "I''ve been in this field for decades," Professor Oak continued, "And my mission has always been to spread knowledge and help trainers grow. I believe that knowledge should be shared freely, for the betterment of all trainers and their Pokemon. Unfortunately, not everyone shares that vision."


    The reporter blinked, surprised. "Are you saying Ezra Kassian doesn''t share in your vision of spreading knowledge?"


    Professor Oak nodded, letting out a long sigh, as if he were discussing a wayward student who had failed to meet his expectations. "I''ve tried reaching out to him for collaboration, you know. He''s made significant discoveries - new evolutions and species that could benefit trainers across the region. But when I proposed working together, the conditions he set were beyond unreasonable. Truly beyond the pale."


    Ezra snorted under his breath. Beyond unreasonable? It was one favor.  He took a large harsh bite out of his sandwich. Eating it angrily.


    The reporter tilted her head. "Could you elaborate on those conditions?"


    Professor Oak waved a hand dismissively. "I won''t get into specifics, but suffice it to say, his demands made it clear that he''s more interested in personal gain than the good of the community. It''s disappointing."


    Ezra''s teeth clenched. If he''d ever be as daft as to share anything with that old fogey he''d likely only get the ''privilege'' of sharing his discoveries in exchange for a pat on the head and a footnote in Oak''s next research paper. He''d asked for one favor. To throw his weight around when Ezra was shooting for creating his gym.


    Apparently, that was too much to ask.


    "But that''s not all," Professor Oak continued, his expression turning grave. "I''ve also received reports that Mr. Kassian''s behavior during battles is¡­ Less than polite, showing a pattern of behavior that is concerning. He''s been known to be rude to other trainers, and there was even an incident where he chased a poor young trainer down the road after bullying them so badly that the Pokemon Rangers had to step in and issue a fine."


    Ezra''s sandwich fell down onto his plate as his eyes narrowed. That kid deserved it. Using nothing but metapods and harden¡­ I don''t regret it for even a second.


    Oak was obviously fine with using his reputation and clout to get reports he shouldn''t have access to¡­ Fucking hypocrite.


    The reporter looked shocked, leaning back slightly. "That''s¡­ Concerning. Have you spoken to him directly about this?"


    The fuck he has! And ask him how the fuck he has a report from the Pokemon Rangers!


    "I''ve tried," Professor Oak said, shaking his head with a paternal sigh, lying. "But the young man seems set in his ways. I understand that youth can be stubborn, but I do hope he changes his mind soon. I''m always available to work with new trainers and researchers, and I believe Ezra simply needs the guidance of someone older and wiser to get back on the right track."


    The interview wrapped up with Professor Oak offering his signature grandfatherly smile and a polite "Thank you." To the reporter before the screen cut back to the news anchors.


    Ezra sat frozen for a moment, his breakfast forgotten as he processed everything he''d just heard. Slowly, he leaned back in his chair, his fingers drumming against the table.


    "That slimy old bastard," He muttered under his breath.


    He knew exactly what this was - a public attempt to strong-arm him into submission since most brats cared about that sort of thing. Professor Oak had just painted him as an entitled brat, a danger to the Pokemon community, and an egotistical gatekeeper of knowledge.


    And the worst part was, Ezra couldn''t even defend himself publicly. No matter what he said, people would believe Professor Oak. The man was a living legend, revered across the region. Any rebuttal from Ezra would only make him look worse.


    Loki cackled from the corner, apparently finding the whole thing amusing. Rider, finally awake, growled as he shook off the syrup coating his head, sending droplets flying in every direction.


    Ezra didn''t even react. His mind was already working, his thoughts racing as he plotted his next move. It might take years, He thought, but I''m going to humiliate that old fogey.


    He tapped his fingers rhythmically, the gears in his mind clicking into place. Oak thought he could use his reputation to pressure Ezra into playing nice. But Oak had underestimated him in that case.


    "That loser was the champion once?" Ezra said aloud, scoffing. "Must''ve been before they had TV, because that was the most heavy-handed crap I''ve ever seen."


    Rider huffed, still trying to wipe syrup off his face, while Loki floated lazily above him, clearly pleased with his prank. Ezra grabbed his glass of water and took a long sip, his gaze hardening as he set it back down.


    "Let''s see how smug you are when I own half of Kanto''s economy, old man," He murmured. "You picked the wrong fight."


    <hr>


    Later that afternoon, Goldenrod City, Johto.


    Ezra and Karen appeared in a shimmer of psychic light, Starmie''s teleportation leaving a faint hum in the air. Karen blinked a few times, steadying herself as the bustling city came into focus. The crowded streets were alive with the chatter of passersby, the scent of street food wafting through the air.


    Karen adjusted her jacket, her gaze darting around the busy street. "I still can''t believe you convinced me to come here." She grumbled.


    Not exactly having the fondest memories of Whitney¡­ Especially now.


    Ezra grinned, slipping his hand into hers as they started walking. "What''s not to believe? You deserve to be spoiled. Today''s all about you."


    Karen rolled her eyes but couldn''t suppress the small smile tugging at her lips. "You do realize I don''t need all the stuff you''re planning to buy, right?"


    "Want or need, it doesn''t matter," Ezra replied smoothly. "I''ve got the cash, and I want to spend it on my girlfriend. You arguing about it only makes me want to buy more."


    He''d never had the chance for this kind of thing. So what if he wanted to get a little crazy. He had the money.


    Karen''s cheeks flushed a light pink, and she swatted his arm playfully. "You''re going to make me look like a gold digger."


    "That can''t be true, what could the shine of gold do against your beauty?" Ezra teased, his voice dropping just enough to make her blush deepen.


    She looked away, muttering, "Dumbass, don''t say that stuff in public¡­" Her rosy cheeks had practically exploded, making her look like a tomato as she avoided his amused gaze.


    Ezra''s laughter echoed through the crowded street as they made their way toward a small cafe tucked between two shops. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked pastries greeted them as they entered, the cozy atmosphere a welcome respite from the bustling city outside. The decor was simple but charming, with wooden tables, mismatched chairs, and small potted plants lining the windowsills.


    They settled into a table near the window, the sunlight casting a soft glow on Karen''s hair. A waitress approached with a warm smile and handed them menus.


    "Get whatever you want," Ezra said, scanning his own menu. "No limits."


    Karen raised an eyebrow. "You''re really leaning into this whole spoiling thing, huh?"


    "Absolutely," Ezra replied, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You''ve put up with me long enough. Consider this your reward."


    She laughed softly, shaking her head as she glanced down at the menu. "Fine. But don''t say I didn''t warn you when the bill comes." Not that anything here was that expensive.


    "Please," Ezra said, leaning back in his chair. "I could buy this whole place for you if I wanted to."


    Karen chuckled, but there was a hint of fondness in her gaze as she looked at him. "You''re an insufferable braggart."


    "And you like it," Ezra shot back without missing a beat.


    After ordering - Karen opting for a light sandwich and a mocha latte, while Ezra went for a cream cheese bagel - they settled into easy conversation. They talked about everything and nothing, just enjoying time without needing to rush for anything. When their food arrived, they ate leisurely, savoring the moment of peace amidst the chaos of the city outside.


    Karen took a sip of her latte, her fingers tracing the edge of the cup. "I haven''t had a day like this in a long time, just¡­ Free to not worry about anything." She admitted.


    "Then we''ll make sure you have more of them," Ezra said, his tone sincere. "You''ve earned it."


    She must have been under a lot of pressure from Agatha, he thought, I''ll make her smile more often..


    She smiled softly, the warmth in his voice making her chest flutter. "Thanks, Ezra. For caring, I guess."


    "Always," he replied, reaching across the table to give her hand a gentle squeeze.


    ¡­


    Their next stop was the Goldenrod Department Store, a towering building filled with rows upon rows of merchandise, from clothes and accessories to Pokemon supplies and technical machines. The floor where the TMs were sold, was their main destination, though Ezra insisted on taking the scenic route through the lower levels.


    Karen tried not to groan as Ezra dragged her through the various departments, occasionally pausing to examine something random like a ridiculous hat or a novelty apron. "Are you seriously considering buying that?" she asked, eyeing the apron covered in cartoonish Magikarp.


    No doubt a gift for Misty. She didn''t mind, he kept trying to buy things for her, and she seriously didn''t need any of this stuff. She didn''t know what he thought girls were like, but she had no need for an entire wardrobe full of stuff she''d never use.


    He tried to buy her shoes, and she already had three pairs, why would she need more?


    "No, but I''m thinking about making you wear only that if you ever cook," Ezra said with a wink.


    Karen smacked his arm lightly, laughing despite herself. "You''re lucky I like you enough to think about it." Her face very red.


    "Ah, I''ve been such a bad influence on you." He replied, grinning as he led her to the escalator.


    When they finally reached the floor with the TMs, Karen''s eyes widened at the sheer variety on display. Shelves lined with discs, each labeled with the corresponding move and type, stretched as far as the eye could see.


    Ezra rubbed his hands together, his gaze scanning the options. "Alright, time to stock up. Let''s see what we can get for your team."


    Karen hesitated, glancing at the price tags. "Ezra, some of these are expensive -"


    He cut her off with a playful smirk. "You know what I said about arguing, right? Keep it up, and I''ll buy the whole shelf, the next shelf, and that life sized Snorlax doll in the lobby¡­"


    She sighed, giving him a look of exasperated fondness. "Fine. But only the ones we really need."


    As they browsed the shelves, Ezra handed her TMs for Blast Burn, Spore, Sludge Bomb, Earthquake, and several others that would complement her team''s strengths. Karen couldn''t help but be amazed at how thoughtful he was, selecting moves that would give her an edge in battle while also considering her Pokemon''s personalities.


    "You really do know your stuff," She said as he added another TM to the basket.


    "I''m a genius, remember?" He teased, nudging her shoulder.


    Karen laughed, the sound light and genuine. "Not as much of one as I thought, now that I know your trick." She teased quietly.


    After paying for the stack of TMs - Ezra waving off Karen''s protests once again - they left the department store and headed toward a nearby park. The sun was beginning to dip lower in the sky, as they walked hand in hand along the tree-lined path.


    The park was lively, with families picnicking on the grass, joggers making their rounds, and trainers sparring with their Pokemon in designated battle zones. Karen leaned into Ezra''s side as they strolled, the warmth of his hand in hers grounding her in the moment.


    "This feels nice," She admitted, her voice soft.


    "Yeah," Ezra agreed, his thumb brushing over the back of her hand. "It does."


    They found a bench near a small pond and sat down, watching as a group of children played near the water''s edge. Karen rested her head on Ezra''s shoulder, a contented sigh escaping her lips.


    "I could get used to this," She murmured.


    Ezra smiled, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. "Good. Because I plan on having more little dates like this."


    Karen tilted her head up to look at him, her eyes shining with affection. "You''re really sweet when you want to be, you know that?"


    "Don''t let it get out," Ezra joked, his lips curling into a smirk. "I have a reputation to maintain."


    She giggled, nuzzling closer to him. For a moment, the world felt perfect, the weight of their responsibilities and secrets temporarily lifted.


    But that moment shattered when a group of rough-looking teens sauntered past them, their clothes ripped and stained, faces set in sneers. One of them, a wiry boy with spiked hair, pointed directly at Karen and sneered, "That''s the bitch."


    Karen tensed immediately, her body going rigid against Ezra''s. His eyes darkened, his grip on her hand tightening protectively.


    "Well," Ezra murmured under his breath, his tone eerily calm, "Guess someone''s about to have a very bad day."


    <hr>


    Moments later,


    The tension in the air thickened as Ezra and Karen stood shoulder to shoulder, their eyes locked on the group of four delinquents who surrounded them. Civilians scattered like leaves in the wind, their distant yells growing fainter as they ran to call for help. Ezra smirked to himself, dark satisfaction curling in his chest.


    Witnesses. Perfect. We can beat these idiots black and blue and walk away clean because they started it.


    The leader of the group - a tall, wiry guy with a crooked grin and greasy hair slicked back against his scalp - pointed at Karen, his eyes gleaming with recognition. "That''s the bitch with the bounty," He said, his voice dripping with malice. His gaze raked over her, lingering in ways that made Ezra''s blood boil. "One million to deliver her whole," He sneered, "And mostly unspoiled."


    Karen stiffened, her jaw clenching as her hand instinctively brushed against the Pokeballs at her waist. But it was Ezra who stepped forward first, his red eyes burning with barely restrained fury.


    "A bounty," He growled, his voice low and dangerous. "Let''s talk about that. Shall we?"


    Without waiting for an answer, he released Akuma, Cheshire, and Nyx. Akuma, his Annihilape, landed with a heavy thud, the ground beneath him cracking slightly as he flexed his powerful arms and let out a guttural snarl. Cheshire, the Gengar, floated lazily beside him, his wide grin betraying the gleeful violence brewing within him. Nyx, the Spiritomb, swirled into form, her eerie purple aura flickering ominously.


    They could feel his anger and were amped up accordingly.


    Karen followed suit, her eyes hard as she released her Shiftry, Weavile, and Honchkrow. The Weavile hissed, claws flexing as it eyed the delinquents with predatory intent. Shiftry''s limbs creaked as it stepped forward, leaves rustling like whispers of death. Honchkrow flapped his wings, casting a shadow over the group as he let out a low, menacing caw.


    Ezra''s eyes darted to the delinquents'' hands as they released their own Pokemon from their pokeballs - a bevy of Johto species with a few of Kanto''s included, including a Granbull, a Croconaw, a Murkrow, and a Machoke. Decent enough picks for thugs, but they weren''t ready for what was coming.


    Karen''s voice was icy. "I''d like to know about this bounty too."


    Ezra''s mind worked rapidly even as they squared up, connecting the dots. An Elite Four apprentice like Karen having a bounty meant only one thing. Giovanni figured out how much I care about her. Taking her hostage would be easier than taking me down...


    it was the only thing that made sense. If Giovanni had observed them the entire time they were in Celadon¡­


    While he and Karen hadn''t been together yet, it would have been obvious to a guy of his caliber.


    Shitty ass League not moving even when you get told who the leader of Team Rocket is, he thought with annoyance.


    One of the delinquents confirmed his suspicion seconds later. "Team Rocket''s offering all that money," The spiky-haired punk sneered, flashing a crooked grin. His eyes flicked to Ezra''s leather jacket. "Hey, kid, you''re a punk too, ain''tcha? All that leather¡­ Dump your girl for some of the dosh, eh?" He suggested.


    Massively misreading the situation¡­


    Ezra''s eyes darkened, his voice cold as death. "Akuma, break his pelvis."


    Akuma roared, muscles coiling as he launched himself at the punk before he or his Pokemon could even react. The Annihilape''s massive fist connected with a sickening crunch, and the punk crumpled to the ground, howling in pain as he clutched his shattered pelvis, his Pokemon frantically firing attacks at Akuma.


    The chaos began.


    Karen''s Shiftry darted forward with Leaf Blades fired off ahead of it. It slashed through the Murkrow mid-air, knocking it back with a strangled caw before following up with a Razor Leaf that tore into the Croconaw. The water-type snarled, its attempt to retaliate with Water Gun barely grazing Shiftry as the grass/dark type weaved effortlessly through its attacks.


    These punks Pokemon were beginners at best, if one was charitable.


    If Ezra was more of a criminal, he''d take that damn Croconaw and give it to Misty, this punk didn''t deserve it.


    Weavile danced around the Granbull, her speed blinding as she delivered a flurry of Ice Punches to its jaw. The Granbull swung wildly, but Weavile was too fast, slipping under its defenses and landing a final blow that sent it crashing to the ground in a daze.


    Cheshire floated above the fray, his wide grin never faltering as he launched Shadow Balls with pinpoint accuracy keeping the punks'' Pokemon guessing. One slammed into the Croconaw, sending it skidding backward, while another blasted the Machoke in the chest, knocking the wind out of it. The Gengar cackled, enjoying the chaos as his opponents flailed helplessly.


    Nyx hovered nearby, her ethereal form shifting and swirling as she unleashed a wave of Taunts on every Pokemon she saw. The technique rippled across the battlefield, as she hit Pokemon after Pokemon, disorienting the delinquents'' Pokemon and making them attack with no regards to defense.


    The Croconaw whimpered, its instincts telling it to flee even as taunt made it fire a water gun at Nyx, but Karen''s Honchkrow swooped down before it could do anymore, delivering a devastating Drill Peck to its back, finishing it.


    Karen''s focus was laser-sharp, her commands precise. "Shiftry, finish the Murkrow with Leaf Storm! Weavile, Ice Shard on the Granbull - keep it down!"


    Both Pokemon obeyed without hesitation. Shiftry summoned a swirling vortex of leaves, the sharp edges cutting through the Murkrow''s wings and sending it plummeting to the ground. Weavile''s Ice Shard struck the Granbull squarely in the face, freezing it in place before it collapsed in defeat.


    Meanwhile, Akuma was wreaking havoc, his fists a blur as he pounded the Machoke into submission. The fighting-type tried to counter with Karate Chop, but Akuma caught its arm mid-swing and twisted it with bone-snapping force. The Machoke let out a guttural cry before Akuma finished it off with a brutal Close Combat, leaving it unconscious in the dirt.


    One of the delinquents, wide-eyed and panicking, fumbled with his Pokeball, trying to recall his Croconaw. But before he could, Karen''s Honchkrow swooped down, claws outstretched. The thug yelped and stumbled backward, dropping the Pokeball as Honchkrow pecked viciously at his hand.


    The other few Pokemon weren''t even worth mentioning as Cheshire cleaned them up by himself, their attacks weak enough they were obviously fresh and untested.


    Ezra''s gaze flicked to the leader, who was backing away slowly, his confidence crumbling as he realized how outmatched they were.


    "Akuma," Ezra said calmly, "Grab him."


    Akuma moved like a bullet, closing the distance in a heartbeat. His massive hand shot out, grabbing the leader by the waist and lifting him off the ground effortlessly. The thug squirmed, but Akuma''s grip was unrelenting.


    Karen stepped forward, her eyes blazing with fury. "Who told you about the bounty?" She demanded, her voice cold and commanding. "Who''s behind this?"


    The leader sputtered, his face pale. "I - I told you! Team Rocket! We just wanted the money!"


    Ezra sighed, stepping closer until he was inches from the thug''s face. "Bad choice," He said softly. "Team Rocket can''t save you now."


    Cheshire floated beside them, his grin widening as he phased through the thug''s body, his head poking out of the thugs shoulder to grin at him wickedly, sending a cold shiver down his spine.


    "Tell me," Ezra continued, "Where''s the rendezvous point? You catch her, where were you supposed to take her, and to who?"


    The thug stammered, sweat pouring down his face. "The docks! W-we were supposed to hand her off at the docks! No special place, just a guy who told us the deets, we were to call him up!" He then gave an extremely thorough description of the guy.


    Ezra''s eyes narrowed, and he glanced at Karen. "Good to know."


    Karen nodded, her fists clenching. "I think we''ve had enough fun here."


    Ezra smirked. "Akuma, drop him."


    Akuma let go, and the thug collapsed to the ground with a pained grunt. Ezra glanced around at the defeated Pokemon and their trainers, all groaning and whimpering in pain.


    "You''re lucky we didn''t go all out," He said, his tone casual but deadly. "If you ever come near Karen again, you won''t be so lucky."


    The sound of motorcycles echoed in the distance, sirens growing louder by the second. Ezra adjusted his jacket, shooting Karen a knowing look. "Time to face the music."


    Karen returned her Pokemon to their balls, her eyes still burning with residual anger. "Yeah. I wish we could have shown these idiots a bit more of my feelings on the matter of kidnappings though¡­"


    The crowd that had gathered in the distance, watched quietly, whispering among themselves as Ezra and Karen stepped to the side, waiting for the police.


    Ezra''s hand found Karen''s, squeezing it gently. "You okay?"


    Karen exhaled, the tension slowly leaving her body. "I will be. Thanks for having my back."


    "Always," Ezra replied, his voice soft but firm.


    The distant wail of sirens grew louder, echoing off the concrete walls of the nearby buildings as Officer Jenny and her team arrived on the scene. Jenny, her cap slightly askew from the rush, stepped off of the police motorcycle, her gaze sharp as she surveyed the aftermath of the chaos.


    Ezra stood with his hands in his jacket pockets, leaning casually against a lamppost as if he''d just finished a leisurely stroll. Beside him, Karen crossed her arms, her expression guarded but defiant. The officers fanned out, some moving to secure the delinquents while others returned the fainted Pokemon to their balls and collected them as evidence.


    Jenny approached the pair, her boots clicking sharply against the pavement. "Ezra Kassian, I already know who you are," She said, her voice crisp and authoritative. "Figures I''d find you in the middle of this."


    Fucking watched that interview did you, bitch? He thought with annoyance. Ezra tilted his head, feigning surprise. "Officer Jenny. What a pleasure. Here to congratulate me for cleaning up the streets?"


    Her eyes narrowed, clearly unimpressed by his flippant attitude. "We received multiple reports of a street brawl with severe injuries. Care to explain why you and your Pokemon nearly dismantled these guys?"


    Karen stepped forward before Ezra could respond, her voice firm. "They attacked us. They''re the ones who started this."


    Jenny gave Karen a brief glance, then focused back on Ezra. "Self-defense doesn''t usually leave people with broken bones and a need for immediate medical attention."


    Ezra shrugged, the picture of indifference. "If they wanted to walk home tonight, maybe they shouldn''t have tried kidnapping my girlfriend due to some bounty."


    Jenny''s lips pressed into a thin line. "I see. And you couldn''t have handled this without turning it into a show?"


    "Sure," Ezra said, his tone cool and sarcastic. "We could''ve politely asked them to reconsider the whole bounty-hunter thing. Maybe shared a cup of tea."


    Karen hid a smirk behind her hand as Jenny''s eyes flared with irritation. "You''re not helping yourself, Kassian." She grumbled.


    "I don''t need to," He replied, his gaze unwavering. "I made the right choice." He knew there was fuck all she could do.


    All the witnesses would confirm the punks started things threatening his girlfriend and taking their pokeballs out.


    Jenny exhaled sharply, clearly trying to keep her temper in check. "And this bounty you mentioned - who placed it?"


    Karen and Ezra exchanged a brief glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Neither of them had any intention of revealing that detail to the police. They wanted answers directly from the source, and they wouldn''t get those if the contact went into hiding because of law enforcement interference.


    "We don''t know who exactly," Karen lied smoothly. "They just said it was Team Rocket. That''s all we''ve got."


    Jenny studied her for a long moment, her gaze flicking between Karen''s serious expression and Ezra''s infuriatingly calm demeanor. "Team Rocket. Of course." She let out a tired sigh. "Look, I''m not going to pretend this isn''t messy. These guys are in serious trouble, and there''ll be an investigation. But next time, Kassian, maybe call us before you go all vigilante."


    "Sure thing," Ezra said with a dismissive wave, "Next time I''ll wait patiently while they haul Karen off."


    Jenny''s jaw clenched, but Karen stepped in again, her voice softening just enough to ease the tension. "Officer Jenny, we really do appreciate you coming. But you have to understand - we couldn''t take any chances."


    Ezra gave her a look, don''t waste your time with the cop, Karen.


    Jenny''s gaze softened slightly as she looked at Karen, though her wariness toward Ezra remained. "Fine. We''ll take your statements officially at the station, but for now, we''re confiscating the Pokeballs involved. Standard procedure."


    Ezra didn''t flinch, even as an officer approached and held out a bag for him to deposit his Pokeballs. He placed them inside without complaint, though his eyes never left Jenny''s.


    He didn''t need his Pokemon to unleash hell on her. And besides, with how public this was, it was best to just go with it. Like hell it was procedure in a clear cut self defense case¡­


    Karen followed suit, giving a small nod to the officer before turning back to Ezra. "We''ll get them back after the paperwork, right?" She asked Jenny.


    Jenny nodded. "If everything checks out with the witnesses and there''s no evidence of excessive force beyond self-defense, you''ll have them back in a few hours."


    Ezra smirked faintly. "Good luck proving anything else. The crowd saw who attacked who."


    Jenny exhaled sharply through her nose, clearly debating whether to respond or not. She eventually chose the latter, turning to her team instead. "Secure the suspects and get the injured ones to the hospital. Once they''re stable, I want them in holding cells."


    Ezra watched as the delinquents were loaded away, their groans and curses fading into the background noise. When Jenny turned back to him and Karen, her tone was slightly less confrontational. "Alright, come with me to the station and we''ll sort this out."


    Karen nodded, but Ezra simply tilted his head slightly, his smirk still in place. Jenny''s eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned and walked away, her team following behind her.


    Ezra would bet a lot that those nosy reporters would soon find a story here¡­ Officer Jenny would no doubt throw him under the bus while not giving any real information. Something like - Ezra Kassian was involved in an altercation, his opponents suffered multiple broken bones. Without saying anything else.


    He could see it already.


    Oh well.


    Once they were alone, Karen let out a breath, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "That could''ve gone worse."


    Ezra chuckled. "She''s pissed because she knows I''m not sorry and would have done it again, plus she''s already biased."


    Karen smiled faintly. "I know. And for the record, I''m not sorry either." Her hand found his, squeezing it gently. "Thanks for having my back."


    They started to make their way to the police station, to do the ridiculous paperwork that would release their Pokemon again.


    He wasn''t worried, he had the Pokemon in his shadows, but really? Officer Jenny heard there was a bounty and left them defenseless taking their mon''. Real genius there. Fuck, cops were dumb.


    But even as they left the scene, his mind was already plotting. Whoever placed the bounty thought they could take Karen from him. They were about to learn how wrong they were.


    <hr>


    That night, Goldenrod City, Johto.


    The sun had dipped low over Goldenrod''s sprawling docks, casting the city in a hazy twilight glow. The air was thick with the scent of brine and rust, the sound of distant waves crashing against the pier mixing with the hum of city life.


    Ezra led the way, his pace deliberate but cautious, Karen following close behind as they weaved through the maze of backstreets and warehouses. This part of Goldenrod more obviously worn down then the glitz and glam of downtown.


    "Any sign yet?" Karen whispered, her breath fogging slightly in the cool evening air.


    "Not yet," Ezra muttered, eyes scanning the darkened alley ahead of them. His fingers flexed briefly before he extended his aura, the shadows around them deepening and wrapping protectively around their figures as two men in work uniforms passed by on the street. They barely glanced in their direction, the encroaching shadows making the pair all but invisible.


    Karen adjusted her jacket, her gaze darting around nervously. "This feels like a needle-in-a-haystack situation."


    Ezra smirked faintly. "It would be, but we have an advantage." All his ghosts, from those bound, to those in his shadows, were flying around the city with this guys description, they''d find him.


    They only had to search places where scum gathered after all, since he needed to be available if anyone got Karen.


    Just then, a familiar ripple in the shadows caught his attention. Cheshire phased up through Ezra''s shadow, his grin stretched wider than usual, eyes gleaming with excitement.


    "You found him," Ezra said, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Cheshire nodded, bobbing enthusiastically in midair. The Gengar didn''t bother with words, instead motioning for them to follow. Ezra grabbed Karen''s hand and led her quickly through a side alley, ducking behind stacks of shipping crates and rusted machinery as they moved deeper into the docks.


    The path twisted and turned, each new corner revealing narrow alleys and dimly lit backstreets until finally, they reached a decrepit building tucked between two warehouses meant to store fish, the smell overpowering through the street.


    The structure''s wooden siding was warped and cracked, patches of peeling paint revealing years of neglect. The smell of saltwater mixed with stale alcohol lingered in the air, and the faint sound of muffled moans filtered through a cracked window.


    Ezra narrowed his eyes. "This is it?"


    Cheshire nodded, floating ahead and gesturing toward the entrance.


    Karen wrinkled her nose. "This place looks like it should''ve been condemned a decade ago."


    Ezra snorted. "Wouldn''t be surprised if it was."


    The building had the look of somewhere long forgotten by officials and law enforcement. No signage indicated its purpose, and the only hint that it wasn''t completely abandoned was the dim light flickering behind the broken glass of the front windows.


    Ezra turned to Karen, his voice low. "Follow my lead. Don''t speak unless you have to."


    Karen gave him a skeptical look but nodded. "Fine, but this better not end with me in a police cell."


    Ezra smirked. "No promises, the police here already like us so much."


    Cheshire slipped back into Ezra''s shadow, vanishing from sight as the pair stepped inside. The heavy door creaked loudly as it swung open, and they were immediately greeted by the dim glow of flickering overhead lights. The narrow hallway was lined with peeling wallpaper, the musty scent of mildew hanging thick in the air.


    A small booth sat off to the side, manned by a bored-looking woman with brightly dyed hair and a wad of gum inflating in her mouth. She barely glanced up as they approached, popping the bubble with a loud snap.


    "250 Pokedollars entry fee," She drawled, lazily holding out her hand.


    Ezra slid the money across the counter without hesitation. The woman pocketed it and leaned back in her chair, popping another bubble. "If you like any of the merchandise, flag down Jeff. Can''t miss him - he looks like a Granbull, he''ll make sure your wick gets wet."


    Karen''s expression shifted from confusion to outright disgust, her gaze snapping to Ezra in silent accusation. Her eyes practically screamed - what the hell have you gotten me into?


    Ezra didn''t acknowledge her reaction, instead giving her a small nod to follow him further down the hallway. She reluctantly obeyed, though her fists clenched tightly at her sides.


    The hallway opened into a large, dimly lit room filled with low tables, cushions, and the overwhelming scent of cheap cologne. The room was alive with murmured conversations, moans and quiet laughter, but what drew Karen''s attention - and horror - was the "merchandise" lounging around.


    And in some cases being quite busy. Working under tables, or just out in the open.


    Pokemon.


    Mostly humanoid ones, like Gardevoir, Lopunny, and Medicham, but there were others too, sprawled across the cushions and tables. Their expressions ranged from vacant to weary, and Karen felt bile rise in her throat.


    "This place is disgusting," She hissed under her breath, her eyes darting away from a Jynx slowly sucking a elderly man off on a couch.


    He understood her rage. Considering she just received a Vulpix, and there on a table one was crying out as it was taken from behind.


    Karen''s rage was an almost physical thing, her hands clenching hard at her sides.


    Ezra''s expression was stony. "I know."


    Considering the clientele rutting down here, and the rooms upstairs, the cheap ones paid to do whatever down here, no privacy. While the more expensive option was a room. He didn''t even want to know what was done privately if this was the ''open'' actions.


    The cries of the Pokemon could not by any metric be called cries of pleasure.


    He spotted Jeff almost immediately - a large, burly man with a shaved head and a crooked grin on a squashed face that made him look exactly like the Granbull the woman had described. Jeff stood near the back of the room, arms crossed over his broad chest as he watched the proceedings with a predatory gleam in his eyes.


    Ezra''s hand tightened around Karen''s briefly before he let go. "Stay close."


    They approached Jeff, who eyed them both with open interest, his gaze lingering on Karen far too long for Ezra''s liking. "New faces," Jeff said, his voice a low rumble. "You lookin'' to spend some time upstairs? I got a great deal on a pair of fresh Meowth''s."


    Ezra''s lip curled faintly, but he forced himself to remain composed. "Yeah. What''s the rate? Not the meowths, one mon'' will do."


    Jeff smirked, his gaze flicking back to Karen. "Depends on what you''re after, but you don''t look like the type to mind spending a little extra."


    Ezra''s fingers itched to throw a punch, but he held back. "Money''s not an issue. Just take us upstairs."


    Jeff rubbed his hands together, clearly pleased. He gestured toward a nearby Gardevoir, who had been standing off to the side with her head bowed. "She''ll take you up. She''s the best we have, you have to love Pokemon physiology, hundreds of customers and she''s still as tight and wet as when she was born." He winked at them.


    Ezra contemplated murder as he paid an outrageous sum. Even as he really hoped that had not been a literal fact. Some people don''t deserve to exist¡­


    The Gardevoir stepped forward, her movements mechanical as she led them toward the staircase. As they ascended, the muffled sounds of the room below faded into the background, replaced by the creaking of the old wooden steps.


    When they reached the room, Ezra waited until the Gardevoir closed the door behind them before giving the signal. "Cheshire."


    The Gengar emerged from Ezra''s shadow, his eyes glowing with a faint purple hue as he cast Hypnosis on the Gardevoir. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she collapsed gently onto the nearby couch, fast asleep.


    Karen let out a shaky breath, her hands trembling slightly. "I can''t believe this place exists."


    "I can," Ezra said grimly. "But it won''t for long. Once we''re done here, I''ll send word to Whitney. Goldenrod''s law enforcement will handle the rest." The gym. Not the cops. He didn''t trust this Officer Jenny.


    Even if he would prefer to handle it himself¡­ Outright murder might be a bit much for a first date.


    Karen nodded, her disgust still evident. "They''ll probably bolt as soon as they realize we aren''t doing that, though."


    Ezra grimaced. "Yeah, places like this don''t stay in one spot for long. They''ll have cameras in every room for blackmail too, and with how he was looking at you, that pig Jeff will check them soon enough. Once he sees us, he''ll pack up and run."


    He turned to Cheshire. "Show us to our guy''s room."


    Meanwhile he mentally ordered some of the Ghosts in his shadow to detach and go follow Jeff.


    If he got away¡­ Well, he wouldn''t.


    Cheshire grinned and floated silently toward the far end of the hallway, beckoning them to follow. Ezra and Karen exchanged a look before slipping out of the room, their footsteps muffled against the worn carpet as they crept toward their target.


    Minutes later, the door to the room their target was staying in creaked open, revealing a scene that made Karen''s stomach twist and Ezra''s eyes harden. The man they were looking for - a grungy, overweight criminal with a greasy mop of hair plastered to his forehead - was sprawled out on the stained mattress, half-dressed and reeking of cheap cologne and sweat. Beside him lay a Lopunny, her eyes glassy and distant, her body covered in¡­ Signs of activity.


    Cheshire materialized from Ezra''s shadow, his mischievous grin taking on a more sinister edge as he floated toward the man. His red eyes pulsed briefly before the glow of Hypnosis consumed them both. The criminal let out a groggy grunt before slumping, unconscious. The Lopunny didn''t scream or panic. She simply let out a breath of relief and sank deeper into the mattress, her muscles finally relaxing.


    Karen''s jaw clenched. "I hate this place," She whispered, disgust radiating from her every word.


    Ezra nodded, but his focus was elsewhere. He pulled out his Pokedex and tapped through his contacts until Whitney''s face appeared on the screen, her signature bright pink hair falling over her shoulders. She grinned when she saw him, her cheerful demeanor lighting up the display, answering right away even though it was nighttime. "Ezra! What''s up? Are you in town? You usually don''t call this ~late."


    "Whitney." His voice was cold and precise, slicing through her excitement. "I''m at an illegal brothel, on the second floor. There''s Pokemon being exploited here. It''s¡­ Bad."


    Whitney''s smile vanished instantly, replaced by a hard, furious expression. "What?" She hissed, leaning closer to the screen. "In my city!? Where exactly?"


    Ezra rattled off the address, his tone unwavering. "Get here fast. They''ll bolt the second they realize someone''s coming."


    "I''m on it," Whitney said sharply. "I''ll bring backup." Her gaze softened slightly as she added, "Be careful, Ezra."


    He ended the call without a word, sliding the Pokedex back into his pocket. "Loki," He murmured, his Banette slipping from the shadows like a phantom. "Find the cameras. Destroy the footage."


    Loki nodded, his zipper mouth spreading into a wicked grin before he vanished again.


    With authorities coming, Ezra didn''t want them to see what they were here for. Or for anyone to have footage of him paying to be here.


    Karen exhaled shakily, her gaze lingering on the unconscious criminal. "Thanks for calling Whitney," She said quietly, her fingers curling into fists. "But I wish I could have a few words with that Jeff guy before he runs or gets caught."


    Ezra''s lips twitched into a grim line. "I get the feeling Whitney''s going to be very thorough," He muttered, but he understood Karen''s frustration. His own hands itched with the desire to do more. But there was a bigger fish in the room for them personally.


    Moments later, Loki returned, nodding once to confirm the task was done. "Good. Akuma." Ezra released his Annihilape, the powerful ghost-fighting Pokemon snarling softly as it materialized. "Carry him."


    Akuma growled and grabbed the unconscious man, flinging him over his shoulder like a sack of garbage - which was apt. He released Starmie, its core glowing faintly as it prepared to teleport them. Ezra quietly giving instructions.


    They reappeared in Lavender Town, specifically within Ezra''s sprawling breeding and research facility. The main building had been designed with expansion in mind, leaving many of the underground rooms unused. It was one such room they soon occupied - bare walls, dim lighting, and thick concrete that muffled sound effectively.


    Luckily they had not run into anyone getting down there after Starmie dropped them off upstairs.


    Akuma dropped the man onto the cold floor with a grunt. Ezra knelt down, patting him down for weapons and Pokeballs. He found two knives and a small switchblade, along with three Pokeballs that he pocketed for safekeeping. Once satisfied the man was disarmed, Ezra stepped back, locking the heavy steel door behind him.


    Karen leaned against the wall, her breathing uneven. "You''re going to interrogate him, aren''t you?" She asked softly, though it wasn''t really a question.


    Ezra hesitated, his gaze meeting hers. "You should go home. You don''t want to see this."


    Karen crossed the room in two steps, cupping his face between her hands and tilting his head down so their eyes locked. She kissed him softly, her lips lingering just long enough to make his heart skip a beat. When she pulled back, her gaze was steady and filled with quiet determination.


    "I know what they''d do if they captured me," She said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I remember that girl from the Rocket base."


    Ezra''s jaw tightened. He remembered her too - barely more than a child, trapped and broken by Team Rocket''s cruelty.


    "You don''t have to hide your darkness from me," Karen continued. "I''m not afraid of it." She met his eyes, "I trust you, and all your darkness."


    Ezra stared at her, his throat tightening. Her words weren''t just reassuring - they were grounding, giving him permission to be exactly who he needed to be. "Okay," He murmured, pressing a brief kiss to her forehead. "But if it gets too much -"


    "I''ll be fine," She interrupted gently.


    He exhaled slowly, then nodded. "Let''s do this."


    The next day, the underworld stirred with whispers.


    A video had spread like wildfire, sent from an underworld broker''s phone, to his superiors, where the video cloned itself and sent itself to all contacts they had. Until the entire underworld had the video.


    The footage was grainy but clear enough to capture the terror in the man''s eyes as he sat tied to a chair, sweat dripping down his face. His voice cracked as he babbled, answering question after question under the weight of unseen pressure. Shadows danced across the screen, suggesting something sinister lurking just beyond the frame.


    Then came the torture. It was long, cruel and absolutely devastating to the man''s body and mind. The words you''re next flashed on the screen after the man finally dropped dead.


    The bounty on Karen was quietly dropped within hours.


    No fixer, criminal, or bounty hunter wanted to risk crossing the line. Team Rocket might still be in the game, but they were alone.


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