Luck is a Skill, My Friend!
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9th February, 1998, Cinnabar Island
…
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*Ringtone* *Pokegear Buzzing*
Blake had just stepped out of the shower, towel draped over his shoulder, taking in the view of the ocean from his balcony. But his moment of peace was interrupted by the unmistakable buzz of his Pokegear. He glanced at the screen, and his mood instantly soured.
'Why the hell is this bastard calling me…?'
The name flashing on the display read "Lizard Bastard." Blake sighed, knowing that Lance wouldn't have contacted him directly unless something was urgent. Grumbling under his breath, he answered the call.
"What do you want?" Blake's voice was dull but had a dangerous edge, already dreading the conversation.
"Good, you answered," Lance's deep voice came through, oddly calm yet tinged with tension. "It's serious, Blake. I wouldn't have called you personally otherwise."
Blake dropped onto the couch, popping open a can of cola. "Yeah, sure. What could possibly have happened that the great 'Lizard King' can't handle with his army of dragons?"
"Oi, don't forget, you've got a Charizard," Lance shot back. "One, that's known as The Disaster Dragon… Even my own Dragonites don't have that title…"
Blake paused, staring at the can in his hand, then clicked his tongue. "Touché. Alright, enough with the banter. What's this about?"
"Remember our old mutual friend?" Lance's voice carried a hint of something darker now, though still with that mockingly playful edge.
*Crush* *Fizz*
Blake's grip tightened on the can, crushing it instinctively as his eyes narrowed. This was serious.
"Did you find Giovanni?" Blake's voice was suddenly frigid.
"No," Lance answered quickly, then hesitated. "But we found something else. A hidden lab. Deep inside Mount Silver. It's huge. Abandoned, but… it's massive."
Blake's brow furrowed. "Mount Silver? What the hell was Team Rocket doing there? Trying to play Dr. Gero and create some androids or something?" He muttered a curse under his breath.
"Who? Androids?" Lance asked, confused.
Blake sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration. "Never mind. So, a giant abandoned lab, but no sign of Giovanni? Why are you bothering me with this? I remember telling you to only call me if you have found Giovanni…"
"Blake," Lance's tone shifted, now more serious. "We found some problematic data. You were right. The Mew cloning project wasn't fully wiped out. Giovanni kept backups."
Blake's heart sank. He'd known Giovanni was meticulous, but this… this was worse than he thought.
"Of course, there were backups. Who the hell doesn't keep backups of something that dangerous?"
Before he could continue, Lance cut in. "But there's more. Something else. And it's not looking good."
A new voice, harsh and aged, crackled through the phone. "Boy, can you hear this old lady?"
Agatha… fucking Agatha…
"What do you want, you hag?" Blake snapped, irritation clear in his voice. "And for the last time, I'm not going on a date with Karen."
"Forget the date, this is far more serious," Agatha replied, her tone sharp. "Do you remember the incident from ten years ago? The one in the Northern Wilderness, where we lost an entire team of elites?"
Blake's mind raced as the memory resurfaced. Ten years ago...
That was the only incident that could be significant enough to warrant Agatha's attention. It was one of the alternate-world effects Blake had suspected—strange as it might have seemed. Though something similar had occurred later, it was never discussed as an event so far back, neither in the show nor in the games. But wormholes, portals, and dimension-hopping weren't uncommon in the Pokémon world, so Blake had never dismissed it outright.
He took a breath and responded, his voice calm but edged with recognition. "Yes, a mysterious gateway appeared in the Northern Wilderness. The League sent a team of elites and researchers to investigate, and we lost all of them. We were lucky Oak was sick during that time, or we might've lost him too… What a damn mess."
"Exactly, boy. You remember it well," Agatha acknowledged. "But that's not the issue. The real issue is... another portal has been predicted. And we found this information in the data at Team Rocket's base."
Blake's eyes widened, his pulse quickening as he grasped the weight of the situation. He understood the implications all too well.
Fuck...
"We're not sure what Giovanni plans to do with this... hellish thing," Agatha continued, her voice grave. "But whatever it is, it can't be good."
Blake exhaled sharply, trying to focus. "It doesn't matter what Giovanni wants to do. If we've got a lead that'll take us to him, we take it. We have to stop that man, no matter the cost."
"I agree," Lance interjected. "But there's another problem."
Blake's patience was wearing thin. "What now?"
"In the lab, there's a device," Lance continued. "A device that can track life force signatures from the other side of the portal— the one that appeared ten years ago. We had no idea something like this existed, but Giovanni did. And somehow, it's still working. It seems... all the people who disappeared back then are still alive."
Blake felt his heart stop for a moment. Alive?
He was stunned, utterly speechless. This was impossible… wasn't it?
"How can you be sure?" he asked, struggling to process the words. "What if it's just some random piece of junk?"
"It could be," Lance conceded. "But what if it's not?"
Agatha's voice softened with emotion. "I lost my son in that expedition, Blake. If there's even a chance he's still alive, I want to try and bring him back. And all those brilliant minds— I won't let their sacrifices be in vain."
Blake exhaled slowly, feeling a weight settle in his chest. He had lost family members in that same expedition— his uncle among them. If there was any chance they were still alive...
"Alright, fine. I'll help," Blake grumbled, though there was no mistaking the weariness in his voice. "Not like I had much of a choice. You could always just order me to do this, Mr. Champion."
"You know I'll never do that, Blake," Lance replied, his voice sincere. "No matter what deal my clan made with your grandfather, I truly consider you a friend."
Blake rolled his eyes, shaking his head. "I don't need your pity words, Lance." His curiosity got the better of him then. "By the way, who led that expedition? I was too young to care about the details back then."
There was a pause on the other end before Agatha's voice came through, low but serious. "Do you know about Red Ketchum?"
"WHAT KETCHUM??????" Blake's voice was incredulous, his heart pounding in his chest.
…
…
Blake could feel a headache starting to creep in after his conversation with Lance and Agatha. He decided to make himself some tea and then train his Pokémon, hoping it would take his mind off things.
This is insane… I get alternate universes, I do… but really, God? Really? Red Ketchum? Ash's dad is Red Ketchum? Blake ranted internally as he poured hot water into his cup. Sigh… I mean, his dad being Giovanni would've made more sense at this point…
He took a sip of his tea, letting the warmth seep through him, and then a notification flashed on his gear. Surprised, Blake checked it, seeing that someone had booked a gym challenge for today. That was odd— the league tournament was only 20 days away. Most trainers should have already completed the circuit, having all 8 badges and be focused on training or preparing for the tournament.
Those who hadn't collected 8 badges by now probably didn't have 7 either, and were ineligible for a challenge. Not to mention, trainers with 7 badges would be better off going to a B-tier gym to finish their circuit in time.
But hey, you never know with some weirdo looking for an extra thrill before the big event.
Blake sighed, taking another sip, and then checked the challenge details. His eyes narrowed as he read:
Name: Raul
Age: 16
City: Oreburgh City
Region: Sinnoh
Trainer Level: 2 Star (Elite)
Current Circuit: Indigo
Badges: 9
Accomplishments:
- 1997: Runner-up at the Lily of the Valley Conference
- 1996: 7th place at the Ever Grande Conference
- 1995: Tower Champion at Pokémon Tower (Sinnoh)
- 1994: 4th place at the Lily of the Valley Conference
Blake's interest piqued. Something about this trainer struck him as familiar. He couldn't quite place it, but the name… Raul… It seemed oddly significant.
Curiosity getting the better of him, Blake accessed his personal ID linked to the International Police Department— a perk he had earned through his past contributions— and pulled up more detailed information.
The key details read like this:
Raul is the son of the Canalave City Gym Leader, Byron, and the younger brother of the Oreburgh City Gym Leader, Roark. He is also the great-nephew of the Underground Man, Tyson. A promising trainer with five years of experience.
Raul nearly won the Lily of the Valley Conference in Sinnoh last year but lost at the last moment to an opponent's Pokémon's miraculous evolution, stealing the victory. He was the favorite to win the whole tournament.
Known Pokémon:
1. Ursaring (with Bloody Red Fur)— his starter and ace.
2. Gliscor
3. Camerupt (with a huge temper)
4. Nidoking (Well-Bred)
5. Gabite
6. Rhyperior (Well Trained)
Blake scratched his head, confused. A Ground-type specialist? That's good, I suppose… But wait… didn't he come from the fossil family? Where are his Fossil Pokemon?
Then it hit him, and he facepalmed, realizing something he should've remembered earlier. Right… the fossil technology was just being developed here in Cinnabar. The first machines were being made right here… No wonder the kid doesn't have any fossil Pokemon. Oh well, his loss.
A small, knowing smile tugged at the corners of Blake's lips.
…
…
Blake walked into the stadium, his name echoing through the loudspeakers. Cheers erupted from the crowd—he was practically a celebrity now. It felt strange, but the revenue it generated made it worthwhile. He was glad he'd taken inspiration from the Galar Games.
His eyes shifted to his opponent, Raul. The familiarity was uncanny. Blake's mind raced, and another headache began to form. I'm almost 80% sure this kid is another reincarnated soul... but what's his deal? He glanced at Raul's tournament results, which didn't seem all that impressive. Hmm… seems like he's not exactly living up to a reincarnator's potential...
That's when Raul spoke up, pulling Blake from his thoughts.
"Hello, Gym Leader Blake. English or Spanish?" Raul's grin was wide, almost mischievous. The sudden shift threw Blake off guard for a moment. Then, after a brief pause, Blake burst into laughter, catching the entire crowd off-guard.
For Blake, that was all the confirmation he needed.
Yep, he's a reincarnated soul, all right. And he knows I am too. Honestly, I wasn't even trying to hide it... I mean, the naming conventions and everything. Blake felt a sense of relief wash over him.
Blake wiped the laughter from his face, trying to regain his composure. "We'll talk after the match. But for now, let's battle. Don't disappoint me, man."
Without missing a beat, Blake tossed a Pokéball, releasing his Houndoom onto the battlefield. It wasn't as imposing as Gou, but it was clear from the moment it appeared that this Houndoom came from an excellent lineage. Its coat was sleek and shiny, and its bones gleamed a pure white, the kind of Pokémon you knew was well-bred.
The moment it appeared, an eerie chill swept through the arena as its Intimidate ability took hold. The Houndoom threw its head back and Howled with all its might, a haunting sound that sent many of the younger spectators running for cover, some even crying in fear.
Raul's eyes widened as he took in the sight of Blake's Houndoom. He swallowed hard. And this isn't even his main Houndoom? What a monster… How the hell did he train his Pokémon?
Raul quickly glanced at Ash and his friends in the dugout. He saw the way Ash was looking at him—with a mix of hope and intensity. Raul offered a strained smile and nodded at the kid before reaching for his Poké Ball.
"I believe in you, buddy!" Ash's voice echoed from the sidelines, a note of encouragement in his words.
Raul threw the ball high into the air, shouting out, "Go Gliscor!"
As Gliscor materialized, its bat-like wings spread wide, drawing gasps of admiration from the crowd. Blake noticed the Pokémon's sharp fangs and the confident way it hovered, clearly a well-trained partner. The stadium lights gleamed off its purple armor, showcasing the level of care it had received.
"Gliscor, set up Spikes!" Raul commanded, his voice carrying a mix of nervousness and determination.
'Smart opening,' Blake thought, eyes narrowing as Gliscor performed an elegant aerial spin before scattering sharp, metal-like spikes across his side of the field. The metallic sound of spikes embedding into the ground echoed through the stadium. 'Setting up hazards for his next Pokémon. He's thinking ahead. But unfortunately... you have to make me switch Pokémon for it to work.'
"Houndoom, keep your distance and use Nasty Plot," Blake ordered calmly, his voice carrying authority without raising it.
Houndoom's eyes gleamed with malevolent dark energy as it enhanced its special attack power, a sinister aura surrounding it that sent chills down the spines of several spectators.
"Gliscor, don't let him complete it! Use Earthquake!" Raul shouted, hoping to disrupt Houndoom's concentration.
Blake's face remained calm. "Jump and use Flamethrower under you for propulsion!" he commanded smoothly.
In an almost fluid motion, Houndoom leaped into the air, narrowly avoiding the tremors of the Earthquake. With a well-timed Flamethrower, the canine Pokémon propelled itself higher, flames trailing beneath it.
"Good job, Flamethrower again at Gliscor!" Blake ordered with sharp precision.
The stream of fire shot forward, but Gliscor barrel-rolled through the air, narrowly avoiding the attack, the flames scorching its wings. The crowd cheered at the aerial display, the raw skill evident from both trainers.
From the dugout, Ash had stars in his eyes, watching Gliscor's magnificent flight.
"Wow… one day, we'll be able to do that too, Pikachu!" Ash smiled at his partner.
"Pika, Pika!" Pikachu nodded in excitement.
"Now, Gliscor, Stone Edge!" Raul called out, his voice tight with urgency. Sharp rocks erupted from the ground in a linear pattern, shooting toward Houndoom with incredible force.
"Counter with Dark Pulse!" Blake commanded coolly.
Houndoom responded with a powerful Dark Pulse, the dark energy colliding with the stones and sending a spectacular shower of rock fragments into the air.
"Use Screech and follow up with Acrobatics!" Raul shifted his strategy, aiming to lower Houndoom's defenses. Gliscor let out a piercing cry with Screech, making Houndoom wince before the ground/flying type darted forward, executing a series of rapid aerial maneuvers.
Blake remained composed, his eyes sharp. "Double Team into Snarl!"
Suddenly, Houndoom's image multiplied, confusing Gliscor's targeting. At the same time, a dark, soundwave-like Snarl radiated outward, disrupting Gliscor's concentration.
"Don't let up! Blind it with Sand Attack, followed by X-Scissor!" Raul urged, sweat beading on his forehead. Gliscor kicked up a massive cloud of sand before diving through it, its pincers glowing with a dangerous light.
"Protect!" Blake commanded at the last second.
The green barrier materialized just as Gliscor's X-Scissor connected, sending it bouncing back with a crackle of energy.
The battle raged on, with both Pokémon showing off their skill and training. Gliscor would swoop down for quick attacks before retreating to the safety of higher altitude, while Houndoom maintained pressure with its ranged moves. But the experienced eye could tell that something wasn't right.
The temperature around the arena had shifted. While Houndoom looked fine, Gliscor was showing signs of fatigue. Small burns were visible along its wings, and there was sweat on its body. It was struggling to glide as smoothly as before.
"Gliscor, use Toxic!" Raul called out, desperate to gain an edge with a status condition.
"Intercept with Will-O-Wisp!" Blake countered, his voice calm and unwavering.
The two status moves collided mid-air, the purple-blue explosion echoing across the stadium. The battlefield now lay littered with Spikes and scattered rocks, limiting ground movement. Gliscor had been gradually setting up more hazards while maintaining aerial superiority, but Blake was noticing a subtle shift.
As much as Raul's strategy showed his potential, there was something more. Blake could see it now. A small smile tugged at his lips as he assessed his opponent. This kid's got the makings of a true Elite. But… he's still to naive. Too inexperienced in this world. Blake's thoughts drifted back to his own experience—ten years as an Elite trainer, learning from Blaine himself since preschool. It wasn't the same for Raul, but that didn't matter now. Blake would give him a good fight, a challenge worthy of his potential.
Finally, Blake saw his opportunity. "Use Overheat under Gliscor, full power!" he commanded, his tone decisive.
Houndoom opened its maw wide, unleashing a blast of white-hot flames that shot upward with blistering intensity. The air shimmered with thermal distortion, and the heat was so intense that spectators in the front rows could feel it.
"Gliscor, dodge it!" Raul shouted, his voice tinged with desperation.
But the updraft had already begun affecting Gliscor's ability to glide effectively. Fatigue and the accumulation of burns left it vulnerable. With the added pressure from the flames, Gliscor found itself stuck in an upward air trajectory, unable to maneuver with the precision it once had.
Blake's voice cut through the chaos. "End this with Flare Blitz!"
The words were a death sentence.
Houndoom launched itself forward, its body surrounded in flames, the fiery burst colliding with Gliscor in a devastating explosion.
The stadium erupted in gasps and cheers as Houndoom's body was engulfed in blue-white flames. Like a meteor streaking across the sky, it charged through its own updraft, the combination of fiery Flare Blitz and the explosive thermal winds creating a dazzling visual display. The fire-type slammed into the destabilized Gliscor with devastating force, sending shockwaves rippling across the arena. Dust and debris flew into the air, momentarily obscuring the field.
When the dust settled, the crowd fell silent in anticipation. Gliscor lay defeated on the ground, its wings twitching weakly. Meanwhile, Houndoom stood proudly amidst the wreckage, its body scorched but unbowed, the recoil from Flare Blitz evident but not enough to hinder its strength.
*HOWL!*
The triumphant howl of Houndoom rang through the stadium, sending chills down the spines of onlookers.
"Gliscor is unable to battle! Houndoom wins!" the referee's voice boomed across the arena, his words barely audible over the thunderous applause that erupted from the crowd. Many stood, clapping and cheering, giving standing ovations to the breathtaking display of skill and power.
Blake's eyes remained on Raul, who was now visibly frustrated. The young trainer recalled his Pokémon, and with a deep sigh, his shoulders slumped. "That updraft was lucky!" he complained, the frustration in his voice unmistakable.
Blake chuckled softly, shaking his head as he tilted his head down to look at Raul.
His voice, calm yet carrying the weight of experience, rang out, "Luck is a skill, my friend. You have to create your own luck."
Raul paused, the weight of those words sinking in. His hand hovered over his next Pokéball, a deep sense of dread but excitement filling his chest.
His gaze hardened, and for a moment, he looked as though the entire stadium had faded away. The weight of the battle, his goals, and the eyes of the crowd all pressed down on him. His next move would be crucial. The world seemed to rest on this one decision.
With a deep breath, he gripped the ball and prepared for what was to come next.
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A.N: Hey guys Lumi here! And happy weekend~
Next chapter will be on Monday. But if you want to read it in Advanced, then you can find it on my Patreon! Tschüss!