To be the Very Best (Pokémon X Male Reader)

MissingNo. Arc Chapter 7 - The Mad Scientist

After days of battling the elements and uncertainty, Nemona, Zinnia, Hope, Cynthia, and Lance finally made it to Vermilion City. What greeted them was a ghost town—silent, lonely, and devoid of life. The once-bustling port city was nothing more than an eerie shell of its former self, with buildings creaking in the wind and the sea ominously quiet.

Nemona's heart sank further. "Not again... another town and still no one," she mumbled, her typically fiery spirit now flickering weakly.

Cynthia, ever the pillar of calm strength, gently placed a hand on Nemona's shoulder. "I know it's hard, but we have to keep hope alive. We'll find them. We'll find everyone."

Hope, still looking around the empty streets, spoke up. "Where has everyone gone? Saffron City was just like this."

Lance, his usual stern demeanour tinged with concern, added, "It's likely most of the population fled to Johto or the Sevii Islands when the invasion hit. But the region shouldn't have fallen this quickly. No matter how powerful Rainbow Rocket is, the Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, the Champion—someone should have put up some kind of resistance."

Zinnia, crouching low, her senses heightened, scanned the area. "And yet, nothing. None of this makes sense. No sign of Rainbow Rocket grunts. No sign of a fight. All we've encountered are those so-called 'Future Protection Protocol' trainers," she said, clearly frustrated.

As the group mulled over the grim situation, Zinnia suddenly tensed, her hand instinctively reaching for her Ultra Ball. "Someone's coming."

A voice broke the tense silence. "Perhaps I had something to do with that?"

A tall, veteran-looking man approached. His short red hair was a stark contrast to his weathered face, and his red waistcoat flared dramatically behind him like a cape. His purple eyes glinted with both amusement and experience.

Nemona, Zinnia, and Hope were immediately on guard, ready to defend themselves, while Cynthia and Lance shared a glance of recognition.

"It's good to meet you finally," the man said with a nod toward Lance and Cynthia. "Steven spoke highly of you two."

Hope blinked in confusion. "Wait, you know this guy?"

Cynthia, though cautious, responded, "Nyx... the current Pokémon Master of Kanto."

Nemona's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait! You're the new Champion who defeated Monkia?"

Nyx chuckled lightly. "Champion? No, no, I'm the Pokémon Master. There's a big difference."

Zinnia crossed her arms, glaring. "It's just a title. We're all champions here. Don't let your ego get in the way."

Nyx's smirk remained as he stepped forward, though Cynthia raised a Pokéball, stopping him. "Sorry if we seem harsh, but we've been betrayed by people we once trusted."

Nyx, arms crossed, nodded understandingly. "You mean the Future Protection Protocol? The FPP? Trust me, I hold no love for traitors. You're safe with me."

Relief washed over the group as Nemona let out a long breath. "It's good to hear that. We've been bombarded by threats non-stop, from Rainbow Rocket to the FPP. It's been a nightmare."

Nyx smiled, leaning casually on one foot. "Rainbow Rocket? You won't have to worry about them much longer. I've been dealing with them personally. Most of their forces have been driven out of Kanto. I issued a region-wide evacuation to the Sevii Islands when they first invaded. This is actually the first time I've seen other trainers—let alone champions—in weeks."

Lance raised an eyebrow, impressed but cautious. "You took care of Rainbow Rocket by yourself? That's... quite something."

Nyx waved off the compliment. "I'm the Pokémon Master; it's nothing special. If that impresses you, I question your skills."