Disclaimer: I don't own Pokemon. It belongs to Nintendo and Game Freak.

Hi all,

Here's the second chapter. Ash captures his first Pokémon and explores the ruins.

Chapter 2

Ash set out from the dilapidated remnants of Oldale Town. His battered backpack was laden with an assortment of scavenging gear and the key item that would help in capturing his first Pokemon.

He'd unearthed a pokeball two years prior. Its once-vibrant red and white surface was now scuffed and dulled, bearing the scars of whatever calamity had brought it to the Midden. Yet, the internal mechanism still functioned flawlessly, a testament to the ingenuity of its pre-catastrophe creators. Ash had devoted countless hours to studying it, marvelling at the technology that could transmute a living creature into energy and back again.

A pokeball was specifically designed to capture low-level Pokemon without the need for weakening them, although doing so would still improve the capture rate. It also allowed for the capture of Pokemon without necessitating an immediate bond, opening up a world of possibilities. If he decided not to bond with a captured Pokemon, he could always sell it to one of the traders. Depending on the rarity and strength of the Pokemon, it could be the quickest way to earn a substantial amount of pokedollars.

As he trudged through the desolate landscape, Ash's gaze was drawn to the sky above. It was a constant source of wonder and speculation among the first-floor residents. Did each floor of the Tower possess its own sky and weather systems? The infrequent but very real rainstorms, as well as the four distinct seasons—including brutally harsh winters—seemed to indicate this. Yet the idea of multiple, stacked ecosystems existing within a single structure still boggled the mind.

He paused atop a small hill of compacted refuse, withdrawing a worn map of the first floor. The paper was yellowed and fraying at the edges, but the information it contained was invaluable—a collective effort of countless slum dwellers to chart their constrained world.

Ash's eyes traced the familiar contours of the first floor. Four main landfills dominated the landscape. Five towns, including Oldale, were scattered across it's expanse. They were divided by a desert wasteland with sporadic forests and winding rivers teeming with wild Pokemon. Since most inhabitants didn't have a Pokemon to protect them, it was hard to collect water from the rivers and they had to rely on other means to obtain it. Furthermore, there was a good chance it was polluted.

At the heart of it all stood the Pillar—a colossal structure that stretched skyward, disappearing into the sky above. It housed the elevator to the higher floors, a tantalising promise for anyone wanting to ascend.

Ash's destination lay in the opposite direction—the second closest landfill to Oldale Town. It was a risky journey; the longer he spent traversing the open wasteland, the greater his chances of encountering dangerous Pokemon or rival scavengers with fewer scruples. But the potential reward outweighed the risk. The landfill was known to house weaker Pokemon, making it the ideal hunting ground for a novice trainer.

As Ash tucked the map away and resumed his journey, his mind wandered to the Steelix he'd encountered the day before. Part of him yearned for such a powerful partner. With a Steelix at his side, ascending to the second floor would be a breeze. But Ash knew better than to entertain such fantasies. At his current level of cultivation, attempting to subdue a Steelix would undoubtedly fail.

Hours crawled by as Ash picked his way across the barren landscape, every step calculated to avoid loose debris or potentially toxic puddles. He gave a wide berth to a murky pond, its waters an unnatural shade of green. A cluster of Tentacool floated near the surface, their red orbs glowing ominously.

As the sun reached its zenith, bathing the landscape in a harsh, unforgiving light, Ash finally crested a hill to see his destination sprawled out before him. The landfill was a chaotic maze of metal and plastic, a labyrinth of towering rubbish heaps and treacherous valleys. Even from this distance, he could discern movement among the piles—telltale flashes of metal that could be Magnemite or the scuttling forms of Aron searching for choice morsels of metal to consume.

With careful, measured steps, Ash began his descent into the landfill. His eyes darted from pile to pile, scanning for any sign of movement. The cultivation level he'd recently obtained allowed him to extend his senses beyond the physical, feeling for the distinct energy signatures of Steel-type Pokemon. It was like learning to see in a new spectrum, adding an extra layer of perception to his already keen senses.

Suddenly, a flicker of movement caught his eye. Ash crouched behind a rusted heap of discarded appliances and examined the small, metallic form of Aron. It wasn't the Magnemite he'd been hoping for, but he was curious nonetheless. The Steel-type Pokemon was busily munching on what appeared to be an old computer casing, oblivious to Ash's presence.

With slow, deliberate movements, Ash reached into his backpack and pulled out a device that looked like it had seen better days. The Pokedex's casing was a patchwork of different materials—bits of plastic, metal, and even wood—held together by an array of screws and bolts.

Ash had unearthed the damaged Pokedex during one of his scavenging runs a few years ago. At first, it had seemed like just another piece of useless pre-catastrophe tech. But something about it had caught Ash's eye—perhaps the faint flicker of its cracked screen or the way its circuitry had resisted the corrosion that claimed most electronics in the Midden.

It had taken Ash the better part of two years to bring the Pokedex back to life. Countless hours were spent poring over salvaged technical manuals, bartering for components with traders, and painstakingly soldering tiny connections with steady hands. More than once, Ash had been tempted to give up, to toss the stubborn device back onto the scrap heap. But his persistence had paid off.

Ash aimed the Pokedex at the unsuspecting Aron. The device hummed to life, its screen flickering with static before displaying an image of the Pokemon.

"Aron," the Pokedex said in a tinny voice, "the Iron Armour Pokemon. It feeds on iron ore and sometimes causes trouble by eating bridges and rails. The Aron is level 5."

Ash was tempted to catch the Aron. The level was perfect for him, considering his current cultivation stage.

The Nascent Realm was divided into nine stages, each representing a significant milestone in their development. As a fledgling cultivator in the first stage, Ash possessed only a small reservoir of spiritual energy. A portion of this resource would be dedicated to forging and maintaining his bond with his Pokemon. As it grew stronger and its level increased, so did the energy required to maintain the bond.

Because of his innate affinity, the cost of bonding with Steel-type Pokemon would be lower. It was a small edge, but in the competitive world of Pokemon training and cultivation, every advantage counted.

The Pokedex continued. "This Aron knows the following techniques: Tackle and Metal Claw."

Ash closed the Pokedex and put it away. As much as he was tempted to capture Aron, it wasn't the Pokemon he wanted. At least not for the moment. He slowly circumvented the Aron, careful not to make any noise, until the Pokemon was far behind him.

Ash continued to navigate through the landscape of the landfill, his eyes constantly scanning for movement. Several minutes later, a faint buzzing sound caught his attention. He froze, barely daring to breathe as he peered around a precariously balanced stack of rusted machinery. There, hovering a few feet off the ground, was a Magnemite.

Ash grinned. This was exactly what he'd been hoping to find. Magnemite, with its Electric/Steel typing, was not only a source of power with its electricity but also boasted several type resistances.

Ash took out his Pokedex. He pointed it at the Magnemite, and the device whirred into life.

"Magnemite," the Pokedex said. "The Magnet Pokemon. It's able to float in the air by emitting electromagnetic waves from the units at its sides. This Magnemite is level 6."

A level 6 Magnemite—slightly higher than he'd anticipated, but still within his capabilities. Its ability to float in the air could be extremely useful during future scavenging expeditions, allowing Ash to reach previously inaccessible areas. Although it was less effective than a flying Pokemon, it was still better than nothing.

The Pokedex continued its analysis.

"This Magnemite knows the following techniques: Thunder Shock and Tackle. The initial trainer techniques are Thunder Wave and Screech."

The advent of cultivation and trainer-Pokemon bonding had ushered in a new era of battling strategies, revolutionising the very foundations of Pokemon training. Trainers could now harness and use status techniques—formerly known simply as "moves"—for themselves. This unprecedented ability, however, came with limitations: trainers were confined to status techniques only, unable to learn or execute any damaging techniques, whether physical or special.

Yet, within these constraints lay a world of possibility. The potency and versatility of these techniques were directly tied to a trainer's strength and dedication. As one's power grew, so too did the effectiveness of their moves evolve.

Thunder Wave served as a prime example of this progression. In its early stages, the technique might produce little more than a harmless static shock. But with practice, it could develop into a formidable ability capable of stunning low-level Pokemon. The evolution didn't stop there—with continued mastery, the move's strength and versatility could increase to the point where it might even be employed offensively, blurring the lines between status and damaging techniques.

Ash contemplated the possibilities unfolding before him. He knew that by progressing to the next stage of cultivation, he would gain the ability to learn a status technique from Magnemite. This prospect filled him with anticipation, imagining the synergy between his own abilities and those of his Pokemon partner.

In the old world, trainers had been largely spectators, calling out commands from the sidelines. Now, they were active participants, their cultivated abilities allowing them to directly influence the flow of battle. A trainer's tactical use of status techniques could turn the tide, providing crucial support to their Pokemon partner.

This new paradigm, however, came with a significant trade-off. Pokemon had lost the ability to use status techniques. These moves now existed as a shared resource, extractable by trainers for their own use. This symbiotic relationship meant that for a Pokemon to reach its full potential in battle, it had to rely heavily on its trainer's skill and cultivation level.

Ash glanced at the sky, noting the position of the sun. He didn't have time to search for another Pokemon—he needed to get back to Oldale Town before darkness fell, as it would be harder to navigate and avoid being attacked. This Magnemite was his best shot at returning home with a Pokemon.

Retreating a short distance, Ash began to devise a trap to restrain the Magnemite. He pulled various bits of scrap from his backpack—rubber insulation stripped from old wires, a coil of copper, and several powerful magnets he'd salvaged from broken speakers.

Working quickly but methodically, Ash constructed an intricate snare. He arranged the magnets in a circular pattern, using the rubber to create safe handholds. The copper wire he wove into a net, designed to conduct and disperse any electrical attacks the Magnemite might unleash.

With his trap complete, Ash took a deep breath. The next part of his plan was risky but necessary. He would have to use himself as bait to lure the Magnemite into position.

Steeling his nerves, Ash emerged from his hiding place. He waved his arms, purposely making noise to attract the Magnemite's attention.

"Hey! Over here!" he called out, his voice echoing across the landfill.

The Magnemite's single eye swivelled towards him, its body emitting a curious buzz. It began to float in Ash's direction, picking up speed as it approached.

Ash backed up, leading the Magnemite towards his trap. He could feel the hairs on his arms standing up from the electricity emanating from the Pokemon. Just a few more steps…

At the last moment, Ash dove to the side. The Magnemite, caught off guard, flew straight into the trap. The powerful magnets immediately latched onto its metallic body, holding it in place. As it tried to shock its way free, the copper net dispersed the electricity harmlessly into the ground.

Seizing his chance, Ash pulled out the pokeball. His palms were sweaty, and for a terrifying moment, he feared he might drop it. But his grip held firm. With a silent prayer to whatever deities might be listening, Ash threw the pokeball at the trapped Magnemite.

The ball struck true, popping open with a flash of red light. The Magnemite's form shimmered and was drawn inside. The pokeball fell to the ground and began to shake.

Once. Twice. Three times.

Ash held his breath, scarcely daring to move. Each second felt like an eternity as he watched the pokeball wobble.

Finally, with a soft 'click', the pokeball stopped moving.

For a moment, Ash couldn't believe it. He'd done it. He'd caught a Pokemon.

Ash picked up the pokeball. A wide grin spread across his face as the reality of his accomplishment began to sink in.

But he knew his work wasn't done yet. He needed to initiate a bond with the Magnemite. And for that, he needed a safe, quiet place to concentrate without fear of interruption.

He scanned the landfill before settling on a mostly intact shipping container half-buried in a mound of debris. It would provide shelter and, hopefully, enough privacy for what he needed to do.

Ash made his way to the container. He cleared away some trash inside, creating a small, clean space where he could sit comfortably. Once settled, Ash took a deep breath, centring himself as he'd learned from the cultivation manual.

He cradled the pokeball in both hands. He closed his eyes, letting the world around him fade away as he focused inward, reaching out with his spiritual senses. Within the confines of the sphere, he perceived the faint, pulsating glow of Magnemite's energy—a mesmerising dance of electromagnetic currents and steel.

Ash began to extend tendrils of his own energy from his core, guiding them towards the pokeball with painstaking precision. The process demanded unwavering concentration; one misstep could shatter the delicate beginnings of their bond.

As his energy made first contact, he encountered resistance. Magnemite's essence crackled and sparked, a tempest of electric currents recoiling from the unfamiliar presence. It was a primal reaction, born of instinct and self-preservation. Ash remained steadfast, neither retreating nor pressing forward. Instead, he maintained a steady, calming aura—a beacon of reassurance in the storm of Magnemite's agitation.

Seconds stretched into minutes as Ash held this delicate equilibrium. Gradually, almost imperceptibly at first, he sensed a change. The frantic sparks of Magnemite's energy began to slow, their erratic patterns smoothing into more rhythmic pulses. It was as if the Pokemon was cautiously lowering its defences, curiosity overtaking fear.

Encouraged by this shift, Ash allowed a whisper of his intentions to flow through their nascent connection—feelings of partnership, and the desire to grow stronger. In response, he felt a tentative probe from Magnemite's essence, testing the sincerity of his projected emotions.

This dance of energies continued, a silent communication more profound than words could express. With each passing moment, the boundary between trainer and Pokemon blurred further, the foundation of their bond growing stronger and more intricate.

With a final surge of effort, Ash cemented the bond. He felt a jolt run through him, like a mild electric shock, and then a sense of completion washed over him. With a thought, the Magnemite disappeared from the ball and reappeared in his mind palace.

Ash let out a breathless laugh of exhilaration. He'd done it. He had not only caught a Pokemon but successfully bonded with it as well. Furthermore, he was now, officially, a Pokemon trainer.

He tossed the pokeball aside. Once it had been used on a Pokemon, it became useless.

Ash closed his eyes and reached inward, accessing his mind palace. On the lowest platform was Magnemite, and its single eye was closed. The seed that had been floating next to his core had disappeared. Their was a tendril of energy that connected the platform to Magnemite, which he assumed was a physical representation of his bond with the Pokemon.

Ash approached the Magnemite. As soon as he touched it, a flood of information about its parameters entered his brain. Its single eye opened and darted about rapidly, taking in its surroundings with an almost frantic energy. The Pokemon's magnets spun continuously, creating a soft, high-pitched whirr.

"Hey there," Ash said softly, "I'm Ash, your new trainer."

The Magnemite's eye locked onto Ash, staring intently. Suddenly, it zipped around him in tight, rapid circles, as if scanning him from every angle. Its movements were jerky and unpredictable, like a malfunctioning compass needle.

Ash chuckled, "Curious little thing, aren't you?"

In response, Magnemite emitted a series of sharp, staccato beeps. It then abruptly halted its circling and nuzzled against Ash's cheek, delivering a tiny static shock.

"Ow!" Ash exclaimed, more surprised than hurt. "I guess that's your way of saying hello?"

Magnemite beeped affirmatively, its eye curving in what Ash swore was a mischievous smile. It then zoomed off to investigate its surroundings.

"I think I'm going to call you Blitz," Ash said.

Although Magnemites were genderless, Ash chose to refer to Blitz as male, finding it more personal than 'it'.

Ash reviewed the information he received from his new partner. Blitz was at level six, a decent starting point for a newly caught Pokemon. His special ability was Sturdy. This ability allowed Blitz to survive with a sliver of health if attacked at full strength with a move that would otherwise knock him out. It also provided immunity to one-hit knockout moves, which was a useful defensive capability.

All of Blitz's stats were in the low to mid-teens, typical for a Pokemon at this level. Special Attack stood out as Blitz's strongest attribute at fifteen, hinting at a natural affinity for the stat. His health was average, but his energy—the resource required to perform techniques—was marginally better. In a pinch, Blitz could borrow from his reserves, provided he had some to spare.

Blitz's current techniques were limited to two: Tackle and Thundershock. Ash felt relieved that Blitz hadn't attempted to use Tackle to escape the trap earlier. He doubted his jury-rigged contraption would have withstood a direct assault.

This initial assessment gave Ash a clear picture of Blitz's capabilities and potential. The Sturdy ability would be a cornerstone of their battle strategy, allowing Blitz to endure hits that might fell other Pokemon. The higher Special Attack indicated that focusing on developing Blitz's electric techniques would be beneficial.

Ash shifted his focus to himself and he focused on his core. He could feel the energy flowing through it—a small but precious reservoir he could tap into when needed. It wasn't much, but it was a start—a foundation he could build upon. Half of this energy was now dedicated to maintaining his bond with Blitz. This left him with little to work with actively.

At his current level, his abilities were limited but crucial. He could use his energy to summon Blitz from his mind palace. Additionally, he could channel his energy to Blitz when the Pokemon's reserves ran low, an ability that could prove vital in prolonged battles or challenging situations.

With a final look around his mind palace, Ash returned to the physical world and reached for the newfound connection within him. He could feel the slight drain on his energy reserves as he willed Blitz into existence.

The Magnemite's single eye swivelled, quickly taking in their surroundings before focusing intently on Ash.

"Let's return home," Ash said, standing up. "I'll introduce you to my mum."

Blitz responded with a short, high-pitched beep as he followed Ash out of the container.

Ash paused as he approached the dilapidated outskirts of Oldale Town. With a single thought, he returned Blitz to his mind palace. The town was no place to flaunt a Pokemon, especially since some residents could be incredibly nosy.

He nodded cautiously to the few neighbours he passed; their gaunt faces a stark reminder of the harsh realities of life in the Midden. The stench of desperation hung heavy in the air, a constant companion on the first floor of the Tower.

Finally arriving home, Ash pushed open the weathered door to their humble abode.

"Mum, I'm home!" he called out.

Delia emerged from the kitchen, wiping her calloused hands on a tattered apron. Her tired eyes brightened at the sight of her son. "Ash! You're later than usual. Did everything go alright?"

"Better than alright, Mum. I've got something to show you." He concentrated, and with a flash of light, Blitz appeared in the room.

Delia's eyes widened in astonishment. "Oh, Ash," she breathed. "You've done it. You've caught a Pokemon! But how?"

"I found a book on cultivation," Ash said. "I managed to become a cultivator yesterday."

"You should have told me before you started cultivating," Delia admonished. "It can be dangerous."

Ash shrugged. Living in the Midden was dangerous, so her statement carried little weight to it. Cultivation might be risky, but in these initial stages, it paled in comparison to their daily fight for survival.

Delia's expression softened, and she pulled him into her arms. "I'm proud of you for your accomplishment. It couldn't have been easy."

Blitz hovered between them, its single eye darting curiously from Ash to Delia. It emitted a series of soft, melodic tones—a sound Ash was beginning to associate with contentment.

"This is Blitz," Ash said. "He's a Magnemite. I caught him in the landfill."

Delia approached cautiously, her hand outstretched. Blitz allowed her to touch one of its magnets, giving off a gentle buzz that vibrated through the stale air.

"He's wonderful, Ash," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "But... what does this mean for us?"

"It means we have a chance, Mum. A real chance to climb the Tower. But it also means things are going to change." Ash took a deep breath; the weight of his next words was palpable. "Mum, I think you should start cultivating too."

Delia's brow furrowed. "Ash, you know I'm past my prime for that sort of thing. You know what—"

"I know what they say," Ash interrupted gently. "But it doesn't matter. If you manage to get your own Pokemon, you'll be better able to protect yourself."

Over dinner, they discussed the implications of Ash's situation and the potential risks and rewards of Delia starting cultivation. Eventually, his mum agreed, and Ash showed her the basics of cultivation so she could get started.

Later, Ash retreated to his room, a cramped space barely large enough for a bed and a battered dresser. He stood before the cracked mirror, studying his reflection in the dim light. Pulling off his shirt, he examined his physique critically. The awakening of his cultivation hadn't brought any noticeable physical changes yet. His body was lean from years of scavenging and poor nutrition, lacking the defined musculature he'd seen in the cultivators who had passed through the town over the years.

Ash knew there were exercises he could perform to improve both his physique and his cultivation. The cultivation book had detailed regimens that promised to enhance energy flow and increase physical strength. These exercises, if performed diligently, would have cascading benefits as he progressed in his cultivation.

But resources were scarce in the Midden. Many of the recommended practices required specific herbs or potions that were hard to come by in their impoverished corner of the Tower. Even finding the time for dedicated practice would be challenging, given their constant struggle for survival.

"We'll make do with what we have," Ash murmured to his reflection. "Now that I have Blitz, things will be easier."

Ash sat down on his bed and started cultivating. He couldn't afford to waste any time; he needed to get stronger quickly.

The following morning, Ash made his way to the town square. At its centre stood the town board, a weathered structure plastered with various notices and requests.

He scanned the slips of paper, looking for any chance to earn some poke dollars. His gaze settled on a freshly posted notice. It detailed a request to investigate the ruins outside of town, citing strange noises that had been unsettling the residents. The reward—one hundred pokedollars—made Ash's eyes widen. It was a tidy sum, enough to purchase some much-needed supplies.

As he contemplated the request, the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. Ash turned, his body tensing instinctively, only to find himself face-to-face with Courtney.

The red-haired woman stood before him, her Mightyena an intimidating presence at her side. Unlike the gaunt faces that populated most of Oldale Town, Courtney's cheeks held a healthy flush. Her clothes, while not ostentatious, were clean and well-maintained—a rarity in the Midden.

Ash eyed her cautiously. Courtney was something of an enigma in town. As the only known cultivator, she commanded a certain respect, or perhaps fear. She resided in the largest house in Oldale, a fact that didn't go unnoticed by the struggling residents.

"Well, well," Courtney drawled. "If it isn't young Ash. Thinking of playing the hero and investigating the ruins, are we?"

Ash bristled at her tone but kept his voice neutral. "Maybe. Why do you ask?"

"Oh, darling, don't be so defensive. I'm merely curious."

"Why haven't you investigated yourself?" Ash countered, his eyes narrowing. "Surely it would be an easy task for someone of your... abilities."

The woman gave a sharp, mirthless laugh. "Please. Do I look like someone who goes traipsing through dusty old ruins? I have better things to do with my time."

Her Mightyena growled softly, its red eyes fixed on Ash. Courtney absently patted its head, her gaze never leaving Ash's face.

"Tell you what," she said. "I'll make it worth your while. Investigate the ruins and find the source of the noise, and I'll double the reward. Two hundred pokedollars. What do you say?"

"Why the sudden generosity?" he asked.

"Listen, you little gutter rat," Courtney hissed, leaning in close. "Don't pretend you're in any position to question my motives. Do you want the money or not?"

"I'll think about it."

Courtney straightened. "Don't take too long. Opportunities like this don't come often in our lovely little slice of heaven."

Courtney turned on her heel and strode away, her Mightyena padding silently beside her. The other residents in the square gave her a wide berth.

Ash watched her go. The doubled reward was enticing, but Courtney's interest set alarm bells ringing in his head. What was in those ruins that she wanted to be investigated but wouldn't dirty her own hands with?

He glanced back at the notice on the board. With a Pokemon by his side, he was better equipped to handle whatever was going on in the ruins. And two hundred pokedollars... that could make a real difference for him and his mum.

Ash made his decision and tore the notice from the board.

Ash approached the ancient ruins. Blitz hovered silently at his side, the Magnemite's single eye darting about, alert for any signs of danger.

He adjusted the headlamp strapped to his forehead. Though unnecessary in the bright daylight, he knew it would prove invaluable once they ventured into the depths of the ruins. In his right hand, he gripped a rusty iron bar, its weight reassuring in his palm.

As they neared the entrance, Ash's footsteps slowed. The ruins stood before them, a dark void amidst the sun-bleached landscape. Ancient symbols, half-eroded by time and weather, adorned the stone archway.

"Well, Blitz," Ash said, squinting against the harsh sunlight, "this is it. Stay close, alright?"

Blitz emitted a low, affirmative buzz, moving slightly closer to Ash's shoulder.

Taking a deep breath, Ash began his descent down the weathered stone staircase. The sudden transition from bright sunlight to cool darkness was jarring, and Ash paused momentarily to let his eyes adjust before flicking on his headlamp. Each step creaked ominously under his weight, sending small cascades of dust and pebbles skittering into the darkness below.

Ash's headlamp cut a narrow swath through the gloom, revealing worn stone walls covered in more script and faded murals. As they reached the bottom of the staircase, the passage opened into a vast, circular chamber. Ash's light seemed feeble in the cavernous space, barely reaching the distant walls. Strange, angular structures dotted the room, their purpose unclear.

And then, echoing from the depths of the ruins, came the sound they'd been sent to investigate—a low, rhythmic humming that seemed to vibrate through the very stone beneath their feet.

Ash and Blitz exchanged a glance. Whatever was causing that sound, they were about to find out.

So, what do you think? In the next chapter, Ash has a confrontation with Courtney and finds something unexpected.

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Thanks for reading.