The sky above roared with fury, dark clouds swirling as lightning split the air. The howling wind picked up again, as if a torrential downpour could begin at any moment.
"Rain again, huh?"
Ryuuske stood at the edge of a cliff, jagged rocks below him as violent waves crashed against the stone like the wrath of the sea itself.
He muttered to himself, feeling as though he and rain had some strange connection—no matter where he went, stormy weather seemed to follow.
This was the convergence point between Fuchsia City and the southern sea. Compared to Fuchsia Beach, the area was far less crowded. In fact, this cliff could be considered the southernmost edge of the Kanto region—the "ends of the earth." Normally, tourists might hike this peak with a guide, but with the storm warning, the entire coastal area was deserted except for Ryuuske.
He was preparing to set off for Cinnabar Island from here.
A few raindrops splattered against his face. Wiping them away, Ryuuske frowned slightly.
[Someone's coming, Ryuuske.]
Mewtwo's voice echoed in his mind. Ryuuske nodded imperceptibly. "...An enemy?"
[An acquaintance.]
"If it's an acquaintance, then it's fine. By the way, we're heading to Cinnabar Island because of Blaine's request—and it involves you, Mewtwo."
[I look forward to it.]
Inside the Master Ball, Mewtwo allowed itself a small smile.
Though known as the Pokémon with the most ruthless heart, that was only in battle. Outside of combat, Mewtwo was calm and composed, rarely speaking unless necessary. But whenever something arose, it was always the first to alert Ryuuske.
Eevee perched on his right shoulder, while Dragonair—its elegant form hovering nearby—nuzzled against him affectionately. Gabite, ever the loyal bodyguard, kept a sharp watch on their surroundings.
As a Gible, it had been clingy, but after evolving, its personality had matured into something steady and reliable—the kind of partner you could always count on.
"...Dragonair."
Ryuuske stroked Dragonair's smooth, glistening scales. He was about to command it to use its ability to shield him from the rain when a shadow suddenly fell over him, blocking the droplets.
Turning, the first thing he saw was a hand gripping an umbrella handle—slender, delicate, and porcelain-white.
Following the arm upward, he was met with a girl's charming face.
"...Green."
He spoke her name softly.
"Long time no see, handsome~ You don't seem surprised at all to see me."
Green giggled, her brown hair slightly damp from the rain, her lovely features as bewitching as ever.
"I sensed you coming."
Ryuuske's gaze locked onto hers. To her own astonishment, Green felt a flicker of shyness under his direct stare.
How bizarre. Since striking out on her own, she'd always been the one teasing others—rarely the one flustered.
"...Ah, right. Mewtwo told you."
Though her heartbeat had quickened, Green—ever the "Oscar-winning actress"—showed no outward sign of it, maintaining her playful smile. She had witnessed Mewtwo's power firsthand. That Pokémon was like a walking calamity, capable of annihilating an entire region alone.
Ryuuske didn't respond, silently confirming her guess.
"How'd you know I was here?"
"That video of you fighting the Gyarados at Fuchsia Beach is everywhere online. Anyone who's seen it knows you're in Fuchsia City. And for someone like me, finding you after that? Easy."
Green covered her mouth with a mischievous laugh.
She did have that ability. Ryuuske couldn't deny it. Her bag of tricks was endless, and among the people he knew, while Red(Ash) might have been the most combat-gifted, Green wasn't far behind—not in raw strength, but in sheer street smarts.
She was the ultimate con artist. No one could out-trick her.
Just then, the rain began in earnest. Ryuuske's eyes flicked upward—and he froze.
The umbrella above him had just opened its eyes.
They weren't frightening—in fact, they looked rather cute—but realizing the umbrella was alive still gave him a start, as if he'd stumbled upon some yokai.
"...That's a Ditto, isn't it? Your Ditto really is versatile."
Ryuuske sighed wryly.
"Of course! My little Ditto isn't like those other Dittos. It can transform into any Pokémon—and even objects, as long as they're not too big. The perfect travel companion!"
Green puffed up proudly. The umbrella's eyes crinkled happily at the praise.
"Yeah, super versatile. Can even turn into a lockpick for stealing."
Ryuuske nodded, making Green's grin falter before she shot him an indignant glare.
"Green, you're always busy. What brings you here?"
Though he didn't know what exactly she did all day, Ryuuske knew she was perpetually occupied.
"...Because I missed you, silly~ It's been so long, I thought I'd come catch up and... rekindle old flames."
Green lowered her eyes, feigning shyness.
Ryuuske rolled his eyes. Yeah, not buying it.
"Ugh, fine!"
Seeing his complete lack of reaction, Green pouted before her bright blue eyes sparkled with renewed mischief.
"Okay, okay—I am here for you! Rumor has it you spent the last two months holed up with Erika, the Celadon Gym Leader. People are losing their minds over it~"
"...Now Erika's back in Celadon, but you're in Fuchsia. Aww, did she dump you? Don't worry, handsome—you're way too hot and strong to stay single for long! But I get it, first heartbreaks sting. That's why big sister Green came all this way to comfort you~"
Ryuuske's eye twitched.
But after everything he'd been through, he'd grown far more composed. No matter the provocation, he could stay calm.
He studied Green's face, searching for any tells.
Did she find out about me and Erika? Or is she just fishing for info?
Then he mentally scoffed.
Trying to read this girl's mind is harder than fighting a Legendary Pokémon.
To be continued…
Guys, I have been moving from one province to another for the sake of my job that is why I have been very busy and have been unable to post in the time being, I am new in this work place rn and work requires 10+ hours of physical presence so please bear with me. I will adjust my schedule asao.
Advance 50 Chapters are up on my Patreon!
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