"…"
Just a string of ellipses—Lucas's only response.
'Blue of the Earth'?
What would the original "Earth" himself, Giovanni, think of that title?
Now that Lucas had met both Blue and Red, it was clear this world wasn't just the anime—it had game elements blended in, like Blue taking over the Viridian Gym.
As for the grimmer "Special" universe, Lucas hadn't seen any sign of it. The Lance he knew was just a passionate, justice-loving Flying-type Elite and detective.
No cheers or applause greeted Blue's self-aggrandizing title, dampening his mood and making him reconsider the name.
After some polite conversation, the two walked with Ursaring and Ursaluna back to the lab.
On the way, Blue explained his new position at Viridian Gym.
The previous Gym Leader slot had been vacant. Granny Agatha filled in for a while, but the League approached Blue to take over once things settled down. With nothing better to do, Blue accepted.
He looked forward to being able to test Kanto's new Trainers.
Lucas could only sympathize with upcoming Kanto rookies.
After Ash finished his Kalos journey, Misty of Cerulean, Brock and Forrest of Pewter would all master Mega Evolution. Later, promising Leaders like Erika and the "cheating" psychic Sabrina would join.
A daunting lineup to challenge, to say the least.
Back at the lab, Blue kicked open the door to the study, attracting Professor Oak's attention from his manuscript prep.
Oak froze, then stared at Blue in disbelief.
"When did you get back?"
Maybe Oak's voice was so infectious, Blue's demeanor suddenly softened. He stepped forward and hugged his grandfather.
"Grandpa, I'm home."
"Yes, yes, good to have you back. You've grown taller," Oak laughed warmly, inspecting Blue closely.
This was a familiar scene in this world.
Many young people are passionate about "adventure." At ten, they receive their first Pokémon and set out—alone or in groups—to chase dreams.
Some return after months; others, not for several years.
Oak, now elderly, had been the same in his day, journeying with a Charmander.
Now the elder, he awaited the return of his own descendants.
Seeing the familiar features in Blue's face, Oak was filled with affection.
Normally, Blue was the self-important type, even referring to Oak as "old man," but now, he let Oak look him over as long as he liked.
Afterwards, Oak asked for details, and Blue relayed what he'd told Lucas about Viridian Gym.
"So, you're taking over Viridian Gym?" Oak mused.
He'd heard that the Gym Leader position had become notorious since Team Rocket's Giovanni's exposure—even someone living out in Pallet Town got wind of it. The scandal was only quelled after Agatha was appointed interim Leader by the League.
With things settled, the League obviously planned to let Agatha retire and appoint someone reliable. No doubt Chairman Goodshow came up with that plan.
After this emotional family reunion, Lucas, quietly trying to remain invisible, became the next focus.
It started when Blue questioned Oak on why his Ursaring had been used as a test subject. Without thinking, Oak sold Lucas out.
Oak explained: Lucas had the full chain of evidence, even the evolutionary footage. With Ursaluna and Ursaring as proof, he was convinced. For the sake of scientific rigor, he decided to let his grandson benefit.
And so forth.
To make things worse, as they chatted, Oak inadvertently exposed Lucas's entire background: Paldea League's former champion-level Trainer, hero of the Orange Archipelago who stopped the rampaging three legendary birds, and more.
Lucas himself felt embarrassed by the praise.
Blue, on the other hand, was wide-eyed and thrilled.
"Hiding all this, huh, Lucas? No wonder you piqued my interest—impressive!"
The curiosity in Blue's gaze was blatant.
Lucas knew what was coming—no escape today.
He sighed and raised his hands in surrender.
"Just say how you want to battle."
"Gladly!"
Blue grinned, snapping his fingers.
"I want a full team battle—but since I'm not sure how strong a so-called 'champion-level' Paldea Trainer is, let's just battle with what we have."
"Ursaring vs Ursaluna—let's use this as a way to judge your strength!"
Professor Oak chuckled. "There's a big enough arena in the backyard. I'll make preparations."
Lucas could only go along.
—
Meanwhile...
Outside the study, Tracey just happened to overhear everything. On hearing Lucas would spar with Blue, he panicked.
Blue—the Blue he knew—really was here!?
"I have to inform Ash—immediately!"
Muttering, he dropped his sketchbook and raced off.
Though they called it a friendly match, the battle wouldn't start instantly. Even top Trainers needed time to review their Pokémon's condition and strategies.
For Blue, fully understanding Ursaring and building a plan around it was essential.
That gave Tracey just enough time to fetch recently-returned Ash.
Blue was surprised—little Ash had grown so much, even winning the Silver Conference.
But still, not as good as himself, Blue—the Champion from year one, albeit only for five minutes.
The match was set in the backyard.
More than just Oak, Tracey, Ash, and Pikachu came to watch.
Many Pokémon from the lab's backyard gathered to spectate.
Blue, after reacquainting himself with Ursaring, took his position opposite Lucas, confidence radiating.
"No referee—one-on-one. First to lose combat capability is the loser. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Lucas nodded. No objections.
Had it been Blue's main team, maybe Lucas would worry—but against an Ursaring he knew well, Ursaluna could handle it.
The two heavyweights entered the field.
Blue gave the first command:
"Show me your strength—use Stomping Tantrum!"
"Roar—!"
Ursaring raised a paw, stomping the ground repeatedly and sending shockwaves across the field—earth cracking, stones flying!
A normal Trainer would call for evasion, but Lucas gave his own order:
"Let's go! Stomping Tantrum!"
Ursaluna roared back, mirroring the same move.
The two shockwaves collided, shaking the earth and splintering stones.
Seeing Lucas's answer, Blue grinned, "Good! Good! Good!"
He was thrilled to meet a worthy opponent, not frustrated.
Blue barked, "Swords Dance!"
He specialized at seizing opportunities to boost his Pokémon. The chaos and obscured field were perfect.
The risk was only taking a few more Stomping Tantrums, which Ursaring should endure. Success meant future advantage.
But Lucas, as if expecting this, called out his own move instantly:
"Taunt."
Shadowy energy burst from Ursaluna, sweeping toward Ursaring at high speed—perfectly breaking off the attempted Swords Dance.
Ursaring let out an angry roar—just moments earlier, they'd been like brothers in the cave. Now it glared at Ursaluna with bloodlust.
Pre-read!
Blue arched a brow but was more eager than frustrated.
Taunt, preventing supporting moves, was a staple in strategy battles.
But in reality, with no strict turn limitation, if you couldn't use setup moves you just fought harder, then tried again later.
"Calm down—Lunge!"
With Blue's commanding voice, Ursaring grew calm, gathered Ground-type energy, and shot forward like a brown missile.
Ursaluna specialized in powerful special attacks. Lucas gave his familiar command—
"Hyper Voice!"
"ROAR!!!"
A shockwave of sound clashed with Ursaring's charge, the impact blasting wind across the stadium and nearly toppling the spectators, who nonetheless watched with rapt attention.
The two titans began trading blows. Blue had Ursaring use Brick Break again and again, with Ursaluna refusing to back down—years of fighting had honed its instincts.
Stone and soil flew; the ground was torn apart by their clashing might.
At one point, with Blue's signal, Ursaring landed an Ice Punch to Ursaluna's shoulder—frost quickly spreading.
Blue shot Lucas a challenging look.
Thanks to breed advantage, Ursaluna was a little weaker than Ursaring in strength, but made up for it in technique. Blue found just the right moment to strike.
Luckily, Ursaluna's shoulder was protected by special mud, so the Ice Punch, though effective, barely dented its stamina.
Instead, the injury roused Ursaluna's fighting spirit.
With a roar, Ursaluna flexed and the ice shattered, falling away in crystals.
Blue realized immediately what was on Ursaluna's shoulder and grinned even wider.
"Tough as nails, huh!"
…
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