"You're too late. Just now, a man wearing a smiling-face mask bought it."
Old He squeezed the words out from between his teeth, his heart twitching violently with regret.
"Which way did he go?" the masked man roared in fury.
The pale Old He raised a trembling hand and pointed to the left. He was too overwhelmed with heart-wrenching pain to say another word.
"Follow him! Find that man! No matter the cost, buy that Meowth statue from him!" the masked man commanded his subordinates.
"Yes, sir! We'll track him down immediately!" A group of men in suits and sunglasses quickly rushed in the direction Feng Che had gone.
Feng Che suddenly sensed people tailing him. Using his psychic powers to boost his speed, he swiftly maneuvered through the shadows and shook off the pursuers.
"Apologies, sir, we lost him," the men reported back to their leader shortly after.
"Forget it. If he's gone, he's gone. We'll find another way," the masked man muttered and hurriedly departed.
In another corner of the underground market, a figure appeared with a blue flash of light.
"If it weren't for Boss Giovanni insisting I inspect the black market periodically, I really wouldn't want to be here," Sabrina sighed, appearing out of nowhere.
"Wait... I sense a familiar aura. Could it be...?" Her eyes flashed with a blue psychic glow as she traced the signature.
Suddenly, the long-haired girl teleported directly into Feng Che's path. Having just shaken off his pursuers, Feng Che was walking fast and—caught completely off guard—slammed right into the girl who had materialized in front of him.
As she began to fall from the impact, Feng Che's instincts kicked in. He reached out, wrapping his arm around her waist to steady her, while using his own psychic energy to anchor their balance.
The girl froze, her breath hitching as she was pulled into a firm, protective embrace. For a brief second, the only sound was the synchronized thump-thump of two hearts beating fast.
"Miss, I am terribly sorry. It's quite dark here, and I wasn't looking where I was going," Feng Che said hurriedly. He pulled his arm back, retreating two steps with a sheepish, embarrassed expression.
"I... I'm fine. Though being hit like that does hurt a bit," Sabrina said, rubbing her shoulder. Since awakening her powers, she had almost forgotten what physical pain felt like. Oddly, she felt a lingering tingle, like a faint electric current, where he had touched her.
That voice? Feng Che's heart skipped a beat.
"Lady Sabrina! It's you. I am truly sorry," Feng Che said, looking up and offering a guilty smile. Sabrina won't hold a grudge, will she? he worried. He realized he had probably overreacted; with her powers, she wouldn't have actually fallen.
"Feng Che? Why are you here?" Sabrina's brow furrowed slightly. "And... are your previous injuries healed?" She had never forgotten that he was severely hurt while protecting her.
"I'm completely healed now," Feng Che said, relieved she wasn't angry at his clumsiness. "Leader Giovanni sent me to the Johto region to investigate the Lake of Rage base. I was just passing through and stopped by the market for some medicinal ingredients."
Since he'd been spotted, Feng Che removed his mask, revealing his handsome face.
"I see. The Lake of Rage is Pryce's territory. This mission won't be simple; be careful," Sabrina said, her lips thinning with a trace of worry.
"Is Lady Sabrina worried about me?" Feng Che teased. He knew Sabrina had been immersed in her powers since childhood and had few friends, leading to her aloof personality. Beneath the cold exterior, he knew she yearned for genuine connection.
"I'm just worried you'll embarrass me since you're technically my subordinate," Sabrina replied, her cheeks flushing. Her heart raced, and she looked away, trying to hide her agitation.
"Don't worry, I've never failed a mission. Just wait for the good news," Feng Che said with a confident grin.
Looking at his spirited expression, Sabrina couldn't help but smile. The dim light hit her face, illuminating her blushing cheeks and clear eyes like a rose drenched in morning dew.
"Lady Sabrina, you're quite cute when you smile. You should do it more often," Feng Che said sincerely. In the games and manga, she was always cold and distant; this was the first time he had seen such a pure, charming smile from her.
"I... I'll keep that in mind. Just be careful; Pryce is ruthless," Sabrina whispered. She felt a strange sense of liberation, as if a wall she had built around her heart had finally crumbled.
"I'll be cautious. I'll report back to you once the mission is done," Feng Che noticed his pursuers were closing in again. He gave her a quick nod and vanished into the crowd.
"He's my subordinate... it's normal to worry," Sabrina whispered to herself, though an unfamiliar restlessness tugged at her heart as she watched him disappear.
Feng Che emerged from the underground market shortly after. I still have some time. Where to next?
His mind immediately went to the purest town in Kanto: Pallet Town.
I should see how Red, the 'Child of Destiny,' is doing. In the original timeline, Fuji met with an accident and Blaine became a Rocket scientist. But since I saved Fuji, Blaine is still a Gym Leader. Most Leaders have ties to Rocket except for Misty, Brock, and Erika. Strength is the only law in this world.
He also thought of another destined figure: Kris. She was currently working at a struggling orphanage and would eventually be recruited by Professor Oak to catch Pokémon.
If I visit Oak now, maybe I can hire Kris first and act as the middleman, he smirked.
Pallet Town
Feng Che arrived to find a group of kids gathered together. He instantly recognized the ringleader: Red. Red was currently using a Poliwhirl to battle a Nidorino.
"Watch closely! We weaken it first, then use the Poké Ball!" Red shouted.
The black-haired boy commanded his Poliwhirl to use Water Gun to distract the Nidorino before successfully making the catch. The kids around him cheered.
The plot is just beginning, Feng Che thought. He didn't disturb the children and walked straight toward the hill.
Professor Oak's Laboratory
Feng Che rang the bell. "Who is it?" Oak's booming voice came from inside.
"Hello, Professor. My name is Feng Che. I'm a new trainer, and I've found a Pokémon I've never seen before. I was hoping to consult you," Feng Che said sincerely. He knew Oak would reject a random visit, but a rare Pokémon was the perfect "knock on the door."
Oak, owning a Champion-level Dragonite, wasn't afraid of intruders. He met Feng Che at the gate.
"A rare Pokémon? If it's just a common one, I'll be quite cross. I'm very busy," Oak grumbled.
"Professor, I found this Pokémon. It looks like a Vulpix, but... different. Is it a shiny?" Feng Che handed over his Alolan Vulpix.
Oak was instantly mesmerized. "Oh! This Alolan Vulpix is beautifully raised! Its coat is magnificent! This isn't a shiny; it's a regional variant from Alola. Extremely rare in Kanto! Where did you find it?"
"I hatched it from an egg I bought at the Celadon Breeding Center," Feng Che lied smoothly. Since the center had just gone through bankruptcy and auction, his claim was untraceable.
"Come in, have some tea," Oak said, delighted by the boy's calm, clear gaze. His irritation at being interrupted vanished. "So, how many badges do you have?"
"None yet," Feng Che smiled sheepishly.
"Ah, what a pity. If you were stronger, I'd have a mission for you. I'm too busy with research to go out and catch Pokémon lately. I need a capable trainer to help me fill the Pokédex."
Catching Pokémon? Isn't that what he eventually asks Kris to do? It's starting early, Feng Che thought.
"Professor, please, give the task to me! I may not have badges, but look at my Vulpix. I have the strength and the confidence to get it done."
Oak looked into the boy's eyes. He saw a mirror of his own younger self: confident, ambitious, and hungry for recognition.
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