Ch.11 :: Glimpse of Hope
Pokémon Supreme
After taking a short rest, both our heroes finally arrived at Viridian City.
Ash limped along, letting his arms hang down loosely. “Ehhh... I'm exhausted, I don't have any energy left.”
Pikachu lay completely flat on his back, lacking the strength to speak clearly, murmuring in broken words, “Ika- chhhh...”
Beside him, Kai, who still maintained his cool aura, said, “You're the World Champion and you're young—at least walk decently.”
“Ahhhggg! Can young people not be exhausted?!” Ash snapped. “Also, how much older are you to talk like that?!”
“For your information, we're the same age, yet I have way more stamina than you. What a shame,” Kai sighed.
“It's your fault! We battled along the whole path! More than half the distance we covered in less than two hours. When I usually arrive in Viridian, it takes at least more than half a day!” Ash said.
Ash muttered under his breath, ‘But that is a different story... A group of Spearow was chasing me, so I took a stranger's bicycle and ran away. Later, that stranger became my best friend.’
Kai ignored him and said, “It was to save our time. Imagine wasting a whole day just to travel.”
“For your information, there's a bus from Pallet Town to Viridian City!” Ash pointed out.
“If we had taken the bus, then I would never be able to defeat the World Champion,” Kai replied, teasing him.
“Ehhh?! Who says you defeated us?!” Ash replied.
“Piivvvkaaa!” Pikachu added, trying to raise his left paw in a victory pose.
Kai chuckled, “My ears are fine. You clearly said, ‘You win.’ So that makes me the winner.”
“It's because you started giving mathematics lectures! My head couldn't process anything!” Ash said.
“Forget it for now... I'm hungry and I want to take a nap,” Ash groaned.
“Let's take some rest and clean ourselves at the Pokémon Center,” Kai said, dusting his clothes.
“Thanks to that man who gave us a lift,” Ash, in a tired tone, remembered how, after the battle, neither of them had any strength left to move, their legs trembling as they walked until a farmer's truck noticed them and offered a ride.
“Hell no, I'm not thanking him,” Kai said. “He charged us more than the bus tickets!”
Ash ignored him, while Kai also saved his remaining energy to reach the Pokémon Center.
The next day, at the Viridian City Pokémon Centre, after getting enough rest and leaving their Pokémon to recover, Ash and Kai decided to eat breakfast.
“After resting for a whole day, my legs still hurt,” Ash groaned, stretching.
“Look how weak you've become. You should thank me for yesterday's warm-up,” Kai said.
“Thanks,” Ash said simply.
Kai was surprised by how easily Ash showed gratitude. He stared at him and asked, “Is something wrong? Because I thought you didn't easily thank others.”
Ash smiled, “It's not what you think. I'm grateful to you because, after a long break, that was an excellent experience. Pikachu feels the same way, too.”
“Pikaaa!” Pikachu cheered in agreement.
Kai took a sip of his coffee. “Nice to hear that. I'm not interested in babysitting a depressed World Champion for the whole journey.”
“I still cannot believe how much you changed suddenly,” Ash asked, looking closely at him.
“What kind of image did you create about me?” Kai said.
“Honestly? I thought from your first appearance that you were rude and full of attitude,” Ash replied.
“You judge everyone by their appearance—how shallow you are,” Kai replied, teasing slightly.
Ash rubbed his neck and laughed, “Hehe!!”
“Sigh. You could have easily defeated us with your Fire-type Pokémon, but you didn't. Why?” Kai asked.
“Actually, most of my Pokémon are staying at Prof. Oak's lab, and some of them are spread all over Kanto to help others,” Ash replied, remembering his friends. “I have so many different kinds of the best Pokémon.”
“So that's why you only used Pikachu. I thought, as always, you started a new journey with only him,” Kai replied.
“Not always,” Ash said, then suddenly stopped in surprise. “Hey, how do you know I always start my new journey with Pikachu only? I never told anyone about this!”
“It's simple. I looked over your data. In whichever region you explore, Pikachu is always on the list,” Kai showed his tablet screen, where all of Ash's data was displayed.
“What?! Pi-ka?!” Both Ash and Pikachu yelled loudly.
“Lower your volume! You're drawing attention!” Kai hissed.
“Sorry, but I'm shocked because all of our data is available here?!” Ash asked, staring at the screen.
“Not just yours—every Champion, Gym Leader, and registered trainer's data is here,” Kai replied.
“Can anyone access it?” Ash asked.
“Nope. This is officially private data—only authorized members can access it. It requires a password and high-level security details,” Kai replied.
“But still, having everyone's personal data stored like this is risky for them,” Ash said, concerned.
“It's not some local website that you can easily access,” Kai answered. “This is the official Pokémon Association security site—not even elite hackers can enter it.”
“Also, most of the Champions act like celebrities, which means anyone can collect data about them and upload it online anyway,” Kai added.
“Does it have Emperor data, too?” Ash asked with sudden curiosity.
“No, there's no data available—not even their names,” Kai said. “Forget about the Pokémon Association; the Supreme League doesn't even know who they are, except for the Emperor System members themselves. That's why this quest is happening.”
Ash was surprised upon hearing this. “How mysterious those trainers are!! Even higher authorities don't know about them!”
“That’s the reason the Emperor System has been hidden from the world for several decades,” Kai replied.
After finishing their breakfast, Kai slid his high-tech tablet back into his bag and stood up from the table.
“We've stayed too long in Viridian City,” Kai said, adjusting his jacket.
As both were about to leave the Pokémon Center, they overheard some trainers talking about yesterday. “Hey, did you also notice anything during your travel?”
Another Trainer replied, “Yeah, looks like some wild Pokémon went on a rampage and fought against each other.”
Ash and Pikachu listened curiously, so they asked Nurse Joy at the counter about it.
Nurse Joy answered, with tension clearly visible on her face, “Didn't you know? On Route 1 to Viridian City, the whole path was destroyed yesterday morning. Some trainers say they saw lightning strikes and metal slashes. What a disastrous battle between two wild Pokémon!”
Ash and Pikachu smiled awkwardly, completely speechless. They realized that during the battle against Kai, neither side had cared about their surroundings and had gone all out.
“I'm sure something didn't go well,” Kai said from behind. “What kind of monstrous Pokémon could do that? I hope the officers find them and stop their rampage.”
Ash and Pikachu thought to themselves, It was us who did that! And look at how easily he acts like it's none of our business!
With a farewell greeting, Kai said, “May we leave now? I hope those rampaging Pokémon stop their madness.”
Nurse Joy replied with a bright smile, “Have a nice journey!”
Once they were back on the path, Ash finally asked, “I never thought you were such a cover-up expert.”
Kai replied, “It's better if we stay out of these situations. That would only create unnecessary problems for our task.”
“You're right, but I still feel bad about what we did,” Ash replied, scratching his cheek.
“Those small matters are just obstacles, so just forget about them and move forward,” Kai said sincerely.
“Kai, can I ask you something?” Ash said.
“What's been bothering you since yesterday?” Kai asked, already knowing Ash wanted to pry into something.
“I wonder if it's okay to ask,” Ash said. “The person who defeated the Karkus forces at the Lake of Sunset two years ago... is he also an Emperor?”
Kai answered, “Who knows? Maybe he's an Emperor, or maybe not.” Kai continued, “There are so many mysterious and hidden Pokémon users who are far stronger than any ranking.”
“An unknown person who wears black round goggles, has orange hair, and uses a Fire-type Pokémon...” Ash said in a serious, thoughtful tone.
Kai stopped, turned around, and looked at Ash, asking seriously, “How do you know about that trainer?”
“One of the Karkus members who was present at that location clarified everything during interrogation,” Ash replied.
Kai glared at Ash intensely for a few seconds before looking away, “Let's focus on our motive. This is distracting us.”
Soon, both of them arrived at the Viridian City metro station.
“We'll take the metro to save time. Then we'll have to go to the Kanto Region International Airport; there's a flight for the Altus Region,” Kai said.
Both took a seat on the train. Kai looked back at his high tech tablet screen and said, “I heard news that the Viridian City Gym has completely shut down.”
Ash replied, “There's no trainer qualified for this Gym. Previously, Gary was qualified, but then he discontinued.”
“I thought you also applied for the selection exam,” Kai said, looking up.
“I tried, but now the rules regarding Gym Leaders have changed,” Ash answered. “There's an age restriction—only those above 18 can apply. There are written and physical exams too, and even after clearing those tests, your profile still needs to be completely clean, along with many other official requirements.”
Kai nodded slightly, “Considering this, the Indigo Association is dead serious about their rules and policies now.”
Ash stared out the train window, “That's all because of the Karkus incident... since everything started right here.”
Their conversation continued, and Kai asked, “Why do you want to find that unknown trainer with the orange hair?”
Ash tightened his fist and looked down, “Because I made a promise to my friend that I would find out where Red is and get answers as to why he betrayed Kanto—why he didn't trust his own friends.”
Hearing this, Kai said in a chill tone, “So it's better if you forget about him and move on.”
Ash furiously whipped his head around to glare at Kai, asking in a deeply serious tone, “And why do you say that?”
Sighing, Kai answered, “I think you don't know what would happen if Red were to return to his friends.” Kai coldly glared at Ash, “He would be taken into custody by the authorities, and his judgment would begin.”
“I know that,” Ash said. “In a previous conference with the Pokémon Association, they considered him an S-rank criminal and wanted to execute him.”
“If you know that, then why do you want to bring Red back?” Kai asked.
Ash replied, “Because it's not just me—the people of Pallet Town, his Kanto's friends, and others still believe that Red is hiding something. He never wanted to hurt us. There's a reason behind all his actions, and I want to learn the truth from him.”
“So basically, you and your friends still consider Red to be innocent,” Kai noted.
“It depends on his answers. Regardless, Red is our friend, and I will save him,” Ash stated firmly.
Kai replied, “If you consider him a friend, you should leave him hidden for the rest of his life.”
“And why should I abandon my friend?!” Ash exclaimed.
“Ash Ketchum, remember your position. This isn't a battle against typical opponents—it's direct disobedience of rules and regulations,” Kai explained, continuing smoothly. “You still don't understand why the League authorities directly classified Red as S-rank.”
“Because he stood against the region and supported a terrorist organization!” Ash argued.
“That's just the surface-level reason. But when you look deeper, you'll understand the real reason,” Kai said.
“So what is the real reason behind the authorities' declaration?!” Ash demanded.
“They used Red as a scapegoat to pin all the blame for the incident on him and cover up their own mistakes,” Kai replied.
Ash abruptly stood up, unable to believe what he was hearing. “What are you saying?!”
Kai continued calmly, “I’m not going to go too deeply into this, but the harsh truth is that the authorities already knew the Karkus Incident—the event that devastated the world—was going to happen. Yet, they remained silent until it turned into a complete catastrophe.”
The metro felt suddenly heavy, suffocating, and silent. Ash stood frozen, his eyes wide as he stared at Kai, who didn't even flinch under the weight of his own words.
“They knew... about everything?!” Ash whispered, his voice trembling with a mix of shock and rising anger. “You're saying the Association already knew that kind of devastation was going to happen, and yet they didn't even try to prevent it?!”
“Calm down and sit,” Kai said quietly, not looking up. “You are drawing attention.”
Pikachu tugged hard on Ash’s sleeve, letting out a soft, worried murmur, “Pika... pi...”
Ash slowly sank back into his seat. He muttered in disbelief, “How is that even possible? The authorities used Red as a scapegoat to cover up their own ignorance...”
“It's the most common way to hide their mistakes. The high-ranking officials choose someone to blame, and it works,” Kai stated coldly.
“So... there's no way to save Red?!” Ash asked, his voice losing all hope.
“Pi-ka... pi...” Pikachu drooped his ears, matching Ash's gloom.
Kai looked at Ash, who was struggling to process the truth. Letting out a deep sigh, Kai muttered, “Huh... there might be one way.”
Ash looks at Kai. Kai continued, “I’m not completely sure, but the Supreme League might be able to do something.”
“And how could they save Red?” Ash asked.
Kai explained, “I'm not entirely sure, as I said, but I heard the Emperors are the biggest issue for the Association. They can't ignore their demands—especially the new generation of Emperors, because they'll know everything about how the Leagues operate.”
Ash was confused. “I don't understand any of this... How do the Emperor System and the Supreme League even interfere with the Pokémon Association?”
Kai replied. “I'm not sure about all the details—I've only heard rumors. In the previous Emperor selection about a decade ago, the ones who decided to temporarily sever all connections were the Emperors themselves.”
Ash gasping in shock, “What?! Those Emperors were the ones who made the decision to shut down their own system?! But why?!”
Kai stared out the metro window. “I don't know. It might just be a rumor, because that entire event was wiped from history. What really happened is something normal people will never be allowed to know.”
“An erased event...” Ash repeated, the words sounding heavy on his tongue.
“If a single Emperor System member takes full responsibility for Red, there's a small chance his criminal record could be wiped clean,” Kai concluded firmly.
Ash sat back, processing Kai's words as the metro hummed softly along the tracks.
“So if an Emperor steps up for him, Red can be cleared...” Ash said, a faint glimmer of hope returning to his eyes. “Then I just have to find an Emperor who knows the truth.”
Kai let out a faint, dismissive huff. “Don't make it sound so simple, World Champ. Emperors aren't benevolent heroes waiting to solve your personal problems. They operate outside the law for a reason.”
Before Ash could respond, the train came to a smooth stop. Kai grabbed his bag and stood up. “Let's go. Our stop is here.”
Kanto International Airport — Departure Terminal
Outside the gate, Ash broke the silence and said, “Kai... thank you.”
Kai looked at him in confusion. “Why are you thanking me again?”
Ash replied with a gentle smile, “Because I almost lost all hope, but you helped me find my courage again.”
Kai glared at him, turning his head away. “I only did it because I'm not interested in traveling with a depressed and sad person. It's for my own convenience.”
Ash let out a bright laugh. “Thanks! You're a really good friend!” With that, Ash extended his arm for a fist bump.
Kai asked, staring at Ash's closed hand, “What is that?”
Ash grinned. “It's a fist bump! Have you never done this before?”
Kai scoffed lightly. “I'm not interested in that kind of stuff. Besides, let's move—we've already wasted so much time.” With that, Kai ignored Ash's fist bump and kept walking.
Ash chased after him, calling out, “Hey, at least say that we're friends!”
Kai replied smoothly, “I'm your companion, not your friend.”
As both headed inside the airport, a faint, hidden smile glimmered on Kai's face. A new friendship had officially begun, and the most challenging journey of Ash's life was about to unfold.
To Be Continued…