Showdown

by MeepMeep7913

Delia Ketchum died before she could even see her son go on his journey - or the legendary she helped make abduct Ash briefly. Her death was merely the prelude to a sequence of events and challenges that Ash would battle through on his journey with the help of Oak, Lance and others. All before Red helped plunge Kanto into civil war against the Team Rocket insurgency.

7. Chapter 6 - Reforms

POKEMON LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS, SINNOH.

"Alright, we're all gathered here today for a meeting at the Johto Champion's bequest." The Pokemon League President, Charles Goodshow stated. A small man with quite a large, white beard for his size, the man was sat at the head of the large, oval table that took up most of the meeting room they were in. Gesturing to Lance, he spoke once more. "You were rather brief on details when you requested a meeting for a weeks time, signalling something about changing the starting regulations for upcoming trainers.

Many of the people in the room rose an eyebrow then. Seated at the meeting table was all of the champions from their differing regions bar Alola, given the difficulties that region was facing, and still would be facing for a few years yet. Lance himself was sat on the left side of the table, all the way at the end of the table as he took a few seconds to gauge the other champion's reactions.

Steven Stone sat opposite the Johto champion, and was one of the more difficult people in the room to read. The Hoenn champion was wearing a black suit and sporting a specifically combed, fashionable hairstyle for his light blue hair, the man currently had his eyes closed as he was thinking. Lance didn't know too much about the man, but knew that he was a fan of history and particularly rare stones and fossils - he had a bit of guarded personality that preferred to garner the opinions of others around him. However, from the expression Lance could see, the man was intrigued.

The youngest champion sat next to Steven - Cynthia Shirona, recent champion of the Sinnoh region. She had impressed many present with her cool strategies and tactics which had swept the first two elite four of Sinnoh, and then going to beat the champion whilst losing four of her Pokemon, a notorious feat for someone who had been sixteen at the time. She had a likeable personality, and a large fanbase which were split on based on her resourceful tactics, or her beauty - as a blonde hair wearing a causal black outfit with no need for makeup; she had many a fan after her. Lance was impressed by the champion, particularly as he had been called young when he became champion of Kanto at the age of twenty.

Sitting on her other end was the Unova champion, a pragmatic opposite to Cynthia. Whilst the Sinnoh Champion liked to maintain a serious yet likeable disposition, Alder Adeku was a free-spirited individual who liked to look on life as something to enjoy and discover; being the oldest champion who was steeped in tradition as the champion most notorious for travelling about. The main thing the two perhaps had in common was their traits to pass on tips and tricks to the trainers they spoke to. He was rather unusually dressed, even more so than Lance with his cape, as he wore a white cloak-like vestment with a black collar and different coloured trims across it like the red and orange on the sleeves. He wore a pair of black sandals, and kept his six Pokeballs on display around his neck on a necklace.

The last champion to join them was the most mysterious of them all. Their notoriety was extended from their quiet nature, and their friends list. Sporting an unreadable expression, Blue Oak - champion of the Kanto region, was seated next to Lance. Wearing a plain blue jumper with a black bag set at the feet of the chair, the tall spiky brown hair of the champion set them out from their simple get-up as their eyes simply scanned the room.

Then of course, there was Charles Goodshow himself sat at the head of the table. A polite man who always let others have their say, the man was now waiting for Lance to speak with interest. He had brought one of his most important administrators in as well, a man called Scott. A rather bulky man who seemed to have an obsession with wearing extravagant, colourful shirts, the man had an even friendlier expression than Mr Goodshow as the dark sunglasses he wore somehow complimented the expression and style.

Clearing his throat, Lance stopped looking around the room and got on with why they were gathered. "Thank you, Mr President." Lance started. "The simple reason why I asked for this meeting, was to actually raise a point I felt most prudent to bring to everyone's attention. In fact, it was highlighted rather excellently in a recent report that has graced international news for its rather strong, and tragic points."

"Oh?" Steven spoke then, gathering eyes on him. "What report would that be, Lance?"

Lance was about to answer then, but stopped as Blue gave a hum. Opening his eyes and gazing softly at the dragon master, the Kanto champion hit the nail on the head. "You're talking about the Viridian City report on the casualties of young starting trainers, aren't you?" The man spoke softly, as his gaze never faltered.

"Indeed." Lance confirmed, not in the least surprised that Blue had gotten it right - he would expect that a leader of a region know of such a significant publication from their own region, after all. "It has put together a range of studies and statistics quite well, and then included their own thoughts and information to make a comprehensible campaign."

Alder appeared interested. "Perhaps you could tell us more on what this is about, Lance? I know you, you're a serious fellow who hates wasting time. This must be pretty important to you."

Lance only nodded his head at that. "It is. I see it as a very important topic to focus upon, especially as tragic incidents revolving around young trainers occur every month on a rate that should not simply happening." He spoke gravely, leaving his impression upon everyone in the room. "Here, I took the liberty of printing out the summary highlights and statistics of the report, as well as the solutions, for everyone in the room." Reaching down to a black briefcase by his chair, Lance clicked it open and handed out stapled, three-page briefs to the people on the table.

"Lance, I mean no offence by this." Mr Goodshow spoke as he received his own brief and started looking into it. "But this topic was brought up last year, and some precautions were brought up then. We have just recently dealt with such issues."

"Mr President, I mean no disrespect either." Lance smoothly replied. "But the sheer fact that high-profile institutions and some public discourse upon this proves that the issue has come up time and again, and the 'precautions' taken are simply inadequate. More substantial efforts need to be undertaken to protect the health and livelihoods of starting trainers, as well as the subsequent knock-on effect for their Pokemon who are either mishandled or face the consequences for causing these tragic incidents."

Alder gave a grunt as he read through the statistics part of the document, his face darkening. "Is this truly verified, Lance?" The older man asked. "Is it really as bad as this report says it is?"

Lance only nodded slowly. "The report had to be verified by experts and an outside certifier to even be considered for publication. Then there's the fact that the report isn't even solely undertaken - it's the collection of data from a range of studies, at least one study from each region the Pokemon League is present in. Including Unova, Alder. They can't all be wrong."

Silence reigned for a few minutes then as everyone read through it, before Steven spoke up then as he finished the solution section. "So, what do you suggest Lance? Do you agree with everything written here in this solutions part?"

"Most of them." Lance answered back. "The Pokemon themselves should not be restricted, to do so would be folly in not allowing trainers to reach their full potential and even upsetting the balance of power in tournaments. No, what happens must focus on the trainers themselves."

"...we hereby put forth to the Pokemon League a range of ideas and suggestions that we greatly hope they consider, and even implement." Scott read out, before he skipped down to another paragraph. "This includes, in summary, the introduction of another mandatory test trainers have to take to prove adequate handling skills of Pokemon, the requirement of proof of a year-long education course solely focused on how to live with and raise Pokemon in differing environments; and finally, the raising of the age limit to fifteen." Scott put down the paper then, and made a pondering face before seeing everyone's eyes on him. "It's got some good points, particularly for the education part. I'm not sure that it has to be as far as say, fifteen though. It does have to be balanced against numbers, economics and such."

"Yes, there are factors to consider, but economics should hardly matter in the face of the death of children, Scott." Alder replied. "Mere children at the end of the day. I don't care how they become legal adults in the eyes of the law. These children mentioned have only lived one decade of their life before meeting their end at something they thought was entirely magical and different. At the very least, these kids have to have the truth of the situation stamped into their heads."

"True." Blue grunted, adding his rare input. "Not everyone will be like me... and my friends, in starting so successfully at a young age. In fact, we were rather the odd ones out."

Alder gave a laugh then. "That's understating it."

"But in all seriousness." Mr Goodshow reigned it in there. "What is the suggestions of the champions about the solutions provided by the report?"

"There's schools and everything in each city with a gym, is there not?" Steven stated then, getting a nod from Scott. "I know there is for my region."

"Yes, I've travelled all over the regions and I found a Pokemon school in each city like that." Scott confirmed.

"Then simply up the attendance to these places." Steven calmly spoke. "We have the infrastructure and system already in place, it's merely a matter of expanding it to cope with complete demand. I'm sure the Pokemon League can cover expenses."

Mr Goodshow gave a nod then. "Yes, that is an excellent point. The Pokemon League can indeed look into expanding the education infrastructure for aspiring trainers."

"And whilst your at it." Blue spoke then, garnering everyone's attention. "Make sure to make it fair. There's quite a wealth divide in Kanto, with it being the richest, and so many of these children are actually from the poorer districts."

"That is something we'd have to do." Scott whispered to Mr Goodshow then. "It's a trend all over the regions. The more successful trainers either usually come from a richer background, or had an excellent mentor. Heck, every champion in this room was a student to their regional professor at one point." Leaning back, Charles Goodshow actually looked a bit concerned at that before he nodded.

"But I'm so sure on this age limit." Cynthia spoke then. "To stifle people from going at a young age would only prevent the people who make the Pokemon League what it is, the kids with big dreams and wanting to make the world a better place and others."

Everyone looked to Cynthia then, Steven seemingly considering it as Alder looked at her weirdly for taking a much different tone to where the conversation had been going. Blue said nothing, eyes closed, as Mr Goodshow and Scott waited for more to be said, interested. It was Lance who spoke before anyone else.

"You know what? You raise a really good point, Cynthia." Lance spoke then with an agreeing tone, getting a bit of shock from the room, but Alder knew better as he waited for the crushing statement. "Until you realise that it is that exact naivety in the children that got them killed."

Cynthia looked repulsed then. "I most certainly did not mean it like that!" The Sinnoh campion spoke, a bit outraged at the seeming accusation. "I meant we can't just overhaul everything that makes this Pokemon League great and to stamp the dreams from children just so we can satisfy everyone else!"

"She does raise a point, Lance." Steven defended. "We have to factor in what the children think too, their dreams and all."

"But to keep releasing mere children into the world like that, Cynthia, Steven?" Lance countered. "Adults can have dreams, too. It's why everyone here is a champion. But we're not making them wait that long. Only a few more years to let them mature and grow a bit, heck, even just to make them consider that this is exactly what they want to do before we release them."

"The system has survived for over a century this way, Lance, and it's created no huge outstanding problems." Cynthia argued back. "We cannot just trample on traditions that have founded the League - it is young minds that aspire and innovate us to do better."

"And yet nobody in this room is ten or twelve years old." Lance spoke bluntly. "They can aspire all they like. It has not helped, throughout this century for 99.9% of kids to reach the positions they dream on. Such a small figure, compared to the much larger one of, what was it - 78% of Pokemon related casualties belong in the 10-12 age bracket?"

Scott frowned as Lance's tone was hardening. He knew it meant a lot to the man, but he could sense the antagonism starting to creep in.

Cynthia too, frowned as her face hardened. "We cannot just discard what the children think, either, Lance. It is tradition to allow young minds to aspire, to get out and experience everything. In fact, doing it at a young age means they have more time to consider their future career options, as once they've started their journey and dreams, realism can kick in. Other factors have to thought about too, like the historical traditions-"

Cynthia was cut off by a barking laugh from Lance, who was looking at Cynthia with a much amused, incredulous expression like Cynthia had just said something completely outlandish to him.

"You naïve girl." Lance spoke to the seventeen year old Cynthia. "You think you've won a champion position at a young age and think that entitles you to overrule everyone around you. How about you explain to all of those dead children's parents what you just said, hmm? I assure you, they will spit in the name of your 'traditions'." Lance spoke in a scathing tone to the shocked blonde across from him, raising his fingers and making emphasising the quoting. "Young minds can aspire. But real facts, not sentimental traditions - REAL, physical, factual evidence backs me up here. And what careers would these children have longer to think about if they're dead?"

"Now Lance, there was absolutely no need for that tone." Scott spoke then, trying to act as a mediator. "Just calm down - Cynthia is just trying to raise some alternate points-"

"No!" Lance shouted out as he stood up then in anger, shocking everyone present then as the dragon master lost his cool, as even Charles Goodshow at the head of the meeting table raised an eyebrow. "I will not just 'calm down' whilst this League actually argues to bypass stricter precautions over the tragic deaths of mere children as its champions try to excuse their deaths with such reasons as 'historical traditions!' This is not the so-called caring attitude the League likes to advertise itself as!"

"Sit down, Lance." Mr Goodshow ordered then. "Make your point in a more calm manner, please."

"Very well, I'll show you another way. A more serious way, just to try and get past all of the crap that has solidified in your heads." Lance stated, as he remained standing - with several faces around the room having still shocked expressions, Scott sitting next to the Pokemon League President looking concerned as the President himself had a calm visage. "I didn't think I'd have to resort to this, but it appears that the advertising of the League has worked so well that you've blinded yourselves to the tragic truth of the situation."

Plucking out a folder from within his jacket, Lance raised more than a few eyebrows as he slammed it onto the table in front of him. Opening the file, he withdrew a stack of laminated photos. "I warn you now." Lance spoke out in a quiet, yet serious tone. "These are pretty graphic." He looked reluctant, before sliding the first picture down the table to let everyone have a look, which generated a variety of reactions. Cynthia in particular had her face turn a shade of colour signifying she indeed felt nauseous, Alder's face went ashen as even Steven's face went slack. Blue only closed his eyes once more at the sight of it, but Lance knew - as Mr Goodshow and Scott both looked horrified.

"Edith Turner. Just ten years of age." Lance informed them in the same quiet tone as to fully detail them into what the photo was showing. "This is exactly what I mean when I say we can't let kids aspirations overrule common sense. Here, Miss Turner tried to take on an Ursaring in the Sinnoh region with a Turtwig starter. Pictured is the claw wounds that punctured her heart and lungs, as well as the dead starter beside her as the bear Pokemon massively overpowered them. She tried to take on a fully grown, fully evolved aggressive Pokemon with a fresh starter."

Rattling the file, Lance spoke gravely. "Have I made my point on how we shouldn't rationalise the dreams of young minds over common sense, or should I continue?"

PROFESSOR OAK'S LABORATORY.

"Mr Oak, what is this about?" Ash asked as the two made their way through to the living room.

"Well, my boy, I wish to see the news." Oak answered simply. "The Pokemon League apparently has quite the announcement to make, and since I wasn't told about it, I have to watch the news instead to see their declaration. Though I'm not surprised, I must say, given how they said they only came out of the meeting deciding this announcement an hour ago."

Ash only gave a nod as Professor Oak switched on the TV, flopping into a chair. Oat sat down more gracefully into his, tuning into the broadcast. "This is Kanto Today, bringing you the latest news. I'm Jessica, your news reporter, and I will bring you the latest news announcements - right after the scheduled Pokemon League announcement, in which Mr Goodshow the Pokemon League President is expected to lead any moment now. For now though, let's get the expectations of this-"

Quiet metal clanking could be heard then, diverting Oak's attention from the television to see Synergy walking into the room. Giving a humoured grunt as the robotic Pokemon actually had to stoop to get through the doorway, Synergy cast an eye over the proceedings before moving over to Ash and sitting down herself.

"Hello, Plasteel." Oak greeted calmly before turning back to the television to see that it was still the news reporter chatting to another presenter about the upcoming announcement. Synergy looked over to him before giving a small wave.

"Greetings." Synergy stated with a friendly tone.

"Hey Synergy!" Ash chirped out, drawing the Pokemon's gaze to him who then eye-smiled at him.

"Hey there." Synergy spoke in a warm tone, ruffling Ash's hair with the padded side of her hand, drawing a laugh from Ash.

Oak quickly shushed them then, getting Ash to simmer down and look to the TV again as Synergy looked at the professor, and then to the screen as she noticed the other two paying attention to it. Indeed, a short, old man with a long white beard had stepped onto a podium in front of the footage where the camera was obviously recording; with the name written beneath him on the news broadcast. Synergy raised an eyebrow at the prestigious position the man held.

Tapping the mic, the old man cleared his throat before speaking. "Hello, and welcome to this short little announcement. It'll only take a minute of everyone's time since it's been recently decided, but it's very important to the Pokemon League in general, as well as its trainers. This is given the sweeping reforms we, the administrators and champions, have decided upon."

Oak let out an interested hum at the words 'sweeping reforms'. Synergy could tell by the face of the man that he was hoping it wouldn't delay his work.

Continuing, Charles Goodshow spoke some more. "As many are aware, the League has taken note of the recent spike in keen public interest, as well as the publication of many studies, upon the topic of the large amount of casualties in young trainers."

Oak's face turned more grave at that - as a researcher, he knew more than most and it always disturbed him when it came up, but as a man of science, he couldn't control the regulations as a politician did. That didn't stop him from leading the Kanto study on it, though. But it was Synergy who was disturbed the most by it - eyes actually going wide slightly as her system computed the implications before her gaze slowly landed on Ash.

"As a way to reassure the public, and to ensure the safety of our young, particularly starting trainers, we have reformed the system surrounding this particular topic. However, I cannot personally take such credit. For this, I would like to invite Lance, the Johto champion, onto the stage beside me to tell of the reforms." Mr Goodshow stated.

Lance, in his usual caped attire, walked onto the stage and gripped the podium next to Mr Goodshow's with both hands as he leant on it slightly, the camera panning slightly left to get both champion and president comfortably in frame. "Hello. Yes, I was the one who brought in particular the Viridan City report to the attention of the League, which after a requested meeting, has helped made these reforms possible. For this end, I would like to thank all those responsible in the reports and studies for helping me to secure this."

"Now, on to the reforms." Lance continued as he consulted a sheet of paper on the podium. "Firstly, the education system of Pokemon-centred schools shall be expanded. Average spending of $100 million per region will be upgraded to $300 million, and as such is planned to meet any and all demand for young children wishing to learn about Pokemon and become a trainer. To this end, it is now compulsory to achieve certification from these schools that they have undergone attendance and examinations for at least three years before they can apply for a trainers license. Official exemptions to this only includes mentored students, such as an apprentice to a Pokemon League official or students taken in under a program of a regional professor."

"Fear not though." Lance reassured. "A child will have plenty of time to think of if they wish to undertake the dedication required before becoming a trainer. This is due to both safety concerns, and logistical reasons, the minimum age limit for becoming a trainer has thus been raised to fourteen years of age. I apologise to all aspiring youths out there, but this is for your safety to make sure you are fully educated upon the risks of becoming a Pokemon trainer."

Ash gave a gasp at the news, before looking saddened. Oak looked over at Ash with a pitying expression, but said nothing as the TV spoke again. Synergy, however, looked at Ash with an analysing gaze before plucking Ash out of his chair - garnering a yelp from the boy as he was plopped straight in the robotic Pokemon's lap. Ash didn't say anything however, as Synergy began slowly brushing his hair as she too, intently watched the TV as it spoke.

"Extra examinations as well as skills training are being planned in this education overhaul to ensure all upcoming trainers are prepared for their journeys. For all Pokemon League officials affected by these reforms, critical details outlining the precise reforms shall be forwarded to you no later than this weekend." Lance informed. "Further details for now can be found online at the official League website, as well as any details not mentioned here. Any questions related to this can now be answered by Mr Goodshow, as I have somewhere to be." Giving a nod to the camera and shaking Mr Goodshow's hand, Lance turned and left the stage as a spike of journalists throwing questions at him sounded out then.

Oak quickly switched off the TV, having no interest in listening to media-biased questions and having been reassured that the details were reaching him anyway, he instead turned his attention to Ash. Oak knew the boy would be heavily disappointed at waiting much longer for his journey, but internally, the Professor was very grateful to Lance. For both the adopted boy in his care and his grandson, they would get longer childhoods before taking on responsibilities as a trainer and they would be much better educated from the sounds of it.

"Ash, my boy, I know you must be a bit upset at this news." Oak began , causing Ash to look up at the Professor with a saddened expression. "But perhaps this is for the best. I'm sorry about the delay to your journey, but it may help you in the end."

"How so, Mr Oak?" Ash questioned in a glum tone.

"Why, it gives you more time to prepare, of course!" Oak answered with a flourish, making Ash look questioningly at him as he began to think about it. "Think about it, Ash. You get more time to study Pokemon, find out what they're like, and how to raise them! Then you've got the actual journey itself to prepare for, including how to survive in the wild, how to utilise equipment and financial concerns. All in all, Ash, you've got a lot of preparation to do, and this only gives you time to do more."

Ash slowly began to get over his funk as Synergy spoke. "The Professor is right, Ash." The robotic Pokemon spoke as the young boy looked at her. "More time to prepare is always a good thing. Plus, by allowing yourself to grow and mature, you'll be more adept for your journey. There are several hazards that need to be thought about, and I shall do my best to help you."

"So, waiting until I'm older is a good thing?" Ash asked slowly, looking to get their opinions.

"Yes." Synergy bluntly answered.

"Indeed, my boy." Oak agreed with the Pokemon.

"Ok then." Ash stated, as he sat on Synergy's knee and pondered. "But what am I gonna do for four more years?"

"Well, there's plenty of work to do in my lab." Professor Oak spoke. "I've thought about this, and I'm sure it'll help you learn if I assigned you to the caretakers of the lab to help them feed and maintain the Pokemon in the ranch. It'll give you quite a few nice skills, and then of course there's the studying you'll do with me, and your own self-study that Plasteel here can now help you with. Lance will come over often as well, I'm sure, and he can keep you entertained and help you. There's a lot to do, young man, a lot..."

"OK!" Ash chirped more happily.

"In fact, Ash, to get things going, why don't you get that Pokeball Lance gave you a couple of days ago?" Synergy suggested. "We haven't had time to see what Pokemon he gifted you with."

With a look of realisation, then an enthusiastic nod, Ash raced out of the room.

"Nice distraction." Oak murmured to the robotic Pokemon, looked over to the old man with analysing crimson eyes.

"Is it really dangerous on a Pokemon journey, Professor?" Synergy asked. "Would Ash be at risk?"

Oak gave a chuckle at the question. "At the end of the day, it's all about what attention you draw to yourself. Such as the fact that more informed Pokemon trainers would know what environments to avoid that contain the habitats of more aggressive Pokemon, or to stay quiet in forests where Beedrill are present, for instance." Oak informed Synergy, who only listened to and processed the information. "That's why they raised the age limit. To allow for trainers to know the dangers better - once they do that, the risk is massively decreased. It's why there's such a large casualty gap between the age brackets."

"But would Ash be at risk on his journey, Professor?" Synergy repeated her question.

"Yes, Plasteel. There's no avoiding danger where Pokemon are concerned, when the smallest creature still has the power to spit fire at you. It's all about knowing how not to provoke them, and battle them right to counter them." Oak answered. "But, we both know that Ash will have more of an interest taken in him than most. Not the least because of family connections, and if Lance does what I think he's going to do."

Synergy only nodded, before she took a moment to process the information and consult her system. "Would you find it agreeable if I prepared Ash for his journey, Professor?" She asked, crimson eyes flickering to meet Oak's own.

The Professor raised an eyebrow in interest. "You're asking me?" He questioned, finding it unusual for this Pokemon to be asking him when he'd already deduced how overprotective the robotic Pokemon was.

"You are his recognised guardian, Oak." Synergy stated with a more serious tone. "Plus you know more about the wellbeing of children."

Oak gave a sigh, thinking for a moment before asking. "What exactly will you be teaching the boy?"

Synergy's eyes remained apathetic. "Studying like you will be doing. I can computerise and help Ash learn Pokemon categories and data, as well as-"

"No, no, no." Oak interrupted, rubbing his temples. "I know that you basically want the boy to know everything he possibly can in the time he's got. I meant the stuff you're going to teach him that you would be seeking my approval for."

Synergy's eyes looked impressed before she blankly stared at the man. "Self-defence, really." Synergy informed.

"And there we go." Oak groaned. "You want a seven year old boy to learn how to start fighting off danger?"

"Yes." Synergy answered without hesitation. "The benefits to an automated system include the proficient use of fighting styles and analytical combat scenarios. I can teach Ash much, and whilst his young mind won't really master self-defence until his teens, starting now will not hurt the boy's biological or mental development."

Oak looked at the Pokemon for a moment before sighing and nodding. "Yes, very well. Just don't hurt the boy in the process of trying all this."

"You know that my system would never allow that, Professor." Synergy answered, with a slightly indignant tone - as if having taken offence to that last sentence. "But thank you."

"You're welcome. Meanwhile, I'll focus upon the boy's studying, he's still got a bit to catch up on, and sorting out all this new mess the League has dumped on its staff again." Oak spoke tiredly. "Was there anything else?"

"Yes, actually. Can I use your laboratory's library?" Synergy asked with an interested tone.

"What would you want to use-" Oak began to ask before catching himself. "Right, stupid question. An automated intelligence will want to learn all it can. Yes, knock yourself out."

Raising an eyebrow at the odd, nonsensical phrase, Synergy spoke. "Thank you, Professor." Nodding, Oak never noticed the odd gleam in Synergy's eyes, before she looked to the doorway to hear Ash coming back. "Let's go see this new Pokemon."

OUTSIDE.

Ash had excitedly sprinted outside through the main entrance to the lab, running onto the grassy plains outside of it and was now just running about as he waited for the other two to join him. Synergy was shortly coming up after him, marching to the grassy area too with the Pokemon researcher just behind her - the old man having a warm smile as he watched Ash and plodded along with his hands behind his back.

"Alright, Ash, calm down." Oak shouted out to Ash, who looked over to the Professor and took heed - walking over to them. "Now, have you got the Pokeball?"

Ash nodded happily as he held out his cupped hands, a red and white ball sitting in them.

Giving a laugh, Oak spoke. "Well, there's no point waiting. Give it a throw."

Synergy only watched calmly as Ash gripped the device in one hand, sticking his tongue out in concentration before lobbing the Pokeball sloppily in front of him - causing her system to note that the boy's accuracy was in need of improvement. But she hardly said a word as she watched the ball arc through the air and suddenly open, causing the usual cloud of red to emerge.

Forming within the second, the Pokemon landed in front of Ash just a few metres away from him. Blinking, the Pokemon raised their head, before looking around at the change in surroundings that were very new to it. Synergy's system had already logged the identity of the Pokemon, causing her to raise an eyebrow at it. Oak's own face had become flabbergasted, showing the biggest shock he'd had in recent weeks at the sight of it. Ash, however, had a much better reaction.

"Dratini!" Ash cried out as he recognised the Pokemon, the blue serpent-like Pokemon looking at Ash with large, owlish eyes before they in turn recognised him and gave him a coo. Running up to the Pokemon, Ash bent down and threw his hands around their neck. "Lance gave you to me?!"

Looking at the boy, Dratini only a trill before nodding. Oak was getting over his shock as Synergy looked sideways at him and asked him a question. "Is Dratini not a rare Pokemon, Professor?"

"Stupidly rare." Oak murmured back, causing Synergy to become more intrigued, before Oak walked up to Ash and cleared his throat, getting over his shock. "Ash, my boy, aren't you in luck. You got yourself a Dratini!"

The blue serpent looked up at the Professor and gave an interested coo to the man. Ash meanwhile, gave a smile to the Professor before returning to beaming at the cute serpent. Synergy looked at the Pokemon with an analysing look, scanning it as the serpent looked up at the steel-type with both an interested and weary look, but as Synergy did nothing, the dragon-type returned its attention to the boy. Oak allowed Ash time to pet the Dratini as it cooed and nuzzled Ash back, pulling out a device from his pocket.

"Hey, Professor, what's that?" Ash asked.

"Hmm?" Oak looked up from opening the red device. "Oh, this? It's a Pokedex, my boy."

"Hey, they're the thingies that scan Pokemon!" Ash said excitedly. "Where'd you get one?!"

Oak only looked very amused as he laughed loudly. "Of course I should have one, Ash! I invented it!"

"Wow!" Ash let out as he looked at the Professor with big eyes, even Synergy looking interestedly at the man. Oak gave another chuckle as he flipped open the cover on the rectangular device, revealing a keypad inside with a screen on the left side. Pointing the camera on the front at the Dratini, a small light on the keypad blinked as the device began speaking.

"Dratini, the serpent Pokemon." The Pokedex began speaking in a high-pitched, feminine tone. "Dratini is a rare Pokemon that stores life energy within its body for use in growth and evolution, continuously shedding its skin before it evolves. This Pokemon is female, and is roughly three years old, with the ability shed skin."

"Oh, very nice." Oak spoke aloud as he regarded the stats presented in the Pokedex. "Looks like your new friend here Ash, is in tip-top shape and even better than the average rare Pokemon. Lance obviously took good care of her." Snapping the Pokedex shut, Oak was content to just study the serpent Pokemon.

At four feet long, it was longer than the average Dratini who would normally be three feet long at three years of age, growing about a foot a year with monthly shedding of its skin. When the species got to about six feet, at six years old, it was their primary time to evolve - and so Oak would make sure to do all the documenting he could do on the Pokemon. He'd never studied the pseudo-legendary line before, and it would be an absolute treat for him to do so. Only two places on Earth were known to actually rear Dratini through to Dragonite, and that was the dragon clan that Lance's family headed and the village of dragons in Unova.

There was of course a theorised island where the evolutionary line was believed to gather, but the scientific community had never bothered to find out. They were rare enough as it was, and the their difficult nature meant they were best left alone anyway, wherever they were in the wild.

"Hey, Dratini." Ash greeted the Pokemon with a pat on the head, causing the serpent to trill and blink at him. "I'm Ash Ketchum, hopefully your new friend! I want to become champion just like Lance, and become a great trainer! Will you help me?!" Ash stuck a thumb out at himself as he looked at Dratini with wide, excited grin.

Dratini blinked at him before closing her eyes and smiling, giving a dip of her head with a trill. "Alright!" Ash shouted out before hugging the Pokemon again. The smooth, light blue scales of the Pokemon really were like a glossy surface, as Ash reluctantly let go again.

Oak stepped forward a bit more and patted Ash's shoulder. "Ash, I know how much you'd like to get acquainted with Dratini here, but it's imperative your new Pokemon is checked up on, both so I can catalogue her and to make sure she's healthy. Plus, she probably needs feeding."

The blue serpentine Pokemon immediately chirruped to the Professor with interest, causing him to chuckle as he gestured to Ash to follow him, who then let out a yell and urged Dratini to come with him. Synergy didn't even need any beckoning as she just marched behind Ash, the dragon-type slithering into the lab at Ash's feet.

AN HOUR LATER.

Dratini was back in her Pokeball, the device being placed in a tray by the Professor. Closing the tray into a bulky machine, a small whir could be heard from it as it began scanning the Pokeball - Oak then declaring it would take a while, and decided to ask on another subject. He decided to ask about Synergy's building sequence.

Oak took down a few notes from Ash's recounts and Synergy's occasional comments. "So you're telling me, Ash, that Plasteel here underwent a few changes that occurred within just hours of you first noticing the signs? Like the fact that just overnight she came out with a new rubber material which protected her joints?"

"Try and keep calm, Professor." Synergy spoke with her usual robotic voice, but with a lecturing under-edge to it. "That is precisely what Ash has said."

"Remarkable." Oak let out as he scribbled away some more, taking no notice of Synergy's comments on keeping calm.

"Er, Professor." Ash called out to the elderly researcher, getting him to face Ash with a responsive, inquiring hum. "Why would that be remarkable?"

"For many reasons, my dear boy!" Oak exclaimed with cheerful gusto, startling Ash a bit at the sudden increase in volume from the man which in turn led to the Pokemon beside him giving off unimpressed vibes to the researcher. "For one thing, no Pokemon has ever built up their body in such a fashion that quickly unless its through evolution or a temporary effect of a move, and this is neither. I do hope we can study this some more later - this could lead to breakthroughs in the realm of Pokemon evolution. That's not to mention the fact that you then actually did evolve in the midst of battle with Moltres. Though it is just a few signs, it does pose quite a challenge to decipher!"

"Am I really this 'remarkable', Professor?" Synergy inquired of the man in a bored tone.

"Oh yes. It raises all sorts of questions on Pokemon evolution, and how there could actually be no need for evolution in the major building-up of a Pokemon's body unrelated to factors such as growth. This in turn would to research being undertaken to determine the outlying process which initiate, sustain and carry through such actions that are like evolution, and yet are not! I will have to find out more upon these 'building sequence' factors that occurred without the evolution..." Oak rattled out, getting the robotic Pokemon to frown at him as Ash seemed a bit daunted at the man's enthusiasm.

"Professor." Synergy intoned, getting the man to turn his attention to her and away from his note taking. "I will not be your test subject."

"Oh yes, oh yes." Professor Oak hastened to agree. "But I'm afraid I will have to insist upon at least a check-up, with a few scans involved to make sure nothing has gone awry."

"And why is that? There has been no such errors or faults detected." Synergy stated, crimson eyes looking at the man.

"I have no doubt there would be." Professor Oak explained to the metal Pokemon. "This isn't about a system scan for decreased mobility or faults as your system is likely to detect. No, this is about in case anything looks, well, 'off', whether anything has grown the wrong way. You know, in case anything has become slightly disadvantageous." For a man who could rattle on in scientific jargon about any topic he majored in, Professor Oak seemed to struggle actually explaining something relatively simple to the Pokemon.

"Surely something disadvantageous would come under the definition of 'fault', Professor." Synergy intoned once more. "But my system does recognise that its onboard detection subroutines would not be as precise as your scanning and detecting apparatus based here."

"Exactly." Oak appeared relieved that Synergy indicated to have been cooperative with the idea. "It could be something as small as a thinner armour area, just those kinds of things. We just have to make sure that this isn't the work of mutations or something."

"Mutations, Professor? My system is mostly electrical and metal, along with a few essential rare earth minerals and other polymers. The only 'biological' factor is the brain." Synergy spoke to the man, and seemed surprised at the shake of the Professor's head.

"Not if my ideas are right, its not. There may be a few biological aspects to you as well, but I cannot guarantee anything until the scans are completed." Oak stated, affirming upon them the fact that he could not guarantee anything. "Though it is fortunate as you say that most of your body is robotic."

Synergy looked at the Professor for a few seconds, giving the man the distinct impression that the robotic Pokemon was analysing him. "Very well, Professor. I will acquiesce to your scans." Synergy agreed, getting Oak to smile.

"Why's that fortunate though?" Ash asked the unfortunate question.

Oak gave out a knowing smile as he closed his eyes. "Oh, that's simple. The evolution of a Pokemon renders all feeling in it null whilst the process is undertaken, stopping all pain or even emotions of joy and such which could interfere. For a similar process with a rate of growth which sort-of matches what it does in seconds in just a few hours, which is still remarkable, any actual biological organism would have been simply screaming in pain throughout the full, hours-long process that is going on."

"That will do, Professor." Synergy actually growled at the man, startling the aged man in his chair as the Pokemon's eyes flashed, switching from annoyance at the man to concern to the boy beside her. And Oak could very clearly see why, given Ash's horror-stricken face.

"Oh, I'm so sorry my boy!"

THAT EVENING.

"Thank you for seeing me like this, Professor." Synergy thanked as both the old man and robotic Pokemon walked into Oak's office late at night.

"No problem, Plasteel-" Oak began, but was interrupted.

"Synergy, Professor." The robotic Pokemon intoned as she looked at researcher with a friendly gaze. "It's been a couple of weeks now, and you've proven your intentions with Ash and overall trustworthiness. Seeing me now only solidifies that."

"Right, er, Synergy." Oak started as he closed the door to the room and clapped his hands lightly. "Can I ask what you wanted to see me privately about?"

"Yes, Professor." Synergy spoke as she stood close to a desk, watching as Oak took a seat on an office chair and turned it on its rotating axis to face her. "You heard from the accounts of Drake, Ash and myself upon how I finished my building sequence in the middle of battle, an evolution. I'm interested in this evolution process, could you possibly explain further?"

"Of course." Oak agreed, looking at Synergy seriously. "But you have to understand that these are just theories, OK? No matter how smart everyone else says I am, I cannot give you a guaranteed, 100% truthful statement upon what happened specifically with you and how evolution generally happens."

"Of course, Professor." Synergy intoned, looking at the Kanto Professor blankly. "That was to be expected."

"OK then." Oak coughed into his hand to escape the awkwardness produced by the unimpressed, blank look the Pokemon gave him. "Well, I think a bit of a contextual scenario should be explained to help you understand. You see, a Pokemon never stops progressing. Energy is always being stored and utilised by a Pokemon, not just your normal chemical and kinetic energy either which is still used as normal in movement and metabolic processes. No, I'm talking upon a heavily debated topic here, something that a Sinnoh professor could give you perhaps more information about given how the topic is all but confirmed to have started there."

Synergy looked at Oak with intrigue as he took a breath, before he finally said what he had been building up to. "I'm talking about something controversial because nobody really knows how a Pokemon uses it, shapes it and forms it to do as they act, but I'm talking about the energy that enables a Pokemon to evolve, to use elemental attacks and to heal in seconds from a super-effective attack move. Something a few humans over the years have used, as well. I'm talking about life energies."

Synergy's system immediately recognised the topic and supplied the information. "Aura." Synergy spoke, getting a nod from the Professor. "You're talking about aura, aren't you Professor?"

"That is it's more well known name, yes." Oak agreed with the robotic Pokemon. "Whilst how Pokemon use it and funnel it to create their special attacks and utilisations of it, the basis of it is commonly agreed."

"Please go on, Professor." Synergy urged, finding herself lacking data upon the subject and interested to know more.

"I can only give you a basic description, but fine." Oak stated. "It is agreed that a Pokemon stores these life energies within it's body, primarily for two reasons. One would be, of course, for the Pokemon to rely on for offensive and defensive measures, as well as other such applications such as healing. The other would be to evolve. Though that is a big unknown as well, for what is known is that a Pokemon will store these energies for years within its body before some sort of trigger, unique to each Pokemon, suddenly purges all of this energy from its storage and uses it in a sudden rush to evolve it. Like levelling up, some professors would describe it as, although there really is no way to state whether a Pokemon has 'levelled up'. What is unknown is how this energy is stored in such high amounts despite a perhaps almost daily usage of it in each Pokemon. Heck, Pokemon belonging to a trainer do it in a much shorter time frame than wild Pokemon, despite the fact that the energy usage is actually much higher as you can imagine!"

Synergy blinked, not appearing as enthralled as she was on the inside. "But how can that be, Professor?"

"Like I said, it's unknown." Professor Oak shrugged in his chair. "We simply don't understand the biology. There's no obvious channels for the energy to be routed through, like nerves, that we've detected, and although we don't have any evidence towards it really, the current working theory is that the aura energy is actually stored within each and every individual cell. Perhaps some cells more concentrated than others, like the mouth area for attacking moves, but we don't really know. I'm sorry I can't give you more, but it gets stronger with use and experience, namely battling and training."

Synergy seemed pleased at the explanation, especially with the knowledge that she could get stronger. "Would I be able to do it again?"

Oak frowned at that. "Doubtful. That is extremely doubtful." He murmured, still loud enough so the Pokemon could hear him. "If this 'building sequence' is anything like evolution, then it won't happen again. The maximum recorded number of times a Pokemon has undergone evolution is two, and given how powerful you are without training after your 'completion'; well, I think it's extremely unlikely you'll undergo anything like that again."

Synergy gave a grunt at that, before shrugging herself. "It was worth a try." Synergy spoke. "Thank you for the clarification."

"Oh no problem, no problem." Oak rapidly dismissed Synergy's thanks. "Just tell me if there's anything else-"

"Yes, Professor, actually." Synergy asked, interrupting Oak who looked to her and gestured for her to continue. What she said though, shocked him. "Can a human use aura?"

"Hmm?" Oak let out as he blinked in confusion, not understanding where that came from. "Why do you want to know that?"

"Curiosity, Professor." Synergy intoned, eyes unwavering. "I've read about humans being able to use psychic powers from your library, which at first astounded me as it seemed to be something Pokemon can do. And I'll admit, Professor, I'm capable of wielding aura." Oak looked at Synergy with an intrigued expression, but didn't interrupt. "I used the move aura sphere during my fight with the legendary, Moltres. These factors made me think, surely a human could use aura then too?"

"So you already knew about some of this, and came asking to me to confirm what you'd found as well as getting some further clarification." Oak mused his thoughts aloud to the Pokemon, who only tilted her head at him a bit in response. Giving a sigh, Oak just decided to answer her question. "Yes, humans most certainly can. However, it is even more unknown about than aura, or life energy, in Pokemon, due to the sheer lack of research into it and people who can actually use it. The most famous example I can give you is a figure from the Rota area of Kanto, called Sir Aaron. He was part of a now extinct organisation called aura guardians, and even they were few in number. But the power of aura he wielded was so powerful, and so finely controlled, that he decimated two entire armies and banished them from the Rota Kingdom before they could destroy it. However, he died in the process of doing so."

"Fascinating." Synergy intoned, the two facial plates actually sliding open for a brief moment to show the lit-up crimson mouth before sliding back into place. "Sir Aaron, you say?"

Sensing the Pokemon wanted more, Oak just told her all he had left. "His story, though true, is a legend today due to how old it is, and the subsequent organisation he was a part of. Two thousand years ago, one thousand years before even the most primitive example of the Pokeball. He is a famous legend, always depicted as wearing medieval type dress with a large hat, and his staff which was said to be able to channel his aura and aid him in battle." Oak explained to the Pokemon as he shifted in his chair. "As for his aura abilities, he was said to be more adept than most Lucario at using aura when it came to it. He could use many techniques, from aura sphere itself, to wielding a weaponised form of aura like the Pokemon move Bone Rush, and a few other applications like being able to heal a Pokemon, though I have no idea how. However, that's all I can remember from what I read about him."

Synergy gave a grunt, before looking at the Professor. "You mentioned Lucario, a Pokemon notorious for using aura moves. Does this mean that that Pokemon can naturally use aura?"

"Naturally? No. I'm pretty sure its not 'natural' to just wield aura." Oak stated dismissively. "No, the Pokemon Lucario, and it's pre-evolutionary stage Riolu, are taught by older members of their species on how to do it. Trainers aid their Pokemon in learning it, should they catch one without the knowledge of those moves."

Synergy flexed her fingers, theorising that she had been able to use the aura sphere move due to her gaining the knowledge from her system. "Thank you, Professor." Synergy thanked, getting a nod from the man. "Just a couple of more questions, if you don't mind."

Oak held back a yawn, before answering affirmatively. "Certainly, go ahead. I'm pretty sure I'd be just as curious as you about something I could do."

"Well, do you know of any knowledgeable Riolu or Lucario?" Synergy requested.

Oak gave a nod, theorising of how Synergy would go tracking them down to get stronger. "Yes, as a matter of fact they're on the ranch at the back of the lab. You'll find a family of two Lucario and three Riolu belonging to one of my retired students in the Rock biome, in a cave left of the biggest oak tree in the biome, you can't miss it." Oak directed her, before then speaking in a warning tone. "Though I must warn you, if you go seeking them out, don't make any move towards the Riolu, their children. The Lucario evolutionary line is a very family-centred species, and will die to protect their young ones. I know you'll be fine, but I don't want any damage or injuries, understand?"

"Crystal, Professor." Synergy dipped her head.

"Good, good." Oak spoke. "I believe you had one last question?"

"Yes." Synergy intoned, crimson eyes focusing on the Professor then with rapt attention. "How many humans do you know of today, can use aura?"

Oak gave a start then, looking weirdly at Synergy as if dreading that question. "Why on earth would you want to know that?!" He asked with a raised tone.

"A certain theory of mine, Professor, that I will keep to myself for now." Synergy spoke in a 'no-nonsense' tone that allowed for no argument. "Please answer the question."

Oak looked suspiciously at the Pokemon for a few seconds before sighing, and answering. "I know of one man." He answered. "And only one man. Even then, the few people in this world who understand that aura can be wielded by humans consider that the practice is extinct. But I know of this man only because we personally know one another."

"Could you tell me more, Professor?" Synergy urged, leaning forward slightly with full focus on Oak. "Where might he be?"

Oak snorted at that. "Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you." He spoke with an amused expression, not as if he was protecting a friend, but rather as if the idea to go after this man was ludicrous. "Fortunately, I don't know where he is. Few do."

"Well, I'll settle for anything you can tell me then, Professor." Synergy stated with a tone of finality.

Oak looked to the clock, before sighing. "We're going to be here for some time, then..." Oak mused aloud, gaining an astute look from the Pokemon. "Very well, you'd have heard about this sooner or later, Synergy. This man is the reason for Ash being at risk, should he keep his surname and connections."

Synergy sat up slowly straighter, looking sharply to the Professor. "Please, do tell Professor." Synergy stated with a serious voice. "And I must request you tell me everything."

Oak gave a snort. "Certainly, I'll indulge you." Oak reassured. "This isn't tell any other person, after all. This man is Ash's father..."