Raj had many questions swirling in his mind, but there was no one he could ask.
It was already midnight—if he didn't return soon, someone might notice and get suspicious. So Raj quietly went back to his guest room to rest, waiting for the next day's big event: the beauty pageant.
On the way back, Raj couldn't help smirking. Though Ash would be the one officially hosting the contest, Raj had done a lot of behind-the-scenes work—especially in setting up Team Rocket for some well-deserved embarrassment. The thought of humiliating those three who had dared to call him a "gigolo" filled him with satisfaction.
Raj was a man who held grudges—but also one who believed in patience. Revenge is a dish best served cold. And Team Rocket's time was coming.
The Next Day
After a full day of preparation, a huge stage had been built in front of Grandpa Liu's Ocean House. The setup was gorgeous—streamers, lights, and a massive banner announcing the "Blue Plucki Beach Pokémon Beauty and Makeup Contest."
Behind the stage was a painted backdrop of a bright blue sky, swaying coconut trees, and sparkling seas dotted with sailboats. The entire scene looked like something straight out of a summer paradise.
Ash and Raj had even enlisted Pidgeot and Beedrill to scatter flyers from above. The papers floated down like confetti, quickly spreading word of the contest across the tourist-filled beach.
By the afternoon, a massive crowd had gathered in front of the Ocean House.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The Blue Plucki Beach Pokémon Beauty and Makeup Pageant will begin soon! The champion will receive luxurious prizes, so come and join in!" Brock announced proudly through the microphone from the judges' podium.
"That's wonderful! With this many people, I'll finally be able to pay off my debts." Grandpa Liu's eyes filled with tears of joy.
Nearby, Granny Jin watched from the shadows, biting her handkerchief in frustration before stomping back toward her own store.
"Mom, why are you here?" Ash asked his mother curiously from the audience seats.
"Oh, I'm here as part of a community trip, dear. And Professor Oak happened to come along with us," she said warmly.
"Oh, that's all? You scared me for a second," Ash said, letting out a sigh.
"Haha, come on, Ash," Professor Oak teased. "It's a rare chance to spend time with your mom. You could at least act like a spoiled kid for once."
"What—no way! That's embarrassing! I'm already a grown-up! Right, Raj?"
Raj smirked. "It's fine, Ash. Just be a little affectionate—your mom will love it."
"Ugh, you too, Raj?" Ash scratched his head in embarrassment.
Ash's mother giggled. "You haven't been causing trouble, have you?"
"Of course not!" Ash said quickly—though he couldn't help feeling guilty remembering the damage to Grandpa Liu's boat.
"Don't worry," Grandpa Liu said kindly. "Ash is a great kid. He's been working hard to help my little store. I'm sure he'll become an amazing Pokémon Trainer someday."
"Really? That's such a relief," Ash's mother said, placing a hand over her chest.
"Everyone, thank you for waiting!" Brock announced. "Now, let's begin the Blue Plucki Beach Pokémon Beauty and Makeup Contest!"
"The first contestant—our fair-skinned beauty, Misty! She's definitely a strong contender for the title! Let's see her creative partner combo…"
On stage, Misty appeared dressed in ocean blue, with Squirtle floating atop Starmie like a flying saucer. The two spun gracefully in the air, drawing loud cheers and applause.
Next up were Jessie and James.
James… was dressed as a woman.
Raj stared in disbelief as the cross-dressed Rocket strutted confidently down the runway. To everyone's surprise, the crowd's reaction was overwhelmingly positive.
Jessie and James presented their Pokémon—Arbok and Koffing—decorated like a bizarre "Legendary Triceratops." The result looked hilariously mismatched, earning both laughter and applause.
Then, out of nowhere, Arbok and Koffing were sent flying offstage—knocked aside by Gary Oak and his so-called harem of older women.
"Gary! Gary! You're the best!" the group of fangirls screamed in unison.
Brock nearly lost his mind. "Mature women cheering for their man… ohhh, perfection!" he swooned, earning a glare from Misty, who could only throw up her hands helplessly.
Meanwhile, Team Rocket was quietly dragged away by Granny Jin, who was clearly planning something.
Onstage, Gary grabbed the mic. "Ash! I'm not here to pick a fight—but just admit defeat already! I just brought my girlfriends to show everyone how awesome I am! You see that, Ash?" He laughed smugly.
Ash's temper flared. He jumped from his seat and stormed toward the stage, Raj hurrying after him.
"Gary! Battle me! If I stay quiet after that insult, I don't deserve to call myself a Pokémon Trainer!" Ash shouted.
Gary shrugged. "Unfortunately, I didn't bring my Pokémon today. Besides, with your weakling skills, you can't even beat Raj—and even I might not be able to beat him."
"That's why I will defeat him one day!" Ash said fiercely.
"Calm down, Ash," Raj said, stepping in front of him. "This is an official event—no fighting allowed."
Just then, Team Rocket launched their Gyarados-shaped submarine again—this time fully repaired by Granny Jin—and charged toward the contest stage.
Granny Jin's furious voice echoed through the speakers. "Destroy their little pageant!"
The massive Gyarados sub crashed ashore, sending the crowd into panic. People screamed and scattered.
Ash quickly grabbed the mic. "Everyone, please don't panic! That Gyarados is fake! Stay calm—we'll handle this!"
His calm tone reassured the crowd. Professor Oak, Misty, Brock, and Ash's mother all looked at him with pride. Even Raj nodded slightly. Not bad, Ash. You're growing up.
Team Rocket fired a missile toward the stage.
"Pidgeot! Charmander! Go!" Ash commanded.
Pidgeot grabbed Charmander and soared upward. Charmander unleashed a powerful Flamethrower, melting the missile's casing and disrupting its wiring.
Meanwhile, Raj released Haunter. "Use Mind Interference," he ordered quietly.
The ghost's eyes glowed purple. The missile suddenly turned midair—heading straight back toward Team Rocket's submarine.
Raj smirked. That move was worth every coin I spent last night.
The redirected missiles slammed into the Gyarados submarine, sending it spinning wildly into the air before crashing directly into Granny Jin's beach hotel. Moments later, the remaining missiles exploded, completely demolishing the building.
Raj crossed his arms, smiling. "Heh. Granny Jin's finally reaping what she sowed."
When the chaos was over, Grandpa Liu decided to set sail on his lifelong dream voyage around the world. Ash, Raj, Misty, and Brock waved goodbye to him, Professor Oak, and Ash's mom before heading off on their next journey.
Greater dangers—and greater adventures—awaited them ahead.
And Raj couldn't wait.
...
📢 Author's Note
Part 1 of Pokémon: Rise of the Dark Trainer! is now completed and available on Patreon!
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✅ Part 1 Complete — 100+ Chapters
Join Raj on his journey through the Pokémon world as he gains the mysterious Strongest Villain System, captures terrifying Pokémon, and walks the path toward becoming the most feared villain in history.
🔥 I also have additional 18+ fanfics available for readers who enjoy exclusive mature stories. 😉
1. Dragon Ball: Oolong's Sex Adventure
2. Elements of Lust – ATLA & Korra Mixed Smut
3. Doraemon: Filtering with Nobi Tamako
4. The Naive Me Who Became Someone's Everyday Secret
5. High School DxD: Rias Gremory, the Phenex Bride
6. Versatile Mage: Awakening the Succubus System
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