Pokemon: Ace's Adventures!

Ace and the girls were gathered inside the Pokémon Center's private training ground, all eyes fixed on the Pokéball resting in Ace's hand. It was the Pokémon he had won from the tournament—his prize for becoming the champion of the Celadon City gamers tournament.

After the tournament had ended, the announcer had personally handed Ace the Pokéball, along with a small card, telling him, "If you ever need a favor, just call me." Ace had accepted it without much thought, assuming it was just a courtesy. What he didn't realize, however, was that the announcer was none other than Proton, one of Team Rocket's high-ranking executives. Proton had taken an interest in Ace, and this was just the first step—he had plans to extend an invitation to Ace in the future.

Sitting cross-legged on the floor, May leaned forward with sparkling eyes. "I wonder what Pokémon it is!" she said excitedly, her voice filled with curiosity.

Dawn nodded. "It could be anything… maybe even something rare!"

Ace smirked, spinning the Pokéball on his finger. "There's only one way to find out."

With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the Pokéball into the air. It opened with a flash of white light, and as the energy took shape, the group gasped in unison.

Standing before them was a Lapras.

The Pokémon blinked its large, gentle eyes before tilting its head slightly, observing Ace with innocent curiosity.

The girls immediately squealed in delight.

"Kawaii~!" May and Dawn chimed together, their hands clasped as they gazed at the Lapras with hearts practically in their eyes.

Serena smiled warmly. "Lapras are so rare! The League usually preserves them because of poaching… It's incredible that you have one now, Ace."

Ace was just as stunned. Lapras were known to be highly protected by the Pokémon League due to their dwindling numbers. Most trainers could only obtain one through special League distributions, and yet—here it was. His Lapras.

Lapras let out a soft, melodious cry before gently nudging its head against Ace's hand.

Ace grinned and placed his hand on its smooth, cool head. "Welcome to the team," he said, rubbing its head affectionately.

Lapras closed its eyes in contentment, pressing closer to him. Smeargle, who had been watching, casually walked up and patted Lapras' shell with a nod, as if giving its silent approval. The girls joined in as well, gently stroking Lapras while continuing to admire its beauty.

Still in awe, Ace pulled out his Pokédex and scanned it.

[Name: Lapras, the Transport Pokémon.

Description: They have gentle hearts. Because they rarely fight, many have been caught. Their numbers have dwindled.

Type: Water/Ice.

Ability: Hydration.

Gender: Female.

Held Item: Damp Rock.

Moves: Water Gun, Sing, Ice Shard, Confuse Ray, Brine, Ice Beam, Body Slam, Rain Dance, Perish Song, Ancient Power, Fissure, Freeze-Dry, Horn Drill, Sparkling Aria, Dragon Dance, Substitute.]

Ace's eyes widened.

"What the…?" he muttered under his breath, staring at the Pokédex screen in disbelief.

May peeked over his shoulder. "Wait… that's stacked."

Serena leaned in as well. "Ace… isn't this Lapras way too strong to just be a random tournament prize?"

Dawn crossed her arms, deep in thought. "It even knows Fissure and Horn Drill. One-hit KO moves aren't common at all, especially for a Pokémon that was just given away."

Ace frowned slightly. 'Yeah… this is way too good for a simple prize.'

What he didn't know was that Proton, the Rocket executive, had deliberately given him one of the best Lapras in Team Rocket's possession. It was all part of a bigger plan—to impress Ace, to make him feel grateful. And one day, when the time was right… Proton would make his move.

But for now, Ace simply placed a hand on Lapras' shell and smiled.

"You're amazing, girl," he said, grinning. "I think you'll fit right in."

Lapras let out a cheerful cry in response, her large eyes shining with happiness.

The team had gained a powerful new member. But little did Ace know, this was just the beginning of something much bigger.

The sun shone brightly as Ace and the girls pedaled along the road toward Fuchsia City. The fresh breeze brushed against them, and the chirping of wild Pokémon filled the air. Their journey had only just begun, but excitement buzzed among them.

Ace led the group, his Smeargle lounging lazily in the basket attached to his bike. Its tongue lolled out as it enjoyed the ride, completely unbothered.

May glanced at Smeargle and chuckled. "He's got the best seat out of all of us."

Dawn smirked. "No kidding. We're pedaling, and he's just chilling."

As they rode away from Celadon City, the scene shifted elsewhere…

A dark, quiet street in Celadon City. The usually lively game corner stood eerily still, its neon signs turned off. In front of the locked doors, two figures stood under the dim streetlights, wearing face masks.

One was dressed in a red hoodie with a cap pulled low, his crimson eyes sharp beneath the mask. The other had spiky brown hair and a confident smirk.

"Did you set up the barrier?" Red asked, his voice calm yet commanding.

Blue scoffed. "Tch. Of course. My Alakazam's been holding it for five minutes already."

Unseen to the public, an invisible Psychic Barrier had been erected, sealing off the entire Celadon Game Corner. No one inside would be able to escape.

Without another word, Red tossed a Pokéball into the air. With a flash of light, his Charizard appeared—a massive beast, three times larger than a normal one, its sheer presence exuding power that could make even legendary Pokémon wary.

Blue followed suit, releasing his Blastoise—an equally gigantic behemoth, its cannons gleaming under the dim lights.

Red crossed his arms. "Let's make this quick. I saw an interesting battle today, and I want to look into his information."

Blue raised an eyebrow. "Huh? If he caught your interest, he must be at least Champion level, right? Wonder if I can challenge him tomorrow."

Red shook his head. "No. He's nowhere near Elite, let alone Champion. But… there's something about him."

Blue sighed. "There you go again, being all mysterious. Dude, when are you gonna grow out of this chuunibyou phase?"

Red twitched. "I swear to Arceus, Blue…"

The two began bickering, as they often did, but their Pokémon paid no mind. With a mighty roar, Charizard and Blastoise unleashed their attacks, shattering the entrance of the Celadon Game Corner.

Tomorrow, the entire Kanto region would be shaken.

News would spread like wildfire: The hidden Team Rocket headquarters beneath the Celadon Game Corner had been raided. Not by the police. Not by the Pokémon League. But by Champion Blue and Pokémon Master Red.

Even more shocking? They had captured Rocket Executive Proton.

Poor Proton…

He had grand plans to recruit Ace, recognizing the boy's immense potential. He had even gifted him one of Team Rocket's best-bred Lapras, hoping to leave a lasting impression.

Yet now, instead of watching his plans unfold, he lay battered and unconscious, defeated by both the strongest Champion and the Pokemon Master.

Tough luck, Rocket Executive.