Bridging The Gap; The Final Records In Unova: An Autobiography

Survival Of The Fittest

"With us now is the legendary Pokemon Professor, Prof. Oak," the newscaster named Marsha said firmly, staring sternly into the camera and then looking at the professor. "Prof. Oak, how are you feeling?" She lowered her microphone to him.

"Well, I've certainly been better," Prof. Oak groaned, sitting in a chair outside, rubbing his back, a pained look on his face as he leaned forward on a silver cane. "I should be okay, though."

"Can you tell us what happened here?" Marsha asked.

"Not at all," Prof. Oak shook his head wearily. "One minute I was doing my research on a rare Pokemon a Trainer had sent me, and the next minute, there was this loud set of explosions from outside and the Pokemon were all in a panic, screaming and whatnot. Before I could even get to the door to see what was happening, my entire mansion was collapsing on top of me!"

"Reports are coming in that this attack was from the terrorist organization known at Team Solace," Marsha informed Prof. Oak.

"Team Solace!" Prof. Oak gasped in shock, looking up at Marsha, his eyes bulging.

"Yes, sir," Marsha nodded at him. "The radio and television stations across the planet were all interrupted and a message proclaiming that Team Solace has returned and was behind this attack was proclaimed by an unknown individual."

Prof. Oak stared hard at Marsha. "I see..." he said in a low croak of a voice. He groaned and removed his hand from his back so he could rub his chin as he gazed down solemnly at the ground. "Well, it isn't outside the realm of possibility, that's for sure. A group like that could easily have resurfaced."

The professor's words made my heart drop.

"Team Solace has finally come to an end." Those words spoken so long ago by the Professor were nothing but icicle jabs into my heart, freezing my entire body.

"The mindset of a group like that didn't solely belong to the leader, and this group may very well be a copycat group, if not perhaps a regrouping of the old members," Prof. Oak said seriously, keeping his eyes down.

"That's a rather terrifying thought, Professor," Marsha said nervously, running her hand through her curly, black hair. "With the return of this deadly group, do you have any advice for the people out there, including but not limited to, Pokemon Trainers?"

"Hmmmm." Prof. Oak closed his eyes. "As I matter of fact, I do." He opened his eyes glared directly into the camera. "Lillipup. Knowing its limitations, being both brave and wise."

A poem... I thought to myself, reflecting on it.

"Don't do anything reckless," Prof. Oak continued. "Know when to flee. Know when to fight. Above all, stay safe."

A strong silence took over the room, nobody speaking as Prof. Oak's words sunk in.

Wow, Prof. Oak, I admitted to myself. That was actually pretty good.

Marsha lifted the microphone to her face. "Those were powerful words from Prof. Oak just now, encouraging us all to be strong in these trying times. May his wise words fill us all with hope for the future. Back to you, Feli-"

"Wait!" Prof. Oak stood up, groaning painfully, and he pulled the microphone to his face, Marsha still holding onto it, a surprised look now on her face. "I want to give a, um, how do the kids say...? A 'shout-out,' to Gary!"

My eyes widened at the mention of my name. Me? I questioned silently.

"Gary, don't you worry about your Pokemon, okay? They're all okay, luckily," Prof. Oak said happily, smiling and waving at the camera, his cane dropping. "I've had them all transferred to Prof. Juniper, and for the time being, any Pokemon you capture will all be transferred to her. You can choose to either call her to trade Pokemon, or you can use your Pokedex. Please, do try and contact her, though. I'm sure she'd love to speak with you again."