Ash and Pikachu woke up bright and early the following morning and followed their normal routine. Pikachu had recovered from the battle yesterday and was right as rain today. He told Ash that one day a Pokémon like Golem would have no chance against him rather than the other way around. Ash swore they'd do everything they could to make that a reality so, Ash tweaked Pikachu's training regimen. Since he had received Pikachu, he had focused on their speed in training with a few Special Attack sessions. Now though Ash was planning on an entire month of defence and he decided that would be how they would proceed from now on. Gaining a training partner was going to be crucial for their development, unfortunately though that proved very difficult so for now Ash would have to be his training partner.
"I'm going to start off with low powered Aura spheres" Ash said "I don't want you to deflect them. And while dodging them is what you'd normally do you need to learn how to take hits. The match against Rhyhorn gave me an idea of what your defence is like so far. I'll be honest Pikachu, its not great but we were also at a type disadvantage. So, for now every training session we'll increase how many hits you take. We have around two weeks before we get to Cerulean City so that's at least fourteen days of defence training we can get in. I will also be providing you with Iron supplements with your food to boost your defence and we'll look at new moves for you to learn along the way. You need another move to take out Rock and ground types. I was thinking Rock Smash or Brick Break in case you're ever unable to use your tail but without directions I'm clueless on how to proceed. And you never know, we may find you a partner in Mt Moon."
And so their day progressed. As they were sitting in Ash's room looking through the Pokedex he had a bit of a brainwave. Dialling Sams number he waited for him to pick up.
"Hello Ash" Professor Oak said smiling "what can I do for you? Anymore legendaries you've met?"
Chuckling Ash replied "No today professor. Well, it's rare but not legendary" seeing Oaks curious face he continued "I bought a rock off a man in Pewter City that gave off a weird Aura. Nothing like the one I sent to you so don't worry but when I broke the rock, a fossil came out. I took it to the museum and showed it to them and they told me its viable to be revived."
"Well now" Sam said sitting back "that's certainly rare. Did you find out what it will be?"
"Yes professor" Ash said seriously "so much so I've been told to ring you and Lance about it. It's an Aerodactyl."
"Oh dear" Sam said sitting forward "that's a shame. I'm afraid that I cannot sanction a rookie trainer to have such a lethal Pokémon Ash."
"No professor you misunderstand me" Ash said interrupting "I haven't revived it yet, and I have no intention of having such a vicious Pokémon on my team. So, to cover my back I told them that I'd tell you. They have told me they'll contact Lance themselves about it too as apparently it's now a law, but I was wondering if you could too. He's unlikely to respond to anything I send him as he must get spammed with emails every day from random people."
"I think you underestimate yourself Ash" Sam said "you're forgetting you have professor status. Not only that but your thesis on Dragon Pokémon and their desire to be strong was signed off by Lance and is now a part of his classes that he teaches on them. Send him an email and if you don't get a reply off him let me know and I'll send him one. Was there anything else Ash?"
"Yes actually" Ash said "It's about the Pokedex. It's a fantastic piece of machinery and I can see why you'd be so proud of it but I noticed that it tells you what moves your Pokémon have and there's no feature that tells you what they can learn or how to learn them. I wanted to teach Pikachu Rock Smash or Brick Break in case his tail is unable to be utilised but there's nothing. I was just wondering if that could be implemented or why it hasn't already. I'm having to use a computer to find out information like that which isn't great, especially as I'm outdoors for most of my travelling."
"Ah yes" Sam said "that's always been an issue. The developers at Silph have been trying to put that feature in place for a while now but the head of Silph keeps pushing back on it. Something about making his computers obsolete which is a nonsense given the other uses we have for computers and the fact the Pokedex already reels off moves your Pokémon have. So, for now you'll have to stick with using computers. My advice? You already know the first four members of your team and what they're going to be. I'd just learn their move sets for now and what they can learn."
"What an imbecile" Ash said shaking his head "that looks to be the only thing I can do professor. I'll send Lance that email then. Thanks for your time professor"
"No worries, Ash" Oak said "I'm proud of you by the way. Not many rookie trainers would turn down having a powerful Pokémon on their team."
"What's the use in having a powerful Pokémon if it's uncontrollable and unpredictable?" Ash said shrugging "bye professor." Turning to Pikachu who had been listening in he said "well that was a bust. Let's get going. I'll just send Lance that email before I forget and print off the step-by-step guides for Rock Smash and Brick Break. Hopefully you can train along the way, Mt Moon is usually full of Rock types that you can practice on."
Walking downstairs he gave the Nurse his key and made to leave when a voice stopped him. Turning towards the table he saw it was Brock.
"Hey Brock" Ash said shaking his hand "what can I do for you?"
"Well, I forgot to give you this yesterday after our battle" Brock said handing over a small CD "it's a Technical Machine, or TM for short and inside it is a move. Now I have no idea how that works, the boffins at Silph came up with it but with these you can teach your Pokémon whatever move is inside it. This one is TM26, Earthquake. Usually, it would be TM34 for Bide, a move I'd usually use Onix to showcase to rookie trainers but as you fought one of my Elites you qualify for this move.
Be careful with this move Ash. It can be devastating to your surroundings as it literally shakes the ground. It's the second strongest ground type move there is so take the necessary precautions. Using it in a gym or the league stadiums will be fine as they're insured and strengthened, anywhere else is risky. To use the TM your Pokémon must be inside its ball, then you attach the TM to the pressure point and it does some sciency thing and voila, your Pokémon knows the move. They're one time deals though, so make sure you choose the Pokémon wisely.
Once your Pokémon learns this it will know the basics of the move, but it won't be perfect without practice, so make sure wherever you choose to practice this is away from people and houses. Especially houses. My kid brother found one of these TMs laying around the gym, taught it to his Geodude and nearly flattened our house. Luckily my house is reinforced. Anyway, Ash I just wanted to give you that and my pokegear number. I will likely see you around at some point."
"Oh" Ash said bewildered wondering which Pokémon he'd eventually have it would be most useful for. "Cheers Brock. How did it go with your dad?"
"Well, I found the git, if that's what you're asking" Brock said. Seeing Ash's confused face, he continued "my mother and he pretty much abandoned myself and my siblings so they could go on a journey a few years ago. He came back not long after but apparently was too embarrassed to show his face so, when I saw him yesterday, I hit him for abandoning us. I've had to look after all my siblings in that time. Now he's back though he can do his job as a parent. I'm going to be doing a bit of travelling myself, hopefully to become a breeder or a doctor. I've never really been fond of battles."
"I'm glad you hit him" Ash said nodding his head "gets the point across rather well doesn't it. Well, I wish you well Brock. Message me if you like, I'll try and reply when I can."
Shaking each other's hands, they parted ways with Ash making his way East to Route 3 while Brock returned to the gym. Walking along the path he battled many trainers and beat them easily. Pikachu was far too advanced for these trainers. So much so he never bothered taking any money off them when he beat them. He knew he was in danger of becoming arrogant, so the reminder of Brocks Golem was all they needed to stay humble, for now at least.
A few days later Ash arrived at cross-roads. He read the sign. North was Mt Moon. North West however was Rota and Cameran Palace
"Uh oh" Ash said to Pikachu, expanding his Aura outwards as they followed the Mt Moon path "we'll have to limit our aura training Pikachu, at least until we get to Mt Moon. I need to stay alert while were around here as I have no desire to interact with anyone from that place. And you can bet our training sessions will have alerted them we are nearby."
"Why?" Pikachu said confused "aren't the guardian's good people?"
"Depends on who you're asking Pikachu" Ash said "all the books say so; however, they're all written by people who live in Rota and are subjects to the Queen, who they will not slander. The current one, Ilene is an issue. My family, particularly my mother has a big issue with her, and my mother adores nearly everyone. My father was an Aura Guardian or was well on his way to becoming one at least when he went missing. My mother told me stories once my Aura became known. The royal family of Rota have always wanted to claim the Ketchum family for themselves. My ancestor is one of the most famous aura users of all time and so they think that fusing our families together would strengthen their bloodline AND potentially infuse it with aura and they will do anything to make it happen. The Queen at the time Rin was said to have had a secret daughter with Sir Aaron who escaped the wars by being secretly taken away and hidden. Seemingly I'm her descendent, being a bastard descendent though I have no claim on the throne.
Ilene wanted to be with my father, but Aura Guardians mate for life and we have only one destined mate too. Ilene knew this but still tried to do all she could to limit my mum and dads time together by sending him out on random missions. And as a sworn Guardian he had to comply. After he disappeared, they kept tabs on me in case I showed Aura powers. Apparently, it wasn't happening quick enough for Ilenes liking so she sent out one of her guardians to force the issue. Riley still maintains that it was purely coincidental that he happened on me that day to test my aura but I call bullshit though. That 'honour' thing they mention is only honourable as long as it serves their Queens wishes.
So, my mother called her lawyers. Up until I received my Pokedex I was protected by her as she is my guardian and we arranged for my training to be held under strict supervision, no known human aura users within one-hundred feet of me and limited time constraints. Now though, as I'm a young adult I'm free game. So, they will continue to hound me and the only way that will stop is if I swear loyalty to Ilene, which will never happen. The only good thing to come out of this situation is that Riley forcing the issue sent me to Arceus and is now unable to read my Aura properly because of the gifts she bestowed upon me. To them though that makes me even more of a target."
Walking in silence for the next few hours Ash kept up a steady stream of Aura pulses while Pikachu remained on alert too. "Look Pikachu. Mt Moon Pokémon centre" the red topped building was a welcome sight after a long few days of trekking. After a long relaxing bath Ash passed out. His dreams though were plagued with nightmares of voices calling for help and then pain. Waking up suddenly he automatically pulsed his Aura and found something was amiss. He wasn't sure where but there had been a massive spike in the worlds Aura and his automatic response would surely be felt by other Aura inclined users. Ash decided he would leave as soon as he could tomorrow morning. Being this close to Rota kept his sleep uneasy.
The next day however didn't go as planned. As soon as he and Pikachu walked out of the building he stopped as in front of him was two people he was desperate to avoid along with several others behind them.
"Ash Ketchum" Ilene said holding out her hand to kiss "we meet at last."
Looking down at her hand and then up at her he snorted "I'm sure the pleasure is all yours Ilene."
"Do not be so disrespectful Ash" Riley said walking up to him with a Lucario at his side "she is the Queen."
"No, she's your Queen, Riley. She certainly isn't mine" Ash retorted "nor will she ever be. Now, why are you here? Do I need to call my mother's lawyers?"
"We are here Ash because we needed to talk" Ilene said, "can we go inside where it's private?"
"No" Ash said refusing to move "we can talk here where there are witnesses to what's said. In fact, I'm going to record this conversation so that nothing can be misrepresented or misconstrued between us all" taking out his pokegear he flipped a button on, and it began to record.
"Delia has done a wonderful job on you hasn't she" Ilene said sourly shaking her head.
"Of raising me?" Ash asked "Yes, yes, she has and I'm damn proud to be her son. Now, stop wasting my time and tell me what you want."
Sighing Riley took over "what we want Ash is your help. I know you felt that spike last night, your response to it was the only reason we knew you were here after all. We would like to give you a Pokémon, a Lucario to travel with you and to find out what's wrong. We could call this a request or reparations for all the help we've given you in the past. Aura guardians have always traditionally served Queen Ilene. It is an honour few get to experience."
"What you mean" Ash said interrupting him "is that you want to give me a Pokémon, that will spy on me and report all my goings on to Ilene, where hopefully you can use something to blackmail me into serving her and thus having a Ketchum become indentured to the Royal family once again. Nope, not going to happen. And you talk about reparations as if it wasn't your fault in the first place. I know full well what happened, why it happened and who ordered it to happen Riley. You don't wipe your arse without Ilene telling you to do so. So, let's try again shall we. What do you want?"
Seeing all the people around her looking at him in horror Ash continued "For those of you who are clueless about what is going on let me enlighten you. I am Ash Ketchum, direct descendent of Sir Aaron Ketchum and Queen Rin."
"Lies!" Ilene said incensed "that is a lie! You have no proof of that claim"
"Oh, come on Ilene" Ash said laughing "literally everyone knows it's Rotas not so secret dirty little secret. Your ancestor had an affair with mine. It's our families biggest shame. But as Rin wasn't married yet, despite being engaged at the time it meant my many times grandmother had no claim on the throne. Not only that but she was removed in secret due to the wars that were happening so she couldn't be used as a bargaining chip.
Ilene sent Riley here to attack me to see if I had the gift of Aura. He did and in doing so awakened my aura powers. The training I was given was because an untrained aura user could become dangerous, and they were hoping I'd serve as a guardian when I grew up. Ilene doesn't like the fact that yet another Ketchum has aura powers while her family doesn't and wants to shackle me to do her bidding, just as every ancestor she has had has tried to do in the past, just as she tried with my father Red. When he rejected her for my mother, she tried her best to keep them apart. Your family have tried for years to bring the Ketchums back into the fold so that my family would then become yours due to your family being royalty and having Primacy. Then all the rumours of the past would mysteriously disappear as it wouldn't matter anymore when you start popping out Aura users. Well, I will not be shackled. I already serve a mistress Ilene here cannot compete with so nothing you two say will sway me. As for help, you're a big boy Riley, go and find out what happened yourself."
Shaking his head in disgust Ash walked back into the Pokémon centre and attached the recording to an email he sent to his mother. Ash knew he'd need as much evidence against them as possible to survive any kind of legal case they would come up with. Just because something was tradition didn't make it mandatory or right. Walking back out he saw that they were still there, quietly talking. Always wanting to get the last word in Ash said "Ask yourself Riley what honour really is. Is it honourable to force someone to do something they do not want to do simply because your Queen commands it?"
Not looking back Ash adjusted his backpack and walked straight on to the path to Mt Moon.
"I'm sorry about that Pikachu" Ash said as they walked "normally I'm more level headed than that, but what that woman has done and tried to do to my family sets me off. And justifying it as tradition will never fly with me."
"It's a lot to take in Ash" Pikachu said "I've been raised to believe in the goodness of Aura users. They're the ones who fight for Pokémon and defend them so it's tough to believe what you've told me."
"Well, I'm not going to try and sway you either way Pikachu" Ash said stopping at the path to Mt Moons entrance "you're allowed your own opinion, and I will respect it. I just ask that you respect mine. No doubt at some point you will get the information you need to bring you to my way of thinking, OR I will get information which makes what I've said false, and I'll owe someone an apology. We may never know. For now though I will be standing behind my mother on this as she has personal issues with Ilene that aren't false. Anyway, here we are. Mt Moon. Normally the guidebook said it should take around a week to travel through it." Walking up the steps to the entrance took around fifteen minutes. In that time Ash noticed that several things were wrong
"Ash" Pikachu asked, "Why are those Zubat and Sandshrew outside the cave?"
Pointing his Pokedex at them it beeped to life "Zubat, Pokedex Number 41, the Bat Pokémon. This Pokémon is female. Zubat avoids sunlight because exposure causes it to become unhealthy. During the daytime, it stays in caves or under the eaves of old houses, sleeping while hanging upside down.
Sandshrew, Pokedex Number 27, the mouse Pokémon. This Pokémon is male. It burrows deep underground in arid locations far from water. It only emerges to hunt for food."
"I was wondering the same thing Pikachu. Somethings wrong here. Let's keep our eyes and ears open" Ash said as they passed them by. Immediately he could see the issue. "Who the hell has placed lights inside this cave? I knew there was torches every now and then to keep people on the right path but lights? I think we found out why the Zubat and Sandshrew were outside Pikachu. Someone is interfering with the natural environment. Can you chew through those wires?"