Chapter 31
Vermillion City really was a beautiful port, Ash thought as they landed at the Pokémon Centre attracting a lot of attention. He still had six hours left until he needed to catch the boat to Johto and wondered what to do when he had the idea of visiting Bill. Releasing Queenie he apologised but asked her to take him Northwards to the Lighthouse which could only just be seen from the Pokémon Centre as it wasn't on the harbour like most docks, It was just off Route 5 but its beam was so powerful Vermillion could easily be covered. It had been a few years now since he last came here and he shuddered when he remembered just what had happened here. Knocking on the front door he cast his mind to how naive he was back then with just Pikachu, Eevee, Charmander, Bulbasaur and a very reluctantly caught Squirtle in tow.
"Ash," Bill said, opening it and looking up at him in surprise. It had been at least eighteen months since they last spoke and Ash had barely been six feet then, now he was six foot four, easily and towered above Bill who was only five foot nine.
"Hey Bill," Ash said, "are you up for a visit?"
"Of course," Bill said, moving out of the way and shutting the door behind Ash before leading him to his lab. "How have you been? I've seen you in several interviews over the last few days and I hope you'll forgive me for saying this, but you didn't look comfortable doing them."
"I'm apparently great at speeches" Ash said laughing "and I can do a one man show with ease but put me in front of a camera or ask me to talk to people about politics or the inner workings of the Kanto Board and I just lose interest."
"So why were you doing it?" Bill asked, offering a seat to Ash who took it. Sitting down himself Bill pressed send on an email he was obviously typing up before Ash arrived.
"I was covering for Blue" Ash said, "he was injured recently in Johto and he needs to rest from his surgery."
"Yes," Bill said, "bad business that. Sam emailed me about what happened at the Lake of Rage, all those poor Magikarp."
"Yes" Ash said looking angry before he sighed "luckily I knew of someone who could help and there's a project underway sometime in late November."
"Yes, I know" he replied smiling "I'm one of the professors who collaborated with Quincy on his project. It's been a fascinating read."
"Hasn't it!" Ash said nodding enthused "we're so lucky to have a man like that in the world. The Magikarp on Rind Island are due to have their migration soon and I'm hoping to help out as much as I can. But given their evolution day lands on the day of the Semi-Finals in Johto I'm at a loss as to how helpful I can be. I have an idea; I just don't know if she'll go for it."
"What's your idea?" Bill asked.
"Tell me, what do you know of the Chosen One prophecy?" Ash asked.
"Not much, just that it's a legend around Shamouti." Bill said.
"Oh no not that one" Ash said remembering he was that particular Chosen One "I sorted that out eighteen months ago. No, I'm on about the Magikarp prophecy."
"I didn't know there was one to be honest" Bill said, filing the Shamouti comment away for later "what is it?"
Explaining what it was he gave his idea to Bill who certainly seemed to agree it was a good one, even if it was filled with issues that he could see.
"I'm aware of the issues" Ash said nodding "and while I'm not exactly happy about compromising my Silver League plans I feel this is more important."
"It really is." Bill said agreeing "the sooner the lake is refilled the better."
"Anyway, how are you?" Ash asked changing the subject "how's the network?"
"Troublesome" he said "some tit decided it would be a great idea to try and hack my system to transfer ownership of Pokémon illegally. The wanker got quite far actually which is annoying. Mainly because I have a bruised ego but the good news is I managed to spot it quickly enough to halt their progress and in the process learned a new virus is being used."
"Is the Porygon system not in use anymore then?" Ash asked, sounding concerned "it was pretty thorough when we designed it."
"Technology moves on Ash" Bill said, "That was six years ago, and you know better than anyone that what we create today is obsolete tomorrow but luckily there's a lady in Hoenn working on a new one."
"Doing what?" Ash asked.
"She's creating a new link, piggybacking on the existing one that will work exclusively for programmers such as myself with high level League clearance or regional professors to secure their files and prevent anyone but them accessing a trainers database profile" Bill said.
"What will that do for junior professors such as myself?" Ash asked a little concerned "I understand the need to improve security, don't get me wrong but I've had call over the last few years to access trainers' profiles to either evaluate them or place marks on their name in case of abuse."
"I'm not sure really" he said "however your clearance changed when you became Champion, you automatically have the highest level of clearance due to the role, so I don't think you'll be affected. I can't say for certain how other juniors will get on, maybe we need to collaborate with the regional ones to give them special dispensation to allow their apprentices access, or at least at their discretion."
"That's basically what I had with Sam" Ash said nodding "I was allowed a little leeway, but I still had to run everything by him before any sanctions could be put in place and I had to provide proof to go along with it. I run the poor man ragged during my first eighteen months of being a trainer. It's one of the reasons I offered him a place on my new research team."
"That sounds like a pretty good idea" Bill jotting down notes.
"Have you been in touch with Silph at all?" Ash asked Bill without warning.
"No, why?" Bill asked confused.
"Those idiots" Ash grumbled taking out his laptop "I specifically told them to get in touch with you for a bloody reason when it came to designing my new idea. Give me a minute." Loading his laptop up he scrolled through them and nodded "yeah, there you are 'make sure you contact Bill before you sell them. It's important.' I mean I don't think I could be any clearer than that. Can I use your video phone?"
"Yeah, go for it" Bill said confused.
Dialling Joanne's number Ash waited patiently until a few moments later she answered.
"Hey Ash, everything ok?" She asked warily remembering the last time she saw him a few weeks ago.
"No," Ash said, "why hasn't anyone been in touch with Bill about my latest idea about the Pokéball Phone?"
"I'm not sure" Joanne said, "I don't deal with anything like that, but I can put the question to Mr Suzuki if you like?"
"Please do" Ash said, "or he could be sued for millions by Bill."
"Why?" She asked, confused. "As far as I know Silph is the creator of it."
"Oh, I don't know," Ash said, "maybe because Bill has the patent on the Pokémon Transporter System and the Link Network that uses it?"
"Oh" she replied, "I think Silph was under the impression it wasn't owned by just one person."
"It's not," Bill said, "I own 90%, Samuel Oak owns 5% and Ash owns 5%."
"What?" Ash asked surprised, turning to face him "I told you I didn't want anything."
"Well tough" Bill said, "you came up with the idea of how to link it to the network, so you deserved it."
"Oh" Ash said, touched by Bill's honesty "well you have my permission Joanne but make sure Sam and Bill are included before it's released."
"I'll let Mr Suzuki know" Joanne said, "I'm glad I caught you, why haven't you asked me to be at any of your meetings over the last few weeks?"
"They weren't for me" Ash said, "I was doing them for Blue who's off while he recovers so it came under the Champions duties and not Silph's."
"Are you sure?" she asked, looking concerned.
"Yup" Ash replied nodding "I read up on the duties and I've been having lessons with Blue almost weekly since before I left for Johto. My Champions duties take precedence over anything Silph requires from me. Silph are only contacted in the event of a Battle, any TV appearance for Silph, contracted work such as commercials and if it's something to do with my ranch as primary provider of resources. So, for instance I'm due at the Kanto League in four weeks for a meeting with the Gym Leaders which you're not required for but a few weeks later I'm taking on the Johto League which you are. I've sent you the chalet details too for where I'm staying for the duration of the League, it has spare rooms if you want to join me and if Karl is free, he can too."
"I'll see if he is," Joanne said, looking slightly happier.
"Look" Ash said "I have absolutely no issue with you Joanne, nor do I have too much of an issue with Hatori or his dad but they should be held accountable for the pain they've caused Zoe and if I see Hanzo, well I might not be able to hold my tongue. Zoe has asked me not to be mad, which isn't possible but for her I'll let her handle it."
"Ok" she said looking much happier now he had clarified the situation.
"I'll likely speak to Hatori in a few days as I'm due in Mt Silver on Saturday and I'll be offline for four weeks, so I'll send him what I'm doing. See you later" Ash said, pressing the cancel button.
"What was that about?" Bill asked, "what have you invented that requires my help?"
"I came up with the idea, nothing more" Ash said "but it's a portable Pokéball holder that replaces the Pokéball belt. So, you cycle through all your Pokémon, whose ball appears as you cycle through until you find the one you want. It comes up with their name as you cycle through too so you can never get the wrong one. I came up with the idea because I have ten Pokémon on me and the belt is a little heavy."
"I tried to come up with something similar a few years ago but could never figure out the finicky parts and gave it up," Bill said.
"Apparently they've created a whole new research division to put my ideas into play" Ash said laughing "But I would have been so angry had they not asked you for help because I feel this is going to take a lot of work and collaboration from you both to get this set up."
"Not really," Bill said, standing up and walking over to his servers and pressing a few buttons on the keypad "you see, when I created the antivirus to combat the potential thief I had to create an entire new system. It wasn't easy but this new system is able to be compressed further than the previous one. I think with a little more work it can be placed on a microchip, which could easily fit into the device you're inventing. I may need to upgrade the Porygon System further, but it could be done. Dammit, you've got me excited now."
Laughing Ash joined him and hooked his laptop up to Bill's system where for the next few hours they pitched ideas to each other. Finally, Bill took a step back at the equations he had written on his chalkboard and shook his head. "It's missing something, but I just cannot see what it is."
"It's the Porygon," Ash said, circling it before rubbing it out and changing the numbers "It's not robust enough to be able to last long enough before it disintegrates and gives up. But when the Upgrade is used it changes significantly and opens up a lot more possibilities and the maths agrees."
"We need the Upgrade," Bill said, nodding.
"You need the Upgrade," Ash agreed, logging onto the Silph website and ordering one along with a Dubious Disc just in case. "I've bought you both, they should be here by tomorrow afternoon. If you need the maximum upgrade to do it then that's what it takes Bill. I doubt it will but at least you'll have the option to do so and won't have to wait for a few more days."
"Hopefully one Upgrade is enough" Bill agreed looking at the board again and sighing before throwing the chalk onto the table. "It's a good start though, eh Ash?"
"It certainly is," Ash said, nodding as he packed up. "I need to get back to Vermillion, my boat to Olivine is in three hours but it was nice speaking with you. We need to meet up more. Keep me updated, yeah?"
Bill nodded before shaking Ash's hand as he left on his Salamence and walked back to his board where he glared at it.
Landing back in Vermillion Ash saw he had a few hours left before he was needed on the boat, so he decided he and Pikachu deserved a treat, so he sat down a few minutes later at the restaurant he discovered the first time he entered Vermillion and had two plates of Calamari, thoroughly enjoying it.
"I know I'm not meant to enjoy this" Pikachu said nibbling on his piece "especially this much but it's bloody delicious."
"Fried Octillery is amazing," Ash said, nodding "and worth every penny."
"Every time I see you, you're eating" a voice said, making Ash turn around to see Frank Surge standing there with a big shit eating grin on his face. Standing up Ash hugged the man before offering him a seat.
"What brings you here?" Ash asked, offering the plate to Surge who picked one off and dunked it in a sweet chilli sauce that came with it.
"I can see why Elesa likes these" he said, picking up another one and doing the same before brushing his hands off "anyway I'm here in passing really. I'm on my way to take possession of a Pokémon for Elesa to at least start its training. I don't know if you've heard but the modelling agency in Nimbasa City where she lives has decided to try out her idea of the doubling her place of work with her as a potential Gym Leader so while they're designing her gym she's asked me to find her three Pokémon that can be her starters and three that can eventually be her elites. She has plans to have a gap year from modelling to go and search out for more electric types. I've drawn her up a list of Pokémon I think would suit her, but I've only managed to take possession of two so far."
"Oh, that's pretty cool" Ash said nodding "I've broadened my own horizons and gained a second electric type though at times I wish I hadn't."
"Why?" Surge asked.
"My Flaaffy has been contrary since the day he walked into my camp as a Mareep and said 'moo'" Ash said deadpanned as Frank roared with laughter "and apparently it's a species trait as I met an Ampharos that works with the gym leader in Olivine not long after and when they met they mooed at each other in greeting."
"I must get one of them for her" Frank said wiping a tear from his eyes.
"I don't think I'll ever have the chance to go to Unova to be honest as I only have time to go to Hoenn and Sinnoh before I have to take office at the League but I hope it works out for her. If she needs any advice just tell her to email me." Ash said picking up another ring.
"Are you sure?" Frank asked "given your last interaction…"
"It was a long time ago" Ash said "she knows better now than to try anything because believe me Nia would fly to Unova to have it out with her. She was drunk and we'll leave it at that. You've done a lot for me and that matters to me so I'm quite happy to draw a line under it as long as she knows not to try anything again."
"Fair enough" Frank said, nicking another Calamari ring and standing up before wandering off much to Ash's amusement.
"Warn Nia" Pikachu said wisely before taking a ring himself.
Looking at his watch he saw he had half an hour to get to the harbour, so he paid the bill and followed Frank at a much more sedate pace, boarded the boat and was soon speeding off towards Johto once again. Many hours later he disembarked and walked down the harbour getting a brief feel of nostalgia before wandering into the Pokémon centre to get a bed for the night. Leaving very early the next morning he flew Northwards towards Lorelei's house landing a few minutes later.
Knocking on the door it opened a few minutes later by a harried looking Lorelei with a baby on her hip who was crying.
"Ash, just in time" she said, thrusting Satoshi into his arms "come in."
Wondering what the hell he was supposed to do he carefully cradled the young baby and followed, sending out soothing waves of aura which amazingly worked. Walking into the living room he paused at the door as there were several suitcases open on the couches.
Puzzled, Lorelei looked up at Ash "how the hell did you do that?" she asked nodding towards Satoshi before she hurried over to see her baby fast asleep and looked up at him again in wonder.
"I just sent out a calming aura" Ash said puzzled "why?"
"He's been bawling all day" Lorelei whispered, sounding furious before grabbing Ash by the arm gently and leading him to the counter "Sit there, don't bloody move."
Chuckling Ash did as he was told and watched as Lorelei and Bruno rushed around packing for their trip to the Silver Conference.
"Are you guys staying for the entire tournament?" Ash asked as he rocked Satoshi who was beginning to open his eyes "he has extraordinary eyes. I've never seen such clear red eyes in my life."
"He's certainly mine" Lorelei said smiling affectionately at her son before carrying on with her packing "and yes, it made sense to be there the whole time given we'll be taking it in turns at times with you and Hailee inside Mt Silver."
"I'm still unsure about taking her in" Ash said drawing their attention "she's five, and my mum made a good point to me that she would be extremely uneasy if someone took me into Mt Silver at that age. Now I'll say that I don't believe she will be in any danger but I've not been in for a while, so I've decided to do a few checks first. I want to make sure our base is clear and it's understood by the inhabitants to not mess with us. I also want to make sure Hailee understands the severity of how much she needs to listen to my instructions too because while this may seem like an adventure to her it's serious business. There's a reason it has limited access."
"I'm quite relieved to hear you say that" Lorelei said looking at him "I've had many conversations with Bruno over the last few months about my misgivings about it. Mt Silver is off limits for a lot of people, maybe 99% of trainers will never be allowed access for good reason. I don't really want her in there if I'm honest."
"I'll say this" Ash said to them both "I will not do anything that you're not ok with. I have plenty of time to train her once she's older, but Mt Silver is the only time I can guarantee personal training. I have another idea though if you're not comfortable with that."
"Go on," Bruno said.
"After the League finishes do you have any time off Bruno?" Ash asked.
"Depends on who wins it" he said "and how the challengers look. For instance, should you win, I'll have as much time as you give the Elite Four for the Challenge. Should the standard be pre-Gary winning it I'll just turn up and beat whoever challenges us."
"I'll be issuing it straight away" Ash said "I'll probably give you all two months so that my team can rest after the League and then train again. I have plans to head to Hoenn in June and I want my team to have a rest for a while afterwards."
"Well should you win I'll likely give myself a few weeks off before I head to the mountains near here to train" Bruno said "why?"
"Well as I said I'm planning on giving you guys two months' notice" Ash said "and I believe the challenge is the same as the Kanto one, that being I battle you every few days until I challenge Lance which will take place a week after I beat Karen. So, that will give me three months, at least where I'll be at home. I was wondering if you'd all like to come and stay with me for that period so I can train Hailee and you guys can have a sort of holiday. Of course, should I not win the league I'll have from November to June off, but the offer is still there."
"That sounds a lot better than taking her into the mountain" Lorelei said, "I would feel much happier to do that."
"Ok" Ash said "then we'll take that route. I'll tell her myself once you're done packing. I'll make it seem like the Kanto Board has rejected my application to take her in, that way you don't get any grief" Looking down at Satoshi he had an idea "Actually I'll go and tell her now."
Bruno chuckled when he caught on to Ash's game.
Wandering out of the back bay door he saw Hailee running through the assault course Bruno had created in their back garden. He watched on from the garden table still holding Satoshi and it wasn't long before she wandered over after doing her cool down stretches along with her Riolu and still irritatingly a Ralts.
"Master Ash" she said bowing to him before sitting down opposite him. Ash briefly nodded, not standing up.
"Are we going today?" she asked excitedly "that's why you're here right?"
"It is why I'm here" Ash said nodding before sighing "but I've not been given permission to take you inside Mt Silver. You've not been given clearance due to your young age; I was very lucky to get clearance at the age I did because Sam Oak vouched for me but I was twelve, not six. So, after talking to your parents we came up with an alternative. Once the Johto League is over you're coming to stay at my home for a few months where I can train you every day, without anyone interfering."
Strangely Hailee looked at Ralts who stared at Ash. Feeling a faint bump against his aura shield he quickly grew angry.
"If you ever, and I mean ever try and read my mind again to see if I'm lying, I will end you" Ash growled causing Satoshi to stir at the change in aura from him. Hailee looked panicked when she realised she'd been caught "and as for you young lady you have a lot of explaining to do. Follow me. The Psychic stays."
Standing up he tried to release his calm aura and soon Satoshi fell back asleep. Walking into the house with a sheepish looking Hailee behind him he led her to the living room where Lorelei and Bruno were still packing but upon looking up Lorelei immediately noticed her daughter looking guilty.
"What have you done?" she asked, gaining Bruno's attention too.
"Tell them," Ash said sternly, sitting down. When no answer was forthcoming Ash walked over to the bassinet that was in the corner and placed Satoshi in it and covered the bassinet with a faint aura shield before looking back over at Hailee who had still refused to look up. "Speak!" he barked causing her to jump.
The two parents immediately knew something was wrong with the way Ash was acting, he had never raised his voice to their daughter before.
"I will not ask you again Hailee" Ash warned.
"Master Ash told me that he hadn't been given permission to take me into the mountain and I didn't believe him." she said quietly.
"And you did what?" Ash asked sitting down which gained a mumble answer.
"Speak up," Bruno barked, narrowing his eyes.
"Hailee, what did you do?" Lorelei asked.
"I had Ralts try and read his emotions to see if he was lying." she muttered.
"And I suspect it certainly was not the first time" Ash said, "as soon as I finished talking, she immediately looked at Ralts who focused on me."
Lorelei's visaged looked thunderous "I know very well what that 'look' is" she said, "She's used it several times on me."
"And me" Bruno said, closing the suitcase he was packing and zipping it up and looking stern. "Ash, can you leave us please."
"Certainly" he said, taking out an envelope he had brought with him "this is where I'm staying at the village along with my aides number, just in case you can't get in touch with me. I'll be inside Mt Silver for four weeks but I'll be out for the Kanto Gym Leaders' review the day before the first of the Semi-Finals before heading to Silver Town after the final. Apparently, I need to be present for the awarding of the trophy as I've given Blue the time off to recover from his injuries and I'm his replacement."
"Yes" Lorelei said darkly "he deserves his rest."
"If only our new esteemed President agreed" Ash said shaking his head "alas, his head is so far up his own backside he can smell his own teeth. But I'll be damned if he thinks he can order me around like I'm some lackey and he certainly won't be doing that with my Elite Four. Anyway, I'll leave you to it, we can talk more when I arrive at the League."
"See you later" Lorelei said, giving him a hug and walking him to the door. Waving to Bruno he stopped outside on the front step "and thank you for looking after Satoshi, I was getting worked up because it's bloody stressful packing for staying at the league, especially with two children in tow."
"Yeah, I've got all that to look forward to, many years from now" Ash said laughing "luckily, I live close by so hopefully it won't be as much of a faff. Anyway, I'll leave you to deal with Hailee. Keep an eye on that Ralts, something is off about this whole thing, and I don't like it."
"I think we're going to have a serious conversation about that Ralts. I've been uneasy ever since he turned up." Lorelei said "anyway, good luck at the League, we'll likely see you there given Bruno is part of the set up."
Nodding Ash released Salamence and climbed aboard, heading East. It would be a two-to-three-day flight to get to Mt Silver from here, ironically enough his home was closer that Olivine was, but he had promised Lorelei and Bruno a meeting so now he was going to freeze for a few days on the back of Salamence. The things he did for his friends. He landed in Goldenrod City around six pm and had a nice warm meal while Queenie had some rest. Around midnight he decided to carry on with their journey and flew in the night heading South-East and over the vast area that was Ilex Forest where he would spend a few hours in the Charicific Valley in the cave that his father's Charizard had stayed during his feral years. He knew his Charizard kept the Valley in line and also knew his Charizard would likely send a few scouts to keep an eye on him. Queenie had decided to spend the night inside the Valley with his Charizard as she said she wanted to pick his brain over something. It was around noon the day after that they continued their journey East and flying over New Bark Town he waved at the people who gazed up in awe at the huge blue dragon flying over them.
It was three hours later that he landed at Victory Road where he had to prove he could get in. Even though he had been there a few times before he understood that their job was vitally important as Mt Silver was not for the faint of heart. An hour later he cleared the checks and made his way along the route where he landed at the Pokémon Centre and spoke to Nurse Joy there before beheading to the guard's station at the entrance to the cave. Leaving an emergency contact as usual he entered and immediately felt calm as he had trekked these paths so many times before that he truly believed he could do it blindfolded.
Walking into his old cave he set up his tent and walked out to where the small lake was that descended into the huge waterfall. Releasing all of his Pokémon he waited for them to get used to being inside a cave. On him he had Pikachu, Machamp, Salamence, Sneasel, Lapras, Chinchou, Kabutops, Flaaffy, Quilava, Shuckle, Suicune and the two Gyarados.
"Hello, for those who are new to this, this is where we'll be spending the next four weeks of intensive training. Be prepared for absolutely anything in this place as the Pokémon here are not only wild but strong too and will not hesitate to attack you should they feel you've encroached on their territory. Now, the area we're in is currently ruled by a herd of Tyranitar on the land and a school of Sharpedo in the water. They know me enough now to know to not piss me off but some of the newly evolved ones will likely turn up to test their strength to try and improve their own standing. I encourage you to battle them, but make sure both of you are aware they're nothing more than spars because the Matriarch Tyranitar is fucking lethal and not to be messed around with. Those who have been here before I'll likely leave you to it so I'll primarily be focusing on the Johto captures but if you have anything you want to talk to me about, I will always be available. We will start tomorrow as tonight I'll be drawing up some training plans, so I encourage you to explore but also to stay close. Blastoise and Charizard may be joining us at some point, though that depends on if they can get away from their jobs."
The next day after Ash had chosen what he planned to train his Pokémon on they all moved away to their separate places and began training. His original Gyarados had begun training her counterpart in preparation for him leading the Magikarp at the Lake once it was refilled. Flaaffy was over with Pikachu learning how to store electricity better, Machamp was waiting for Ash to finish his instructions before sparring with Ash, Shuckle was rolling around while Sneasel tried to slash at her. Quilalva sadly didn't have anyone to spar with, so she was practicing building up her fire reserves and Suicune was being taught by Lapras. Ash had sat down after issuing the instructions with his feet in the lake with Chinchou on his lap going over what their training would be.
"You're still very, very young." Ash said to her "much too young to start training, at least for another month or so but you can practice the moves you do know if you like. There are some rocks jutting out of the lake over there, safely away from any currents that might take you away but please be careful."
Chinchou squeaked in happiness at finally being allowed to do something in her own. She knew she was tiny; she had grown but not by a lot, but she was desperate to be useful to the team. So, while over by the rocks she began practicing her Water Gun which was more of a tiny dribble, like someone was turning on a tap. She was enjoying herself so much that she didn't realise she was being watched. After exhausting herself she slowly began to make her way back to the shore when she felt the water beneath her shift violently as she was flung up into the air and as she somersaulted in mid-air before gravity began to take hold and she fell face first. All she could remember seeing was rows of razor-sharp teeth before a flash of light moved them out of the way, followed by a scream that was cut off sharply. She landed in the water with quite a bit of force for such a small Pokémon and struggled to the surface where she began panicking. Gently she was picked up by Lapras and placed onto her back who started trying to soothe her until eventually after a few minutes her breathing regulated, and she looked around. All of her family was around her looking grim and it wasn't until she saw Kabutops cleaning blood off her claws that she realised it was him that had saved her.
"What happened?" she squeaked.
"My baby nearly died" Lapras sobbed as she gently nudged Chinchou.
"But she didn't" Ash said walking over with blood on his hands that he washed off at the side of them "Kabutops sorted that out." Turning to Chinchou he said, "I'm so sorry, I took my eye off you to talk to Machamp and the next thing I know a Sharpedo is landing on the shoreline without a head."
"So, what happened?" Chinchou asked again.
"I noticed you were on your way back and while I knew there were Sharpedo in the area they usually leave us alone" Ash said standing back up and shaking his hands "evidently one thought it could try its luck, but Kabutops amazingly tracked its movement and sliced it in half just as it was about to eat you. We threw the remains over the waterfall, but the blood attracted the rest of them so we're not training in the water until that clears up."
"I'll fry the lot of them," Lapras said furiously as she looked over to where the school could be seen about thirty meters away splashing about in the blood-soaked water.
"No, you won't," Ash said, "We don't want any more bloodshed today and you need to look after Chinchou." Grumbling Lapras swam to the eastern edge of the lake, quite far away from the Sharpedo and could be seen talking in low voices to her daughter.
"Kabutops" Ash said quietly gaining all their attention "swim out there and warn them that if any of them get another bright idea like that one we'll eliminate the entire school, and I'll send them to be eaten at the nearest restaurant. They've been warned, they won't get another one."
Kabutops chittered eagerly before diving into the water and scything through the water where the Sharpedo stopped their mini frenzy.
"Gyarados, keep an eye on them" Ash said, "go and back her up in case they feel we're bluffing." nodding she sank underneath the lake creating a small wave that lapped over their feet as she turned her huge bulk and headed to where Kabutops was chittering away. Twenty minutes later they both returned, and Pikachu translated for them given he couldn't understand Kabitops and Gyarados was mute.
"They said we are in their territory and Chinchou strayed away from the safe zone" Pikachu said shaking his head "but there won't be any need for retribution as the one who tried to kill her is dead. However, if any of us stray out of bounds again we're fair game."
Ash glared darkly over at the school that had drifted away from where Kabutops had confronted them but said nothing. That evening he leaned against the cave wondering how to proceed. Looking around he noticed a few of them were still on edge from the day's events and shook his head. They were here to train, and they couldn't do that if those Sharpedo were about. Looking over at Lapras he saw she was asleep with Chinchou still on her back, also sleeping but it seemed to be fitfully. Standing up he padded over to Kabutops who was resting with her back to the wall keeping an eye on the area too. Sitting down next to her drew her attention.
"Tonight, eliminate them." he whispered "don't tell the others though. If you need help take Gyarados with you but I want them gone by tomorrow. I will not leave any of you in a situation where we're waiting to be attacked. I don't know of another way to solve this because they could decide to change their territory just to see what we'll do. Well, we'll strike first. If you feel overwhelmed Aqua Jet this way and we'll all wade in to help you."
Grinning ferally, Kabutops closed her eyes and began to rest for the battle that was coming soon. Ash wandered over to the two Gyardaos who were sleeping side by side stretched out. Ash chuckled at the size difference. Gyarados weren't small Pokémon in general but the difference between a Royal and a normal size was pretty evident given his original was over ten feet longer and two feet wider. "Kabutops has a job tonight," he said, stroking Princess on the crown, "can you both keep an eye on her."
"We will" the second Gyarados said, nodding, sounding confused. Princess just rumbled in agreement "Oh, when you feel he's able to train on his own I want you both to come and talk with me. I have something in mind, but I'll need both of your agreements."
Wandering back over he sat back down next to Pikachu just enjoying the general chatter. "You told Kabutops then?" Pikachu muttered from his lap.
"I did," Ash said, closing his eyes. "It's too much of a risk. Gyarados is her lookout."
"Good" Pikachu said also closing his eyes "I'm not fond of doing this but I'm thinking of them as I do Spearow. They need to be culled for the betterment of the inhabitants of Mt Silver."
"Strangely that's not the way I'm thinking of it but it's as good as any" Ash muttered "Look at Chinchou and then try and convince me I'm not doing whatever it takes to protect my family at all costs. I'm going to have a talk with Lapras and Chinchou tomorrow about their training. I think we need to keep a closer eye on Lapras, she won't let Chinchou out of her sight from now on."
"Can't blame her" Pikachu muttered before he drifted off to sleep with Ash stroking his fur.
It was hours later that a screech echoed across the cavern waking everyone up abruptly. Ash smirked when he saw Kabutops scything in and out of the Sharpedo school, slicing anything that got in her way. His other Pokémon looked on in concern as they knew that other than Lapras and Gyarados they couldn't help her. Ash however wasn't concerned at all as he could feel all the way from where he was still sitting uncomfortably against the wall with Pikachu still in his lap that she wouldn't have much issue with them.
"Go back to sleep" he said to the others who turned to him "she'll be ok."
"But she's on her own," Suicune said, padding over to him, "surely she needs help out there."
"She has help," Ash said, yawning but making no move to do anything "trust me, all of you go back to sleep. Kabutops is fine."
None of them went back to sleep. Instead, they watched on in morbid fascination as Kabutops continued to slice her way through opponent after opponent, shrugging off the hits and bites as if they were nothing until eventually, after killing ten of them she used Aqua Jet to speed away to get some distance between her and the five remaining Sharpedo where she turned and faced them, panting harshly and started chittering at them. As one they paused before warily and eventually turned around and swam away. Ash reached over to his bag and pulled out Kabutops' ball along with a Full Restore and its attachment. After making sure she wasn't being followed Kabutops swam over to them and staggered onto the ledge they were all camped on and walked forwards towards Lapras who was warily looking at her. Kabutops just stared at her before facing Chinchou and bowing, holding her scythes across her chest before a red beam hit her and she disappeared back into her Pokéball which Ash placed into his bag as if nothing out of the ordinary had just happened. Lapras just looked confused before looking at Ash "There is absolutely nothing I wouldn't do to protect my family." he said "Nothing. Now, all of you, get some rest. We're training again tomorrow." Taking his pillow out of his bag he placed it behind his back and closed his eyes going back to sleep with Pikachu already gone. The rest looked around at each other, all of them having different thoughts on what just happened but knowing they couldn't really do anything about it.
The next day however they woke up wondering what to do. Looking over at the lake they saw that during the night the steady flow of water had long since washed away any evidence of the dead Sharpedo along with their blood. In fact, if they all hadn't witnessed it they would have put it down to being a dream but they all knew something had shifted the air in the mountain. Ash went through his morning routine with them all, gave them their instructions before sparring with Machamp. He didn't say a single word about what happened, something which they all picked up on and decided as a collective not to let on. The next few days passed in a similar vein until he let Kabutops out and walked over to the side with her and patted her head. He took something out of his pocket and began to wax her shell, something she was quite fond of. Whatever they were talking about was seemingly productive as after twenty minutes Kabutops, who looked slightly worse for wear, nodded at whatever Ash was saying before she dove into the water. Walking back over Ash smiled before heading inside the tunnel on the ledge and disappeared.
Kabutops appeared the day after and walked back into the tunnel without speaking to anyone and curled up inside Ash's tent. Ash didn't let on what he discussed with Kabutops, instead he focused on the training which was getting more and more intense as the days passed by. Very soon it wasn't days that had passed but weeks and it was a day before he was due to leave to head to the League for the big meeting.
"You've all done incredibly well" Ash said looking out at his Pokémon "every single one of you should be proud of how far you've come in such a short space of time. Now we'll be going to the Indigo Plateau for a few days before returning here for at least two weeks. I want to thank you all for trusting me and trusting that you can do what I asked you to do."
Recalling them he made his way back down the inside of the mountain, walking unconcerned through the Tyranitar Clan who just observed them before carrying on until half an hour later he reached the exit. Walking out he blinked and got used to the light before releasing Queenie and flew around the mountain before descending on Silver Town which was set into the North side of Silver Mountain. It was an incredible looking place; the majority of the buildings were made from glass infused with white stones to give it a very mythical looking city and at its centre was a huge spiral where Silver Stadium was located. The preparations for the League were still ongoing it seemed as they had just under six weeks before the Silver League kicked off. Ignoring the stares he walked straight into the main stadium and spoke with the receptionist who gave him a map and pointed to where he needed to go. He couldn't register for the league just yet because of another League Tournament was still ongoing, his in fact. The competitors for the quarter finals would be having their battles today, something Ash would no doubt miss due to travelling to his home which was only a few thousand miles Southeast from here. Luckily the Indigo Plateau was due East and much closer, maybe half a day's travel at most.
Finding Chalet 3 he knocked on the door and Bruno opened it.
"Ash! You look like shit, come in" he said, clapping him on the back "how have you been?"
"Good actually" he said following him into the living room where Lorelei was sitting writing on a laptop. Looking up over her glasses nearly made Ash shiver as she really was a beautiful woman. He was lucky he knew he was a one-woman man.
"Ash, you look like shit" she said unconsciously echoing her husband which made them all laugh much to her confusion.
"Bruno said exactly the same thing when he opened the door." Ash said, "I can't stop, but I promised you I would pop in after the training I did."
"How did it go?" Bruno asked, handing him a bottle of water.
"Grim" he replied "well the first few days were but after that everything went very well. I'm glad Hailee couldn't come because she may have been scarred for life by what happened. Chinchou was nearly eaten by a school of Sharpedo and Kabutops took it personally. She butchered them all in retaliation. It wasn't pretty."
"Oh, that sounds horrible" Lorelei said, taking off her glasses "is Chinchou ok?"
"She is now" Ash said "once the issue was literally removed, she was ok. The Tyranitar herd have made Kabutops an honorary member though after destroying them. Apparently those Sharpedo had been staking claim to the entire water supply and had been encroaching on the Tyraintars own waterways knowing that the Tyranitar couldn't swim. They were doing hit and runs on them to annoy them. Anyway, it got to the point that the Matriarch had begun to attempt to teach the herd to swim to get at them! Can you imagine it, a Tyranitar herd that can swim."
"Oh wow" Lorelei said shaking her head in shock "that's amazing.!
"I think those Sharpedo may have unintentionally begun the next evolution of Tyranitar as a species" Ash said "even though they were eradicated the Tyranitar matriarch was smart enough to realise that just because they're gone doesn't mean they won't have the same issues in the future and have continued the tentative training. It's slow going as they're Rock types but gaining an immunity to water can only be beneficial. We all train our own Pokémon to cover their own weaknesses, but to see wild Pokémon do the same was quite a sight. If it wasn't so dangerous I'd suspect there'd be research teams heading there right now."
"It's certainly a new direction to go down research wise." Bruno said nodding "we live in a very wonderful world don't we."
Any reply was as Hailee cautiously made her way out of her room with her Riolu hanging back. "Hello," she said before bowing at Ash.
"You don't need to bow to me" Ash said sternly "But I will say this, I am deeply disappointed in you for doing what you did and if the Ralts was anyone else's Pokémon then not even your mum and dad would have been able to stop me from destroying it, and yes I know it can hear me from your room so I hope it's listening properly."
"I'm sorry Master" she said hanging her head "Mum and Dad have already…"
"I don't need to know what your parents have decided for you as punishment" Ash said interrupting her "I swore to them both when Lucario and I agreed to train you that we would not parent you. That's their job and always will be so whatever they decide is their right. Over the next week that I am at the League in Kanto I will be heading to Rota to discuss with Lucario whether to continue your training…do not interrupt. Had you done that to Lucario he would have destroyed the Ralts and would not have felt an ounce of remorse for removing what he would have deemed to be a threat regardless of his affection for you. Do not forget he comes from a time where war was rife, and the abominations and aura users were killing each other every day. His mindset is completely different to mine, I have the ability to think rationally, or as rationally as I can where psychic Pokémon are concerned. He does not. So, this is your first and last warning where Ralts is concerned, keep it on a leash or we will.
Nodding Hailee still looked at her feet "Look at me" Ash said gently. Looking up he saw her eyes full of tears and nearly broke. Standing up he gathered her into a hug and she burst out crying while he shushed in her ear. Eventually she stopped crying and Ash found that she'd fallen asleep standing up. "Where's her room?" he whispered to Lorelei who stroked Hailee on the head and nodded for her to follow him. Picking her up she snuggled into him as they walked into the room, Ralts had at least the sense to Teleport out of the room before he arrived and he placed her on her bed where he grabbed a Rilou teddy and gave it to her. She immediately latched on to it and snuggled it.
"I forget at times she's only six and will make mistakes" he said as he stroked her head and looked at Bruno and Lorelei who were looking at their sleeping daughter with concern "I have concerns about what having both psychic and aural powers, it's a fear that's has not left me since the moment I found out about it. I have to believe there's a good reason for it, I'm just struggling to find one. How extensive has her psychic training been so far?"
"Other than the ability to communicate in her mind with Ralts she's not shown any outwardly" Bruno said quietly "though we have no idea what she's being trained on when she's sent to bed because she certainly doesn't go to sleep straight away."
"I've seen her 'accidentally' move cups closer to her or cutlery which she quickly tries to cover up" Lorelei said, "It's quick but if you look for it you can spot it."
"So, Telekinesis and Telepathy" Ash said taking a deep breath "Ralts, appear." he commanded to no avail "I'll ask once more Ralts" he began before the Feeling Pokémon appeared. "I'm going to allow you into my mind, I need answers, no, we need answers." lowering his aura to a bare minimum he opened his mind up to the young psychic Pokémon.
The next few minutes were nerve wracking for Bruno and Lorelei who could only watch in silence as the two communicated. The only indication they got that Ash was irritated was a slight twitch in his left eye. Gradually the two felt his aura level rise and Ralts disappeared again.
"Come with me" he said to them both as he passed them, unconsciously waving his hand and a blue screen appeared over the door protecting them from being overheard if Hailee woke up. "That has not eased any of my concerns, if anything it's heightened them. I don't know who sent that Pokémon, but they knew she had both abilities and didn't want her to be claimed by an Aura Guardian who would indoctrinate her into their ways. His words, not mine. Now, I didn't get any malice from it, but it certainly didn't feel like it was here for noble reasons either. Maybe I'm paranoid but history has taught me to be wary of psychics and psychic Pokémon for a reason. At the minute she's training her body for aura usage but she's training her mind for psychic usage and while they're usually incompatible she has the ability to regulate the usage of both equally. So far that is. What I did get from it was a strong sense of loyalty to both Hailee and however sent it and whoever sent it is very powerful; I couldn't get a hint of who it was and I'm usually pretty good at that. Hailee could very well be the bridge that brings psychics back into the aura fold, but it could also go the other way too."
"What can we do?" Lorelei asked.
"Other than banishing the Ralts, nothing" Ash said looking back to the door "I'm going to have to do something I really do not want to do."
"What's that?" Bruno asked.
"Go to Rota and get answers myself" he said through gritted teeth shuddering.