(Cerulean City Pokémon League Office, Cerulean City, Kanto Region, Pokémon World)
--------------------------------
(Cobalt Black POV)
--------------------------------
When he walked through Cerulean City's streets, he heard the whispers.
People knew him as the one who'd challenged Zapdos and won, before capturing the Legendary Pokémon. Which was how it came to be that after Cobalt arrived at the Cerulean City Pokémon Center, to have his Pokémon healed, and take stock of Zapdos, that President Goodshow had had a car sent to pick him up and deliver him directly to the League office within Cerulean City.
The Pokémon League maintained a Regional HQ and at least a dozen or so offices within that region. Anywhere that held a Gym or was of significance to the Region had one. For example, Cinnabar Island and the Island known as Knot Island, which sat within the Sevii Islands chain had such buildings.
But it was in the conference room that Cobalt and Acerola were meeting with Palermo, Agatha, and President Goodshow.
''Your streaming of that battle you had, has raised your stock incredibly higher than your tag battle against the Sensational sisters had. You have potential sponsors poking around. It also showed me what I was looking for. I've decided to represent you.'' Palermo informed.
Cobalt glanced at Acerola, who flashed him a smile and a slight nod.
''We accept.'' Cobalt says.
''As to the matter of your Pokémon food, with the exposure of your battle with the Sensational sisters and now Zapdos, I believe that we can set up a small business here in Kanto. Farmers on Cinnabar Island have agreed to supply Moomoo milk, berries, and other necessary materials born from farm products. But if you want special items you'll need to handle that directly or have me or Palermo arrange matters.'' Says Agatha.
''I had some nurses and scientists of the League's medical team test your feed samples. Suffice to say, they found that your samples more than satisfied the League's Ho-Oh grade test.'' President Goodshow said, which was a relief because if it ticked all the right boxes then that meant when it hit the shelves it could be sold for a higher price, and would receive a higher sales projection.
''As to the matter of sponsorships, there is one in particular that we should keep an eye on. Silph Corporation. The manufacturer of Pokéballs. I believe one or two more high profile Pokémon captures livestreamed would make them sponsor you.'' Palermo says.
''I have just the Pokémon in mind that will do the trick. I just need transportation to the Sevii Islands and Snowtop Mountain in Johto. If that fails to do the trick, I will need transportation to the Crown Tundra of Galar.'' Says Cobalt.
''I'll make the necessary arrangements. However, I want you both to best Lieutenant Surge if I'm going to do that.'' Says Palermo.
''We can do that.'' Acerola says. ''It's certainly doable.'' Says Acerola.
''I saw Nurse Joy's report, your Zapdos is something special.'' President Goodshow said with a knowing smile.
''In more ways than one.'' Cobalt returned the smile. The lighting in the Abandoned Power Plant hadn't been the best, so Cobalt didn't know until Nurse Joy checked it over, but Zapdos was shiny. To be fair though, a Shiny Zapdos wasn't much different from a normal colored Zapdos. The yellow was more golden than mere yellow and its talons were a bit darker. Not that he'd been able to tell as much in the dark Abandoned Power Plant. But Zapdos's stats were also much higher than your average Zapdos and far higher than your average Electric-Type.
But now that he had Zapdos Cobalt planned to begin training his Pikachu. Zapdos as a Electric-Type Legendary Pokémon would have a far better understanding of Electric-Type moves and Cobalt wanted Zapdos to teach his Pikachu and any future electric types how to control their power better in the future.
''That's all we have time for at the moment, I must debrief with Lance and some other officials.'' President Goodshow said.
''And we have a meeting to get to, do we not?'' Agatha asked Palermo.
''We do, the Kalos Master Class is on in a few days, I never miss a final performance.'' Says Palermo. ''I'll be in contact later.'' Says Palermo.
That left Cobalt alone in the room with Acerola.
''You were only silent for the most part.'' Cobalt said. ''What have I done wrong?'' Asks Cobalt, almost afraid to even ask.
''You left me behind.'' Her tone wasn't accusatory, rather it was disappointed.
That was so much worse.
''That was for your safety. I didn't know what Zapdos's behavior would be like. Rapooh protecting you is one thing, but this was Zapdos, who instinctively essence is the Kanto equivalent of Tapu Koko, but typically far less benevolent.'' Cobalt defended himself.
''Maybe, but that's my choice to make. You denied me that chance. So when you go for your next dance with a Legendary Pokémon, me and Greedy Rapooh are coming with you.'' Says Acerola.
Cobalt wants to argue. He so very much wants to argue. But the look on Acerola's face makes him unwilling to argue with her. If there was one thing she disapproved of, it was having the option of choice taken from her.
''Fine.'' Cobalt agreed, though hardly willingly.
--------------------------------
(POV Shift: Gary Oak)
--------------------------------
No matter how many times he rewatched the stream, the result stayed the same.
Cobalt had fought, beaten, and captured Zapdos.
''What the fuck?'' Gary hadn't been the only one to voice that, many people across Kanto and the World voiced the same thing or something similar along the lines.
Gary felt his resolve to defeat Cobalt grow. Come the Pokémon League, he'd defeat Cobalt and Ashy-Boy both.
--------------------------------
(POV Shift: Ash Ketchum)
--------------------------------
Ash had watched Cobalt battle the Sensational Sisters. That had been a fantastic match. But to see his friend from Pallet Town challenging and winning against Zapdos? Not to mention, capturing the Legendary Electric-Type?
That was inspiring.
Cobalt didn't come from a wealthy background like Gary, but where like Ash himself Cobalt had talent, Cobalt also had strategy. He realized this when he saw Cobalt had chosen Bulbasaur as his starter. Brock theorized it had been a strategic decision to choose Bulbasaur as Grass-Types were effective against Rock and Water-Types.
Ash didn't really understand the significance until Brock had begun Analyzing Cobalt's fight against Zapdos. Eventually, his friend just switched from whatever mentality he had and began strategically fighting Zapdos. Ash battled with his heart, Cobalt battled with his mind.
It made him excited to think he'd face off with Cobalt at the Indigo League. When the time came, he wondered how big the difference between Zapdos and Pikachu would be.
How would Pikachu stack up against Kanto's King of Electric-Types?
He couldn't wait to find out.
--------------------------------
(POV Shift: Professor Kuikui)
--------------------------------
He was just one of several of his colleagues who were part of a conference call watching Cobalt face off against Zapdos.
Although a little bit surprised he hadn't called out Tapu Bulu, the fight had been exciting. He'd made sure to save a copy, it would make a good lesson for his school.
''The boy still has trouble listening to his heart. Too much thought, not enough instinct.'' Hala spoke up. The Kahuna's and the Elites of other regions had joined the call as well, particularly once it became known Lance was on his way to intervene and that Lady Agatha was sponsoring Cobalt in some way.
''I have to wonder though, when the battle started, he didn't seem as serious until his Ivysaur went down. It's like his entire plan changed.'' Lucian of Sinnoh's Elite Four is mentioned.
''Have to wonder what Surge is thinking? The kid pretty much called him out.'' Flint spoke up in mild amusement.
''Good question.'' Malva replied.
--------------------------------
(POV Shift: Giovanni Rocket)
--------------------------------
He'd decided to continue the funding of Project M. When Cobalt inevitably came to Viridian City to challenge him, he wanted to pit the results of Project M against the boy. See what was better. He'd instructed his scientists to slightly alter the desired result of Project M. He had wanted an instrument loyal to him, because he had no suitable heir.
But that had changed. He got the DNA results back. His assistant had independently acquired Cobalt's DNA from the League and compared it to his own.
It was a full paternal match.
Cobalt Black was Giovanni's son and Danielle's too. His assistant tested it against the DNA sample they had of her in file.
His course was clear.
Pallet Town.
''Ready transportation to Pallet Town. I think it's time to confront Dani.'' He instructed.
''Right away sir.''
Project M, indeed, all of Team Rocket would be inherited by Cobalt one day. Silver would get what scraps Cobalt saw fit to give him.
And if he didn't like it he knew where the door was.
''Tell Silver he is to begin entering the Pokémon League. I want to see him reach the Final round of this year's Indigo Conference without interference.'' Giovanni added as an afterthought.
Brother against brother was a very real possibility now.
Whichever of his sons came out on top, stood to inherit it all, but Silver lacked the cunning in an heir that was required. He had the ruthlessness to be sure, but he lacked a crucial element of inheriting Team Rocket. Silver was ruthless and ambitious, it would be an interesting year, that much was certain.
--------------------------------
(POV Shift: Lawrence III)
--------------------------------
Someone else had captured Zapdos. Ordinarily, he might be outraged, but Lawrence wasn't angry. No, he was grateful. Why bother going through all the effort of capturing one bird of legend when someone else does it for him, money was not an issue, he could offer this trainer a tidy sum for Zapdos. Only a fool would decline, and honestly, who would turn down such a large sum to start with?
It remained to be seen whether or not this trainer would go after Moltress and Articuno as well, but if he did, all the better. Lawrence wasn't going to say no if someone did the work for him. All in all, if the boy did manage to capture all three Legendary Birds, he might just need to offer the kid permanent employment.
''Sir, we've located Articuno and Moltres, what are your orders?'' One of his servants asked.
''Leak them to our new friend. See if he takes the bait.'' Lawrence instructed.
''New Friend sir?''
''Cobalt Black. Prepare a tidy sum for the acquisition of Zapdos, keep the tips anonymous, and offer a reward for the responsibility of also capturing Moltress and Articuno. But reveal nothing, let's keep some mystery.'' He instructed.
Not much longer now.
Not long, until Lugia.
--------------------------------
(Author's Note:)
--------------------------------
This chapter was tough for me to finish, I had writers block towards the end. First time in a few years I've had WB. I'm gonna take at least two days off, then I'll get back to it.
Next chapter, we'll see Cobalt and Acerola set off for Vermillion City. We've got a few more Pokémon for Cobalt to capture before he faces Surge, but the last one will be caught in Vermillion itself. See you guys next chapter.
--------------------------------
Join my Discord via this invite link:
--------------------------------
Special thanks to Mitchell Howard, David Martinez, ROGUE505 Saver, Mathew T Linderman, Luck George, Kyle Diano, Julien, Morgan Sinn, Tom A, Nathaniel Lessord, Birhaledin, Nicholas Berenguer, Arimar26, GGbeejee, Robin Kristiansen, Robert Hernandez, Dragon emperor87, Vlone_Icy, Daniel Setchell, and James Fleming for their support on P-atreon.
And also a big thank you to Cody, Luci Alarra, TJ Cruz, Kunta, Availon90, Gavin Barclay, Dragonslayer29, Jacarya Robinson, Nathan Just, Francisco J Guzman, Axlii, Reece Hutton, Ken Harris, Zeldris Wrath, Duy, lonelynib _, Austin, D3EATH707, Cutler1812, Aleksander_402, Lewis Wilson, Profound Magician, Arzard, HxC 740 VxD, Attila Kovács, Ruby Uzumaki, Mudit Chadha, Maciek, Joao Goncalves, Dwhateverprof, Jibreel Kamal, Luis, Luis, Zeca, Rowdy_Rich, Bent, Jason, Beastmode2003, Solus 1994, Evil King, Manuel, Benoit Valtin, Craig Butler, and Joseph Brann for their past support on Patreon.
The next Chapter is currently available on my relaunched and rebuilt P-atreon, to access simply search the following link, but without the dash between the P and A, Two tiers with the same benefits but different contexts. The chapters on P-atreon will be published when the chapters following them are done and dusted and ready to publish over here on this site.
p-atreon.com/TheRagFromTheCragCorner24