Lucas stared at the parcel in confusion. "You need ME? Are you sure you need ME?"
Rowan smiled.
"In fact, Lucas, you're the only one with the expertise to do this job. Shall I say you have the most experience? Yes. You do. You're perfect for it. Now, boy, this is a very important job that must be carried out proficiently and with zero to no faults..."
"Okaaaaay? If that's the case, don't you think someone else should do it? I'm a goof, and I suck most of the time-"
Lucas felt a hand on his shoulder. It was her, her and her rosy cheeks with those perfect blue eyes.
"If Professor Rowan's trusting you in particular, it means you're the best person for the job, Lucas. Even if you don't trust yourself, trust him. He knows everything!" Dawn smiled, a smile that melted Lucas's icy anxiety.
He nodded, hesitantly taking the parcel.
"Lucas Gray, I find myself fascinated by a myriad of Pokémon even in my old age. So many secrets and unknowns to be...deciphered. Past, present, and future. They're all connected. Your past determines your future, in most cases. Your present and the path you're running toward are a direct result of how you've lived in the past..."
Lucas was confused, his eyes darting back and forth between Dawn and the grey-haired man preaching to his face.
What on Earth was he on about?
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"But I'll spare you the ramblings of an old man such as myself," the Professor joked. "Inside that parcel is a very special machine you'll need during your mission. Lucas Gray, I need you to do something on my behalf. Not that I can't do it-rather, I believe it will be most...interesting to see you carry it out instead, and it would help you...shall I say, reconcile with a few things. You harbor heaps of self-doubt, but I know you won't disappoint. You can't disappoint. I've seen it before."
...
"Uhh. Sure, but what do you need me to...do...?"
Lucas stopped, silenced by the Professor suddenly staring deep into his soul with a hard gaze.
It felt...wrong to stare back, like he wasn't worthy to. But that was just his head. Come to think of it, he really did carry around too much doubt.
Professor Rowan fixed his black tie and cleared his throat.
"This world is governed by elements beyond your understanding. I apologise for being deceptive in making it appear as if there were no strings attached, but in return for that Piplup I gifted you, I need you to research the myths of this region for me. The legendary pokémon. All of them, yes. But I want you to acutely focus on the three lake guardians, and the the paragons of time and space. I understand you wish to embark on a journey to conquer the Pokémon League?
"Well...yeah. I wanna be a strong trainer like my father was," Lucas nodded
"Ahh, I see. Don't worry, if anything, your research will help bolster your capabilities in battle. Besides, you won't be able to carry out this job without challenging the gyms. But, yes. I need you to dig around, from caves and ruins to cities and lakes. You must know more about these legendary pokémon, what they are...I feel you'll find it quite useful somewhere down the line. That's what I'll say you need to do for me. Is that alright?"
Lucas looked at the shiny white tile floor, nervous. This sounded like a big responsibility...what did the Professor see in him?
Still...
"Okay...I'll do it," he said.
No wasn't an option.