Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the intellectual property associated with Harry Potter.
Hi all,
Here's the next chapter. Ash returns to Oldale Town to scavenge for supplies, but there are some unwelcome visitors.
Chapter 4
Ash sat vigilantly, peering through the grimy window of the abandoned van. The last vestiges of twilight faded from the sky, plunging the Midden into darkness. The silhouettes of twisted metal and discarded machinery loomed around them, casting long shadows in the pale moonlight. So far, no Pokemon had ventured near their shelter, but Ash remained alert, his senses honed by the constant threat of danger.
Blitz hovered silently above the van's roof, its single eye scanning the surroundings. The Magnemite's presence was a comforting constant, a loyal sentry ensuring their rest remained undisturbed.
Beside him, Delia slept fitfully, her face a canvas of worry lines even in slumber. Her injured leg, which he had bandaged, was positioned awkwardly. He wanted to reposition it but was afraid of waking her.
The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his young shoulders. He couldn't shake the feeling that their lives were balanced on a knife's edge, each decision potentially tipping the scales between survival and ruin. With a deep breath, he closed his eyes and delved into his mind palace, seeking solace and strength in his newfound abilities.
A change had occurred to his mind palace after reaching stage two of the Nascent Realm. Orbiting Blitz's platform were two crystals.
The first crystal was a vibrant yellow, its facets sharp and clear. Electricity crackled across its surface in tiny arcs, occasionally leaping out to dance briefly in the air before being drawn back in. This crystal was a physical representation of Thunder Wave.
The second crystal, embodying Screech, was a study of chaotic energy. Its colour was a warm grey, with occasional flashes of white that resembled sound waves.
These crystals were the techniques he could learn from Blitz. He could only select one move to learn at his current cultivation stage. He needed to choose wisely. The wrong decision could be the difference between living and dying in his current predicament.
Ash concentrated on the yellow crystal, and knowledge flooded his mind. It was Thunder Wave, an Electric-type status technique. It had a flat 25% chance to paralyse its target, regardless of the user's strength, though this chance would increase or decrease depending on the Pokemon.
In terms of people, the move consistently worked against ordinary people, and it could even be fatal to some with underlying health conditions. When used against trainers, the success rate decreased and was affected by several factors. If he had tried the move on Courtney, it would most likely have failed.
Turning his attention to the grey crystal, Ash absorbed information about Screech, a Normal-type status move. It was a sound-based move that lowered the defence of the target Pokemon. While he could see potential applications, particularly in softening up tough opponents, it lacked the game-changing potential of Thunder Wave.
Ash reached out and grasped the yellow crystal. As his fingers made contact, the crystal dissolved, its essence flowing into his body like liquid. His eyes snapped open as he was involuntarily kicked out of his mind palace. Every nerve in his body tingled, the energy coursing through him and settling into his core.
At his current level, he could only use Thunder Wave in its basic form, but as he practised and grew stronger, he would be able to modify and enhance its effects. The possibilities excited him, as he remembered Courtney's devastating use of Roar. He wasn't going to forget being flung across the room anytime soon. One day, he vowed, he would wield such power himself.
As the crystal's energy fully merged with his own, Ash felt a subtle shift in his perception. A new sense awakened, allowing him to perceive the electrical currents flowing through living things. He experimentally reached out, feeling the steady pulse of electricity in Blitz's form and the more subdued bioelectricity of his and his mum's sleeping bodies.
Eager to test his new ability, Ash focused on a small piece of debris near his foot. He extended his hand, channelling his energy as he'd seen Blitz do countless times. A tiny spark leapt from his fingertips, arcing through the air to strike the debris. It wasn't much—barely enough to cause a static shock, let alone paralysis—but it was a start.
Determined to make progress, Ash continued practising the move until his energy reserves were depleted. Exhausted but satisfied, he began to cultivate, drawing in the scant energy from his surroundings. He knew reaching the third stage would be a long and arduous process in this energy-poor environment, a far cry from the surge of power he'd experienced in the ruins. Without it, he would still be languishing in the first stage.
Ash yawned deeply. He lay down next to his mum, the hard floor of the van a poor substitute for a bed, but a welcome rest nonetheless. He closed his eyes, safe in the knowledge that Blitz would keep an eye out for any dangers.
The first light of dawn painted the sky in muted hues as Ash approached the outskirts of Oldale Town with Blitz hovering silently beside him.
Ash was worried about his mum, whom he had left behind in his hideout. Her injured leg made the journey impossible for her, but leaving her alone made him anxious. The need for sustenance, however, outweighed the danger. Food, water, and other resources were critical if they were to survive long enough for him to gain strength and challenge the first Gym Leader.
As they crested a small hill, Ash could see the full scope of the devastation unfolding in front of them. Where once stood an eclectic collection of cobbled-together dwellings, now lies a wasteland of splintered wood and strewn debris.
Ash's pace slowed as he entered the town proper. The oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional creak of settling rubble or the whisper of wind through the ruins. His eyes darted from one destroyed building to another, searching in vain for any sign of life.
Not a single structure had been spared. Even the most durable structures, which had weathered numerous storms and the harsh realities of life on the first floor, were not immune.
Ash's throat tightened as they turned onto the street where he and his mum had lived. Their modest dwelling, the home that had sheltered them through years of hardship, was now nothing more than a heap of splintered wood. He approached the wreckage and began searching through the debris for anything salvageable.
The electric generator that had been their lifeline stood miraculously intact. Ash made a mental note to return for it later. His garage lay half-buried under the collapsed roof. He was tempted to salvage some supplies from the wreck, but pressing needs pushed the thought aside.
As he neared the town square, a familiar shape caught Ash's eye. There, half-buried beneath a fallen post, lay the crumpled form of Courtney. Ash approached cautiously, muscles tensed for any sign of movement. But as he drew closer, the reality became undeniable. Courtney was dead, her once-pristine clothes now torn and stained with blood.
Ash stood over her body, his expression impassive. He didn't pity the woman who had threatened his mum and nearly cost him his life. She got what she deserved. If the town wasn't attacked, it would have been him and his mum who would have died at her hands.
He looked around. Her Pokemon were nowhere to be seen, likely having fled after their trainer's demise. He kneeled beside the body and began to search Courtney's pockets. In her jacket pocket, he found a small leather purse containing several notes, totalling just over three hundred pokedollars. He pocketed the money and continued searching her body but didn't find anything else.
Her clothes were stiff, made out of a material he was unfamiliar with, which likely provided some protection against damage. He considered removing her clothes and giving the outfit to his mum, but he quickly dismissed the idea. Even he found it a step too far. He may have disliked the woman, but removing her clothes would strip her of any remaining dignity.
Rising to his feet, Ash's gaze swept across the ruined town square, finally settling on Courtney's house. In contrast to the other buildings, it appeared to have survived the attack fairly intact. Its walls still stood, though the roof had partially caved in. The prospect of what lay inside quickened Ash's pulse. Courtney, as the only known cultivator in Oldale Town, had always seemed to possess resources beyond what was typical for the first floor. If even a fraction of her belongings had survived the attack, it could be a game-changer.
Ash pushed the door open and stepped over the threshold, with Blitz close behind him. The floorboards groaned under his weight, and he moved cautiously, wary of the weakened structure. The entrance hall was littered with fallen debris—pieces of the ceiling, shattered glass, and layers of dust.
Ash started searching the house carefully, staying alert for any potential threats. At first, the sitting room looked to hold nothing of value. But then his gaze landed on the television.
Ash froze at the sight of the television. Such devices were a coveted rarity on the first floor, typically offering tantalising glimpses into the lives of those who dwelled in the Tower's loftier levels. Securing a signal this far down was notoriously costly, requiring a direct connection to the Pillar itself. Intrigued, Ash attempted to switch it on, but the screen stubbornly refused to flicker to life. A frown creased his brow as he realised her power must have been cut off.
"I think Courtney had more influence than I first thought," Ash murmured
This realisation brought with it a wave of anxiety. If Courtney had connections powerful enough to afford such luxuries, someone might come looking for her. The thought of being linked to her death was troublesome. Such an association could bring the kind of trouble that he and his mum might not survive.
Shaking off these dark thoughts, Ash forced himself to continue his exploration. The kitchen, when he reached it, proved to be a goldmine. Unlike the rest of the house, it had emerged largely unscathed from the recent devastation.
Ash threw open the fridge door. His eyes widened at the sight that greeted him: shelves loaded with fresh produce, meats, and dairy products. It was more food than he'd seen in one place in years. Even with the power off, the food hadn't spoiled yet. The pantry proved equally bountiful, stocked with canned goods, dried foods, and bread.
He began mentally cataloguing the supplies, already planning how to transport them back to the hideout. The unexpected bounty could sustain them for weeks. Once he finished exploring the house, the food would be the first thing he took with him.
Ash pressed on with his search. When they reached the study, his breath caught in his throat. A massive bookcase dominated one wall, its shelves laden with books. His fingers itched to grab the nearest book and start reading immediately. The wealth of knowledge contained in this single room was staggering, far beyond anything he'd ever had access to before.
With considerable effort, Ash tore himself away from the study and continued his exploration. The guest bedroom yielded nothing of note, but as they entered the main bedroom, Blitz suddenly emitted a series of excited beeps.
"What is it, Blitz?" Ash asked, following the Magnemite's gaze.
Blitz was hovering near a large portrait on the far wall. The painting depicted a stern-looking man in ornate robes, but Ash could see that Blitz's attention was focused on something behind the frame.
Carefully, Ash lifted the heavy portrait from its hooks. Behind it, set into the wall, was a gleaming metal safe.
"Bloody hell," Ash breathed.
He examined the safe closely. It was a high-quality model, with a combination dial and what looked like some sort of magnetic locking mechanism. Ash's heart sank as he realised the complexity of the lock. Even with his mechanical skills, cracking this safe would be no easy feat.
Then an idea struck him. "Blitz," he said slowly, "reckon you could help me with this?"
The Magnemite beeped inquisitively.
"If you could use your magnets on the safe, maybe we could feel when the tumblers click into place," Ash explained. "I'll turn the dial, and you let me know when you sense something, yeah?"
Blitz bobbed in the air, a gesture Ash had come to recognise as agreement. The Pokemon positioned itself next to the safe, one of its magnets pressed against the metal surface.
Ash began to slowly turn the dial, his fingers sensitive to every minute vibration. For several tense minutes, nothing happened. Then, suddenly, Blitz emitted a soft buzz.
"You felt something?" Ash asked. Blitz beeped in confirmation.
Encouraged, Ash continued the process. It was slow, painstaking work. More than once, Ash feared they'd lost track of the sequence. But finally, the last tumbler fell into place with an audible click.
Holding his breath, Ash grasped the handle and pulled. The safe door swung open smoothly, revealing its contents.
"Jackpot," Ash whispered again, his eyes wide.
Inside the safe was a veritable treasure trove. A thick bundle of pokedollar notes caught his attention first—a quick count revealed it to be several thousand, more money than Ash had ever seen in his life. But it was the other items that truly made his heart race.
Several vials of strange liquids, ores, plants, and other items were carefully arranged on one shelf. Labels identified them as cultivation resources for dark, poison, and fire-type Pokemon. It was certainly a stash of valuable items, but nothing that would help raise Blitz's levels.
Next to the vials sat a small wooden box. Opening it, Ash found it contained several potion bottles. The labels described them as substances designed to speed up a trainer's cultivation progress.
"Damn," Ash muttered, carefully replacing the box. "No wonder Courtney was so much stronger than anyone else around here."
But it was the final item in the safe that truly captured Ash's attention. A velvet pouch sat in the corner, and when Ash upended it, several crystals tumbled into his palm. They reminded him of the crystals in his mind palace. Each radiated an energy he could feel even through his skin.
Ash had no idea what they were for, but they looked valuable. But now wasn't the time to wonder; he still had a lot of work to do. He could look into it later when he had more time.
Ash embarked on the task of transferring Courtney's possessions to the hideout. Every moment spent in the town increased the risk of encountering other desperate scavengers or potentially worse threats.
His first priority was salvaging the electric generator from his old workshop. With Blitz's assistance, they managed to transport the heavy machinery to the hideout. The Magnemite's magnets pulsed with effort as they helped lift and carry the generator.
Alongside the generator, Ash packed his bag with an assortment of food. Upon seeing the fresh provisions, Delia hugged him. They shared a simple but nutritious breakfast, which visibly revived his mother.
Before embarking on another supply run, Ash realised he could use Blitz to transport more supplies back to the hideout. Spotting a small wooden pallet amongst the wrecked cars, he formulated a plan. Using metal wires, Ash crafted a rudimentary yet effective carrying system for Blitz. He meticulously wound the wires around the pallet's edges, creating robust loops at each corner.
Ash demonstrated to Blitz how to utilise its magnets to grip these metal loops. The Pokemon hovered above the pallet, its magnets aligning perfectly with the wire loops. With a gentle electromagnetic buzz, Blitz secured itself to the improvised carrier.
Returning to Courtney's house, Ash loaded the pallet with books and canned goods. Blitz rose steadily, the pallet hanging securely beneath. Ash observed cautiously as Blitz transported the load back to the hideout, relieved when no issues arose.
One particular trip yielded a selection of clothes for Delia. Her face brightened at the sight of clean, undamaged garments. Ash noted several of the outfits possessed the same defensive properties that Courtney had been wearing before she died.
As the day progressed, Ash's muscles protested from the repeated journeys, but he persevered. Gradually, the hideout transformed from a temporary shelter into something resembling a home.
The electric generator allowed them to operate the refrigerator indefinitely, though it remained exposed to the elements. Ash realised they would need to construct a more substantial living structure, as the van was uncomfortably cramped. However, he was mindful of the need to camouflage any new construction to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
As twilight approached, Ash made a final trip to Courtney's house. His target was the remaining books, believing that knowledge would be a critical asset and worth the risk of being seen.
Just as they were about to set off, the distant rumble of engines shattered the eerie silence that had blanketed the ruined town. Ash's heart leapt into his throat, adrenaline surging through his veins. He quickly ducked behind a crumbling wall.
Three military-style jeeps appeared on the road leading into town, their powerful headlights cutting through the gathering gloom. Ash's mind raced. Who were they? What did they want?
"Blitz," Ash whispered urgently, "return to the hideout with the supplies. Now."
The Magnemite beeped softly in protest, its single eye fixing on Ash with what seemed like concern.
"Go," Ash insisted, his voice firm despite the fear gnawing at his insides. "I'll be fine."
With a final, concerned buzz, Blitz began to float away, the pallet of supplies swaying gently beneath it.
Ash watched as the jeeps rolled into the town square, their tires crunching over debris. The engines cut off almost simultaneously, plunging the area into an expectant silence.
The doors swung open and figures clad in crimson uniforms emerged, their movements fluid and purposeful.
One by one, the red-uniformed individuals released their Pokemon. Ash's eyes widened as he saw several fire types appear, including Growlithe, Houndour, and a formidable-looking Camerupt that was even larger than the jeeps. A flock of Golbat took to the air, their wings beating silently as they began to patrol the area, their purple bodies almost invisible against the darkening sky.
A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped forward. Even from a distance, Ash could sense an aura of authority about him. The others seemed to defer to him, waiting for his orders with an almost palpable tension.
"Fan out," the man commanded, his voice carrying easily in the still night air. "Search every building. I want to know what happened here. Leave no stone unturned."
Ash held his breath as the group moved towards Courtney's house. His mind whirred with possibilities. Were they here for her?
Suddenly, one of the Growlithe barked sharply, its tail straight as an arrow. It had found something. The sound cut through the silence like a knife, making Ash flinch.
"Sir!" a woman called out. "Over here!"
Ash watched as the group converged on a spot near the town square. He knew what they had found even before he heard the leader's sharp intake of breath.
"Courtney," the man said, his voice a mix of anger and disbelief. "Wrap her up. We're taking her with us."
Two of the red-uniformed people stepped forward and carried Courtney's lifeless body back to the vehicles. The leader's face was thunderous as he turned back to the group, his features thrown into sharp relief by the Jeep's headlights. "The rest of you, continue to the house and search it. I want to know what happened here."
Ash's blood ran cold. They were going to Courtney's house—where he had spent the entire day scavenging. Would they find any traces of him he left behind?
He watched as the group moved towards the house, their Pokemon alert for any signs of danger. The Growlithe and Houndour sniffed the air, their sensitive noses searching for any unusual scents. The Golbat circled overhead, their echolocation a constant, unsettling presence that made the hair on the back of Ash's neck stand on end.
It was time to go. He had seen enough, and staying any longer was courting disaster.
Ash began to edge away from his hiding spot as quietly as he could. He moved slowly, agonisingly slowly, acutely aware of every small sound he made. The Golbat's sensitive hearing could pick up the slightest noise, and the fire Pokemon's keen noses might catch his scent if the wind changed.
He had made it almost out of town when a twig snapped loudly under his foot, the sound seeming to echo in the still night. Ash froze, his heart hammering in his chest, blood roaring in his ears.
One of the Golbat wheeled in the air, its large ears twitching as it homed in on the sound. It headed in Ash's direction, swooping low over the ruined buildings. Ash pressed himself against a tree, the rough bark digging into his back. He willed himself to become invisible, hardly daring to breathe.
The Golbat swooped low, its wings stirring the air mere centimetres from Ash's face. He could smell its leathery wings and feel the displaced air on his skin. For a heart-stopping moment, Ash was sure he had been discovered. But then the Golbat moved on, continuing its patrol.
Ash let out a shaky breath, his legs feeling weak with relief. That had been too close. Far too close.
As soon as the Golbat was out of sight, Ash broke into a run. He didn't stop until he had put several kilometres between himself and Oldale Town, his lungs burning and his legs aching. Only then did he allow himself to slow down, gulping in great lungfuls of air, his hands on his knees as he fought to catch his breath.
Questions swirled in his mind as he made his way back to the hideout, each step feeling heavier than the last. Who were those people? What was their connection to Courtney? And most importantly, what would happen if they discovered that someone had raided her house?
Ash burst into the van, startling his mum awake. Delia sat up quickly, wincing as she jostled her injured leg.
"Ash? What's wrong?" Delia asked, her voice thick with sleep.
"We've got trouble," Ash panted, still catching his breath. "Some people arrived in town. They were looking for Courtney."
Delia's eyes widened. "Who were they?"
"I don't know, but they look dangerous," Ash admitted. "They found Courtney's body and took it with them."
"Oh, no," Delia whispered, her face paling. "Do you think they'll come here?"
Ash shook his head. "I don't know, but we can't take that risk. We need to hide better."
Without wasting another moment, Ash sprang into action. He grabbed a rusty shovel from their pile of scavenged tools and surveyed the area around their van. His gaze was drawn to one of the larger rubbish heaps nearby—a mound that had begun as a small dirt hill before being piled high with discarded waste over time.
"This'll do," Ash muttered, approaching the heap.
He began to dig, the rusty shovel biting into the layers of compacted rubbish. The work was hard, and the smell was worse. Rotting food, sodden cardboard, and unidentifiable sludge gave way under his determined efforts. Ash gritted his teeth against the stench, focusing on the urgent need for concealment.
After about two metres of refuse, the shovel struck something more solid. Dirt. Ash's spirits lifted slightly. This would be easier to dig through than the layers of rubbish.
"Blitz," he called, "I need your help."
The Magnemite buzzed to attention, hovering near Ash's shoulder.
"Use your magnets to help me move some of this metal," Ash instructed. "We're going to build a hidden shelter."
As Ash dug, Blitz used its electromagnetic powers to shift larger pieces of scrap metal, creating a crude framework for their new hideout. Sweat poured down Ash's face as he worked, his muscles screaming in protest after the day's exertions, but fear and adrenaline kept him going.
After hours of frantic digging and construction, Ash had created a rough tunnel leading into a small room at the heart of the rubbish heap. He reinforced the walls with sheets of corrugated metal and wooden planks, creating a sturdy, if not entirely comfortable, living space.
"Mum," Ash called, poking his head out of the tunnel, "I'm going to need your help to move our things."
Delia nodded, limping out of the van. Despite her injury, she worked alongside Ash, passing him their supplies to arrange in the new hideout.
The refrigerator proved to be the most challenging item to move. Ash and Blitz struggled to manoeuvre it through the narrow tunnel entrance.
"Blitz," Ash grunted, straining against the fridge's weight, "can you use your magnets to lift it just a bit higher?"
The Magnemite beeped in affirmation, its magnets glowing as it exerted its power. Slowly, the refrigerator inched through the opening and into their new living space.
Ash stepped back to survey their work. The entrance to their hideout was nearly invisible among the piles of rubbish. Inside, while far from luxurious, it was dry and reasonably secure.
"Now for the final touch," Ash muttered.
Together, they began to push the van. It creaked and groaned, its rusted wheels protesting as they turned for the first time in years. Inch by inch, they manoeuvred it in front of the tunnel entrance. Finally, with a last heave, the van settled into place, completely obscuring their hideout from view.
Ash slumped against the van's side, exhausted but satisfied. He looked at Blitz, managing a weak smile. "Good work," he said softly.
Inside their new shelter, Delia had arranged their belongings as best she could. She looked up as Ash entered, her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and pride.
"You've done well, Ash," she said. "But what do we do now?"
Ash sank down beside her. "We wait. They are likely to investigate Courtney's death, but it will take time to locate the survivors and find out what really happened."
"Some residents saw Courtney dragging me out of our house."
Ash grimaced. "Let's hope her acquaintances don't find us here."
Delia wrinkled her nose. "The stench alone should be enough to hide our presence."
"It's only temporary," Ash assured her. "Once we ascend the tower, I will buy you a mansion and all the luxuries you could ever desire."
"Silly boy," Delia said, wrapping him in a hug. "I don't need those kinds of things. You are all I need."
With their new hideout secure, Ash finally allowed himself a moment of respite. He pulled out the cultivation manual he'd discovered in the ruins. The book's cover was worn, its edges frayed, but the title was still legible: "The Steelium Core.".
Ash settled into a corner of their makeshift shelter, a salvaged lamp casting a warm glow over the pages. As he began to read, his eyes widened with excitement. This cultivation technique was different from others. Most specialised cultivation techniques didn't matter until one reached the second realm of cultivation, but this one could be started immediately, even at the Nascent Realm.
The reason for this difference, Ash discovered, lay in the Steelium he had absorbed in the ruins. According to the manual, he needed to assimilate it into his core. This process would create a more stable foundation for future cultivation. However, the book warned that the process would be quite painful.
Ash sat cross-legged on the ground, his back straight, hands resting on his knees. Closing his eyes, he began to meditate, following the book's instructions. He focused on the ball of liquid metal inside his mind palace and began to guide it towards his core.
The pain hit him like a thunderbolt. It felt as if molten lead was flowing through his veins, searing him from the inside out. Ash gritted his teeth, fighting the urge to cry out. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he struggled to maintain his concentration.
Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The pain ebbed and flowed, sometimes fading to a dull ache, other times flaring so intensely that Ash feared he might pass out. But gradually, ever so slowly, he felt the liquid metal begin to merge with his core.
Ash became aware of a strange sensation. It was as if his very essence was becoming more fluid. More adaptable. The pain was still there, but now it was accompanied by a sense of potential, of power waiting to be unlocked.
As the night wore on, Ash remained motionless, locked in his meditative state, the metallic sheen on his skin growing more pronounced with each passing hour. The first hints of dawn began to seep through the cracks in their makeshift shelter, painting the space with a soft, grey light.
Suddenly, Ash's eyes snapped open. For a moment, they gleamed with an otherworldly, silver radiance before fading back to their normal hue. He inhaled sharply, as if taking his first breath after a long dive. His body trembled, adjusting to the profound changes wrought by the night's work.
Ash clenched his fists. A rush of energy surged through him, unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was as if liquid lightning coursed through his veins, every cell in his body humming with potential.
The pain of the night's ordeal faded into insignificance compared to the power he now felt.
"This is incredible."
So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Ash makes a lot of progress in his cultivation and obtains another Pokemon.
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Thanks for reading.