Pokémon: Chronicles of Freedom

Upon entering the Sycamore Pokémon Lab, the first things visible were several high-precision instruments and various Pokémon researchers busy with their tasks.

There weren't too many workers, and all of them seemed absorbed in their respective work.

When Cain entered, the Pokémon researchers continued with what they were doing until one of them, having finished his task, approached to receive him.

Cain remained mostly still and was also wearing the League Researcher uniform, which resulted in him being treated with considerable courtesy.

"How may I help you, sir researcher?" asked the Pokémon researcher, a man with thick glasses who, however, didn't have the air of a bookworm.

Cain nodded slightly out of courtesy and asked:

"Is Mr. Sycamore available?"

The Pokémon researcher showed a strange expression for a moment, but still responded:

"Yes, he's inside. I'll take you to him."

Cain noticed his expression and felt curious. What was that mix of a smile and slight discomfort about?

Without asking further, he followed the Pokémon researcher to a reception room. The man opened the door and announced:

"Mr. Sycamore, another researcher has arrived."

Another?

After saying this, the Pokémon researcher motioned for Cain to enter and then left to continue his work.

"Who is it?" came Augustine Sycamore's voice from inside.

Upon seeing Cain at the door, his face lit up with pleasant surprise.

"Cain! What are you doing here?"

"Cain?" another voice echoed from within.

"Lance!" Cain immediately recognized the voice.

It was none other than Lance, whom he hadn't seen in quite some time.

Augustine Sycamore smiled and welcomed Cain:

"Cain, it's such a pleasure to see you. Please, come in. You arrived at just the right moment."

Inside, sitting on a sofa with his eyes fixed on the door, was Lance, with his signature red hair and inseparable cape.

"Lance," Cain smiled at him and nodded, taking a seat next to him on the sofa.

Lance extended his fist. Cain, after a brief moment of confusion, understood and bumped fists with him.

"Cain, I heard about what you did in Kanto. Nice work," said Lance with a smile.

The mission at the Team Rocket's Grand Trade Market had originally been meant for Lance, but an important assignment in Kalos kept him from returning in time.

Lance had understood what the League was doing with Cain. More than a mission, it was also a test to evaluate his reliability. Although he was displeased with the Kanto League's way of doing things, he still lacked the influence to oppose it openly.

However, upon learning how Cain had handled the mission, he couldn't help but admire him.

Moreover, the information Cain had provided led the League to raid the Rocket base in Olivine City. Though some high-ranking members of that base managed to escape, the blow was significant.

Important documents regarding their research were recovered, allowing the League to better understand their movements.

Now, within the Kanto League, no one doubted Cain.

His position was secure.

Even within Team Rocket, Giovanni had made sure no one questioned Cain's undercover identity. Anyone who knew the truth and wasn't trustworthy had been sent to other regions, where they posed no threat to his cover.

Cain shook his head at Lance's words.

"It wasn't that big of a deal."

Augustine Sycamore, who had been listening silently, showed a spark of curiosity in his eyes.

Lance, noticing his expression, briefly explained what Cain had accomplished in Kanto.

When Augustine Sycamore understood the magnitude of what had happened, he gave a thumbs-up in approval.

"Seems like it wasn't just that," commented Augustine Sycamore. "I heard Cain is now also a Pokémon researcher. Looks like we'll be colleagues in the future."

"Really?" Lance showed a surprised expression.

Augustine Sycamore briefly explained how Professor Oak had shared Cain's research on the evolutionary method of Slowking and Politoed.

If it weren't for the fact that information about the Fairy type still couldn't be revealed, Cain would be even more famous in the Pokémon research community.

With both of them praising him nonstop, even Cain, with his usual composure, felt a slight blush.

"Alright, alright. One compliment was enough. If you keep this up, you're going to make me blush."

Cain had already secured his position within the League. Furthermore, Juan, the League President in the Hoenn region, openly supported him, making others from different regions hesitant to challenge him directly.

"By the way, Lance, what are you doing here?" Cain asked after a moment of conversation.

Lance sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"My mission was supposed to be over and I could return, but thanks to you..." he said with a mock-annoyed expression.

"Since you discovered the connection between Lysandre Labs and Team Rocket, the League decided I should stay and investigate further."

After a pause, he added:

"So now you have to help me investigate it."

Cain didn't fall for it.

"I already took care of the Team Rocket matter. Consider yourself lucky. Investigating a lab is nothing compared to that."

Lance was left speechless for a moment. Cain was right: infiltrating Team Rocket was far more dangerous than tracking leads on a lab.

Augustine Sycamore, who had been listening, showed a hesitant expression.

Cain noticed and asked:

"Mr. Sycamore, is there something you'd like to say?"

Augustine Sycamore nodded and replied:

"I've known Lysandre for a long time. He was a kind man, talented, and always helped those in need. But lately, he's changed. He no longer appears in public and has stopped supporting the underprivileged."

Augustine Sycamore's words made Cain recall Lysandre's story.

A man who once wanted to make the world a better place, but who, after being betrayed and disappointed by those he helped, became convinced that the world needed to be purified.

That's how Team Flare was born.

(End of Chapter)