AN: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Faranon423: You're right. There is a pretty big risk for him. I definitely have no plans to make this dark and edgy as I'm attempting just a more streamlined anime tone, but these stakes are very real for Paul to consider.
RHatch89: thanks as always.
Amal Chandran: I wiiiiish. Unfortunately, being busy and having fics can disrupt that.
Kwoah: Glad you like it. I hope you keep reading and reviewing. I was actually writing when I saw your review, so the wait is over!
I'm trying to put more stuff to happen in my chapters, so longer chapters should happen, however, it'll effect how often they come out. My current setup does juggle four fics, but as of now, the brainstorming process is the worse with deciding what exactly happens. These updates will keep coming though, no matter how long they take.
Beta:XenoTime39
Discord: [discord . gg / yARsw4UtaC]
Please review your thoughts. They definitely help with motivation as I like to see people thinking actively about the plot and what kind of character I'm morphing Paul to be.
Deciding to wait and see what was going on, I entered and tried to sneak close enough to hear their conversation. Mars wasn't even disguised in normal clothing, so it was definitely some business that could turn out for the worse.
The Pokémon Mansion, while a sight to behold, was not an especially secure place. That is to say, I had little trouble sneaking in. It is concerning that Mars is chatting up Mr. Backlot, though. The Pokémon in the Pokémon Mansion would be a great asset to an organization that needs a lot of firepower.
Upon getting within a close enough range to eavesdrop, I could hear some quite amazing things. "Mr. Backlot, I'm sure you realize the magnitude behind accepting such a deal. If you were to accept it, then you'd be welcome within the new world that our leader has planned to create. You know as well as I do that this isn't something you can just shrug off," Mars said forcefully.
"Be that as it may, I simply can't fund your organization just like that. I've seen some reports creeping up around your group's actions I'll have you know," Mr. Backlot said with a firm eye. "Even if I help your organization, I don't think I can condone actions such as disrupting the natural Pokémon world!"
"Why, I have no idea what you're talking about Mr. Backlot. I'm not sure I appreciate such a harsh accusation." Mars said, carefully sneaking a Pokeball into her hand and then enlarging it.
"Oh really? Then why have so many reports come in with the police surrounding Team Galactic's operations around Lake Verity, Acuity, and Valor?" he asked sharply, "Everything is only in the air with Team Galactic. A whisper in the wind so to speak, but with what the reports have shown, this new world has nothing for me if you're hurting the region!"
Mars sighed before a smirk came over her face. "That's a shame Mr. Backlot. A very big shame indeed. I was ordered to persuade you and I will accomplish that mission." Throwing out a Pokeball revealing a Purugly, Mars said, "We wouldn't want anything to happen to you, but seeing how you've forced my hand, you can see how these things are, right?"
After Mr. Backlot dug in his heels, Mars is resorting to threats, huh. I guess I should prepare myself to intervene soon.
"So, these are the true colors of Team Galactic: a pack of thugs that can't help but threaten people who don't comply?" Mr. Backlot asked.
"I think that with the urgency of our mission, we can only resort to such tactics. Purugly, make an example out of that butler with Iron Tail. We'll show Mr. Backlot that we mean business!"
It was time to intervene. "Monferno, use Mach Punch." Throwing the Pokeball in between Mr. Backlot and Puruguly, Monferno appeared and responded faithfully punching the tail of Purugly and then another one, hitting its body directly, pushing it back.
"What?" Mars said, gritting her teeth as she looked around, seeing me as I walked out in the open. "What business do you have here, trainer?"
Continuing my walk to put my figure in front of Mr. Backlot, I said "I wanted to see if I could by chance take a look at the Pokémon Mansion's famous Trophy Garden and look what I found happening." With a sneer, I added, "I think the situation here speaks for itself."
Mars tried to take control of the situation, keeping her cool despite the opposition. "I think it would be in your best interest to move along, trainer. Otherwise, you might find that in the future, some unfortunate things might plague you."
Showing no hint of being affected by the unsubtle threat, I replied, "Not happening."
Mars looked a little put off from that, but quickly formed a dark smile over her face. "Then allow me to introduce you to the person that'll put you in your place." Bowing, she said, "I am one of the four commanders of Team Galactic, Mars. From your demeanor, I can see you don't quite understand the necessity of the actions we're taking. What a shame." Waving her arm out, she commanded Purugly, "Use Shadow Ball!"
Purugly jumped into the air and fired a shadow ball down to Monferno.
"Flamewheel, let's go!" Monferno knew what I meant by that and quickly went into a ball and went mobile. Easily dodging the shadow ball that landed almost at my feet, Monferno scurried around to Mar's side before jumping up into the air and knocking Purugly out of the air.
Mars clicked her tongue and said, "You shouldn't have done that. Purugly, use body slam!"
Not understanding the cockiness behind her tone, I ignored it, "Mach Punch!"
Monferno readied his fists to intercept the attack but when Purugly came into contact with Monferno using Body Slam, the Mach Punch was seemingly pushed back farther than Monferno expected. As a result, Monferno altogether was hit by the body slam.
"I told you that you shouldn't have done that," Mar said with a smirk. "Continue your assault with fury swipes!"
So from what I can tell, it could only be an ability affecting Monferno. Well, I'll have to work around it! "Monferno, use Dig!"
Dodging the encounter entirely, Monferno quickly burrows underground while Purguly swipes away at the air, missing.
"Purugly, watch yourself! Don't let that Monferno get the drop on you!" Mars called out.
The Purugly tried to use its ears to track where Monferno was, but it seemed to get too confused in placement, leading to an opening.
"Now," I said calmly.
Mars tried to call out my play, saying, "underneath you!" Giving that command, Purugly jumped up into the air. Monferno popped out from underneath the ground, taking to the air as well.
"Mach punch!"
"Fury Swipes. You can't let them get through!"
Both of them while in the air, charged their attacks before they were to clash. Monferno was rising to Purugly's height while Purugly was falling down. While Purugly sliced down the middle of Monferno's figure, Monferno twisted his body around and punched Purugly up slightly before being hit down by the other fist in quick succession.
I guess Monferno's mock battles have been paying off if his air maneuverability is working that well.
Purugly smashed into the ground, looking to take a lot of damage while Monferno landed upright, safe from further harm.
Mars looked on towards her Pokémon. Purugly got up weakly on its legs and looked like it would keep on fighting. Mars just shook her head, saying "
Return," as she held out her Pokeball, recalling it. "This isn't over Mr. Backlot. Also, you," she said, pointing to me, "You better be careful from now on. Team Galactic won't fall from just a kid."
Speaking loudly and clearly, I fired back, "Perhaps it won't, but I and my Pokémon will be here to stop what we can." Mars ignored that comment and retreated in a car that was parked outside the lot.
It was Mr. Backlot's voice that broke the silence from there. "Not that I'm ungrateful for getting saved like that, but you shouldn't shrug off a threat from Team Galactic like that. I don't know where you've heard of them, but there have been some shady dealings in the technology/science part of Sinnoh. Most of the police force are keeping an eye on them, but they can't bust all of them."
"There have been some rumors going around," I explain, lying a little easier than I'd like to admit. "I know what I'm getting into, don't worry. I also couldn't let someone defenseless get hurt like that."
"Hmm, now you said you wanted to take a look at my trophy garden? I could give you that request as a reward for saving me from that situation," he offered.
"I'd appreciate it Mr. Backlot," I said, kneeling down to acknowledge Monferno. "Good work."
"What would happen to be the name of my two saviors?" Mr. Backlot asked, looking mostly at Monferno. Yep, he definitely loves all Pokémon.
"The name's Paul and this is Monferno," I said, signaling to him below.
"It's nice to meet the two of you. You know me as Mr. Backlot, the owner of the highly acclaimed Pokémon Mansion!" he said, very proud of that fact. "While I don't employ too much staff around here, I do have some inside that'd be more than happy to lead the two of us to the Trophy Garden. Follow me," he said, leading Monferno and I into his mansion.
Mr. Backlot led Monferno and I through his very fancy house, leaving us to take in its grandeur. I could tell he took pride in it with his unsubtle happiness at my awe.
"Monica, can you come here please?" Mr. Backlot said.
"Yes sir. What is it that you need," a lively voice rang as a real-life maid walked into the main room. It certainly is surprising anytime to see a maid even in the Pokémon world. Upon seeing Monferno and I, she greeted us, saying, "Oh, I didn't know we had guests. How do you do?"
Mr. Backlot introduced us, "This is Paul and one of his Pokémon, Monferno. They wish to see my trophy garden and since I'm so generous, I, of course, allowed him access. Would you please lead us through it?"
Monica deadpanned, "Yes sir. Your BELOVED trophy garden is just being given free access like that." Mr. Backlot coughed at her call out. Turning to me, she said, "Well, I'm sure you helped out Mr. Backlot in some way to warrant access and I'm certainly not going to bar you from entry. I'm Monica, Mr. Backlot's housekeeper, cook, and many other job titles."
It seems like she may be privy to most of Mr. Backlot's secrets, so she probably has a suspicion about our meeting. But I'm more curious about one thing. "Mr. Backlot introduced me but the name's Paul. I can see the great work you put into the house, truly. I do wonder though, the maid outfit wasn't a requirement for the job, was it?"
Mr. Backlot's emotions during my greeting went through a lot of change in quick succession. It was actually quite impressive. He did end in embarrassment though at that question, so he of course interjected, saying, "It was not I'd have you know! She does it regularly to throw off guests, unfortunately."
Monica cut in. "Ohoho, it's really nothing so intricate enough to be called an outfit. It's a simple dress. The headpiece is really what gets under Mr. Backlot's skin," she said, pointing to her head while giving a wink. "Anyway, allow me to show you Mr. Backlot's beloved Trophy Garden, native to many Pokémon not usually seen in Sinnoh."
The sight was something that I never would have dreamed of. The presentation of it is just so… otherworldly. Front and center was a gold plaque, which had Pokémon paradise written in a bold engraving. Adorned around a large grassy but not overgrown field were colorful berry fields and trees, with perfect environments, like hollowed trees and small caves to house Pokemon of all shapes and sizes.
'Is that a Plusle and Minun I see? Certainly, there is a much wider variety of Pokémon than just the Cleffa, Pichu, and Swinub. Despite all the Pokémon present that are making me itch to catch them, I think it's best I hold off. Who knows what Mr. Backlot would do? He loves Pokémon for sure, but if every trainer took all the rare Pokémon here, he'd be at a loss,' I thought. "This is a really impressive place you have here. How could you possibly have facilitated this?"
Mr. Backlot waved me off. "It just took a number of renovations and constant maintenance on the environment to have a suitable place for these Pokémon to stay. I certainly love having them in my backyard haha!"
'Having Pokémon as your hobby certainly isn't a cheap pick, but from the look on his face, I'd say he thinks it's worth it.' I couldn't help but take in the beautiful air around this area. It was certainly paradise for the Pokémon in the area. The landscape itself was simply spotless.
The crinkling of grass did catch my ears though. Hurried movements that showed something was going on. The Jigglypuff and Kricketune were floating and buzzing respectively back into their homes in the forest. The other Pokémon followed suit, except for the Marill, Azurill, and Castform. What was going on?
A shadow bore its way over my head and I felt a drop.
"Ah, it's raining."
(-)
After a short scurry to get inside Mr. Backlot's mansion before we got soaked, it was decided that I could stay the night out of the rain. So, after returning Monferno, I was left alone with my thoughts in the spacious guest room. I had turned down a free dinner so that I could hit the hay sooner and get a faster start on the day.
"These pillows…" I couldn't help but say aloud. They were truly fluffy. Everything here was too high quality for a traveling trainer who barely gets to shower.
Reclining with my arms criss crossed behind my head, my mind went back to the confrontation with Mars. How could I have even predicted I would've come into contact with Mars? I certainly didn't expect to see Cyrus in Eterna City.
I feel like I'm making differences to my team and to myself that matter, but this world is certainly moving in a way I can't predict.
Yawning, I could feel my drowsiness begin to overtake me. Team Galactic's plans seem to have already started to take a proactive stance. I'll… make sure to combat them… whenever I'm able…
With those thoughts, I drifted to sleep.
(-)
Awakening early in the morning, it was a quick preparation period before I went out from the back to get one last look at the Trophy Garden. Hmmm, what a wonderful area for Pokémon to live in. This is really what I'm training for in a way. Not just to get stronger and become the champion, but for Pokémon to live in harmony like this. To have my Pokémon live like this.
Certain details like Ash's involvement and Team Galactic becoming a grand threat to the Pokémon world is most likely unavoidable. I can only do my best to better Ash by giving him a challenge and giving Team Galactic someone to contend with.
Out of the corner of my eye, I get a quick glance of a brown Pokémon scurrying around some trees. Heh, I wonder if she'll actually catch it. I hope so.
It'll show me a few things about the path they're on.
Clearly, not everything is set in place. My path proves that quite well, but there are some other things that are quite curious.
I'll try my best to do away with any troublesome obstacle even if it tries to be set in place.
"Mr. Shinji? I can help you settle into the mansion before you leave. Will you be staying for breakfast?" Monica asked.
"What?! Where did you come from?"
Monica let out a light laugh. "I am aware of most things going on in this mansion. That includes you for the time being," she said, giving a bright smile.
What a scary maid.
I didn't need to think about her question though. "As enticing as the offer is, I won't be staying for breakfast. I have to hurry to my next gym battle. I'll eat on the way. I just need to gather my things."
"Oh, in that case, I prepared a small carry-on meal for you to take. Unfortunately, Mr. Backlot won't be up to see you off, but take it as a part of your reward for rescuing him. It was a shame I wasn't there to witness it."
"Hmph, that wasn't really necessary but I greatly appreciate it. I didn't rescue him to get rewarded." Turning towards the direction to the room I stayed in, I said, "Send my regards to Mr. Backlot after I leave."
"I hope you enjoyed your stay," she said, giving a short bow that I only caught with a short glance. After entering the room and gathering my things, I noticed a paper bag on a dresser next to the door. It was the carry-on breakfast Monica mentioned.
What a scary maid.
I let myself out of the estate by myself, picking a few things from the bag. Hmm, it's good. I never expected Monica to prepare me a meal and put it in my room before she even knew what I was doing though!
In any case, I was on my way on route 212 towards Pastoria City. But first, a detour to an area I know will help me against Crasher Wake.
The marsh.
Set out only a few minutes' walk from Pastoria, the marsh was home to many different Pokémon that held similar typings to Crasher's team. This was a perfect time to check out water types in their own environment and make the most out of observing their movement.
Pokémon training doesn't have to come down to only improving one's strength, although that is the most straightforward way of doing things. Gaining more knowledge of Pokémon themselves leads to more know-how in working around them. Not all water-types are the same, but each Pokémon typing has a similarity to them that allows for strategies to be formed around them.
Or at least, that's my reasoning for wanting to study them right now.
Even if it doesn't help against Crasher, it'll be good to just learn more about Pokémon this way. It's been a while before I've sat down with wild Pokémon instead of capturing them.
Walking to this area was very rewarding because the sight of it was everything I needed to prepare to fight Crasher. Tucked into the southern corner of route 212 was a marsh environment that had a lot of wonderful Pokémon to observe.
And looking upon the landscape, I found a great Pokémon to observe, a male Gastrodon. It wasn't as afraid of my presence as other water Pokémon in the area were. There was a subtle transition with Pokémon sneaking away from my sight because of the presence of a trainer.
This Gastrodon on the other hand didn't seem to be intimidated at all by my presence and instead acted as if I wasn't there.
This was perfectly fine for me because I easily got a sense of what I needed to look out for. For instance, the marsh was a combination of a muddy-water biome and a land biome. Gastrodon would glide across the water easily, almost as if it was on ice, except more controlled. When Gastrodon crossed onto land, it had a little awkward nature to its walk. It was definitely mobile, albeit given how heavy Gastrodon are, it's definitely less mobile than others, but it was able to get over the land area.
How interesting. Let's see if I can take it a step forward. "Gastrodon, can you help me out with something?"
Gastrodon's attention went to me as my question had intrigued him. "Don?" it asked.
"I've been observing your movement for an upcoming gym battle. You know what those are, right?" He nodded. I assume being so close to Pastoria, he's somewhat knowledgeable about Trainer details. "I've gotten a good grasp of how water types will excel in water, but now I'm curious about the move movement. Could you show me how your moves would work?"
Gastrodon did a sort of sea slug shrug and winded up his head before firing off a water pulse towards a nearby tree that was uninhabited. The way the windup for the move works is standard across most Pokémon, but there's a sequence in there that's very interesting. "Could you do that again for me? I think I saw something important."
Gastrodon seems to be alright with helping me out for whatever reason, and so he readily attacks the tree again. There it was! The exact way the move comes out, it seems the head lags in directing where it wants to hit the target. Maybe that's only for Gastrodon but if it's something other water Pokémon are caught up with, that's going to be a vital part of the Crash Wake gym battle.
"Alright, I got it. Thank you for your help. Continue on."
Waving the Gastrodon away, I decided to kick this training into a different area. My Pokémons' movement. Not all of them are necessarily ready to take on the hurdle that is the water environment that Crasher's stadium is going to be surrounded by.
So, with that thought in mind, I released everyone. I had a team in my head to put against Crasher, but this would be useful for everyone. Monferno was very hesitant to move anywhere, materializing into water which he was not especially fond of. Luxio and Electabuzz's appearance was on land so they didn't accidentally shock everyone in the area. Trapinch was put beside me on land to watch while Hariyama and Scyther were only slightly in the marsh. Staraptor and Murkrow just appeared in the air.
Setting them all up on a specified part of marsh training, I had Monferno attempt to navigate around the water by enduring water exposure when it was unavoidable. He initially was very hesitant to get anywhere near water, but his intense firepower to get stronger pulled him into a mindset to push beyond it.
Hariyama on the other hand was basically immobile. It is incredibly hard for him to move in water, but his hands were able to brush him out of the water and allow him to move sufficiently. So, the only way for Hariyama to move is out of the deep marsh. I suspect a stadium would be more stable though.
Staraptor and Murkrow's challenge was mostly with the environment splashing water on them. Murkrow was handling it better despite being the "weaker" Pokémon.
Luxio and Scyther were handling it in a mixed way. Scyther could handle the water fine, but wouldn't be able to utilize his wings when getting excessively wet. Luxio on the other hand was the best moving one out there. She could just leap across the muddy areas and tread water easily.
Finally, Electabuzz could stumble through everything just fine, but his running was more difficult to do. The best he could do was dodge with some short rolls.
All in all, a great learning experience. Gastrodon even stuck around to watch some of the training. The rest of the water Pokémon were nowhere to be seen.
Gathering everyone together, including Gastrodon, I decided to wrap up everything before we make our way to Pastoria.
"Alright, we had some nice takeaways here. For those of you who are battling Crasher, retain the lessons you've learned in moving, fighting in water." My lips naturally switched upward into a smirk. "My expectations are still as high as always, so do your best to show your strength." They all cheered with battle cries. "Now let's go!" I said, returning all except Trapinch. Muttering to her, I commented, "You can watch."
Seeing all of my powerful Pokémon disappear into the Pokeballs, I gave a short tip of my head to Gastrodon who was interested in my Pokémon. I could use a Pokémon like Gastrodon, but I'd rather not dedicate myself to catching any Pokémon right before a gym battle.
It was time to head out.
(-)
Getting onto the main path of route 212 was a simple task, but getting to Pastoria City was a bit more than a small jog. Having Trapinch on my shoulder was also an added burden, but I wanted Trapinch to take in the area. She was going to be a part of my team and even if she can't battle right now, seeing everything will get her pumped to get stronger (and to evolve into her much more mobile evolutions).
Taking a quick stop at the Pokémon center, I first let them all out for a meal. This battle was sure to be intense, so I didn't need anything keeping my Pokémon away from giving their 100%. After making sure all of them were well fed (and being amazed again at how much a handful is for Hariyama), I returned them all except for Trapinch and handed them to Nurse Joy for a checkup.
And thus, I was left with Trapinch, waiting for a short time. I did something necessary before sitting down with Trapinch, so I was at a loss of what to say. Thankfully, a deep breath brought me back to what I wanted to say to Trapinch. "You're to observe the gym battle. From then on, you will be undergoing your own training. You got that?"
"Tra!" Trapinch's stared eyes sparkled shinier than before. "Trapinch! Pinch!"
"Oh, so you really wanna get started on your training?" I asked.
Trapinch's eyes merely shined brighter at my comment.
Interrupting the moment was the intercom with Nurse Joy's voice saying, "Mr. Paul Shinji, your Pokémon are ready and are healthy!"
Seeing that I needed to get my team, I kneeled down to Trapinch and said, "Get on my shoulder. We'll see if you can learn a few things from this.
Thanking Nurse Joy, I grabbed my Pokémon and turned into the direction of Pastoria City.
The City was backed onto a large river leading into the ocean and the infrastructure really showed. My mind didn't focus too much on it though as I walked up to the gym that was, ironically, away from the river backdrop, instead in the opposite direction, backing onto forests in the distance.
With no hesitation, I pulled on the door, opening it and taking in the wild style of the gym. "Ah, Mr. Paul Shinji I take it? Crasher Wake will see you now," the receptionist said.
I had called in to the gym prior to arriving, making sure I wouldn't have to wait for anything once I had arrived. It had paid off clearly.
Moving through the double automatic doors, I was faced with a large pool arena. I'm ready for you, Crasher!