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Cerulean City, Kanto
Misty blocked their path with her arms stretched out like she could prevent them from leaving by sheer determination alone. The faint sounds of rushing water from the city's many rivers played in the background as Misty realized no one was moving and brought her hands down self consciously, just in time for Karen to reply.
"No. Not just no. Hell no!"
Misty, her hands balling into fists at her sides, stared up at Ezra with determination blazing in her eyes, ignoring Karen's reply. "Please, take me with you!" She repeated, her voice carrying a mix of desperation and conviction. Her fiery orange hair was held back with a scrunchy, still wet from the pool, and the way she stood - shoulders squared, chin high - made it clear she wasn't backing down easily.
Ezra raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. He crossed his arms, glancing at Karen out of the corner of his eye. She looked less than pleased as she regarded Misty with a glare that could rival a Gyarados.
"You can't be serious," Karen muttered, stepping closer to Ezra as though staking a claim. "We don't need another tagalong, especially not her."
Ezra kept his silence, letting things play out as inwardly his mind was going over the pros and cons of acquiring Misty. He sure as hell wasn't going to bring her along out of the goodness of his heart or any such thing.
If he did this, and it was still a big if, it would be because he benefitted.
Misty's nostrils flared as she turned to Karen, her green eyes narrowing. "Oh, come on, Karen. Don't act like you're the only one allowed to travel with him, that's his choice not yours." She tilted her head slightly, "Aren't you Agatha's apprentice anyway?"
Karen scoffed, crossing her arms and brought her head up, staring down her nose at her. "Lady Agatha is none of your business! And what exactly do you think you're going to bring to the table here, huh? You're part of the Cerulean Circus, not a real trainer. What, are you going to dazzle trainers with a synchronized swimming routine?"
The jab hit its mark, but Misty didn't flinch. If anything, her expression hardened. "Yeah, Cerulean is a joke," She snapped, her voice sharp. "But that's exactly why I want to leave. I want to get better. Be the trainer Cerulean deserves. I don't want to be like them." She gestured back toward the gym with disdain. "I don't want to waste my life playing dress-up and pretending that counts as leadership."
Ezra hummed slightly in approval, both girls' heads immediately snapping his way. But when he didn't say anything, they focused back on each other.
Misty did have more potential than becoming Ash tagalong, he thought, beginning to lean towards that decision. Yet… More people along for the journey, was that worth the benefit?
More people to work around and hide the full limits of his abilities from…
"I can be better than them, I know it!" Misty implored, half turned to Ezra.
Karen rolled her eyes, her tone biting. "That's rich coming from someone who's been a part of it, stuck by them, without saying a word… What makes you think you can just up and leave and suddenly be taken seriously?"
"Because I'm willing to work for it!" Misty shot back, her voice rising. She turned fully to Ezra, her gaze imploring. "I'm not asking for charity. I want to learn. I want to be strong enough to actually deserve this gym one day, not just inherit it because my sisters are too busy preening in front of mirrors. I can work hard, I can help you guys, I won't be a burden."
Ezra remained silent, his eyes flicking between the two girls as they continued to argue. Karen looked like she was about to explode, her hands clenched into tight fists. Misty's frustration was equally apparent, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to keep her emotions in check.
She really wanted this.
It put a different look on how easily she just ended up leaving with Ash, he thought.
"You think tagging along with us is going to magically fix all that?" Karen demanded, taking a step forward. "Newsflash - this isn't a training camp. We're not here to babysit."
Unlike Ezra who was watching it all dispassionately, Cecile was looking back and forth between the girls nervously, he opened his mouth to step in at one point, before catching Ezra's slow shake of his head, and closing his mouth.
"I don't need babysitting!" Misty snapped, after having simply gaped openly at Karen's comment for a moment, her cheeks flushing. "I can pull my weight. I've been training my Pokemon outside of those stupid shows for long enough. Just because I haven't had a chance to prove myself doesn't mean I'm useless!"
Karen scoffed again, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Oh, right, because your performance Pokemon are really going to be helpful when we're up against real threats. What's your go to, Misty? Have your Goldeen do a pirouette while the rest of us actually fight?"
Misty's face turned red, whether from anger or embarrassment, it was hard to tell. She took a deep breath, clearly trying to rein in her temper. "You don't know anything about me or my Pokemon," She said coldly. "Don't act like you're the only one who's ever faced challenges."
Karen laughed bitterly, her voice icy. "Oh, please. You don't know the first thing about challenges. You've had everything handed to you on a silver platter. Your parents' gym, your family's reputation, your whole life - it's all a gift you didn't earn."
Misty's jaw tightened, and for a moment, she seemed at a loss for words. Then, her voice softened, almost stuttering for a moment. "M-maybe you're right," She admitted, her gaze dropping to the ground. "But that's why I need to leave. That's why I need to prove I can be more than what they expect of me, more than a family name."
Karen blinked, clearly not expecting Misty to concede the point. Her glare faltered, but she quickly recovered, crossing her arms again. "And you think Ezra is going to be the one to help you do that?" She switched tacks to Ezra's amusement.
She obviously didn't want to poke that wound when Misty was so earnest about it, he thought. His own mind was already made up now. He could do something with that drive…
Misty lifted her head, her eyes locking onto Ezra with a renewed intensity. "Yes," She said simply. "Because he's strong. Because he doesn't care about appearances or what people think. He's exactly the kind of trainer I need to learn from."
Ezra leaned against a nearby post, his expression carefully neutral as he listened to their heated exchange. He wasn't in any rush to intervene; watching them bicker was amusing. But in the back of his mind, he weighed the pros and cons of Misty's request to formulate his argument to keep Karen from whining too hard.
He'd already decided after all.
Having a future gym leader indebted to him could be incredibly useful. Misty's connections and influence, however small they might be now, could prove valuable down the line. And despite Karen's derision, Misty wasn't completely useless. She had potential; that much was clear from the fire in her eyes and the determination in her voice.
He already had an in with Brock, so why not add Misty? That could potentially gain him an ally in both Pewter and Cerulean once he had his own gym up and running. Even if Brock ended up running off, he'd likely return one day to take over. And with Misty with him, she wouldn't be running off, she'd be returning to kick ass.
On the other hand, adding another person to their group meant more complications. More opinions to deal with, more logistics to consider, and more potential for drama - especially with Karen's obvious hostility toward Misty. He wondered if she even knew herself, why she was so hostile…
Well, He'd have to suffer through the extra drama, stealing Misty and making her indebted to him was too useful to ignore. He'd just avoid the downsides when he told Karen why later.
"You really think he's going to waste his time on you?" Karen asked, completely missing the cues his silence entailed, her voice laced with scorn. "He doesn't owe you anything, Misty. If you want to get better, do it on your own."
Misty stepped closer to Karen, her expression fierce. "I am doing it on my own. Asking for help isn't weakness, Karen. It's knowing when to seize an opportunity."
Karen opened her mouth to retort, but Ezra finally decided it was time to step in. He straightened, his red eyes locking onto Misty's with an intensity that made her pause.
"Alright," He said, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "You can come along."
Both girls turned to him, their reactions immediate and polar opposite. Misty's face lit up with relief and gratitude, while Karen's jaw dropped, her expression a mixture of shock and betrayal.
"What!?" Karen practically shouted. "Ezra, are you serious?"
Ezra shrugged, his tone calm and measured. "She wants to learn. If she's willing to pull her weight, I don't see the harm."
He tried to silently tell her they'd talk later, but it flew over her head, her frustration too close to the surface.
Karen scowled, her hands balling into fists. "She's going to slow us down. You know that, right?"
Misty stepped forward, her voice firm. "I won't. I promise."
Ezra held up a hand, silencing them both. "That's enough. Misty, you're in. Karen, get over it."
Karen glared at him for a long moment before finally turning away with a frustrated huff. Misty, meanwhile, smiled hesitantly, clearly aware that she wasn't exactly welcome but determined to prove herself anyway.
"Thank you," She said quietly.
Ezra nodded, his expression neutral. "Don't thank me yet. You've got a lot to prove." He warned.
Misty nodded, her resolve clear. "I will."
And with that, their group grew by one. Ezra only hoped he wouldn't regret it.
With Karen glaring at him, Misty beaming at him, and Cecile nervously vibrating in the periphery of the group…
He was probably going to regret it within minutes.
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The midday sun was still high as the group trudged back into Cerulean City. Ezra led the way, while Karen lingered a few steps behind, her arms crossed and her expression a thundercloud of simmering irritation. Misty followed close to Ezra, her face set with determination.
Bringing up the rear, Cecile ambled along, a look of mild confusion on his face as he stared around at the vibrant waterways and bustling streets, clearly wondering how he had ended up here instead of Pewter. His illogical explanation of taking a wrong turn at Fuchsia still irritated Ezra, but it wasn't worth addressing right now.
He'd have to make plans for Cecile's stay in Pewter, hire minders to take care of his needs. Or his programmer would wander out to get milk and find himself in Kalos…
"Alright, listen up," Ezra began, his voice cutting through the sounds of the city as they crossed a stone bridge over one of Cerulean's many rivers. "Misty, if you're coming with us, we're doing this my way. No exceptions."
He wasn't going to deal with any whining. She'd work hard, or she wouldn't be along at all.
Misty perked up, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "Understood," She said, nodding firmly.
Karen let out a loud scoff, her silver hair shimmering in the sunlight as she shook her head. "Oh, this is going to be good. She's already hanging on your every word." She wrinkled her nose looking disgusted. "I'll try not to puke."
Ezra ignored Karen's comment, glancing briefly over his shoulder before continuing. He'd talk with her later. "First thing's first - if you're tagging along, you're going to be useful. I don't coddle anyone. You're a resource, Misty, not a charity case."
Misty's jaw tightened, but she nodded again. "I wouldn't expect anything else."
"Good," Ezra said. His tone was clinical, cold, and sharp as he laid out his terms. "I have contacts. I'll start looking for a Water/Psychic Pokemon for you, something versatile. Once I find one, I'll finance teaching it Teleport if it doesn't already have it."
That little addition alone almost made her presence worth it. With both him and Karen being dark trainers, they didn't have access to teleport. If he was going to be dragging along more people on his travels, he was going to cut the traveling portion down.
Misty blinked in surprise, her lips parting slightly as if she couldn't quite believe what she was hearing. "You'd… Do that for me?"
Ezra's gaze was unwavering. "Yes, because a Pokemon with Teleport benefits me just as much as it does you. It solves our travel problems, streamlines our movement, and saves time. Making us more difficult to predict and giving us more time to train. Something you especially will need."
Misty's face shifted, a mixture of gratitude and resolve hardening her features. "I understand. I'll do whatever it takes."
Karen rolled her eyes dramatically. "This is pathetic," She muttered. "Why bother? The Cerulean Gym is probably going to be under administration by the end of the month anyway. Agatha or Bruno will show up, take one look at how that place is being run, and slap a League-appointed manager on it."
Misty winced at the comment, her teeth gritting audibly. "It's no less than they deserve," She admitted, her voice low but steady. "But I'm not letting them ruin the gym forever. I'll be back to fix it."
Ezra tilted his head slightly, eyeing Misty. "If that's your goal, you have about a year, tops. Once they're audited and put under administration, that's the timeframe you'll have to come back and challenge them for the position. If you don't make significant progress by then, you might as well forget it."
Misty clenched her fists, determination burning in her eyes. "I'll make it. Whatever it takes, I'll make it."
Karen snorted, her tone dripping with disdain. "We'll see."
"We'll also have to do something about your clothes." Ezra said flatly.
Misty immediately puffed her cheeks up in annoyance, "What's wrong with my clothes?" She challenged him.
"Apart from covering too little, you look ridiculous next to us." He said, one eyebrow raised in surprise that she couldn't see the issue.
Misty looked between his own dark clothes and leather jacket, and Karen's dark and purple outfit, and then looked at her own colorful yellow top and blue shorts.
"Fine…" She admitted begrudgingly, "I don't know why you're complaining anyway, guys like it when girls show some skin!"
"They have to have something to show off first." He said with brutal honesty, ignoring Karen's delighted cackle and the way Misty clutched her chest like she'd just been stabbed.
"What is your current team?" He asked moments later, having to look back with an annoyed glance when Misty didn't immediately answer him.
Misty's arms were crossing her non-existent bust as she glared at him, pouting slightly even as she answered. "Staryu and Goldeen." She admitted, hurriedly adding, "I know it's not a lot but -"
Ezra interrupted her, "It will do, with the addition of the Pokemon I'm getting you, and a Magikarp, you'll have a good start."
He'd probably 'gift' her a Milotic eventually, to really hammer in how much she owed him by the time she could stand on her own two feet.
"I can already tell what you're thinking. Don't." Karen told him bluntly. "Gyarados are no joke, and even if you succeed in evolving that Magikarp, this squirt can't control one."
Misty reluctantly added her agreement. "Evolving a Magikarp is really hard, and it's dangerous, it would probably be better to go another route."
"Gyarados are scary." Cecile added his own two pokecents, everyone ignoring him.
Ezra rolled his eyes, "You're all wrong. Gyarados might be the Rage pokemon, but the agreed method to evolve a Magikarp has been to abuse the hell out of it to give it enough experience to evolve…" He gave them both a dry look, "So just… Don't do that…"
"It's not that easy." Karen scoffed.
"It is that easy." Ezra rebuffed with certainty in his voice. He gave Misty an even look, "Train it like a normal Pokemon, even if it will be useless most of the time. Give it your support, pets, treats, and surprise, it will retain that bond when evolving…"
"That will take forever." Karen grumbled, as Misty looked thoughtful, "Although I suppose it explains the few trainers who have Gyarados on their teams…"
"Just assume I'm always right." Ezra said with a smirk.
Karen snorted, a smile blooming on her face against her will, "That's a dangerous precedence to set."
Ezra gave the thoughtful looking Misty a stern look, "Either way, feel free to argue if you see something wrong with what I'm saying, but in the end, you came to me for training, so you will do what I say."
Making Misty used to taking his orders would only benefit him in the end.
When they reached the Pokemon Center, Ezra pushed the door open without hesitation, the cool air inside a welcome relief from the sun. Nurse Joy greeted them with her usual serene smile from behind the counter, but Ezra barely acknowledged her as he strode toward the reception desk.
"I'll need rooms for the night for three people," He said flatly, placing his trainer ID on the counter. Karen and Misty quickly followed suit.
Karen's scowl deepened at the action however. "I thought we were leaving," She muttered, her arms still crossed tightly.
Ezra didn't look at her as he replied, his tone calm but firm. "That was the plan, but Cecile here can't be trusted on a flying mount, and I'm not keen on heading back through Mt. Moon right now - if they have even opened it up yet."
He also didn't want to have the argument with Karen of having her lend Misty a flying mount. He had to pick his battles - and that one wasn't worth it.
Cecile, who had been idly examining a poster on the wall, looked up at the sound of his name. "I don't think I'd fall off," He said innocently. "Probably get motion sick though."
Karen shot him a withering glare, then turned her frustration back on Ezra. "So what? We're just going to sit around here twiddling our thumbs?"
Ezra got his ID back from the reception, who had completed the check-in process, and turned to face the group. "No. You're going to rest up, keep Cecile on a leash so he doesn't wander off, and start questioning Misty on everything she knows about Pokemon and battling."
Karen raised an eyebrow, her gaze shifting to Misty, who visibly tensed under the scrutiny. "Interrogate her, you mean." She said with some relish.
"If you want to call it that, sure," Ezra said, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Misty gulped, her hands gripping the straps of her bag tightly as Karen's icy gaze bored into her. "I - uh - sure. No problem."
Karen's smirk was anything but friendly as she stepped closer to Misty, her eyes gleaming with predatory intent. "This should be ~fun."
"Don't let her bully you too bad, I just want a baseline of what you know so I don't waste time teaching you." He told Misty flatly.
He was doing this for the benefits he'd get one day, but it didn't mean he was thrilled about it, as it held no real benefits to him right now.
"And you?" Karen asked, her voice laced with suspicion as she turned back to Ezra. "What are you going to be doing while I'm stuck babysitting?"
Ezra adjusted his jacket, his expression unreadable. "Making a call," He said simply. "If I can't find us a Pokemon to solve our travel issues, we'll be stuck here longer than any of us want."
Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked toward the far end of the Pokemon Center, where a row of public communication terminals stood. Karen glared after him, but said nothing, her frustration evident in the way she clenched her fists. Misty shifted uncomfortably, clearly unsure of how to handle Karen's hostility.
"Well," Karen said, her voice cold as she turned back to Cecile and Misty. "Let's get this over with."
Cecile scratched the back of his head, looking at the two girls nervously. "Uh… should I go too, or - ?"
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Karen grabbed his arm, pulling him along as she stalked toward the Center's stairwell to the second floor and the bedrooms. "You're not going anywhere until I'm sure you won't get lost again."
Misty hesitated, glancing in the direction Ezra had gone before reluctantly following Karen and Cecile. Her steps were slow, as if she were walking into a lion's den.
Ezra watched them go, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn't envy Misty, but he had to admit he was curious to see how she would hold up under Karen's relentless questioning. For now, though, he had other matters to attend to.
Ezra sat down at the public terminal in the corner of the Cerulean Pokemon Center, his eyes scanning the bright screen as he navigated through it to the video call function.
Why have a contact like Steven Stone if one weren't willing to use it?
Leaning back in his chair, Ezra crossed his arms, the edges of his mouth curling into a faint smirk. He tapped the screen, initiating the call, and waited as it connected. The loading symbol spun for a few seconds before a polished voice, clipped and professional, answered on the other end, no video on the call.
"Steven Stone's office. This is Miranda speaking. How may I assist you?"
Ezra raised an eyebrow. Of course, he wasn't going to get through on the first attempt, his own fault for being polite and calling his office number instead of his personal one. "Ezra Kassian here. I need to speak with Steven directly. Tell him it's about a mutually profitable endeavor."
It wasn't entirely a lie. He was going to pay after all.
And the more time Ezra had to do productive things instead of pedestrian stuff like walking across the region, the more money Steven would make.
Honestly, he should have done this before now…
There was a pause, the sound of keys clicking faintly in the background. "Mr. Kassian," Miranda said smoothly. "Mr. Stone is in a meeting at the moment, but I can schedu-"
"Put me on hold," Ezra interrupted. "I'll wait."
A beat of silence, followed by the cheery yet grating jingle of hold music. Ezra sighed, resting his chin on his hand as the tune looped endlessly. Several minutes passed before the music abruptly stopped, and Miranda's voice returned, a faint trace of annoyance in it.
"Mr. Kassian, Mr. Stone's meeting has concluded. Please hold a moment longer while I transfer you."
The screen flickered, and after another small pause, the image of Steven Stone materialized. The CEO of Devon Corporation looked as immaculate as ever, his steel blue hair perfectly styled, his sharp suit unwrinkled. His piercing eyes met Ezra's through the screen, a faint smile playing on his lips.
"Ezra," Steven said smoothly, leaning back in his chair. "You're a difficult man to pin down when it comes to motivations. What brings you to me today?"
"Steven," Ezra greeted, his tone casual but tinged with impatience. "I need a favor - or rather, I'm here to spend some money. Consider it a little bonus to our ongoing partnership, while also something that will free me up to assist more in the business."
Steven raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. "A favor and money? From the ever reticent Ezra Kassian? I'm already interested. Go on."
"I need a Water/Psychic Pokemon," Ezra explained. "Something strong, a veteran, adaptable, and capable of either already knowing Teleport or being powerful enough to handle teleporting several people once trained. Ideally, you'd have it to me by the end of the day."
Steven's smile widened, his fingers steepling as he regarded Ezra thoughtfully. "That's quite the request, though not an impossible one. But why come to me for it? I'm flattered, but surely there are other avenues you could pursue."
Ezra shrugged, his smirk deepening. "We're business partners, Steven. If I'm going to spend money, I'd rather it go to you. Even if it's peanuts to someone like you, I prefer dealing with the best, and that means going to the best."
Steven chuckled softly, a note of genuine amusement in his voice. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Ezra, I'm glad to see you play the game. Fine, I'll see what I can do. By the end of the day, you'll have exactly what you need - though it will come at a steep cost."
"Of course," Ezra said, well aware Steven was going to charge him through the nose for the rush order. "Send the bill along with the Pokemon. Have it delivered to Cerulean's gym."
Steven nodded, making a quick note on a nearby tablet. "Consider it done. But now that we've addressed your request, tell me - how's our little joint venture progressing on your end?"
Ezra's smirk turned into a full grin, his posture relaxing slightly. "The Eevee evolution project is thriving. Your team's communication channels were a good move. From what I've seen, preorders for the rarer evolutions are booked two years ahead already."
They could fill them all already, what with their stockpile of rare stones. But that would tank the prices, so they'd keep the sales to a set amount of each stock for now.
Steven's eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "And they're already raking in revenue then," He said. "The appeal of new Eeveelutions is undeniable. Trainers love the idea of exclusivity - and we're delivering close enough to that for now. My only question is, how do you plan to keep the momentum going?"
"I have more evolutions up my sleeve, albeit not Eevees," Ezra replied casually. "Once we're ready to expand, I'll share them."
He quite honestly had more than he knew what to do with. Holding knowledge from years of games that were in this world's future had given him a motherload of advantages.
Steven tilted his head slightly, his expression curious. "More evolutions, you say? You always seem to know just the right time to drop these bombshells. How do you come across all this information?" He prodded, something flashing in his eyes.
Ezra leaned back in his chair, his red eyes gleaming with amusement. "I was born lucky." He said, deflecting the question.
Steven regarded him silently for a moment, the weight of his curiosity palpable. "One day," He said slowly, "I'll figure you out. I don't like mysteries, Ezra. Especially not ones tied to my business."
Ezra's smirk widened, his tone dry. "If you ever manage to figure it all out, I'll be impressed. I haven't figured it out yet myself."
He still didn't know how he'd arrived here, or how he had the powers he did.
Saying a Legendary did it, wasn't an answer.
The two men held each other's gaze for a long moment. Finally, Steven broke the silence with a chuckle, shaking his head.
"Very well," He said, his voice warm again. "I'll have your Pokemon sent to the Cerulean Gym by the end of the day. Expect a call once it arrives."
"Appreciated," Ezra said, inclining his head slightly. "I'll make sure it's worth the investment."
Steven smiled faintly, his fingers tapping against the edge of his desk. "I don't doubt it. Until next time, Ezra."
"Until next time," Ezra echoed, his tone polite but distant.
The screen flickered off, leaving Ezra staring at his own reflection for a brief moment. His smirk returned as he leaned back in his chair, already calculating the next steps in his ever-expanding plans.
Even Steven wouldn't know what to do when faced with the entirety of Ezra's plots.
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Later that evening, Karen's room.
The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of a bedside lamp casting a warm, golden hue over the walls. Karen sat on the edge of the bed, her legs crossed and her silver hair cascading over her shoulders. She looked tense, her brows furrowed as she stared at the floor, her fingers lightly gripping the edge of the mattress. Across the room, Ezra stood near the window, his arms crossed over his chest as he looked out at the darkened Cerulean streets. The faint sound of water rushing through the city's canals filtered in through the slightly cracked window.
"You're really doing this?" Karen asked, her voice breaking the heavy silence. She glanced up at Ezra, her piercing eyes catching the soft light. "You're really letting her come with us?"
Ezra didn't turn around immediately, his gaze lingering on the reflections of city lights dancing on the water below. After a moment, he sighed and turned to face her, his expression calm and unreadable. "Yes."
Karen let out a short laugh, though there was no humor in it. "Why? She's dead weight, Ezra. A little girl with a lot of misplaced ambition. You saw her sisters - you said yourself that Cerulean's a joke. So what's the point?"
Ezra studied her for a moment, his face remaining impassive. "Because," He said simply, stepping away from the window and leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets. "She has potential."
Mostly her lineage, but she did have some determination in her. It took guts to throw her lot in with a random trainer, leaving her comfortable life behind - betting it all on that one choice.
Karen scoffed, shaking her head. "Potential? Based on what? The way she begged you to take her? Or the fact that she's running away from her problems instead of fixing them?"
Ezra's lips curled into a faint smirk. "You don't like her much, do you?"
Karen shot him a sharp look, her cheeks faintly coloring. "That's not the point."
"Isn't it?" Ezra countered, his tone mild. He pushed off the wall and took a few steps closer to her, his gaze steady. "You've been on edge since she joined us. You keep calling her useless, but I think you're worried."
"Worried?" Karen repeated, her voice rising slightly. She stood, crossing her arms over her chest as she glared up at him. "What would I have to be worried about?"
Ezra met her gaze evenly, his smirk fading into something more serious. "That she'll take your place. That I'll trust her more than you."
Karen's jaw tightened, and she looked away, her hands clenching into fists at her sides. "You're wrong," She muttered, though her voice lacked conviction.
Ezra tilted his head, his expression softening slightly. "Karen, come on. You know that's not going to happen."
Karen stayed silent, her shoulders tense. After a moment, she let out a frustrated sigh and sat back down on the bed, rubbing her temples. "I just don't get it," She said quietly. "Why are you so sure about her?"
Ezra sat down on the windowsill, resting his elbows on his knees as he regarded her thoughtfully. "Because she has something her sisters don't. She's self-aware enough to know they're all a joke - their entire gym is. And she's willing to do whatever it takes to change that."
Karen snorted, looking up at him with a bitter smile. "And you think that's enough? Ambition without skill is just... Desperation."
"She's not without skill I'm fairly certain," Ezra replied evenly. "She's inexperienced, yes. But she has the foundation to build on. And if she stays with us, she'll learn. She'll grow. You know as well as I do that I don't coddle anyone. If she's tagging along, she's going to pull her weight."
Karen leaned back on her hands, her expression skeptical. "And if she doesn't?"
Ezra's gaze turned cold, his voice sharp. "Then she's gone. Simple as that."
Karen studied him for a moment, her eyes searching his face. "You're really serious about this, aren't you?"
Ezra nodded, his tone unwavering. "She's a future gym leader, Karen. Whether she takes over Cerulean from her sisters or builds something else entirely, she's someone worth investing in. And if she owes me for getting her there, that's leverage I can use."
Karen frowned, her brows knitting together. "So it's about control."
"It's about opportunity," Ezra corrected. "For her and for me."
Karen shook her head, letting out a frustrated sigh. "You make everything sound so calculated. Do you even care about what she wants? Or is she just another pawn?" Am I one? He could hear the unasked question.
Ezra's expression darkened slightly, his voice quiet but firm. "She came to me, Karen. She begged me to take her with us. If she didn't want this, she wouldn't be here."
Karen stared at him for a long moment, her gaze searching his. Finally, she sighed and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she buried her face in her hands. "I still don't like it," She muttered.
Ezra's smirk returned, though it was softer this time. "You don't have to like it. But you do have to accept it, you're the one following me around, not the other way around."
Karen groaned, letting her hands fall to her lap as she looked up at him with a wry smile. "You're insufferable, you know that?"
Ezra chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "You keep telling me that. And yet, here we are."
Karen shook her head, a reluctant smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. I'll give her a chance. But if she screws up -"
"She won't," Ezra interrupted, his tone confident. "She knows what's at stake."
Karen sighed again, leaning back on her hands as she looked up at the ceiling. "I hope you're right."
Ezra stood, crossing the room to stand in front of her. He reached out, gently tapping her on the forehead with two fingers. "Trust me," He said, his voice low but steady.
Karen blinked, her cheeks coloring faintly as she looked up at him. "You're really annoying, you know that?"
Ezra smirked, stepping back toward the window. "So I've heard."
The room was quieter than Ezra would have liked after that, a stillness settling in that was only occasionally broken by the faint sound of rushing water from the canals outside. Karen was sitting stiffly on the edge of the bed, her silver hair spilling over her shoulders as she twisted a loose thread on her sleeve. Ezra leaned back against the windowsill again, his arms crossed, watching her with mild curiosity and a small amount of worry.
It wasn't like Karen to be this quiet. Usually, she would have something biting to say, a sarcastic jab or a sharp retort. But now, she seemed hesitant, almost vulnerable - a side of her Ezra rarely saw.
"Well?" Ezra asked finally, raising an eyebrow. "What's on your mind?"
Karen flinched slightly, her cheeks flushing as she looked down at her lap. She opened her mouth to speak, then closed it again, clearly struggling to find the right words. Ezra waited patiently, a faint smirk playing at the corners of his lips.
"I… Uh…" Karen stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. She glanced up at him, her eyes wide and uncertain. "About earlier. You know, the… Kiss."
Ezra's smirk widened, his interest piqued. "Ah, that. What about it?"
Karen's face turned a deeper shade of red, and she shifted uncomfortably on the bed. "What does it mean?" She asked, her voice breaking slightly. "I mean, does it mean anything? Or was it just -" She broke off, biting her lip.
Ezra pushed off the windowsill, crossing the room with an almost lazy gait. He sat down on the chair across from her, resting his elbows on his knees as he leaned forward slightly. "What do you think it means?" He asked, his tone teasing.
If anything she should know, she had been the one to kiss him, after all.
Karen groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Don't do that. Don't answer a question with a question."
Ezra chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Fine, fine. You want to know what I think?" He asked, his eyes gleaming with amusement.
Karen nodded, peeking at him from between her fingers.
Ezra's smirk turned sly as he began to list things off on his fingers. "Well, let's see. You've got everything I'd want in a woman. Intelligence, for one. You're sharp, quick on your feet. You've got a badass attitude, always ready to throw down if someone crosses you. Skill - can't forget that. You're a damn good trainer."
Karen's lips twitched into a small smile, her cheeks still pink. "You mean that?"
"Of course I mean it," Ezra said smoothly. Then, with a wicked grin, he added, "And, let's not forget, you've got an ass I could die for."
Karen's smile vanished as her eyes widened in shock. "Ezra!" She squeaked, her face turning scarlet as she swatted at him. "You're such a pervert!"
It succeeded in drawing a laugh out of her though, so he considered it a win.
Ezra laughed as well, dodging her half-hearted blows with ease. "What? I'm just being honest. The rest of you is hot, don't get me wrong, 10/10. But that ass..."
Karen groaned, covering her face with her hands again as she squirmed in embarrassment. "I can't believe you said that."
"Come on, Karen," Ezra said, still chuckling. "You know you like the compliments, and you definitely believe I would say it."
Karen peeked at him from between her fingers again, her lips twitching despite herself. "You're impossible," She muttered.
"I try," Ezra said with a mock bow, still grinning.
The playful banter eased some of the tension, but Karen's expression soon grew serious again. She lowered her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve as she looked down at the floor.
"Seriously, though," She said quietly. "What does it mean? That kiss. What are we doing here?"
Ezra's grin faded, and he studied her for a moment, his expression softening. "You really want to talk about this?"
Karen nodded, her eyes meeting his. "I need to know."
Ezra leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees again. For once, he didn't tease or smirk. His tone was calm, almost gentle. "Karen, if you want to explore this - us - I'm all for it. We can try dating, kissing, the whole thing. See where it goes."
Karen's cheeks flushed again, and she bit her lip, her hands twisting in her lap. "You mean that?"
"I do," Ezra said, his red eyes steady. "But -" He held up a hand before she could interrupt. "It will be just that. Exploring. Having fun."
Karen frowned, her voice small as she asked, "You don't like me like that?"
Ezra sighed, running a hand through his white hair. "I do, Karen. I like you a lot. I could see us together, easily."
Karen's heart fluttered at his words, but the hesitation in his tone made her stomach twist. "Then what's the problem?"
Ezra's gaze turned serious, his voice firm. "The problem is trust. As long as you're here as Agatha's spy, there can't be anything serious between us. Relationships require trust, Karen. And right now, that's a bridge we haven't built yet."
Although he was getting there, already getting her to not report everything. He wondered if this would be the push to fully bring her over on his side.
He doubted it.
It was too soon. It wouldn't hurt to plant the seed though…
Karen flinched at his words, her shoulders tensing as guilt flickered across her face. She opened her mouth to respond but closed it again, unable to find the words.
Ezra stood, crossing the space to stand right in front of her. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek before straightening and placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's up to you," He said quietly. "I'll wait for your answer. I'm in no rush."
Karen looked up at him, her eyes wide and conflicted.
"But I won't wait forever," Ezra finished, his tone firm but not unkind.
Karen nodded slowly, her throat tight as she tried to process his words. "I... I understand."
Ezra squeezed her shoulder gently, offering her a faint smile. "Good. Get some rest, Karen. We've got a lot to do tomorrow."
With that, he turned and walked to the door, pausing with his hand on the knob. He glanced back at her, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and sincerity. "And for the record? You're still the smartest, most badass woman I know. Pervert comments aside."
Karen couldn't help but smile, her cheeks still pink. "Goodnight, Ezra."
"Goodnight," He replied, stepping out into the hallway and closing the door behind him.
He returned to his room, where Cecile was already snoring away, feeling quite pleased with himself.
Things were looking up again after that disastrous Mt. Moon episode.
Now he just needed to keep that momentum going.
A loud complaint came from his backpack, and he realized he hadn't let Meowth out for the entire day.
Alright… Momentum can pick right up again after he feeds the little shit.
----------------------------------------
Morning, Cerulean City.
The morning air was crisp and cool as the group gathered outside the Cerulean Pokemon Center. Misty stood near the others, her eyes practically glowing with excitement as she admired her new Pokemon - a large Starmie that bobbed in the air, several scars criss crossing its purple body.
Steven had pulled through, he'd gotten Ezra exactly what he needed. A retired veteran Pokemon that didn't mind amusing himself with one last spin around the world. Laid-back enough to not make an issue over getting a rookie trainer to hold the reigns.
Despite its scars, the Starmie's gem gleamed with brilliance, refracting the sunlight into soft rainbows. It hovered with an elegant ease, its many parts spinning slowly as it floated before them. Misty ran her hands over its smooth surface, murmuring affectionate words of encouragement.
"This is amazing," Misty gushed, unable to stop herself. "You're amazing, aren't you, big guy? So strong, so cool…" She trailed off into more cooing, her hands tracing the edges of the Pokemon's scarred limbs.
Ezra watched her with a faint smirk, his arms crossed. "My contact came through," He began, drawing Misty's attention back to him. "This bad boy already knows most cities in Kanto and Johto, so we can teleport wherever we need to go. Although…" His smirk faded, his tone turning pragmatic. "If we're all going at once, that'll pretty much exhaust it for the next few hours. No back-to-back trips."
Misty nodded eagerly, barely able to contain her excitement as she continued petting her new Pokemon. "That's fine! This is already so perfect. Thank you, Ezra. Really."
Karen stood apart from the group, her arms crossed as she leaned against a lamppost. She hadn't said a word all morning, her expression unreadable as she watched the others interact. Her eyes flicked briefly to Misty's Starmie before settling on the ground, her usual sharp comments notably absent.
Ezra glanced at Karen, his gaze lingering for a moment before returning to Misty. "Did you go and get a Magikarp like I asked?" He inquired, his tone brisk.
He knew she'd been out early already, because she'd come back in a different outfit. A simple pair of blue jeans and a black crop top with a motif of a cubone on the front.
Misty nodded quickly, flashing a Pokeball with a proud grin. "Yep! My sisters didn't even care. I just grabbed one of the ones from the gym. The little cutie was so excited to come with me - it was adorable."
"Good," Ezra said with a nod. "That'll come in handy later. You'll want to start training it soon. Magikarp are weak now, but they don't stay that way, just remember to treat it with care."
Misty grinned, clutching the Pokeball tightly. "I'm on it."
For someone who'd been immediately fearful of the thought of a Gyarados, she'd changed her tune quickly.
Ezra looked around at the group, his gaze passing over Karen, who still hadn't moved from her spot. "If everyone's ready, let's get going," He said, his voice firm but not unkind.
He knew she'd need some time to puzzle through what they'd talked about.
He hadn't lied. He could see himself dating Karen, but only to a certain point. If they were to take it seriously, he needed to be able to trust her fully first.
A relationship wouldn't work if he had to hide half of himself.
He eyed the Starmie, already plotting all he could do. Misty had been the excuse, but he really did feel like an idiot for not arranging this sooner.
Once the Pokemon rested up, he'd have to get it to teleport him to Lavender, hopefully the outskirts, so he could drop Meowth off at his business and set him up in a way that would hopefully prevent his desire to escape. The mouthy pokemon was beginning to get very cross about living inside Ezras backpack.
Hopefully money, all the good food he could want, and all the pussy he could want - would win him over.
No one spoke up to delay, and Misty turned to her Starmie, her excitement bubbling over again. "Alright, big guy, we're heading to Pewter. You ready?"
The Starmie's gem pulsed faintly in response, a soft hum emanating from its core. Misty placed a hand on one of its limbs, her voice steady as she gave the command. "Teleport us to Pewter."
The world around them seemed to blur as the Starmie's gem flared with a brilliant light. Ezra closed his eyes, his jaw tightening as the sensation of being pulled through space washed over them. For a brief moment, it felt as though the ground had vanished beneath their feet, the air itself shimmering and warping.
Then, just as quickly as it began, it was over. The group materialized on the outskirts of Pewter City, the familiar sights and smells of the rocky town greeting them. The air here was drier, carrying the faint scent of earth and stone. The gray and brown hues of Pewter's buildings immediately gave a different sight to the vibrant colors of Cerulean.
Ezra glanced around, ensuring everyone had arrived intact. The Starmie hovered nearby, its movements slower than before as it rested from the strain of teleporting the entire group. "Good work," Ezra said, nodding to the Pokemon.
He could do so much with this…
Misty gave the Starmie a gentle pat, her smile wide. "You did so great! Thank you!" The Starmie's gem pulsed faintly, a soft acknowledgment of her praise.
Cecile looked green, stumbling to the side, eying a bush as he rubbed his stomach. "I don't like traveling…" He complained.
Ezra glanced at him, "Good, I need you to be a shut in, remember?"
Karen finally stepped forward, her gaze lingering on the Starmie for a moment before turning to Ezra. "What's next?" She asked, her tone carefully neutral.
Ezra looked at her, then at the rest of the group. "We'll rest up here for a bit. The Starmie needs time to recover before we can use it again. Misty, you'll want to spend that time getting familiar with it and figuring out its move pool."
Misty nodded eagerly. "Got it!"
Karen raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "And you?" she asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Ezra's lips twitched into a faint smirk. "I've got a nerd to settle in," He said simply. "Once he's settled, we can start in on the journey again, after a quick stop to drop Meowth off."
Karen didn't press further, though her gaze lingered on him for a moment before she turned away. Misty looked at them curiously, unaware of Meowth, although likely clever enough to figure out it pertained to the rumbling backpack.
Ezra glanced at the Starmie again, its scarred form a testament to battles fought and won in the past. It would serve their needs well enough. He had plans - always plans - and this was just one more piece falling into place.
"Let's get moving," He said finally to Cecile, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We've got work to do."
＊＊＊
The underground facility was cool and quiet, the hum of servers filling the air like a steady heartbeat. Ezra stepped into the space with Cecile at his side, his eyes scanning the rows of servers and blinking lights. The room was sprawling, a maze of high-tech equipment and dimly glowing screens. The three Porygon he'd purchased floated lazily in the air, their angular forms gleaming in the dim lighting as they zipped between the rows of machines, chirping softly to each other in digital tones.
Cecile, meanwhile, was practically vibrating with excitement. The moment they stepped inside, he darted forward, his wide eyes darting between the rows of equipment. He reached out to touch one of the servers, then hesitated, looking back at Ezra for permission.
Ezra smirked, gesturing for him to go ahead. "They're yours to manage. Don't blow anything up."
Cecile grinned, his lanky form moving with an eager energy as he began to explore. "This is incredible," He breathed, his voice filled with awe. "This setup is way more advanced than anything I've seen around here. Where did you even get this stuff?"
Ezra leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed as he watched Cecile flit between the machines like a kid in a candy store. "I have my sources," He said casually. "You don't need to worry about where it came from. Just focus on using it."
While the Pokemon world hadn't utilized their computing power to its full capabilities, they did have the power. It was just fully focused on Pokemon study or research. Commercialism was limited to products that could be used to make Pokemon battles/breeding/raising better.
Thankfully, miniaturizing technology was something they did have. Which meant he didn't need server warehouses stacked up and down Kanto to kickstart his internet plans.
Cecile let out a low whistle as he examined one of the monitors, his fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease. Lines of code appeared on the screen, the Porygon nearby watching with curious tilts of their heads. "This is insane," Cecile muttered, half to himself. "The processing power here alone… I could build entire systems with this. Programs that make everything they're using now look like ancient relics."
Ezra's smirk widened. That was exactly the point.
The Pokemon world's internet was rudimentary at best. Slow, clunky, and limited, it was a far cry from the interconnected networks Ezra had known in his previous life. It wasn't bad, per se - most people seemed content with what they had. But to Ezra, it was laughably primitive. An untapped goldmine just waiting for someone with the right vision to come along and exploit it.
And he had the vision.
With Cecile's programming expertise and the Porygon's raw computational power, Ezra would create something far beyond what this world could imagine. He could already see it in his mind's eye: a modern internet tailored to his needs, one where every citizen - fanatics for Pokemon as they all were - would flock to platforms like Poketube, Pokechat, and Pokegram. Social media, streaming, forums, apps - it would all be under his control, the very fabric of digital communication reshaped in his image.
And the best part? With no real competitors, he'd be the only game in town.
Cecile practically skipped over to another terminal, typing furiously as he tested the system's capabilities. "This is crazy fast," He said, his voice filled with wonder. "I'll be able to build anything we need with this as a baseline, with the Porygons assisting, it won't even be difficult."
"That's the idea," Ezra said, pushing off the doorframe and strolling further into the room. "The platforms we'll build will become everyday staples. Everyone will use them - trainers, breeders, fans, even the League. And once they're hooked, we'll control the narrative."
Cecile paused, looking up from his work with a raised eyebrow. "Control the narrative?" He echoed, squirming a little, no doubt remembering the plans Ezra had already showed him.
Ezra's smirk turned cold. "The algorithm you will create will make sure of it. Every user will run into content about me on all platforms - my battles, my achievements, my story. They'll see me as the best there is because the system will show them nothing else, any mistakes erased, any achievement blown up."
Understanding dawned in Cecile's eyes, and he let out a low nervous chuckle. "That's… A little diabolical. I like it."
Ezra shrugged, his tone matter-of-fact. "Agatha thinks she can pull strings and intimidate me? She'll find her threats worth a lot less once this gets going. The more influence we have, the less anyone can touch us." He eyed Cecile meaningfully, "Including you, no more worries about Team Rocket, you'll be truly safe."
What's a little lie between friends?
He'd do his best to keep him safe, but the main benefits would all fall on himself with this. Cecile's 'apprentices' would learn enough from him to take over in the worst case scenario.
The Porygon floated closer to Cecile, chirping in unison as they observed his work. He glanced at them, a wide grin spreading across his face. "These guys are going to be amazing," He said, gesturing to the digital Pokemon. "They're like living computers. They can process data way faster than I can. With their help, we could have the basics up and running in no time."
Exactly what Ezra wanted to hear. The sooner the world wide web was an actual thing. The better for his own safety.
He still ran the risk of the likes of Agatha throwing the weight of the government after him - this could ensure it would be political suicide to do so after its been up and running long enough that he was a constant in the publics eyes.
Ezra watched the interaction, his eyes narrowing slightly as he considered the possibilities. The Porygon were a significant investment, but one he had no doubt would pay off. With their computational abilities and Cecile's talent, the framework for his digital empire would be built faster than anyone could anticipate.
"What about security?" Ezra asked, his tone sharp. The real risk now, lay in someone like Team Rocket hijacking this project on, or shortly after, launch.
Cecile nodded eagerly, his fingers still flying over the keyboard. "No problem. These Porygon can set up firewalls and encryption that'll be impossible for anyone here to break through, with my own code to back them up and this computational power to power it all. And I can create protocols to keep everything running smoothly. Trust me, boss, this setup is airtight."
"It better be," Ezra said, his voice cold. "Because if anyone tries to compromise this, I'm holding you personally responsible."
Cecile swallowed, but his grin didn't waver. "Got it. No pressure or anything."
As Cecile continued his work, Ezra's thoughts drifted back to the broader implications of what they were building. This wasn't just about money - though the potential for profit was staggering. Advertisers would pay a fortune to have their products featured on the only platforms that mattered. Companies would clamor for access to the user base they were creating. It was a license to print money.
But more than that, it was about power. Influence. Control.
Every post, every video, every comment would be a reflection of the system they created. And with the right programming, they could shape public perception in ways no one in this world had ever considered. He'd be more than a trainer, more than a businessman. He'd be a cultural phenomenon. An untouchable force.
Agatha, the League, anyone who thought they could threaten him - none of them would stand a chance.
Cecile's voice broke through Ezra's thoughts. "Hey, boss, check this out," he called, motioning for him to come over.
Ezra walked over, his boots clicking against the tiled floor. Cecile pointed to the screen, where a live simulation of a potential platform was running. It was designed to capture attention. Videos of Pokemon battles played side by side with user-generated content, the interface smooth and seamless. It had only been an idea on paper, drawings, and already a simulation was up.
Porygons were scary, he thought, eying the only one still visible, the other two having sunk into the computer screens.
"This could be the prototype for Poketube," Cecile explained, his excitement palpable. "Trainers can upload their battles, fans can comment and share, and we can run ads in between videos. It's simple, but it's genius."
Ezra nodded, his smirk returning. "Good start. Keep refining it. I want it to be perfect before we go live."
Normally this would be months or years of work. But with the Porygons, and Cecile's skill, he might see the first platform live within a month.
"Of course," Cecile said, already diving back into his work. The Porygon chirped in agreement, their movements quick and efficient as they worked alongside him.
"Cecile," Ezra said, his voice cutting through the hum of the servers.
Cecile looked up, his grin wide and his eyes shining with excitement. "Yeah?"
"Don't screw this up," Ezra said simply.
Cecile laughed, the sound echoing in the cavernous space. "Don't worry, boss. I've got this."
Ezra watched him for a moment longer, then turned toward the exit. "Good. Keep it that way."
He'd have to invest in some security.
The golden goose needed to lay his eggs in peace.
----------------------------------------
Professor Oak's lab, Kanto.
Professor Oak sat hunched over his computer, his elbows resting on the mahogany surface, his face lit by the glow of the screen. His glasses had slipped down his nose, but he paid no mind as his sharp eyes scanned the lines of text and the images displayed before him.
Another one.
The words echoed in his mind as he leaned back, staring at the screen in a mixture of frustration and elation. New discoveries always did excite him.
He was staring at an email from a contact of his. Displaying yet more discoveries by Ezra Kassian. Discoveries not shared in research circles, or academia, but first appearing as commodities for the highest bidder.
An accompanying image showed the Pokemon in question - graceful and elegant, its pale pink fur accented by ribbons and bows that seemed almost alive, flowing gently as if caught in an invisible breeze. Its large blue eyes sparkled with a serene intelligence, and its demeanor exuded both charm and strength. Behind it, of course, was Ezra Kassian, looking as smug and self-assured as ever, his white hair catching the light like an aura of its own.
Oak's fingers tapped idly against the desk. "Sylveon," He muttered aloud. "Eevee evolves into this, but the method is hidden, of course..."
The sentence hung heavy in the air. Oak removed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Another evolution. That makes what - I've lost count!" He shook his head, muttering to himself. "And all from this one trainer."
Ezra Kassian. A name that seemed to dominate the news articles lately. Oak couldn't decide if he was more frustrated by the young man's mysterious methods or elated by the breakthroughs his discoveries represented.
"Where is he finding them? How does he do it?" Oak asked the empty room, his voice tinged with genuine bewilderment. Eevee's evolutionary potential had been one of the most exciting mysteries in Pokemon research, but never in his wildest dreams had Oak imagined the sheer depth of it. He had spent decades uncovering the nuances of Pokemon evolutions, but Ezra Kassian seemed to pluck entirely new forms out of thin air.
Oak rubbed his temples, staring back at the article. "It's astonishing. It's infuriating."
He leaned back in his chair, the springs creaking beneath him. His gaze drifted to the window where a group of his own Eevee played in the sunlit field outside. A few of them wrestled playfully, their bushy tails swishing in the warm breeze. Watching them brought a pang of nostalgia, a reminder of simpler times when he was the one making groundbreaking discoveries by the daily.
But those days seemed long gone. Now, Ezra Kassian was the one on the cutting edge, pushing boundaries Oak hadn't even realized existed.
"And he doesn't share anything," Oak muttered, his voice laced with irritation. "Not his methods, not his notes - nothing. Just these flashy announcements and carefully curated photos. As if to say, 'Look what I can do'." He drummed his fingers against the desk. "The boy is a walking enigma."
Still, Oak couldn't deny the value of the discoveries. Each new evolution added another piece to the puzzle, revealing just how adaptive Eevee's genetic code truly was. The implications were staggering. If Eevee could evolve under such a wide array of conditions, what did that mean for other Pokemon? What secrets lay dormant in them all, waiting to be uncovered?
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his graying hair. "If only he would cooperate. Share his findings with the scientific community. The progress we could make…" His voice trailed off, the sentence unfinished. Oak had reached out to Ezra several times, only to be met with polite but evasive replies. And sometimes not so polite replies and requests. The young man clearly had no intention of giving away his secrets.
And that, perhaps, was what bothered Oak the most. The secrecy. He couldn't support the young man, such a trade was not in his nature. His political capital, however aged, was not something he was willing to put on the table.
"What else are you hiding, Kassian?" Oak murmured. "How much more do you know?"
The hum of the lab's machines filled the silence as Oak sat in contemplation. He hated to admit it, but there was something about Ezra Kassian that unnerved him. The young man was too confident, too calculated. His discoveries were too timely, too perfectly executed. It was as if he was following a blueprint no one else was privy to.
"Luck doesn't account for all of this," Oak said aloud. "There's something more. Some advantage he has that he's not sharing."
The thought gnawed at him, equal parts fascination and frustration. Oak was no stranger to secrets; he had uncovered plenty in his time. But Ezra Kassian was a puzzle unlike any he had encountered before.
Sliding his glasses back on, Oak turned his attention to the notes he'd been compiling. There was work to be done, questions to be answered. Whether Ezra Kassian wanted to share his knowledge or not, Oak was determined to uncover the truth.
"Enjoy your secrets while you can, Kassian," He muttered, his resolve hardening. "I'll figure you out eventually."
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