COMPLETE: Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story: Completed

[FusengerShadow]

Note: this came from a random thought I had about why Professor Oak requires in the games that Pokedex holders catch as many Pokemon as possible, including (although not explicitly stated) legendaries. From this, I came up with the basic concept of what follows...

Part I: The Project

Samuel Oak. Doctor of Pokeology. Founder, professor, and lead researcher of the Pallet Pokemon Institute and Preservation Park. The entire world, from the neophyte trainers to the executives of the National Pokemon Alliance that oversaw the regional leagues, all looked up to him. They admired his dedication to expanding the world's knowledge and understanding of Pokemon.

But as he sat in his laboratory, monitoring his many Pokemon playing in the park grounds, he couldn't help but chuckle to himself. After all, even his fellow researchers had no idea what he was really up to.

Deep in his heart, he knew all his altruism, and all of his work, was a sham. Then again, it was a facade of his own construction. If anyone knew what he was up to, well...but it didn't matter, because they did not nor would they ever know. At least, not until Oak wanted them to.

The real reason he collected so many Pokemon...the real reason he had trainers from all over the many regions gathering information for him on all the various kinds of species...was because he was using them all. Pokemon and trainer alike were all pawns in his great and terrible game. And the game would not be over until he was in control of it all.

Yes, this apparently kind and grandfatherly man really wanted to take over the world. But not because he was angry or bitter. He didn't see humanity as completely without merit, nor did he harbor any deep-seated anger toward Pokemon.

In all frankness, he was just bored.

Oh, he did have the intelligence. There was never any doubt about that; he finished top of his class at Viridian State. And the wisdom he accumulated over his decades of training his own Pokemon and taking care of those sent to him by his *ahem* research assistants was unparalleled. That was part of the problem. His legacy had been established. The rest of his life looked to be static, if not headed for a downward slope once the years caught up to him. Oak was never one to want to head anywhere but forward. So, more than 12 years ago, he began this little plan of his, thanks to his grandson Blue and his rival Red. Both were big benefits to his new research. Oak often thought of them fondly as their prize catches - the legendary birds, Mew, and the clone Pokemon Mewtwo - all floated overhead, acting as overseers for the myriad other creatures that shared the park grounds.

Yes, the professor knew the dangers of catching the rarest of the rare Pokemon...he knew how deeply some of them were tied to specific spots and various aspects of the world. Heck, he'd even pondered how exactly it was that a Pokeball made of normal matter would be able to contain the Master of Antimatter itself, Giratina. Amazingly, the math proved it possible, although naturally, he kept this knowledge to himself. If anyone knew he had even been researching ways to locate and contain the Pokemon God Arceus, the facade would have been shattered.

Ah, yes, the Arceus Project. The one piece to the puzzle that he was missing. And the one piece he could not leave in the hands of any trainer, because of the potential dangers, not just to his plans, but to the Pokemon world itself. Fortunately, he still had what he needed. He had found the way to summon the God Beast. He had tricked trainers into letting him "study" the mystical plates so that he could get the clues he needed. And now, it was almost time to come face-to-face with the most powerful Pokemon in existence.

He stood up and headed straight for his secret elevator, the one that only went to one floor: his hidden workroom, separate from the main (and public) laboratory. Here he had hidden the necessary devices: his custom Pokeball from 12 years ago, still unused and now further modded to accept the God Beast's power. Next to it lay the fruit of his research, an Azure Flute, upon which he had practiced the tune he had figured out from the inscriptions on the plates. And on the computer screen, a map indicated the precise place he needed to be...the very top of Sinnoh's Mount Coronet, the place known as Spear Pillar. Oak picked up a bag near the computer and placed the Pokeball and Azure Flute therein. The only trick now was to get up to the place where no Pokemon could fly...and do it without being noticed.

But if there was one thing Dr. Samuel Oak loved, it was a challenge. And after all...what greater challenge was there than the capture of a god?

To be continued, depending upon reception...

 

[TeamGalacticMercury]

Re: Secret Ambition

"...... .............." That is what Red would say in HG. It is also what I say. ...... (blink) ........(blink-blink) ........ Did I read that correctly? Oak....EVIL???? ....nice work! That is what I call original!!

 

[FusengerShadow]

Re: Secret Ambition

Yeah, it's an odd but interesting concept I came with upon remembering that Professor Oak seems to be the only professor who is concerned with having the player catch as many or all of the Pokedex in his regional dexes and the National Dex...legendaries included. I kinda hybridized the game world and the anime world here, with the game elements surrounding Oak and his anime personality both playing equal roles.

Part of the reason I stopped where I did, though? I need time to let my brain catch up to itself. lol

 

[FusengerShadow]

Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story (Part II)

Note: I know that this is not a precise recreation of the ascent to Spear Pillar as in D/P/Pt. Keep in mind, though, that mountains can be climbed in many different ways. I have tried to keep the important parts the same in in the Gen IV games, but for the things that are different, keep in mind: this is a secret mission. Of course he's not going to go the road most traveled.

Part II: Ascension

Sinnoh. Mt. Coronet. The tallest mountain in the entire country. Legends said that its height ascended even to Heaven itself. With the peak hidden within clouds at a height no Flying Pokemon could reach, it was no wonder such a legend existed. Samuel Oak knew all too well about this place; enterprising trainers, after all, had provided him with the Lords of Time and Space, also found on Spear Pillar, but he had never been there himself. Soon, that would change...he would come face to face with the God Beast. But first, he had to make his way to the top.

Fortunately, the professor had remembered to bring his Pokemon with him. From his own journeys, he still had many Pokemon who were unquestioningly loyal to him...creatures that would not falter at the task of taking on Arceus itself. They knew all the moves he needed to make it up to the top of Mt. Coronet. It seemed to be a difficult task, but if there was one thing Oak was sure of, it was his Pokemon were more than capable. He tossed a Pokeball straight up and caught it again, ready to send out his first monster and make the ascent.

"Go, Gibraltar!" With a strong flick of his wrist, Professor Oak tossed the Pokeball toward the mountain. It split and burst with a flash of light, a giant, strong Golem faded into view. This was one of Oak's oldest and best Pokemon; it had grown quite powerful since he'd caught it as a Geodude in decades past. Oak placed his hand gently on Gibraltar's hard rocky exterior and smiled. "Let's go, old friend. Use Rock Climb." Gibraltar grunted an acknowledgement and dug its claws into the stone face of the mountain. Oak found solid hand and foot holds and clung to the Pokemon for dear life as it raced up the cliff.

It wasn't too long before they had reached the upper cliffs of Mt. Coronet, and predictably, being above the alpine line, it was very cold and snowing. But Oak had been prepared for this, too...he returned Gibraltar to its Pokeball, then pulled another one off of his belt. In weather like this, it would be useful to have a Fire-type Pokemon. Fortunately, the professor did. "Let's go, Ignitia!" The energy flash from the Pokeball subsided, revealing a very stunning, well-groomed Rapidash. The fiery horse Pokemon affectionately nuzzled her trainer, and Oak couldn't help but smile. Not only would she be able to help keep the professor warm in this arctic freeze, but she was swift and powerful, two quantities he knew he'd need when facing the God Beast. In a quick motion, he climbed up onto the blazing unicorn's back, and the two trotted into a nearby cave.

He could see a trail leading upwards inside the cave, thanks to Ignitia's light, but parts of it were blocked off by large boulders. Oak sent Gibraltar out again, then instructed him to stay close but to go ahead of him and the Rapidash. Golem nodded to confirm, then slowly walked up the inclined pathway; Oak directed his dear horse Pokemon to walk along behind it. It wasn't too long before they came to a sizable boulder...fortunately, with Gibraltar's great strength, it was easy to shove aside. A second boulder was a little tougher, but Gibraltar could easy Strengthen himself further to move it out of the way. The third one, however, was far too tough even for the giant boulder Pokemon. But that was fine; he had another old friend to take care of that.

Oak had Gibraltar return, then sent out yet another of his most loyal Pokemon: this time, a fierce and sparkling green Machamp. Oak had a special nickname for this one..."Hulk, smash that rock." The Machamp roared and obliged, thrusting a large and energized fist at the boulder. A few sharp, powerful punches reduced the obstacle to mere gravel...as the Professor knew would happen. Seeing no further obstructions, Oak used his Pokeball to send out the energy beam that drew his massive monster back into its petite containment.

Together, he and his fiery mare continued upward until they saw what appeared to be steps carved out of the living rock. Unfortunately, between them and the long flight was a small lake. Being made of fire, Ignitia understandably balked at fording the body of water herself, so Oak dismounted. "It's okay, Ignita. Rest for the battle ahead." He sent her back into her Pokeball, then called forth his pride and joy, the Blastoise he found early in his first Pokemon journey. "Let's ride, Waverunner!" The Blastoise grunted in reply, then motioned to his back. Oak, knowing full well what Blastoise was about to do, climbed on and let his old friend Surf across the watery expanse.

When on the other side, Oak jumped off and returned Waverunner to his Pokeball. He then turned and looked up the long flight of stairs. He could see the sky, bright blue and clear, signifying the exit from the cave and the way to Spear Pillar. His old heart pounded with excitement. This was it! He was about to meet and catch the last of the known Pokemon! Once he did that, his work would be complete...with the God Beast Arceus under his control, he could finally break the facade and become the Master of Pokemon he dreamed of being. The world, splintered and fractured by so many painful divisions, would be healed under his control. And his legacy would be the ultimate legacy. A legacy of power and Pokemon.

Most importantly, he could make his own chaos to cure his boredom.

He checked his belt to make sure all of his Pokemon were there and standing by, even the one he hadn't yet had to send out. He'd need his entire team to take on Arceus...even this special Pokeball would need a weakened Arceus to work. Oak's strategy was solid; as far as he'd calculated, it couldn't possibly go wrong.

So he climbed the stairway to heaven, ready to come face to face with the closest thing the Pokemon World had to God.

(Note: Led Zeppelin reference so intended.)

To be continued...

 

[SerenaKetchum]

Re: Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story: Part II now up!

I like it! Interesting concept indeed.

 

[TeamGalacticMercury]

Re: Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story: Part II now up!

Yay! I love led Zepplin!!! Okay, that sond is...Stairway to Heaven!!! I love both the original and the Celtic Tribune version!

Anyway, all that aside, nice chapter!!!

 

[Gama]

Re: Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story: Part II now up!

Great story - is this a three part one shot (a three shot if you will) or is it going to be a series?

I'd be really interested to see where you're going with it if you intend for it to be a series. If it's just going to be a one shot in a few parts I can see this becoming, although very interesting, very predictable.

 

[FusengerShadow]

Re: Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story: Part II now up!

I intended this pretty much to be a one-shot fic, but I split it up into a multi-parter largely because alas, I don't have time to write the whole thing out at once, and I needed to carefully think through the logistics of each part.

I don't know if I will do more with this concept when I'm done or if I'll move on to something else, as to be honest, the concept itself was a mere product of my inner randomness. lol

 

[FusengerShadow]

Secret Ambition - The Professor Oak Story: Part III

Obligatory author's notes: please pardon the double-post again, but well...new part warrants a bump, no?

Part III - My Eyes Have Seen God

Spear Pillar was eerily quiet, with no wind to circulate the thin air. Yet Oak found himself not having much trouble breathing, as if his lungs were strengthened by his determination and the magical nature of this place. Here was the conduit to other dimensions, where time, space, and antimatter had manifested themselves as the Cosmic Trio of Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Nestled above the clouds, this place was as close to heaven as one could get and still be on Earth...and for that matter, still be in a physical body. The professor felt the excitement within him crackling like electricity. His moment was soon to come.

Oak set his pack on the ground and began to remove the mystical Element Plates he had also brought along. He had packed the plates with him, as together, they held the clues to the song that would reveal Arceus. One by one, he laid the artifacts down on the ground around him, encircling him in a sort of mystical spell boundary. He knew that in order to control Arceus, he would need all of its plates, as the Legendary God Beast used these items to wield its power for all creation. After having set the last plate down, he returned to his pack once more to remove the last two items: the Mod Ball, and the Azure Flute. As he stood up, he prayed a silent prayer to Arceus that he would reveal him. Then without any further ado, he closed his eyes and raised the flute to his lips.

As he began to play the Plates' tune, the Pokemon scientist was very grateful that he took flute lessons when he was young; such a skill often helped him quell disputes between the various species of Pokemon on his estate grounds. He knew from personal experience how Pokemon could be touched and calmed, or occasionally energized and even healed, by the power of music. He'd even taught a Chatot how to sing along with his playing. Knowing this, he had no doubt in his mind that this song would reach across the dimensions from this holy place to the highest heaven itself, to touch the heart of the Creation Pokemon. Indeed, the songs power was quite evident, as the plates around him glowed and hummed, then levitated off of the rocky ground. Oak opened his eyes at the conclusion of the song to see the multicolored platters rise up even further into the sky, then quickly disappearing into a blip of light in a line. The silence was almost tangible, making the previously excited Professor Oak begin to feel somewhat uneasy.

Suddenly, a bright light split the sky, nearly blinding the elderly man with its brilliance. From this light descended a massive staircase, even longer than the one he had climbed to reach Spear Pillar. The top of the staircase remained enshrouded in light, as if beckoning Oak into Paradise itself. It was all he could do to take even one step forward, but from then on, the steps came easier, as a little at a time, he ascended the long, majestic flight. The shining portal at the top continued to call to him...and he was more than eager to heed its call. Before long, he burst through the light into the God Beast's dimension...and what he saw as he looked around astounded him.

All around were constantly shifting swirls of every color imaginable, merging into white easily and splitting endlessly with equal ease. Despite no presence of a sun or a moon, light permeated the entire dimension, and there was no shadow anywhere. Beneath him was a translucent floor, seemingly made of crystal tiles bounded together with gold, only barely obscuring more swirls of light and color. No trace of the portal or the stairway was left...he was isolated in this beautiful dimension, a place he could stay in forever.

If, of course, he didn't have a mission to complete.

But the centerpiece of it all, encompassed in the 16 Elemental Plates and glowing with power, was the master of this domain itself. Arceus, the progenitor, the first and the last of all Pokemon. The God Beast itself. Professor Oak had waited so long for this moment, but he had never imagined it quite like this. Finally seeing this nigh-omnipotent creature with his own eyes was almost to much for him. But the Origin's voice in his head quick snapped him out of his awe.

Professor Samuel Oak, the voice intoned within his skull. Long have I awaited your arrival here. Indeed, I know why you are here, and I know how you have one of every kind of my children except for me. I know of your work and your accomplishments, and I commend you for all that you have done for Pokemon. I also admire your caring heart toward even those creatures who are not your own. So, Professor...do what it is you must do. But know I know everything about you.

"Then you know I intend to catch you," the doctor barely stated. Even to be able to say a single sentence to this legendary Pokemon was an honor...even considering his intentions for it.

Arceus simply nodded. I know. But that does not mean I will make it easy for you. This shall be a true test of your heart. So make your first move, Samuel Oak.

Oak considered his Pokemon on hand carefully. Ignitia was by far the most in need of continued rest; sending her out first would not be very productive. Gibraltar was also quite pooped, thanks to the Rock Climbing and use of Strength. Waverunner wasn't the strongest one in his team, and both his Alakazam and Dragonite were fairly timid by nature. That left only one choice; his toughest and most aggressive Pokemon. Oak unclipped the Pokeball and pressed its button, expanding it to full size.

"It's time! Hulk, go!"

As soon as he was released from his containment, Hulk roared and began to charge the Qilin. Without any command from his trainer, Hulk immediately attempted to execute a Cross Chop on Arceus. Arceus easily dodged, then audibly roared. Around him, the pink Mind Plate glowed, activated at the Alpha Pokemon's will. Oak regretted not foreseeing this potential side-effect of bringing the Plates with him, but it was too late to change that now. Arceus' power was aligned with the Psychic element now, which with a Fighting Pokemon in front of its was like bringing a rocket launcher to a fist fight. With another fierce roar, it sent out visible waves of energy toward the green shiny Machamp, blasting it far back behind Oak and well out of the fight for the time being. By the stars...he's executing his Judgment... thought Oak upon seeing this. This is the power of the God Beast! The ability to use any element to cast his judgment on all who attempt to defeat him!

After quickly regaining his wits, the Professor pulled out another Pokemon. "How about facing Psychic with Psychic? Go, Prestige!" Although timid, the Alakazam that subsequently appeared seemed nonetheless ready to fight...at least, until Arceus roared again, causing the Mind Plate to deactivate and the Dread Plate to take its place. As if sensing what was to come, the Psychic Pokemon attempted to return to its Pokeball, but Oak was having none of it. "No, Prestige, this is important to me! Go face him alred--" But the creature had already pushed past its trainer and began to run, although it knew not where, since there was nowhere to hide. Arceus made a sound as if to indicate annoyance, then roared once more to send out waves of Dark energy. Said waves immediately caught up with the fleeing Alakazam, sending it flying and then crashing into its predecessor.

Oak facepalmed at the sheer ineptitude of his Pokemon. Normally, he would have been concerned for their well-being...but their failure was making him fail this mission. It was time to escalate things. "Glaurung, Waverunner, take him on at the same time! Do it!" Oak released both the Dragonite and Blastoise together, hoping that they would be able to team up to at least make some damage against the God Beast. And they certainly made an honest effort, with Waverunner using his Hydro Cannon and Dragonite her Hyper Beam. However, while both attacks connected, it only served to enrage Arceus even more, and while both were resting, it activated its Zap Plate to replace the Dread Plate, then roared its Judgement upon the Pokemon pair. Much like the two before them, both creatures were sent packing, landing in the pile with Hulk and Prestige.

The look in Arceus' eyes belied its lack of amusement. So in the time of trial, you treat your Pokemon as tools of war? I expected far better from you, Oak...

Meanwhile, the scientist's rage was beginning to build. He was seeing his hard work evaporate, all because the Pokemon to which he showed so much love and affection for so long were completely ineffective against the Pokemon of Origin. His frustration was reaching desperate levels...his new and final legacy was within his grasp, and its being just out of reach drove him mad. "Expect nothing, Arceus, except to be caught by me! Gibraltar, Hulk, Prestige, triple team attack! Do it now!" Despite some reluctance due to being able to sense their trainer's growing insanity, the two previously-summoned Pokemon and their newly-released counterpart each charged in turn. Hulk managed to get a hold of Arceus to attempt to pound it into Submission, while Prestige held it locked in place with Extrasensory. Finally, Gibraltar used its Strength to pick the God Beast up and slam it down hard onto the floor. The Alpha Pokemon finally looked to be sustaining some damage, but was still able to pick itself up, switch to its Ghost plate, and cast Judgment upon the three offenders. Gibraltar barely survived the attack, but Hulk and Prestige both found themselves taken out of the fight, as even if they hadn't been severely injured, they had certainly had all will stripped away from them. Oak growled, then returned the two to their Pokeballs before turning to address Waverunner.

"Okay, I'm sending you out with Ignitia. Do me proud, and beat his godly tail senseless!" With that, Oak furiously flung Ignitia's Pokeball to the ground, causing it to break in two before it ever got a chance to activate. At the same time, Arceus roared once more, using Judgment to disperse the emitted energy and to cause Waverunner to faint. Professor Oak, blinded by his rage, gave his last furious command to Gibraltar: "Gibraltar, use Explosion! Arceus will be mine!" The Boulder Pokemon sadly nodded, then glowed bright white before vanishing in a violent explosion, further damaging Arceus as well as its already-defeated Blastoise companion. When the smoke cleared, the scientist saw his chance and desperately threw the Mod Ball at Arceus.

It connected.

It shook once.

It shook twice.

And then it shattered into a million pieces, revealing the majestic God Beast in its fullest glory, with every single Plate glowing with holy power. With the last desperate stroke conquered, the Alpha Pokemon brought the battle to a disappointing end.

As Professor Oak sank down to the floor of the Dimensional Hall, he looked around and saw the fruits of his failed obsession. His Blastoise, Waverunner, was riddled with pieces of the obliterated Gibraltar, and was now on death's door himself. The energy that had been Ignitia's contained form was dissipated, and the affectionate unicorn was never to be seen again. In their Pokeballs, Prestige and Hulk were barely hanging on due to Arceus' fearsome power. And on the floor with the fallen scientist were the remains of two broken Pokeballs...one split in two, and the other smashed to bits. Professor Samuel Oak had nothing left...except for his existing legacy.

So, this is the true Professor Oak, said the holy Qilin. Pushed to the brink, chasing after an impossible dream, you allowed yourself to become what you always wanted your students to never become. In the end, you have proven yourself a hypocrite, and why? Because you were bored. Because the world you had wasn't enough for you. Because you wanted more than the abundance you had been given. And now, all that was given shall be taken away.

All "your" work shall be given to those whose work it really is. All the knowledge you obtained about my children will be the world's to share. Those most associated with you will deny you, and those who praised you will curse you. And you will most certainly live to see it all, for that is my Judgment to you. The lives you sacrificed in this vain and foolish quest of yours will not be forgotten by anyone. Least of all you.

"No...Arceus, this Judgment is too harsh! Have mercy on me, please!" the disgraced doctor begged. "I...I only wanted a better world for all Pokemon!"

It is too late, responded the God Beast. My Judgment has been cast. So it had been said. So it shall be done. Now leave this place, and never return. With a roar of divine power, Arceus, his Hall of Origin, and the 16 plates all vanished, leaving Oak lying on a deathly silent Spear Pillar, praying for the end to spare him of his fate.

Such an end never came.

Epilogue

I haven't seen Grandpa since he left for Sinnoh 6 months ago, but so much has changed. New information spontaneous came out, proving he had ulterior motives behind his desire to see every Pokemon in existence. Trainers would have thrown away their Pokedexes in droves if it hadn't been discovered that my grandfather was only one of the people who developed it. All the other Pokemon Researchers managed to salvage my grandpa's work, keeping it relevant and useful despite his being discredited. Even my old rival Red stepped up, taking his place as the National League's scientific liaison.

And as for me? Well, I have the lab and many willing assistants, although I tend to prefer to do the research myself. Besides, I found this Chatot that loves to sing as if it were a flute in order to calm rampaging Pokemon down. Somehow, it reminds me of Grandpa. Even though he ended up being a mad scientist in the end, he still did a lot of good. I hope that ultimately, that is what he is remembered for, not his obsessive desire to catch 'em all. After all...what does catching them all accomplish, when observing them in the wild is so much more natural?

Besides...it's very romantic taking the wife out to watch Ho-oh streak across the sky at sunset.

- Blue's personal journal

 

[Legacy]

Wow great piece of writing here. Evil Oak is a fantastically interesting concept and your use of words is awesome!

 

[FusengerShadow]

Thanks to all you for your encouragement.

Holy crap, was that last part exhausting, though. And a lot longer than I anticipated. lol

 

[TeamGalacticMercury]

Wow. Nice chapter and story!

 

[FusengerShadow]

Thanks a lot.

Hopefully, whatever I write next won't be quite as limiting, though...or as draining (although after writing the last chapter, it was more of a "and God rested on the seventh day" tiredness).