Inside Titans Tower, a rare moment of tranquility blankets the common room.
Robin, ever the disciplined warrior, sat cross-legged in the center of the room, meticulously sharpening the blade of his katana. The rhythmic shinkshink of steel against stone was the only sound that pierced the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. His expression remained stoic, his dark eyes focused intently on his task, completely unimpressed by the chaos.
Starfire, perched on the edge of the couch, held a well-worn comic book upside down, her brow furrowed in concentration. "Friends," she announced, her voice ringing with innocent enthusiasm, "I am feeling quite blue! I believe I require a human companion to alleviate my melancholic condition!"
Raven, levitating in a darkened corner of the room, her eyes closed in deep meditation, sighed softly. "Perhaps you should try reading the comic book right-side up, Starfire."
Beast Boy, sprawled on the floor with a video game controller in hand, let out a cackle. "Booyah! Starfire, you're killing me! You're supposed to say you're 'feeling blue,' not that you are blue! Unless..." He paused, his green skin turning a shade darker. "Did you finally figure out how to shapeshift into a Smurf?"
Cyborg, locked in a fierce video game battle with Beast Boy, responded with a roar of laughter. "Booyah! Beast Boy, you're going down! And Starfire, don't listen to this green goofball. You're doing great! Just keep practicing, and soon you'll be fluent in Earth slang!"
Suddenly, a piercing alarm shattered the calm, causing everyone to snap to attention. A red alert flashed across the main screen: the H.I.V.E. Five were robbing the First National Bank of New York.
Robin, his katana instantly sheathed, rose to his feet, his eyes narrowed. "Titans, go!" he commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument.
Moments later, the Teen Titans arrived at the First National Bank of New York, their T-car screeching to a halt in front of the building. Robin leaped out first, katana in hand, ready to face the H.I.V.E. Five.
"Alright, villains," he growled, "prepare to face the wrath of the—"
He stopped abruptly, his words dying in his throat. The scene before him was not what he expected. The bank wall was destroyed, reduced to rubble, and the hostages were huddled together, visibly shaken but unharmed. And, most surprisingly, the H.I.V.E. Five were tied up with rope, looking sheepish and defeated.
Robin saw Orion and recognized him from the news. He had to admit the man looked different in person.
The Teen Titans stared in amazement at the magnificent creature before them. Latias stood tall and proud, her red and white feathers glistening in the sunlight. They were awestruck by her beauty and power, a legendary Pokémon standing before them.
All except one. Robin glared at the winged Eon Pokémon, a scowl etched on his face. "...what in blazes is that?"
Orion, noticing the arrival of the Teen Titans, stepped forward with a warm smile. "Greetings, Teen Titans! I am Orion Oak, proprietor of Pokémon Home. And this," he said, gesturing towards Latias, "is Latias, my partner."
Starfire's eyes widened, her expression filled with wonder. "You are the one from the moving pictures! Your store shows the partnership of humans and these creatures. We were watching your HeroTube channel. This is truly an amazing store!"
Beast Boy, unable to contain his excitement, bounced up and down. "Dude, is that a real Pokémon? That's so beast!"
Cyborg, equally impressed, let out a "Awsome!" "I knew those videos weren't fake!"
Even Raven, usually stoic and unimpressed, raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "So, these 'Pokémon' are from another dimension?"
The Titans bombarded Orion with questions, their curiosity piqued by the sudden appearance of Pokémon in their world.
"Are they dangerous?" asked Robin.
"Are they pets or warriors?" asked Starfire.
"Can they shapeshift?" asked Beast Boy.
"Can I upgrade them with cybernetics?" asked Cyborg.
"Are they magical?" asked Raven.
Orion, overwhelmed by the barrage of questions, chuckled softly. "One at a time, please! I'm happy to answer all your questions, but perhaps we should move this conversation to a more suitable location. Pokémon Home is just around the corner."
Robin crossed his arms, his expression skeptical. "I still do not understand. What are you doing here? How did you defeat the H.I.V.E. Five?"
"I just happened to be passing by when these troublemakers decided to rob a bank," Orion explained, his tone nonchalant. "Latias and I simply intervened. I must apologize for having taken the Teen Titans' job. It was not my intention to intrude on your duties."
He handed the Titans a small, rectangular card. "If you are interested in the wonderful world of Pokémon, you may come to the Pokémon Home. Do not hesitate to visit."
The Teen Titans stared at Orion, their expressions a mix of confusion and amusement. The man was definitely weird.
Orion, sensing their bewilderment, simply smiled. "Well, I must be going. I have groceries to replace. The police should be here any minute to take these hooligans into custody."
With a nod, Orion turned and walked away, Latias gracefully following by his side. The Teen Titans watched him go, their minds buzzing with questions.
"Well, that was odd," Cyborg commented, scratching his metallic chin.
"Odd, but also... intriguing," Starfire added, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"I still do not trust him," Robin muttered, his gaze fixed on Orion's retreating figure. "There is something he is not telling us."
A beat of silence hung in the air before, with a resounding splatter, grocery bags fell into the snow. They followed, the sound of broken eggs and spilled milk echoing through the street.
Orion, unfazed, simply sighed and turned towards a nearby grocery store. "Ah, well," he said, his voice cheerful, "it seems I have a bit of shopping to do."
While Orion entered the store to replenish his ruined groceries, Latias gracefully unfurled her wings, her body shimmering with a soft, ethereal glow. As she focused her psychic energy, her form began to fade, her red and white feathers blending seamlessly with the surrounding air.
With a final flicker, Latias vanished completely, becoming invisible to the naked eye. She knew that her large form might attract unwanted attention.
Inside the grocery store, Orion carefully selected new cartons of eggs, cartons of milk, fresh vegetables, and other essential ingredients. He paid for his purchases, his movements deliberate and unhurried, and emerged from the store with a renewed spring in his step.
Back at Pokémon Home, Pikachu greeted them with a burst of excited energy, scampering around their feet and chattering happily.
Orion chuckled, his heart warming at the sight of his loyal companion. "Alright, Pikachu, alright! I'm back. And I have a special treat for you and Latias."
He turned to Latias, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thanks for saving me, Latias. That was too dangerous for me. I think we need to thank you for a special meal."
"It was my pleasure, Orion," Latias telepathically responded, her voice soft and soothing. "Your safety is my priority."
Orion smiled, his decision made. "Alright, then! Let's get cooking! Tonight, we're having a feast!" He decided to make a Japanese dish for her, her favorite. It was time to make gyudon.
***
Give power stones to support this book.
Advance chapters in P@T0n Najicablitz.