That afternoon, aboard the flight back to Sinnoh, Peter held Whitney close as they admired the clouds rolling past the window.
A news broadcast crackled through the cabin speakers:
"Breaking news from Vermilion City: An elementary school student reportedly mistook pheromones for perfume and was abducted by more than ten wild Machamp, who allegedly identified him as one of their own…
According to reports, the child left school alone after a disagreement with classmates and encountered the incident while walking home.
When reporters arrived at the scene, the Machamp were still in an agitated state. The victim was found severely injured.
He has since been transferred to Vermilion Central Hospital and is in stable physical condition. However, he has developed extreme fear toward Pokémon and is currently receiving psychiatric treatment.
Authorities urge parents to supervise their children carefully…"
Peter's lips curled upward faintly.
Just as he expected.
After being… thoroughly "rehabilitated" by Machamp, Goh likely wouldn't touch a Poké Ball again for the rest of his life.
After dumping Goh in the mountains, he had teleported straight back to Indigo Plateau. The timing aligned almost perfectly with the Swellow flight return.
A flawless operation.
And honestly—
Why would a Pokémon Professor bully a child?
Absurd, right?
Heh.
"Honey… why are you smiling so… wickedly?" Whitney asked suspiciously.
She was nestled in his arms, her long neck and soft curves accentuated as she tilted her head up.
"Because… I feel like doing something wicked."
Without hesitation, Peter pulled her toward the restroom.
Since this was a special chartered flight escorting a newly appointed Pokémon Professor, they were the only passengers.
No public inconvenience involved.
Meanwhile, in the cockpit—
"…Strange. There's no turbulence. Why is the aircraft shaking?"
The pilot tightened his grip on the controls, sweating.
------
Two Hours Later — Eterna City Outskirts
The private aircraft landed smoothly.
Peter stepped off with Whitney in his arms, her cheeks flushed pink.
"Ow… babe, you're ruthless…" he winced, rubbing his side.
"Hmph… serves you right. That was in the restroom… I couldn't even stand properly…" Whitney muttered, face burning red.
"But you were clearly enjoying—"
"Mmph!"
She clamped a hand over his mouth.
"Not another word!"
After soothing her properly, they entered Eterna City.
It was already evening. They'd stay overnight and continue their journey tomorrow.
Over two months had passed since departure.
Six Gyms remained.
The Lily of the Valley Conference was nine months away.
On paper, Peter could travel leisurely.
But his goal wasn't merely placing well.
He intended to defeat Ash, Paul—
And even the mysterious Darkrai user, Tobias.
On top of that, he needed to reach Diamond rank in the competitive circuit to secure a World Championships berth.
Two months ago, that sounded like fantasy.
Now—
It felt achievable.
He would accelerate his journey.
Refine strategies.
Prepare thoroughly.
"Honey, can we have meat rice bowls tonight?~"
"No problem."
Life felt sweeter with Whitney beside him.
Then—
A cold snort cut through the air.
"Hmph… we meet again, Peter. Or should I say… Professor Peter?"
Peter turned.
A gray-haired boy in a blue coat stood there.
"Paul. Long time no see."
"I'll admit, your research achievements are impressive," Paul said flatly, glancing at Whitney. "But women only slow down your Poké Ball throw speed."
"Excuse me?!" Whitney's forehead twitched.
Peter squeezed her hand gently and looked at Paul.
"Whitney is my hidden backup energy source."
Simple words.
Unshakable tone.
Paul rolled his eyes.
"Big talk. Unless…"
"Unless I beat you?" Peter raised a brow. "If you want a battle, just say so."
"…Half an hour. Six-to-three selection battle. Pokémon Center battlefield."
He turned and walked away, hands in pockets.
Peter smirked.
Classic tsundere.
"Who's that, Honey?"
"Paul. A rival I acknowledge."
Behind them, Paul's steps slowed ever so slightly.
His bangs hid a faint narrowing of his eyes.
His pace quickened.
-----
Thirty Minutes Later — Pokémon Center
Whitney stood at the referee's podium.
"Professor Peter of Goldenrod City versus Paul of Veilstone City! Six-to-three selection battle! Both trainers, release your six Pokémon!"
Poké Balls opened in unison.
Twelve figures emerged in flashing light.
Teddiursa, perched on Peter's shoulder, watched with longing. It had nearly outgrown infancy and would soon join training.
Peter's six stood ready.
Paul's lineup revealed familiar faces:
Electabuzz. Chimchar. Ursaring.
And three newcomers:
Torterra. Weavile. Murkrow.
Their aura was unmistakably stronger.
Peter nodded inwardly.
In the anime, those three had challenged Cynthia alongside Paul.
Clearly, he had transferred them from home for this battle.
Especially Torterra—
His starter.
Veteran of multiple regions.
A force not to be underestimated.
Peter's eyes narrowed as system data appeared:
Electabuzz — Lv.39
Chimchar — Lv.29
Ursaring — Lv.38
Torterra — Lv.53
Weavile — Lv.48
Murkrow — Lv.43
?!
Gym-tier Torterra.
Two Elite-tier Pokémon.
Peter inclined his head slowly.
Six-to-three selection format.
Each trainer sees the opponent's six—but not their items, abilities, or movesets.
Team composition, synergy, coverage—
All critical.
Choose poorly, and you're countered instantly.
Like Ash versus Leon in the World Coronation finals—
Known teams.
Unknown picks.
Calculated risk.
Peter studied Paul's lineup carefully.
A mistake here—
Would cost him dearly.
--------------
T/N:
Support the Story and Read 40+ Chapters early on P@treon:👉[email protected]/MPHFics