Deep Depths

"He's not here?"

Professor Sycamore's expression soured as the receptionist tilted her head with a wry smile.

"You quite literally just missed him, he was recently given clearance to explore Area Zero as a Junior Research Assistant and he seemingly jumped at the opportunity"

He frowned, a quiet grumble coming from Professor Elm behind him.

"He should be gone for a few hours at most, sorry for the inconvenience"

---

'I didn't expect to make this much progress'

A soft thrum reverberated through the air as Miraidon carried me away from the Institute, driving fast towards the heart of Area Zero, along a winding circular path that lead into the deeper crevices of the region. 

The fruit of our training quickly manifested, the former stray bolts of electricity that would crackle and fizz around now transformed into coherent and intelligent energy shields that lingered and revolved around us, the barrier blocking wind dynamically.

I didn't even need to give it commands anymore, Miraidon remembering everything I had ever told it.

'Its game data is really just a suggestion, not even a shadow of what it truly is'

It was far more intelligent than I had ever anticipated, honestly shattering every expectation I initially had for it.

Upon further analysis, it made sense thematically that it possessed heightened intellect due it's futuristic properties but I never expected it to be so pronounced.

In the relatively brief period of time I had been in contact with it, I had managed to teach it a completely custom move set the exploited it's electrical overflow, creating a type of coverage and set-up that was totally unique.

'But it still won't let me catch it'

At this point, I had proven myself as a competent trainer, Miraidon developing an observable level of respect for me. It also helped that from it's perspective, I had mastery of the elements, able to feed it with Electric Candies and take it on fun exercises.

Yet it still strongly detested the idea of entering a PokeBall, outright frying one with it's electricity when I pushed it on this issue.

It was a difficult thing to resolve in my mind, it being entirely possible that we weren't as close as I thought, despite it's apparent affection for me.

"Good job Rai"

Miraidon growled quietly as I tickled the under of his neck, my pet robot dragon ceasing it's engine boosters as we coasted forward, navigating thin cavern walls.

We then broke into a larger canyon and I caught sight of a massive Crustle scuttling along the ground, it's shell carving a thick line in the dirt, a small family of Dwebbles following it, their little legs moving quickly.

'This is the right place'

The scenery around me immediately triggered imagery from the game, making my surroundings seem even more surreal, forcing me to space out a little.

I shook my head, trying to keep my focus.

'Maybe it's better for me to keep Miraidon out of a PokeBall'

It was easy to forget, but in this world Miraidon was a living being, not simply a tool or weapon I could brandish at my enemies. 

We eventually navigated the underground canyon, a small body of water present on the ground beneath us.

Through the blue tint of Miraidon's electricity shield, I could make at a family of Relicanth's gyrating inside the water, moving about with surprising agility.

'Crazy'

In a matter of seconds the atmosphere changed again, opening up into a rocky flatland. Miraidon picked up some speed, only allowing me to see a pair of Mawile's playing with each other before the scenery changed. 

'You can't be serious'

Miraidon quickly came to a screeching halt as our direct path was hindered by a pair of Pokemon engaged in a fight.

The first was a near-six foot tall green-skinned behemoth of a Pokemon, its armoured scales and jagged spikes only making it's determined and agitated expression even more intimidating.

The second was an equally tall blue-skinned shark monster that was streamlined for speed and agility, it's glistening claws, blade-like fins and glowing yellow eyes making it look like a living weapon.

'Garchomp and Tyranitar!'

What were the odds of bumping into two psuedo-legendary pokemon at the same time. In a fit of desperation I searched through my backpack, only finding a sandwich, my Rocket Phone and a spare change of clothes.

My Master Ball was reserved for Urshifu so there was nothing I could do.

My focus shift back to the conflict at hand.

A loud sound reverberating from ahead, Garchomp delivering a savage Dragon Claw but Tyranitar barely moved, taking a low-posture as it jumped up and then came down, the weight of it's body sending shockwaves through the entire atmosphere, the earth shaking.

'I need to stop this fast'

"Rai use Zappy Zap"

Miraidon responded quickly, a stream of electricity surging from its head, instantly striking the pair of pokemon.

Although it was relatively low intensity, multiple streaks continued to hit them, their muscles quickly tensing and going limp, causing the pair to fall to the ground.

"Raidono Mi Mi Mirai"

Whatever Miraidon said seemed to resonate with the Tyranitar and Garchomp, a seemingly apologetic expression on their faces as they murmured back. 

'Although it's a missed opportunity I shouldn't be too greedy'

When playing the game version of Pokemon World, access to Pokemon was extremely limited so it made sense to catch a large number of Pokemon initially, building them up and eventually swapping them out for stronger pokemon. Even if a player wasn't seriously attempting to capture many Pokemon, a large roster would quickly form.

In the real world, I wasn't restricted by game mechanics which meant I could capture any kind of Pokemon from across the entire map. Moreover, the wisest thing to do would be to create a small roster of my favourite Pokemon that I would plan on using forever.

'Trapping a Pokemon in my PC forever seems a little cruel'

Or perhaps I would just do away with PokeBalls all together, befriending all Pokemon I would work with similar to Miraidon.

'But I don't know how realistic that is'

My thoughts were interrupted as the atmosphere around us changed, the rocky terrain substituted with gleaming ice.

'There it is'