World of Pokémon #8
ACE Trainers. Known as the Pokémon League's elite task force. Every trainer allowed into the organization had defeated a league circuit and made it into the top sixty four. With a team rivaling a Gym leader each ACE trainer were looked at as an Elite to be respected.
An ACE trainer is constantly on the move, investigating not only criminal activity but wild Pokémon Activity. Ranger protected the wild Pokémon from poachers, ACE trainers protected people from Pokémon.
Along with their solo assignments an ACE trainer could be called in for larger operations. These types of situations were what gave the organization its title of Elite Strike force. Most criminals didn't look over their shoulder for a Gym leader or Cop.
They were watching out for ACE.
The sun glaring in his face woke him. Confusion filled Ash as his senses returned to him - last thing he remembered was the ship being destroyed, glowing blue eyes and feelings of horror mixed with awe. How did he survive? And where was he?
Ash put his head in his hands trying to remember exactly what happened before he passed out. Looking up and gazing out the window he saw a familiar sight - Celadon City. The sun was just starting to rise over the vast metropolis.
Like a bolt from Pikachu Ash remembered everything. The tournament, the Rockets attacking, the ship the chaos and the monster.
Ash frantically whipped his head around the room, he needed to make sure that his team was ok. He looked down to see he was in a hospital gown and his right arm had an iv in it.
With tremendous force he pushed himself up reached over to grab the iv for support and stood from the bed. He needed to figure out where his team was and if they were ok.
He made it to the door to the room before he was stopped but a doctor walking in. "Back to bed Mr Ketchum, you need to rest for the day at the very least." It was a polite order and Ash obeyed, albeit reluctantly.
Sitting beck in bed Ash held himself together for half a second before he exploded with questions. "Where are my Pokémon? How long-"
A raised hand from the doctor stopped him, "Mr Ketchum it has been two days as of three hours ago. Your Pokémon are in the care of Professor Oak and your mother, both of which are eating breakfast down in the cafeteria."
Ash's eyes widened at the mention of his mother and sponsor being in the hospital. He was worried that he was going to have to call and tell them. Well, his mother at least, the professor likely knew what happened shortly after the incident occurred.
The doctor nodded into his clipboard before removing the iv from Ash's arm. "Now that you are awake I have to notify your mother as well as the authorities. Breakfast will be brought to you shortly."
Ash watched as the doctor left with a sigh. By himself Ash had nothing to distract himself from thinking about the ship.
About the monster.
Endless power shown inside glowing blue eyes. The thunderous voice so loud in his head it felt like his skull was ripping in half. As well as its power, such absurd power at its figures which it used to completely obliterate the entire ship with a single attack. Its mere presence was so powerful that Ash could barely move.
How was such a thing alive? How could anyone stop-
"Ash!" Two arms wrapped around him and held him with such strength that he couldn't breath.
"Let the boy breath Delia." A calm voice said in the next second.
Thankfully Ash was released from his mothers hold and caught his breath. Looking up he saw the worry in his mothers eyes and the relief in the professors. It made him happy that they came all the way here to see him.
"Tell us what happened." It was the professor that broke the silence with a serious tone.
Ash sighed, "I don't-"
The door to his room slammed open getting the three inhabitants to turn towards the door. In walked Lt Surge in all his near seven foot glory, muscles tensed and fury wretched on his face. Next to him was a calmer man smaller but no less intimidating the Champion still looked to be the most serious out of everyone.
"Good to see you up runt!" Boomed Surge as he walked to the other side of his bed with Lance following behind him. All four adults were standing around his bed with tense expressions.
"Can't you two wait until he's out of the hospital? He just woke up." Delia snarled toward the two trainers as if they weren't some of the most influential league officials in the world.
Lance shook his head and Oak put a hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry Ms Ketchum but we need to know what Mr Ketchum here knows then we will be out of your hair." Lance said calmly.
Delia turned away with a nod and once again all the attention was on him. "Go on runt, tell us what happened. Stone told us you were the last survivor on the boat."
Ash swallowed, "After Melanie and I got back to the main deck everyone was gone. Most of the Rockets left already and so did the Alakazam and their ACE trainers. Luckily Steven saw us and we were about to leave when."
Ash clenched his fists and took another breath, nobody said anything but he could feel them telling him to continue. "Pressure or intense gravity, an unbelievable about smashed into us, we couldn't move or anything. Steven's Metagross put up a barrier allowing us to stand again and the Alakazam with him started to teleport us when a tremor shook the ship knocking me back. When I got back up they were gone."
"That matches word for word with Steven and Ms Melanie's report." Nodded Lance, "What happened next, how did you get off the ship?"
Ash did speak for a bit, the others grew restless and Surge looked like he was about to say something when Ash finally spoke up.
"A monster showed up, from deep within the depths of the ocean it rose toward the ship and the closer it got the worse the pressure got. The very ocean rose around the ship held perfectly still as if it weren't millions of gallons of water."
Ash took another breath while everyone in the room waited for him to continue all silent and tense.
"I didn't get a good look at it, it was covered in some sort of technology, a helmet, chest piece and wires running all around its body. It wasn't a machine though, it was just wearing those things. But once it was at the ship it raised its arm and condensed so much air in front of its hand that a single shot completely disintegrated half of the ship in an instant. It was about to do the same to my side when it noticed me. It said for me to leave as I was unnecessary and when it learned that I couldn't so much as speak under its pressure it teleported me away. It said that it foresaw me in a future even so it wouldn't smash me yet. Then I woke up here."
Delia looked horrified at the news and took his hand in hers to comfort him or herself, Ash wasn't sure. The other three all were silent as they thought about what they just heard.
"This is grave news." Started Lance voice deep and serious. "Mr Ketchum, thank you for bringing this to our attention. I will say this, no one is to repeat what was said here without my express permission. Am I understood?" The tone the dragon master demanded obedience and the others all nodded.
"If what Ash said was accurate then the creature has powerful psychic abilities likely on the legendary level but the only legendaries that have psychic abilities on this side of the planet are Mew and Celebi." Oak thought out loud.
Ash and Lance turned to each other with wide eyes. "This is what did it!" Shouted Ash getting a jump out of his mother at his sudden yell.
Surge seemed nonplussed, "Mind explaining your breakthrough runt." getting a nod out of Oak and Delia.
It was Lance that explained, "During a rocket raid in Mt Moon that Ash and Steven stopped, all of the rockets were mysteriously teleported away without any Pokémon in the area capable of such a thing. Ash suspected that a Pokémon teleported them from a different location to which I told him it would take a legendary level of power to accomplish such a feat. We now have a prime suspect."
Ash looked down at his hand that was being crushed by his mothers, "You never told me about that." His mother whispered calmly which honestly scarred him more than if she screamed at him.
"This solves one mystery but certainly makes another. Namely - how did the rockets get such a monster?" Wondered Lance out loud. "Thank you for the information Mr Ketchum, I would tell you that the Silph President would like to speak with you, he is residing on the top floor of the Department Store as a temporary office."
Lance left without another word and Surge grinned down at him, "I saw you in the tournament runt. Excellent work, a little more and you would've taken that Salamance down. Come by my gym again if you want another battle."
Now just the three of them Oak reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his Pokéballs. "They are all healed up and very restless to see you. Particularly Umbreon and Wartortle."
Ash smiled and released Umbreon who pounced onto Ash happily licking his cheek. He pet her as she laid across his lap. Next he released Hydro who jumped and gave him a hug while yelling happily.
"I missed you two too." Said Ash, "Thanks for looking after them." He told his mother and professor. He would have released the rest of his team but the room wasn't big enough for everyone to fit.
"It was fine my boy, I haven't gotten many chances to observe a Metang in person." Waved off Professor Oak. "Delia, now that Ash is ok I think we should head back to Pallet to get back to work. Later Alakazam will take us back, Ash it was good to see you."
"Good to see you too Professor." Ash said before the professor left the room.
Delia sighed tiredly, "I'm not going to ask what happened in Mt Moon." Ash breathed out a sigh at that. "But I will tell you to take it easy, twice you have been in the hospital since starting I hope that is the last time for a long time."
"Trust me I don't want this to keep happening." Ash said with a chuckle.
"Well, I will stay for a bit longer then I need to head back home. Now tell me how your team is doing."
Ash smiled up at the blue skies above Celadon as he took his first steps out of the hospital. He only had to spend another night after waking up but the constant monitoring and questions got tedious after the twentieth time the nurse asked if he felt ok.
Since he was back in Celadon he decided to go by the department store, both because he had a considerable amount of funds after coming in second in the tournament. He had already deposited the check that night so he was sitting pretty nice with nearly two hundred thousand in his account.
Also he wanted to know what the president of the Silph Corporation wanted with him. Sure he was a survivor of the S.S. Anne tragedy but so were fourteen thousand other people and he was sure that they weren't going to meet with him.
The Celadon Department store was the tallest building in the city. Sitting at just over eighty stories. The bottom five were the mall and the rest were…something else. Ash never did find out what they were but that didn't really matter.
Walking inside Ash was met with a sea of people walking around shopping at the different booths. Not just trainer supplies but regular clothes and items that any mall would carry.
Ash went over to the help desk, "Excuse me, my name is Ash Ketchum and I was told that the President of Silph wanted to speak with me." The absurdity of what he was saying wasn't lost to Ash as he rubbed the back of his neck.
The women rolled her eyes and typed his name into the computer. After a second her eyes widened in surprise, "Well Mr Ketchum, it says here to allow you up as soon as you show up. The elevator straight in the back will take you to the top floor."
Ash nodded and walked off, while he walked through he saw several things that interested him. Winter clothes that were going to become necessary in the coming weeks and some new shoes.
Entering the elevator Ash pressed the button up to the top.
After what was far to short an amount of time the elevator opened up and the top floor was revealed. It was the typical office with a receptionist behind a desk and two tinted glass doors with the words Silph on them.
"Ah, Mr Ketchum. He is in there waiting on you." The receptionist said kindly.
"Thanks." Said Ash as he walked into the office.
Inside sitting behind a large mahogany desk was a large man in an expensive suit typing away into some handheld devise. He had grey streaks in his otherwise brown hair and a firm frown on his face.
"Ash!" turning to the voice Ash was surprised to see Melanie sitting on a couch with Togepi on her lap trilling happily.
"What are you doing here Melanie?" Asked Ash confused.
Melanie stood up and walked over to him. "Daddy wanted to speak with you and I want to say thank you again."
Daddy? Oh, OH! "Your father is the president of Silph." Said Ash flatly.
The President stood from his desk and walked around towards Ash. Now that he was standing Ash could see just how large he was. While not Surge's monstrous near seven feet tall and hulking muscles he was over six feet with a strong frame.
"I wanted to thank you personally Ash Ketchum." His voice was warm and kind far different than what he was expecting.
"Melanie and I were separated and my security forced me away before I could get to her. Trust me they will be punished accordingly." Ash held in a flinch at those words, the man didn't yell nor did he have any malicious overtones but the darkness in his eyes and the sheer power he commanded frightened Ash far more.
He extended a hand which Ash took. "My name is Robert Mazor and I want to thank you again."
Melanie jumped in as it was about to get awkward, "I think thats enough daddy, tell Ash what you told me." She said before waling out of the room after her Pokégear started ringing.
The President perked up and ran over to the desk. "There isn't any amount of money too much to repay you for my daughters life but I will try." He extended a small black card with his name on it. "For the rest of the day you can buy whatever you want no matter how much from the department store. TM's, clothes, supplies anything all yours, use that card and it will be covered. Trust me you could literally buy the department store and it would be covered." He gave a hearty laugh after he finished speaking.
Ash's throat tightened as he tried to form words. "This is too much!" He shouted while looking at the card.
The President continued to laugh, "Nonsense! I would give this entire business to save my daughters life, repaying the man who saved her is nothing!"
Ash relented and put the card in his pocket. "Thanks Mr. Mazor."
Right before Ash was about to leave he was stopped by the president. "Now there is something I need to make sure you understand before you go."
The President sat down behind his desk, no longer the jovial man he just was. "The incident on my ship is not something I want to let the people of Kanto or Johto to learn about. All the survivors have already been spoken to by representatives of my company about what will be reported."
Ash took a breath and sat down in one of the chairs in front of the desk as the president continued.
"Thankfully the casualty count is just under five percent so it was negligible for news broadcasts. especially since the passenger count was never reported. Officially the disaster was a swarm of Gyarados being disturbed by the large ship causing us to evacuated from the damage caused to the ship. Most will brush it off and a few weeks from now no one other than the survivors themselves will care. I'm sure you don't want to be reminded of this so keeping it quiet is more to the survivors benefit anyway." The President said with a fake smile plastered on his face.
"I understand," 'your stock prices would plummet if word got out,' Thought Ash seeing through the mans reasons instantly. The happy cheerful father was clearly a far different man that was sitting in front of him. The President of the most powerful business on the planet who was second only to Charles Goodshow in terms of political and influential power. He clearly didn't get to where he was with a charming smile and a firm handshake.
He clapped loudly with a relieved smile on his face, "Excellent Mr Ketchum excellent! Now I must say that if you ever need anything Silph would be happy to help you."
Ash smiled once more and shook the mans hand again, "Thanks again Mr Mazor, I'll definitely be putting the card to good use, if that is all."
The President nodded and went back to his handheld device.
Ash let out a breath once he was back on the Pokémon Trainer supply floor. If five percent of the S.S. Anne passengers dying was a 'negligible' amount then he was going to use this card to the absolute max without concern. Considering five percent added up to nearly eight hundred deaths he felt true disdain toward the president's lack of empathy.
So he was going to go crazy. First stop was his clothes, he needed all new traveling gear - weather resistant, durable and all that. His shoes were wearing out so a new pair would be nice and a thick winter coat because why not. His shirt had a stain on it so a new wardrobe was obvious.
Ash grinned at his brand new backpack, it was fire retardant, weather resistant and had far more storage. Top of the line and inside was his entire new trainer wardrobe, looking down he smirked at his new running shoes. Thicker soles for the tougher landscapes but still light enough for him to run as fast as he could.
Now he was at the real part of the department, the part that he was most interested in at least. The second floor where the TM kiosk was, and where he was going to buy everything he could.
"Yes and how may I help you sir?" The women behind the desk said amicably.
Ash smirked up at her, "I'm going to be buying a lot so it might be easier if I went though and got what I want. This will be covering my expenses." He slid the solid black card toward the women and she looked at it shocked.
"Y-Yes sir, the terminal over there has everything you will need." She handed the card back to him and he went over to the terminal to make his selection.
Blizzard, Fire Blast, Focus Blast, Giga Impact, Hyper Beam, Thunder, Shadow Ball, Earthquake, Teleport, Thunderbolt, Ice Punch, Fire Punch, Thunder Punch, Rock Slide, Aerial Ace and Zen Headbutt. A lot of moves some of which were normally way to expensive to buy rather than to teach but Ash had a coupon in the form a black card and he was going to spend as much as he possibly could. Unfortunately, to have a permanent TM you need high level clearance that Steven apparently used when he got Ice Beam and Flamethrower in Cerulean. Maybe he could have his disks upgraded but for now one use was plenty.
He loaded all the disks into his disk case and patted them happily. Most would sit in there for a long time before he was able to use them effectively. Likely until his Pokémon were fully evolved for the top tier elemental attacks but he was still going have some excellent moves to bolster his team at the moment.
Once the total price popped up on the screen instead of horror Ash smirked at the total, just over one million dollars. All those top level moves were adding up. Hyper Beam and Giga Impact added to almost three hundred thousand by themselves.
Unfortunately, Silph had over seven trillion dollars on an off market day. So this was literally a drop in the bucket for them. He doubted it would be noticed by anyone up the chain, much less the president, but he knew what he did so it was enough.
Ash also bought the lifetime warranty for all of his TM's because it was expensive and it was the only way to give the finger to Silph at this point. Was it petty? Probably, but it was also pretty awesome for his career as a trainer.
As Ash was walking out of the store he passed a women with a group of kids likely here to buy their first Pokémon trainer gear supplies and he walked over.
"Excuse me!" The women turned to him with a raised eye brow. "I want you to have this, it will allow you to buy anything you want and the president of Silph will cover it. No limits at all!" Ash handed her the card and walked off as she sputtered and all the kids cheered.
Maybe they'd spend a lot of money.
Ash got out of the city toward the western forrest at the edge of Celadon territory to get in some training with his team.
Before he released them he decided to load up some TM's.
First was Metang, Zen Headbutt and Rock Slide. Zen Headbutt was a simple move in concept since it was just a literal headbutt overloaded with psychic energy to enhance the power.
Rock Slide was tougher, by creating a ring of energy they ripped large boulders from the ground that the user would drop on the opponent. With mastery the user could materialize rocks rather than have to rip them from the ground. But that would take a long time.
Ash released Metang, "Hey buddy, you got two new moves. Zen Headbutt and Rock Slide, the first should be simple enough but I want Rock Slide ready by the end of the day."
Metang hummed releasing a wave of determination then levitating off toward a secluded part of the clearing. Before Ash could move to his next Pokémon he could feel Metang ripping rocks from the earth.
Now it was Pidgeotto, she was getting Aerial Ace. A simple move that he could have probably taught her but with the funds at his disposable why not buy the TM.
Pidgeotto materialized with a loud screech as she landed on his shoulder then lean down to nuzzle Ash's cheek. Ash laughed and rubbed her chest feathers, "You got a new move - Aerial Ace, I want you to practice on tree branches until you can slice through them easily."
With a loud scream and a powerful flap she was in the air. Ash watched gleefully at the speed in which she flew away, she was close to evolving for sure.
Next was Umbreon, she was getting Confuse Ray. Unfortunately she wouldn't have mastery of the powerful ghost type move from the TM alone. Confuse Ray was a difficult move to learn much less master but it was one of the most dangerous moves in the world. A mastered Confuse Ray would cause the victim to be completely unable to battle - vertigo, blurry visions, robbed motor functions were common effects.
But that was a master and Ash had no idea other than constant practice to help her master it but he didn't want her using it on the team since the ghost type move was too dangerous. She'd have to practice building the energy by herself then use it in battles.
Ash released Umbreon and gave her a pat on the head, "You got a new move Confuse Ray, don't use it on the team just practice with the energy until a battle." She nodded and laid down next to him.
Rolling his eyes he got his next Pokémon's ball, Charmeleon. Fire Punch was a good addition for the fire type and was relatively simple. Upon release Charmeleon gave his mid section a hug, "Good to see you too Charmeleon, you got a new move - Fire Punch. Give it some practice and I want it ready for tomorrows gym battle."
A solute was his answer, Chameleon ran off to practice his new attack.
Snor was next, he was getting a few since he was so strong already and could handle more moves. Giga Impact, Thunder Punch, Shadow Ball and Earthquake. After loading all the TM's into his largest Pokémon Ash released him.
Two large squinting eyes looked down at Ash, "Alright Snor you got several new attacks. Giga Impact, Thunder Punch, Shadow Ball and Earthquake. I want all of them practiced today and useable before we leave for the Pokémon Center. Trouble with Shadow Ball ask Umbreon and trouble with Earthquake Metang can help you."
Snor nodded then stomped off to get to work. Ash hoped that he went far enough away from the rest considering two of his attacks would disrupt the others pretty bad.
Last but certainly not least was Hydro he would get Ice Punch, while not a conventional move for a Wartortle it would give a good solid close range attack.
Upon release Hydro spat some water into the air and grinned up at Ash a gesture that Ash returned. "Well buddy, I got a TM for Ice Punch. It won't be too hard since you have mastered Ice beam but it won't be easy for you to learn so start practicing."
Hydro nodded and went to get to work. Ash smiled at his team proudly, they were all hard workers and since this was TMs they shouldn't take too long to get the general gist of the moves, mastery would come with time and experience. A day of practice then another to get ready and Erika would be going down.
Ash finished eating his breakfast in the Pokémon center when his Pokégear beeped letting him know he received a message.
Taking out his Pokégear Ash smiled when he saw it was a message from Steven.
Hey Ash! Sorry for not getting to see you in the hospital after the whole S.S Anne fiasco but I had a lot of things to take care of for the League and my father's business.
I'll be honest with you, the League and Silph are not happy with each other at the moment. Lance is on a war path with Team Rocket and the President of Silph and the President of the League are both furious with each other to the point that business relations would be better if they were literally at war. Lance and Charles warned the Silph president against making such a show of their ship since it would attract the wrong type of attention and we can see how much they listened.
Not to mention that this whole thing with the "monster" isn't making the people in the know feel good. A Legendary that attacks people is a terrifying enough thought, but no Legendary has been credibly spotted for close to twenty years. Now one is around that is not only attacking people but was created by a terrorist organization.
We're lucky that it's not worse. I'm telling you this because I trust you. Like I said in the cave, not many people would dive head first in a life or death situation just because its the right thing to do. That's a rare quality and I can recognize the value in that.
For now I say you should lay low, you got a lot of eyes on you. Your team, your skills and involvement on the ship were enough to get eyes on you. But you're the only person to have witnessed the power of the monster first hand. Keep every thing you do close to the chest, don't give them anymore reason to look at you for a while.
Let the powerful fight each other, don't give them another target.
Good Luck and keep kicking ass!
Steven Stone
ps. Your Metang is looking good, that Meteor Mash looked excellent for how long you have been practicing!
Ash closed his Pokégear with a sigh, politics. He never had any use nor love for them but he couldn't deny that they played a major role in the world.
Steven obviously didn't tell him everything, only enough to try and spook him into laying low. Something he was planning on doing anyway. But now it made him curious as to what Steven and his father were up to after the ship.
It was no secret that Silph and Devon had a tense relationship. It wouldn't surprise Ash at this point to learn that the Devon Corp had something in store for the survivors of the ship to gain a lot of favor with the public or something along those lines.
But like Steven said - he was going to lay low and let them duke it out if he could help it. Because for now he had a date with a gym leader who was going down. With those thoughts, Ash shook his head and made his way toward Erika and his fourth gym badge.
The walk through Celadon was nice, a familiar scenery that he had grown up with. Busy streets filled with people going to and from places. The rumble of the subway underneath the streets and the cry of flying types soaring overhead.
The potent smell of perfume broke him from his thoughts as he came to a large pink building overflowing with greenery.
Several women were out in front talking and Ash could spot several Pokémon hiding around in the bushes. At first it looked to be some sort of greenhouse but Ash spotted a small Pokémon League emblem next to the main entrance signaling that this was the gym.
Ash walked in and instead of the standard waiting room that the other gyms he'd been to had this one was a full on perfume shop. Several women were behind the desks happily talking with customers some of which weren't even trainers.
Not knowing what to do Ash walked up to the only women not with a customer.
"You here for perfume?" She asked with a raised eyebrow. "Not many boys come through here for perfume but I'm not going to judge you. We have a sale on mango scents and a bundle of our jungle collections. If you also want makeup we can look into it but-"
Ash rolled his eyes and shook his head, "I want a gym battle with Erika please."
With a shrug the women gestured for Ash to follow. She led him down the main hallway toward the area where the green room must be. The fresh forest smell became stronger the closer they got.
A Pokémon League official was lounging in a chair as she typed into her Pokégear not paying attention to anything around her. She looked up and nodded to the gym worker letting them both pass to what Ash assumed to be the arena.
Inside was a large grass field surrounded by large plants and trees. The top was made of glass allowing natural sunlight into the arena. Ash could smell several scents that were reminiscent of the perfumes in the shop, this was likely where they made them.
A women in a white kimono walked out from the bushes, she had a regal look to her and held her self with a dignified posture that must have been taught to her since birth. She calmly eyed Ash and gestured for him to stand at one end of the arena.
"Thank you for bringing in the challenger Stacy, you may go." Erika said pleasantly getting a smile and slight bow of respect from the women.
Ash stepped onto his trainer square, "My name is Ash and I would like to challenge you."
A nod from Erika was her response, "Very well, this will be five on five." Erika tossed out a Pokéball which materialized her first Pokémon.
It was a small Pokémon with blue vines completely covering it. Each of the countless vines jiggled with every movement and a giggle was released from it every few seconds as it moved around the battlefield excitedly. The Tangela hoped up in down in place waiting happily to start the battle.
Ash nodded to himself, he'd faced a Tangela before in the Cerulean tournament. It was strong and wouldn't budge from its position after ingraining with its multitude of vines. A dangerous adversary but Ash knew how to handle it.
Charmeleon roared upon release spouting a large tongue of flames that heated the room several degrees. Ash smirked at the display of power, his Charmeleon was progressing well and wasn't far from evolving if his estimate was right. While still behind Hydro in most places, Charmeleon had Blast as a mentor and was quite the natural in battle.
Erika didn't bat an eye at the Charmeleon as she turned to Tangela, "Sleep powder then Ancient Power." The Tangela giggled again and with a hop its vine covered body released a cloud of grey powder that spread over the entire field.
"Twister!" Ordered Ash, it was a new move but Charmeleon managed to learn it pretty easily thanks to Pidgeotto and Blast's instructions.
The grey powder was quickly sucked into the vortex of draconic energy. Charmeleon reared back slightly as it built up energy before spouting a large torrent of flames that burnt away the twister itself. The twister colliding with the fire created an explosion of wind that spread thought the gym.
Charmeleon jumped into action speeding toward Tangela closing distance quickly. Both sets of claws taking on a silver glow as Metal Claw readied itself. As Charmeleon was charging Tangela it stabbed two vines into the ground causing the field to shake and crack apart.
Two large slabs of earth were raised from the ground beneath them and were tossed at Charmeleon with commendable speeds. Charmeleon knew what to do and continued toward the large stone slabs with both Metal Claws gleaming.
Ash smirked at his fire types thinking, it knew that stone would fall to his steel enhanced claws and was prepared to deal with them. The large rocks were slashed through as soon as they were in range sending several large rocks crashing to the ground.
Undeterred by the attack Charmeleon let out a primal roar and his tail flame increased in its intensity along with his battle instincts. The silver claws slashed through Tangela's vine covered body with ease dealing enough damage for the small grass type to screech out in agony.
As soon as Charmeleon finished his Metal Claw attack he tried to heat up a fire attack to finish the Tangela off. The flames crackled to life but died out in the next instant, yellow static danced across Charmeleon's body as it tried to regain its mobility.
"Giga Drain! Finish with Ancient Power." Erika ordered nicely more akin to a gentle plea than the order of a Pokémon trainer.
Ash recognized what happened but was unsure of the how, not that it mattered. Somehow Tangela used Stun Spore on Charmeleon hindering his movements with paralysis.
"Jump and use Flamethrower toward the ground!" Yelled Ash hoping that his plan worked. Spore and powder based attacks were different for each Pokémon that used them. A poison type injected them into their targets but regular grass types spread them over the area so the target was constantly under the effects. Ash would have Charmeleon roast the entire field to rid the entire field of any hints of the spores.
Tangela tried to ensnare Charmeleon in its multitude of vines but the fire type managed to slash them away with his claws. Jumping into the air Charmeleon's jaw ignited with flames while his tail exploded into a white hot blaze.
As soon as the Flamethrower exploded out from Charmeleon the entire field became a bonfire. Tangela's cries from within the flames were hard for Erika to hear causing her to extend her Pokéball to recall the grass type.
Ash called out for Charmeleon to stop his attack causing the fire type to cut the steady stream of flames and he landed in the charred remains of the once grass filled battlefield.
Erika's perfect demeanor cracked at the state of her field, "You certainly don't pull punches," She curled her lip slightly as she looked around the field. "Nor do you have much precision with your attacks. Very well."
Her next Pokémon was a large tree shaped Pokémon with several faces at the top all displaying different emotions. Energy surrounded the Exeggutor as the angry face was the center most one glaring at Ash and Charmeleon.
"Multi Ember then Dragon Rage." Murmured Ash hoping that Erika couldn't hear his orders. Charmeleon immediately inhaled to feed oxogen into the flames in his mouth before he shot dozens of baseball sized fireballs toward the Exeggutor.
The large tree shaped Pokémon stared at the incoming fire attack with disinterest. With seemingly no effort several small barriers popped up in front of it blocking all of the embers easily. After the last of the Embers hit the shields they fizzled out of existence and in the next moment several egg shaped bombs flew through the air toward Charmeleon.
Charmeleon roared in shock when the egg that landed next to him violently exploded almost knocking him off of his feet. The fire type looked up to see several more coming and spat out a thick stream of flames causing all the eggs to explode mid-air.
The Exeggutor was unmoved by its attack being destroyed and raised its right leg before slamming it down onto the ground creating a powerful earthquake that brought Charmeleon to his knees.
While the earth was still shaking Exeggutor's eyes glowed with pink psychic power that cracked around the green leaves above its heads. An instant later three small arching bolts of psychic energy tore through the air toward Charmeleon who was unable to respond under the effects of Earthquake.
The three Psyshock attacks crashed into Charmeleon's scales doing considerable damage physically and mentally further hurting the fire type. Exeggutor's many heads glowed green and spat several sharp seeds at blinding speeds that finished Charmeleon off.
Ash recalled his fire type, "You did great we have an idea about this Exeggutor now." Putting the ball away Ash reached for his next one. The psychic aspect of Exeggutor really threw him off, he didn't expect much more than grass and poison types from her but the heightened focus and mental power that Exeggutor had made it a dangerous opponent for most of his team other than Charmeleon who was finished off by it already.
Ash nodded to himself as he came to a decision, Umbreon would be immune to his psychic abilities and was sturdy enough to handle everything else.
Umbreon growled upon being released, she activated leer right away as Exeggutor and Erika tried to come up with an attack.
"Shadow Ball until its down." Ordered Ash and Umbreon sped into action. The moonlight Pokémon sped around the charred field as ghost type energy condensed into a purple ball of the exotic energy.
Exeggutor jumped up and down making a strange humming noise as dozens of eggs exploded off of the tree like Pokémon. Instead of the large bombs from earlier these were smaller and blanketed the field in mini explosions.
Umbreon took several hits before firing another Shadow Ball disrupting the grass and psychic types ability to manipulate its psychic energy. In the instant that the exploding eggs stopped coming Umbreon charged another Shadow Ball and blasted it across the field at Exeggutor knocking it off of its feet.
Ash smirked, Umbreon was always reliable and she only got better after taking down an opponent.
Erika didn't have anything to say as she threw another Pokéball to release her next Pokémon. A snarling Ivysaur took to the field stomping with its front legs while eyeing Umbreon.
"Confuse Ray." Ash was curious to see how her new move worked and whether or not she could manage to land the attack in battle. He knew that Ivysaur wold go down quickly if the Confuse Ray landed, even unmastered the effects of the unique attack was critical to all Pokémon.
Erika quickly ordered her Pokémon to fire off a wave of leech seeds that missed the fast moving dark type. Umbreon, after dodging the grass type attack got close enough to spit a small orb of glowing ghost energy.
The strange energy landed on the Ivysaur getting a grunt out of it and a stumble. The grass type wobbled as it tried to stay standing while its bulb started releasing spores straight above it causing it to land right on top of the Ivysaur.
Umbreon growled dangerously as it stalked closer. Dark energy swirled around her fangs the instant before she pounced on top of the grass type while biting Ivysaur's head while her body secreted its poisonous sweat.
Ash knew that the bite would do considerable damage but the poisonous sweat wouldn't affect Ivysaur since its natural poison was far deadlier since it was a poison type. Ivysaur grunted in pain as it fell flat on its stomach from the pain and the disorientation from the Confuse ray.
"Finish it with Iron Tail." Umbreon didn't hesitate or pause. She instantly let go of the bite attack then flipped forward with her tail alight with silver metallic energy. The attack slammed right onto the top of Ivysaur's head knocking it out.
"Excellent work Umbreon!" Called Ash getting a purr of delight from Umbreon.
Erika sighed tiredly and failed to hold off a yawn. "You have some skill." She let out as she reached into her kimono for her next Pokéball.
A large Weepinbell landed on the field with several vines swaying around it. Before Ash or Umbreon could do anything several vines swept toward Umbreon from Weepinbell trying to corner it.
"Dark Pulse then Dig." Umbreon jumped over the first vine as the pitch black energy condensed in front of Umbreon's mouth. The swirling energy compacted tightly before it exploded forward in a tight beam.
Weepinbell shot more vines out that anchored to its left, before the beam of dark energy could land Weepinbell pulled itself out of the way. The vines are retracted and waved around the Weepinbell as it waited for Umbreon to attack.
Umbreon didn't go for another beam attack and rapidly dug into the ground disappearing from sight in a flash. Before any vines could stab into the ground Umbreon bursted up from the ground causing shrapnel from the ground to crash into the grass type.
As the attack hit Weepinbell several pods flew from its mouth and landed on the vines coating them in spores. Umbreon was grabbed by several vines while two more, the ones coated in spores, were shoved into her face inflicting her with stun spore and toxic.
Ash called for bite but Umbreon was taken out before she could register the attack. The Weepinbell resumed its stance, standing completely still while five vines waved around its body to counter any attack.
"Aerial Ace!" Ash called out as he tossed Pidgeotto's ball out into the air. A scream was her reply as she tore through the air creating small gusts of wind every time she flapped her wings.
Weepinbell shot all of its vines into the air but they were expertly dodged by the flying type. Pidgeotto screeched as both her wings slashed down at the Weepinbell slicing through the two vines on its left side and continuing on to cut into its body.
Weepinbell let out a squeal of pain as Pidgeotto rose back into the air. The grass type spat several spore pods onto its vines then proceeded to throw them into the air then they exploded creating a cloud of debilitating spores. Pidgeotto didn't need an order for her next move as she used Gust to blow all the toxins away from her before she was close enough. The high velocity winds continued on towards Weepinbell knocking it back but the grass type quickly caught itself with its vines.
"Brave Bird." Pidgeotto screamed her affirmative and Ash watched as his golden bird exploded in the orange flying energy as her speed increased dramatically. Weepinbell started sucking in light to prepare Solar Beam. Ash smirked, Solar Beam took several seconds to charge without Sunny Day and Pidgeotto wouldn't take more than a second to finish this.
Erika yelled orders all of which Weepinbell tried to follow but it was slammed into by Pidgeotto's Brave Bird instantly taking it out. All five vines that tried to stop Pidgeotto in her tracks were tore through and a nasty gash was shone on Weepinbell's chest where the powerful flying type attack landed.
"Keep it up Pidgeotto!" Called Ash happily making her do a loop in the air happily.
Instead of reaching for another ball Erika turned around an called out onto the bushes. "I need your assistance with this challenger!"
Ash waited curiously as the greenery started to rustle as Erika's Pokémon approached the field from its resting place. From behind the bushes a Vileplume revealed itself while taking graceful steps out onto the battlefield.
"Roost then finish with Brave Bird." Ash said with an uninterested tone, as strong as this Vileplume likely was it wasn't going to be able to touch Pidgeotto she was too fast and brave bird would take it out in one hit.
Pidgeotto rose all the way to the top of the gym while her feathers shown bright with energy as she regenerated the stamina she lost from using Brave Bird the first time. Vileplume on the ground was steadily releasing stun spores into the air making a thick cloud of the yellow powder.
Before Vileplume and Erika could think of a next move Pidgeotto burst through the cloud of stun spore like a falling star and crashed into the Vileplume with such speed that the grass and poison type didn't even notice it coming.
"Amazing Pidgeotto!" Cheered Ash with a fist pump. Pidgeotto screamed out as she circled above Ash before landing next to him on the ground. Ash reached out to rub her plume of feathers getting a happy chirp from her making him smile.
Erika made her way over to Ash with small calm steps like she didn't get ran through by two Pokémon. Ash had to fight down a smirk at that, all the training he put his team through made them more than ready for her gym. He was a little disappointed though, her team was weak except for Exeggutor but it couldn't use its psychic abilities on Umbreon so he didn't get to see its full potential.
He wasn't about to complain about an easy gym battle though.
"You have raised your Pokémon well, specifically Pidgeotto, it is a wonderful specimen." She said appraisingly as she looked over the golden bird. "I present you with the Rainbow Badge as well as this TM for Giga Drain."
Ash pocketed the TM, "Thanks I wouldn't mind coming back for another battle before the league if that is okay."
"Of course my stronger Pokémon don't get much of a workout anymore, I'm rarely anyones sixth or later choice." Ash could understand that, she was a good place to begin since she wasn't hyper aggressive like Surge so most would want to get her out of the way quickly for an easy win to build confidence.
Ash nodded and made his way out of the gym. The league official near the entrance didn't look up from her handheld and the perfume shop was still incredibly busy.
Back on the streets of Celadon Ash wondered what he should do next. He could make his way to Fuchsia and try and see if he could get into the Safari Zone since he'd heard some interesting rumors the other day.
Much like Ash thought Devon Corp did something for the survivors of the S.S. Anne. If a survivor of the ships incident went to Fuchsia and presented their ticket they would be allowed free entry to the Safari zone paid for by the Devon Corp.
It would seem Steven and his father were trying to gain favor with the people of Kanto now that they were building a presence in the region. And if Ash were to be honest he preferred Steven to the ass of a president that Silph had.
Ash stopped walking on the streets of Celadon when he heard the sound of slot machines. He had totally forgotten about the game corner, he used to spend most of his free time here trying to build up his coin collection so he could buy a Dratini. They were an absurd ten thousand coins and when a jackpot was two thousand you'd need five to get the rare dragon. In the years he'd been going he's only hit the jackpot twice and over three years that was crazy.
The rich could just buy a Dratini, but he and his mom weren't rich and especially not enough to buy a pseudo-legendary. But that was already taken care of since he already had Blast.
That didn't mean he couldn't use his nearly forty three hundred coins on something else. He also loved the slots, maybe his mom was right he shouldn't play the slots anymore.
The inside of the Game Corner was the same as always young trainers putting coins into slots hoping for jackpots and old people hanging around just to kill time. He had his coin purse so he went straight to the prize kiosk.
The man grinned down at him, "Ash! I was wondering when you'd come back!" He laughed.
Ash smiled back, "Good to see you Jimmy. What prizes do you have today?"
Jimmy looked at him curiously, "Gave up on the Dratini? Not like you."
"I got one already, he evolved into a Dragonair a month ago." Ash told him gleefully, just talking about it made him ecstatic that he wouldn't have to spend more time in here hoping for jackpots.
"No kidding." Jimmy said impressed, "Well we have some TM's with rare moves, a Gible for ten thousand, Polygon for ten thousand, Abra for two thousand and a choice of a mystery egg for two thousand. The eggs are all the same price but a limit of one per customer since we only have three left in stock. They've been going quick since some kid got an egg that hatched into a Larvitar a while back. I asked around and we only know what one of the eggs are for sure."
Ash nodded, the rare TM's were interesting and so was the Abra not to mention he finally had his answer for how Paul got a Pupitar. While he had Metang who evolved into one of the best psychic type Pokémon around he couldn't help but think that Abra would be a great addition to the team. Oak's could teleport across countries and Sabrina's was stronger than the average Metagross which had four brains and was a pseudo legendary.
But the eggs interested him, they could be amazing or terrible. While no Pokémon was bad if trained right he didn't want to work out the right training method for a Butterfree.
"Can you tell me the one you've figured out? Since we're friends." Pleaded Ash, if it was good he would take it. Or he'd know not to take it.
Jimmy looked at him before leaning forward, "The guy I spoke to, some old weirdo named Bill or Bob - doesn't matter. He said it was a Horsea."
Well it evolved into a Kingdra which was a very powerful water and dragon type Pokémon. But Hydro was the only water type he'd ever need. So he was going to pass on the Horsea, they were on par with Gyarados something that was an incredible merit for any Pokémon, but unnecessary for his team.
Jimmy pointed to the all blue egg with purple dots, "That one is the Horsea, it is also the one with the shortest hatch time. Likely only a few weeks, the other two will take a month at the least."
Both eggs were vastly different in aesthetic, one was grey and the other was pink. He wasn't sure what either meant but he was going to go with grey. A solid color like that could mean ground or rock, something he desperately wanted on his team.
"I'll take the grey one, also what TM's do you have?" Asked Ash as he accepted the Egg that was sitting inside of the incubator.
Jimmy typed into the computer. "Ice Beam for two thousand, Hyper Beam for four thousand, Overheat for four thousand, Flamethrower for two thousand and the elemental fists for one thousand each. We have the permanent variants but they're really high especially Hyper Beam which is sitting at eight thousand."
Ash shook his head, "No thanks I'll just take the egg."
First thing Ash was going to do was call the professor, he needed to have his limit increased to keep the egg and some insight on Egg care.
"Fascinating!" The professor said interested as he eyed the egg, "I haven't come across that particular design before. Solid grey is strange maybe as it progresses more patterns will show." He thought out loud to himself.
"I could send you pictures of the egg if anything changes." Put in Ash.
Oak brightened at the idea, "That would be marvelous, I hatched my own egg during my travels so I know how great it will be for you. My Dragonite was an egg that I saved from some poachers after I got my first badge." The professor looked away for a moment likely having a memory of the event.
"I can't wait until I know what it is." Smiled Ash, he was excited for a new team member. No matter what it was he was going to love it.
"Is there anything else you needed to ask me?" Questioned Oak.
Ash tilted his head in thought, "How are Blast and Snor? I plan on switching them back in after I get out of Celadon."
Oak closed his eyes in thought, "That Snorlax of yours is a strange one, he insists on running laps and I had to have him practice his moves further away. The neighbors were complaining about his Earthquakes."
Ash grinned happily, "Good I'll have to increase his regiment soon, I want the fastest Snorlax in the world!" Cheered Ash with a fist in the air gaining the attention of some of the people around.
"I see," Muttered Oak, "Well he's progressing well I've never heard of a Snorlax participating in physical exercise so you're on the right path I guess." Shrugged Oak, "Now Blast is getting the hang of manipulating air currents and his draconic energy to fly. Soon it will be second nature, his instincts will kick in soon and he'll be flying through the air like a bird."
Ash nodded, "That's the plan, I'm going to switch him and Snor with Pidgeotto and Charmeleon, both of them did great against Erika so I'm giving them a rest. Could you get them in their balls for me Professor."
"Of course my boy, give me a minute and Arcanine will gather them so I can recall them to their balls. Your Pokégear should be able to transfer them in a few minutes. If I can, may I and my team work with Metang some time in the future it is truly rare to look into their unique physiology." The professor looked really excited at the prospect and Ash wouldn't tell him no.
"Sure," Nodded Ash, "I'm having him master Meteor Mash and work on some new moves I got from the department store. Give me another day or two and I'll transfer Metang over to you."
Professor Oak let a smile spread across his face, "Thank you for the opportunity Ash, I have only gotten the chance to study Metang and Metagross once and that was when I was a trainer not as a researcher. Not to mention my interns will love the chance I will be sure to repay you." He promised.
"It's no problem, if that's all professor." Professor Oak waved and closed the call.
Ash smiled down at his egg, he was curious about what was in it but he was going to hold off on looking up what it was. He'd rather be surprised and not have any prior thoughts.
For now he wanted to get on the road, he would transfer Charmeleon and Pidgeotto for Snor and Blast. He wanted to start making his way to Fuchsia both for Koga and the Safari Zone which was just too good an opportunity to pass up at the moment.
The chance to look around the Safari Zone would give him a chance for some incredibly rare Pokémon. In the near decade of renovations the Pokémon League worked with all of its branches to get a real variety of Pokémon in the Safari Zones. Not just in Kanto either, far away regions like Sinnoh and Kalos now had a supply of rare Kanto Pokémon and vice versa. It would give trainers of different regions the chance to catch Pokémon not native to their region.
Ash wasn't sure what was there, no one was anymore since it wasn't open yet and the league has been tight lipped. But he had a few types he wanted coverage for, his team had plenty of power. Both Metang and Blast would evolve into real monsters even without the special training he planned. Not many had ways to deal with a Dragonite or Metagross, both were the apex threats of their native lands in ancient times.
He would like another dark type, they were rarely used for their hard to control natures so few would know how to handle them. Umbreon was his girl of course but she was highly defensive by nature. No matter how much he trained her to deal damage, when his team was at league level she just wouldn't do much damage compared to the rest of his team. She would be used to Toxic opponents and Confuse Ray for her primary means of offense. A dark type that was more offensive would be great, they took care of the troublesome psychics and since his region was the native home to Alakazam he needed to be ready for them. They weren't the most used psychic type Pokémon in the world because they were weak after all.
He really wished he got Gengar - strong to psychics, immune to normal types and a poison type. Just one those three things and he would have a strong teammate. Only problem was that they were notoriously hard to catch, not necessarily for their rarity. It was well known that they frequent the tower in lavender. But because they could turn invisible and even intangible, then just float away unconcerned with a Pokéball that would pass right through them. Ash didn't want to deal with that kind of headache.
He had plenty of speed and bulk on his team, Blast and Pidgeotto would become incredibly fast after they evolved. Hydro and Snor would be able to take hits that they were weak to without trouble once they evolved. Pikachu was his fastest Pokémon already and he would only get better with more training. Metang was going to be all around, both hyper offense and defense. Charizard was powerful offensively and he was going to train him hard core to increase his defenses. Umbreon would progress as she was, she was strong, fast and was able to take some nasty hits even now.
As greedy as it may seem but he wanted a Larvitar, offensive Dark type with rock typing as well. Sand stream was a powerful ability and they were well known for going toe to toe with the strongest of Pokémon. They were the dominant Pokémon of Johto for a reason, even Dragonite know to tread lightly in a Tyranitar's territory. Unfortunately they were incredibly rare, more so than Dratini. Not to mention mother Tyranitar were the most aggressive Pokémon in the world when around their young Larvitar and he did not want to fight through a mother Tyranitar for a chance to catch one.
So unless something crazy happened, he would just take his chances and look around the Safari Zone. His team was already set for the most part so he didn't really need to add Pokémon but he wouldn't turn down some new team members.
It was his final time in the Celadon Pokémon center, Snor was getting looked at to see if he was eating the necessary amount of nutrients. The League meal plan wasn't always enough for Snorlax and he just wanted to be sure, especially since he was having Snor do lots of physical exercise which was unusual for their species.
Idly looking around the center while he waited he saw a familiar patch of purple hair typing into a Pokénav.
"Hey Paul!" Called Ash as he jogged over to the trainer.
Paul gave a tight nod, "Ketchum." There was a tense silence between the two of them as they waited for the other to say something.
"So, what happened to you on the ship?" Asked Ash lowly.
A scowl came over the boys face, "I was targeted for my Pupitar but I made it to an Alakazam pretty quick. You?"
Ash looked down angrily, "I fought my way down to the deck, Metang and Blast were targeted as well. I was planning on making my way to Fuchsia today." He said changing the subject off of the S.S. Anne.
"Same, but I am going to get a Pokémon from the game corner. I finally have enough coins for another one." Paul put away his Pokénav. "I actually got Pupitar from the game corner a few weeks ago. It was one of their mystery eggs."
Ash showed off his own egg, "I got one myself." The solid grey egg shown bright in the daylight.
Paul narrowed his eyes at the egg, "I've never seen a grey egg, Larvitar was a solid slate color though."
"I know! I'm excited to see what it turns out to be." Grinned Ash.
"Ash Ketchum your Pokémon are ready!"
"How about a battle Paul. I also want to see what you get from the game corner, just give me a second to get Snor." Without waiting for a reply Ash ran to get his Pokéball.
The game corner was less busy than normal, there were still several people sitting at the slot machines but less trainers screaming at the machines for jackpots.
Ash looked over at Paul who was shifting his overflowing coin case. "How exactly did you make that much? I spent like two years here and only made four thousand."
Paul smirked at Ash, "I'm naturally lucky when it comes to gambling. I got the jackpot here thirteen times in the week I've been here."
Ash's jaw dropped, "Thirteen!? So what are you getting?"
"Porygon, they are synthetically made and there are less than a hundred in the world so people won't know how to battle it. I considered Gible but after that pain of a Dratini I'm not interested in getting a dragon unless I battle it." Ash could tell he was still a little sore over that, he could understand though, if a dragon out right refused to listen to him he'd be pretty angry himself.
"Well, I'm certainly interested in Porygon." Ash said with a nod.
Arriving at prize desk Jimmy looked up from his magazine and grinned at the two of them. "Well if it isn't the lucky kid with the Larvitar and Ash. What can I do for you two?"
All business Paul stepped forward, "I would like to cash in my coins for a Porygon." He extended his coin case that was overflowing with coins.
Jimmy took the case and put it on the scale. "Well, I'm pretty sure that there are more than ten thousand coins you sure you don't want to count them out?"
Both Ash and Paul gave him a dead stare, "I don't have time to count out ten thousand coins. I plan to leave Celadon today anyway." Was Paul's reply.
Jimmy coughed lightly, "That makes sense I suppose, let me get it for you." He turned around and walked through the doors behind him.
Ash curiously looked into he back as the doors swung open and his heart nearly stopped. He saw several people walking around with black jumpsuits with large red R's on their backs. A multitude of Pokémon stuffed into cages and hundreds of Pokéballs that were covered into seaweed and moss.
They were recovered from the S.S. Anne.
"Paul." Snarled Ash getting the boy's attention. "This place is run by team rocket."
The purple haired boy's face melted into a furious frown, "What are you going to do?"
Ash closed his eyes and took a breath, "I'm going to take it down. These monsters aren't going to get away with this. I wouldn't be surprised if all the prizes were stolen from other trainers."
"Your right, lets pay them back for the ship."
Jimmy picked now to walk out from behind the doors carrying a Pokéball. "We just got this one in a few weeks ago. Here you go, one Porygon."
Paul nearly snatched the ball away and walked off. Ash followed without a word.
In the corner of the slot machine area they huddled together close.
"We need to get back there, most team rocket members are weak but if they have an executive we're in trouble." Prefaced Ash. After hearing Lance say that Petrel was a tough opponent he wasn't going to take them lightly.
Paul gave a tight nod, "I know I saw one of them battling with a Metagross against Lance on the ship. So I'm not in a hurry to face one unless we absolutely have to."
Ash took out his Pokégear and typed into it rapidly, "I sent a message to Steven, he'll let people know what's happening here. For now I say we try this door." Ash pointed to a steel door in the corner behind them.
Getting up they tried to open it but it was bolted shut. Throwing a little caution to the wind Paul took out a Pokéball to release a small steel type Pokémon Ash didn't recognize. It was on all fours and was covered by thick steel plating and had striking blue eyes that looked up at Paul questioningly.
"Lairon cut the lock with Metal Claw and keep quiet." Order Paul.
The Lairon made a series of metal sounds in response before it jumped up with a glowing claw that slashed the lock with impressive speed and precision. The door cracked open allowing Ash and Paul to step in.
They found themselves in a dark hallway with several people walking around not paying attention to their surroundings. At the end was an elevator that looked like it needed a key to turn on.
"Hey!" Shouted one of the rocket grunts that noticed them.
Lairon quickly rushed the grunt and before he could release a Pokémon he was taken down. Ash reached into his pocket to release Umbreon, she would thrive in the dark hallway and was small enough to move around freely. Ash also released Pikachu and let him settle on his shoulder, Thunderwave would be very useful in this place.
Paul gestured to a door near the end of the hallway that had several people in business suits all emblazoned with the red R on the breastplate. Nodding to each other they burst into the room catching them by surprise.
Lairon and Umbreon were quickly to rush the trainers while Pikachu hit everything he could with Thunderwave. Not even ten seconds later everyone in the room besides Ash and Paul were taken down.
"We make a good team." Commented Ash getting a glare from Paul as he raised a finger to his lips to quiet Ash.
Ash started to look through everyone's pockets for a lift key while Paul released his Porygon. Paul was whispering to it so Ash couldn't hear what they were talking about but he bolted up in triumph when he found the key.
"I got it!" Whispered Ash getting a nod from Paul who was peering out of the room into the hallway.
Paul waved Ash over, "The coast looks clear we should get to the elevator."
The two of them slowly made their way to the elevator with Lairon leading and Umbreon slowly stalking in the shadows nearly invisible. Ash put the key in and the doors opened, on the panel there were several floors with labels. Ash hit the one that said Lab that was the second to the bottom.
The second the doors closed Ash let out a breath and pulled his Pokégear out. "Steven replied, he said he let Lance and the Celadon authorities know what I told him. He also said that were shouldn't go in, ah too late on that one."
"We'll have taken this place down by the time they get here, I want answers about the ship and I doubt anyone will tell us what happened except for team rocket." Paul said angrily.
Ash winced slightly at that, he knew what happened to the ship but Lance had made him and everyone in his room swear to secrecy. If they got out of this and Paul didn't have answers then he would tell him, he trusted that Paul could keep a secret.
The doors dinged as they opened and they were greeted to the sights of a bright white room a clear contrast to the hallway at ground level. Ash peeked out of the elevator to see several grunts and scientists talking in front of a large computer screen.
Pointing to them Ash and Paul nodded to each other. Ash whispered orders to Pikachu who saluted before speeding off under the tables. Umbreon and Lairon went in different directions to flank.
As soon as Thunderwave went off in the epicenter of all the people, which was the signal. Both Umbreon and Lairon started taking down grunts left and right with Take Downs and Iron Tails.
Seeing as how all the grunts were taken care of Ash started to look around the lab. A multitude of documents and research papers. Prototype Pokéball's strewn about clearly failures and evolutionary stones with notes written next to them.
Paul walked over to the computer and re released Porygon. "You know what to do."
Ash walked over, "What are you doing?"
"Porygon is basically a computer program, they are used by the league to protect their servers from hackers. Not even dozens of expert hackers could hope to get past even a half paying attention Porygon so I'm guessing that not even the best firewalls could stop one. I want to know what they know." Explained Paul.
First on the screen were pictures of Mew, seeing as how they were high quality they were pretty recent. Both Ash and Paul stared at it for a moment before snapping out of the shock of seeing a clear picture of Mew.
Next were documents on type altering and others on specific breeding techniques.
A file called project beast popped up, followed by project phoenix. Ash wasn't great at gambling but he was sure those had to do with Johto legendaries. The next file was larger and it was filled with notes on Silph, Devon and Lysander Labs. After that a document that popped open was titled Mewtwo. Paul ordered Porygon to open it but before they could alarms sounded off in the labs and likely on every floor above.
"We need to go!" Ash shouted as he ran toward the elevator with Paul and their Pokémon behind them.
Instead of going up Ash pressed the bottom floor button hoping to avoid anymore rockets.
When the doors to the bottom floor opened Ash yelped and dove out of the way with Paul doing the same on the other side.
In front of the elevator were over a dozen rocket grunts staring at them in shock. Pikachu was the first to respond with a powerful Thunderbolt aimed directly at them, a Flash Cannon and Dark Pulse quickly followed.
"Useless! The lot of you!" An angry women shouted from further in the room to the unconscious rocket members. "I have half a mind to have you all killed!"
Ash and Paul exited the elevator so that they weren't trapped in a tight space. Looking around Ash found that the bottom floor wasn't that different from the Silph Presidents office in the department store. Luxurious furniture and a large desk with a computer monitor.
Biggest difference however was the women who propped her legs up on the desk as she lazily tossed a Pokéball up and down in her hand. She was a strikingly beautiful women even with her terrible Team Rocket uniform.
Ash, however, recognized her. "You're Arianna! We met on the S.S. Anne!" Shouted Ash while he pointed at her.
Paul's head shot up when he heard her name. "She's also the VP of Public relations for Silph Co. She gave us our prizes." Snarled the Sinnoh native at the smirking red head who was still sitting in the executive chair.
Several massive earthquakes shook the room as the floors above them were under attack. Ash knew that the league trainers would reach this room in a few minutes so they just had to stall until then.
Ash released Hydro, Blast and Metang who looked around curiously. "She's dangerous, don't let her move from that spot." A wave of understanding washed over him from Metang who used psychic energy to keep the women in place.
Paul released Electabuzz, Grotle and Magmar and ordered them to stand at attention.
Instead of panic, Arianna had amusement on her face. "I'd be worried if I hand't prepared before you two walked out of the elevator."
Before Ash or Paul could react a purple blur crossed the room and slashed Metang with pitch black slash of dark energy that disrupted Metang's focus which released Arianna from her psychic prison.
Another Pokémon was released from the ball that she was holding. A large fowl smelling Muk emerged from the ball that gurgled as its poison mass corroded the floor under it.
"Ash, I'll take Gengar." Paul said as he released Pupitar and ordered his Pokémon to attack the ghost and poison type.
Ash released Snor and ordered his Pokémon toward the Muk. "Metang you're immune to poison so stay up front. Snor use Shadow Ball, Umbreon hit it with Swift, Pikachu keep it stunned with Thunderwave. Hydro use Ice Beam, Blast use Dragon Rage."
Muk raised one of its swirling poison filled arm and slashed it down sending several tendrils of poison toward all of the Pokémon who quickly moved out of the way. The impact of the poison attack caused the ground to sizzle and corrode.
Metang hummed with energy then assaulted Muk with a powerful Psyshock that fried the point of impact spreading the fowl smell into the room. Snor roared as a huge pitch black ball of swirling ghost type energy blasted into Muk's body with a loud crack.
Muk didn't even acknowledge the attacks as it let out a loud gurgle before spitting out a cloud of poison gas. Metang was quick to respond by using Psychic to create a wall to stop the spread of toxins.
Blast slithered up closer to Metang and let out a low horn like sound that caused Metang to let down the barrier. The instant the barrier lowered a powerful twister took its place keeping the poison gas from spreading.
Hydro and Pikachu combined their efforts with a thunderbolt enhanced Water Pulse. Muk actually felt the attack as it turned toward the water electric duo.
A series of gurgles came from the poison type before it raised both of its sludge covered arms and slashed them down in a cross pattern. A dark purple x shaped poison attack tore through the air toward all of the Pokémon in front of the Muk.
Metang and Snor jumped to the front of the group, Metang took the brunt of the attack as poison wouldn't affect it but the force of the attack was enough to push the steel type back. Snor caught Metang then charged up a dense ball of orange energy.
Muk could only gurgle as a Hyper Beam blasted out from Snor that shown so bright that Ash had to look away.
"Pikachu use Thunderwave, Hydro wait until the smoke clears then Scald, Metang use Confusion, Umbreon try Confuse Ray." Orders upon orders came out of Ash and his team hurried to carry them out.
The Hyper Beam tore into Muk's poison sludge body burning away any part that the powerful energy touched. Gurgles and groans came from the poison type as it was unable to do anything but endure.
Yellow static shot from Pikachu the instant Hyper Beam stopped. Muk was unable to move with the static electricity coursing through its irregular body. Steaming water slammed into the purple sludge monster followed by a pulsating ball of silver energy.
Ash sighed in relief as the Muk was seemingly taken out of the fight, all of those attacks landing and Confuse Ray on top of it. Muk was trying and failing to gather itself for a counter attack but the mind bending Confuse Ray was keeping it from regaining motor function.
"Metang finish it with Psyshock." Pink psychic energy crackled around Metang's front two arms before a thick bolt zapped into Muk's face knocking it out.
"About time, I thought your entire team would have taken that Muk out quicker." Paul drawled lazily next to him making Ash jump in surprise.
Rolling his eyes, "So I take it Gengar was taken down." Not giving Paul the satisfaction that his team worked slower.
Paul snorted in response, "I wouldn't be here if it wasn't. Her Pokémon weren't as strong as I'm guessing the other executives considering we beat them."
Ash nodded, Muk's defenses and abnormal body were the only things that kept it in the fight for that long. Sure its attacks would have hurt his Pokémon but Metang was immune and Snor's thick fat would have soaked it all up.
Ash looked over to where Arianna was to see Pupitar had several stones surrounding its levitating body with a glaring Electabuzz holding her shoulder with its static filled arms. She looked to have trouble staying conscious with the continuous steam of electricity flowing into her.
"A little much no?" Ash asked pointing to Arianna.
Paul glared at the women, "No, she was reaching for more Pokéballs during our fights and I had Pupitar restrain her. I don't want to chance the fact that we likely got lucky with her Pokémon selection. I know she has a Metagross and I don't want to face it, that Metang of yours is strong enough and Metagross are several times stronger just from evolving."
Ash nodded again, "Good thinking so-" An explosion shook the entire room and the roof exploded next to them creating a huge hole. Dust and debris fell but was quickly blown away by Metang's psychic ability.
"I WANT HER ALIVE!" A deep voice boomed from the floor above, Ash recognized it somewhat as Lance.
Not a half second later a familiar green Dragonite descended from the roof and looked at Ash curiously halting all hostility. Ash sighed in relief that the dragon recognized him as an acquaintance and didn't attack, he knew how that would go.
"Emerald what are you doing?" Lance asked as he jumped down from the floor above and landing with practiced ease.
The champion instantly took notice of Ash and Paul, "I thought I told Steven to tell you not to enter the base." Lance said narrowing his eyes at the two boys. His face took on a more thoughtful look, "That would explain why several grunts were already taken out."
Ash rubbed the back of his head, "We were already in the base when we got Steven's message."
Two ACE trainers instantly appeared with an Alakazam between them. They had a Pokéball in one hand and a special stun rod in the other. Both ACE trainers were covered in tactical armor and had a helmet with a tinted face mask.
Lance raised a hand two them, "The room is secure, take the women to HQ I will be along shortly. Notify Erika that we're done here and she can return to the gym." The ACE trainers nodded affirmative then silently took Arianna from Electabuzz and Pupitar's care and teleported away.
Ash glanced at Paul out of the corner of his eye, "Lance, I have more information on the monster."
Paul turned to him with a raised eyebrow and Lance's face hardened into stone, "Very well, come with me. Return all of your Pokémon." Ash and Paul followed suit and walked over to Lance.
The Champion snapped his fingers and an Alakazam instantly appeared, "Take us to HQ."
Lance rubbed his forehead as he sat behind his desk with Paul and Ash sitting in the chairs in front of the desk. "Thank you for all of your help boys. Paul, your Porygon will be returned to you in a moment, the league Porygon just needed to transfer the information to our servers. I will have the league transfer fifty thousand dollars into both of your accounts, Arianna's bounty was a hundred thousand but since it was a joint effort I think splitting it will work."
Paul took that in stride while Ash tried to keep his jaw from hitting the ground. A little revenge for the boat and he ended up with a hefty payment, not bad.
"Now, Paul." Lance started again. "You have been told very classified information, I expect you to keep it to yourself." The Champion's eyes hardened as he stared at the rookie trainer.
Paul for all his seriousness wilted under the dragon master's stare, "I will." He muttered.
Lance immediately brightened up, "Great!" He cheered before standing up. As he walked around his desk he patted the green mountain that was Emerald who was laying on a large cushion completely passed out. "I have to say the both of you showed great promise, I would be dumb not to offer you both the chance to join the ACE trainer organization."
Ash and Paul glanced at one another but said nothing allowing Lance to continue.
"We normally only recruit those who compete in the conference and make it to the top sixty four. But you both have excellent teams, are quite talented, and made good showings in the Silph tournament." Lance looked down at the two of them expectantly.
"No thank you, I plan to take Cynthia's position." Paul said before standing up. "If you'll excuse me I need to check on my Grotle in the Pokémon Center." The Alakazam in the back of the room teleported Paul away to the Celadon Pokémon Center.
Lance gave a genuine laugh at Paul answer once they were alone. "All business that one, but he's got the intensity I'll give him that."
Ash twiddled his thumbs as he shifted in his seat. Taking a deep breath Ash stood up, "I'm going to challenge you for the Champion seat!" Ash shouted with his eyes closed unsure on how Lance would take it. Ash however felt like an idiot for saying something so lame but he wanted Lance to know that he planned to take him down.
Lance chuckled lightly and gave Ash a slap on the shoulder. "Train hard then. You have a strong team and a lot of heart. But that wont get you passed Lorelei or Will, definitely not Agatha and certainly not Bruno. Train hard and complete the Kanto Circuit, we'll see where you are then."
Lance walked back over to his chair and sat down, "Until then keep out of trouble, I'm putting my personal Pokégear number in yours so if something like this happens you can tell me directly."
Ash handed over his Pokégear, Lance raised an eyebrow at the prototype but didn't comment. "Here you go Ash, good luck on you journey."
Ash stood with a grin, "Thanks and good luck with the rockets."
Alakazam raised a spoon and teleported Ash away without a sound.
Author's Notes.
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving, to those who celebrate it at least. If you don't I hope you had a good Thursday last week. Sorry for the delay I had this chapter done for a while but I haven't been able to read through it with school and family and life and all that.
But here you all go. I will try to get the next chapter out soon but I have finals, a wedding and a whole lot of other shit in the coming weeks so progress will continue to be a bit slow.
Any thoughts, Comments or Recommendations. Leave them in a review or hit me up with a PM.