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.

18. Chapter 17 - Cerulean

ROUTE 3 - GRASSY VERGES.

Route three was a path created to be directed east towards the more northern and central zones of Kanto, ending at Mount Moon which a trainer would have to get through to reach Route four, which was a direct route to Cerulean City.

It would seem, however, that trouble had gone down within the mountainous cave systems, and instead they would take the longer hiking route around the mountain range containing Mount Moon. From roughly a days walking to six days.

Mewtwo just looked at the ensembled Pokemon as Ash and Paul released them, seven Pokemon in all that had been released from their capture devices. The two trainers quickly began to get their Pokemon sorted, beginning a few hours of training before they continued forward with travelling to Cerulean City.

The feline Pokemon watched all of this as the Pokemon began to fall into a couple of formations and groups. Mewtwo flicked his eyes to gaze at Synergy beside him for a second, before looking back to the Pokemon engaging in the training session before him. "You know, there's one thing that continues to allude me of a proper answer, despite how much time I've spent observing the humans as you've said."

Synergy didn't look to Mewtwo, rather keeping her focus on the two trainers before her. "And what's that?" She responded simply.

"Why Pokemon would just choose to become what looks like slavery." Mewtwo spoke in a curious tone, shifting his posture slightly as it brought back memories. "I could understand a few choosing to be bound to humans so as to be guided to better strength, but there are millions of Pokemon that are trainer-owned. Why would so many choose to just... obey the whims of a race that can't even do a single technique like any Pokemon could?"

Synergy finally looked to the feline Pokemon with a gaze out the corner of her eyes, and then just tilted her head slightly. "Statistically speaking, they are not the many. There are approximately 642, 378 trainers spread out across eight countries on the continent, all of whom possess a total of roughly 9.2 million Pokemon. Combined with the further 473.8 million estimated Pokemon owned by family households and institutions, that makes a total estimate of 483 million Pokemon that are 'bound' to humans." Synergy spoke in an informative tone as she looked back to observe Ash. "Considering that the estimated total population of every Pokemon species adds up to 71 billion across the continent, that means that the amount of Pokemon bound to humans makes up only 0.68% of all Pokemon on Earth. The amount of Pokemon literally out numbers humanity by 23.6 times on average."

Mewtwo had just been staring at Synergy as she had said that, before speaking himself. "So if we so 'outnumber' the humans, why do they remain to be stuffed inside capture devices and fight at the human's leisure and entertainment?"

"Don't you see it?" Synergy questioned as she turned her head to fully observe Mewtwo as she spoke. "The Pokemon as a whole could eradicate humanity if they so chose. Pokemon are more intelligent than other species barring the humans, we outnumber them and the humans have only technology to fight back with - not a single technique except aura. And yet, millions walk side-by-side with the humans rather than do anything of the sort. It's not slavery after all - but rather the fact that the majority of trainer-owned Pokemon wish to be trainer-owned." Synergy just eye-smiled at what she said. "Statistics don't lie."

Mewtwo just gazed at the robotic Pokemon with an impassive look. "Very few things are inherently truthful."

Synergy looked right back to the powerful feline Pokemon. "Are you?" She countered.

Mewtwo's gaze remained on Synergy for a moment before looking away as his face became more considering. "...No." He eventually let out.

Synergy just nodded as her point was proven. "Then don't lie to yourself."

Mewtwo just looked back to the robotic Pokemon with a look of thought.

ASH AND PAUL.

"So you don't even want to train?" Ash asked with an exasperated tone.

"Nope." The starfish Pokemon stated plainly.

Ash just raised an eyebrow. "Despite the fact that this isn't even battling anymore, it's just a good way to keep up your fitness and overall strength?"

Staryu just looked to Ash with a very distinct, unimpressed aura surrounding her. "How many times do I have to say it, darling?"

"Very well." Ash gave in, not having the energy anymore to try and convince the Pokemon. "There's a lake over there, at least go and stay hydrated, it's better for water-types to regularly be submerged."

To Ash, at least the starfish Pokemon listened to him on that note as it moved over to the lake and just jumped in. Giving a sigh, he just looked over to where Blue and Silver were standing, the bulkier steel-type conversing with the fighting-type over the move rock smash that Ash had finally let Silver learn since he evolved over a week ago.

Satisfied at that as he saw the Riolu shatter a raised rock with a straight kick, showing Silver the correct technique, before he looked over to see that Synergy was still conversing with Mewtwo. Seeing that there was only one of his Pokemon left, he turned back to the lake.

"Peeper!" He called out. "Come over here!"

It took a second, but the smooth surface of the water then rippled and broke as a serpentine head with two curious, large orbs rose up above the surface, blinking as they locked onto Ash. With a coo, the normally aquatic serpentine shot out of the lake and slithered over to Ash, letting out a noise of delight as Ash then petted the soft scales on the underside of her head.

"Hey Peeper." Ash greeted.

The Dragonair just looked to her trainer before responding. "Hey Ash."

Ash just smiled under his mask before getting down to business. "Right." He stated. "We've got a busy week ahead of us. With Staryu still refusing to play ball, you're the main star now, Peeper. I'd be a fool not to select you for battle, with how good your species is in water and the amount of varied techniques that are good against water types that you have."

The serpentine just listened on as Ash seemed to muse on what he'd do for his upcoming gym battle, before just cocking her head as Ash then clenched his hand and smiled at her. "Never mind." Ash spoke resolutely. "Let's just get some training done - perhaps a new technique to master throughout the week, and refining what we've got. For now, just come at me with electrical based attacks. You've got a couple of techniques to do with the electrical type."

Peeper just blinked at her trainer, before her head suddenly arched up, rising up to Ash's head height - before darting forth with her mouth stretched open wide, revealing two bared and sharp fangs. Sparks flew out from her fangs as she employed the use of the move Thunder Fang, dangerous enough that if it landed against Ash's skull, it'd penetrate right through to the brain and kill him. Fortunately, she only chomped down on the aura rod that Ash had thrust up to block her pat, having done this too many times to get caught out like this.

"Good." Ash praised. "More."

A leap combined with the use of the move iron tail rebounded right off of Ash's aura shield, giving the Dragonair distance enough to begin the short build-up charge for the highest damaging electrical move she knew - thunderbolt.

An aura sphere crashed down and imploded into the ground where Peeper had been, scattering mud and ground all over the serpentine who had dodged the move - at the cost of having to cancel the thunderbolt technique.

Ash wasn't in the least bit cynical as he only nodded to his Pokemon then, tugging his hat as he spoke. "I guess that's what we're working on then. Getting thunderbolt down, master it and it'll be a game changer in a gym notorious for having a swimming pool. Perfect it even, and you'll be able to do the higher level move - thunder."

Peeper seemed interested at that, as Ash then just petted her head as he strode over. "Get a lot of the simpler moves down, and we'll start going through dragon type moves, eh? They're a lot more difficult and self-damaging than other type moves, but they'll be worth it! You just gotta get experience and skills with these types of things first to make the process easier."

Peeper cooed at her trainer, neck outstretched then as she heard that. She was most definitely interested in learning more about the dragon types, and becoming like Lance's own powerful Pokemon.

WITH MEWTWO.

"I never came for them." The feline Pokemon stated out of the blue once more. "I teleported to your group because of you."

"Me?" Synergy questioned with some surprise.

"Yes." Mewtwo confirmed simply.

Synergy blinked at that, her logic processors providing a variety of reasons that the brain couldn't really choose between, and so she just voiced her inquiry. "Why?"

Mewtwo looked to her for a second. "You and I are alike in many ways. Born from the same creature. Synthetic, unnatural. Legendary. I couldn't help but be curious."

Synergy would've raised an eyebrow if she anatomically could. "Just like those previous few visits of yours?"

Mewtwo just glanced to her before dipping his head. "Yes." He confirmed once more.

A quiet atmosphere settled in for a minute, as Synergy allowed her system to keep an eye on the training session going on as she mulled over what she'd heard. The feline Pokemon also seemed to be contemplating as he allowed the silence to continue, active in his own thoughts.

"So what can you do?" Mewtwo broke the silence then that had prevailed between them, obviously seeking to build a furthered relationship with the one he considered his kin.

Synergy just analysed the feline Pokemon's face, weighing the pros and cons of the obvious question as to the extents of her power. The computer had automatically engaged in her head unit, the logic processors supplying that it was a clear question to gain further understanding of one another, whilst another section cautioned against giving up such information. But ever since seven years ago, it was left to the brain to make the decision.

"Don't tell me you just want me to reveal my secrets with nothing in return?" Synergy countered with a tilt of her head.

Mewtwo just stared at her with a considering gaze before closing his eyes for a second in appeasement. "Very well." He let out. "You tell me things about yourself, and I'll give you the same back."

Synergy just nodded at that, before holding up her left arm. "Well, I'm good with a sword." The robotic Pokemon started as she held her left hand, the sword attachment to her arm flying out and locking into place as it was swiped towards the ground. "My best ranges are close and long range."

Mewtwo looked interested at the sword, before replying. "I have no preference for close combat. My best range is long range."

"I'm an electric and steel-type." Synergy continued, as the sword extension sprang back into its housing.

"Psychic." Mewtwo informed his equal.

"I've learnt approximately 82% of all moves that can be incorporated with my types." The robotic Pokemon stated.

Mewtwo gazed at her for a second, thinking over the personality differences between him and his kin whose mechanical functions slipped into her very words. "That is a lot of techniques." Mewtwo spoke impassively. "I, too, have also learnt almost all techniques that the humans have categorised. However, I can use every type there is."

Synergy paused at that, going over that. "Impressive." She responded. "Very few Pokemon can do that." She tilted her head once more though as she then attempted to out-do the feline Pokemon in their talk of strengths. "But can you use aura like I?"

Mewtwo just smirked slightly at that. "My psychic abilities surpass even that of our genetic donor. I am the most powerful psychic, and rumoured overall, Pokemon there is."

Synergy certainly couldn't claim the same, as her facial plates slid open to add to her expression. "I see." She stated, silence settling in for a moment as she detected that the feline Pokemon was feeling slightly smug about the come-uppance. "Apparently I can control gravity, though."-

That caught Mewtwo's attention. "Oh? That would make you very unique."

"I haven't done it much though." Synergy shrugged as her facial plates slid back closed.

Mewtwo considered that for a moment before fully standing up from where they were sitting, and turned to the robotic Pokemon. "Then you should practice." He stated resolutely.

Synergy looked at the feline Pokemon impassively. "I do practice my skills. Every day."

"Then it is not enough to practice." Mewtwo responded instantly, with somewhat of a harsh tone - which surprised Synergy. Mewtwo conveyed his urgency at the matter through his tone before he turned around to view where the two trainers were now having a practice battle together as a part of their training. "You view him as a son, don't you?" He inquired softly as Synergy joined him to observe Ash and Paul, the question making the robotic Pokemon look firmly at him.

"I-" Synergy began, but was cut off.

"Don't deny it." Mewtwo interrupted just as firmly as the robotic Pokemon was looking at him. "The main difference between us is our purposes in life. You've found yours, I can see it. You care for Ash Ketchum as if he were your own child."

"..." Synergy said nothing as she looked over to Ash instead. She was now feeling what it was like to have your feelings confronted on a matter, just as she had done to Mewtwo in their previous conversations. "Yes." She finally admitted. "Ever since the day I first saw him."

"Then you have your purpose." Mewtwo spoke with a tone of finality. "That is the difference between you and I. I search for my purpose. You do not."

Synergy just watched her fellow legendary get slightly philosophical, and just shrugged. Her system didn't quite care to continue such a conversation, and she herself didn't know the right thing to say to such phrases.

Perhaps sensing this, Mewtwo just looked to her before changing topics. "Well, did you want to practice now?"

Her system knew the immediate answer to that. "Sure." Synergy responded.

Mewtwo gave a deep, short chuckle at that, before levitating over to the front of a thicket of trees, before flexing the digits on his right hand - as what looked to be violet coloured electricity cackled into life powerfully on the hand. A small, white sheen overcame the appendage as Mewtwo chuckled - before swiping his hand towards the trees and releasing the built-up power.

The results were immediate. The entire front row of trees became nothing more than wooden shards, blown inwards and caving in the middle before splintering and erupting. The same happened to the row of trees behind that, before the descaled move began to weaken in power as the trees behind that toppled to the move instead of being blown to pieces. Cut right through the middle, showing the true nature of the move as a cutting wave of psychic energy that had followed the path of exactly how Mewtwo had swiped his hand. Over half the thicket lay destroyed then.

Synergy analysed that, taking in how the move was done - before her system flashed up saying that either a specialised technique or an aura move was needed to reciprocate such a cutting display. She merely turned her head to view her fellow legendary as he spoke once more.

"The underlying principles behind our powers cannot differ too much." Mewtwo suggested as he landed carefully on the ground with grace. "The energies we each control have to be charged; refined and directed. Essentially, you and I each wield one type of energy. I have great control over psychic energy, as do you over aura. As it is one base level of energy, it all thus comes down to the application of it."

Synergy's computer brought up a couple of bits of information then, highlighting and confirming a theory and taking down the information Mewtwo was confirming to her. "What do you suggest then?" She asked.

"Since you admit that you haven't done much with your power, you don't really know your limits. But you have a feel for it. You've already started, and now it's just about finding those limits." Mewtwo informed her.

Synergy's facial plates twitched. "And when those limits are found?"

Mewtwo just looked to her with a considering gaze. "I'm sure you already know the answer to that." He replied. "You push beyond them. Those that remain as they are, become arrogant. Arrogance kills."

Synergy just watched the feline Pokemon, before grunting. "Very well." She sounded out. "Shall we?"

Mewtwo said nothing in response to that, but rather motioned to her. "Use your power as you would. Try it out against that which remains."

Synergy's attention was directed towards the half-destroyed thicket, before resolving her actions and raising her left hand up towards the trees. With a glowing blue aura covering the limb, she swiped her hand down as she directed her power - with instant results like with Mewtwo's display. Except instead of the trees seemingly imploding, they were grinded into the Earth.

An entire section of the half-raised thicket was flattened in a second, crushed down as the trees were levelled off to the ground. Only wooden debris and wreckage of plant life remained, crushed into the ground by the gravitational power forced upon it. Mewtwo watched with a sense of satisfaction, analysing the results of a power that was, in certain aspects, much like his own.

"You have a better utilisation of your power than I initially thought." Mewtwo spoke then. "But what is clearly lacking the most in your utilisation of it is the ultimate ability to control it. You lack accuracy."

Synergy's system was already beginning to see that, pointing out how the section of the thicket levelled to the ground was wider than what she had initially directed to do, But that didn't beat hearing the words of someone more adept than her. "How so?" She asked, still looking to the now thoroughly destroyed thicket.

Mewtwo, too, looked to the results of the power displays before speaking. "Note how despite directing your power personally with your hand, you still couldn't retain it to get precisely where you want it to go? It covers a wider area than what you visibly directed it to." The feline Pokemon spoke. "I cannot give the exact specifications on how to control a power that is, ultimately, not my own - only similar. You will only know precisely what to do with experience - you need to practice. Often."

Synergy just remained silent as her fellow legendary talked, only regarding what he was saying and filing it away for later use. She had never been one to turn down beneficial outcomes.

"But I can advise you." Mewtwo offered. "Would you like to explore your power further with my help?"

Synergy only looked the feline Pokemon dead in the eye before nodding - causing a gleam to enter Mewtwo's eyes.

WITH ASH AND PAUL.

Paul was staring over towards where the two legendries were throwing about their power with wide eyes. "Arceus." He let out. "That's some power."

Ash looked over to where Paul was looking from talking to his Pokemon, Peeper looking over curiously too, before shaking his head. "No." Ash simply stated. "That's not power to them."

Paul snapped his head to Ash. "You mean-"

Ash just reached up and adjusted his mask. "I mean they're just practicing honing their abilities. Legendries are called legendries for good reason. Not even I've seen Synergy go beyond half power."

THAT AFTERNOON.

"You have already bypassed the entrance to Mount Moon then." Mewtwo phrased, a slight questioning tone to it, which prompted Ash to nod. "Good. It is better to avoid whatever is occurring there."

Paul just raised an eyebrow at the strange feline Pokemon. "It almost sounds like you care about what happens to us."

Mewtwo just slowly turned his head and narrowed his own eyes in response. "Do not mistake my advice for goodwill, human. There is more at play here than any of you realise, no matter how well informed I suspect Ketchum to be." Mewtwo stated as he looked to Ash, before swiping his hand down as he saw Ash about to speak. "Don't deny it. You show too much familiarity of the situation - you are obviously better informed, or perhaps even involved, of the situation regarding your father than the human media suggests."

Ash just clasped his hands together, peering over the top of them before grunting. "Fair enough." He admitted. "I do know quite a lot about my father and several other aspects. I know how powerful he is."

Mewtwo just looked seriously to Ash, before chuckling. "The only time your father has ever gone full out, boy, was when I and another legendary faced him." The feline Pokemon informed Ash, his tail twitching and wafting behind him. "For a Pokemon such as I, rumoured to be the strongest there, it was humbling to be stood before the man who inherited Aaron's power. He walked away that day with only a scar on his torso that he refused to let heal, treating it as a trophy after having slain a legendary with just his own abilities. A mere human killed a legendary. Did you know that?"

Ash seemed staggered at what Mewtwo said. "My father is really that powerful?"

Mewtwo just blinked impassively down at the boy from his taller height before nodding. "More than you could even comprehend, Ketchum, and that is saying something given how you are but one of less than five of the non-Pokemon that wields aura on this planet."

Ash just seemed shocked at the declaration of power, deliberating over what he'd heard - as Synergy seemed alarmed at it. "What did you mean by what you said?" She almost demanded then as she looked Mewtwo firmly in the eye.

The feline Pokemon just turned his head to gaze at his kin. "Which part?" He inquired. He'd thought what he'd just said was pretty clear.

"About 'the same power as Aaron'. Surely you don't mean the historical Aaron of Rota?" Synergy questioned as she took a step forward around Ash.

Mewtwo remained silent for a second, before nodding. "The one and only. I meant it exactly as I said it." He answered. "A power that allows for another stage of aura to be achieved. The same stage of aura that allowed Aaron to wipe out two invading armies by himself."

Ash was still flabbergasted somewhat, as Paul seemed to be having an aneurysm as he rubbed his temples. Mewtwo seemed partially amused by that, before announcing his intent to depart. "If that is all you wish to ask, then our conversation has been concluded. I will depart and arrive back at another time."

Ash looked up, clearing his mind as he gave a wave. "Cya, Mewtwo!" He called out, with Paul just grunting beside him, still heavily in thought.

Synergy just calmly gazed to the feline Pokemon, and spoke more cordially. "Farewell."

Mewtwo just looked back with a regarding gaze, before then giving a curt nod and disappearing in a flash of light.

NON-OFFICIAL ROUTE - ROCKY PLAINS.

Synergy's eyes roamed the rocky terrain, noting how the elevation of the ground was a very gentle incline. They had deviated from route three a while back, and so were now missing the normal route through Mount Moon cave systems. The cave systems were embedded in a short mountain range that intersected between the rocky plains, which was a large strip of elevated yet level ground before the even more treacherous mountain ranges further north; and the rest of Kanto where more fertile lands could be found.

Ash, Paul and Synergy were going around the short mountain range through the rocky plains to meet back onto Route four, having made good time already. Paul was still somewhat irritable about having to walk much further than originally planned, but they had done quite a good bit of training in addition to being halfway to Cerulean City. The major downside to the route was the lack of actual Pokemon in the rocky plains - the rock type Pokemon preferred actual mountains, the underground or hid from humans. The official routes had been designed with opportunity in mind.

Ash was interrupted from his musings when he heard a few screeches occur over the area, and looked up to see two flying Pokemon, the third occurrence of Pokemon they'd seen that day unlike the other routes where they'd have seen dozens by now. What got his attention about this one though, was the fact that they were fighting - even Paul and Synergy slowed down to see the battle.

Ash watched as the Golbat and Zubat face off in the skies, narrowing his eyes to better see through the sun's rays that wasn't blocked by the rim of Oak's cap. It was very obvious to see that the pre-evolutionary Pokemon of the species line was clearly losing to the Golbat, who seemed to be revelling in their advantage if the smug screeches were anything to go by.

Paul didn't really care about something that probably happened on a daily basis across the planet, whether it was some fight over hierarchy or the Zubat had pissed off the leader of their group somehow. It was cool to see at first, but wild Pokemon weren't trained to use tactics or a variety of techniques like trainer Pokemon, and so it soon became a waste of time to dally about.

"What are we doing, Ketchum?" He impatiently asked with a sigh.

Ash just smirked at the battle, before wagging his finger. "Don't blind yourself to opportunity, Paul. There is something to be gained from this."

Synergy watched as Ash regarded the battle above them, taking in how Ash seemed to be contemplating a possible action of his, and knew he was about to do something. Even if the statistic was less than the majority at 32%, she could still see his father in him in times like this. The robotic Pokemon wasn't too sure how to feel about that.

Ash decided then as the Golbat plunged upon the smaller flying type, a short burst of energy being unleashed as it rammed into the Zubat using the technique Acrobatics - dealing quite a bit of damage in mid air. The Zubat let out a pained cry as it felt its wing break under the duress of the move, before plunging out of the sky as it could no longer maintain its flight.

"Catch it, Synergy." Ash simply ordered. He got no response other than the robotic Pokemon lifting her hand up and halting the Zubat on its rapid descent to the ground, getting a surprised and agonised squawk from the creature as it was pulled out of its terrifying death-dive suddenly. Even the Golbat looked confused for a second at the occurrence, having not spotted the figures on the ground before just becoming angry and shooting off towards the Zubat to forcibly end their confrontation.

A loud eruption of sound actually had Paul yelp in shock and surprise as he flinched away from the source of sound that had just burst into existence right next to him. Snapping his head around to view the source, Paul further widened his eyes as he saw the Deadlock pistol in Ash's hand; a wisp of smoke still coming off of it as the sound echoed around like thunder across the rocky terrain. He quickly turned his head once more as an ear-splitting shriek of agony howled out then, seeing the Golbat hurtling towards the ground this time, eyes closed and a crimson liquid arc trailing behind it as it plummeted. It smacked right into the ground with no hope of pulling out, seemingly flattening from the force of falling from high up and separating into three pieces in a display of gore.

"What the FUCK Ketchum?!" Paul screamed out then as he tried to calm his beating heart, getting only an inquisitive look from Ash as he tucked the gun away back under his hoodie.

"What?" He spoke in response, a slight smirk pulling at his lips then though as he knew what Paul was mad at him about as the Sinnoh trainer glared at him. "Oh, c'mon, you've seen the gun before."

Paul blinked at that, before his visage got angrier. "Just because you have a gun doesn't mean you have to use it! You could've used a Pokemon, your aura, or the legendary Pokemon you've got wrapped around your fingers! But no, you had to give me a heart attack!"

Ash looked to Paul, and chuckled quietly as he didn't actually reply, instead motioning to Synergy who had grabbed hold of the Zubat by now. Walking over to the hurt creature, Ash just analysed the state of the Pokemon - drifting into a sleep now that its pain had lessened, and yet it was still hurt badly. It had a broken bone within its right wing, clearly seen from the fracture in the supporting structure of the wing, and several scars along its body.

It laid limp in the robotic Pokemon's hands, Synergy gazing at it with an impassive outlook before sending a questioning look to Ash. Matching his Pokemon's glance, Ash then extended forth a hand of his own and put it over the creature, before it lit up as he shrouded his hand in aura. The glowing cerulean energy rippled around Ash's hands, before he directed it onto the Zubat - causing the energy to disperse off of him and latch onto the bat, where it was absorbed. The results were plainly seen as Ash moved his hand over the injured areas of the bat, causing the scars to close up and heal as if they had never been there.

The broken wing needed to be forcefully held in the correct position, pressed together with as much pressure as a single hand could bring without resorting to aura - making the bat stir even in its sleep; but after a few seconds of absorbing the energy, that healed too. Staring at the Zubat to make sure there was nothing else, Ash then lowered his hand whilst cancelling the flow of aura - as the other one raised with an empty Pokeball in it. With a simple push on the creature's head against the manual release button, the ball sprang open and targeted the Zubat, causing it to dissolve in a mass of red light and energy which was quickly sucked into the capture device.

The ball didn't even judder before it firmly sealed itself in conformation of a capture, showing just how much energy the bat had expended.

Picking up the ball from Synergy's palm and tossing it up before catching it, he gazed at it before shrinking it down and putting it in his Pokeball case. He'd get the Pokemon checked out at a Pokemon Centre, but that was still days away. "And then there were six." Ash remarked as he tucked the case back into his pocket, before looking up. "Thanks Synergy."

The robotic Pokemon just smiled down to him. "No problem."

Paul was just looking impressed to Ash, before speaking. "That aura of yours is quite remarkable, Ketchum." Was all he stated before shrugging. "Looks like I'll need to catch some Pokemon to make sure you don't beat me."

Ash arched an eyebrow. "That doesn't sound like you, to race to get something done."

Paul arched an eyebrow back. "Who says I am? I'll need to carefully analyse potential Pokemon of course, but I just don't want you to win."

Ash nodded his head as the natural order realigned itself. "That sounds like you. Competitive and making sure you get the best."

Synergy dismissed every previous thought of comparing him to his father. Red Ketchum would not act like that at all for any reason on Earth.

TWO DAYS LATER, EVENING.

A fire was going for the first time in a few days, as Ash used the hunting knife to strip moist bark off of a branch before throwing it in the fire. Wood was much rarer in the rocky plains than the usual terrain of Kanto, and so they had gone the previous few days having to rely on packaged food and being cold in the evening. Even Paul's naturally pessimistic disposition had livened up somewhat in the face of getting cooked food again.

Synergy was dealing with the cooking as Ash and Paul discussed the events that were coming up, namely the re-joining of their path onto Route four, and the upcoming gym battle. So whilst Ash kept himself busy with the hunting knife against the wood, Paul had his Pokedex in his hand on the navigational screen to see precisely which paths they had to take.

It was lucky that when there was no internet connection about, they could manually plot routes on the downloaded maps.

"So we could either take a more winding route that ends up in woodland here, and we meet up on route four a little longer than we planned, but we'd be further along the route though. Or, we follow the mountain round, remain in the rocky plains tomorrow and meet up on route four exactly as planned." Paul finalised their choices.

Ash paused for a moment in thought, before speaking. "It sounds the same either way. Either we enter route four at a later time, or we go there in shorter time and reach the same point anyway at the same time because we still had to travel there. The woodland path sounds better than remaining in the rocky plains anyway, more scenic."

Paul just nodded and entered the desired route in manually to his Pokedex. "Very well. We'll take that route."

Ash threw the branch he'd finished stripping into the flames then as he looked to Paul. "And then it's just two days to Cerulean?"

"Correct." Paul replied simply, before tucking away his Pokedex.

Moments passed by before Ash gave a hum. "So are you all sorted for the Cerulean gym battle then?"

"Yep." Paul responded, before calling out. "Grotle! Snorunt! You both have a battle against a water-type gym in three days!"

The ice-type that was sitting on top of the large turtle Pokemon just dipped their head in acknowledgement, as Grotle who was sitting a few metres away in the more dim radius of the fire's light (not too close to be exposed to a grass-type's weakness, but not too far from the warmth) gave a few grumbles.

Ash reciprocated the act as he looked over his own Pokemon sitting further to the left, before deciding. "I need a Pokemon who can swim - my strategy's a bit different Paul's brute force one. For that reason - sorry Blue, but you're up again alongside Peeper."

Blue looked over to Ash, and gave a wave. "Happy to do another battle."

"Hey, brute force works." Paul commented in retaliation of Ash's own comment.

Ash snorted at that. "Until we stop going to gyms that are low-level compared to your own Pokemon."

Paul gave that a bit of consideration, before nodding. "I guess that is true. We may need to take a day in Cerulean City just researching the gyms and opposition, to form some kind of plan and strategies against them. Can't keep relying on type advantages."

Synergy looked up then. "That is correct. I advise you do so - public Pokemon trainer records are available to all trainers with authentic credentials. If they are available, then information on gym leaders should be even easier to find."

TWO DAYS LATER.

Ash and Paul had gone down the longer route, finding it beneficial to get off of the rocky plains they'd been traversing for six days. Now, after having spent a lot of the day travelling, they were but now ten minutes from the city. Route four ran along the river Dwin that the two trainers had passed a week and a half ago on their way to Pewter, now on their way to Cerulean that the river ran through. Cerulean City was the most famed place in Kanto for water-type Pokemon.

Right now, Paul was scanning the Pokemon that floated by in the river with his Pokedex to rack up his sightings on his device and get more insight into species of Pokemon.

"You seen anything interesting?" Ash asked as they walked alongside the water.

Paul gave a grunt as he finished a particularly interesting scan to him, before showing Ash. "The Tentacool are interesting. I haven't seen such an aggressive disposition to match an Ursaring as the Pokedex seems to say they have, combined with the fact they're part poison types makes a nasty combo."

Ash gave a chuckle at that. "You've yet to see a Gyrados then. Not many grumpy fishes around Sinnoh, I take it?"

Paul just shook his head. "No, the water-type Pokemon in Sinnoh seem remarkably calmer in comparison. The most famous of our water-type Pokemon is a penguin, which has been domesticated to the extent that they're now starters."

Ash looked over. "Every region has that though. Kanto's would be Squirtle."

Paul nodded. "True."

They fell silent as the city itself could be clearly seen now. Putting away his Pokedex, even Paul was interested to look - for a moment - as they were but a few minutes away now.

Cerulean City itself was located just as high up north as Pewter City was, to the extent that as the River Dwin started curving North as it flowed through the city from the West, it started to widen where it would eventually meet a sea inlet not too far from city. As such, the smell of the sea would often be carried into Cerulean whenever a strong enough wind blew into the city, and as such the city designers had utilised such themes. Quite a few buildings such as a majority of the few skyscrapers present were painted with an aquamarine scheme, and posters across the city were often pictured with water-type Pokemon found in Kanto and especially in the local river.

Unlike Pewter City though, which was a bustling primary and secondary-industry city, filled to the brim with workers in factories, mines and other such sectors; Cerulean was much more entertainment and service based. It could not hope to match the shopping opportunities available in Viridian City, the capital, but it did stand out for its better entertainment and theatrics facilities. The gym itself for instance, was also sued for water show displays put on by the main three gym leaders of the facility - the sensational sisters.

Entering Cerulean and quickly moving towards the city centre, they first stopped off at the Pokemon Centre in order to get their Pokemon checked out. The Nurse Joy there seemed a little concerned over the Zubat Ash brought her, but so long as he gave the creature plenty of rest for a couple of days more, it should be fine. And so they were ready to face the gym which was right across the street from the Pokemon Centre, which they were now stood outside of.

"It looks pretty neat actually." Synergy remarked, slightly impressed with the design of the gym.

"Perhaps." Paul stated in his own way of agreement.

Ash said nothing as he observed the building himself, seeing a resemblance to a square pyramid shape in its design. Although the four straight walls of the base, a smooth pristine white with purple, pink and yellow decorations, was a square - the entrance was set into a diagonal line to it in one of the corners of the building. The roof gave way to high-rising, sloping glass structure which was separated into two triangular sections that looked like they could meet at a point at the top - though currently open.

Walking in, they were met with the same set-up in Pewter city of a front reception desk - though this time with three people manning the desk, with a friendlier atmosphere to boot. However, they were reminded of how the gym facility they were in served other purposes too, as they were greeted.

"Hello, and welcome to the Cerulean gym! I'm sorry, but you're currently too late for the water show. It finishes in just ten minutes, I'm afraid." The receptionist at the desk part directly in front of them stated with an apologetic smile. "You're welcome to come back in two hours, however, when the next show starts!"

"Come again?" Paul asked, confused slightly.

"I thought this was the Cerulean City gym?" Ash questioned, confused as well. Even Synergy looked to the receptionist with interest.

Recognition dawned upon the receptionist that the people in front of her were the other type of clientele their gym catered for. "Oh, are you trainers?" The receptionist asked, getting nods from the two trainers in front of her. "My apologies! However, the gym is not currently taking battles today. Wednesdays are always scheduled for the water exhibits put on by the sensational sisters - feel free to come back tomorrow however, at least one of the sisters will be available for battle then!"

Paul scowled at the unwelcome news to him, irritation clearly flashing in his eyes as he looked to Ash then, who just frowned at the receptionist. "But isn't that against Pokemon League regulations?" Ash questioned in a curious tone.

The receptionist looked troubled at that. "I'm sorry?" She asked, confused herself now.

Ash's frown got deeper at that. "Have you not read the standard operating policies of a gym?" Ash asked, getting a shake in the head from the receptionist. "Well-"

The person behind the two trainers was clearly irritated by the hold-up before her, as the teen then voiced her frustration aloud with a raised voice. "Hey, why's this taking so long? I'm a part of this gym too, and I need to speak to-"

The orange-haired teen, her hair styled into a single ponytail and wearing a simple outfit of a yellow t-shirt and blue shorts, paused as she recognised the two trainers in front of her. Ash, Paul and Synergy had looked back at the shout from behind them to the impatient teen, allowing a moment of just two parties looking to one another.

"Hey! It's you!" The orange-haired girl shouted out in anger.

Paul too, recognised her. "Fuck's sake." He cursed aloud. His temper didn't need the news of not getting the battle he wanted after trekking an entire week for it, combined with an angry teen who'd he'd refused to help now being able to give him a piece of her mind.

"You're that rude prick who left on that bridge just a week and a bit back!" The orange-haired teen fumed at him. "Along with your uncaring friend, you two just left me by the river without even considering to help me!"

Paul just rolled his eyes, not displaying his anger, as it was just not worth it to him. "So?" He questioned, bored already. "It wasn't exactly any priority or necessity of ours to help you find some item of yours. You shouldn't get mad because a couple of strangers decide they've got better things to do."

The teen's face went red with fuming emotion. "That's not-" She began.

Ash turned away from the discourse at that point, looking instead to the receptionist and pointing over his shoulder to the arguing girl. "She said she's part of the gym. Who is she?" Ash inquired.

The receptionist, initially looking put out at this argument that had suddenly developed out of no where, answered Ash then. "Oh, that's Misty Waterflower. Youngest sister to the three sensational sisters, and the fourth gym leader."

Ash looked over his shoulder to the now acclaimed Misty, before looking back slightly disbelieving. "She's a gym leader?" He asked.

The receptionist didn't respond to Ash's tone, only nodding to confirm his question. It was better not to create trouble with the more emotional of their superiors.

Ash only turned back to observe the discourse between Paul and Misty, spying that Paul looked even further fed up as he had folded his arms, Synergy standing off to the sides and not intervening. Misty looked very angry, before she remembered what she'd overheard as she had entered the building. "You know what? You wanted a gym battle, didn't you?" She asked, though it was obviously rhetorical in nature as the sarcasm in her voice was audible and everybody already knew the answer.

"What about it?" Paul asked back just as sarcastically as he raised an eyebrow, not knowing what Ash had just inquired about.

Misty pulled out a Pokeball and spun it in her hand before gripping it tightly as she pointed to the two trainers challengingly. "Then I challenge the both of you to an official gym battle as a leader of this gym!"

Just as Paul was about to scoff, Ash stopped him and spoke instead. "We accept." He replied impassively.

Misty just gazed at them, before nodding as she now had her chance to settle this dispute that she had been rightfully, to her, angry over. "Good. We'll do it after this water show of my sister's. I'll let the receptionists tell you what to do." She spoke out sternly, before moving off with an angry stride in her step.

Paul just looked disbelievingly to Ash over what had just happened, prompting the dragon master's apprentice to shrug before turning to the receptionist inquiringly. The woman at the desk sighed, before typing into her computer. "Well, if one of the gym leader's allowed it, then I suppose it's happening." The receptionist spoke. "Just please put your Pokedexs in that slot on the desk there for registration purposes, and then it's up the metal stairs on the left which takes you to the battlefield. Please wait on the catwalks until you're called."

Doing as they were told, the two trainers and Pokemon then walked up the metal stairs to the left of the reception area, past the big corridor on the right which obviously led to the stands. They emerged onto a levelled out catwalk suspended from the left wall of the gym, overlooking the main area of the gym itself which was the battlefield - or as it was currently being used for now, a pool for the water show.

It was a big, rectangular pool which too up two-thirds of the space below, roughly fifty metres in length from Ash's observation. Three women were currently performing in the pool before an audience in the stands which ran along three walls of the gym facility, a variety of Pokemon in the pool. He spied the grey shell of an older Lapras, a Dewgong helping along one of the three performers with her swimming and quite a few Magikarp.

"This gym is a fucking joke." Paul remarked aloud, visibly fuming from the scowl on his face. "First they pull some water show shit, disregarding every trainer that comes in despite that being the main purpose of a gym, and then they're all rude to boot."

Ash's face was much less visible from the mask on his face, but his narrowed eyes showed the irritation he felt. They slowly gained a glint, however, as he listened to Paul curse. "Well, it is against Pokemon League regulations, is it not?" He mused aloud, inviting Paul to answer.

Paul looked over with a frown. "Well, yes, of course it is. You can't just disregard the trainers for your own shit, the Pokemon trainers that attend the tournaments that every gym in every region is run by is basically the life blood of each region's league." Paul replied. "Though you already knew that didn't you, if Gary's comments of you swallowing the textbooks are correct."

Ash just smiled over to Paul as he wagged a finger down at the water show finishing up below them. "Which makes that illegal." He asserted. "And everything to do with the Pokemon regulations and rules like this is investigated by the Pokemon security department. It helps keep the tournaments smoothly in line, having a separate authoritative branch that deals with Pokemon business outside of the police and that."

Paul frowned. "OK, that wouldn't just be in a textbook. How'd you know that, are you telling me that you're a bigger nerd than Gary portrayed you as?"

"No." Ash spoke with a mirthful tone and a chuckle, as Paul's eyes narrowed at Ash pulling out his Pokegear. He was up to something. "My father is head of the security department."

Paul's eyes widened at that slightly, before he smirked himself as he looked to the water show below. "Many would call this an overreaction, you know." He commented in a joking tone as he leant on the catwalk railing.

Ash just looked to Paul out the corner of his eyes with an eye-smile. "Don't give me that, your expression says it all. You're enjoying the prospect of them getting what they deserve." He spoke as he entered a phone number into the device.

It was a few minutes later that they heard their names being called, prompting Paul to push himself off of the railing as he prepared for a Pokemon battle. Ash looked down again to see that quite a bit of the audience had stayed, obviously enticed into staying by the promise of seeing a couple of gym battles.

"Let's get this over with." Paul stated as he moved off, making Ash snicker a little before Synergy just eye-smiled at Ash, ruffling his hair in good luck as he laughed at the motion.