(Team Rocket Headquarters, Lower Levels, Viridian City Gym, Viridian City, Kanto Region, Pokemon World)
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(Giovanni Rocket POV)
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Giovanni had paused all funding for Project M until he was able to research this new trainer who he believed could be his son. ''Cobalt Black.'' He spoke the name easily enough and as names went, it was the kind of name he'd likely find mildly amusing, snort at, and dismiss all too easily. But the look in those eyes, the jawline and facial structure? That was Rocket Family Blood.
When Giovanni found the ID of Cobalt's mother…
Well, cosmetic surgery could change a lot, but those eyes told him everything he needed to know. Danielle was alive, he booked a trip to Pallet town, but he'd promptly canceled it. No, no until he had more information and until he could look the lad in his eyes himself actually be able to do that face-to-face… better to wait.
He couldn't hold off funding Project M forever, but it was an acceptable enough delay if his operatives got back in time with anything they could dig up. First thing was first though, he needed to have words with Nanu. How was Dani alive? He was so sure she'd died.
He needed fucking answers.
Tapping the priority communications system, he connected to Matori directly.
''Matori? Prepare a flight to Ula'Ula Island in the Alola region, I need to have words face-to-face with Nanu.'' He ordered
''Right away sir!'' Matori said dutifully.
''Ariana, find out what you can about Cobalt Black. Do not confront him, this is strictly covert, do not test my patience by going more hands-on.'' He commed one of the lead rocket admins as an afterthought, a pretty face should have an easier time ferreting out information than a rowdy male admin.
He wanted to be prepared for the potential confrontation he could face, he needed a psychological profile, a history, and whatever else can be put together on short notice, he was going in blind.
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(POV Shift: Cobalt Black)
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Still as lazy and grumpy as ever. That's what Cobalt surmised of Nanu. Tapu Bulu got involved in the conversation going into what Cobalt could only assume was a full on lecture and miniature tirade against Nanu who quickly feigned technical difficulties and hung up.
''What am I going to do with you?'' Cobalt said tiredly, petting Tapu Bulu gently.
''Mr. Black, may we have a word?'' Turning to President Goodshow, Cobalt sighs.
''Sure, Tapu Bulu? Enjoy your meal, I'll be back soon.'' Cobalt said, following the diminutive League president. The man led him to a balcony where there were two chairs placed down. Goodshow sat in one, Cobalt however leaned against the railing.
''I suspect this is an omen. Whether for good or ill, you've been favored by Tapu Bulu. That speaks well of you, but I'd be lying if I wasn't concerned. It's unusual to say the least for a trainer as young as yourself to be making this kind of decision while you're not well-established publicly. This one televised match has exposed you a little bit, but it will take a lot more for you to be successful in this business you're trying to do. I'm not saying give-up, but be aware of what needs to happen for you to succeed.'' Goodshow advised.
''I've been thinking about it. This battle has been an eye-opener. I'm considering streaming parts of my journey. Some of my battles, and my coming clash of the ages. I think I'll apologise to you in advance President Goodshow, you'll need to redefine how you judge the coming years of Pokemon Leagues. Before Cobalt and After Cobalt. My next battle will take everything I have. It might even cost me my life, but I want to prove myself against the very best this world has to offer. So I'm telling you know, as far as Kanto goes, I intend to battle it out with the Legendary birds. A Dance of Legends, this is just the prelude, I know where to find them, So I'm going to pause my journey, and I'm going to battle Zapdos first.'' Says Cobalt.
''I shouldn't let you leave the building knowing that, but frankly? You have a Legendary Pokemon making the journey from Alola to see you. That makes me wonder what sort of trainer you are to have forged that sort of bond with that sort of Pokemon. And truthfully, if anyone can temper the thunder of Zapdos, it'd save Kanto billions for when those power hungry idiots of Team Rocket offend another Legendary Pokemon, how much do you know about the events that lead Blue Oak away from his position as League Champion?'' Goodshow asks.
''Not a lot, always been closest to Daisy oak, Gary too I suppose.'' Cobalt admits.
''Blue was a once-in-a-lifetime type of trainer, he had a dream not unlike yours, but in the course of proving it, Team Rocket - in perhaps it's most blatant action ever - created a chaotic five-way battle between Zapdos, Articuno, Moltres, themselves and Blue. While the Gym Leaders and Elite Four protected Kanto, Blue fought to the limit to contain it all. Since then, Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno have periodically been seen throughout Kanto, causing chaos and destruction. Zapdos has caused the most by far, so if you can tame it, I'd be grateful.'' Goodshow says.
''I'll do my best. See you when I see, president Goodshow.'' Cobalt said, leaving to go to bed and in the morning… Battle with what amounts to the Pokemon world's equivalent of Thor, God of Thunder.
This was when the game changed, and everything became a hell of a lot more fun than it otherwise would have been. His chances of losing had never been higher, but Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltres represented a benchmark, and Zapdos was the closest of his three chosen monsters to battle against in his Journey through Kanto. But there was a certain thrill, in going in and knowing he was more likely to lose than to win. He enjoyed that sort of precipice.
He could hold nothing back against Zapdos, not if he had any hope in hell of ever winning.
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(Author's Note)
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Well, I suppose I can officially confirm that we're battling Zapdos first. I had considered - strongly in fact - of capturing the trio this first part round, but I'd much rather save Articuno and Moltres for later. If I get all three in Kanto, I'll inevitably favor one more than the other considering that overall Cobalt is expected to get twenty four captured Pokemon to use in Kanto alone. That's four teams worth, with his Victory Road and championship/Elite Four teams being drawn from that pool of Twenty Four. though technically the fourth team is more of a specialised team for special battles In fact I'll admit right now that of those four teams for Kanto will capture five legendary pokemon but of those five only two are typically found in/associated with Kanto. Actually I should probably be upfront and admit that I consider the Pokemon League conference to be the Victory Road so when we get to Eighteen I'll let you all have a competition to see who guesses the right combination. Whosoever does will get a shout out in the revealing chapter.
In any case, I've got a couple other chapters to write and little time to do it. Enjoy the coming chapters.
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Thanks to Mitchell Howard, David Martinez, ROGUE505 Saver, Mathew T Linderman, Luck George, Kyle Diano, Julien, Morgan Sinn, Tom A, and Luis for their support on P-atreon.
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