Chapter 65: Chapter 65:
A/N:
Arrr, mateys! Ready to embark on a journey through the world of Pokémon? Then hoist the sails and head over to my Patreón page (patreón.com/jeezu) where a treasure map awaits! It be a mighty fine help for the next few chapters, especially for those landlubbers who don't have a degree in Pokémon geography.
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As the sun rose over Vermilion City, Cain knew he had to act fast. He peeled off the human skin mask that had served as his disguise and stashed Slowpoke back in its Pokeball. As he emerged from the Pokemon Center, he was met with the cold, penetrating gaze of two black-clad bodyguards waiting outside - goons the young man from the day before had sent to keep an eye on Cain. But Cain didn't let their presence rattle him. He strode past the bodyguards, not sparing them a glance.
After walking a considerable distance, he darted into a nearby alley and hastily put on his disguise once more. "One human skin mask just isn't enough in this world," Cain mused to himself. "I'll have to stock up next chance I get." Having a few different faces could be a lifesaver when trouble was lurking around every corner.
Emerging from the alley, Cain was a changed man - or rather, a changed Pokemon trainer. He had a plan, and it involved reaching the Johto region as quickly as possible. He had two options: take a cruise ship directly from Vermilion City to Olivine City, then travel from there to Mahogany Town, or go to Saffron City first, then take the Magnet train to Goldenrod City in Johto.
Initially, the cruise ship seemed like the quickest and most convenient choice. But after checking with the Pokemon Center staff, Cain learned that the latest ship had already set sail, and the next one wouldn't leave for another four days. Time was of the essence, and Cain couldn't afford to waste it waiting for a slow-moving ship.
With his plan set, Cain set out for Saffron City, the first step on his journey to the Johto region. He knew that taking the Magnet train would be the quickest route, so he made his way to the bus terminal in Vermilion City, determined to catch the 9 AM bus to Saffron.
Dressed in the standard Association trainer uniform and a plain human skin mask, Cain blended in with the other travelers and bought his ticket without drawing any attention. He found a seat in the waiting area and passed the time reading the latest Association newspaper.
But as he skimmed through its pages, he stumbled upon a piece of news that caught his eye. The headline read: "Association Intermediate Investigator Eliminates Team Rocket Base, Promoted to Senior Investigator!" Cain wouldn't have paid it much attention, had it not been for the name of the Senior Investigator - Lance.
Lance was a future Elite Four of the Kanto region and the Champion of the Johto region after the split between the Kanto and Johto Associations. He was also the next leader of the Dragon Tamer clan, a name that Cain knew all too well.
Speaking of which, through years of growth and expansion, the Association has established its presence in multiple regions, becoming a colossus in the Pokemon World. Everything from the rules and regulations that govern this world are written and enforced by the Association.
The origins of the Association remain shrouded in mystery, but one thing's for sure - it's thanks to their rise that humans and Pokemon now coexist in peace. Before their establishment, the world was plagued by wars, division and chaos, until a group of visionary leaders banded together and formed the Association, unifying the forces and bringing order to the land.
But make no mistake, the Pokemon World is vast and the Association's hold on power is strongest in the Kanto and Johto Regions, with its headquarters standing tall on the summit of Mt. Silver, located at the crossroads of these two regions.
However, there are still pockets of the world where the Association's control is weaker, like the recently discovered Alola Region. Though most folks outside the higher-ups of the Association have no idea it even exists. But even in these lands, the Association still wields a certain amount of power through their Elite Four and Champion, who serve as symbols of their absolute strength.
Though let's be real, the Elite Four and Champion of the Kanto Region are the cream of the crop, the strongest of the strong. In this thriving region, where the Pokemon Association is in full swing, geniuses abound and competition for the top spots is fierce. The trainers who rise to the top, to take their rightful place among the Elite Four and Champion, are truly the best of the best.
And it's because of this surplus of talent that the Indigo League was divided into the Kanto and Johto Regions. There's only so much room at the top, and with so many vying for those coveted seats, it was deemed necessary to expand.
But let's not forget, the Pokemon Association holds the reins, and they choose the Elite Four and Champion of each region. No one wants to look foolish, and dividing the Kanto Region was the inevitable solution.
It was this division that allowed Lance to soar to new heights, securing his place as Champion of the Johto Region. But why wasn't he the Champion of Kanto, you ask? Well, let's just say, he's got a little blemish on his record that can't be erased.
Lorelei, a formidable member of the Kanto Region's Elite Four known for her Ice-type Pokémon, posed a significant obstacle for Lance, an aspiring Dragon-type trainer. To become a Champion, one must defeat all members of the Elite Four, but Lorelei's Ice-type Pokémon were a bane for Dragon-types and her unwavering personality meant she wouldn't back down for anyone, not even the soon-to-be Johto Region Champion, Lance.
Lance's heritage was a mix of the Kanto and Johto Regions, his father from the former and his mother from the latter, so his title as Johto Champion was not considered a crossing of borders.
In the Kanto Region, the Champion's throne had been vacant until Professor Oak's grandson, Gary Oak, claimed the title for a year. However, that is a story for another time. Currently, Lance has become a senior investigator at the Association and is poised to assume the role of Chief Investigator. Once he assumes that role, he would challenge the Elite Four.
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