Pokemon: I Transmigrated Twice

At this stage, Lorelei's feelings toward Stephen have not yet developed into romantic affection.

After all, it's quite difficult for a young woman old enough for college to develop that kind of emotion for a boy who has just started high school.

However, Lorelei does have a strong fondness for Stephen, they share a deep sense of camaraderie and mutual understanding.

That being said, compared to her feelings for Lance, Lorelei does have a slight tinge of something more toward Stephen.

After all, she has known Lance since childhood, and sometimes, when two people are too familiar with each other, romantic feelings simply don't arise.

Not to mention that Lance is dragonsexual.

But when Lorelei saw the rumors about Stephen and Melony from the Galar League, she couldn't hold back anymore.

On the helicopter flying from Indigo Plateau to Pallet Town, Lorelei put down her phone with an expression of disbelief.

"Chairman, are you serious?"

Chairman Goodshow remained silent and pulled up the top-rated comment from the news discussion section.

["As everyone knows, Dr. Stephen is originally from Johto. However, a year ago, at the Alola Women's Achievement Awards, he publicly confessed to Lusamine, the president of the Aether Foundation. Within a month, he partnered with her to establish Rainbow Corporation, with TM as their first product, achieving great success. Dr. Stephen's career development is closely tied to Lusamine. And now, Chairman Rose, who has contributed nothing to the development of the Pokédex, somehow holds the publishing rights. Coincidentally, Melony, Galar's Ice-type Gym Leader, recently became a widow…"]

The second most liked comment read:

["When you were 14, you called her Gym Leader. When she was 14, she was already making Gym Leaders call her that."]

Lorelei's stunning face instantly turned into the subway old man face meme.

Good grief, the foreshadowing has been neatly wrapped up, huh?

Whenever something like this happens, netizens all turn into Sherlock Holmes.

"I was too careless! I didn't expect that little Rose to have such a hidden trick up his sleeve!"

Sitting across from Lorelei, Goodshow was still cursing Rose.

This time, he was genuinely furious.

From his perspective, Rose's actions were simply outrageous.

The Pokédex is a great invention that benefits not just trainers, but all of humanity!

How could Rose limit it to just two regions?

"I don't think Gym Leader Melony would do something like this, "Lorelei commented.

She had been paying attention to Melony from the Galar League, as they were both Ice-type specialists.

Among Galar's Gym Leaders, Melony was exceptionally strong, with skills approaching the level of an Elite Four.

Moreover, Lorelei didn't believe Melony would get involved in something like this when her husband's seven-day mourning period hadn't even passed.

"Regardless, that guy must have used some underhanded tactics!"

Goodshow's mustache trembled with anger.

"Sigh~ It's a pity you're not married, Lorelei… Oh wait, even if you were, it wouldn't work, since you don't have a dead husband…"

Goodshow muttered to himself, leaving Lorelei with a face full of black lines.

What the hell was this old man thinking?

Still, Lorelei couldn't help but worry—could Stephen have a thing for widows?

After all, Lusamine was also a widow…

When the League's official aircraft landed in Pallet Town, with the help of Officer Jennies clearing the way, Goodshow and Lorelei quickly arrived at Professor Oak's lab.

The gathered media reporters obediently stepped aside, but their shutter speeds increased dramatically.

The Chairman himself getting involved—things were getting more and more interesting.

Just as Goodshow was about to knock, he suddenly heard Stephen's voice from inside.

"Professor Oak, please sign this contract."

Moments later, Professor Oak's shocked voice rang out:

"F-Fifty percent!? T-That's too much! No, I can't accept this…"

Hearing this, both Goodshow and Lorelei were stunned.

Even with just these two lines, they could already guess what Stephen and Professor Oak were discussing.

"It's not too much. I just need to get the Pokédex built, but Professor Oak, you have much more to consider."

Stephen's voice carried a smile.

"From now on, the Pokédex will need constant updates with new Pokémon data. This enormous task will depend on you, Professor Oak, while I'll just sit back and relax."

Originally, the Pokédex was Professor Oak's invention, and currently, it only contained data on Pokémon from Kanto, Johto, and parts of Alola.

Not including Legendary Pokémon.

To collect information on the countless Pokémon in the world and upload them into the Pokédex, they would need Professor Oak and his team of protagonists.

"This…"

Professor Oak was still hesitant.

He felt that his contributions to the research process were far less significant than Stephen's.

Moreover, researching Pokémon was his duty—he shouldn't be compensated like this…

"Come on, Grandpa, just accept it! This is Brother Stephen's goodwill!"

Gary shouted from the side.

"Yeah, yeah! I'll help fill out the Pokédex too. Just consider it a little side quest before I claim my Champion title."

Blue flicked his bangs in a dramatic pose.

"Well… Alright then…"

Only after Professor Oak finally agreed did Goodshow knock on the door.

After spending over ten minutes discussing the matter, Goodshow finally understood that Stephen's decision to collaborate with Rose's Macro Cosmos Corporation had nothing to do with Melony.

Compared to Goodshow, Lorelei was the one who truly sighed in relief.

The two colleagues she respected the most—one was dragonsexual, and if the other had a widow fetish…

That would have completely broken her.

What kind of friends do I even have around me?!

But even though Goodshow now understood the reason, it didn't change the situation.

Because Lusamine's Rainbow Corporation had already signed a contract with Rose's Macro Cosmos Corporation.

The publishing rights and mass production were already in Macro Cosmos' hands.

Unless Rose relented, once the Pokédex was released in a month, only trainers in Alola and Galar would be able to purchase it.

"Getting that Galar nationalist to back down is as difficult as getting Lance to switch from Dragon-types to Fairy-types."

Goodshow shook his head with a bitter smile.

"Dr. Stephen, the private jet Chairman Rose prepared for you has arrived."

Oleana stepped in and added,

"Also, the item you requested—Chairman Rose has found it."

As Rose's unwavering supporter, Oleana felt uneasy about Stephen continuing to discuss matters with Goodshow.

If Goodshow somehow convinced Stephen to cancel his cooperation with Macro Cosmos, that would be a disaster.

Even though breaking the contract would require massive compensation, Rainbow Corporation had plenty of funds—thanks to TMs, they were rapidly catching up to industry giants like Devon Corp and Silph Co.

Besides, Rose didn't care about the penalty fees at all.

To prevent any accidents, it was best to get Stephen to Galar as soon as possible.

"One of my partner Pokémon is out playing. It should return in two days—would it be okay to wait?"

Stephen replied.

"This… Alright."

Oleana had no choice but to agree—this was an important client personally assigned by Rose.

"Um… Chairman, there's a journalist who wants to interview me but can't get in. Could you ask Officer Jenny to let her through?"

At that moment, Iono, who had just received a message, pleaded with Goodshow.

Goodshow hesitated for a moment—this little girl… Wasn't she the one Joker rescued and later filmed videos for Stephen?

"Uh… Sure, no problem. Officer Jenny, could you help with that?"

As a kind old man, and since this girl seemed close to Stephen, Goodshow had no reason to refuse.

But which journalist would ignore Stephen, the walking traffic magnet, and instead choose to interview this little girl?

Soon, a young girl with round glasses was led inside by Officer Jenny.

When the girl stepped in, Stephen, Will, and Karen all froze.

Mary?!

"Hello, Miss Iono. I'm the journalist who contacted you online for an interview. My username is 'Joker's Biggest Fan.'"

Ignoring the big names in the room, Mary walked straight toward Iono.

Upon hearing Mary's self-destructive online username, everyone present, including those younger than her, such as Blue, had a strange expression.

The chairman of the alliance and the elite were all here, yet she dared to use such a username? And even say it out loud!?

"Oh, oh, hello, hello..."

Iono, who was being interviewed for the first time, was a little nervous.

"I'd like to ask, what exactly happened in Veridian City at that time?"

After finding two small stools in a corner and sitting down, Mary took out a notebook and a pen to start her interview.

To be honest, the sight of two ten-year-old girls doing this looked just like kids playing pretend.

However, many people in the room couldn't help but glance in their direction.

"Yes, at the time, I saw a rainbow-like light emanating from the center of Veridian City. It was so beautiful that I wanted to see what was happening. Then, that masked person who used ice started fighting with Ho-Oh."

Iono exaggeratedly waved her hands while recalling the scene.

"Was it Joker who saved you?"

"Yes, yes! He was amazing! It felt like the moment they started fighting, half the city got caught up in it. I was blown away by the storm, and then Joker used some strange machine to shoot out spider silk and pull me back."

Recalling the power displayed by Ho-Oh and Pryce, Iono trembled like a Chihuahua.

But when speaking about "Joker," her face showed gratitude and excitement.

"Chairman, this..."

Officer Jenny leaned toward Goodshow.

Goodshow gestured for her to hold back for now.

"In your video, many viewers said they couldn't understand why the masked person suddenly stopped attacking despite having the upper hand. Since you were there in person, did you notice anything?"

Hearing Mary's question, Goodshow and Lorelei secretly perked up their ears.

Because the move Joker used against the masked person seemed similar to the one he used months ago in the Lostlorn Forest to take down Lance.

"At the time, Joker told me to stand farther away, so I didn't see clearly. It looked like they said something to each other, but the commotion was too loud, so I couldn't hear. I just saw the masked person throw a high-grade Poké Ball to Joker, and then they stopped fighting."

Much to Goodshow's disappointment, Iono also couldn't provide any definitive answer.

"One last question,"

Mary looked up and asked:

"Your video was taken down in less than a night. What do you think the reason was?"

As soon as she mentioned this, the expressions of the league members, led by Goodshow, subtly changed.

"Emmm... I don't know. The website just told me the reason was 'spreading false and misleading information.' But I didn't even edit it..."

Iono, completely unaware of the seriousness of the situation, pouted in confusion.

"False information, huh... Heh."

In Stephen and the others' impression, Mary had always had a personality similar to Hinata's. But at this moment, she let out a disdainful smirk like a rebellious girl.

However, in the next second, she returned to her usual polite and humble demeanor.

"Thank you for accepting my interview! I wish you success in making more great videos."

"Oh, no problem! By the way, Mary-chan, which news agency are you a reporter for?"

Iono asked curiously.

She was about the same age as her yet already a reporter? That was amazing!

"I'm the forum moderator and reporter for the Pokémon Forum and the Joker Fan Club."

Mary replied with a smile, leaving Iono completely dumbfounded.

Sticking out her tongue, Mary held her hands together and apologized:

"Sorry about that! The thing is, no TV station or media outlet is willing to publish articles that say good things about Joker. No one wanted to hire me, so I could only post online. If I told you the truth from the start, you probably wouldn't have agreed to this interview."

Iono: ...

Kanto is too complicated—I want to go back to Paldea!

After finally appeasing Iono and even exchanging personal contact numbers, Mary turned to leave.

As she walked away, she didn't spare a single glance at Stephen, Goodshow, Professor Oak, or any of the other big shots in the room.

Hmph! The league is full of hypocrites!

"Little girl."

Just as Mary was about to push open the door, Goodshow's voice suddenly called out.

He continued, "Joker is a member of Team Rocket."

Without hesitation, Mary fired back: "Who stopped the masked person?"

That casual counter-question left Goodshow completely frozen.

Before Goodshow could use Stephen to shift the topic, Joker fans had already developed their best rebuttal to haters: "Who stopped the masked person?"

Even Joker's harshest critics had to admit—there was no flaw in this argument.

People always say actions speak louder than intentions.

No matter Joker's identity or stance, one simple question remains—

When the masked person caused chaos in Veridian City, who stepped up?

"...That girl has grown a lot since the last time we saw her."

Will quietly commented while leaning next to Stephen.

"She's probably been quite busy these past few months."

Stephen watched Mary's figure quickly disappear into the distance, lost in thought.

"Will she be okay like this? Won't she be in danger?"

Karen couldn't help but ask.

To be honest, Goodshow was a kind person, but if it were some petty leader instead, who knew what they might do after being humiliated by a kid like that?

Will glanced at Karen awkwardly.

Whoa—you're worried about your love rival's safety?

Bzzzt— Bzzzt— Bzzzt—!

Just then, Goodshow's assistant handed him a phone.

"Chairman, a call from Johto."

Goodshow sighed, momentarily setting aside Mary's words as he took the call.

"Hello? This is—"

Five seconds later, his expression changed drastically, as if witnessing the end of the world.

"You said WHAT!?"

...

Ten Minutes Earlier, Goldenrod City, Johto Region

Speaking of which, this city had quite a connection to Stephen.

The Goldenrod Train Incident, which truly made Joker famous, happened right here.

It was also where he first met Will, Mary, and future Gym Leader Whitney.

But this city had another famous landmark—

The largest Pokémon research facility in the Johto region!

At a dimly lit alley on the street corner diagonally opposite the research headquarters building,

 a hooded girl, her upper face concealed, stood coldly gazing at the research building across the street.

 She looked as if she had walked straight out of the set of Assassin's Creed.

Judging by her physique, she seemed to be around the same age as Mary and Iono.

Suddenly, the girl threw out a Poké Ball.

 Emerging from it was none other than the pseudo-legendary dragon of the Hoenn region—Salamence!

The girl spoke coldly:

"Salamence, eliminate anything that approaches!"

Upon hearing its trainer's command, the Salamence soared high into the sky.

The girl pulled her hood further down, completely covering the upper half of her face, then briskly crossed the street, heading straight for the research building.

"Hey! Who are you?"

"This place is off-limits!"

The security guards stationed at the entrance quickly took notice of her and rushed forward to intercept them.

"Tyrantrum."

The girl said coldly.

"ROAR!"

A ferocious dinosaur-like Dragon Pokémon leaped out of its Poké Ball on its own, baring its massive fangs, dark energy seeping from its maw.

Crunch!

"CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!"

The iron gate barring the entrance shattered like a brittle biscuit under Tyrantrum's powerful bite!

The security guards' faces turned pale.

This wasn't just causing trouble—this was outright terrorism!

"Go! Hitmontop!"

"Mightyena, stop her!"

"Someone notify the director, now!"

As waves of Pokémon surged toward her, the girl once again gave a chilling command:

"Goodra. Altaria."

BOOM! BOOM!

Two more dragons emerged from their Poké Balls!

The three dragons charged forward like wolves among sheep, tearing through the security guards' Pokémon with ease.

"Noivern!"

Reaching the entrance, the girl threw out her final Poké Ball.

It was... Noivern!

The same Noivern that had escaped the Embedded Tower before!

"Dragon Pulse!"

The girl shouted.

Facing the towering building emblazoned with the League's emblem, Noivern unleashed a powerful Dragon Energy Blast from its mouth.

BOOM!

In an instant, the entire building shook violently.

Inside, countless researchers in white lab coats turned pale with shock.

W-What's happening!?

"Lord Rayquaza, we're here to rescue you!"

The girl leaped onto Noivern's back.

From her vantage point, she could now see it—the legendary Sky Dragon imprisoned in the deepest part of the top floor!

—Meanwhile, in a park outside the research building—

"I'm so tired from playing… We should probably go find Dad and the others now."

A boy, covered in dirt and appearing to be around the same age as Ash and Gary, called out to a girl.

The girl, dressed like a little princess and estimated to be around five years old, nodded.

"Mhm!"

Just as the two prepared to head toward the research building to find their parents…

High in the sky, Salamence, patrolling above, noticed them!