Chapter 124

By time I left clearing behind an hour later, atop the back of Pidgeot and ascended into the skies-

I was in a great mood.

How could I not be? I earned some affection and even trust from Kabutops who would assure the other fossil pokemon I caught and make sure they settled in well. I learned about the great progress my pokemon back at Viridian City had went through. I and my stronger pokemon thoroughly asserted our dominance over Aerodactyl and put a bit of a curb in that bullyish attitude, and the backbone of my squad had evolved to her highest form.

The lots were in, and each and every single one of them was coming up Jord. Honestly, if the competition at the Indigo League coming up later down the line is anything like the first time Ash competed in it in the anime, then I don't doubt I could squash every trainer there easily.

I can just imagine it now, the huge trophy, the massive amount of prize money, the legions of people chanting my name in adulation.

That is my destiny in this world.

Honestly, at this rate, I doubt even the champions will be that hard for me to overcome in time. My knowledge, outside perspective and work ethic, has made for a lethal combo that nobody else can match for sure.

That was why, while I soared through the air atop Pidgeot's back towards Viridian City, I couldn't wipe the massive grin off of my face.

With Pidgeot's casual travelling speed, it wasn't long before we arrived back in Viridian City, just a mere two hours after he'd rested up a bit.

As we descended towards the main Pokemon Centre of Viridian City though, I was surprised.

There was a massive group of people and vehicles, even from just a casual glance I counted over thirty of them, and the lower we got, the more I was able to make out sets of equipment, people carrying cameras.

…What the hell?

There was a decently wide berth between them and the entrance itself though, big enough for Pidgeot to land, so I directed him there.

As soon as we landed though-

"It's him! I knew it!"

"Jord Odhar!"

"Jord, it's confirmed you have captured real living fossil pokemon, what have you got to say on that? Where did you find them?"

"Jord, care to comment on your incredible physical prowess, just how were you able to overpower a Dragonite and lift a Gyarados?"

"Jord, Viridian Daily, quick question!?"

"Jord, this is Kanto News I want to-!"

"Jord!"

"Jord!"

"Jord!"

As soon as we landed the mass of people practically swept towards us like a wave and an onslaught of questions and demands roared forth and practically drowned each other out.

…They were here to see me?

Nurse Joy never mentioned anything like this! You'd think she'd mention a massive amount of journalists lying in wait for me when I called.

Or was this her attempt to get back at me?

Heh.

'Jokes on her.' I thought with a smirk, I'm into this shit, not that I plan on giving them any interviews or answers.

That right belongs to Hilda first and foremost after all.

I crossed my arms smugly and opened my mouth to tell them 'no comment'. But before I could, the door to the pokemon centre itself opened opened and my eyes went wide as a a tall, wide shouldered man with gleaming crimson red hair and a billowing mantle hanging from his shoulders stepped out.

"Calm down everyone," Lance said simply, yet his voice seemed to boom out over the frenzy of questioning voices, "Don't crowd and overwhelm the young man."

What the fuck is Lance doing here?

And why the hell did the journalists practically freeze at his voice, why did apologetic, chastised or sheepish looks almost instantly appear across their faces as a whole?

"Ah, Champion Lance!"

"Apologies, I got ahead of myself."

One by one, various apologies left their mouths, and even more to my astonishment, was the fact, none of them looked like they were even doing it reluctantly.

It was like they were happy for him to scold them!

"Champion Lance, is there anyone you have your eyes on this season?"

"I've heard from sources one of your Dragonair recently evolved, can you please confirm?"

"Champion, there was a few sightings with you out with Elite Four Lorelei at a restaurant a few days ago, is this perhaps a spark of romance for you finally?"

Almost immediately, the spotlight shifted away from me to Lance, but unlike with me, they were…more polite. They started from the right and took turns, letting each other ask the questions without interrupting.

Motherfucker stole my attention.

Not that I was gonna answer any questions, but still, what the hell?

"There's actually a few who started out a few months ago I've been told by a reputable source have great potential," Lance answered casually with a smile that practically radiated an openness that drew one in, "Yes, one of my Dragonair did evolve recently, I've only had her for two years, a bit too soon I think actually, but perhaps it was just her time? And no, I'm afraid I'm not that lucky and I'm still a poor bachelor, that was just a small get together to talk and catch up."

Right away, with the ease and confidence he spoke, the casual replies, the tone of his voice that was light and open, not guarded, I could feel it.

The charisma that radiated from him.

So this is a champion, huh?