Release That Pokémon!

{T/N: As of this moment, this Translation is still rated 0 stars due to the lack of Reviews, just like the other fics that I stopped Translating... Here goes my motivation...}

...

"Machamp, use Cross Chop!"

The battle officially began...

Remembering how Wattson had been completely crushed that day, Brawly decided to strike first and not let his opponent gain the upper hand.

Machamp crossed its muscular arms into an X-shape and charged fiercely toward Dragonite.

Caleb commanded, "Fly up and use Hurricane!"

Dragonite exhaled sharply, its wings flapping rapidly as the surrounding air currents surged violently. In the blink of an eye, a visible white storm formed.

Fighting-types were weak to Flying-type moves, so it was double damage! Even Brawly had no counterplay against such a type disadvantage.

Machamp's advancing form was blown backward by the Hurricane. It planted its arms on the ground, trying to stabilize itself, but the gale-force winds slammed into it like a physical wall.

A patch of turf was torn from the ground along with Machamp's body as it was sent flying backward in the storm.

Brawly shouted to Machamp, "Hang in there!"

"Maaa cham!" Machamp struggled to its feet, panting heavily as it glanced at Dragonite in the sky.

Caleb continued, "Use Hurricane again!"

Brawly gritted his teeth, "Drop to the ground, now!"

The same scene repeated.

But this time, Machamp fared slightly better. By the time the hurricane subsided, it managed to rise again, though looking thoroughly battered.

"Let's end this. One last Hurricane!" Caleb ordered while using his Scout skill on the Machamp.

[Machamp (Female) – Lv. 51]

For the Pokémon to withstand three of Dragonite's attacks despite a type disadvantage... It meant this Machamp was exceptionally strong.

The final round concluded with Machamp's body sent flying, collapsing in front of Brawly with swirls in its eyes, unable to battle.

Brawly recalled Machamp into its Poké Ball, then pulled out a fist-shaped badge from another pocket and handed it to Caleb: "As proof of your victory, the Knuckle Badge is yours."

Caleb accepted it, then pretended to pocket it while actually storing it in his player-exclusive Inventory alongside the Thunder Badge.

Brawly watched the young man's retreating figure disappear down the street before turning to call Roxanne.

Roxanne was in a good mood today... she had just defeated two visiting trainers:

<...Yeah? What's up?..>

Brawly hesitated before speaking, "I lost. You're probably next."

<...What?..>

Roxanne was confused at first, but realization quickly dawned. Her eyes widened as she exclaimed:

<...No way!..>

Brawly sighed helplessly and said, "I had no choice. My team is all Fighting-types. That Dragonite just kept spamming Hurricane from the air... I couldn't even get close."

Roxanne: "..."

She took a deep breath before finally saying:

<...Alright, got it. I'll be ready...>

....

Caleb caught the last ferry to Rustboro City...

Standing on the deck, feeling the sea breeze, he pulled out the phone he'd bought a few days earlier and dialed Finn.

The call connected quickly...

<...B-boss! Good afternoon!..>

Finn's voice sounded tense.

Caleb noticed this immediately, "What's wrong? Did something happen?" he asked...

...

Meanwhile, on the other end, Finn and Lorelei had arrived in Slateport early, but since Caleb hadn't left any contact details or address, Finn could only bring Lorelei to his detective agency and wait for his boss to reach out...

Hearing Calebʼs question, Finn glanced at Lorelei. He was unsure why this woman was looking for his employer... He coughed lightly and hinted:

"Boss, where are you now? What about that package you bought for me? I never got it!"

Lorelei saw right through the terrible acting. She extended her hand expectantly.

Finn hesitated before reluctantly handing over the phone...

...

Caleb found the exchange odd...

Just as he was about to ask, a familiar voice came through:

<...Caleb. Long time no see...>

Caleb recognized her instantly. He swallowed hard and asked, "You… remember me?"

Lorelei sensed something off. She pursed her lips, replying, "What are you talking about? How could we forget you? Lance has turned Kanto and Johto upside down looking for you. Did something happen?"

'So… these two Instances exist in the same world?!'

Caleb's heart pounded. He checked the date...

September 29, 2007 (Pokémon League Calendar).

He then replied, "I'm fine…"

Lorelei relaxed slightly. She continued, "Where are you? I'll come find you."

Beyond ensuring Caleb's safety, she had many unanswered questions... like how he left the Dragon Holy Land, and how he ended up in the Hoenn Region…

She had checked all passenger lists and surveillance footage from the past months... However, Caleb's name and image were nowhere to be found.

Caleb also had questions for Lorelei. He replied, "I'm heading to Rustboro City now. Let's meet there."

....

~Five hours later~

Caleb met Lorelei at a café in Rustboro City...

Lorelei glanced at Lily who was beside him, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Lily noticed the gaze and hid behind Caleb.

Caleb pointed to a nearby play area, glanced at Lily, then softly said, "Lily-chan, go play over there for a bit. I need to talk with this lady."

Lily obediently took Plusle and Minun to the slides.

Lorelei studied Caleb, then spoke, "It seems like you've been doing well."

Caleb asked casually, "How's Lance? Is he okay?"

Lorelei: "A new villainous organization popped up in Johto. He's holding things down there... So he couldn't make it."

'A new villainous team… Probably Team Rocket resurging.' Caleb guessed.

But that wasn't his concern, so he didn't dwell on it.

Lorelei's gaze drifted to Lily who was playing on the slide. Her tone was deliberately casual, "What happened to the little girl who was with you last time?"

"She stayed in Alola. The warm climate suited her."

Lorelei nodded thoughtfully, sipping her coffee, "When did you come to Hoenn?"

Caleb wasn't sure how much time had passed since his last instance ended, so he improvised, "About two months ago. Needed a change of scenery."

Lorelei's sharp eyes locked onto him, "You left the Dragon Holy Land on the afternoon of August 13." she pointed out.

Today was September 29... The timeline didn't add up.

Caleb: "..."

It was his fault for not checking the date last time...

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Read ahead on my P@treon...

[email protected]/MayaMatengele01