Jhoto : Golden Rod City - The Golden University
The old university professor in his blue cape and polished black leather boots walks up to the pulpit on stage, looks around at the gathered audience and clears his throat.
A crowd of over a hundred students sit up straight in their chairs. Literally on the edge of their seats. They await his words with baited breath.
A motely crew of trainers both young and old donned in all different outfits, some with Pokémon sitting on their shoulders. An assortment as diverse as their trainers from some Eevee, Natu, Spearow, Tailow, Minin and even a strange slakoth using the top of his trainer's head as a resting spot.
> "Congratulations on completing your school, your Pokémon journeys and surviving. For those who got many gym badges or scholarships to get here, a very hearty welcome.
>
> Many many years ago I was once in your shoes where you now sit.
>
> Welcome one and all to the honoured establishment of the Golden University.
>
> Welcome to my lecture on the science of Pokémon evolution and Research, I will be taking over this year's class as Professor Oak will be going on an exploration to the Arctic.
>
> Today, I will be talking on the topic of Pokémon mutations. Personally, I am of the opinion that just the process of evolving should, in and of itself, be called a mutation.
>
> However, this is a hotly contested topic. As such, I won’t be discussing this particular view point in the classroom today.
>
> Anybody who does wish to ask me questions about the nature of this is free to approach me after class to enquire further into my specific field of research.
>
> Today, the mutations in questions are of two types. Firstly we are talking about ability mutations, namely moves a Pokémon learn that go against their nature or that are just not known to be learned by them.
>
> This is very rare. But, as we all know it is not unheard of. An example of this is a fire type Arcanine learning water gun.
>
> The method of his water gun however is rather abnormal (think rear end action) and I personally would not characterize this as a true mutation. More like a trick to bend the system.
>
> The second type of mutation is the one which interests me far more.
>
> Let me show you exactly what I mean."
*Professor releases two Pokémon from the poke-balls on his belt*
Out from the pokéballs pop two Vulpix in a flash of red and white light.
They stand proud and stare at the class.
One fire and one an Alolan ice variant, they each respectively launch a jet of fire and ice into the air.
The class gasps and claps loudly at the pretty display as each element impacts into the other creating a rush of wind outwards.
"Okay class, so this is a perfect example of a true mutation.
On a side note, your career would be unending if anyone is able to observe a mutation and record it. Also, the prize money for the discovery from the scientific community currently sits at ten million dollars."
*Class breaks out into excited whispers*
"Now the theory is contentious and unproven as it has been for hundreds of years."
*Ahem*
*class quiets down*
> "So as I was saying, the theory is that a Pokémon mutates when their environment changes to better suit the conditions.
>
> The example with the Alolan Ninetail's, we predict, that they were forced to make their homes in the icy regions. As such, their kits were either born with ice attributes over fire or that their evolution into Ninetails eventually harnessed the ambient power of ice over fire in the area to fuel their evolution.
>
> Again, I’m not here to argue.
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> I don’t for a fact know this is true.
>
> Some have made it their life's work to discover this secret.
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> Even the previous professor of this class and daughter to Gary Oak is working on finding out an answer.
>
> Questions?"
>
>
>
> Yes, lady in the front row?
"Can you tell me, if Professor Oak is going to study this field then why is she going to a Black Zone?"
> "Simple answers are always the best. She personally believes in an alternative theory. I won’t explain it in detail as her research is her own, however she thinks it will be easier to test her theory in a Black Zone due to the decrease in ambient energy that is known to be present in Black Zone areas.
>
> This makes it far harder for Pokémon to use moves and is also why many Elites train their Pokémon in Black Zones.
>
> They use this disadvantage to force their Pokémon to be better suited to feeling their energy.
>
> An example of this is Lance and his overpowered dragon Pokémon who have been the pinnacle of the Pokémon world for many years.
>
> Once a trainer exits the Black Zone, obvious improvements are seen as their Pokémon are personally able to harness more ambient energy.
>
> Or at least that is the current running theory on that topic.
>
> Any more questions, students? No, nothing at the moment?
>
> Let's continue, for today's study material...….."
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Hoenn Region: Lilycove City - Airport
Anna and Jessica say their farewells to their parents by the Tauros taxi stand as they arrive at the security gate to the airport.
ANNOUNCEMENT: "Attention travelers, all non-flight attendant Pokémon must be stored inside their poke balls and must be checked in at the check-in desk.
There is no chance of theft as each Pokémon case is then encrypted and locked. A maximum of 6 Pokémon may be stored per case and each is inspected for registration and capture details to prevent smuggling.
Again, thank you for choosing to fly with Ruby Airlines today."
Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.
Additionally, some Pokémon breeds are banned from certain regions due to fear of them escaping and affecting the local populations of Pokémon.
A prime example is of the Nidoran line. As was discussed in the news last week, the breeding pair from Agatha that escaped on her death have caused no end of trouble for the local Lairon populations.
As the girls have no Pokémon they don't have to worry about checking in their pokéballs. Their baggages are scanned at the Security by a Magnezone and Kadabra.
As Jessica passes through the scan she whispers to Anna "Personally, I think the Kadabra are scanning the contents of people's minds for anything dangerous."
Anna reponds "Well Jess, it’s not going to be something that the authorities would ever admit to."
On the way to their terminal, the girls spend some of their money from their parents on some Mc’Farfetched burgers and fries.
As they settle down to wait for their flight, they discuss their plans.
“I’m told that on arrival, we will have a meet and greet with the sponsors for the expedition. Filming will start from that point onwards.”
Jess. “I don’t really care, I just can’t wait to see what Pokémon I will catch as my starter. Everything else doesn’t really matter to me.”
Anna ”And the money, fame, fortune spiel?”
Jess “Okay maybe just a little bit of that, I’ll try to smile for the cameras and keep up appearances. Once we land in Pastoria City do you want to go check out some of the stores and stock up on Pokéballs, berries and potions? Maybe we could pick up one of those shiny Premier balls as well?
Anna "Also lets go check out some of the restaurants there. I hear their speciality of Kung Pow Shellder is delicious."
"I also hear that their version of Vanillish produces some amazing tasing ice cream."
ANNOUNCEMENT:
"Boarding for flight 557 J to Pastoria City is due to commence. Please head to gate 5 to prepare for boarding."
The girls approach the boarding gate in excitement. The Abra takes their tickets and scans them into the gate before the entrance to the hallway heading inside the plane.
"Thank you girls" says the air hostess as she directs them through "Have a safe flight"
The girls enter into the aircraft noticing that on either side of the craft two large Pidegeot and two even larger Corviknight standing guard. Their trainers geared and mounted. Pokeballs on their belts shining in the light, white premier balls - such a luxury.
They watch as their luggages are carried towards the craft by some lorries and are then unloaded and carefully deposited into the cargo bay by a couple of buff looking Machoke.
The girls sit down inside the 747 Plane. Excitement at going on their first ever flight and the beginning of their adventure.
The in house safety demonstration ends and the plane engines roar to life. The plane rolls down the runway, slowly picking up speed.
The Avians outside fan out and easily keep pace with the accelerating craft.
Faster and faster it goes until the wings angle upwards and the plane takes off.
TIME FOR OUR JOURNEY!!!
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Sinnoh: Pastoria City - Airport
You ready for this, Jonathan? All the checks for the ship are done and now we are just waiting for the passengers to arrive.
His mother Serena Ketchum is both proud and equally scared for her son and his Arctic expedition. Her old Sylveon sits and nuzzles up against Pikachu.
"It's okay mum, I'll fulfil dad's goal. I intend to find his remains and his missing Pokémon as well, since only Pikachu was recovered. And he was found floating, dehydrated and freezing in the ocean with no idea of what happened before then. I'm sure Pikachu is also keen for some revenge against either the elements or whatever nasty Pokémon gave him such a thorough beating."
Serena "I'm not worried about you finding dad's journal, Pokédex, Pokémon or completing his legacy, son. I just want you to stay healthy and come home safely. I couldn't handle losing both my husband and son to the Black Zone."
Jonathan "I promise I'll look after myself and everyone else on the expedition to the best of my abilities. I've got Miss Oak to back me up anyway. You know I'm in good hands."
Serena "Sure son. Where is that girlfriend of yours anyway? When am I going to have grandkids?"
Jonathan "Mum you know we are not like that, just friends."
Mum "Friends with benefits?"
Jonathan "MUM!"
*Mrs Ketchum chuckles*
Mum "Oh honey you are just so easy to tease. But really, say hi to her for me. I'm going to head back to Pallet town. I have some things to take care of so I can't see you off, also I'm kind of on the clock at the moment. I expect to see you on TV anyway, but I do hope you still call me when you can."
Jonathan "It's a promise"
With that, Serena dons her flight goggles and mounts her Corviknight, a gift from Jonathan's late father before his trip to the Arctic. The plane next to her is now full of passengers and the bird keeps pace with the plane as it speeds down the runway.
Jonathan pulls out his phone from his pocket as it starts to ring, a familiar name visible on the screen.
Jonathan "Good afternoon Miyuzuko Ortega, to what do I owe the pleasure of this call?"
Ortega "Well I was hoping you could take some time out of your schedule to come for a final interview? I'll be sending a reporter down to your boat before we leave if that is okay?"
Jonathan "I guess that's okay, however as you know I already have a film crew here for the reality series. I'll have to run it past Kelly first, but I'm pretty sure she will jump at the chance for more free publicity. Next time if you could call her directly as she's in charge of PR, that would be appreciated."
Ortega "Sure thing, sorry I'm not one for following protocol."
Jonathan hangs up the phone and checks his emails.
==========================
Somewhere over the ocean between Sinnoh and Hoenn in plane 557 J
The girls have exhausted their supply of snacks and with nothing better to do, they start to inspect the other people on their flight.
Jess "Hey Anna, care to try and guess which of these passengers will also be joining the expedition?"
Anna looks around the seats and spots a few potential candidates. There is a lean and muscly man sitting in the front row covered in tattoos and scars.
Anna "I bet you that he is definetely not just headed to Sinnoh for a comfortable holiday or to visit family and friends?"
Jess "Let's find out? I dare you to ask if he's coming on the expedition!"
Anna "Deal, what's in it for me?"
Jess "How about I shout you that Kung Pow Shellder for dinner tonight and if you are wrong you will pay instead?"
With the stakes decided, Anna gets out of her seat and approaches the imposing looking man.
Anna thinks to herself once she is in front of the man *Maybe this wasn't the best idea as he looks pretty shady.*
Anna hesitantly asks "Excuse me sir, are you perhaps going to be coming on the expedition as well?"
*The big man responds by giving her a toothy grin*
"You bet your arse I am little missy, did you want an autograph?"
Anna "No thanks, I'm also going to be joining the expedition. I guess we will be working together then."
"Yep that sounds interesting, I didn't think that the expedition would be accepting children along for the ride. You know this is dangerous business right?"
Anna "I'm sure we will be fine with strong people like yourself and your Pokémon protecting us, my name is Anna by the way and my friend in the seat behind us is Jessica."
"Hi Anna, I'm FoulDragon It's a pleasure to meet you. I think I need to correct you on something though. I don't have any Pokémon, I use my own strength to make it in this world and you could call me a Pokémon wrangler, similar to that dude called Steve Erwin who got killed a few years ago by a Black Zone Mantine. Those fuckers pack a serious poison stinger, the poor dude."
Anna "Oh that's good to hear I guess, well it was a pleasure to meet you"
Anna heads back to her chair and sits with Jessica.
Jessica "So what is he like, was he going on the expedition?"
Anna "Yea, he's kind of weird though. You owe me a large portion at the dinner table tonight."
A couple behind them interrupt their conversation
"Hi girls, we couldn't help but overhear your discussion about the expedition. We will be part of the film crew that will be coming along. Do you mind if we record some footage now?"
The girls notice in shock that the man already had his camera up and recording their interaction with FoulDragon.
Anna "Ahhhh shit, can you please make sure to edit out the bit about us saying he was strange. I don't want to die in my sleep."
Cameraman "Sure thing darl. Just as long as you give us a big smile and tell us a little about yourselves and why you chose to come on this expedition"
Announcement: Could all passengers please get back to your chairs and fasten your seat belts, there is a large flock of Pokémon approaching the craft. Please expect some turbulence, sit back and watch our team of expert Avians handle the flock.
The Cameraman looks around nervously whilst the lady demands he starts to film her.
"What a way to start off our expedition, we haven't even embarked yet. I'm up in the sky with some trainers who will be coming on the expedition. Almost as if to inform us of how dangerous our mission will be, our plane is already being waylaid by Avian Pokémon of as yet unknown species. Our brave plane security is about to head out to engage."
Cameraman pans his camera around to look out the window.
A black mass of bird Pokémon can be seen off in the distance bursting through the cloud cover.
It's a flock of Spearow lead by a large sized Fearow with gold tinted feathers.
The four avian security break off from the plane and move to engage. The Trainers and Pidgeot glow with Extreme Speed as they accelerate in a flash towards the flock of Spearow.
In the next moment, they are already there using consecutive Quick Attacks to help manoeuvre. Puffs and explosions of feathers are all that remains of any of the Spearows that they touch.
The Fearow squawks in outrage and charges the Pidgeot only to be intercepted by the slower Corviknight and their riders. Their wings glow a silver hue and the Fearow is smashed out of the sky with two Iron Wings connecting against it.
The Fearow plummets to the ocean below breaking through the cloud cover whilst the rest of the Spearow turn tail and flee.
The plane is only now hit with the turbulence from the initial extreme speed Quick Attacks and shudders once, twice, then goes back to normal.
The birds and trainers return to the plane with not a mark on them, save for a few Spearow feathers mixed in with the trainer's clothing and a beautiful and shiny mix of gold white and red tail feather from the Fearow clasped in one of the Corviknight trainer's leather gloved hand.
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