Pokémon Alternate: Echoes of Power

[_LuminouShadow_]

Isn't the world of Pokémon a dream that so many long for? The place where our childhood found its brightest light? But what happens when two individuals find themselves in that very world? Will they live their best lives, or will they be swept away by the hidden undercurrents lurking beneath our childish innocence?

One has completed his journey and stands at the apex of power, waiting for a greater purpose to ignite his path. The other is still traversing the wonders of Pokémon, driven by the burning desire to prove his mettle and seize glory. How will these two drifters react when their fates intertwine? When a troublesome ten-year-old bursts onto the scene, will they discover a new purpose to their stories?

Saving the world? Taking on massive criminal syndicates? Battling myths and legends? Solving extinction events? For our heroes, that's just another Monday night overtime!

Will they uncover the purpose they've been searching for? Will their journey become a quest for meaning and life, or will it spiral into a fierce struggle for glory and power? One thing is certain: adventure awaits—so why not join them and see what unfolds?

Being Cross Posted on, Webnovel, FF.net, QQ

Links to my Patreon- patreon.com/LuminouShadowBooks
Discord Link- https://discord.gg/ncrYddTrH8

 

[_LuminouShadow_]

"Poliwrath, quick, dodge! Then hit it with Hydro Pump—full power!" The trainer's voice trembled with urgency, knowing that this was his last chance. Across the battlefield, a calm young man issued his orders with quiet confidence.

"Extrasensory to redirect it, then Energy Ball to finish." His voice was steady, almost detached, as he spoke to his Ninetales.

With a graceful flick of its tails, Ninetales used Extrasensory to twist the Hydro Pump's path, sending it harmlessly off-course. Poliwrath, exhausted from the previous move, struggled to regain its footing. Meanwhile, Ninetales' fur shimmered as it gathered energy—its mouth glowed a vivid green, and a sphere of concentrated Grass-type power formed in front of it. In an instant, it launched the Energy Ball with pinpoint accuracy.

A blinding flash of green light filled the air, followed by the unmistakable thud of Poliwrath hitting the ground, unconscious.

The referee called out, "Poliwrath is unable to battle! Gym Leader Blake wins!" A burst of applause erupted from the crowd, and Blake offered a graceful smile, acknowledging their cheers with a quiet nod.

The challenger stood silently, his gaze lowered, shoulders heavy with both shame and exhaustion.

Blake glanced at his defeated opponent, then turned to address the crowd. "Thank you all for coming to today's match," he said with a charismatic smile. "We won't have another battle until Wednesday, but if you want the best seats, be sure to grab your tickets early." With a playful wink, he waved to the crowd and departed, leaving the challenger without so much as a word.

…

As Blake passed the Gym Trainers' room, three of his trainers greeted him hurriedly. To them, Leader Blake was both an idol and a mentor. But his calm face and gentle demeanor—which usually masked the storm within—kept them on edge.

He returned their greetings with a polite nod and handed one of the Gym Trainers the Pokéballs he'd used in the battle before heading toward his personal lounge.

To his surprise, he found someone waiting for him there—his grandfather, lounging with a drink in hand.

Raising an eyebrow, Blake retrieved a soda from the fridge before addressing the old man. "What brings you here, Gramps?"

His grandfather chuckled, a nostalgic gleam in his eye. "Oh, just came to watch my brilliant little grandson make a fool out of another Elite Trainer. Ah, I'm so glad you took over this boring job... I remember when I had to hold back every time. Those were the days!"

Blake's eyebrow twitched as he leveled a cool glare at his grandfather. "Seems like your memory's fading, Gramps. Maybe you should pay Dr. Jones a visit, yeah? I distinctly remember the Gym Leader role being forced onto me by a certain old fool. Ring any bells? Not to mention all the mess that led to it… Ugh." Blake sighed as he collapsed onto the couch, visibly annoyed.

The old man only cackled in response.

Blake's grandfather, Blaine, was the previous Gym Leader of Cinnabar Island and had been a gatekeeper for Champion Pryce, a member of the Elite Four. Most people knew him as the Hotheaded Quiz Master, but in this world, he was known as Blaine the Fire Tyrant.

"Ah, good times, good times," Blaine reminisced with a grin. "But you know as well as I do, it was the best way to avoid owing the Blackthorns. So what's got you all grumpy? So what if you can't challenge the Dragon kid for another five years? You got an Alpha Dragonite's egg out of it. Last time I checked, you trained that damn lizard into another monstrosity."

Blaine mumbled under his breath, "Weird kid... weird Pokémon training methods..."

Blake wasn't impressed by his grandfather's half-hearted compliment, but he had to admit, Blaine had picked the best dragon from the clutch during the negotiations.

And Blake wasn't one to brag, but he knew he had the strongest Dragonite in all of Indigo. Lance's starter could suck it for all Blake cared. Meta knowledge went a long way, after all. The primitive methods the Blackthorns used to train their dragons could never match the level of his own Dragonite. While still young, Alduin was already proving himself worthy of the title of World-Eater.

Blake shook his head, frustration bubbling beneath his calm exterior. "Yes, yes, Alduin is incredible, monstrous even, but don't forget how all of this happened! It didn't just cost me the title of Champion; I've got to follow that damn lizard's orders now... It's good that the idiot knows better than to think he can control me, and at least he doesn't go overboard with his demands. But it still grates on my nerves."

Blaine chuckled, deliberately ignoring the latter part of Blake's rant. His tone shifted as he locked eyes with his grandson, his face hardening. "Confident, are we?"

He paused, the smile vanishing from his lips as his voice grew low and serious. "Never underestimate anyone... especially not the Dragon Clans. Those people can—and will—be brutal if their tails get stepped on. And don't forget the generations of knowledge and wealth they've hoarded. You may be one of the strongest trainers alive, but that doesn't make you invincible. Don't underestimate anyone, Blake. I've seen my colleagues pay the price during the wars..." He trailed off, the weight of his words hanging heavy in the room. The cold emptiness in his eyes betrayed memories of battles long past.

Blake fell silent, the tension thick between them. His gaze shifted away, unwilling to dive deeper into those memories. Being reincarnated, he knew far more about the world than most, but his new life had given him firsthand experience of the wars. In his past life, wars had been distant, abstract concepts—either trivial details in history books or vague references in games. Here, though, war was a lived reality. The season never ending...

In this world, the wars weren't just between Johto and Kanto—they had spanned much farther, far more complex and devastating than he'd ever imagined. But now... the fighting was over. Peace had settled, but it felt fragile. Temporary.

'War... the freaking Season Never Ending,' Blake thought bitterly, his mind wandering to darker memories of conflict, death, and destruction.

Despite the outward appearance of peace, Blake knew it was an illusion—especially when it came to a certain household. He thought of the single mother and her 10-year-old son, who had begun his journey last year and would soon attend the Indigo Plateau Conference. He was still a massive idiot, a novice—a Pokenoob—but Blake knew that kid was destined for greatness. One day, that clueless boy would go on to become a legend in his own right.But… What will he leave behind in his path to greatness?…

Blake let out a long, tired sigh, shaking his head. The world wasn't finished with its games yet.

Blake knew Ash would soon arrive in Cinnabar to challenge him for a badge. But, with every passing day, the world seemed to shift further from the path it once followed, all thanks to his presence.

The Pokémon Mansion raid had been a turning point. When he was 15, the Mansion had been attacked, and Professor Fuji was arrested, sent to the League's detention center. Blake had made sure that Fuji's mind was crippled before that happened. As much as he tried to hold on to his sense of morality, Blake understood that the knowledge of cloning Mew was dangerous—especially in the hands of someone working under Giovanni.

In the aftermath, Blake had confronted his grandfather about his involvement in the Mew cloning project. What started as a conversation quickly escalated into a battle that nearly destroyed their relationship. Blake emerged victorious, proving his strength with his Starter, and, in doing so, opened Blaine's eyes to the true power of the Pokémon he had raised. It was then that Blaine finally confessed his ties to Team Rocket, Giovanni, and the cloning project.

With the truth revealed, Blake used his influence to shield Blaine from the worst consequences. Blaine was given a permanent restriction to stay in Cinnabar, but at least he was alive—and Blake ensured his grandfather still had access to the cutting-edge technology he craved. In return, Blake secured prestige, control over the island system, and vital sea routes. But, like everything in life, there was a price.

The first cost was the deal with the Blackthorns. Blake was barred from pursuing the Champion title for ten years. That stung—the world had already pegged him as the next Champion, the prodigy who would rise to the top, especially with his natural advantage over Champion Pryce. The second deal was even worse. He had to support Lance's ascension to the Champion's title. While Blake had reluctantly accepted that, it wasn't without benefit. From the arrangement, he had secured Alduin's egg, a powerful legacy in its own right.

Blake's third deal was with Agatha of the Elite Four, a woman whose very presence seemed to blur the line between ghost and witch. There was something about her—an unsettling, spectral energy that Blake couldn't quite place. The deal was simple: she would erase the memories of the scientists involved in the Mew cloning project and help protect Blaine. In exchange, Blake owed her three favors. It was a dangerous pact, but sometimes you had to make deals with the devil to get what you wanted.

Agatha had already cashed in one of her favors, forcing Blake to battle a powerful Spiritomb that had become an ancient remnant of a tomb—one that had been terrorizing a nearby village for centuries. It had been a brutal fight, and Blake had nearly lost his sanity dealing with the twisted monstrosity. Agatha, as usual, had reaped all the rewards, and her manipulative nature hadn't stopped there. She even tried to set him up with her apprentice, a woman named Karen.

Blake's expression soured at the thought. He didn't care about Agatha's schemes, and he certainly didn't care about her apprentice. Karen? No thanks. He wanted nothing to do with anyone who had ties to Agatha, least of all her protege.

Blake leaned back, rubbing his temples as the weight of everything pressed down on him. It wasn't just about the badge challenges or the upcoming war for dominance—it was about the complex web of debts and deals that tied him to forces beyond his control.

…

After exposing Team Rocket and securing Blaine's safety, Giovanni was hunted relentlessly by every available force. But the bastard… he had vanished, slipping through the cracks as though he had never existed. He erased all traces of himself—no sign, no scent. That was a problem. Giovanni's plans had been dangerous, and his escape meant something even worse could be brewing in the shadows. Blake knew if that man wasn't stopped, it could lead to another war. This time, however, it wouldn't just ravage the battlefields. It would impoverish the regions of Indigo, leaving them destitute and broken.

But Blake had another, more personal concern. The ripple effect of his actions had already begun. A butterfly had flapped its wings, and now the storm was inevitable. What would happen to the storylines he had once known? Would Mewtwo still come into existence? Would the rest of Team Rocket's operations unfold as history had dictated? Or had Blake's interference already altered the course of the future?

He didn't know the answers, and that uncertainty gnawed at him. What he did know was that Ash's journey, the very existence of that naive, determined boy, meant nothing would stay quiet for long. Things couldn't stay peaceful—not with Ash out there, not with the storm brewing on the horizon.

Blake sighed deeply, taking a long drink from his glass. He raised it slightly, as if toasting to the peace while it still lingered.

A voice broke his thoughts. Blaine spoke up, his tone casual, almost too carefree. "Oh, before I forget, we managed to resurrect a plant with the resurrection machine. Interested?"

Blake blinked a few times, confused for a moment, before shaking his head. "I'll look at it later. Right now, I need to check on my Pokémon. I've got a feeling I'll need them soon enough."

Blaine raised an eyebrow, his gaze following Blake's retreating form as he made his way toward the private Ranch. The old man didn't speak, but his eyes lingered on Blake, watching the younger man's every move with an unreadable expression.

Blake paused at the door, casting one last glance at Blaine. There was a picture framed on the wall—an old, faded photo of a younger Blaine standing beside a Pokémon that had long since passed from memory. Blaine's eyes softened as he stared at the image, his face betraying a brief, almost imperceptible sadness. Then, with a sigh, he turned his attention back to his drink, the weight of his own unspoken regrets hanging in the air.

...

Blake walked through the Ranch, greeted by the familiar sights and sounds of his Pokémon. Some were the battle-hardened veterans of his Gym, while others were wild, drawn to the peaceful haven of his land. He didn't mind feeding them or providing the space they needed to grow, and, when appropriate, he even helped them breed—always with their consent, of course.

He exchanged brief pleasantries with the Ranch workers before making his way toward the volcanic mountainside, where his main team resided. The atmosphere was heavy with Fire Energy, and the terrain reflected that. Lava flows through crevices, Fire Stones scattered like gems across the landscape—it was a paradise for Fire-types. Only the strongest Pokémon dared to venture this close to the heart of the volcano.

Reaching the mouth of a large cavern, Blake paused. His dark Red eyes narrowed in focus as he called out, "Gou, come out, boy. Time for some special training."

In the blink of an eye, a blur of black shot from the cavern, stopping just in front of him with shining, dark eyes. Blake grinned, scratching the back of his Houndoom, who was named after the legendary dog TianGou—known for wanting to swallow the moon. Blake's own Houndoom had a similar fire in his eyes—ready to destroy anything that stood in his path. Fairy-types? He didn't stand a chance. Gou was built to burn them down with his overpowered Sludge Bombs.

Blake turned toward the eastern cliffs, where a treacherous uphill climb led to another cave—a place where his Blaziken, Hestia, made her home. Hestia spent her time raising her brood, nurturing her chicks until they evolved into Combusken. It was clear she was a fierce fighter, but at her core, she was a mother.

Blake smiled warmly as he entered the cavern. "Looking good, Hestia. How are the chicks?"

The Blaziken trilled in response, basking in the affectionate petting from her trainer, her fiery plumage glowing in the low light. Blake chuckled, well aware of the dual nature of his Pokémon—strong, yet full of warmth and care.

After giving Hestia her due attention, Blake scaled the volcanic slopes to reach the fiery peak of the mountain. Near the summit was another cavern, where his powerhouse Pokémon resided. He wasn't surprised to find Vesuvius, his Camerupt, and Mustang, his Magmortar, lounging in a pool of lava. As soon as Blake called out to them, the two Fire-types rose eagerly, shaking off the molten heat and approaching their trainer with enthusiasm.

Blake raised an eyebrow, his thoughts shifting. "Any idea where Alduin and Acnologia are?"

Mustang, always the talkative one, pointed his massive arm toward the peak. Blake followed the gesture, and there they were—Alduin, his Dragonite, locked in an epic wrestling match with an even larger Charizard. This Charizard wasn't just any Charizard—its body was adorned with distinctive birth markings, which some might have called defects. But to Blake, those markings only made the Charizard look more formidable, more battle-worn. The flame on its tail was unique too—flickers of black embers mixed into the red-hot blaze, a symbol of its inner power.

Blake's smile curled slightly, a knowing pride swelling within him. This Charizard, Acnologia, had been special from the moment he'd chosen it as his starter.

He called to the pair of dragons, and with a shared, tacit understanding, the two massive creatures stopped their wrestling match. In an instant, they descended from the peak, landing in front of Blake, their eyes shining with excitement.

"Alright, everyone," Blake said, his voice steady but filled with determination. "Let's get some advanced training in. I have a feeling we'll need to be at our best very soon. I can feel it... the winds of change are coming."

The Pokémon roared in unison, the sound reverberating through the air like a thunderous declaration. Blake stood still, his gaze turning toward the horizon, the chill of both apprehension and exhilaration creeping over him. He wasn't sure what lay ahead, but he knew one thing for certain—the upcoming battles would test him and his team like never before.

...

3rd February, 1998, Cinnabar Island

-

It was a day like any other.

*THUD*
*Smoke billowed upwards*

"Nidoqueen is unable to battle. With no Pokémon left, the winner is Gym Leader Blake!"

Cheers filled the air.

Blake glanced up, his gaze drifting over to his last opponent of the day—heartbroken and defeated.

He couldn't help but sigh. Crushing random trainers wasn't something he enjoyed. Not really. But with his Fire-types, the gap in strength was so vast that no matter how much he mixed up his lineup or let his Pokémon battle on their own, the result was always the same.

His Pokémon had been trained by the finest, his standards high, and his skill in battle unparalleled. The reputation of his Gym demanded it, even if it meant a little subconscious sadism every now and then.

These days, earning the Volcano Badge had become more than just a symbol of victory—it was a mark of excellence. Only the truly determined dared to challenge it. But still, the lack of real competition was starting to get to him.

Blake turned to one of his Gym Trainers, a frown tugging at his lips. "This is getting out of hand... How many badges have I handed out this month?"

The girl looked flustered, her voice shaky as she replied, "Sir... you haven't given out a single badge in three months... the last one went to that boy from Johto who managed to beat one of your Pokémon..."

Blake blinked in surprise, his frown deepening. He let out a heavy sigh, then nodded at the girl, signaling her to return to her duties. He needed a break from this routine, a moment to relax in the hot springs and clear his head. But before he could leave, the door opened, and in walked Blaine with three kids in tow. Blake's heart sank.

'Why the hell is he bringing them here now?' Blake thought, resisting the urge to groan. Instead, he kept his composure and shot Blaine a questioning look.

Blaine, always enjoying a good tease, grinned from ear to ear. "I found a very interesting trainer while I was out on my daily stroll around the island. Thought he might just give you the challenge you've been waiting for."

Blake couldn't help but smile in response, though he didn't challenge his grandfather's words. He knew exactly who Blaine meant.

In this world, Ash Ketchum was the main character, and with him around, anything was possible.

Avoiding any hint of arrogance, Blake teased, "Oh? You seem pretty confident about him, but he looks like a rookie." He turned to Brock, adding, "And if I'm not mistaken, you're Flint's kid, right?" Then he glanced at Misty. "Ah, Misty! It's quite a surprise to see you all together here. How's your sister doing?"

Brock and Misty exchanged surprised looks before responding respectfully. Brock recognized Blake from his father's time as a Gym Leader—a prodigy who had outshone everyone in Kanto and Johto. The first time Blake had challenged his father for a badge had left a lasting impression on him, and he had been a fan ever since. Brock still vividly remembered watching Blake lift his first League trophy that same year.

As for Misty, she had a more personal connection to Blake, recalling the time he had dated her sister, Daisy a few years back. They were broken up now, but she remembered how well Blake had treated her back then.

While Misty and Brock greeted Blake politely, Ash, ever the hothead, shouted, "I'm Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town, and I'm here to take you down!"

"Pika, pi!" chimed Pikachu enthusiastically.

Brock and Misty's faces paled, while Blaine wore a look of amusement. Blake, however, didn't get angry. Instead, he grinned. "My, my, aren't you confident, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. So, I take it you want to challenge my personal team with that kind of confidence?"

Ash looked puzzled. "Well, yeah! What other team would I challenge?"

"Pika?" Pikachu echoed, its eyes wide.

Blake's smile widened even more at Ash's response. The surrounding crowd fell silent, including Blaine, who felt a bead of sweat trickle down his back. He gently nudged Blake. "Oi, boy, calm down. He's just a kid; he didn't mean anything by it. It's his—"

Blake cut him off, his tone calm but firm. "Yes, I know, but the choice is his. After all, he's the challenger, and he has the right to decide which team he wants to face." The smile never left his lips.

Brock and Misty attempted to explain the difference between personal teams and Gym challenge teams to Ash, but he remained undeterred.

"Who do you think you are? I want to be a Pokémon Master, and I'll start by beating you!"

"Pi pika pi, Pikachu!" chimed in Pikachu, matching Ash's confidence.

Fire burned in Ash's eyes, and Blake's grin showed no signs of fading.

---------------------------------------------------------------------
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Being cross posted on, Webnovel, FF.net, QQ

 

[_LuminouShadow_]

3rd​ February, 1998, Cinnabar Island…

-

"We have arrived at the port of Cinnabar Island. All passengers may disembark at their convenience. Thank you for traveling with S.S. Gigantomachia."

A teenager with spiky auburn hair stepped off the ship, a sling bag slung over his shoulder. Stretching to shake off the stiffness of the journey, he shielded his eyes against the intense Cinnabar sunlight and muttered to himself, "Time to prove myself… I'll earn that badge and gain the acknowledgement of the strongest Gym Leader in the Indigo League. After that, the league title awaits..."

Determined, he made his way towards the Pokémon Center.

The Cinnabar Gym was infamous in the trainer community. The entire archipelago was buzzing with visitors, and rumors had it that anyone hoping to battle the Gym Leader needed to schedule an appointment at least a week in advance.

With the Indigo Plateau League only three weeks away, trainers were flocking to Cinnabar—some still hoping to secure their final badges, while others sought a true test of their skills against the island's flame-wielding master.

As the saying in Indigo had gone for the past two years, "You aren't considered elite unless you've earned the badge from the Flame Master."

But challenging the Cinnabar Gym was about more than earning a badge. Gym Leader Blake only accepted battles from trainers with six badges or more—a standard few actually meet. His badge had become a symbol of excellence, one claimed by so few that it was almost a badge of honor just to survive a battle with him.

For Raul, even with his hard-won eight badges and his reputation as a Ground-type Specialist, this battle was more than a rite of passage. He had fought his way to the finals in three different conferences, and he'd even claimed a Battle Tower victory, which earned him a solid two-star Silver Elite ranking.

Still, he'd trained harder than ever for this moment. Battling Blake was a chance to prove his prowess against a true master and see firsthand the strength of a top-tier trainer.

[A/N: The star rankings will be discussed later, it's similar to the game trainer card mechanics but also different.]

As he wove through the bustling crowd, he finally reached the Pokémon Center, only to find it packed. With a resigned sigh, he joined the line—until something made him stop in his tracks.

Three people stood near a counter, one of them a boy he recognized from his previous life.

Raul's eyes narrowed as he took in the boy's trembling hands and downcast gaze. His friends stood beside him, faces etched with concern. The boy's voice shook as he addressed Nurse Joy.

"Please, Nurse Joy, can you make sure my Charizard is okay? He was… badly burned, and crashed through so many boulders…"

Nurse Joy offered the boy a sympathetic smile, reassuring him. "Your Charizard's in good hands. The battles at Cinnabar's Gym may be intense, but our stadiums are designed to protect the Pokémon with psychic fields. And remember, Pokémon are remarkably resilient on their own. So your Charizard will be good as new in no time."

She took his Pokéballs and, trying to lighten the mood, asked, "Did that idiot Blake go overboard again? Don't let it get to you—he's got a real… let's say 'structured' approach to battling. Too much, sometimes! Such a nice guy usually can also be a big bully… !!" She laughed awkwardly, as if recalling something embarrassing.

"So, which Pokémon did he use against you? Was it his Ninetales? Or maybe an Arcanine? Or was it a houndoom? He sure loves his canine fire-types!" Nurse joy changed the subject.

The boy clenched his fists, looking down. "No… Charizard. My Charizard… lost to his. It was too strong… Charizard couldn't even land a hit. It couldn't even fight back…"

Nurse Joy's eyes widened. "A Charizard?" She softened, leaning in as if sharing a secret. "Then Blake must have truly respected you as a trainer. He only brings out one of his Charizards for opponents he considers elite. Take pride in that, young man."

Nurse Joy knew well about Blake's formidable Charizard line—her cousin was one of the private Pokémon doctors at Blake's ranch after all. She was also very surprised because she knew Blake only used his Charziards against Gym leader level Elite trainers…

Raul's ears perked up. As a reincarnated soul, he recognized the boy immediately. This was Ash Ketchum, the very person who would one day become the champion of this world. But he was still a long till that day.

Then, Ash said something that made the entire room go still.

"Yeah… his Charizard was huge, at least three times the size of mine. It had these dark scales with strange markings all over them… like it was on a whole another level."

Nurse Joy froze mid-step, her face paling and her eyes widening. Even Raul felt his pulse quicken.

No way… It couldn't be…

Joy gulped, glancing nervously at Ash's friends, who only offered weak nods. "Did Blake really… send out Acnologia to battle against you?" Her voice quivered with disbelief. "Why would he…? That irresponsibly man!"

Brock and Misty exchanged uneasy glances, chuckling nervously. "It wasn't Blake's fault… It was Ash's idea… kind of..," Brock replied.

Raul pinched the bridge of his nose, exasperated yet unsurprised. That was a classic Ash move.

But even Raul shuddered a bit… hearing the name…

Acnologia.

Blake's Alpha Charizard. A legendary beast known throughout the Poke community as…

The Disaster Dragon.

An icon of power, feared and respected by trainers worldwide. Even Raul didn't feel any confidence to face it yet, and he had the advantage of knowing this world's secrets and unknown strategies and skills.

Nurse Joy let out a deep sigh, crossing her arms and eyeing Ash sternly. "Listen, young man. It's good to have ambition, but it's just as important to know your limits. Acnologia is no ordinary Pokémon! Not even the Elite 4 feels comfortable battling it!"

Ash lowered his head, gritting his teeth. Raul watched the young trainer's fists clench and saw something he recognized: a fierce determination, shaken but unbroken. Something that brought a smile to his lips, as he remembered the kid from the Anime, that he loved so much… Raul had already made up his mind!

Taking a deep breath and fixing a smile, Raul stepped forward. "Hey there. Mind telling me about your Gym battle? Sounds like you gave it everything you had. I'm Raul, by the way."

Ash looked up, eyes still heavy with defeat, but he managed a small nod.

…

…

Outside the Pokémon Center, a series of small arenas lay open for casual battles, each one ringed with spectators and buzzing with the energy of trainers testing their teams. Raul and the group found a quiet spot in the gallery, sitting down to talk and get to know one another.

Brock and Ash listened intently, surprised to learn Raul had already competed in three Conferences and nearly clinched victory in the last one.

Ash's eyes lit up with excitement. "Can I see your Pokémon? I bet they're awesome!"

Raul chuckled. "They're with Nurse Joy for a checkup, remember?" Ash's excitement deflated at the reminder, drawing a laugh from Brock.

It was Brock who leaned in, intrigued. "So, you're a Ground-type specialist?"

"That's right," Raul replied with a grin. "Though my brother's more into Rock types. He's a Gym Leader, too."

Brock's eyes sparkled at this, but before he could ask more, Ash jumped in. "Wait—what's type specialization?"

Raul nearly facepalmed, laughter slipping out. This kid was every bit the Ash he remembered—impulsive, full of questions, and blissfully unaware of basic trainer principles.

Once he calmed down, Raul explained, "Well, once a trainer gets experienced enough, they usually find they have an affinity for a certain type of Pokémon. It just… clicks. Training them feels natural, like breathing. Focusing on one type also means you can streamline training—less time, less cost. Like Brock here, who trains Rock types," he said, nodding at Brock, "or Misty, whose family specializes in Water types."

Ash furrowed his brow. "That sounds dumb! Why stick to one type when you can train them all? Wouldn't you have more options in battle?"

Raul laughed, shaking his head. "You could, but mastering one type gives you an edge too. Take Blake, for instance. He's a Fire-type master, but his team includes a few other types as well. His control over Fire types is so precise, he can practically ignore match-ups. I've seen his Houndoom, TianGou shrug off Water attacks, like they're nothing. And then there's his Blaziken, Hestia… It's so fast that you'd need an area-wide attack to even touch it. And you've already had a run-in with Acnologia… his Charizard..." Raul's voice trailed off, glancing meaningfully at Ash.

The group fell silent. Ash's expression shifted, guilt flickering in his eyes as he clenched his fists.

Raul spoke gently. "Ash, what happened in that battle?"

Ash lowered his head, his voice barely above a whisper. "I… I messed up."

…

…

*FLASH BACK*

-

"Who do you think you are? I want to be the Pokémon Master, and I'll start by beating you!"

"Pika Pi!" Pikachu echoed, eyes sparking with determination.

Blake's grin widened, something like nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "I like your fire, kid. Pride and ambition—you'll need both to go far. So here's the deal. You can face any of my Pokémon. One-on-six. If you impress me, the badge is yours."

Ash's face reddened, fists clenched. "Stop looking down on me! I don't need six! I'll take down your strongest with one!"

"ASH!" Misty's voice cracked. "You don't even have six Pokémon at the moment!!"

Brock and Blaine exchanged uneasy looks. They knew Blake's reputation—calm on the surface, but with the explosive intensity that matched his Fire-types. Blaine, especially, sensed this wasn't going to end well.

But to everyone's surprise, Blake didn't snap. Instead, he let out a chuckle, a glint of amusement in his gaze. "You've got guts, kid. Alright, you know what I will give you what you want. My strongest, then." He gave Ash one last, almost dangerous smile. "Consider this a lesson and a gift."

Ash took his place, oblivious to Misty and Brock's frantic warnings. Blaine shook his head and muttered, "I hope you don't crush his spirit, Blake… That kid's father was a good man."

As the crowd leaned in, watching on the jumbo-tron, Ash threw out his Poké Ball, voice ringing with confidence. "Go, Bulbasaur!"

"Bulba!"

The announcer stammered, caught off guard. "And... Ash sends out a Bulbasaur?!"

Blake's lips twitched with amusement, and he tilted his head, eyes glinting with something like anticipation. "Very well," he murmured, stepping back, his voice low but carrying through the arena. "Burn like the Sun, Acnologia!"

A hush fell over the stadium, as if the very air was holding its breath.

Then, a shadow passed over them, growing darker with each second. High above, Acnologia's enormous wings sliced through the sky, and with a single, mighty wingbeat, a powerful gust swept across the stadium. The air churned, whipping around like the start of a storm, loose sand and dust spiraling up as spectators shielded their faces.

Thunder rumbled in the distance, or maybe it was the sound of Acnologia's wings beating as he descended. The ground trembled beneath them, and wing beat of the dragon-like Charizard brought tremors, the atmosphere thick with an ominous tension that left even seasoned trainers speechless.

The crowd barely breathed as the massive Charizard landed sending a magnitude around the stadium, his scales darkened like molten rocks, marked with fiery, jagged marks that seemed to seep in all light. His presence was overpowering, a firestorm incarnate, and his piercing gaze locked onto Ash, who stared back, confidence wavering, body shaking.

And then…

Ear piercing ROAR. The edict of a King.

Acnologia had arrived.

…

…

The audience was protected by Psychic screens, as were the trainers—the only reason Ash and Pikachu weren't sent flying by the force of Acnologia's arrival. But Bulbasaur wasn't so fortunate. Before the battle could even properly begin, the small Grass-type was knocked out by the sheer force of Acnologia's impact.

"BULBASAUR!" Ash's horrified cry echoed through the stadium as the referee declared his first Pokémon unable to battle. With trembling hands, Ash withdrew Bulbasaur, his heart sinking.

Acnologia landed with earth-shaking force, casting a long shadow over the battlefield. The massive Charizard eyed Ash with a brief moment of confusion, before turning toward Blake with an expression that seemed to ask, Why disturb my nap? And why am I battling this runt? Blake chuckled softly, shrugging, and Acnologia snorted, turning its menacing gaze back to Ash.

Ash's body locked up under the pressure of that glare, Pikachu trembling behind his head. For a moment, he could barely breathe. But then, in true Ash fashion, he slapped his face hard, pulling himself together. His eyes narrowed with fiery resolve, and he shot Blake a determined frown.

Acnologia paused, the fierce intimidation momentarily halted by Ash's unshaken determination. The legendary Charizard tilted its head, as if intrigued, and then lowered itself into a battle stance.

"Go, Squirtle! You can do it!" Ash shouted, calling out his second Pokémon.

"Squirtle!" The Water-type appeared with a burst of enthusiasm, but upon seeing the towering beast in front of him, his confidence melted into visible trembling.

Everything happened too quickly...

Before the referee had even finished announcing the start of the match, Squirtle was sent flying into the stadium wall, unconscious from a single casual flick of Acnologia's tail.

The pattern repeated mercilessly. Pidgeotto was knocked out by nothing more than a gust from Acnologia's wings, and even Pikachu, Ash's most trusted partner, couldn't withstand a single roar. Each defeat was a crushing blow, each Pokémon falling too fast, too easily.

Down to his last Pokémon, Ash clutched the final Poké Ball, his hand trembling but still firm. His confidence was shaken, but his spirit was not broken. Staring at the ball in his hand, he whispered, "It's just you and me, buddy... I believe in you. You're the best Charizard there is."

Ash's Charizard emerged with a roar of defiance, meeting Acnologia's gaze with an intensity that made even the massive Charizard pause. But Acnologia merely sighed, a low, dismissive sound, as if telling the younger Charizard to run along. As the leader of Cinnabar's Charizards, Acnologia was reluctant to harm one of its own kind.

This dismissal ignited something within Ash's Charizard. With a furious roar, it launched itself at Acnologia, wings flapping powerfully as it charged with a Slash attack. Acnologia barely moved, raising one massive wing to block the attack effortlessly. With a casual flick of its tail, it sent Ash's Charizard sprawling back, landing with a heavy thud.

Acnologia growled something in Pokémon language, a deep rumble that resonated like thunder. But Ash's Charizard, ever stubborn, pushed itself back up, fire blazing in its eyes, and launched a powerful Flamethrower.

Ash's heart raced as he watched. His Charizard fought with everything it had, but it was clear that this was a battle of leagues. The Flamethrower was powerful—impressive for any other Fire-type—but Acnologia didn't even flinch. The flames washed over the legendary Charizard as if they were nothing, leaving the behemoth completely unscathed.

Ash's heart sank as he watched his Charizard's strongest attack fail so completely. It was then that Blake's voice cut through the silence, carrying a weight that demanded attention:

"Ash. This is a lesson I want you to always remember: There are always higher mountains and deeper seas. Never be too arrogant, don't be too proud of your temporary successes. Always keep a calm mind and think carefully before you act… After all..." Blake's smile vanished, replaced by the cold, condescending look of a monarch.

"You never know… which Dragon you might poke."

What happened next defied understanding. A flash of light, followed by an overwhelming heat—an intensity that even the Psychic shields couldn't fully block. The audience, shielded by the barriers, broke into a sweat as if the very air was burning.

Time seemed to freeze, the world held in suspended animation until Blake's voice rang out, clear and deep:

"Enough! Acnologia. Stop the Heatwave."

Instantly, the heat dissipated, but the silence that followed was almost more oppressive. Many trainers only realized then that this had been Blake's first and only command throughout the entire battle.

As the air purifiers worked overtime to restore the oxygen levels, the arena lay in ruins. Blake and Acnologia were nowhere to be found. The only figure left was Ash's Charizard, twitching and charred—a haunting reminder of the vast gulf between a child and a king. The ground itself was a mess, scorched and melting, while the stadium's defense system struggled to cool it down, working in overdrive to prevent a catastrophic carbon dioxide buildup.

The lesson had been delivered. Not just to Ash, but to everyone who had witnessed it.

*PAINFUL ROAR*

Charizard's mournful cry pierced the stillness, the sound crashing back into the world with an unsettling force. Ash stood frozen, his face drained of color as the reality of what had just happened slowly sank in.

Blaine acted swiftly, his experienced voice cutting through the chaos as he barked orders to the medics. They rushed forward, stabilizing Charizard with practiced efficiency, but even their skilled hands couldn't hide their concern over the severity of the burns.

"Stupid boy!" Blaine snarled, his voice hoarse with both frustration and worry. "Withdraw your Pokémon, NOW! Get him to the Pokémon Center, STAT!" His anger was palpable, but there was something else beneath it—something that betrayed his concern. "What the hell was Blake thinking, using that beast on a rookie?" He stormed off, his coat whipping behind him. "Has he lost his mind? IDIOT!"

Ash, pale and shaken to the core, recalled Charizard into its Poké Ball, rushing to the Pokémon Center with Pikachu tightly clinging to his shoulder. Brock and Misty exchanged a glance, worry evident in their eyes, before following after him.

The crowd began to disperse slowly, an eerie quiet settling over the stadium. Whispers filled the air—some about Blake's immense strength, others about the brutal reality of the battle—but all agreed on one thing: the Volcano Badge was no mere trophy. It was a symbol of excellence.

…

*FLASHBACK ENDED*

…

…

The group sat in silence after Ash finished recounting the painful story of his encounter with Blake's strongest Pokémon. Raul was at a loss for words, his gaze distant for a moment, before he sighed deeply and gave Ash's shoulder a supportive squeeze.

"How are you holding up?" Raul asked quietly.

Ash took a shaky breath, his voice hoarse as he wiped at the moisture gathering in his eyes. "Honestly? I feel like crap… I… need more time to process all of it…"

Raul nodded in understanding, patting Ash's shoulder before rising to his feet. "What are your plans after this? Will you challenge him again?"

Ash stared blankly for a moment, the uncertainty clouding his expression. "I… don't know…"

Brock stepped in, trying to offer words of encouragement, but Ash shook his head, cutting him off. "No, Brock… I think I need to figure a few things out. I might even miss this year's league…"

Misty's voice broke in disbelief. "But Ash… it's all you've been working for!"

Raul sighed, weighing his words carefully before speaking up. "Look, it's none of my business, but… you've got 7 badges, right? This was your last one? Great. Then why not take on a B-tier Gym, get that eighth badge, and still enter the League? Blake isn't going anywhere… not for a few more years. You can always come back stronger, challenge him again. But until then… keep moving forward. Only you can change your destiny, Ash. That's a lesson a friend told me a long time ago, and I try my best to live by it every day." Raul smiled softly, a wistful look in his eyes as memories from another time flickered.

Ash's eyes softened, a faint, sad smile pulling at the corners of his lips. For the first time since his defeat, there was a glimmer of hope in his gaze.

Raul's tone lightened as he grinned. "If you're sticking around for a while, you've got a standing invitation to my match against Blake! Could always use a cheering squad, hahaha!"

The others chuckled, their spirits lifted by the shift in Raul's demeanor. They agreed to come support him, and as they said their goodbyes, Raul headed off, his mind already focused on the road ahead. He had training to do, Pokémon to swap around… and he was ready to give Blake his best shot.

------------------------------------------------------------------
I just write, if you want to support me or read advanced chapters join my patreon

Links to my Patreon- patreondotcom/LuminouShadowBooks
Discord Link- https: // discord.gg / ncrYddTrH8

Being cross posted on, Webnovel, FF.net, QQ

 

[_LuminouShadow_]

9th​ February, 1998, Cinnabar Island

…

-

*Ringtone* *Pokegear Buzzing*

Blake had just stepped out of the shower, towel draped over his shoulder, taking in the view of the ocean from his balcony. But his moment of peace was interrupted by the unmistakable buzz of his Pokegear. He glanced at the screen, and his mood instantly soured.

'Why the hell is this bastard calling me…?'

The name flashing on the display read "Lizard Bastard." Blake sighed, knowing that Lance wouldn't have contacted him directly unless something was urgent. Grumbling under his breath, he answered the call.

"What do you want?" Blake's voice was dull but had a dangerous edge, already dreading the conversation.

"Good, you answered," Lance's deep voice came through, oddly calm yet tinged with tension. "It's serious, Blake. I wouldn't have called you personally otherwise."

Blake dropped onto the couch, popping open a can of cola. "Yeah, sure. What could possibly have happened that the great 'Lizard King' can't handle with his army of dragons?"

"Oi, don't forget, you've got a Charizard," Lance shot back. "One, that's known as The Disaster Dragon… Even my own Dragonites don't have that title…"

Blake paused, staring at the can in his hand, then clicked his tongue. "Touché. Alright, enough with the banter. What's this about?"

"Remember our old mutual friend?" Lance's voice carried a hint of something darker now, though still with that mockingly playful edge.

*Crush* *Fizz*

Blake's grip tightened on the can, crushing it instinctively as his eyes narrowed. This was serious.

"Did you find Giovanni?" Blake's voice was suddenly frigid.

"No," Lance answered quickly, then hesitated. "But we found something else. A hidden lab. Deep inside Mount Silver. It's huge. Abandoned, but… it's massive."

Blake's brow furrowed. "Mount Silver? What the hell was Team Rocket doing there? Trying to play Dr. Gero and create some androids or something?" He muttered a curse under his breath.

"Who? Androids?" Lance asked, confused.

Blake sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. "Never mind. So, a giant abandoned lab, but no sign of Giovanni? Why are you bothering me with this? I remember telling you to only call me if you have found Giovanni…"

"Blake," Lance's tone shifted, now more serious. "We found some problematic data. You were right. The Mew cloning project wasn't fully wiped out. Giovanni kept backups."

Blake's heart sank. He'd known Giovanni was meticulous, but this… this was worse than he thought.

"Of course, there were backups. Who the hell doesn't keep backups of something that dangerous?"

Before he could continue, Lance cut in. "But there's more. Something else. And it's not looking good."

A new voice, harsh and aged, crackled through the phone. "Boy, can you hear this old lady?"

Agatha… fucking Agatha…

"What do you want, you hag?" Blake snapped, irritation clear in his voice. "And for the last time, I'm not going on a date with Karen."

"Forget the date, this is far more serious," Agatha replied, her tone sharp. "Do you remember the incident from ten years ago? The one in the Northern Wilderness, where we lost an entire team of elites?"

Blake's mind raced as the memory resurfaced. Ten years ago...

That was the only incident that could be significant enough to warrant Agatha's attention. It was one of the alternate-world effects Blake had suspected—strange as it might have seemed. Though something similar had occurred later, it was never discussed as an event so far back, neither in the show nor in the games. But wormholes, portals, and dimension-hopping weren't uncommon in the Pokémon world, so Blake had never dismissed it outright.

He took a breath and responded, his voice calm but edged with recognition. "Yes, a mysterious gateway appeared in the Northern Wilderness. The League sent a team of elites and researchers to investigate, and we lost all of them. We were lucky Oak was sick during that time, or we might've lost him too… What a damn mess."

"Exactly, boy. You remember it well," Agatha acknowledged. "But that's not the issue. The real issue is... another portal has been predicted. And we found this information in the data at Team Rocket's base."

Blake's eyes widened, his pulse quickening as he grasped the weight of the situation. He understood the implications all too well.

Fuck...

"We're not sure what Giovanni plans to do with this... hellish thing," Agatha continued, her voice grave. "But whatever it is, it can't be good."

Blake exhaled sharply, trying to focus. "It doesn't matter what Giovanni wants to do. If we've got a lead that'll take us to him, we take it. We have to stop that man, no matter the cost."

"I agree," Lance interjected. "But there's another problem."

Blake's patience was wearing thin. "What now?"

"In the lab, there's a device," Lance continued. "A device that can track life force signatures from the other side of the portal— the one that appeared ten years ago. We had no idea something like this existed, but Giovanni did. And somehow, it's still working. It seems... all the people who disappeared back then are still alive."

Blake felt his heart stop for a moment. Alive?

He was stunned, utterly speechless. This was impossible… wasn't it?

"How can you be sure?" he asked, struggling to process the words. "What if it's just some random piece of junk?"

"It could be," Lance conceded. "But what if it's not?"

Agatha's voice softened with emotion. "I lost my son in that expedition, Blake. If there's even a chance he's still alive, I want to try and bring him back. And all those brilliant minds— I won't let their sacrifices be in vain."

Blake exhaled slowly, feeling a weight settle in his chest. He had lost family members in that same expedition— his uncle among them. If there was any chance they were still alive...

"Alright, fine. I'll help," Blake grumbled, though there was no mistaking the weariness in his voice. "Not like I had much of a choice. You could always just order me to do this, Mr. Champion."

"You know I'll never do that, Blake," Lance replied, his voice sincere. "No matter what deal my clan made with your grandfather, I truly consider you a friend."

Blake rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I don't need your pity words, Lance." His curiosity got the better of him then. "By the way, who led that expedition? I was too young to care about the details back then."

There was a pause on the other end before Agatha's voice came through, low but serious. "Do you know about Red Ketchum?"

"WHAT KETCHUM??????" Blake's voice was incredulous, his heart pounding in his chest.

…

…

Blake could feel a headache starting to creep in after his conversation with Lance and Agatha. He decided to make himself some tea and then train his Pokémon, hoping it would take his mind off things.

This is insane… I get alternate universes, I do… but really, God? Really? Red Ketchum? Ash's dad is Red Ketchum? Blake ranted internally as he poured hot water into his cup. Sigh… I mean, his dad being Giovanni would've made more sense at this point…

He took a sip of his tea, letting the warmth seep through him, and then a notification flashed on his gear. Surprised, Blake checked it, seeing that someone had booked a gym challenge for today. That was odd— the league tournament was only 20 days away. Most trainers should have already completed the circuit, having all 8 badges and be focused on training or preparing for the tournament.

Those who hadn't collected 8 badges by now probably didn't have 7 either, and were ineligible for a challenge. Not to mention, trainers with 7 badges would be better off going to a B-tier gym to finish their circuit in time.

But hey, you never know with some weirdo looking for an extra thrill before the big event.

Blake sighed, taking another sip, and then checked the challenge details. His eyes narrowed as he read:

---

Name: Raul
Age: 16
City: Oreburgh City
Region: Sinnoh
Trainer Level: 2 Star (Elite)
Current Circuit: Indigo
Badges: 9
Accomplishments:

• 1997: Runner-up at the Lily of the Valley Conference
• 1996: 7th place at the Ever Grande Conference
• 1995: Tower Champion at Pokémon Tower (Sinnoh)
• 1994: 4th place at the Lily of the Valley Conference

---

Blake's interest piqued. Something about this trainer struck him as familiar. He couldn't quite place it, but the name… Raul… It seemed oddly significant.

Curiosity getting the better of him, Blake accessed his personal ID linked to the International Police Department— a perk he had earned through his past contributions— and pulled up more detailed information.

The key details read like this:

---

Raul is the son of the Canalave City Gym Leader, Byron, and the younger brother of the Oreburgh City Gym Leader, Roark. He is also the great-nephew of the Underground Man, Tyson. A promising trainer with five years of experience.

Raul nearly won the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh last year but lost at the last moment to an opponent's Pokémon's miraculous evolution, stealing the victory. He was the favorite to win the whole tournament.

Known Pokémon:

• Ursaring (with Bloody Red Fur)— his starter and ace.
• Gliscor
• Camerupt (with a huge temper)
• Well-bred Nidoking
• Gabite
• Rhyperior (Well Trained)

---

Blake scratched his head, confused. A Ground-type specialist? That's good, I suppose… But wait… didn't he come from the fossil family? Where are his Fossil Pokemon?

Then it hit him, and he facepalmed, realizing something he should've remembered earlier. Right… the fossil technology was just being developed here in Cinnabar. The first machines were being made right here… No wonder the kid doesn't have any fossil Pokemon. Oh well, his loss.

A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Blake's lips.

…

…

Blake walked into the stadium, his name echoing through the loudspeakers. Cheers erupted from the crowd—he was practically a celebrity now. It felt strange, but the revenue it generated made it worthwhile. He was glad he'd taken inspiration from the Galar Games.

His eyes shifted to his opponent, Raul. The familiarity was uncanny. Blake's mind raced, and another headache began to form. I'm almost 80% sure this kid is another reincarnated soul... but what's his deal? He glanced at Raul's tournament results, which didn't seem all that impressive. Hmm… seems like he's not exactly living up to a reincarnator's potential...

That's when Raul spoke up, pulling Blake from his thoughts.

"Hello, Gym Leader Blake. English or Spanish?" Raul's grin was wide, almost mischievous. The sudden shift threw Blake off guard for a moment. Then, after a brief pause, Blake burst into laughter, catching the entire crowd off-guard.

For Blake, that was all the confirmation he needed.

Yep, he's a reincarnated soul, all right. And he knows I am too. Honestly, I wasn't even trying to hide it... I mean, the naming conventions and everything. Blake felt a sense of relief wash over him.

Blake wiped the laughter from his face, trying to regain his composure. "We'll talk after the match. But for now, let's battle. Don't disappoint me, man."

Without missing a beat, Blake tossed a Pokéball, releasing his Houndoom onto the battlefield. It wasn't as imposing as Gou, but it was clear from the moment it appeared that this Houndoom came from an excellent lineage. Its coat was sleek and shiny, and its bones gleamed a pure white, the kind of Pokémon you knew was well-bred.

The moment it appeared, an eerie chill swept through the arena as its Intimidate ability took hold. The Houndoom threw its head back and Howled with all its might, a haunting sound that sent many of the younger spectators running for cover, some even crying in fear.

Raul's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Blake's Houndoom. He swallowed hard. And this isn't even his main Houndoom? What a monster… How the hell did he train his Pokémon?

Raul quickly glanced at Ash and his friends in the dugout. He saw the way Ash was looking at him—with a mix of hope and intensity. Raul offered a strained smile and nodded at the kid before reaching for his Poké Ball.

"I believe in you, buddy!" Ash's voice echoed from the sidelines, a note of encouragement in his words.

Raul threw the ball high into the air, shouting out, "Go Gliscor!"

As Gliscor materialized, its bat-like wings spread wide, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd. Blake noticed the Pokémon's sharp fangs and the confident way it hovered, clearly a well-trained partner. The stadium lights gleamed off its purple armor, showcasing the level of care it had received.

"Gliscor, set up Spikes!" Raul commanded, his voice carrying a mix of nervousness and determination.

'Smart opening,' Blake thought, eyes narrowing as Gliscor performed an elegant aerial spin before scattering sharp, metal-like spikes across his side of the field. The metallic sound of spikes embedding into the ground echoed through the stadium. 'Setting up hazards for his next Pokémon. He's thinking ahead. But unfortunately... you have to make me switch Pokémon for it to work.'

"Houndoom, keep your distance and use Nasty Plot," Blake ordered calmly, his voice carrying authority without raising it.

Houndoom's eyes gleamed with malevolent dark energy as it enhanced its special attack power, a sinister aura surrounding it that sent chills down the spines of several spectators.

"Gliscor, don't let him complete it! Use Earthquake!" Raul shouted, hoping to disrupt Houndoom's concentration.

Blake's face remained calm. "Jump and use Flamethrower under you for propulsion!" he commanded smoothly.

In an almost fluid motion, Houndoom leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the tremors of the Earthquake. With a well-timed Flamethrower, the canine Pokémon propelled itself higher, flames trailing beneath it.

"Good job, Flamethrower again at Gliscor!" Blake ordered with sharp precision.

The stream of fire shot forward, but Gliscor barrel-rolled through the air, narrowly avoiding the attack, the flames scorching its wings. The crowd cheered at the aerial display, the raw skill evident from both trainers.

From the dugout, Ash had stars in his eyes, watching Gliscor's magnificent flight.

"Wow… one day, we'll be able to do that too, Pikachu!" Ash smiled at his partner.

"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu nodded in excitement.

"Now, Gliscor, Stone Edge!" Raul called out, his voice tight with urgency. Sharp rocks erupted from the ground in a linear pattern, shooting toward Houndoom with incredible force.

"Counter with Dark Pulse!" Blake commanded coolly.

Houndoom responded with a powerful Dark Pulse, the dark energy colliding with the stones and sending a spectacular shower of rock fragments into the air.

"Use Screech and follow up with Acrobatics!" Raul shifted his strategy, aiming to lower Houndoom's defenses. Gliscor let out a piercing cry with Screech, making Houndoom wince before the ground/flying type darted forward, executing a series of rapid aerial maneuvers.

Blake remained composed, his eyes sharp. "Double Team into Snarl!"

Suddenly, Houndoom's image multiplied, confusing Gliscor's targeting. At the same time, a dark, soundwave-like Snarl radiated outward, disrupting Gliscor's concentration.

"Don't let up! Blind it with Sand Attack, followed by X-Scissor!" Raul urged, sweat beading on his forehead. Gliscor kicked up a massive cloud of sand before diving through it, its pincers glowing with a dangerous light.

"Protect!" Blake commanded at the last second.

The green barrier materialized just as Gliscor's X-Scissor connected, sending it bouncing back with a crackle of energy.

The battle raged on, with both Pokémon showing off their skill and training. Gliscor would swoop down for quick attacks before retreating to the safety of higher altitude, while Houndoom maintained pressure with its ranged moves. But the experienced eye could tell that something wasn't right.

The temperature around the arena had shifted. While Houndoom looked fine, Gliscor was showing signs of fatigue. Small burns were visible along its wings, and there was sweat on its body. It was struggling to glide as smoothly as before.

"Gliscor, use Toxic!" Raul called out, desperate to gain an edge with a status condition.

"Intercept with Will-O-Wisp!" Blake countered, his voice calm and unwavering.

The two status moves collided mid-air, the purple-blue explosion echoing across the stadium. The battlefield now lay littered with Spikes and scattered rocks, limiting ground movement. Gliscor had been gradually setting up more hazards while maintaining aerial superiority, but Blake was noticing a subtle shift.

As much as Raul's strategy showed his potential, there was something more. Blake could see it now. A small smile tugged at his lips as he assessed his opponent. This kid's got the makings of a true Elite. But… he's still to naive. Too inexperienced in this world. Blake's thoughts drifted back to his own experience—ten years as an Elite trainer, learning from Blaine himself since preschool. It wasn't the same for Raul, but that didn't matter now. Blake would give him a good fight, a challenge worthy of his potential.

Finally, Blake saw his opportunity. "Use Overheat under Gliscor, full power!" he commanded, his tone decisive.

Houndoom opened its maw wide, unleashing a blast of white-hot flames that shot upward with blistering intensity. The air shimmered with thermal distortion, and the heat was so intense that spectators in the front rows could feel it.

"Gliscor, dodge it!" Raul shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.

But the updraft had already begun affecting Gliscor's ability to glide effectively. Fatigue and the accumulation of burns left it vulnerable. With the added pressure from the flames, Gliscor found itself stuck in an upward air trajectory, unable to maneuver with the precision it once had.

Blake's voice cut through the chaos. "End this with Flare Blitz!"

The words were a death sentence.

Houndoom launched itself forward, its body surrounded in flames, the fiery burst colliding with Gliscor in a devastating explosion.



The stadium erupted in gasps and cheers as Houndoom's body was engulfed in blue-white flames. Like a meteor streaking across the sky, it charged through its own updraft, the combination of fiery Flare Blitz and the explosive thermal winds creating a dazzling visual display. The fire-type slammed into the destabilized Gliscor with devastating force, sending shockwaves rippling across the arena. Dust and debris flew into the air, momentarily obscuring the field.

When the dust settled, the crowd fell silent in anticipation. Gliscor lay defeated on the ground, its wings twitching weakly. Meanwhile, Houndoom stood proudly amidst the wreckage, its body scorched but unbowed, the recoil from Flare Blitz evident but not enough to hinder its strength.

*HOWL!*

The triumphant howl of Houndoom rang through the stadium, sending chills down the spines of onlookers.

"Gliscor is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!" the referee's voice boomed across the arena, his words barely audible over the thunderous applause that erupted from the crowd. Many stood, clapping and cheering, giving standing ovations to the breathtaking display of skill and power.

Blake's eyes remained on Raul, who was now visibly frustrated. The young trainer recalled his Pokémon, and with a deep sigh, his shoulders slumped. "That updraft was lucky!" he complained, the frustration in his voice unmistakable.

Blake chuckled softly, shaking his head as he tilted his head down to look at Raul.

His voice, calm yet carrying the weight of experience, rang out, "Luck is a skill, my friend. You have to create your own luck."

Raul paused, the weight of those words sinking in. His hand hovered over his next Pokéball, a deep sense of dread but excitement filling his chest.

His gaze hardened, and for a moment, he looked as though the entire stadium had faded away. The weight of the battle, his goals, and the eyes of the crowd all pressed down on him. His next move would be crucial. The world seemed to rest on this one decision.

With a deep breath, he gripped the ball and prepared for what was to come next.

------------------------------------------------------------------
I just write, if you want to support me or read advanced chapters join my patreon

Links to my Patreon- patreondotcom/LuminouShadowBooks
Discord Link- https: // discord.gg / ncrYddTrH8

Being cross posted on, Webnovel, FF.net, QQ

 

[_LuminouShadow_]

9th​ February, 1998, Cinnabar Island…

-

Raul's grip tightened on his next Pokéball, Blake's words echoing in his mind. "Create your own luck?" He glanced at Houndoom, noticing how it carried itself with pride despite the visible fatigue from its battle with Gliscor. No… this isn't about luck at all. He's been controlling the flow since the beginning.

"Brock, what did Blake mean by that?" Ash's voice carried from the dugout, his eyes wide with curiosity.

"He created that situation, Ash," Brock explained, his arms crossed. "The constant heat from Houndoom's attacks gradually affected the air temperature, making it harder for Gliscor to maintain stable flight. That final combination wasn't luck – it was planned."

Raul took a deep breath. Time to show him what we can do. "Nidoking, let's go!"

The ground trembled as the massive purple behemoth materialized, its armor gleaming under the stadium lights. Its roar echoed through the arena, sending several spectators recoiling. This wasn't just any Nidoking – its horn was noticeably longer than average, and its muscles rippled with power earned through countless battles.

"Impressive," Blake nodded, genuinely appreciating the specimen before him. "You can tell a lot about a trainer by how their Pokémon presents itself. Your Nidoking carries itself like royalty."

"He earned that right," Raul replied, newfound confidence in his voice. "Nidoking, Earth Power!"

Golden energy crackled through the ground, creating a web of destruction racing toward Houndoom. The dark Pokémon leaped away, but its previous fatigue showed – the attack's outer edge caught it, causing it to stumble.

"Now, Megahorn!"

Nidoking charged with surprising agility for its size, horn glowing with Bug-type energy. Houndoom attempted to counter with Flamethrower, but Nidoking powered through, years of training evident in its unwavering advance.

"That's some impressive power," Blake called out as Houndoom skidded backward from the impact. "But power alone isn't everything. Houndoom, Dark Pulse!"

The rings of dark energy that erupted from Houndoom's maw were devastating, forcing Nidoking to cross its arms in defense. Even as it stood its ground, the force pushed it back several feet.

"Your Nidoking's strong," Blake acknowledged, "but my Houndoom has faced Elite Four members. Show them – Inferno!"

The blue flames that erupted were unlike anything Raul had seen before. Even as Nidoking endured the hit, its armor glowed red-hot.

"We're not done yet!" Raul shouted, his voice carrying both desperation and determination. "Ice Beam the ground, then Rock Slide!"

The combination created a treacherous battlefield of ice and falling rocks, forcing Houndoom to focus on evasion. Both Pokémon were showing clear signs of exhaustion now – Houndoom's proud stance wavering, while burns marked Nidoking's armor.

"This is amazing!" Ash exclaimed from the sidelines, his eyes wide with excitement. "Both Pokémon are so strong!"

"One final clash?" Blake suggested, a glint of respect in his eyes.

Raul nodded, knowing this would decide everything. "Nidoking, Earth Power, maximum output!"

"Houndoom, Dark Pulse, overdrive!"

The collision of attacks created an explosion that shook the entire stadium. When the dust settled, Nidoking stood on trembling legs, while Houndoom panted heavily, its legs shaking but refusing to yield.

For a moment that felt like eternity, both Pokémon stared each other down. Then, finally, Nidoking's legs gave out, and it collapsed forward with a resounding thud.

"Nidoking is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!" the referee announced.

The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, many standing in appreciation of the spectacular battle sequence.

Raul recalled his fallen partner, whispering words of pride to the Pokéball, and looked up to see Blake's Houndoom still standing – barely – but standing nonetheless. It showed what kind of mindset and will Blake's Pokemon had.

"Your Nidoking," Blake called out as he recalled his exhausted Houndoom, "fought like a true king. But sometimes even kings must bow to those who've walked longer paths."

Raul nodded, understanding the deeper meaning behind Blake's words. His hand moved to his next Pokéball, feeling the familiar warmth of his partner inside. 'This one's for you, Nidoking.'

"Gabite, you're up!"

The dragon-ground type materialized with a fierce cry, its scales gleaming with an unusual luster. Those familiar with Dragon-types could see it – this Gabite was on the verge of evolution, its body practically humming with untapped power.

Blake's tired Houndoom growled, still maintaining its fighting stance despite its obvious exhaustion. The dark-type's pride wouldn't let it show weakness, even now.

"Brock, look at that Pokémon! What is it?" Ash exclaimed from the dugout, his eyes wide in awe. "It looks so cool!"

"It's a Gabite, Ash, a Pokémon from Sinnoh I believe… and it seems close to evolving," Brock explained, leaning forward with interest. "This battle could be the trigger it needs."

"Ash… you have a Pokédex… remember?" Misty said, feeling exasperated.

Ash looked startled, rubbing the back of his head in embarrassment. "Oh yeah! I forgot, hahaha…"

Blake looked at the Gabite, and a smile tugged at his lips. He let Raul make the first move. He also knew that his Houndoom was running on fumes.

'To be able to take down one of my Pokémon with only two… that's a feat no trainer has done in a long time… But this should be normal for a Reincarnator.'

"Gabite, Dragon Rush!" Raul commanded. The Dragon-type's body became enveloped in blue energy as it charged forward with incredible speed, the force of its movement sending tremors through the field.

"Houndoom, Dark Pulse!" Blake ordered, but the fatigue from its previous battles showed. The attack came out weaker than before, and Gabite burst through it like it was nothing, its body a blur of sharp, gleaming scales.

The impact sent Houndoom flying, and this time, when it hit the ground, it didn't get back up.

"Houndoom is unable to battle! Gabite wins!" the referee announced, his voice amplified over the booming cheers of the crowd.

The spectators erupted in applause, and the stands buzzed with excitement. Even Ash couldn't help but grin, his hands clapping above his head.

Blake merely smiled as he recalled his fallen partner. "Well done, friend. Now..." His voice turned serious as he pulled out another Pokéball. "Let's see how you handle this. Blaziken, take the stage!"

The Fire-Fighting type emerged with a powerful cry, flames already erupting from its wrists. Its appearance was intimidating – battle-scarred and proud, every movement speaking of years of experience. The arena felt the heat from its flames even from a distance, and the crowd roared in response.

Raul turned serious, but then, he felt something was wrong.

"Why isn't the Spikes taking effect?" He looked confused, scanning the battlefield before his gaze flicked to Blake.

Blake seemed to understand what Raul was asking and simply pointed toward the stadium. It suddenly clicked in Raul's mind.

'The heat from Houndoom's Overheat during the fight against Gliscor had melted all the Spikes and hazards… I don't know if I should be impressed or scared… I really need to make sure my Pokémon are fine after this.'

The arena was already a mess, but if one looked closely they could see molten rocks had been cooled down already.

Shaking off the distraction, Raul refocused. "Dragon Claw!" he called, his voice steady as Gabite surged forward, claws glowing with razor-sharp energy.

"Sky Uppercut!" Blake countered, his voice calm and commanding as Blaziken leaped with surprising height, its fists blazing with power.

The two Pokémon met in the middle of the field, their attacks creating shockwaves that rippled through the stadium. They exchanged blows at incredible speed, neither giving ground, each hit sounding like thunder. The audience was on the edge of their seats, gasping and cheering with every powerful exchange.

Suddenly, Gabite's body began to glow, and the crowd's energy shifted, sensing something monumental was about to happen.

"It's happening!" Ash shouted, standing up in excitement, his voice carrying over the arena.

The evolution light enveloped Gabite, its form growing larger, its features becoming more defined and dangerous. The crowd collectively held their breath as Gabite's silhouette shifted, and when the light faded, a mighty Garchomp stood in its place, roaring with newfound power. The roar echoed through the stadium, sending a ripple of awe through the audience.

Blake couldn't help but nod approvingly, his eyes shining with respect. "Congratulations," he said. "But evolution alone won't be enough. Blaziken, High Jump Kick!"

"Counter with Dragon Rush!" Raul shouted, his eyes locked on Garchomp, feeling the weight of the moment.

The two Pokémon clashed again and again, their attacks becoming more powerful with each exchange. The stadium floor cracked under the force of their impacts, and the crowd watched in awe as the two fierce fighters battled with relentless fury. The blows were so powerful, they could feel the vibrations even from the stands.

"This is it, Garchomp! Giga Impact!" Raul shouted, voice tinged with finality, his trust in his Pokémon unshakable.

Blake's eyes gleamed with challenge. He firmly commanded, "Blaziken, meet it head-on with Flare Blitz!"

The two Pokémon charged at each other, Garchomp surrounded by spiraling purple energy while Blaziken became engulfed in brilliant blue flames. The stadium seemed to hold its breath as the two titans collided with earth-shattering force.

The explosion sent shockwaves through the arena, forcing everyone to shield their eyes from the blinding light. The entire stadium was bathed in a fiery glow for a brief moment, and the sound of the impact was deafening.

When the dust finally settled, both Pokémon lay unconscious in the center of the field, the ground around them completely destroyed. Smoke and debris hung in the air, adding to the dramatic scene of devastation.

"Both Blaziken and Garchomp are unable to battle! This match is a draw!" the referee's voice rang out, echoing over the stadium's stunned silence.

For a moment, the arena was quiet – then it exploded into thunderous applause. The stands shook with the cheers of an audience that had just witnessed something spectacular. Spectators leapt to their feet, whistling and clapping, acknowledging the incredible display of power. This was no ordinary match.

Blake, who had rarely lost even a single Pokémon in a battle, had been forced into a draw. Raul had accomplished something no one else had managed in years, and the entire stadium buzzed with excitement.

With a smile tugging at his lips, Blake glanced over at Raul, admiration clear in his expression. "Well fought, Raul. You're an accomplished trainer."

As the cheers continued to roll, Raul, panting, looked around, feeling the exhilaration from the battle and the crowd's energy. This was incredible.

Blake recalled his Blaziken and grinned, turning to Raul with a new glint in his eye. "For the last two years, I've offered anyone who could defeat two of my Pokémon the Volcano Badge... which, well, was no one." He chuckled. "It got so bad that I gave away a badge to a kid from Johto who managed to take down just one of my Pokémon. But today, you've shown me you're more than worthy, Raul."

Raul's heart pounded, each word feeling like validation. He was finally being recognized by someone like Blake, and it meant everything.

Blake continued, "I'll give you a choice. You can end the battle here and take the badge home, or... you can choose to face my third Pokémon. As you know, it's a 3 vs 6 challenge at my Gym, and you're free to continue, proving what you're truly made of."

Raul felt a surge of excitement, his smile widening as he replied, "Of course I want to continue. But I do have one request."

Blake raised an eyebrow. "And what would that request be?"

Raul's gaze grew intense, though he couldn't fully hide his excitement. "I'd like to battle one Pokémon from your personal team."

The stadium fell silent, every spectator holding their breath.

And then… Chuckle.

Blake chuckled, and the entire crowd burst into murmurs, their whispers filling the air with intrigue and surprise. This was an unexpected twist.

On the sidelines, Ash, Brock, and Misty were utterly floored, recalling Ash's battle with Blake's starter Pokémon.

Ash moved as if to stop Raul, but Brock held him back. "This is Raul's way of proving his abilities," he said calmly, his own respect for Raul's courage growing.

Ash fell silent, watching Raul with a complex mix of emotions in his eyes, admiration mingling with worry.

Blake, grinning now, reached into his satchel, pulling out a single Pokéball. "I had a feeling I'd need this guy today… Glad I came prepared, huh?" His gaze sharpened as he looked at Raul. "I hope you're ready, Raul, because…" His eyes went cold. "There. Is. No. Going. Back."

With a flick of his wrist, Blake threw the Pokéball casually, and in a flash of light, a majestic Magmortar appeared on the field. The temperature of the entire stadium changed instantly, the air thickening with an intense, almost suffocating heat.

The fire-type Pokémon's arrival felt like a wave, its presence filling the space. This wasn't just any heat – it was an aura, a sign of strength and experience. Magmortar stood with a regal bearing, its cannon-like arms gleaming under the lights, a veteran of countless battles. But what truly caught everyone's attention were its eyes – sharp, intelligent, and carrying the weight of countless battles fought at the highest level.

Blake's voice rang out over the awed crowd, carrying a note of pride. "Meet Mustang," he introduced casually, though his gaze never left Raul. "He's been with me since my first year as a trainer."

Raul swallowed hard, but he steeled himself, clenching his Pokéball. "Rhyperior, let's show them what we've got!"

The Drill Pokémon emerged with a thunderous roar, its rocky armor looking nearly impenetrable. Under normal circumstances, this type advantage would be significant.

But these weren't normal circumstances.

"Mustang, let's begin. Fire Blast."

What happened next left the entire stadium in shock. The fire attack wasn't just powerful – it was instantaneous. Before Rhyperior could even register the threat, a massive, kanji-shaped blast of white-hot flames engulfed it completely.

When the flames dissipated, Rhyperior stood motionless for a moment, its rock-solid armor glowing red-hot, before it collapsed.

"Rhyperior is unable to battle!" the referee announced.

On the sidelines, Brock's eyes widened, his usual calm shaken. "That's... impossible. A single Fire Blast shouldn't have taken down Rhyperior like that…"

Ash, too, stared in disbelief. "So this… this is Blake's real strength." He felt a shiver, remembering his own battle with Blake's starter and the overwhelming power he'd faced.

Raul's hands trembled as he recalled Rhyperior. One hit. Just one hit. He grabbed his next Pokéball, determined to press on. "Camerupt, you're our best chance!"

The fire-ground type appeared, its volcanic humps already smoking with anticipation. Surely, as a fire-type, it could handle...

"Focus Blast."

The Fighting-type move struck with the same incredible speed as the Fire Blast, slamming into Camerupt before it could even react. Raul watched in disbelief as Mustang followed up with a Hyper Beam, sending Camerupt skidding across the field.

Ash clenched his fists. "How is he doing this? There's no time to react!"

Brock nodded, his voice filled with awe and worry. "Moves like Focus Blast and Hyper Beam should take time to charge… but Mustang's pulling them off instantly, as if they're second nature."

"But how?" Raul called out in disbelief. "The speed... it's not natural!"

Blake's expression softened slightly as he replied. "Years of training, my friend. Mustang doesn't just use moves – he's mastered them to perfection, refining every motion, optimizing every attack. Using these moves is like breathing for Mustang."

Camerupt struggled to rise, only to be met by a point-blank Fire Punch that left it unable to continue.

The stadium fell silent once more. This wasn't just a battle anymore – it was a display of mastery that few had ever witnessed.

Raul's hand shook as he recalled Camerupt and reached for his final Pokéball. This was it. His starter. His partner. "Ursaring… we're not giving up!"

The massive bear Pokémon emerged, its unique red fur gleaming as it let out a battle cry that showcased its fierce spirit. Any other Pokémon might have recoiled from Mustang's intimidating presence, but Ursaring stood its ground, eyes fixed firmly on its opponent, unwavering.

Blake gave a nod of respect. "Your Ursaring has spirit. You've trained him well."

Raul started to respond, but there was no time for words.

"Block it, quick!" Raul shouted as Mustang lunged forward with a flaming fist aimed directly at Ursaring's face.

With practiced reflexes, Ursaring brought its paws up, bracing against the impact of Fire Punch. The blow sent tremors through the stadium floor, but Ursaring held firm.

Raul felt a cold sweat bead down his spine. It was already a challenge facing Blake's Pokémon, but now he was up against a veteran fighter that seemed to move on its own instinctively – as if it didn't need Blake's orders.

But then, Blake's voice cut through the silence, calm yet commanding. "Fire Blast."

Both Raul and Ursaring's eyes widened as a torrent of scorching flames engulfed Ursaring, leaving it no time to dodge. Mustang stepped back to its previous position, observing Ursaring with a calm, almost disinterested expression as flames licked at the bear's body.

"NO! Ursaring, hang in there!" Raul shouted, heart pounding with worry. But his fears were answered by a deep, resounding…

ROAR!

Ursaring's blood-red fur was still smoldering, but its eyes burned with a fierce intensity, and a powerful crimson energy now surrounded its form.

Misty leaned forward in her seat, her face pale with concern. "Oh no! Is Ursaring okay?"

Ash watched with wide eyes, but it was Brock who answered, his gaze serious. "Ursaring's okay… its ability just kicked in. Guts. This is Raul's chance."

Raul steadied himself, the determination in his own eyes matching his partner's. "Ursaring, Guts ability is active now – use Facade!"

Ursaring let out a thunderous battle cry, charging forward with its entire body aglow, the energy from Guts transforming it into a crimson meteor, each step echoing with Raul's determination. The crowd leaned forward, entranced by the power on display.

In the stands, Ash gripped the railing tightly. "Brock, he's giving it everything!"

Brock's eyes shone with admiration. "That's unbelievable. Guts and Facade… One is an ability that negates the burn effect but also increases attack! And the other doubles the power when the pokemon has a status effect, like Burn… the amount of power from that, so many factors needing to come into play… it's going to be incredible."

Ursaring's red fur shimmered with an almost otherworldly light, each step radiating intensity as it hurtled toward Mustang. But just as the gap closed, Blake's calm command rang out.

"Psychic."

Ursaring halted mid-charge, suspended in a psychic grip.

That's when it heard it's trainer shout, "You can do this, Partner! Remember all the setbacks we have faced, Remember all the training we have done! REMEMBER THE PROMISE WE MADE!"

As if a switch had been turned on, Ursaring roared with greater power, it roared furiously, the sound shaking the stadium to its core, and with sheer force of will, it began to push forward, straining against the invisible hold.

"Impossible!" someone gasped from the audience.

Ash's eyes were wide, watching in awe. "Ursaring's fighting through!"

Brock clenched his fists, his voice low with respect. "That's more than just power – that's pure determination. They're fighting as one."

The stadium's energy soared, fans rising to their feet, urging Ursaring on as it fought against the relentless psychic force. Finally, Ursaring broke free, charging forward in a desperate Close Combat, its fists flying with unstoppable speed, each punch powered by years of training and trust.

For the first time, Mustang moved defensively, weaving through the flurry of attacks with practiced grace. The air shimmered with the heat Mustang radiated, making the field look like a mirage of swirling heatwaves and furious power.

"Hammer Arm!" Raul's voice cut through the roar of the crowd.

"Fire Punch." Blake countered calmly.

The two attacks collided, unleashing a shockwave that sent debris flying in every direction. Ursaring's fur was singed and matted, its body covered in burns, but its gaze was unwavering, reflecting a fierce, undying resolve.

Blake's eyes softened with a hint of respect. "Your Ursaring's spirit is truly remarkable, Raul. But… it's time to end this. Mustang… show the world your, Solar Storm."

[A/N: Solar Storm is one of the 3 signature Moves of Blake's Team.]

The temperature in the stadium spiked dramatically as Mustang's entire body began to glow with an intense inner fire. It wasn't a simple fire attack; the very air seemed to ripple with heat as Mustang condensed all its energy into a spiraling vortex of white-hot flames.

Raul's heart pounded as he called out his last command, his voice filled with all the emotions of their journey together. "Giga Impact! Ursaring, let's give it EVERYTHING we've got!"

Ursaring let out one final, earth-shaking roar, its body blazing with crimson energy as it charged headlong into the firestorm.

In a flash, Mustang unleashed Solar Storm: a swirling inferno that blended the raw force of Fire Blast, the controlled rage of Fire Spin, and the scorching heat of Overheat. The flames twisted and spiraled, bending the air itself as they collided with Ursaring's charge.

For a single, breathtaking moment, it looked as though Ursaring's sheer willpower might hold back the storm. Its roar mixed with the crackling flames, each step pushing against the raging vortex. As its eyes met Raul's, they shared one last look – a look of pride, of trust, and of everything they had fought for.

Then…

In a blinding explosion of light and heat, the battlefield was engulfed. The entire stadium held its breath as the shockwave spread, illuminating the stands with a fiery glow.

When the light finally faded, Ursaring lay still, smoke curling from its fur, its face peaceful – the face of a warrior who had given everything.

The referee's voice broke through the silence. "Ursaring is unable to battle! The challenger Raul has no more Pokémon left. The winner is Gym Leader Blake!"

As the announcement echoed across the stadium, Raul rushed to his fallen partner, gently cradling Ursaring's head, pride and gratitude shining in his eyes. Blake crossed the field, with Mustang by his side, the Magmortar's fierce gaze softened in respect as it regarded Ursaring's courageous effort.

Blake's voice carried through the hushed crowd. "That was one of the most impressive displays of power and will I've seen in years. Your Ursaring has the makings of a champion."

From the dugout, Ash watched with a mixture of awe and understanding, remembering his own battle with Blake and how different that experience had been. "Brock," he murmured, "Raul knew he couldn't win against that Magmortar, didn't he?"

Brock nodded, his expression solemn. "Sometimes, Ash, battles aren't just about winning. They're about proving something to yourself."

On the field, Raul looked up at Blake, tears glistening in his eyes, his face a mixture of pride and determination. "Thank you… we'll get stronger. Much stronger. And we'll challenge you again!"

Blake smiled, reaching into his pocket. "You've more than earned this Volcano Badge, Raul. And more importantly…" he glanced at Mustang, who nodded in silent acknowledgment, "you've earned Mustang's respect. Few trainers would have the courage to face one of my personal team, let alone push through the way you did."

The stadium erupted in applause, the crowd celebrating not just a battle, but a testament to what it truly meant to be a Pokémon Trainer – a blend of strength, bond, and willpower. To face overwhelming odds and give everything, even in the face of certain defeat.

Raul carefully revived and healed Ursaring before recalling him, his expression one of gentle pride. As the applause roared on, Blake leaned in, his voice lowered so only Raul could hear. "Meet me at the lab later. We have some things to discuss… fellow Reincarnator."

Raul's eyes widened, catching the deeper meaning. This battle had been more than a gym challenge – it was a test, an initiation, and the beginning of something much larger.

It wasn't every day you found another reincarnator in this world, was it?

Blake nodded and made his way toward his private dressing room, while Raul walked back to the dugout where his friends were waiting, still riding the emotions of the battle.

The crowd continued to cheer as both trainers left the field, unaware of the quiet exchange or its significance. To them, it had simply been an extraordinary match. To Ash, Brock, and Misty, it was a chance to learn and grow.

But to Blake and Raul, it was the first step toward something far bigger – a path that would shape their futures in unimaginable ways.

------------------------------------------------------------------
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[_LuminouShadow_]

9th February, 1998, Cinnabar Island…

-

Blake stepped into his private space, the excitement of the battle still lingering in his muscles. He had enjoyed that Gym challenge more than he had anticipated. Raul had given it his all, and for that, Blake had respect for the young trainer. But now, after the whirlwind of the battle, he craved something quieter. Something comforting.

As he passed through the hallway, he noticed Blaine seated at the table, quietly sipping tea. The TV was on, and the channel that broadcast the Gym Battle was showing.

The elder man glanced up as Blake entered, his usual warm smile never faltering.

"You seemed to have fun today..." Blaine commented, his tone light, a playful edge to it.

Blake chuckled softly, the sound surprising even him. "It's been a while since I enjoyed a Gym challenge, Gramps. But yeah, you're right, it was fun."

Blaine's eyes softened, a knowing smile pulling at the corners of his lips. "I'm glad."

Blake took a seat across from Blaine, the quiet hum of the room offering a momentary reprieve. He could feel a slight tug of guilt. His mind had been so consumed with his own plans and the constant work surrounding his Gym leadership that he had neglected the one person who was always there for him. Blaine was practically the only family he had left. Maybe it was time to reconnect, even if just for a moment.

"Gramps," Blake began, his voice quieter than usual, "I remember you working on that fossil resurrection machine. How far till we can use it?"

Blaine's eyes lit up at the mention of his project. The passion that Blake often saw in his grandfather's eyes when talking about his inventions was contagious. Blaine's entire demeanor shifted to that of a giddy teenager, his hands gesturing enthusiastically as he leaned forward.

"Oh, absolutely! It's a little more complicated than I thought, but I've been refining the process. It's all about finding the right balance of energy, temperature, and—well, a few other things I'm not quite ready to share yet, but I'm getting closer! We should be able to use it by the end of the year! Imagine, Blake! Bringing back fossils—ancient Pokémon that haven't walked this earth for centuries. It's going to change everything!"

Blake couldn't help but smile at his grandfather's childlike excitement. It was hard not to admire his passion. He always threw himself into things, whether it was the Gym or his research, with an unwavering dedication that Blake respected deeply.

"You know," Blake said, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful expression, "I remember we used to spend so much time doing different projects together. I guess I've been a little distracted recently." He hesitated, unsure if he should say more, but the words came before he could stop them. "I think... I think I've missed our talks. We should catch up more often."

Blaine's smile softened, his eyes warm. "I'd like that, Blake. I really would."

The two sat in companionable silence for a while, sipping their tea, the gentle clink of the cups the only sound between them.

It wasn't often that Blake opened up like this, but something about the calm presence of his grandfather made it easier.

He wasn't alone in this world, not really. Not as long as Blaine was here.

…

…

The evening at the Pokémon Center was warm, the quiet hum of conversation and the clinking of silverware providing a peaceful backdrop. Raul sat at the table with his friends, but his mind wasn't fully present. His body was here, but his thoughts were still out there—on the battlefield.

Ash and Misty were in the middle of some animated conversation, laughing about their latest adventures. Brock, ever the calming presence, was listening from the side and adding a few bits and details here and there. Raul, however, was quiet, only half-participating as he absentmindedly poked at his food.

"Raul?" Ash's voice cut through his haze. "You alright?"

Raul blinked, looking up to find Ash's concerned expression. He managed a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Yeah, just thinking."

Misty, noticing the shift in his mood, leaned forward. "About the battle?"

Raul nodded, letting out a quiet breath as he picked up his cup of water. He didn't feel defeated, not exactly, but the battle had been a lot. A chance to prove himself, and though he had lost, he had given it his all—and learned more than he expected.

"I thought I had it," he said slowly, his fingers lightly tracing the edge of his cup. "But even when things were tough, Ursaring fought with everything we had. It's... not just about winning. It's about what you take from the battle."

Brock gave an acknowledging smile, "Exactly! Battles aren't just about the win. They teach you so much about yourself, your Pokémon. You did great, Raul. I mean, Blake was hailed as the next champion… although I have no idea why he never challenged Champion Pryce nor Champion Lance.. But even so, he has defeated the current and previous Elite Four members a few times! Not many can push him like that."

Raul's smile grew a bit wider, but there was a hint of contemplation in his eyes. "Yeah. I've got a lot to learn still. But... I'm not backing down. I want to be a better trainer. I want to be my best self!"

Brock looked at him with a thoughtful expression. "You've already shown that you are an experienced and strong trainer. Not every battle is about victory after all. It's about testing yourself, learning from your mistakes, and pushing through the next challenge with even more heart. I saw that from you today."

Raul nodded, his mind already turning over the details of the battle, how he could have adjusted his strategy, and how to use his Pokémon's strengths even more effectively next time. He wasn't lost in self-doubt; he was focused on how to improve.

"I think... I think I will go meet Blake now, he invited me for a talk." he said, his voice steady but with a hint of excitement. "There's a lot I want to ask him."

Ash raised an eyebrow, "What do you think he'll say?"

Raul shrugged, a spark of amusement in his eyes. "Maybe he'll have some tips. Maybe he'll give me special training. I don't know. But I'm sure I'll get something from him." he said in a teasing tone.

"Hey that's not fair!" Ash pouted at Raul. Everyone laughed at Ash, even Pikachu.

Raul stood up, slinging his coat over his shoulder, his posture straightening with a sense of purpose. "I'll be back later. I'll meet you guys at the ferry in the morning. Let's catch it to Pallet Town together, alright?"

"Got it, buddy!" Ash called, giving him a thumbs-up.

Raul gave a small nod, his eyes lingering on his friends for a moment before he turned and left the Pokémon Center. His steps were purposeful, his heart full of questions and curiosity, but above all, determination. He hadn't won today, but that didn't matter. He had proven something to himself—and now, he was ready for the next step.

…

…

Blake sat in the quiet of his office, the battle already a distant memory. He had enjoyed the Gym challenge—Raul had made him move a bit—but it hadn't left him feeling tired or rattled. Instead, he was energized, his thoughts sharp as ever. He had no time to waste. Giovanni's activities weighed heavily on his mind, and the reports were piling up with each passing day.

Skimming through the most recent data, Blake's eyes narrowed at the discrepancies. It was as if Giovanni had been blindfolded, stabbing around in the dark, and somehow—somehow—he'd managed to unearth something Blake had missed. Something that was going to complicate things.

=================================

Subject: Discovery of Unidentified Stones

Date: February 9th , 1998

Location: Abandoned Research Facility- MS-00001021998

Summary: A series of unusual stones were discovered in the research lab during investigation of resources. Their origin remains undetermined, though they appear to have been sourced from a location near the Portal 10 years ago. These stones exhibit a unique energy resonance that correlates with specific Pokémon, though the precise nature of this energy remains unknown.

Observations:

Resonance:Each stone produces distinct energy signatures that seem to align with specific Pokémon species. Further testing required to identify exact correlations.Properties:Current analysis suggests the stones may possess a latent function, but no definitive purpose has been established at this time. The potential effects on Pokémon or humans remain unclear.

Recommendation: Immediate further investigation is necessary to determine the full scope of these stones' capabilities. The discovery of similar stones in other locations could provide further context. Additional resources should be allocated to study their potential connection to the Portal and any possible applications.

End Report.

=================================

Blake's jaw clenched as he read the words again. His irritation flared.

"Mega Stones..." he muttered under his breath.

He knew exactly what they were, and he was pissed that Giovanni had gotten his hands on them first.

The stones had always been a theoretical anomaly in this world—supposedly tied to a different dimension that had never intersected with this reality. It was a concept that had intrigued Blake for years, something he'd planned to study when the time was right. But now Giovanni had found them. And from what it seemed like… 10 years ago even!

Blake slammed his fist on the desk, causing the papers to rattle. He was annoyed—not because Giovanni was a threat—Giovanni had always been a threat—but because the man had stumbled across something Blake himself had searched for before but couldn't find any traces of. And now, Blake had to deal with the fallout.

"Of course he'd find these before I did," Blake grumbled, staring at the report. "Mega Stones. What next, Giovanni? You going to bring out Ultra Beasts from this Portal?… I might have jinxed myself…"

It wasn't the stones themselves that bothered him, not really. Mega Evolution was a dangerous and unpredictable power, sure, but that was always a given. What irked Blake the most was the idea that Giovanni had the upper hand, at least for now. Giovanni didn't understand these stones, not like Blake would, but that didn't matter. What mattered was that Blake had missed his chance to beat Giovanni to the punch.

There was, however, one small saving grace. Giovanni hadn't found the Key Stone yet—the one piece needed to fully harness the power of the Mega Stones. Without it, they were just relics. Useless. But Blake knew it wouldn't be long before Giovanni found it too, and that was a problem.

Blake stood, his annoyance simmering beneath his calm exterior. He had work to do. Giovanni's little treasure hunt was far from over, and Blake needed to make sure he was the one who got ahead this time.

"I can't let this slide," Blake muttered, running a hand through his hair. "I need to get my hands on these stones from the research team... but that is going to be hard… And I really don't want to have the talk about how I know about them…"

Blake felt his head hurt, when a plan formed in his mind.

'Why do I need to confesticate them? I can just tell Lance that I can research on them better as I have less responsibility now that the circuit was over… Yeah that would be much, much simpler…'

Blake's thoughts were still swirling as he ran a hand through his hair, trying to focus on the next steps. The frustration from the report still simmered beneath the surface, but he couldn't afford to let it consume him.

Blake's assistant knocked softly at the door, pulling him out of his thoughts. With a sigh, he motioned for the assistant to enter.

"What's the matter?" Blake asked, his voice calm, though his thoughts were still on the Mega Stones and Giovanni's latest find.

"The guest you mentioned, Raul, has arrived," the assistant replied. "He said he has an appointment with you."

Blake's eyes flickered for a moment, then he nodded. "Right... I told him to come. Set up the usual guest space. I'll be there in ten minutes."

The assistant nodded and stepped back, leaving Blake alone again. Blake exhaled sharply, running his fingers through his hair as he turned his attention back to the reports scattered across the desk.

The discovery of the Mega Stones had thrown a wrench into his plans, and now, with Raul coming to speak with him, he couldn't shake the feeling that these were all some kind of sign...

'Maybe Raul needs to understand the weight of what's going on, he can help me better than most people…' Blake thought, as his gaze shifted toward the window. 'We're both reincarnators after all, but he has a lot more to learn. I'll need to make sure he's prepared.'

Blake took a deep breath, straightening his posture.

He glanced at the clock and then stood from his desk, smoothing his clothes. It was time for the talk with Raul. He needed to figure out where his fellow Reincarnator stood in all this.

…

…

Raul sat alone in the guest room, his right leg tapping the floor in a steady rhythm—nervous energy he couldn't seem to shake.

He hadn't been sure exactly what to expect from this meeting. The air felt thick with anticipation, and he found himself running through the possible ways to start a conversation with Blake, hoping to avoid an awkward silence or, worse, sounding like he was being interviewed.

His mind drifted back to when he'd first suspected Blake was a reincarnator. At first, it was the simple fact of Blake's presence. Someone like him—a cool, confident Gym Leader with an aura more powerful than most Champions—wasn't a figure he recalled from the games, anime, or even the deeper manga stories.

Blake was… original, and in a world so established, that stood out. Then there was Blake's naming sense: the unintentional Easter eggs, his careful nods to things that only someone from their world would understand. It was enough to make Raul pretty certain of the truth, but he hadn't wanted to assume anything outright.

He sighed, rubbing his palms together. What was Blake going to ask? Would this feel like an interrogation?

Just then, the door swung open, and in strolled Blake.

"Well, hello, hello! Glad you could make it Raul." he said, his signature greeting rolling off his tongue in a way that was effortlessly charming, a mix of friendly and disarmingly warm. Raul could feel himself relaxing, even if just a little.

"Hey, Blake," Raul returned, hoping his tone sounded casual enough.

Noticing the flicker of awkwardness on Raul's face, Blake first took his seat and got comfortable, before adding with a smile, "So, two fellow reincarnators meeting up in this messed-up world of Pokémon, huh? Sounds like the start of a bad joke."

Blake went for an easy humor to break Raul's tension.

Raul couldn't help but let out a slightly nervous laugh, grateful for the humor that seemed to dissolve the initial tension. He tried to respond, fumbling over a few polite remarks, but Blake only chuckled, lifting a hand as if to say Relax.

"I can see you're not exactly the extroverted type, so I'll lead," Blake said with a grin. "Tell me, my fellow drifter—what gift did you get when you reincarnated here?"

Raul blinked, his confusion almost visible as if there were question marks floating above his head. "What?… gift?"

Blake's smile faltered slightly, and he looked back at Raul, genuinely surprised. "You know, like how I got Acnologia as my starter. His base stats are off the charts—600 instead of the usual Charizard's 534.

Not to mention I got this…*Opens up a small portal and takes out a cola bottle before the portal closes* inventory space thing. Maybe not amazing because of the storage technology we have in this world, but hey, it helps. And I've got Bulbapedia knowledge on basically everything up to when I landed here. So, what about you? Anything special?"

Raul's eyes widened in utter bafflement. He glanced at Blake, then back at the empty space in front of him. "We're… supposed to get gifts?"

As the laughter faded, Blake leaned back, shaking his head as if he still couldn't believe it. "So, no gifts, no powers. And here I thought I was the unlucky one… But look, you're making it work just fine! By the way," he said, leaning forward, "when did you, you know… regain your memories?"

Raul took a deep breath, calming himself as he recounted, "It was on my tenth birthday. I'd fallen down a ditch at one of my family's excavation sites… My father, Byron, thought it'd be a brilliant gift to let me dig up my own fossil. And, well… the memories just sort of came flooding back right then and there."

Blake raised an eyebrow, momentarily speechless before Raul, trying to lighten the mood, shot back, "How about you? When did everything click for you?"

With a casual sip of his cola, Blake replied, "Since I turned four, actually. I've pretty much had the chance to plan my path from the start."

Raul's eyes went wide. "Wait, four?! And… when did you start training?"

Blake blinked, as if the answer were obvious. "Officially at ten, like everyone else. But I started working with Pokémon at six. Acnologia hatched from an egg that year, so I got a bit of a head start with him."

Raul felt his veins pop in mild disbelief. "So you're telling me you've been training for fourteen years already?"

Blake chuckled, giving a relaxed nod. "Technically, yeah. I ended my circuit runs when I was fourteen—took on the four accessible leagues in my first 4 years. Won them and didn't bother to look back. I'd have been the Champion of Indigo already if not for a few… politics.

But hey, being the Gym Leader of Cinnabar isn't half bad… much more relaxing for sure. Though," he added, with a smirk, "I'd just have prefered, just about anyone else sitting on the Champion's throne other than that lizard bastard. Freaking Blackthorns…"

Raul let out a laugh, with Blake joining in, the tension between them loosening. Then, Raul's tone softened, admiration clear in his voice. "Man, you've accomplished so much. Winning four leagues… That's insane man. And all before you turned fifteen? Your first league was Indigo right? I remember you beating Lance on your first league to get the win!"

Blake smiled, a flicker of nostalgia in his gaze as he thought back on the journey. After all, that was the year, Acnologia earned the title of True Dragon after beating Lance's Dragonite into the ground.

But it wasn't until the destruction and pursuit of Giovanni that Acnologia gained his current title, The Disaster Dragon.

If anyone asks Blake, he would answer that his first year as an official trainer had been the most fun. He specially enjoyed beating Lance a few times, not to mention how funny he found how Lance took him as his rival and friend… Good times, good times…

Now Blake was 20 and a lot of things have happened in his life... he just wished he could have solved the Giovanni issue by now…

Meanwhile, Raul sighed, admitting, "I haven't had much luck with any of my runs. Didn't even make it past the quarter finals in Hoenn."

Though Blake already knew that, he hadn't gone into the details before. Curious, he leaned in. "Who'd you lose to?"

Raul gave a wry chuckle. "Of all people, my quarter-final matchup was against Steven Stone. My luck, right?"

Blake again burst into laughter.

Blake leaned back, a thoughtful look on his face as he mentioned, "Yeah, Steven Stone... an anomaly of a trainer. I don't blame you for losing to him. He raised to the level of Champion so fast that it's scary…

Had an exhibition match with him last year, and let me tell you, he's a cut above most. The man managed to knock out four of my Pokémon. That hasn't happened since my second year's tournament final match. And the one that accomplished that was Lance…"

Raul raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed, and Blake continued with a hint of admiration. "Honestly, I'm sure that in a few years, Steven will be one of the strongest Champions around. And that's saying something, considering Lance holds the Indigo title, and… well, I've got my thoughts about Lance, but I'll give it to him. He's a solid Champion."

He paused, and then, with a slight smirk, added, "And Cynthia, of course. Hard to forget her. All three of them are setting a pretty high bar for anyone coming next."

Raul's face shifted at the mention of Cynthia. He sat forward, looking at Blake intently. "Have you ever battled her?"

Blake sighed, shaking his head. "No. Haven't had the chance, and I don't think I will unless they set up another exhibition. But… yeah, I've got a feeling she'd be one of the hardest opponents for me yet."

"Think she can bring you down to your last pokemon?" Raul teased a bit wanting to see Blake's reaction.

Blake closed his eyes and thought a bit before answering, "Hard to say… last year, probably… this year… I doubt she has any pokemon that can face my Alduin… My Dragon baby has become a force of nature himself." Blake smirked at the end.

Raul felt awed at the confidence. Only if I could have confidence like that! I want to be the Champion of Sinnoh… and to do that I need to beat Cynthia… That will need so much work…

Raul sighed before changing the topic, and for a moment, the two sat in companionable silence, each mulling over their experiences in this world. They exchanged stories about their lives here, and fragments of the worlds they came from, breaking down the strange realities they'd adapted to.

Raul found himself relaxing, letting the tension ease, which didn't go unnoticed by Blake.

Blake's tone shifted, his expression hardening as he leaned in. "Alright, Raul, let's talk about what's really going on here. You might have heard bits and pieces on the news—Team Rocket's plans, Giovanni's disappearance. But there's a lot more happening beneath the surface."

Raul's surprise turned into steady focus as Blake laid out the situation, one revelation after another, each piece heavier than the last. Blake's voice was calm but carried a hidden fire, a fierce determination Raul hadn't often seen. "I'm telling you this because I need you ready. By the time the Indigo League rolls around, we might be dealing with a lot more than just a tournament." He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "So prep hard, Raul. We're going to need everyone at their best."

Blake stood and walked to the window, gazing out at the port of Cinnabar, where the sea stretched wide under the afternoon sun.

Trying to lighten the mood, Raul joked, "I mean, as long as we aren't facing the three-headed legendary bird and Mewtwo at the same time, we should be fine, right?"

Blake turned, giving him a look of pure incredulity.

Raul let out an awkward laugh, scratching the back of his head. "I… might've jinxed it, huh?"

Blake facepalmed, muttering under his breath "For the love of…", clearly not amused.

...

...

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[_LuminouShadow_]

12th​ February, 1998, Water Route to Pallet Town…

-

Raul stood at the edge of the deck, hands gripping the cool metal railing as he watched the gentle waves roll beneath the ship. The sea stretched endlessly, glistening under the morning sun as occasional Water Pokémon darted by, their sleek forms creating ripples in the serene surface. Wingulls soared above, their cries mingling with the soft murmur of the ocean. The salty breeze tugged at his hair and clothes, offering a sense of calm even as his mind wrestled with the storm of thoughts.

He didn't hear the quiet footsteps approaching until Misty was standing beside him, her arms crossed as she leaned against the railing and looked out at the horizon. For a while, neither of them spoke. It was a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the rhythmic churning of the ship's engines and the splash of waves.

After a few moments, Misty turned her gaze toward Raul, her expression soft with concern. "You've been out here for a while. Everything okay?"

Raul blinked, pulled from his thoughts, and glanced over at her. He took a deep breath, his gaze returning to the endless stretch of blue. "I'm alright," he said slowly, though his voice betrayed a hint of hesitation. "Just… thinking."

Misty raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at her lips. "You? Thinking? That sounds serious."

A small smile broke through Raul's thoughtful expression. "Yeah, guess it is." He paused, then decided to confide in her. "After my talk with Blake… I realized that I need to get stronger. I mean, a lot stronger. But I don't even know where to start..."

Misty's eyes softened, and for a second, there was a glint of understanding that Raul hadn't expected. Then, out of nowhere, she giggled.

Raul turned to her, frowning. "What's so funny?"

"Oh, nothing," Misty replied, struggling to stifle her laughter. "It's just… you sound exactly like Ash."

Raul's cheeks reddened in embarrassment, and he looked away, scratching the back of his neck. "Alright, alright, no need to rub it in."

Still grinning, Misty nudged him with her shoulder. "In all seriousness, though… if you really want to get stronger, the best way is to battle more, gain experience, and learn from each fight. It's like… Every battle is a chance to grow, you know?"

Raul blinked, slightly taken aback by the wisdom in her words. "That… actually makes a lot of sense."

She flushed, embarrassed by the look of surprise on his face. "What? Did you think I couldn't give good advice?"

Raul chuckled, shaking his head. "No, no… I just didn't expect that kind of advice from you." He grinned, teasing her. "Guess there's more to you than just pulling Brock's ears, scolding Ash and tossing him in the water."

"Hey! What's that supposed to mean!" Misty's cheeks turned red, and she huffed, folding her arms. "For your information, I heard that from someone. And that person is a really strong trainer!"

"Oh yeah?" Raul smirked. "Who?"

The teasing tone in Raul's voice softened Misty's initial embarrassment, and her expression grew nostalgic. She looked away, almost shy. "Someone… someone that I used to know... Who was like an older brother to me..."

Raul caught the hint of sadness in her voice, and his own smile faded. he didn't want to push her. "Well… thanks for passing on the advice." He offered her a sincere nod. "I'll keep it in mind."

Misty's eyes brightened, and she gave him a soft smile. "No problem. And you should grab some breakfast before the buffet closes. We'll be reaching Pallet Town by four."

With that, she walked away, leaving Raul to his thoughts. But her departure triggered a memory, and her own mind drifted back to that long-ago day…

*Flashback*

The flashback began with a seven-year-old Misty running through her family's private lake area, her small fists wiping at her tear-streaked face. She didn't care if she tripped or if her dress got dirty—she just wanted to be alone, away from the mean kids who'd teased her about her bright orange hair and her loss in that mock Pokémon battle at school.

She stumbled to a stop near the lake's edge, where she bumped into someone. Looking up, she saw a teenage boy, tall and confident, with an easy smile on his face. Blake.

"What's got you all worked up, baby sister?" he asked gently, kneeling to meet her gaze as he took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears away.

Misty sniffled, her voice a tiny whisper. "The kids… they called me carrot-head… and I lost in a battle… they said I'd never be a good trainer…" She was so upset that she didn't even argue on Blake calling her 'Baby Sister'.

Blake chuckled softly, his hand moving to gently ruffle her hair. "Well, for one, I think your hair is beautiful. And you're definitely one of the cutest little trainers I know."

Misty blushed, a tiny smile breaking through her sadness as she looked down at her shoes. Blake's words made her feel… less alone, like maybe she didn't have to be perfect right now.

"And about losing…" Blake continued, his voice warm and patient. "It's okay to lose sometimes. Every time you lose, you learn something new. You get a little stronger."

Misty's lip trembled, as if she wanted to argue, but his kindness melted her defenses. He chuckled, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Just keep going forward, Misty. Every battle is a chance to grow."

*Flashback Ended*

The memory faded, and Misty found herself back in the present, standing by the door to the cabin hall.

She smiled softly, her heart warming at the memory of her first mentor, her first big-brother figure. It had only been four years since then, but everything felt so different now.

Blake had broken up with Daisy not long after that day, and both she and her sister had lost someone important. Daisy might have just lost a boyfriend, but Misty… Misty lost the closest thing she'd ever had to an older brother.

'I wonder if Blake still remembers those days…' Misty thought pensively.

From how Blake greeted her when they met in the stadium… she wasn't very hopeful… After all, Daisy and in turn herself… should now just be after thoughts for someone like Blake…

As she looked back at Raul, still leaning on the railing, she felt a spark of hope that maybe he, too, would find the guidance he needed… just like she had, years ago.

…

…

12th February, 1998, Pallet Town- Evening

-

The dinner table at Delia Ketchum's home was warm and lively, laughter filling the air as Ash animatedly recounted the details of his latest escapade to his mom. With every grand gesture and excited retelling, Misty rolled her eyes, scolding him between bites.

"Ash! For the last time, stop talking with your mouth full!" she chided, though there was a familiar fondness in her voice. Raul leaned back, grinning.

"Yeah, Ash, wouldn't want your mom to find out about that embarrassing part where you tripped over a tree root while trying to act like a hero,. Or when you forgot to wear your-" he teased, his tone light.

Ash turned red. "Raul! Not in front of my mom!" But Delia only laughed softly, pleased to have a full house and the sounds of happy voices filling her home.

Watching them, Raul felt a pang of nostalgia. The atmosphere, the food, and the lighthearted conversation reminded him of nights back home—his mom cooking up a storm, his father's laughter, and his brother and uncle sharing stories from the day. Raul smiled to himself, making a mental note to call home soon. Tonight's dinner made him realize just how much he missed his family.

When dinner wrapped up, Raul and Brock offered to help clean up. Delia graciously accepted, giving a little smile as they moved around the kitchen. Once everything was tidied up, she reappeared with a special treat: homemade ice cream. They all headed out to the porch to enjoy it, where the sky stretched wide and clear, stars shimmering across a velvety blue-black canvas.

They took a moment to gaze out at the night sky in quiet awe, each absorbed in their thoughts. After a while, the conversation turned to their plans. Raul turned to Ash, curious.

"So, Ash, where to next? Got a Gym challenge in mind?"

Ash let out a thoughtful sigh, his eyes on the stars. "I think I'll go for the one a couple of towns over. We don't have a lot of time, just eighteen days to finish the circuit, so I'll need to keep it close."

Raul grinned, relieved Ash wasn't setting his sights on a major A-tier Gym this time. "Sounds like a solid plan, Ash. Good luck!"

Misty then looked to Raul, tilting her head with a smile. "And what about you, Raul? Got any plans on how to get stronger?"

He nodded, a confident spark in his eye. "Actually, thanks to your advice, I do." He looked over at Misty, then Ash and Brock, each of whom was now leaning in, curious. Raul's gaze shifted, pointing toward the horizon where Mount Hideaway stood tall against the night.

"I'm a Ground-type specialist," he said with a hint of nostalgia, eyes lingering on the mountain. "I think it's time I try to catch a good Onix."

Brock's eyes brightened in recognition and approval. "An excellent choice," he said, nodding with a knowing smile. Ash and Misty exchanged confused looks, but Raul only chuckled, as if it were an inside joke only he understood.

If everything went well, he might just encounter him. The thought sent a thrill through Raul, his mind already spinning with the possibility. Meeting him, battling him… that would be something else. The prospect alone filled him with renewed determination and excitement.

…

…

17th February, 1998, Mount Hideaway

-

It was the 17th of February, five days since Raul had ventured into the heart of the mountain, determined to find an Onix strong enough to evolve.

He'd battled every wild Onix that crossed his path—a few very strong indeed—but none of them had the potential he needed. None of them had the spark, the fire, the drive that would make Raul want to bond with them.

No, he was looking for something special, something that was hungry for greatness, and so far, the mountains had offered nothing but disappointment.

His frustration had reached its peak. He'd come here fully prepared, a metal coat in his bag to evolve the Onix he'd catch into a Steelix, but so far, his efforts had been in vain. Every day, every battle, the same result. Nothing.

But it wasn't just the Onix he was searching for. There was another, far more elusive presence he had hoped to encounter here. And as the sun dipped lower on the horizon, the lack of progress weighed heavily on him. The landscape seemed endless, a vast, unforgiving expanse that mirrored the growing tension inside him.

Raul's boots scraped against the rocky terrain as he climbed higher, mentally exhausted. But before he could stew in his frustration any longer, a voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"Hey, you there!"

Raul didn't even have to look up. The tone of the voice was enough to tell him everything. Whoever it was, they were already a step too close. He turned slowly, meeting the gaze of a stranger—a boy with a wild, cocky grin plastered across his face. He couldn't have been much older than Ash, but his eyes were filled with a cold arrogance that immediately set Raul on edge.

The boy seemed quite familiar, but Raul couldn't remember the name…

"Who are you supposed to be?" The boy's voice was laced with condescension, as if Raul were beneath him.

Raul blinked, slightly confused, but the rudeness in the boy's tone was unmistakable. "I'm Raul, from Canalave City" he muttered, his voice flat.

The boy laughed, crossing his arms. "Raul? Never heard of you. But you must have heard of me, the Great Gary Oak!"

Raul stared at Gary with a flat look. But now he remembered who this chump was…

"So, what exactly are you doing here, roaming around like a lost pup?"

Raul clenched his jaw. "Watch it kid!! And I'm looking for an Onix. A strong one."

The boy's smirk grew wider. "Onix? Really? Do you even know what you're doing? Onix are weak. They're a joke. I wouldn't waste my time on them."

Raul's eyes narrowed. He wasn't sure why, but the boy's arrogance was starting to get under his skin. "I'm looking for a strong Onix," he repeated, trying to keep his cool. "I plan on evolving it."

The boy scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Evolving, huh? Do you even know how an Onix evolves, Loser? Yeah, I battled this massive Onix earlier. But it took one look at me and ran. Probably realized I'm way too strong for it."

Raul was growing tired of this. He wasn't interested in this guy's bragging, but the way he was talking about Onix made his frustration flare. "Why don't you just leave me alone, man?..."

But the boy wasn't done. He pushed forward, closer now, practically sneering in Raul's face. "What's the matter, huh? Too scared to face someone stronger? Let's have a battle, then. One-on-one. I'll show you how it's done."

Raul didn't want to engage. He could already tell this guy was trouble—nothing but arrogance and bravado. But then, Misty's words from earlier echoed in his mind, soft yet firm.

"Every battle is a chance to grow, you know?"

Raul sighed softly, already regretting his decision. "Fine. One-on-one. Let's do it."

The boy's eyes gleamed, clearly delighted by Raul's willingness to fight. "You'll lose, I guarantee it. Nidoking, come on out!"

With a dramatic throw of the Poké Ball, the boy released his Nidoking, which landed with a heavy thud and immediately let out a deafening roar. The massive Pokémon flexed its powerful limbs, ready for battle.

Raul stared for a moment, weighing his options. His hand moved to his own Poké Ball, and with a swift motion, he threw it. "Nidoking, let's teach this kid a lesson he won't forget!"

His Nidoking appeared in a flash of light, stepping out with its powerful frame and exuding a quiet yet undeniable strength. It wasn't just a Pokémon—it was a force in its own right. And Raul knew that this was going to be more than just another battle. This was about proving a point to an arrogant 10 year old.

The boy—who now seemed a little less confident—smirked. "Let's see if your little Nidoking can handle my beast."

And just like that, the battle began.

"Quick Nidoking, show this loser how strong you are, start with Poison Jab!" Gary shouted, his voice sharp and commanding. His Nidoking lunged forward, its tail flicking as it aimed a vicious strike at Raul's Pokémon.

Raul's eyes narrowed. "Counter with Iron Tail."

Raul's Nidoking reacted swiftly, its tail shining with metallic energy as it met the incoming attack with a powerful counterstrike. The collision sent a shockwave through the ground, and Gary's Nidoking staggered back, clearly surprised at the force behind the hit.

Gary's grin faltered for a second, but then he recovered, fury creeping into his eyes. "Use Sludge Bomb!"

Gary's Nidoking spat a stream of poisonous liquid directly at Raul's Pokémon. But Raul was already one step ahead. "Cut throguh the Sludge with Megahorn!"

Raul's Nidoking charged forward with a fierce roar, its horn glowing with an intense energy. It pierced through the poisonous attack, slamming straight into Gary's Nidoking with a powerful boom. Gary's Pokémon staggered back, clearly winded, but it wasn't finished yet. It growled and charged forward again, this time with a desperate Thrash.

Raul's eyes were laser-focused as he dodged and weaved, his mind calculating every movement, every possible attack. "Earthquake!"

The ground beneath them shook violently as Raul's Nidoking slammed its fist into the earth, sending a shockwave that rattled Gary's Nidoking to the core. It fell to its knees, the damage already taking its toll. It could barely move. Gary gritted his teeth in frustration.

"Not bad, but this isn't over!" Gary shouted. "Use Hyper Beam!"

Gary's Nidoking gathered energy, its body radiating with a deadly glow as it charged up for a massive Hyper Beam. Raul didn't hesitate.

"Nidoking show this runt what we are made of! Full Power Megahorn, now!"

Raul's Nidoking, with a roar of defiance, charged forward, its horn gleaming as it slammed into Gary's Nidoking with full force. The blast from the Hyper Beam went off, but it was too late—Raul's Nidoking hit first, knocking Gary's Pokémon into the air and sending it crashing hard into the rocky ground.

Gary's Nidoking lay there, unable to rise. It was over.

Raul's Nidoking stood tall, its stance strong and proud. The victorious is the King!

Gary, his face red with anger, recalled his fallen Pokémon, his arrogance shattered for the first time. He turned to Raul, eyes full of disbelief.

"You… you actually beat me?" Gary spat, his voice thick with resentment.

Raul stood tall, his gaze unwavering. "It's not always about raw power, Gary Oak. It's also about knowing how to use it. Experience, patience, and respect. Maybe next time you'll remember that."

Gary's lips twitched, but he didn't say another word. He turned and stormed off, his pride wounded but unbroken. Raul watched him go, feeling a sense of quiet satisfaction.

It wasn't just about the victory—it was about teaching a lesson. And Raul was more than ready to show that he wasn't the one to be underestimated.

That's when he heard it.

Clapping. Slow, deliberate applause that echoed off the mountain walls, like the sound of something ancient and powerful stirring in the shadows.

Raul froze, the familiar weight of another presence settling in. He turned, scanning the rocky terrain for the source. But there was no one there.

Then, a voice, strong and steady, called from above.

"Look up."

Raul's eyes darted upward, and there, standing atop a sheer rock ledge, was a towering figure. The man was massive, his muscles sculpted like marble, and his expression was one of calm intensity, as if the mountain itself could not shake him. His hair was dark, swept back in a way that almost seemed like a reflection of his power—a man who had fought countless battles, and yet stood unbroken.

Raul's lips curved into a knowing smile. This was it. The one he'd been searching for.

The man's voice rang out again, a tone that carried the weight of experience and wisdom.

"Nice to meet you, young trainer. You and your Pokémon have guts. I'd like to test that fighting spirit myself, if you don't mind."

Raul's grin widened. The words were exactly what he needed to hear.

The man's smile deepened, a mischievous glint appearing in his eyes. "Oh, sorry. The name's Bruno, by the way. I work for the Pokémon League I guess."

Raul took a step forward, his confidence rising. "Raul. From Canalave City. And I've heard of you, Bruno of the Elite Four! I've always wanted to have a proper battle against you."

Bruno's eyes gleamed with an unmistakable fire, and his smile turned devilish. "A battle, huh? How can I deny a challenger like you? Let's see if you can keep up though. Just having spirit wouldn't be enough to beat me, kid."

Raul couldn't help but laugh. This was exactly what he had been looking for. Not just any battle, but a true test of his abilities after what he learned from Blake. And training against an Elite Four would be the best way to do just that.

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Being cross posted on, Webnovel, FF.net, QQ

 

[_LuminouShadow_]

27th​ February, 1998, Indigo Plateau…

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Blake walked into the meeting room with his usual calm elegance, the faintest trace of a smirk curling on his lips.

His late arrival was no accident—he relished the small thrill it gave him to make the uptight members of the League wait, to feel the room's tension shift as he entered.

His polished suit gleamed under the soft light, and as he moved, his presence expanded, filling the space without him needing to utter a single word.

The murmurs rippled through the room as Blake made his entrance—some respectful, others tinged with irritation. His gaze flicked briefly to Agatha, whose sharp eyes held an unmistakable disapproval. The scowl on her face was enough to send a quiet chiding, but Blake didn't bother to respond.

He had long since learned to ignore the older woman's silent reprimands. After all, she knew better than anyone that having problems with him would be a fool's errand. His position in the League, coupled with his personal strength and influence, made it clear that no one could afford to challenge him—not in public, at least.

His eyes flicked over the room, landing briefly on the new Gym Leader from Viridian City—Cole, was it? Blake didn't even acknowledge him. The young man's presence barely registered. After all, Cole wouldn't last long in this cutthroat world.

"Blake, good afternoon. How are you?" Erika greeted, her calm demeanor breaking into a slight smile. Unlike Agatha, Erika was someone Blake respected—someone who knew how to play the game without veiling her sharpness. Their greeting was quick but genuine, and Blake offered a nod and soft smile in return.

Lt. Surge's booming voice interrupted the brief moment of civility. "Well, well, look who finally decided to show up! Couldn't keep us waiting much longer, eh, Blake?"

Blake returned a dry smile. "Surge, I'm sure everyone was doing just fine without me. But thank you for the warm welcome." The words carried no real warmth, but his smile softened the delivery just enough to keep it polite.

Meanwhile, Daisy's gaze flickered toward him, a trace of regret in her eyes before she quickly turned away. Her fingers drummed lightly on the table. Blake, ever observant, saw it all. He offered her a quiet nod in greeting but nothing more. His past attachment to her was long gone, lost in the shifting sands of time.

Lance, standing at the head of the table, watched the subtle exchange with a knowing look in his eyes. "Glad you could make it, Blake," he said, his voice warm but laced with playful sarcasm. "We were all wondering when you'd wake up."

Blake's smirk deepened. "Apologies, Mr. Champion. I didn't want to steal the spotlight too early. The room pays attention to you better when I am not around." His words were smooth, but there was an edge to them—a reminder of the unspoken power dynamic between them.

Lance chuckled but didn't push the matter, well accustomed to Blake's banter. If it was Lance a few years ago, then there would be a huge tantrum to deal with now- a dragon's trantrum.

Seated at the long table were familiar faces: The Elite Four, the Tier A Gym Leaders, and Senior Ace Trainers employed by the League. The top brass of the League, including the newest Elite Four member, Will—who had already established himself as both a powerful Psychic-type trainer and a businessman with a flair for social climbing.

Blake slid into his seat beside Will, who leaned in with an overly eager expression. "Mr. Blake, it's always a pleasure to have you around, and you came just in time," Will said, his voice thick with forced enthusiasm, eager to gain favor with the infamous trainer.

Blake didn't meet his gaze. Instead, he turned his attention to the room. "Pleasure is an overstatement, Will," he replied coolly, though his lips quirked into a barely perceptible smile. "You're doing well, I hope? Yes? We'll talk later, hmm?"

Will didn't seem to mind the indirect dismissal. His smile never wavered, the mask of politeness firmly in place. He knew the game well enough to recognize when a more strategic conversation would come later.

As the room settled, Lance cleared his throat, signaling the start of the meeting. "Alright, everyone," Lance began, his voice cutting through the chatter, authoritative yet warm. "We're here to discuss the plans for this year's League tournament—what we're expecting, who we're considering as new recruits for the League, and any developments that need to be addressed before the new season kicks off."

The meeting shifted into the strategic discussions Lance had planned. Talk turned to tournament schedules, preparations, and the all-important topic of new recruits for the league and the future trainers to look out for.

Several names were mentioned, each one drawing a different reaction from the group. And then, as if to punctuate the significance of the conversation, Raul's name emerged.

Blake's gaze flickered imperceptibly, and his ears perked slightly when he heard Raul's name spoken aloud. The murmurs swirled briefly, but Blake kept his usual aloof demeanor.

It wasn't surprising to hear Raul's name—after all, his fellow reincarnator had proven himself in battle and had impressed Blake and his Pokemon.

And from the looks of things, Raul had impressed all the other Gym Leaders as well.

Blake's lips curled slightly at the thought.

'Well that's how it should be.'

He let the conversation roll on for a moment before speaking up briefly, his tone carrying the subtle weight of someone who knew more than they let on. "Raul, yes I remember his quite well. He earned my badge fairly. His display was impressive... I approve of him."

Everyone in the room was taken aback by the compliment—Blake wasn't one to praise easily. They all took note of Raul's name, particularly the Elite Four. They knew the kind of potential a trainer needed to receive such "high evaluation" from Blake.

The meeting continued, with Blake appearing uninterested, contributing only a few words here and there.

Eventually, Lance wrapped things up. "That's all for today," he said, his voice cutting through the stillness that had settled over the room. "We'll reconvene soon. Thank you, everyone."

Most of the Gym Leaders and non-Elite Four members began to file out, but Lance's voice halted them. "Blake, Bruno, Lorelei, Agatha, and Will—please stay behind."

Blake followed Lance and the Elite Four down the hallway to his office, where a more private conversation was about to unfold—one the others weren't qualified to weigh in on.

As they walked, Bruno casually approached Blake, his usual easygoing demeanor belying the intensity of his words. "You know, Blake," he began, "I had a battle recently with a promising trainer."

Blake raised a brow, intrigued. "Oh? Someone you found promising? Must be another muscle-head," he smirked teasingly.

Bruno chuckled and didn't mind the jab. "I wish. No, this kid's a Ground-type specialist. We had a 3-on-3 battle, and despite me winning 2 out of 3, he nearly beat my Hitmonchan in the second round. It was close." Bruno laughed fondly, recalling the intensity of the fight.

Blake's eyes widened. Battling Bruno was no small feat, but taking down one of his Pokémon—and nearly beating another? That was on a different level.

Blake's curiosity piqued. "Who was this trainer? A Ground-type specialist, you say?"

Bruno grinned. "Oh, it's the trainer you endorsed earlier. His name's Raul, I think he was from Sinnoh."

Lorelei overheard and raised an eyebrow, her tone teasing. "Raul, huh? He's that impressive? You, the Muscle-head, and the Great Flame Master all praise this boy?"

Blake smiled, his eyes glinting with quiet certainty. "Oh, he's good. In a few years," he said, "Raul will stand where I stood when I was still competing."

Bruno and Lorelei were stunned. Blake? The strongest trainer in Indigo? The unstoppable force? The man who participated in four leagues in four years and won every single one? The man who'd defeated Elite Four members across all four regions and had every right to challenge his birth region's Champion?

For him to say someone could reach that level… well, it left both Bruno and Lorelei silent, in awe and doubt.

'Do you even know how monstrous you were? You were a shear force of nature...' Bruno and Lorelei thought together.

Bruno grinned, clearly enjoying the conversation. "Well, that's a big statement coming from you, Blake. That kid's nowhere near your level back then, but... guess I'll be keeping an eye on him."

Blake chuckled and got curious, "Say, how did he battle? Were you surprised?"

Bruno put his hand on his chin as he thought back to the battle.

…

*Flashback*

…

Raul took a step forward, his confidence rising. "Raul. From Canalave City. And I've heard of you, Bruno. I've always wanted to have a proper battle against you."

Bruno's eyes gleamed with an unmistakable fire, and his smile turned devilish. "A battle, huh? I've been waiting for a challenger like you. Let's see if you can keep up."

Bruno's eyes gleamed with excitement as he accepted the challenge. "You're on, Raul," he said, a mischievous grin on his face. With a swift motion, he sent out his first Pokémon, a colossal Onix that materialized with a rumble, its rocky body towering over the field like an unstoppable force.

Raul narrowed his eyes, analyzing the massive rock serpent. He knew exactly what to do. Without hesitation, he threw his Pokéball high into the air, and the massive shape of Rhyperior materialized with a heavy thud, its rocky body adorned with powerful armor and a giant horn on its head.

"I see you're serious," Bruno chuckled, his voice laced with admiration. "Let's see what you've got."

Raul didn't waste a moment. "Rhyperior, use Rock Wrecker!"

Rhyperior's body surged with power as it stomped forward, its arm glowing with energy before it slammed into the ground, sending a barrage of rocks towards Onix. The force of the attack cracked the earth beneath them, but Onix swiftly dodged, its agile movements surprising for such a large Pokémon.

Bruno's grin widened. "Nice move. But let's see if you can keep up! Onix, use Earthquake!"

Onix roared, its massive tail slamming into the ground. The whole field trembled violently, causing Rhyperior to stagger slightly, its legs shaking as the quake threatened to throw it off balance. But Raul wasn't fazed. He clenched his fists and gave the command with determination.

"Rhyperior, hold steady and use Stone Edge!"

With a roar of its own, Rhyperior leapt forward, its arms crackling with energy as it launched razor-sharp stones at Onix. The stones struck Onix hard, forcing it to recoil, its rocky body cracking under the assault.

Bruno raised an eyebrow. "Impressive! But let's take it up a notch! Onix, Stealth Rock, then follow up with Rock Slide!"

Onix quickly set up Stealth Rock on the battlefield, sharp stones appearing around Rhyperior's feet. It was a clever move, setting the stage for another powerful attack. As Rhyperior began to charge, Onix unleashed a Rock Slide, sending a cascade of boulders crashing down toward Rhyperior.

Raul gritted his teeth, knowing his Pokémon had to act quickly. "Rhyperior, use Iron Tail to break through!"

With a powerful swing of its tail, Rhyperior managed to smash through the falling rocks, but it wasn't without consequence. It was already feeling the weight of the battle, and it wasn't moving quite as fluidly as before.

Yet, with one final burst of energy, it charged forward, Rock Wrecking the ground beneath Onix with an enormous strike. The attack landed perfectly, sending Onix crashing to the ground in defeat.

First round, Raul 1 and Bruno 0!

Bruno and Raul both recalled their pokemon. Fire and pride burning in Raul's eyes!

Bruno chuckled, though there was a hint of respect in his eyes. "Well done, kid. But it's just getting started." He returned Onix to its Pokéball before pulling out his next one. "Hitmonlee, time to shine."

Raul's confidence soared, but his expression remained sharp as he looked over at Bruno's new challenger. "Alright, let's do this!" He reached for his Pokéball and released his trusted Garchomp.

But as Garchomp appeared, Raul felt a cold wave of uncertainty. The fighting stance of Hitmonlee was perfect, its legs poised like coiled springs, ready to strike. Bruno's Hitmonlee wasn't just any fighter—it was a Pokémon that had been trained relentlessly, and it showed in every movement.

"Hitmonlee, High Jump Kick!" Bruno shouted.

The moment Bruno gave the command, Hitmonlee's leg shot forward, faster than Raul could react. Garchomp barely managed to sidestep the powerful kick, but the sheer force of the attack forced it to stumble back, sending a wave of tension through Raul.

"Garchomp, Dragon Claw!" Raul commanded, hoping to land a decisive blow.

Garchomp lunged forward, claws glowing with fierce energy, but Hitmonlee was already airborne, spinning in the air and using High Jump Kick again. Garchomp was forced to defend, but the second kick landed with a resounding impact, sending Garchomp sprawling back, struggling to stay on its feet.

Raul gritted his teeth, watching as Hitmonlee closed the distance, eyes gleaming with competitive hunger. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but it wasn't just the heat of the battle—this Hitmonlee was faster, stronger, and more skilled than any opponent Raul had fought in a while.

"Garchomp, Dragon Tail!" Raul shouted in desperation.

Garchomp's tail whipped forward in an attempt to strike, but Hitmonlee was already ready, its legs dancing around with lightning speed. With another High Jump Kick, it struck Garchomp's side, sending it crashing to the ground. The force was enough to knock the wind out of Raul's Pokémon, and Garchomp staggered back to its feet, clearly struggling.

"That's one of my top three Pokémon," Bruno remarked casually, though there was a glint of pride in his eyes. "Maybe I pushed you a little too hard, huh?"

Garchomp was still ready to go, but Raul noticed that the last High Jump Kick, had hurt Garchomp more than he thought as it was struggling to stand straight.

Sighing Raul said that it was his loss and recalled a reluctant Garchomp, Bruno did the same with his Hitmonlee, and the score was now, 1-1 for each.

Bruno's expression shifted, his smile never faltering. He pulled out his next Pokéball and tossed it high into the air. With a flash of red light, Hitmonchan appeared in a fighting stance, its fists clenched and ready for action. The elite fighter exuded an aura of calm but unwavering focus, its eyes narrowing as it locked onto Raul.

"Hitmonchan, you're up," Bruno said with a steady voice. "Show him what true discipline looks like."

Raul's heart pounded in his chest. Hitmonchan was a formidable opponent, and he knew it wouldn't be an easy win. But he wasn't going to back down now. He reached for his own Pokéball, his fingers brushing against its surface as he called out the Pokémon that had been with him from the start. "Ursaring, let's go!"

Ursaring emerged with a powerful roar, its muscular frame casting a shadow over the battlefield. Its expression was fierce, its eyes locking with Hitmonchan in mutual understanding. Raul could feel the intensity in the air; this battle was far from over.

Bruno looked at Raul, his eyes sharp with respect. "This should be a good match. I've seen a lot of Ursaring, but I've got a feeling yours is special."

Raul gave a nod, returning the silent acknowledgment. "I'm ready. Let's do this, Ursaring."

The tension was palpable as both Pokémon squared off. Bruno gave the first command, his voice calm but assertive. "Hitmonchan, use ThunderPunch!"

Hitmonchan's fist crackled with electricity as it rushed forward, launching the electric-powered punch directly at Ursaring. The attack was fast, and the electricity crackled in the air with lethal precision. But Raul had already anticipated the move.

"Ursaring, dodge and use Hyper Beam!" Raul shouted, his voice unwavering.

Ursaring sidestepped the attack, its massive body moving with surprising agility for its size. In the same motion, it gathered all of its remaining energy into its chest and unleashed a devastating Hyper Beam, the powerful beam of light and energy blasting straight for Hitmonchan.

Bruno's eyes widened with a mixture of awe and surprise. "Not bad. Hitmonchan, block it with your Ice Punch!"

Hitmonchan's fist erupted with a surge of cold energy as it attempted to intercept the beam. The icy punch collided with the powerful blast, and for a moment, the two forces clashed in a spectacle of raw energy. The ground cracked under the pressure, and the air buzzed with the heat of battle.

Raul's heart raced as he saw Hitmonchan struggle to stop the hyper beam but still standing strong. He knew that Ursaring had the upper hand now, but he wasn't about to get complacent. Hitmonchan was a fighter, and Bruno wasn't going to let this battle slip away so easily.

"Stand strong, Hitmonchan!" Bruno called, his voice filled with determination. "We're not finished yet! Ice Punch, one more time!"

Hitmonchan, still clearly shaken from the Hyper Beam, prepared for its next move as ice-type energy converged into it's gloves.

But Raul wasn't waiting. He had seen the exhaustion in Hitmonchan's movements, and he wasn't about to let this opportunity slip.

"Ursaring, finish it with a Crush Claw!" Raul commanded, his voice resolute.

Ursaring's claws glowed with intense energy as it lunged forward, crashing into Hitmonchan with a devastating Crush Claw. The impact was enough to send the fighter skidding across the battlefield, struggling to maintain its balance.

But that's where Hitmonchan showed why it was an Elite Four's Pokemon. As it was skidding across the field, it's ability Inner Focus was activated. And Hitmonchan with a roar stopped and stood strong.

Raul's breath came heavy as he watched Hitmonchan stand strong on the other side of the battlefield. His Ursaring might look okay, but the first hit and the energy wasted from Hyper Beam was there, but he wasn't about to back down.

Both Pokémon were exhausted, but their determination burned brightly, each unwilling to give an inch. As they started a close quarter combat, Punches, slashes and speed, showcased to the perfection.

Bruno's gaze remained focused, his confidence steady. "Alright, Hitmonchan," he called, his voice low and calm, "finish this with Mach Punch!"

In a blur, Hitmonchan closed the gap with incredible speed, its fist glowing as it delivered a lightning-quick Mach Punch right into Ursaring's side. The impact sent Ursaring stumbling, its massive body straining to regain its balance. But Raul wasn't finished yet.

"Ursaring, you can take that! Stand strong! Then use Slash!" Raul ordered, determination in his voice.

With a roar, Ursaring regained its footing from it's trainer's encouragement and slashed forward, its sharp claws cutting through the air. The attack connected, grazing Hitmonchan and forcing it back a few paces, as it cried out in pain but the seasoned fighter recovered quickly, its stance unwavering.

Bruno gave a nod, a proud smile tugging at his lips. "Good try, but it'll take more than that. Hitmonchan, ThunderPunch!"

Raul tensed as Hitmonchan's fist crackled with electricity, each step calculated as it approached Ursaring. Before Ursaring could counter, Hitmonchan's ThunderPunch landed, the electrical surge coursing through Ursaring's body, causing it to shudder.

But even through the searing pain, Ursaring's spirit remained unbroken. Raul clenched his fist, his voice strong. "Ursaring, one last time—Hyper Beam!"

Gathering every ounce of remaining energy, Ursaring unleashed a powerful Hyper Beam, the blazing beam roaring toward Hitmonchan with devastating force. Bruno's eyes widened at the intensity of the attack, but he smiled at the challenge.

"Hitmonchan, Focus Punch—deflect it!"

With remarkable composure, Hitmonchan's fist glowed with fighting energy, and it swung into the Hyper Beam with precise timing. energy versus energy clashed, and for a moment, the two attacks held each other in a spectacular, explosive display. But as the energy dissipated, Hitmonchan remained standing, its breath ragged yet resolute.

Ursaring, exhausted from the Hyper Beam, staggered, its energy drained. Bruno seized the moment.

"Hitmonchan, finish it—Close Combat!"

With a final surge of strength, Hitmonchan rushed forward, delivering a relentless series of strikes to Ursaring. Punch after punch landed, each one filled with determination and discipline. Ursaring tried to stand strong, but the force of Hitmonchan's attacks became too much.

With a heavy groan, Ursaring collapsed to its knees, its strength finally giving out. Raul's heart sank, but he watched with admiration as his Pokémon fought to the very end.

With that, it was Bruno's win.

…

*End of Flashback*

…

Lorelei was certainly impressed once Bruno was done narrating the battle. Blake on the other hand had a small smile, but didn't comment.

He glanced around as Bruno finished his story. He could feel the weight of everyone's attention. They were all listening in on their conversation, but Blake didn't mind.

'Well, Raul, now you are on the Elite Four and Lance's radar, you are welcome~!'

His aloofness remained unshaken, his gaze focused straight ahead as they neared Lance's office.

As the group filed into the spacious room, the tension in the air was palpable. Lance immediately set the tone, his voice firm and commanding.

"We're here to discuss the status of the Portal. Unfortunately, no traces of Team Rocket have been found yet, but we can't let our guard down," Lance began, his expression serious.

Blake's lip twitched in irritation, though he didn't say a word. The other members of the Elite Four shared uneasy glances, each of them aware of the potential danger that lingered.

Lance continued, his eyes sweeping across the room as he assigned roles. "The tournament is just around the corner, and we need to be prepared. I'm assigning responsibilities to each of you."

"Agatha," Lance said, turning to the dark-haired woman. "You'll be in charge of the Portal Security Division. We need someone sharp and capable. You'll monitor the Portal around the clock."

Agatha gave a stiff nod, her expression cool and unreadable.

"Will," Lance continued, his gaze moving to the psychic trainer. "You'll be in charge of screening everyone near Indigo Plateau for the full duration of the tournament. If anyone remotely resembling a Rocket member is found, you'll handle it immediately."

Will didn't flinch at the task. He nodded calmly, his sharp mind already calculating the best course of action.

"Bruno," Lance addressed the powerhouse, who stood tall and confident. "You're in charge of the security for the Tournament itself. Ensure that everything runs smoothly. Any breach, you deal with it."

Bruno grinned, his hands flexing in anticipation. "Got it, Lance. Nobody's getting through."

Lance's gaze shifted to Lorelei. "Lorelei, you're on Logistics. You'll ensure that everything necessary for the tournament is accounted for. All supplies, transportation, and coordination. It's on you."

Lorelei gave a sharp nod, her icy exterior unyielding. "Understood."

Lance turned to Blake, his expression hardening slightly. "Blake, you'll be on standby at Indigo Plateau in case Team Rocket tries to attack the League. You know the area best, so you'll be able to react quickly if anything happens."

Blake simply inclined his head, his gaze distant and uncaring. "Fine. I'll make sure nothing happens."

Lance then looked around the room to make sure everyone understood their responsibilities. After a brief moment of silence, he gave a curt nod. "Good. I'll reconvene with you all if needed. You're dismissed—except for you, Blake."

The others filed out, leaving Blake alone with Lance. Blake leaned against the desk, his arms crossed as Lance retrieved a chest from a hidden compartment in the corner. He set it down between them with a deliberate slowness, the soft clink of metal filling the room.

Blake raised an eyebrow. "What's this?" he asked, his voice laced with suspicion.

Lance smiled, his usual calm demeanor now tinged with a sense of anticipation. "I knew you'd ask for these eventually," he said, flipping open the chest.

Inside, a collection of shimmering stones radiated a soft, unique energy. Blake's eyes widened in surprise as he recognized them instantly—Mega Stones. A gift, but not just any gift.

But Blake knew that, neither Lance nor the League had any idea on what these stones were. They just know that Blake is interested in them, and they took the first opportunity to use that… fucking vultures!

Lance leaned in slightly, eyes glinting. "You can take them. The League won't pursue it. Consider it a gift, Blake."

Blake's lips curled into a smirk, but there was something sharper in his eyes. He wasn't one to be easily swayed. "What's the catch?" he asked, voice dripping with suspicion.

Lance sighed, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You don't trust me, even after all these years?" he teased, though there was a trace of self-mockery in his tone.

Blake's expression remained impassive, his eyes narrowing as the tension in the room thickened. Lance exhaled, shifting slightly before continuing, his words slower, heavier. "The Elders… they want to know if they can take Alduin back to—"

Lance didn't get to finish his sentence.

Blake's demeanor shifted instantly, a low growl bubbling in his throat. His eyes narrowed, and the temperature in the room seemed to rise as an aura of raw, destructive power emanated from him. Even Lance, who had faced countless Dragon-Type Pokémon, felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

Blake's voice, when it came, was low, dangerous, and laced with a warning. "What did you just say, Lance? You better think carefully about your next words…" His hand shot out, and a Poké Ball appeared in his palm, its patterns shifting with an ominous glow.

Lance's gaze flicked down to the Poké Ball, his hand instinctively reaching for the one hanging from his necklace. He knew exactly what Pokémon was inside that ball.

But Lance wasn't a rookie, and he knew Blake well enough to read the situation. This wasn't the first time Blake had been provoked, and Lance had learned how to diffuse the tension.

With a quick, calming gesture, he raised both hands. "It's not what you think, Blake!" Lance said quickly, a nervous chuckle escaping him.

"They're not trying to take Alduin back permanently, they just want him to start a breeding program…"

Blake's nostrils flared, but he held his ground. His eyes glinted with fury, and his body radiated barely contained power. Lance knew that only the right words would keep the situation from escalating.

"They insisted on having Alduin breed with some of the Dragon Den's Pokémon," Lance continued, his voice softening slightly. "They're not looking to keep him. This… this is just the initial offer to begin negotiations. The Blackthorns are ready to pay a great price."

Blake's fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. His eyes burned with anger, but his momentum was slightly loosened by Lance's words. "You lizard bastards really know how to get on my nerves…" Blake muttered under his breath, his voice low and venomous.

Lance chuckled awkwardly, trying to ease the tension. He knew full well about Blake's history with his Clan—and he knew how much Blake despised them.

And it wasn't really Blake's fault… The Elders didn't ask for things; they demanded them.

Even with this case… there was no request… the elders demanded Alduin be brought back…

They'd always treated Alduin as if he were still theirs. But Lance wasn't about to demand anything of Blake—not unless he wanted to end up as a permanent fixture in the League's medical ward.

Blake's annoyance was clear. "I don't force my Pokémon to be breeding machines," he stated, his voice steady and cold. "If Alduin takes a liking to one of their Pokémon, fine. But I'm not stepping foot in Blackthorn's territory."

Lance's shoulders relaxed slightly at Blake's words. "Fair enough," he said. "We'll bring the Pokémon to your ranch, then."

Blake's smirk returned, but it held an edge to it. "Also, you said the Blackthorns are ready to pay a great price, right? Well, I want your help with something else," he said, his tone casual but with a hidden menace. "Get in contact with Unova. I want a Larvesta. A shiny one, if you can manage it."

Lance blinked, his face contorting in confusion. "A what? A shiny Larvesta? What the hell are you—"

Blake's smile only grew, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Just make it happen, Lance."

Lance opened his mouth, still baffled by the request, but then he couldn't help but laugh. "Alright, alright… I'll get it done. You're lucky I owe you." He sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. "But do I really have to contact Unova? They're a pain to deal with. Their League is a bunch of stuck-up—"

Blake shrugged nonchalantly. "Not my problem, jackass! If it were easy, I wouldn't be asking you, would I? I could fly there myself and grab the best of the crop. And I would have done just that if you didn't beg me to not start a war..."

Lance sighed deeply, massaging his forehead. He knew he had dug this hole himself. "Please don't even joke about that... ARCEUS! Fine! It'll be done… You will get your Larvesta... Shiny Larvesta."

Blake grinned, the satisfaction clear on his face. "Excellent!" he said, turning toward the door as he walked out. "Happy to do business with you, Lizard Boy."

"I hate you…" Lance muttered from behind him, causing Blake to chuckle, the sound ringing through the hall.

'I might have gotten played…' Lance thought silently…

…

…

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