Chapter 3: Evil and Mystery

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon! This story is for entertainment purposes and in no way am I trying to claim that I own Pokémon.

Note that this chapter has taken a bit of a darker turn but it was necessary for me to show what direction I will be taking this and what types of enemies Ash and Cynthia will be facing in the future.

Questions in the reviews:

Yes, I am Core-AI and this is my new account Sominum.

In regards to the poll, United We Rise won by a landslide at 25 votes, with Legend of the Supreme Emperor being at 10 and the Thor x Kara story being at 2 votes. So yes, I will be continuing United We Rise.

Note that I will be moving that story over to this account once I am finished with the latest chapter and I will be changing the story so that it is seen as a DC x Marvel crossover because after looking over the plot line, I see that it will includes many elements from both.

Ash will catch 18-24 Pokémon overall, not per region! His total Pokémon count will be in that range give or take a few numbers seeing as how the story progresses and if I may need to change it according to how the plot develops.

Also, Aura is briefly explained in this chapter.

Well that's all I had to say. Enjoy the story!

Under the moonlight and bright shining stars of the night sky, Ash and Cynthia sat comfortably on the soft grass near the camp fire they created located in a small clearing in the forest they were in. They had left Pewter City earlier today after their Pokémon were checked out by Nurse Joy and they stocked up on healing supplies and food for the road. After that, they quickly left the City of Stone behind and made their way towards the enormous Mt. Moon that expanded for a huge distance and was very tall.

They had covered quite a lot of ground and now were only a day's worth of travel away which was surprising considering how many battles Ash continued to engage in. This had been very beneficial to him and his Pokémon with the amount of skill and experience they gained. Cynthia was surprised that they hadn't evolved yet but suspected because they were taking their trainers words to heart and trying to delay their evolution as much as possible to learn more in their pre-evolved form and become even stronger after.

"So, you plan to use Roserade as your key fighter in the Cerulean Gym?" asked Ash.

"Yes. I do have my other Pokémon for back-up just in case though since type advantage is not everything, especially in gym battles since gym leaders always have strategies in place to counter their Pokémon's type weaknesses." Replied Cynthia as she gazed at all her Pokémon sleeping near her tent.

Ash nodded as he absently scratched Ignis and Raijin causing them to coo in their sleep while Audra slept a couple meters away on one leg with her head buried in her feathers. "Well we should get some sleep. We need to take up early for training." Said Ash as he got up and prepared to head over to his tent when he heard a small rustling sound coming from the bushes behind them.

"Did you hear that?" Cynthia whispered as she was looking at the bushes.

All of their Pokémon had opened their eyes as well and were on guard looking at the bush with calculating eyes, prepared to move instantly should it be a threat.

Ash's Pokémon stood beside him and Cynthia's Pokémon stood by her side as they watched the bush rustle a few more times. A few moments later a pair of Pokémon stepped out of the bush which caused tension to peak but when Ash saw what Pokémon they were, he lowered his guard but all the Pokémon still looked with calculating eyes.

Ash and Cynthia looked at the pair of Pokémon that looked very similar to each other with their buck teeth, crimson eyes, large ears, horn on their head, and a couple of spikes on their back. The main difference was that one of them was a light blue color while the other was a rich purple.

The two Pokémon sensed their surroundings and saw many eyes gazed on them which caused them to shrink back in fear especially with the aura of power radiating from all of them.

"Hey, its alright. We aren't going to hurt you." Said Ash as he kneeled down a few meters away from the male and female Nidoran. He then crouched down even further to make himself look smaller and less threatening which did help in relaxing the two slightly.

A small growl then came from the two Nidoran's stomach which made Ash realize why they came here. They had probably followed the scent of either his cooking or the Pokémon food here.

"Cynthia, can you get the…"

"Sure." Replied Cynthia in a quiet tone, already knowing what Ash was asking for since she had also heard the growl.

She then walked over to Ash's backpack laid inside his tent and searched through it until she eventually found the cube-shaped device that stored a lot of Pokémon food. She then pressed a few buttons and the sack of Pokémon food for poison type Pokémon materialized in front of her. Since the sack was far to big and heavy for her to carry, she took too handfuls of the Pokémon food and made her way to Ash before crouching down like him and placing the pellets of food a couple meters in front of them.

She then backed off before Ash motioned her to crawl back even further away while he did the same. Seeing the food lay in front of them, the male and female Nidoran took a few cautious steps forward and sniffed the food, seeing if there was anything off about it. When they couldn't find anything wrong in the scent, they took a small bite and immediately loved the taste. The two began eating pellet after pellet until only a few remained and by that point they were completely full since due to their small bodies.

The two yipped happily and smiled at the two kind humans before they ran back into the bush. Ash and Cynthia watched with a smile before they yawned.

"Well let's go to sleep."

Cynthia nodded as she made her way back to the tent while her Pokémon also went back to sleep now that the two poison types had left. Ash had made his way to his tent and rematerialized the sack of food back into the cube before going inside his tent with his Pokémon following. Audra fell asleep on one leg near him, Raijin snuggled next to him in the sleeping bag and Ignis did the same on his other side but made sure to keep his tail above the sleeping bag to prevent it from burning.

As the trainer and Pokémon fell asleep, the two Nidoran watched them curiously from their spot in the bush, intrigued by the kind humans and the Pokémon.

Ash and Cynthia just finished packing up all of their stuff as they prepared to leave their campsite after finishing their intense morning training and breakfast. Cynthia's Pokémon have been improving in terms of all their attacks leaving her to think heavily on the creation of new unique techniques for them to use.

Her own training had also left her exhausted but she was starting to get really used to the pleasant soreness that accompanied after the heavy physical training. Even though she was no where near, Ash's level of strength or endurance, she had been making enough visible progress.

Ash's own Pokémon were looking quite strong as well, and Audra and Ignis were looking particularly close to evolving with Ignis' looking bigger and his flame burning brighter while Audra's crest was looking bigger. With all the battling and intense training, they have done, it was no surprise and they will be probably evolving after one big push. Raijin would of course need a Thunder Stone to evolve but when Ash had brought the subject of evolution, he said that he wanted to grow as strong as possible as a Pikachu before he decided to evolve and Ash happily accepted this request.

Ash's own training was improving quite a bit as he was noting down all the various fighting techniques he had been taught by Machamp and several other fighting type Pokémon. He now had a very good idea of what type of fighting style best suited him. He was a fast and hard-hitting type of fighter that wasn't strong in the defensive area but could more than compensate for that with offensive moves. So, with this in mind, Ash had begun jotting down some notes in a small notebook he carried and was starting to create a unique fighting style.

As those thoughts ran through the trainers' heads, they began to make their way back towards the dirt road so they could continue their journey towards Mt. Moon, with Audra flying in the sky, and Ignis and Raijin walking beside Ash. However, as they were walking through the group of trees, they once again heard a rustle coming from the bush right behind them.

Turning around they heard and saw it rustling again before the familiar figures of the male and female Nidoran they met last night stepped out. Seeing them caused Ash and Cynthia to smile a bit as they knelt down to the ground.

"Hey there." Said Cynthia in a calm tone. "Are you two still hungry?"

The two Nidoran shook their head. ("We want to battle you two.")

Cynthia didn't know what they said so she looked towards Ash who momentarily had wide-eyes. "It seems they want to battle us."

"Really?" Cynthia asked, looking towards the male and female poison types for confirmation.

The two-nodded causing Cynthia to frown. "How are we both going to battle them? I mean my Pokémon are far too strong for them for both of us to engage in a double battle."

Ash hummed. "I suppose you can command Raijin for this battle." He then turned towards the electric type. "Are you ok with that?"

Raijin thought for a moment before nodding his head. While he didn't particularly like being commanded by another human other then his trainer who earned his respect and his friendship, he had been around Cynthia since the point of meeting Ash so he was willing to follow her orders in battle.

"Let's get to some open space for our battle." Said Ash to which Cynthia and the Pokémon nodded their heads.

After making their way through the bushes and trees, the trainers and Pokémon found themselves on the dirt road leading to Mt. Moon. The male and female Nidoran ran to about twenty-five feet away from Ash and Cynthia.

"Let's go Ignis." The fire type grinned and stood in front of Ash while Raijin stood in front of Cynthia and Audra stood on Ash's left shoulder.

"Ready Raijin?" asked Cynthia.

("Of course.") the electric type responded with a nod.

"You two can have the first move." Said Ash to which the two Nidoran grinned, mainly thanks to the battle. They had watched the two humans train their Pokémon but also treat them with lots of love and respect. And with the power those Pokémon displayed, they wanted to join the humans but only after being defeated in battle. Plus, the two Nidoran had a bit of a rivalry with each other so growing stronger to overcome the other was one of their goals.

After a few moments, the two Nidoran made their move. They opened their mouth and launched numerous needles dripping with concentrated poison.

"Ember."

"Dodge with Quick Attack and get in close."

Ignis launched a thin yet powerful stream of flames that enveloped the barrage of poison filled needles, easily burning away the attack and making its way towards the male Nidoran. He managed to quickly dodge out of the way but was sill a bit hurt as the flames slightly brushed him.

At the same time Raijin was enveloped in a thin white veil before disappearing in a streak of white, dodging the needles and closing the distance between him and the female Nidoran.

"Metal Claw."

"Iron Tail."

The two Pokémon's respective appendages glowed as they were enveloped with silver colored energy. Both of Ignis' arms now had triple bladed metallic claws while Raijin's tail took a metallic appearance. Raijin was very close to the female Nidoran and closed the distance between them in an instant thanks to Quick Attack before it swung its tail at the poison type. The female Nidoran responded back with a slightly white glowing head meeting the steel-type move head on.

Cynthia easily recognized the move as Skull Bash and was impressed the female Nidoran knew such a powerful move. However, because of the momentum and intense training Raijin went through everyday, he was far stronger then the poison type and easily overpowered her, sending her tumbling back and into unconsciousness.

At the same time, Ignis had managed to close the distance between him and the male Nidoran fairly quickly and swung his right arm towards the poison type. The male Nidoran responded with a glowing head as well but compared to the female Nidoran, this glow was brown in color.

The two attacks collided but Ignis easily won the confrontation because of how strong he was from all the battles and training but surprise was clearly seen in his eyes at the amount of resistance and power he felt behind his opponent's attack. Ash was no better off since he recognized the attack the male Nidoran used as Head Smash which was the strongest rock type move there is.

The male Nidoran was sent tumbling back and sent into unconsciousness causing Ignis to release a stream of flames into the air, showing his dominance.

"That was impressive." Said Ash to which Cynthia nodded.

"Not only do they know powerful moves but they fought very well for wild Pokémon." She replied back.

Ash then walked over to Ignis and Raijin. "Great job you two." He complimented before patting their heads.

Cynthia and Ash then walked over to the unconscious male and female Nidoran and took out a revive from their back-packs. Ash opened the male Nidoran's slightly and opened the revive with one hand, letting the white powder drop into his mouth and Cynthia did the same with the female Nidoran.

They also applied a few sprays from their potions on their heads where they had taken the most damage so that the pain would lessen and their natural healing abilities would be enhanced for the next few hours.

After around half a minute, the two Nidoran jolted awake before looking around frantically. When their eyes laid upon each other and then the two humans and their Pokémon, they calmed down as they processed what had happened during their battle.

"You two are quite strong you know." Said Ash with a comforting smile as he stayed on the ground and Cynthia got down as well.

"It was quite the battle you gave us." Replied Cynthia.

("Of course, I'm strong! I have been training a lot!") said the male Nidoran while standing tall with pride, much to the annoyance of the female Nidoran.

("Oh please, you know I'm much stronger then you.")

(Oh yeah?! Want to go?!) the male Nidoran replied as the two glared at each other before both of their stomachs growled in hunger.

Ash and Cynthia chuckled a bit causing the two Pokémon to look down in embarrassment. Ash quickly materialized the Pokémon food from the cube in his bag and grabbed two handful of pellets and laid it down in front of the two poison types before rematerializing the bag and putting the cube away.

As the two began eating the food, Ash and Cynthia looked at each other and nodded, knowing what the other planned on asking. "Hey, do you two want to come with us?"

"We can train you to become very strong Pokémon. And you can be apart of our family." Said Cynthia.

The two had already finished eating as they looked at the two humans with wide-eyes since they said the exact same thing that had been on their minds since they saw them and their Pokémon training.

("Yes!") the two instantly replied before glaring at each other.

("I'll become so strong, you won't even stand a chance against me!") said the male Nidoran.

("Bring it!") replied the female Nidoran in a fierce tone.

Ash handed Cynthia a friend ball from his back pack to which she mouthed a thank you as she was about to bring out a normal Poké Ball but a friend ball would be a much better choice. They then laid it out in front of them.

"Go ahead. It's your choice on who wants to join who's team." Said Ash as he motioned them to pick.

The two Nidoran's looked at each other before at the humans and contemplated for a few moments before making their decision. The male Nidoran tapped the friend ball that was in front of Ash and the female Nidoran tapped the one in front of Cynthia.

The two were enveloped in a scarlet light before they got sucked into the Poké Ball. They put up a struggle for a couple moments before stopping and let themselves be captured. The familiar clicking sound was heard as the two trainers picked up their respective friend balls.

"Well that was neat." Said Cynthia to which Ash nodded.

"We should let them rest for a bit. We can let them out when we camp near Mt. Moon before heading in." said Ash to which Cynthia nodded.

Ash clipped his ball to one of the Poké Ball holders on the inside of his jacket while Cynthia placed it on her belt. The two then walked over to the three Pokémon that had watched the scene with interest.

"Looks like we just got another family member." Said Ash to which the Pokémon gave their own respective cheers while Ignis also snorted a few flames.

"And you will be able to fight in battles now." Said Ash to Cynthia.

She nodded her head. "It will be quite a while before Nidoran is even close to any of my other Pokémon but until then. I'll put her in as many battles as possible and have her train hard and battle with your Pokémon."

Ash nodded at that before they started making their way towards Mt. Moon. "We should scan our Pokémon." Said Ash.

The two trainers brought out their Pokédex and unclipped their Poké Ball containing their respective Nidoran. As they scanned them, both of the Pokédex displayed information about their recent capture. Cynthia read over what it said about the Nidoran species but Ash ignored that having already known everything there is to know about practically ever known Pokémon.

So, he just took a look at his Nidoran's moves.

[Nidoran knows the following moves: Poison Sting, Focus Energy, Peck, Double Kick, Head Smash]

While Ash began contemplating the best way to train the poison type, Cynthia began reading her Nidoran's moves.

[Nidoran knows the following moves: Poison Sting, Double Kick, Scratch, Tail Whip, Skull Bash]

Like Ash, Cynthia also began thinking about the best way to train the female Nidoran. Plus, it was rather convenient Professor Rowan had increased her carrying capacity from the standard six Pokémon to ten Pokémon after the Lily of the Valley Island conference.

It wasn't long before the two trainers were broken out of their thoughts as they ran into another trainer looking for a battle to which Ash for now happily obliged since both of their Nidoran still needed their rest.

Ash and Cynthia gazed upwards looking at the massive towering figure of Mt. Moon. While not as big as the other mountains in the different regions, Mt. Moon still covered a good chunk of Kanto.

Not unlike Mt. Coronet that split the entire Sinnoh region into two halves, or the even bigger Mt. Silver that completely separated Kanto and Johto.

Nonetheless, it was still very impressive.

"Well, let's get going." Said Ash to which Cynthia nodded. They were both very eager to get through the mountain as quickly as possible and get to their next gym battle.

It had been a day since they caught their pair of Nidoran and after a few hours had passed during the previous day, they had healed completely from their battle before being captured. So, Ash and Cynthia, alternated between battling the numerous trainers they came across, winning all of their battles with their Nidoran, only with Ash taking over with his other Pokémon when the poison types were too tired.

Eventually, the two trainers had managed to reach very near the entrance to Mt. Moon, being only half-an hour walking distance away so they had set up camp in a nice dry yet somewhat rocky area with very little trees now that they were so close to the mountain.

From their, the two had formally introduced the poison types to all the other Pokémon. The two Nidoran were intimidated at first but nonetheless managed to warm up to them except for Ignis who just gave them a short glance before he went off to train.

After dinner, Ash had asked his Nidoran if he wanted a nickname to which the poison type had shaken his head and so did the female Nidoran. Apparently, they just liked to called themselves King and Queen respectively which caused the other Pokémon to snort at the two poison types who had replied back by glaring at them.

Ash and Cynthia simply went with it and agreed with them. They then discussed if the two Pokémon truly wanted to become strong and they had agreed mainly because they wanted to defeat each other due to their rivalry. So, the two trainers made a good training regime for them which they would continue changing as they grew and became stronger since the two Nidoran were still fairly young, only being seven months in age.

After that, their Pokémon had gone asleep thanks to the nice delicious and nutritious meal leaving the two trainers to talk with each other. Ash and Cynthia had more or less discussed what route their Pokémon's training should go along with their traveling plans. They both had agreed that it would be best to make it through the main gyms and any minor gyms that they came across as quickly as possible so that they could get it over with quickly and have more time to prepare for the conference which was still around nine and a half months away.

The only other rule to these plans included that they would be battling every opportunity they got since of course battling was the number one way for their Pokémon to grow stronger.

They had revealed both of the training and traveling plans they discussed with their Pokémon the next morning after their training session. to which they had agreed whole heartedly. But it was mostly Ignis who loved the plans since he had an extreme fire burning in his eyes wanting to grow very strong with his somewhat meek attitude having burned away. The other Pokémon had a similar drive with Raijin being the closest and Cynthia's Pokémon being behind him.

So, after their discussion and intense training session, Ash and Cynthia found themselves standing right at the base of Mt. Moon as they walked towards the entrance with an eagerness in their step as Ignis, Raijin and King walked beside them, Audra was perched on Ash's right shoulder, and Lucario walked beside Cynthia since he requested to be outside for a while.

As they entered the cave, they saw a few lights hanging on the walls most likely put here by the league to provide an easy pathway for trainers to follow to get through the mountain quickly. However, even with the lights guiding them, it would take around a day's worth of walking to get through the mountain. Even less so with the pace Ash and Cynthia were traveling and since they wouldn't be participating in any battles in the mountain to avoid disturbing the Pokémon that lived here, they should be in Cerulean City before they knew it.

As they walked through the cave, following the lights, Ash noticed his Pokémon getting just a bit tense. Both Ash and Cynthia also felt some foreboding feeling rising inside of them but they had no idea what was causing it. Since everything seemed fine, no one so far voiced their thoughts as they just kept walking. A couple hours later, the trainers found themselves in a large open area of the cave where they saw numerous different pathways with one of them having lights signalling.

The foreboding feeling Ash and Cynthia felt grew. "Let's go." Said Cynthia as she started walking towards the lighted tunnel and Ash was about to follow but Lucario put up his arm in front of them. "Lucario? What is it?"

("There.") Lucario grunted causing the two trainers to look at the tunnel to their left which was enveloped in darkness making it impossible to see.

However, Cynthia could feel some presence there. "I think someone is there."

Ash nodded at that, but inwardly wondering why he couldn't sense anyone there. He always had a knack for knowing if anyone was around him but this time he couldn't sense anything.

Lucario started walking towards the darkness causing the two trainers and the other Pokémon who were on edge to follow. Thankfully Ignis' tail flame lighted the way so they didn't trip on any rocks or run into a wall.

It was about five minutes of walking and navigating through the dark tunnel with Lucario leading them did they come across what Lucario and Cynthia had sensed. There were a group of Zubat, Geodude, Paras and a single Clefairy curled up in a small dark corner. The Pokémon had numerous bruises over their body along with a few bleeding cuts.

When the group saw them, terror became present in their eyes as they tried to run away but found themselves trapped in a corner. The Pokémon then seemed to prepare themselves for a life or death battle as they glared at Ash, Cynthia and their Pokémon with a mixture of fear and hatred.

"Who could have done this?" asked Ash but not expecting an answer.

"Lucario can you calm them down?" whispered Cynthia.

("I will try mistress.") replied the fighting-steel type dutifully.

He then took a few steps forward and stretched one of his arms out before a visible blue pulse of aura emanated from his palm and enveloped the surrounding area. Ash and Cynthia gasped as they felt it rush over them.

For Cynthia, this had always been something that happened whenever Lucario used his aura around her and neither she nor he could explain why that was.

Ash's crimson aura flared for less then a second and was missed by everyone but he felt the blue aura spark something within him. It was the same power he felt on occasion and as time went on, felt it becoming easier to access and more powerful with practice.

The Pokémon visibly calmed down as the calm and soothing power washed over them, calming their nerves as Lucario projected a non-threatening feeling to them.

("Who did this to you?") Lucario asked in a calm tone knowing how frightened the Pokémon still were despite his power.

The Clefairy who was originally curled up behind the group of Pokémon somehow found the courage to walk in front of the group despite the low protest of the other Pokémon.

("Some evil humans came here and attacked us.") said Clefairy not having much information to offer since it had all happened so fast and she as well as her fellow Pokémon friends had barely any time to get away from the attacking humans.

This statement had caused Ash's Pokémon to growl but Ignis was filled with the most rage as memories of his previous trainer's abuse came flashing into his mind. Ash also got filled with rage much like his Pokémon since he absolutely despised these types of people who hurt Pokémon.

("Do you know where these evil humans went?") asked Lucario.

Clefairy thought for a moment before pointing towards the dark part of the tunnel which went deeper into the mountain.

Lucario then turned towards his mistress and traveling companion. ("May I have some of the healing berries?")

Ash and Cynthia understood what Lucario asked for and nodded their heads. They both set their backpacks on the ground gently, to not startle the group frightened Pokémon. They then got a handful of Oran and Sitrus berries out from one of their storage compartments and handed it to Lucario who then set it down in front of the frightened Pokémon.

("Eat this and regain your strength.") said Lucario once he backed a few steps away from the berries on the ground.

Clefairy looked at the fighting-steel type and the humans and their Pokémon who seemed so different from the humans and Pokémon that had attacked them. They had no vile aura surrounding them, nor did they hold any evil intentions to harm them. So, Clefairy took a chance and took a few hesitant steps forward before picking an Oran berry and nibbling on it. Finding the taste amazing she quickly began eating it and invited the other Pokémon to eat the food as well. Although hesitant at first, they quickly devoured the food after starving for the past few days since they were too scared to go anywhere.

"We should go. Their wounds are minor and should heal thanks to the berries. They said that there are more of the people that attacked them deeper in the tunnel." Said Ash.

Cynthia nodded her head having been feeling some vile evil aura permeating through the air. She was somehow able to sense something some distance deep into the mountain and it was becoming more profound with each passing moment.

"Guys, I'm going to return you for now." Said Ash to which the Pokémon hesitatingly obeyed. He recalled all but Ignis since they would need the tail flame to guide them through the tunnel.

"Let's go."

Everyone gave a small nod of confirmation but no one said a word as they began their journey, going deeper into Mt. Moon. As they walked through the tunnel for what felt like hours, they occasionally encountered more groups of terrified and hurt Pokémon along the way who ran away with what energy they had left.

All of them shared the same thought of what could have possibly made all of these Pokémon so terrified.

As time went on, a faint sound of clanging that seemed like metal banging on stone along with a few other faint sounds began reaching everyone's ears while Cynthia began to feel more on edge as she could somehow feel this evil presence in the distance growing stronger.

With their curiosity being peaked, the group hastened their pace towards the sound but made sure to keep their footsteps as quiet as possible. It was a short while later did the group noticed that the ground they were walking on turned from the dark brown color of dirt and rock to a light gray color with a tint of sparkles.

They then noticed an exit to the tunnel they were in up ahead and quickly made their way there but made sure to slowly see what was beyond the exit rather then just bursting through. Hiding behind a set of rocks, the Pokémon and their trainers stuck their heads out of the tunnel and their eyes widened at the scene ahead of them.

Many men and women dressed in black outfits with a big red R on their chest were in the rather huge cavern mining the mysterious gray stone that pretty much made up the entire cavern, with a big opening at the top, letting. Aside from the thirty or so people mining, which Ash and Cynthia instantly recognized as Team Rocket, there was also a few other Rocket members loading many bruised and unconscious Cleffa, Clefairy, and a couple Clefable into metal cages, with a shoulder length blue haired man wearing a gray trench coat that also had a big red R on his chest area, seemingly leading them and shouting out orders.

"Hurry up and got those Pokémon loaded up!" said the blue-haired Team Rocket member before bringing the small radio in his hand up to his ear. "Teams report! Have you located the moonstone?"

Ash, Cynthia and their Pokémon couldn't make out anything after that since the clanging sound of steel on stone along with the occasional groan coming from the injured Pokémon filled the area.

"This is horrible!" Cynthia whispered as she saw the poor state the fairy type Pokémon were in.

Lucario, Ash and Ignis growled in anger, rage and hatred.

"We have to do something." Said Ash to which the others nodded.

"Yes, but we can't go charging in there without a plan." Said Cynthia to which the group silently tried to think of a plan.

After a short while, they heard a few foot steps coming towards them so they quickly retreated into the shadows of the tunnel they were in. They eventually saw two Rocket grunts and a Meowth with which they instantly recognized as the trio that had tried to steal Pokémon from the Viridian City Pokémon center, walk by, seemingly patrolling the perimeter. Ash then released his other Pokémon who looked at their trainer in confusion. He quickly explained the situation to them, receiving growls of anger but remained quiet for the time being.

"The only thing we have going for us right now is the element of surprise. We are heavily outnumbered and have no idea how many more Team Rocket members are in the surrounding tunnels. The moment we attack they will all be alerted." Whispered Ash.

"Then…"

"We have to take as many of them out as we can in our first attack and even the playing field. Your Pokémon will be key Cynthia since they are very powerful. You need to incapacitate as many of the Rockets as you can in the initial attack before they can retaliate." Said Ash, answering the question Cynthia had been about to ask. "While you have their attention, my Pokémon and I will sneak up and get the trapped Cleffa, Clefairy and Clefable away from here before joining you."

"Sounds like a plan." Cynthia said and everyone else nodded.

"Attack when I give the signal. I'm going to try and sneak as close to the caged Pokémon as I can." Said Ash before returning all his Pokémon since stealth would be key.

He then slowly checked the surrounding area and saw that no Team Rocket grunt was nearby and the group of people were some distance away and focused on their task so he should be safe. After a few moments, Ash ran out of the cave and hid behind a few stalagmites jutting out of the ground near the perimeter of the large cavern. Ash saw that no one had noticed him and began to silently make his way around the perimeter hiding behind the various rocks and stalagmites whenever he saw the Pokémon of Team Rocket look in his direction.

After quite a while of slow silent movement, Ash managed to make it to the area where the caged fairy types were. They were a few meters in front of the rock he was hiding behind with the leader of the group of Rockets along with a fierce looking Arbok and Muk standing beside him. Ash also noticed that he had some strange black circular disc-shaped device in one hand and noticed that the blue-haired man's Pokémon along with all of the other Rocket Pokémon in the area had a very small circular disc with a blue light in the center attached to it on their heads. It would have easily gone unnoticeable but thankfully Ash noticed thanks to the short distance between him and the Pokémon.

"You know, I'm surprised you managed to sneak up on me, especially this close with my Pokémon beside me." Came the sudden voice of the Rocket head, in charge of the group.

Ash's eyes widened when he saw the man and his Pokémon turn around and face right at the stalagmite he was peaking and hiding behind. Ash saw that he had been found out and got up on his two feet.

"How did you know I was here?" gritted out Ash seeing that he had been discovered. Unknown to him, Cynthia was watching this with fear but ready to take action. She would have already called out her Pokémon had it not been for Lucario stopping her.

"Oh no. The real question is how you even managed to sneak this close to me with my Alakazam watching over this area." The Rocket leader questioned in curiosity and confusion. "Well it doesn't matter. Go get him Arbok."

The Cobra Pokémon did not even hesitate as it launched himself towards Ash at insane speeds.

He saw the poison type heading towards him and was ready to dodge with the strange energy flowing through him but did not get a chance to react as all his Pokémon materialized out of there Poké Balls, with Ignis smashing a Metal Claw attack into Arbok. Raijin, Audra and King stood defensively in front of him, ready to protect their trainer and friend.

Although Arbok wasn't damaged much by the attack, the surprise of the sudden impact caused the poison type to be startled for a few moments as it skidded back a couple meters.

"Those seem like decently trained Pokémon. They could make some nice additions to Team Rocket. What do you think of joining us kid? You could do so much more." The blue-haired man asked.

"Like I would ever join the likes of you." Ash gritted out in a furious tone before he shouted, "NOW!"

Taking this as the signal, Cynthia jumped out of her hiding spot and released all of her Pokémon, giving them commands to attack.

What followed was complete chaos as all of the Rocket members including the blue-haired leader were taken by surprise at the sudden attack. Many explosions occurred throughout the area as all of the Rocket Pokémon began dropping to the ground unconscious while many of the Rocket grunts were blown back by the force from the explosions, also dropping unconscious.

"How did you not detect them!" shouted the blue-haired man seemingly speaking to air.

Ash didn't care what the man was saying as he looked at his Pokémon. "Attack them with everything you got. I'm going to free the caged Pokémon."

His team nodded their heads as Ignis and Raijin respectively launched Ember and Thunder Shock attacks towards Arbok, while Audra and King ran towards Muk using Steel Wing and Head Smash respectively.

Ash saw the poison types focus was mainly on his Pokémon so he focused the unknown power in him and ran towards the caged Pokémon at an amazing speed. However, just as he was a couple meters away from them, an Alakazam materialized in front of him in a distortion of air right beside the blue-haired man who had been standing in front of the caged Pokémon the entire time.

"You fucking brat. You really have no idea who your messing with do you? You'll pay for interfering with Team Rocket. Kill him Alakazam." Ordered the Rocket leader in anger.

Alakazam's eyes began to glow as he prepared to crush Ash's mind who looked at the psychic type with unwavering eyes but they did hold fear.

Right before the psychic could mentally attack Ash, a voice was heard, "Spiritomb! Use Dark Pulse!"

A beam of black rings outlined by a purple glow smashed into Alakazam's side causing the Pokémon to fall to the ground in pain.

"Ash are you alright!?" asked Cynthia as she ran over to him with Spiritomb following right behind her but just as they were a few meters away from Ash, Spiritomb suddenly began screaming in pain and backed away. "Spiritomb, what's wrong?" asked Cynthia in worry as she turned to look at her friend.

Spiritomb backed a meter or so before the pain it was feeling seemingly receded and he was looking as good as new.

"Hehehe." Came the chuckle of the Rocket leader causing Ash and Cynthia to glare at him. "No Pokémon can get in a few meters within my range without suffering unimaginable pain." Said the man as he grinned and the black circular device in his arms began glowing a bit brighter causing the caged fairy types to began screaming in pain but his own Pokémon remained perfectly fine.

"What are you doing to them?!" asked Ash and Cynthia.

"Using their own aura to attack them from the inside." He replied with an evil grin, not at all bothered by the screams of pain. He then looked back as lots more explosions happened.

Lucario used Flash Cannon and Milotic used Hydro Pump, knocking out several of the Golbat out of the air with the silver beam of energy and huge stream of water. Roserade used Dazzling Gleam against many of the Nidorino and Nidorina that the Rocket grunts had, knocking them out with the thin and concentrated pink colored beam of energy. Gabite and Togekiss were flying around using Dragon Claw and Steel Wing respectively, knocking out all of the remaining Pokémon and also knocking out most of the remaining conscious Rocket grunts. Queen was launching numerous poison filled barbs into the remaining grunts as well, knocking them unconscious from the effects of the poison that had quickly spread through their bodies.

"Ignis! Raijin! Audra! King!" Ash shouted causing everyone to turn towards the Pokémon who were looking bruised and beaten also sporting a few cuts with trickles of blood leaking out and were sporting faint purple marks on their bodies.

Arbok and Muk looked at the fallen Pokémon with an evil look in their eyes for a brief moment before they launched themselves towards them, intending to kill them.

Ash saw this and immediately reacted, managing to close the distance very fast and had found himself launching a sideways haymaker into the oncoming Arbok which connected, sending the snake right into Muk.

"Are you guys alright?!" asked Ash in concern as he looked at his Pokémon in concern who looked at him with slight wide-eyes.

"Y-You're an aura user!" came the surprised yet furious voice of the Rocket Leader as he had seen the brief crimson colored energy that had surrounded Ash when he had punched Arbok. "This changes everything! Let's go Nidoking! Nidoqueen!" He shouted as the Pokémon materialized onto the field. "Kill that boy! Rip him apart!"

The two poison-ground types looked at Ash with an evil and hate-filled look. They charged towards him and his fallen Pokémon, intending to follow the commands they were given and rip the human to shreds and bathe in his blood.

"Ash no! Spiritomb stop them!" shouted Cynthia which had also gotten the attention of her other Pokémon.

The ghost-dark type immediately launched a power Dark Pulse attack right onto the side of the charging Nidoking. The attack collided and caused the poison-ground type to grunt in slight pain but more-or less ignored the attack and kept on charging towards Ash.

The raven-haired teen knew he would not survive the attack and with the way those Pokémon were looking at him, he knew they had every intention of follow their trainer's orders. This caused some fear to swell up in him as he felt death closing in on him but he also saw his Pokémon were right in between him and the charging Pokémon, trying their best to get up to defend their friend and trainer but couldn't find the strength to do so.

So, he pushed down that fear and immediately drew upon the power within him, before charging right past his Pokémon towards charging towards the oncoming Nidoking and Nidoqueen, hoping to have the speed and agility to dodge them, maybe get a hit in and get to the other side. He hoped that this would buy enough time for Cynthia's Pokémon, which he saw out of the corner of his eye were making their way towards him, to help stop these hate-filled Pokémon and hopefully keep their attention away from his Pokémon.

Time seemingly slowed down for Ash as he eventually found himself right in front of Nidoqueen who swung her purple glowing arm towards him which he managed to duck under as he kept running. He also managed to spin out of the of her swinging tail before once again ducking under Nidoking, who was just a meter behind due to Spiritomb's Dark Pulse, who was swinging his arm that was enveloped in purple ghost type energy that took the form of a claw.

However, Ash could not dodge Nidoking's large purple tail that swung right into his chest just as he dodged the Shadow Claw and was about to try and punch Nidoking on the back of his head. Ash was sent flying back, over his Pokémon and would have kept flying back had it not been for an enraged Arbok smashing his tail right onto Ash's back sending him smacking into the floor.

"ASH!"

("ASH!")

Came the shout of Cynthia and the Pokémon as they saw the raven-haired man get sent flying before being smacked into the ground hard.

Ash didn't know what happened but his entire body hurt like hell. He had never felt this much pain before even when he brutally trained with Oak's Machamp. His vision slowly started getting black spots.

Cynthia, her Pokémon and Ash's Pokémon could only watch in horror as the Cobra Pokémon launched himself towards the teen with every intention of killing him.

"Yes! Yes! Rip him apart Arbok! I want him in pieces!" the blue-haired man shouted manically while his eyes were filled with hatred for the aura-user.

Time seemingly slowed down for Ash's Pokémon as the distance between the poison types' mouth and their trainer began to close. Rage began to fill them as a new power surged through each one of them.

The Pokémon roared ferociously as Ignis and Audra were surrounded by a bright white light, Raijin's entire body became encased in a powerful armor of electricity and King's body was surrounded by a thick layer of dark-brown energy. This ended up temporarily grabbing Arbok's attention.

Ignis and Audra's forms slightly morphed as they became larger and a bit different. Eventually the light had died down revealing their evolved forms of Charmeleon and Pidgeotto. Right at that moment, Raijin and King ran towards their trainer at full speed with a fierce amount of electricity and rock type energy encasing them respectively.

This was the last thing Ash saw before he lost consciousness.

The two Pokémon rammed themselves into Arbok's body causing the Cobra Pokémon to be sent flying back, crashing into a rather large stalagmite.

Ignis launched a powerful stream of crimson flames straight towards Muk while Audra launched two streams of powerful crescent shaped blades of air, one towards Muk, and the other towards Arbok who was laying unconscious on the ground, the previous powerful attacks of Volt Tackle and Head Smash having been too much for the poison type.

After that, Ash's Pokémon towards their fallen trainer and tried to shake him awake but he didn't respond.

"Ash!" shouted Cynthia as she ran over to him after her brain processed everything that just happened. "Ash wake up!" shouted Cynthia when she made it to him.

Her hands were shaking violently at the thought that he might be dead but she managed to put her two fingers on Ash's neck determining that he was alive but his heart beat was slow. She tried to stop her hands from shaking but found it to be very difficult as she tried searched through her bag, looking for a first aid-kit.

Meanwhile, Cynthia's Pokémon had engaged in a fierce combat with Nidoking and Nidoqueen who fought back savagely but could not match the combined might of Gabite, Lucario, Spiritomb, Milotic, Roserade, and Togekiss as they had soon dropped unconscious.

"Well, it seems you brats are much tougher then first glance. Well at least that aura user will now die!" said the blue-haired man chuckling manically, taking great joy in seeing the aura user on the ground, hopefully being near-death or dead. He then suddenly got a message from his Alakazam above the large opening of the cavern area. "Well it seems like the league is here. Teleport all of us out of here Alakazam! Leave the caged Pokémon, they are of no use to us!" He commanded. The caged Pokémon were merely a way to keep the guardian of this mountain from attacking them.

The Rocket leader, his Pokémon, the unconscious grunts and their unconscious Pokémon both in the cavern and the surrounding tunnels which had been taken care of thanks to Cynthia's Pokémon, were surrounded by a thin blue glow.

"Remember my name brats. I am Team Rocket Executive Pierce! If I ever see you again, I'll make sure none of you live to see the next day." Said the man in an evil tone before glaring with hate-filled eyes at Ash's figure who still laid motionless on the ground.

Ignis launched a stream of flames, Raijin launched a powerful bolt of lightning, Audra launched a stream of crescent shaped blades of wind, and King launched powerful barbs dripping with potent poison straight at the blue-haired man, wanting to make him pay for what he did. However, before the attacks could connect, all of the Team Rocket members and their Pokémon disappeared in a distortion of air.

Right at that moment, a rather large man standing at a height of six feet four inches with carmine colored hair and brownish-yellow eyes wearing a formal black suit with a black cape attached to his shoulders appeared in a distortion of air, along side about a dozen other people and around four Alakazam. The people also wore formal black suits with black glasses and had several Poké Balls in their hands ready for battle.

However, all of them looked very confused when they saw not a single Team Rocket member around. What did catch their attention were the group of rather powerful looking Pokémon looking at them with caution, surrounding two figures which they guessed were their trainers. Beside them were a few metal cages filled with unconscious Cleffa and their evolutionary line.

"Fan out! Search this area for Team Rocket! Take care of the caged Pokémon as well!" The man with a cape ordered before the turned towards Cynthia and Ash's Pokémon who tensed further. He walked over to them but stopped when they growled threateningly. "Who are you?"

Cynthia looked towards the sound of the voice and saw the figure in a cape standing a few feet away. Her eyes widened when she realized who the man was after a moment of thinking. "Champion Lance! Please come here I need help! My friend is hurt and he won't wake up! Everyone let him through!"

The Pokémon did as told and let Lance pass who quickly made his way over to the figure and knelt down very fast when he saw the blonde woman trying to cover his bruises with disinfectant.

Lance quickly took out a radio from his pocket. "I need a medic here right away!" He then began checking Ash's pulse before helping Cynthia in trying to clean the wound as best as she could but it was difficult given her panicked state. "He was attacked by an Arbok and Nidoking." Cynthia replied before not elaborating further, too focused on her hurt traveling partner.

"That would explain it. He has a few broken bones and is bleeding internally but its not too severe. He needs treatment." Said Lance as he tried to help the blonde as best he could and not asking anything else.

Lance knew this was not the time to be questioning the blonde so he helped as best he could until a pair of men and women in white nurse outfits appeared in a distortion of air in the large open cavern they were in and made their way towards them. They quickly pushed away Lance and Cynthia before quickly getting to work on healing Ash as she, her Pokémon and Ash's Pokémon watched the scene with anxious eyes.

Unknown to anyone, a black cloaked figure hiding behind a large stalagmite in the corner of the large cavern room in the shadows had saw the whole event of Team Rocket mining the moonstone rock, capturing the Pokémon and the two trainers stopping them. He had been very intrigued by them as he could sense that they both were aura users.

Well the male seemed to be capable of using his aura despite seemingly having no training while the female seemed to be subtler in her aura usage. Most likely due her powers still being dormant and because of lack of training and genetics may be a factor but her aura was slowly coming forth.

However, what caught the cloaked figure's attention the most was the color of the aura that had surrounded the boy's body whenever he used it.

"A Muladhara user. Haven't seen one of those in quite a long time. Wonder if he is apart of the Simaya clan…probably not. Seems like Hirama will have some competition Hard to tell what type of aura the blonde uses though. Who knows maybe one day I will get a chance to fight them and destroy them." Said the man to himself with a slight crazy and blood thirsty grin hidden under the shadows of his cloak.

"Time to go." The man's figure was surrounded by a violet veil of energy before the man seemingly disappeared from existence, without even a distortion of air that is usually caused by any sort of teleportation.

Right at that moment one of the men that had arrived with Lance looked right at the spot where he thought he heard some noises but found nothing so he shrugged his shoulders and kept searching through the cavern for any Team Rocket members.

A couple days later

Ash groaned in slight pain and soreness as his eyes slowly but surely fluttered open but was greeted with only blurriness. His whole body felt sore, his muscles ached and his bones felt really tired.

"What the hell happened?" questioned Ash to himself in a quiet tone as his head throbbed in slight pain. His vision slowly started to get better until eventually everything cleared and he was greeted with the sight of a white roof with a dim white light glaring down at him. He tilted his head upward and slowly lifted himself up to see where he was and was surprised to find himself in what seemed to be in a hospital bed if the couple wires that were attached to him and monitors around him were any indication.

He was also surprised to find all his Pokémon out and sleeping on the bed with him. However, he became surprised when he saw Ignis and Audra who were no longer a Charmander and Pidgey but were now a powerful looking Charmeleon and Pidgeotto. A barrage of memories then started coming back to him about.

Him, Cynthia and their Pokémon entering Mt. Moon before eventually finding injured and terrified Pokémon. This had eventually led them to discover Team Rocket, which made him quietly growl, mining the gray colored stone that covered the floor and walls of a large cavern whose roof was opened to the sky. After that, a fierce battle took place in which Cynthia managed to take out most of the grunts and their Pokémon with her powerful Pokémon and he had gone after the caged Pokémon to try and save them. It was then he remembered encountering the rather vicious Arbok, Muk, Alakazam, Nidoking and Nidoqueen and how he had ended up getting knocked around, eventually dropping to unconsciousness but not before noticing two of his Pokémon evolving and the other two being shrouded in coats of energy and power.

Ash looked at his peacefully sleeping Pokémon with a small smile and pet Ignis and Raijin who were closest to him and in arms reach. He didn't know exactly what happened after he had lost consciousness and had numerous questions he wanted answers to but knew that Cynthia and their Pokémon must have succeeded in stopping Team Rocket if he was in a hospital right now.

Ash's ministrations caused Ignis and Raijin to stir from their sleep as they felt a hand scratching their favourite places on the back of their neck. Eventually, their eyes opened and were greeted to the sight of their trainer and friend who was finally awake!

("Your awake!") Ignis and Raijin shouted in surprise and happiness which ended up waking Audra and King out of their sleep.

The fire type and electric type jumped to hug Ash which he returned, ignoring the sharp pain that briefly shot through his body at the physical contact since he could see the joy in his Pokémon's eyes.

("We were so worried.") said Audra as she hugged Ash while King nudged his head on his leg making sure to keep his horn away from his trainer and friend and keeping the potent poison inside from dripping out.

Eventually the Pokémon stopped and backed away a bit and Ash could see the worry and slight moistness in their eyes.

"What happened after I lost consciousness? I mean the last thing I saw was Ignis and Audra evolving and Raijin and King being surrounded by a coat of energy."

The Pokémon then went over the events of what happened, starting at the point after Ignis and Raijin's evolution since that's where Ash said he lost consciousness. Ash's eyes widened at the information of how they and Cynthia and her Pokémon managed to stop Team Rocket and their leader who he learned was named Pierce.

Right after Pierce and all of the other Rocket members escaped via teleportation, leaving behind the caged Pokémon probably because the Alakazam Pierce had was not capable to teleporting them as well, the Kanto and Johto champion Lance alongside many official League members had appeared. They had determined that no Team Rocket member had been left behind.

Right after that is when the guardian of the mountain, a very powerful Clefable had appeared before them and thanked them all for their help. The Clefable then used Metronome and somehow managed to get the exact move it desired and teleported every human their Pokémon out of the mountain. If Team Rocket hadn't held all of those Cleffa, Clefairy and few Clefable as hostage, the Mt. Moon Guardian would have acted immediately and gotten rid of Team Rocket.

Soon after, they had been teleported out of the mountain, Lance, the league members and Cynthia had transferred Ash to the Pokémon center in Cerulean City which he was in currently, and several specially trained Chansey of the Pokémon Center and a Gardevoir, loaned by the league members had used their powers to heal him of his broken bones and internal bleeding. This had caused him to stay asleep for two days but also surprisingly heal completely in that small amount of time as well.

It took him a few short moments to process all of the information and just as he was about to say something to his Pokémon, the door to his hospital room opened. Through it walked Cynthia who was wearing a blue top and a black Capri that really captivated her beauty and developing curves but Ash noticed the tiredness behind her eyes.

The moment her eyes landed on Ash who was very much awake she shouted, "Your awake!" She ran over to his bed and seemingly analyzed his entire body with her eyes like a medical scanner. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah I'm fine. A bit sore but fine." Said Ash as he wiggled his body a little and felt some soreness throughout his body.

"That's good." Said Cynthia in a calm tone before giving Ash a look.

A look he had seen his mother give him a few times when he had gotten a bit reckless with his training and got hurt. It was a look he very much recognized and he knew what was coming next.

"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING TRYING TO TAKE ON A NIDOKING AND NIDOQUEEN LIKE THAT BY YOURSELF! YOU DO REALIZED YOU COULD HAVE DIED!" screamed Cynthia in Ash's face.

"Yes, but it was either that or let them hurt my Pokémon in their goal to kill me." Said Ash in a calm tone albeit he had a strange feeling in his chest seeing Cynthia worried for him. It was a somewhat pleasant feeling but it was brief.

"For a Pokémon professor you sure are stupid! You could have just recalled your Pokémon in their Poké Balls which would have protected them and then use your freaky super speed to simply run away and give my Pokémon time to come and stop them!" shouted Cynthia albeit in a weaker tone emphasizing key words, feeling a bit surprised at how angry she felt at Ash's recklessness and anger at how calm he was considering how he could have easily died.

Ash opened his mouth but no words came out. He closed his mouth before opening it again and no words come out. This repeated a few more times before he finally managed to find a few words to say. "Good point."

The enraged yet also disbelieving look Cynthia gave him was both amusing and frightening. The low growl coming from her throat only deepened the fear part but whatever rage she had been ready to unleash on him was interrupted when someone else came into the room.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything." Said Lance with an amused smile as he had heard most of the conversation. Most of the Pokémon Center probably heard the blonde's shouting.

Cynthia, Ash and the Pokémon turned to look at the man. The blonde and the Pokémon had already met the man so they didn't show much reaction. Even Ash kept a calm look despite knowing the Kanto and Johto champion Lance was standing there in all his fancy suit and cape like glory.

"Champion Lance." Ash greeted with a small nod of his head.

"Professor Ash Ketchum as I live and breathe. The youngest person to have ever achieved the title. It's an honor to meet you."

"Back at you." Ash replied in a respectful tone.

"Do you think you feel up to answering a few questions?" asked Lance, the amused smile having been replaced with a serious look. The one of a champion.

"Yes."

Lance then went on to ask a series of questions about how they came across Team Rocket in Mt. Moon and all the events that happened in said mountain. Ash replied while Cynthia and his Pokémon listened without making a sound waiting for them to finish.

"Well that's about it. Your story matches Cynthia's completely up until the point you lost consciousness so that finishes up all the league work here. I have to say you two must be really, really brave or really stupid to mess with the likes of Team Rocket. You do know they are the biggest criminal syndicate in the entire world."

"Of course, we know that. But if you expect us to sit around and do nothing when we see them hurting people or Pokémon, well I'm afraid your wrong." Said Ash with Cynthia agreeing with him.

Lance sighed. "Stubborn kids these days. I'm going to leave you two my number. Contact me only and only if you come across Team Rocket again. Let us handles this and you go enjoy your journey. We will take care of Team Rocket and have them out of the region in no time."

"Don't make false promises as a champion. Team Rocket as you said is the biggest Criminal Syndicate in the world and have been so for many decades. You and the league taking them down in no time is nothing more then wishful thinking." Said Ash in a growling tone mainly because he hated Team Rocket, even more now and Cynthia shared his feelings.

"Look you two are still kids…teens. It's a dark world out there and you shouldn't get involved. Live your life and enjoy your journey." Lance said with a sigh, his attempt at dissuading the two trainers from doing something stupid should they encounter trouble in the future. They seemed so much like him when he was young. Lots of potential but too much recklessness and stubbornness. "Anyways, I have two of my men who have been wanting to meet you two before we leave so I'll send them in soon. And Cynthia, you're Aunt Kisara is still waiting for that call."

Ash saw the fear come on Cynthia's face and didn't see Lance leave the room as he turned to her. At first he didn't know why Cynthia seemed so afraid of her supposed aunt and having to call her when he began to realize just who the man was talking about. "Wait you mean Kisara Shirona…"

"The current Sinnoh Champion and considered the strongest trainer in the world." Said Cynthia. "Oh Arceus. She probably knows about me messing with Team Rocket. I'm…so…dead." She said before dropping to the floor and drawing circles with a black rain cloud appearing over her head.

"Is she really that bad?" asked Ash in an unsure tone.

"Not bad. She is actually very kind and took care of me when…never mind. Anyways, she can be strict at times but if I or anyone close to her did anything stupid or reckless she really let us have it. That's the reason even the champions are afraid of her." Cynthia mumbled falling deeper into depression.

"It sounds like she just really cares deeply for you and doesn't want you to get hurt." Said Ash knowing this since his mom acted very similarly again when he pushed too far during training. Speaking of which…he should call her soon but was not looking forward to the conversation.

"Yeah I know. Doesn't make handling her rage any easier though." Said Cynthia with a despondent sigh as she got back up on her two feet.

Right then, two men in black suits came into the room. "Hello Professor Ketchum, Ms. Shirona." Said one of the men. "My name is Rolan and he's my partner Keegan." Introduced Rolan who was a man with short blonde hair and blue eyes. Keegan also had blonde hair but had green eyes.

"Hi." The two trainers replied simultaneously.

"Are you two the ones who wanted to talk to us?" Ash asked and the two nodded.

"We are going to have to leave soon so we'll make this brief. You see, my friend and I are not exactly Pokémon League members but rather are on loan my Queen Ilene from the Cameron Palace. We're aura users. Not the most powerful but well trained Vishuddha users."

"Ok…no idea what you're talking about or where your going with this." Said Cynthia and Ash nodded his head while his Pokémon listened intently.

"It's a long story and there is a lot of information on aura that would take too long for us to explain. What we wanted to say is that, we both think that you two have the capability to use aura. Based on what we can tell by your aura's color, Professor Ketchum is a Muladhara aura user while you Ms. Shirona most likely can use Anja aura." Keegan explained but stopped when he saw the blank and clueless expression on Ash and Cynthia. "If you get the chance say after the Indigo League is over, you two should stop by Cameron Palace if you want to perhaps learn how to train your aura."

"We'll…think about it." Said Ash after a few moments of digesting the information. It was not everyday you learn that you can use aura or at least be suspected to be able to use aura. Although both Ash and Cynthia did realize that it would explain Ash's freaky speed and superhuman strength he displayed.

"Ok. If you want to learn more about aura, just use the internet although the information on there is very brief but it will let you know where your specific capabilities lie. If you want to get a head start on training your aura then I suggest you start doing some meditation." Said Rolan.

"Well we have to go know. It was a pleasure meeting you Professor Ketchum and Ms. Shirona." Said Keegan, as both blondes game the two trainers a nod of respect and farewell before leaving the room.

"So…what do you think?" asked Cynthia as she turned to look at Ash.

"Its interesting. We can take a look at it later. For now, I need something to eat and a bit more rest. We can continue our journey after that." said Ash laying back down on the bed.

"Ok. I'll go get Nurse Joy and have her check up on you and get some plates of food for you."

"Thanks."

Cynthia turned to leave the room but turned to look at Ash. "I'm glad your okay Ash."

"I am too." He cheekily replied. "But thanks Cynthia."

She nodded before leaving the room.

It was a half-an hour later did Cynthia finish getting a few plates of food to Ash knowing his large appetite and gathering her courage to face her aunt did the blonde find herself sitting in front of one of the green phone booths in the Pokémon center. She picked up the phone and dialed her aunt's personal number. Each ring grated her nerves making her more and more nervous. She loved her aunt and knew her aunt cared for a lot, much like a mother would her own daughter. But man, her temper scared her especially when she did something stupid and got hurt.

When the blank screen in front of her eventually lit up, revealing the blank face of a very beautiful middle-aged woman who could be easily mistaken as someone being in their twenties, Cynthia's nervousness became even more prominent. Kisara had a beautiful face, pale blonde hair that reached her waist, with two long bangs shaped in swirls rested on top of her well-endowed chest and deep blue eyes.

"Cynthia Shirona."

'I'm so dead.' Cynthia thought to herself. Her aunt only ever used her full name when she was dead serious. The worse part about these types of conversations is that her aunt did not shout at her. But the conversation would be so stiff and the tone of voice she used made her feel like her aunt was about to burst at any moment.

"I hear you and your traveling partner, Professor Ketchum just got into a fight with Team Rocket. Tell me what made you think that was a good idea?" asked Kisara again keeping her blank tone but it held a lot of worry.

"They were hurting and capturing the Cleffa, Clefairy and Clefable living in Mt. Moon and trying to mine the moon stone there. I couldn't just leave them like that without doing anything." Cynthia said being able to muster enough courage to speak without stuttering.

"And you didn't think to call the police or the league members to take care of it? You do have their contact information and regardless the league knew about it and were mounting an attack on it."

"Yeah I know that now but I didn't know that before. I know it was reckless but I can't stand around when someone is being hurt like that." said Cynthia in a softer tone.

"Reckless doesn't even begin to describe what you just did. There is a reason Team Rocket has been able to stay running for decades. They are very organized and hold a lot of power. Both financial and in terms of Pokémon. We don't know who their leader is. What you just did is interfere with their operations. This will make you a target. And if…no when they manage to find out that you're my niece then they will come after you, your Pokémon and your traveling partner to get to me and the league. You painted a target on your back especially from what you told Lance of your encounter with a Team Rocket Executive especially with someone like Pierce who we suspect is high in ranking." Said Kisara with more frustration leaking in her tone.

"I'm not going to apologize for doing what I thought was right." Said Cynthia fiercely. "I know it was reckless and stupid but you can't honestly expect me to sit around and do nothing."

Cynthia defiantly met her aunt's steel hard gaze, not backing down despite the raw power and intensity behind the Sinnoh Champion's eyes.

It was a few minutes later did Kisara sigh and closed her eyes and mumbled something to herself. "Arceus, your stubborn. Ok but just please promise me you'll be more careful in the future. And if you ever run across Team Rocket again, then call the police or the league and just keep an eye on them and not engage them unless absolutely necessary."

"I understand."

"I know you understand. But I need you to promise me Cynthia. I can't afford to lose you. You and my mom are all I have left." Said Kisara this time her voice being vulnerable and tired while holding some pain and sadness.

Cynthia knew what she meant and it brought up flashes of a woman with waist length straight blonde hair and purple eyes along with a man with black hair and silver colored eyes flashed in her mind which brought up a bitter sweet feeling of happiness and sadness. "I promise aunt Kisara." Said Cynthia in a sincere tone.

Kisara nodded her head since she knew her niece who she practically considered her daughter never made false promises. It was one of her many admirable qualities. "Thank you." A short silence passed the two as the tense atmosphere dissipated before Kisara got a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "So, I hear Professor Ketchum is quite the looker. You should consider…"

Cynthia immediately hung up the phone with a beet red face. She wasn't sure what side of her aunt was worse. The extremely serious side or the side that would tease her endlessly especially when it came to her love interests which was something that never interested her and still doesn't even up till this point.

Unknown to her, Kisara giggled on her end seeing her niece's reaction. She would have lots of fun with this in the future.

A day later

Ash was currently seated in front of the green phone booth of the Pokémon center having just finished a call to Professor Oak had been quite angry for his stupidity of picking a fight with Team Rocket. Now he had begun to dial his mom's number and currently his Pokémon were all sitting by him. They had not left his side at all for the past few days ever since he arrived in the Pokémon center from what he learned. Him being hurt like that must have impacted them much more then he thought.

Those thoughts were pushed back in his mind when he saw his mother's very worried face appear on the screen. "Ash are you alright?! Are you hurt?! Professor Oak told me had gotten a call from Lance that you had battled Team Rocket, which brings up my other question. What the hell were you thinking?!"

"Mom please calm down. I'm fine. I just have a few bruises now. I had a few broken bones but it was nothing big. The Pokémon here healed me completely." Said Ash not bothering to keep anything hidden. He never kept secrets from those close to him. It just wasn't in his nature.

"How can I be calm when you keep acting this reckless Ash! Its one thing to get hurt training here on the Coral, but picking a fight with Team Rocket, do you have any idea what people like that are capable of?!"

"I know mom. But you know I can't stand around and do nothing if someone is getting hurt like that. Team Rocket was harming the Pokémon in the mountain and capturing them along with mining the moon stone. I had to do something. Plus, I did have Cynthia and her Pokémon by my side. She was more then a match for all the grunts there. And my Pokémon protected me as well. I can take care of myself mom so please don't worry." Explained Ash causing Delia to calm down but her worry stayed in her tone as she spoke.

"How can a parent ever not worry about their child Ash? Especially a mother. Someday when you have kids, you'll know what I mean. Honestly your just as reckless and stubborn as your…never mind. Anyways please just be careful Ash. I know you will help anyone who needs help but please be careful. I don't know what I would do if I lost you Ash." Said Delia as a few tears escaped her eyes.

"Please don't cry mom." Said Ash as he put his hand on the screen. He hated to see his mom cry.

"I'm sorry." She said as she wiped away her tears and turned her attention to her son's Pokémon. "Can you four please promise to look after my reckless and stubborn son. I know he can be a handful but please protect him." Said Delia ignoring Ash's annoyed look.

("Of course! We will protect him!") came the simultaneous reply of all the four Pokémon as they gave Delia a salute knowing this human was there trainer and friend's mother.

Delia smiled at them before turning back to Ash. "Now you take care of yourself young man alright. And call back soon."

"I will. Love you mom."

"Love you too sweetie. Bye." Waved Delia before the two hung up the phone.

Ash then turned to his Pokémon. "Let's go guys." The Pokémon nodded and followed their trainer as he picked up his backpack and strapped it on before making his way out of the Pokémon Center.

As he stepped out, Ash couldn't help but sigh as the warmth of the sun caressed his body and the light shined upon the various houses and small buildings of Cerulean City while also causing the large river visible in the distance to sparkle. "Man, I missed the sun so much."

"You were awake in the Pokémon Center for only a day Ash." Said Cynthia as she walked up to him after having packed all her stuff from her room and exited the Pokémon center.

"Too long." Said Ash with a cheeky smile. Cynthia couldn't help but smile back. "So, off for the gym battle?"

"Actually no. I checked and apparently the Sensational Sisters will be holding their regular water show today so the gym will be closed the entire day. We will be able to battle tomorrow. I already scheduled our battle to be first thing in the morning." Said Cynthia having taken care of all that yesterday after her conversation with her aunt.

"Well…that sucks." Said Ash as he thought for a bit before smiling a bit. "Why don't we take this chance to check out the outback of Cerulean City? I heard its filled with great places to train, lots of Pokémon, some rare ones as well which means it probably has many trainers there. It could be great practice for the upcoming gym battle and Queen does need to get some more experience."

"That's a great idea. Let's go." Said Cynthia before pulling out a map of Cerulean she had gotten from Nurse Joy's front desk and the two trainers then began navigating through the city.

After a few minutes of walking, during which Ignis and King walked beside him while Raijin was sitting on his shoulder and Audra was flying high in the sky, Cynthia remembered something else she had done while Ash was recovering and resting yesterday.

"Hey Ash. I forgot to mention that I had researched some things about aura like those two, Rolan and James had told us to do and I found some very interesting things about it. The stuff they said actually makes sense now."

"Oh? Do tell." Said Ash with curiosity in his eyes.

"Well there was not a lot of information to begin with…barely any in fact but this is how I read aura works and this was published by someone from Cameron Palace. Apparently, aura is a type of energy that is released by a living being's life force from within and it can be harnessed and manipulated in different ways. Aura in its purest form is a combination of multiple auras but it can also be divided into 7 different categories or 7 different auras that each with a unique color and attributes. There is Muladhara which Keegan said you can use. Muladhara is red in color and deals with the physical nature of the body. Then there is Swadhisthana which is orange in color and deals with one's emotions. There is Manipura which is yellow and deals with self-energy and willpower. Anahata which is green deals with healing. Vishuddha is blue and deals with intelligence. Anja is indigo and deals with mental communication which is the aura apparently, I can use. And finally, Sahasrara is violet and deals with awareness of illusions and obtaining a higher consciousness."

"Interesting." Said Ash finding all of that very intriguing. "Is there anything else?"

Cynthia shook her head. "This was all there was. Those two weren't kidding when they said that there wasn't much information."

"True. I know there must be a lot more detailed stuff involved in using aura. I have heard many stories of different aura guardians accomplishing wonders and doing things even Pokémon aren't capable of doing."

"Like Sir Aaron's story?"

"That and some other stories. My mom told many different stories of aura users but they sounded mainly like fairy tales."

"So, what do you think we should do? Do you want to go to Cameron Palace after the Indigo League is over?" asked Cynthia.

"Yes. I am curious to learn more about aura and maybe how to better use it. I'm sure you are as well." Cynthia nodded. "I guess, that settles it then."

A short silence enveloped the two as they and their Pokémon walked out of Cerulean City on the North side and made their way through a very large plain that had lots of boulders, hard rocky ground and the occasional tree growing here and there. They could also see a large river in the distance which had sparkling clear water. It was no doubt the same river that had ran through Cerulean.

So, as the two made their way through the area, they came across the occasional trainer and the two battled, although Cynthia could only use Queen given all their opponents were rookies. The two and their Pokémon really had no clear-cut destination in mind as they continued to wander aimlessly.

"Do you want to head to the river?" asked Ash since that was one area he wanted to check out to meet different water types and other Pokémon that lived in bodies of water.

"Actually, I wanted to head East towards the flatter plain areas. When I was in the Pokémon center, I overheard a few trainers saying that during this time of year, many different types of Pokémon tend to move through there."

"That is true. I believe there is a flat plain pathway east of here that Pokémon often use to migrate towards the dense forest that is set near the ocean." Commented Ash as migration patterns of Pokémon is another thing he had studied and memorized under Professor Oak. "Do you want to split up and meet back in Cerulean tonight?" asked Ash.

"Sure. Just make sure to take it easy and no insane training alright." Cynthia more or less ordered with a stern glare. "I don't need you ending up in the hospital again."

"Yes ma'am." Ash said with a slight grin but his tone was more then enough to assure Cynthia.

"Good." She then turned east and began walking away. "See you tonight at the Pokémon center."

Ash waved back at her before he and his Pokémon turned towards the river which was now closer then before. "Let's go."

The Pokémon nodded as they began making their way towards the river, with Raijin and King chatting away, Audra enjoying the cool breeze and the tranquility that came with flying, and finally Ignis was looking passively at their destination.

The fire type eventually walked up to Ash and kept pace with him beside his friend and trainer. ("I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough partner.")

Ash looked at his Pokémon with a raised eyebrow. "What do you mean Ignis?"

("I was weak and couldn't help defeat those Pokémon.")

Raijin and King had looked at their trainer and fire type friend with a slightly downtrodden gaze while Audra who also appeared to be a bit sad flew a bit closer to them.

Ash stopped walking causing the other Pokémon to stop as well and Audra landed on the ground. "Listen Ignis, you aren't weak. You…all of you fought bravely and if you weren't there, I may not have made it out of there alive. And me getting hurt was my fault and my own stupidity as Cynthia had blatantly pointed out. I should have acted smarter."

("That's not true. We were weak and…") Ignis said but was cut off when Ash placed his hand on his head.

"Ignis. That is not you talking. That's your previous trainer. I know he was abusive to you and wanted you to be strong. He demanded strength from you that just wasn't in you at the time and its making you think that I want to see that strength in you as well. I don't. I couldn't care less if you decided you never wanted to fight another battle ever again. You are still my Pokémon. Apart of my family. All of you."

The Pokémon's eyes moistened at his words while Ignis looked at the ground as Ash's words hit him deeply. Everything he said was true. His previous trainer wanted power and nothing more. He physically abused him for that power and it had scarred him. Not just on his body but on his mind as well and Ash's words made him realize that. But despite that, he still wanted to become stronger. Go past all limits and become the strongest to protect his new-found family and for himself.

("You are right.") Ignis muttered before he looked back at his trainer with a fierce fire in his eyes which had nothing to do with his typing. ("But regardless, I want to become strong. Not just to protect all of you but for myself.")

("I won't let you get hurt again.") said Audra. In the small amount of time she has gotten to know her trainer and friend and her fellow Pokémon, they became her family. She would not let anyone hurt them. She would not let her trainer and friend be hurt like that again.

("Neither will I. From now on, we train even harder!") said Raijin as electricity sparked from his cheeks. He did not have a good history with people at first since he had to run away from a Pokémon poacher that had invaded his last home. It had been luck he eventually came across a source of electricity which led to him meeting Ash. Something about him just made him trust the human and now he saw him as not only his trainer but his friend.

("Yeah!") King shouted. ("As king I will protect my subjects!")

Ash and the Pokémon looked at the poison type before snickering a bit causing King to huff in annoyance.

"Thank you all of you." Ash then brought he four in for a hug which they happily returned. Soon he got up and the group began continuing their trek towards the river in comfortable silence thanks to their conversation.

Eventually they reached the rather large river and were in awe of how sparkling clean the water was. The cool calm breeze that wash over them causing the leaves of nearby healthy lush green trees only made the scene more beautiful.

The Pokémon and trainer looked around, taking in the sight while also noticing quite a large group of all sorts of water types such as Magikarp, Poliwag, Squirtle and Psyduck along with a few flying types like Pidgey and surprisingly very calm Spearow, and a few other Pokémon hidden in the crowd. They were either resting or playing around in the calm river and having a blast if their joyous laughter was any indication. It brought smiles to Ash and his Pokémon's faces as this scene was pleasant and completely opposite of what they witnessed in Mt. Moon.

With Cynthia

After saying goodbye to Ash, Cynthia had found herself traveling through the flat plain with the occasional boulder and tree before the had eventually found herself in a very large clearing. However much to her disappointment there was practically no Pokémon in the clearing at the moment.

'Am I too late or too early?' she thought to herself. She then called out Lucario. "Hey Lucario. Can you sense if any Pokémon are nearby?"

("As you wish mistress.") grunted Lucario causing Cynthia to roll her eyes. Lucario then stretched his arms and brought his paws together before closing his eyes and his tear-drop shaped ears began vibrating and floating a bit. He released a few invisible pulses of aura which caused Cynthia to silently gasp which was something that always happened when her Pokémon used his aura around her.

("There are a few Pokémon near those group of trees mistress.") said Lucario while pointing to a miniature forest located around one hundred meters north-east of where Cynthia was standing.

"Thanks, Lucario."

("No need for thanks mistress.") the fighting type replied.

Cynthia resisted the urge to roll her eyes again but smiled. As she and her Pokémon made their way to the group of trees, a question popped into her mind which she immediately voiced. "Hey Lucario, did you know I can use aura? Even Ash can use it."

Lucario looked at her with somewhat surprised eyes. ("I have long since suspected you can use aura but was never sure. Your aura always fluctuated when I used my aura abilities but I am still young and don't have full grasp on all my abilities. You're traveling partner however was clearly able to use aura. His physical attributes were being enhanced and since you had been able to see his red aura surrounding him, it is proof that you have the potential to use it as well.")

"I see. Can you teach me how to use Anja aura and Ash how to use Muladhara?"

("I'm afraid not mistress. My kind are mainly able to manipulate the raw form of aura which is a combination of the other 7 auras. Specializing and using one of the 7 auras requires much more concentration, effort, and special training. Only humans and Riolu trained from birth and exposed to one of those seven auras can learn to use and manipulate them. Not only this but using those 7 auras is also encoded in one's blood.") explained Lucario.

"Very interesting."

("I can however teach how to better understand your own aura and perhaps unlock your abilities much like how your traveling partner has already done.")

"That's wonderful." Said Cynthia receiving a nod from Lucario.

The two then stopped walking since they had just arrived at the group of trees. The two entered the small forest and began looking around. Cynthia noticed numerous Caterpie, Weedle and the occasional Pidgey. They all seemed very peaceful and it was soothing to watch. However, eventually one figure caught Cynthia's eye and it was an Abra peacefully sleeping while leaning on an average tree.

Cynthia looked at the psychic type and she felt something strange. It was like some sort of faint power connecting to her mind. It was alive and conscious almost like a presence of a living being, separate of her own consciousness. Every step she took near the Abra caused this power and presence to slightly strengthen. Nothing painful or disconcerting but just increased her curiosity.

Lucario watched his mistress with curious eyes. Her aura was flaring up but rather then the rich blue color of raw aura, it was indigo. He could see the small thin stream of the indigo aura connecting with a small tendril of pink energy coming from the sleeping psychic type a few meters away thanks to his aura powers. He suspected that perhaps being around the human Ash and having his aura flare so often caused her dormant powers to slowly awaken. Just enough that she was using them subconsciously.

Cynthia eventually stopped about two meters away from the Abra, now fully aware that the presence she felt in her mind was none other then the psychic type in front of her.

It was a few moments later did the Abra slowly woke up and turned his line like eyes towards the human in front of her. She could feel the human in front of her. She could feel her mind as her mind slightly brushed it. She could feel the curiosity of the human along with a feeling of calmness and a powerful will.

"Who are you human?" telepathically asked the Abra.

Cynthia silently let out a gasp as she heard the words echo I her head. It was one thing to be able to understand poke speech by spending a long time around Pokémon but another to experience a Pokémon speaking through telepathy. This was the first time she actually encountered this type of thing.

After managing to regain her composure, Cynthia replied back but did so in her mind seeing if the Abra can understand her. "My name is Cynthia Shirona. This is my friend Lucario."

"Cynthia Shirona. Lucario." Abra replied back causing Cynthia to smile seeing that the Abra could hear what she had said mentally although Cynthia didn't realize that she had actually projected those words to Abra rather then Abra actually reading her mind. "You are interesting human. Why are you here?"

"I was just looking around for a Pokémon that perhaps wanted to join my team." Cynthia replied back.

Lucario just watched the two not knowing what the two were saying but could see the thin stream of indigo energy from Cynthia and pink energy from Abra was constantly fluctuating.

"I see. Do you wish to capture me?" asked Abra although she was not afraid since she could sense no ill intentions in the human female's mind.

"If you wish to join my team then I will happily accept you. If not, me and Lucario will be on our way."

Abra contemplated the offer presented before her. The human female was very interesting since she could tell she held some sort of unique power. It was very similar to her own psychic power but different. Not only that but the human was giving her a choice which was a surprising thing given that all the humans she came across often tried to attack her to capture her which she always escaped thanks to her skill with Teleport.

Numerous other thoughts ran through Abra's head at light speeds. Within one second, the psychic type gently nodded her head.

Cynthia smiled and took out a Poké Ball before gently tapping Abra on the head causing the psychic type to disappear in the sphere in a flash of scarlet energy. After a few shakes, the Poké Ball clicked signalling the capture.

"I wish to sleep now human." Abra said.

"Ok." Said Cynthia knowing how Abra typically required 18 hours of sleep everyday. So, she took out her Pokédex and scanned the Poké Ball to see what moves the newest addition to her team and family knew.

[Abra knows the following moves: Teleport, Psychic Terrain, Psycho Shift, Thunder Punch, Ice Punch, Fire Punch]

Cynthia's eyes widened at the move set. This Abra seemed pretty powerful and even though they were physically weak, having those elemental punches will be very useful. Plus, she saw that the Abra was female so that was a handy piece of information to have.

She then put away her Pokédex and looked at Lucario. "Let's go back to the clearing. We can do some training and I need to get back to exercising." Said Cynthia as she had not done the exercise routine Ash had set up for her for the past two days.

Lucario nodded as they both went back to the very large clearing which was still very empty.

Cynthia launched her Poké Balls into the air causing her Pokémon to materialize in a flash of white energy.

("Hey Cynthia.") grunted the female Gabite with a grin.

("Hello friend.") came the graceful and soothing voice of the female Togekiss, Milotic and Roserade.

("Kekeke…Greetings trainer-friend.") came the mischievous and creepy voice of Spiritomb.

"Hey everyone!" Cynthia greeted back. "For today, we will we training and having mock battles as well as working on developing unique moves and techniques."

The Pokémon nodded and shouted in joy.

("Where is your traveling partner Ash?") asked Milotic.

"He went by the river to look for some Pokémon." The Pokémon nodded at the answer. "Alright, then. Let's begin!"

With Ash

Ash had set down his bag and gotten out of his clothes, leaving himself only in a set of boxers before he, Raijin and King had jumped into the river to have some fun and splash around. Ignis and Audra watched with amused smiles as they saw on the grass a few feet away.

Ash had managed to convince them to take a small break and just enjoy the perfect weather they were having. They would get to some training after a few hours of fun which is how they found themselves either relaxing on the grass or splashing in the cool water of the calm river.

The surrounding Pokémon had backed away a bit in fear of the human and his Pokémon since they first suspected that they would try to attack and capture them. However, after witnessing the human and Pokémon playing in the water or relaxing on the grass, they grew less wary. Some of the more innocent and friendly Pokémon even came over and began to play with them. These Pokémon being a few Squirtle, Poliwag and a very young looking Dratini and golden colored Magikarp.

Ash splashed water towards the group of Pokémon, causing them to look back at the teen with playful eyes. The water types then launched a barrage of very weak water gun attacks which Ash comically dodged before eventually being hit by a few and falling completely into the water.

He got back up and used his hands to push back the hair that had gotten stuck to his forehead. "You asked for it." Ash then jumped a bit before dropping in the water causing a huge splash of water to go over his Pokémon and the wild Pokémon while a few drops hit Audra and Ignis. The non-water types and Dratini enjoyed being covered with water but Raijin, King, and Audra had to shake their bodies a bit while Ignis just raised his body temperature causing the water droplets on him to evaporate.

Dratini came over and began slithering over Ash's body while the Magikarp began swimming around him. Ash laughed as he got tickled by Dratini's movements. "Stop that Dratini…ahaha."

Ash got out of the water after a couple of hours and said, "Do you all want to join us for lunch?"

Everyone roared in happiness as he used his food storage device to materialize Pokémon food of various types and fed both his Pokémon and the wild Pokémon. However, he noticed Dratini particularly enjoyed being fed while being wrapped around his arm while the golden Magikarp tried to come out of the water to be near him. So, Ash had sat near the edge and fed the Magikarp some pellets of food while enjoying his own meal albeit with one hand since his left arm had been occupied by Dratini.

After lunch, the trainer and Pokémon had continued playing until dawn and Ignis had watched with a smile while Audra had enjoyed soaring through the air and stretching her wings while getting used to being a Pidgeotto. It was a good thing Ignis and Audra had not broken any bones before their evolution otherwise they would have faced many problems.

They all didn't even realize it the sun had started to set until Ash had seen the golden and orange rays of the sunset out of the corner of his eye. He then looked at his Pokémon. "We should get going. Its getting late." He then turned towards the water types and Dratini who had been swimming beside his friend, the golden Magikarp around him. "We have to go now everyone." They all seemed a bit saddened by this. "But I promise to visit you all again in the future one day."

The Pokémon visibly cheered at that and said their goodbyes before either swimming or walking away towards the forest in the distance that was split apart by the river.

However, when Ash was about to get out of the river he noticed that not all of the Pokémon had left. Dratini and the golden Magikarp were still swimming around him and were looking at him with saddened eyes. "Hey don't you want to go with your friends?"

The two Pokémon shook their heads and looked at Ash with what could only be described as 'Puppy Dog Eyes.' Ash liked the two a lot as they spent the entire time playing around him and stayed as close to him as possible. "Do you two want to come with me?"

The two Pokémon smiled very cutely at this and happily nodded their heads. ("Yes!") They had felt very comfortable around the human and the aura he radiated. Dratini have always been good at sensing emotion and sometimes the aura of others using its fin like ears and very sensitive round nose. Magikarp had developed this second sense of being able to sense emotions and dangers a long time ago which is what had allowed the very weak Pokémon species to be able to survive and eventually evolve into Gyarados, some of the fiercest Pokémon to ever swim the Oceans and Seas.

Ash smiled warningly at the two. "I would love to have you two join me." He then took out two friend balls and put them in front of the two above the water. The two looked at the devices curiously having never seen them before. "These are called Poké Balls. Touch them and you will become apart of my team and family and no one will ever be able to take you away."

This increased the two Pokémon's curiosity as they touched the spheres and were a bit surprised when they were sucked into them in a flash of scarlet energy. They struggled a bit inside the Poké Balls before remembering the kind human's words and relaxed causing the friend balls to easily capture them.

Ash then released them back out. "Welcome to the team."

Dratini and Magikarp smiled happily at the trainer and his Pokémon who also cheered and gave their own welcome except for Ignis who simply snorted his greeting and shot a small pillar of flame into the air.

"I'm going to have to recall you Magikarp. I'll make sure to let you out when I can find a body of water." The water type nodded in response. However, before he recalled Magikarp, Ash took out a Pokédex to scan his two new Pokémon to find out which moves they knew and what gender they were. It was impossible to tell their gender without scanning their bodies since there were no visible differences that could indicate which was which.

[Dratini knows the following moves: Wrap, Thunder Wave, Twister, Dragon Dance, Aqua Jet, Extreme Speed (Currently Unavailable)]

[Magikarp knows the following moves: Splash, Tackle, Flail, Bounce]

Ash was visibly impressed with both of their move-sets as they were showing a lot of potential. Plus, it seemed that Dratini was female and Magikarp was male. He would keep that in mind when he asked if they wanted a nickname later. After that was over, Ash quickly changed his boxers and got back into his old pair of cloths of black jeans, a white t-shirt with a fire design on it, a dark-blue jacket which was a combination of a sweater and vest jacket, and a gray colored leather jacket with red outlines.

He then picked up his backpack and began making his way back to Cerulean City with Audra flying high in the sky, Dratini wrapped around his left arm and all of his other Pokémon walking beside him.

It was a short while later did Audra shriek a bit and land down on the ground in front of Ash.

"What is it Audra?"

("There is a house sitting near a lake northeast of here.")

"Why would a house be here of all places?" Ash questioned to himself. "Let's go check it out." He said after a few moments of contemplation a bit suspicious about anyone building a house in the middle of nowhere like that.

The Pokémon nodded and began to follow their trainer and friends' lead. It was only an hour later when the sun had finally set and they were walking through a fairly open forest did they noticed two figures flying in the air, a short distance away seemingly headed in the same direction they were headed. Ash saw Audra seemingly go towards them and the figures did not react at all. Upon looking more closely Ash could see that those Pokémon were none other then Gabite and Togekiss which could only mean…

Ash was broken out of his thoughts when the very person he was thinking about appeared through some bushes and trees. "Hey Cynthia."

The blonde's eyes widened in surprise when she saw Ash standing there. "Ash?! What are you doing here?"

"Audra spotted a house in the distance and we decided to check it out? How about you?" asked Ash while keeping a normal face on but he had to keep himself from snickering at Cynthia's disheveled appearance. She had loose strands of hair sticking out here and there, a few twigs stuck in her golden mane and her face had a few bits of dirt on it.

"That's a coincidence, Togekiss noticed it too and…" Cynthia stopped when she saw Ash's Pokémon silently snickering while Ash couldn't hold a normal face and snickered albeit very lightly along with them. "What is it?"

"Have a look." Said Ash as he took out his Pokédex but kept it turned off so Cynthia could see her reflection on the blank screen thanks to the moonlight.

Cynthia looked and it was a bit hard to see but she could tell she was not looking very well. A tint of pink came on her cheeks as she quickly took out a small mirror from her backpack and saw her reflection clearly. The slight tint of pink on her cheeks turned into a full crimson red blush of embarrassment as she tried to clean herself up but a hand making on her shoulder stopped her.

"Relax Cynthia. Here." He handed a small white napkin.

"Thank you." She said before cleaning her face and used her mirror to take the twigs out of her hair.

After she was done Ash looked towards the faint light he could see in the distance. "Why do you think there is a house out here of all places?"

"Don't know. Guess we should find out."

The two then began walking towards the faint light they could see in the distance. As a few hours passed, during which they recalled their Pokémon, they finally made it there. They could see that it was not just a house but also a Lighthouse with a giant spinning light at the top. The front part looked like a normal two-story house with a red roof, dark red colored bricks, a couple windows and a plain mahogany wooden door at the front. However, attached to behind the house was a massive cylindrical shaped lighthouse made of gray stone and a small brown wooden roof at the very top.

"A light house?" Cynthia questioned.

"Quiet. I can hear someone inside." Said Ash to which Cynthia and the Pokémon became completely silent and they could hear some frantic noises and sometimes even crashes coming from within the lighthouse.

The two trainers silently opened the front door to the house peeking inside and were surprised to find a very weird looking Clefairy running around like a headless chicken. The Clefairy almost looked as if it was a costume and if a small man was stuck inside it since the skin of the fairy type seemed a bit weird and the Pokémon stood at a height of three feet and six inches which was much more then the average Clefairy height of two feet.

"What the hell?" Ash and Cynthia questioned.

The weird looking Clefairy stopped frantically running around as it had heard the voices of Ash and Cynthia and looked at the two of them with wide-eyes filled with surprise which eventually turned to relief.

"Oh thank Arceus someone came! Please, help me you two!" said the Clefairy in a strange tone which was hard to describe.

Ash and Cynthia opened their jaws to gape at the talking Clefairy showing no signs of using telepathy. However, the shock only lasted for a few seconds since they had already seen a talking Meowth.

"Help you how?" asked Ash.

"My name is Bill! I'm a scientist! I was experimenting with a machine I created designed to shrink things and accidently shrunk myself when I was wearing this Clefairy costume and now I'm stuck! I need to change back right away or else I'm going to miss it tonight!" Bill/Clefairy said frantically.

"Miss what?" Cynthia questioned as they both stepped into the house, which was a complete mess, and took in the appearance of the massive machine standing in the center of the room. It was made of steel and had two large cylindrical pods at the end, big enough to fit a person, which were connected via a couple large tubes at the top and also connected to a large central box with a monitor and many buttons, via wires.

"I'll explain later! Please just help me! I just need you to pull that lever…" said Bill/Clefairy as he pointed to the small lever in the middle of the sea of buttons under the monitor on the central large box between the two pods. "After I step into the machine. Can you please do that?!"

"Um…sure." Said Ash since he knew who Bill was and the man had quite the crazy reputation with some crazy experiments.

"Oh, thank you so much!" Bill/Clefairy said before he opened the pod on the left by pressing some buttons on it to open the door and stepped inside, causing the metallic door to close behind him and click shut.

Ash then walked up to the lever and simply pulled it down, causing the entire machine to start whirring and some electricity could be seen sparking from the wires so he and Cynthia created some distance between them and the machine.

It was half a minute later did the machine calm down before eventually stop its whirring and the pod on the other side opened and a much taller Clefairy stepped out although it was much clearer now that it was simply a man in a Clefairy suit.

Said man quickly took off the suit although it took much longer due to his lack of calmness. Once he was out, Ash and Cynthia could see Bill who was a man in his mid thirties with disheveled brown hair and black eyes and he wore a blue dress shirt, white tie, and brown pants.

"I'm back…and everything seems to be in one piece." Said Bill as he ran his hands over his body, temporarily forgetting he had company.

"Ahem." Ash and Cynthia cleared their throat simultaneously causing Bill to look at them.

"Oh sorry."

"Anyways, why did you shrink yourself while wearing a Clefairy suit of all things?" asked Ash.

"And why were you in such a rush?"

"Well I somehow had activated the machine when I was tinkering around while inside the pod and…oh yeah its going to be here soon!" said Bill as he began looking through his house making even more of a mess looking for something.

Ash and Cynthia didn't even bother asking again why he was in a Clefairy suit.

"Ah ha!" exclaimed Bill as he found a pair of binoculars and quickly proceeded out of his home while saying, "Follow me."

Ash and Cynthia looked at each other before following the man who seemed to have a few screws loose.

"Mind telling us what's going on?" asked Ash as she and Cynthia found Bill looking through his binoculars towards the ocean, rather uncomfortably close to the edge of the cliff.

"A very large Pokémon. I'm not what sure what Pokémon it specifically is but based on its figure, it seems to be a Dragonite. A very large Dragonite probably around twenty feet and it only appears on this side of the ocean every decade at so at mid-night based on many legends I heard throughout Cerulean."

"Wow." Cynthia muttered.

Ash was too impressed with that information and curious to see the giant Dragonite much like his fellow traveling partner but what caught his attention was a strange plaque of stone on the side of the lighthouse, on which were six carvings of what Ash recognized as Pokémon. Well he recognized five of the six Pokémon which were, Zapdos, Dragonite, Arcanine, Ditto, and Golbat. However, the sixth Pokémon which seemed like a humanoid feline was unfamiliar.

His attention was turned back to the ocean when a beautiful and melodious roar was heard booming throughout the area. The three immediately turned their attention to a large figure hidden by a thick mist that appeared out of nowhere appeared in the distance and was getting closer and closer.

All of Ash and Cynthia's Pokémon suddenly materialized out of their Poké Balls, except Magikarp, which went unnoticed by their trainers or Bill since they were so captivated by the melody of the song that was playing in their heads as a result of the roar they heard before.

The figure in the distance kept getting closer and closer, eventually standing a hundred meters or so from the lighthouse. The giant was still seemingly covered by the mist but Ash and Cynthia could see the silhouette of its body and knew why Bill thought it was a Dragonite.

The huge Pokémon's yellow glowing eyes turned to look at the group of humans and Pokémon, who had bowed their heads in respect at the primal force and aura radiating from the massive beast.

Ash, Cynthia and Bill however were just too captivated and stunned by the overwhelming power that was coming off of the giant that they couldn't move. Just helplessly gaze into the powerful yellow glowing eyes.

The yellow glow of its eyes eventually went away as the giant let loose a deep rumbling growl before it turned around and started walking away, eventually disappearing over the horizon of the vast beautiful ocean.

"Oh Arceus." Cynthia muttered.

"I know. That Pokémon was powerful. Very powerful and very ancient." Said Ash.

"I'm just glad I got to see it. Guess the legends were true." Said Bill.

("Power of a legend…") the Pokémon muttered as they finally started to regain their composure causing Ash and Cynthia to look at them with wide-eyes.

"When did you all come out?" they both asked.

The Pokémon blinked a bit and didn't respond to the question as they too weren't sure when the ancient primal power had drawn them out of their Poké Balls.

"I think they all wanted to see the giant Dragonite, which I now completely believe it is, when it came here." Said Bill causing all attention to turn to him. "I want to thank you all for giving me this opportunity. As thanks, here is a first-class ticket for the St. Anne cruise happening in three weeks." Bill then handed Ash an envelop with a golden seal on it.

"St. Anne?" Cynthia questioned curious about it.

"Yes, it's a cruise that goes on a trip in Kanto's seas once every year but since this year is its tenth-year anniversary, they are holding something special. I got invited to it but I never could have made it because of my research. You should take it in my place."

"But there is only one." Muttered Ash.

"Oh, don't worry about that. Just head to Vermillion City and defeat the gym leader, Lieutenant Surge. I heard the Pokémon league has temporarily lifted all restrictions off of him so he can fight all trainers with his full strength and the winners are presented with not only a badge but a ticket on St. Anne." Explained Bill.

"Thank you." Said Ash before he and Cynthia recalled all of their Pokémon since they were a bit tired and a little overwhelmed by the massive amount of power they had felt coming from the Dragonite. However, Ignis decided he wanted to stay out and Dratini had wrapped herself around Ash's arm and fallen asleep so he let her sleep there.

"Just one question. If you wanted to see the Dragonite so badly before we got here, why didn't you just walk out of the door and wait for it?" asked Cynthia.

"The door was locked at the top and I couldn't reach it." Said Bill.

"The door was open. How do you think we walked in?" questioned Ash.

"….."

"Well, see you around!" said Cynthia walking away with Ash following behind her, leaving a gaping Bill behind. They both questioned how the man ever managed to become a researcher.

As they walked Ash remembered seeing an unfamiliar Pokémon on Cynthia's team. "So, Cynthia. You managed to catch an Abra?"

"Yeah. I found her sleeping near a tree in the forest. We met and talked telepathically and I eventually asked her to join my team. By the way, I told Lucario about our aura and he said that while he can't train us to use our very specific aura, he can help us get a better grasp of it and perhaps learn some basic aura abilities." Explained Cynthia.

"Really. That will be interesting."

"So, when did you managed to catch a Dratini?"

"Well me and my Pokémon decided to just take today off and relax after everything that happened…" Ash frowned as a flash of an enraged Nidoking, Nidoqueen, Arbok, Muk, and Alakazam, along with Pierce appeared in his mind but the frown disappeared in an instant. "So, me Raijin and King ended up splashing around in the river while Ignis and Audra relaxed on the grass. Eventually the wild water types living in the river came to play and that's pretty much how our day went. I actually ended up making friends with and catching the Dratini and a golden Magikarp."

"Wow…a rare Pokémon like Dratini and a golden Magikarp."

"Yeah although it is weird why a Dratini was here of all places. They are usually found in the Safari Zone and in the Dragons Den in Blackthorn City in Johto." Ash contemplated but could only come up with the possibility that this Dratini just got lost in exploring and eventually ended up in this river since it connected to both Kanto's seas and the Safari Zone. "Anyways, what did you do the whole day?"

"Lot's of training and go over a few strategies for the gym battle."

"Mind sharing?"

"Sure…"

Ash and Cynthia currently stood in front of the massive Cerulean City gym which was shaped like a big dome with a red roof and a massive Dewgong board plastered on top of the doors. The two then pushed open the doors and walked in and were immediately in awe of the numerous aquariums housing all sorts of water types who were swimming around happily. It was after a short walk did they reach the end of the hall and walked through another set of doors that led them to a very large swimming pool with numerous white circle pads floating on top and two trainer boxes on each end of the pool.

"Hello. How may I help you?" came the female voice of a girl with orange wavy hair that went down to her mid-back. She wore a simple green dress that went down to her knees.

"Hi. We are here for a gym battle we scheduled. My name is Cynthia, and his name is Ash."

"Oh of course. Just so you know, since we like have so many gym battles today, it will be a one on one gym battle for each of you. Do you accept these terms?" Ash and Cynthia nodded. "Can I see your Pokédex?"

Ash and Cynthia once again nodded before they handed the woman their Pokédex which she quickly looked through before handing them back.

"Whoever is battling first, please stand in the trainers' box and the other sit on one of the benches. I will be back in a few minutes." The orange-haired woman then walked out of a door at the other end of the pool.

"You should go first this time Cynthia." Said Ash to which Cynthia nodded in gratitude before she made her way to the trainer box on one end of the field while Ash sat on the bench on the side of the field so he would have full view of the battle.

It was only a few minutes later did the orange-haired woman come back but along with her came two others. One was a dark blue-haired woman whose hair was also wavy and reached her waist, and wore a knee length dress, only hers was red. The third woman had upper-back length pink hair with two shoulder length bangs and she wore a yellow dress. All three women had brown eyes.

The blue-haired woman made her way to the referee box while the orange-haired woman made her way to the other trainer box. Ash noticed the pink haired woman looking at her and when she noticed his gaze on her she turned away and giggled making him raise an eyebrow.

"This will be a one-on-one gym battle between Daisy Waterflower, one of the three Sensational Sisters and the challenger Cynthia Shirona. The gym leader will not be allowed to make any substitutions. All battle clauses are in effect! Battle, begin!" said the purple-haired woman causing Ash's attention to turn completely to the battle.

"This will be like, so awesome! Gyarados, time to shine!" shouted Daisy as she called out the massive twenty-five feet long sea serpent who roared ferociously.

"Gyarados huh…I got a sea serpent of my own. Let's go Milotic!" shouted Cynthia, calling out the water type that was regarded as the most beautiful Pokémon species in the world. The water type landed in the water with half of her body above the water and the white pads were pushed away a bit due to the new mass of both Milotic and Gyarados.

In contrast to Gyarados' ferocious roar, the twenty-two feet long Milotic let out a melodious cry causing the water around her to seemingly calm down.

Cynthia took a short moment to think before she gave her command. "Use Coil!" She took the more defensive route since she new Milotic was not as physically strong as Gyarados.

The water-type was surrounded by purple energy as the scales that made up her body tightened increasing their defensive power. Her muscles also tightened, increasing her physical strength while her eyes blazed with a faint power that increased her eyesight to a greater level.

"Use Dragon Rage Gyarados!" commanded Daisy, seeing how Milotic was powering her offense, defense and accuracy.

Gyarados released a concentrated orange-colored ball of draconic energy from its large mouth towards Milotic.

"Brutal Swing."

Milotic immediately dived into the water, dodging the Dragon Rage attack which crashed into the water causing it splash upward. Milotic shot out of the water right behind Gyarados just a couple seconds later and smashed her tail which was surrounded by black energy right into the back of Gyarados' head.

The water-flying type was knocked forward and landed in the water but immediately got back and looked back with an enraged look in its eyes but Milotic was already inside the pool. He launched a massive beam of orange colored energy right into the water at Milotic's last known location and continued firing away trying to hit the water type.

"Gyarados stop! Don't waste your energy!" commanded Daisy.

Gyarados managed to hear his trainer's command, honed in its anger and stopped firing Hyper Beam attacks which had caused it to lightly pant.

"Go in after Milotic and use Dragon Tail!"

Gyarados roared before diving right into the large pool that was the Cerulean gym water battlefield, with his tail glowing purple.

Cynthia smiled a bit. "Twister."

This simple statement got Daisy's eyes to widen. Nothing happened for a moment before the water started churning and developed into a massive whirlpool with swirls of faint purple draconic energy. It was easy to see Gyarados' massive figure trapped in the center of the whirlpool as he thrashed around trying to break free.

"Attract then Blizzard."

Milotic instantly shot itself out of the water, winking at Gyarados and sending pink colored hearts at him. The attack hit dead center on Gyarados' head causing the massive sea serpent to become love struck and stop his thrashing as he gained hearts for eyes and let the whirlpool infused with Twister, swirl him around. Milotic then opened her mouth and launched a huge wave of thick frost and shards of ice mixed with turquoise colored freezing energy. The attack hit Gyarados dead on and Milotic continued to keep up her Blizzard attack not letting up as Gyarados just took the hits not able to hear Daisy's frantic chain of commands.

The ice type attack had also eventually caused the part of the huge pool to freeze as Gyarados became trapped in place. Despite the psychic barriers flaring up, stopping the attack from leaving the confines of the battlefield, everyone in the room could feel the temperature drop from the fierce attack.

A few moments later, the water-flying type dropped unconscious as his head hit the ice as he had swirls for eyes.

"Gyarados is unable to battle! The challenger wins the match!" said the dark blue haired woman.

"Gyarados, you like did a great job. Get a nice long rest." Said Daisy as she recalled her Pokémon.

"Awesome job Milotic." Cynthia happily said to her water type as she patted her head when she rose out of the water near her.

("Thank you.") Milotic replied before nuzzling her head against Cynthia's cheek a little.

"Take a nice long rest." Milotic nodded in response and let herself be absorbed by her Poké Ball, feeling just a bit tired from having to use Blizzard for quite a while but nonetheless, perfectly fine and her exhaustion would go away with a nap.

"You're like such an awesome trainer and so strong. I can see why you did so well in the Sinnoh League. Here is the Cascade badge." Said Daisy after walking over to Cynthia.

"Thank you." Said Cynthia as she took the blue tear-dropped shaped badge, much like her hair pins.

"Great battle Cynthia." Said Ash as he walked up to her, very impressed with how strong and well trainer Milotic was. It was one thing seeing them train but another to see them in a real battle, especially against a powerful Pokémon like Gyarados.

"Thanks Ash. I guess its your turn now. Better not lose." Cynthia said with a smirk as she walked to the bench Ash sat on.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Said Ash as he walked over to the trainer box.

"You will be facing my sister Lily for your battle." Said Daisy as she went to sit on a bench right beside Cynthia's while Lily went over to her side of the pool.

"Make sure to give me a good battle cutie." Said Lily with a wink causing Ash to blush a little, since he never had a girl wink to him like that.

Daisy could have sworn she had heard a faint growl coming from beside her and looked at Cynthia who seemed to have a blank expression. It made her confused as she could have sworn the growl came from her.

"Stop teasing the kid Lily and get serious."

"Don't spoil my fun Violet."

"Whatever. The same rules as the previous battles apply. Battle begin!" commanded Violet from the referee box.

"Let's go Seaking!" shouted Lily as the Goldfish Pokémon materialized in the water.

Ash noted how it looked quite healthy and a bit bigger then regular Seaking and its horn was a bit bigger signalling that it was a male since female Seaking's horns were usually smaller then the males.

Ash thought about who to send out. While Raijin would be the ideal choice, Audra never got a chance to battle in Brock's gym so he decided he would use her for this gym battle. "Let's go Audra!"

The Pidgeotto appeared flying a few meters above the water with a fierce cry.

The Sensational sisters were a bit confused at the choice but no one said a thing.

"Use Air Cutter." Said Ash making the first move.

Pidgeotto shrieked and flapped her white glowing wings, sending two streams of white crescent shaped blades of wind towards Seaking.

"Dive into the water and then use Water Pulse!"

Seaking instantly dove into the water causing Air Cutter to be fizzled out in the water. Seaking didn't appear for a few moments while Audra used her keen eyes to keep a careful lookout. Eventually, she saw a small ripple in the water at a specific point and instantly turned her attention there.

Not a moment later, Seaking burst out, sending a blue ball of water type energy towards Audra who managed to dodge the attack in time.

Ash analyzed the situation and new that this would be difficult. For one, it would be almost impossible to land almost any attack since Seaking could easily dive deep into the water to dodge. Although, Seaking had its movements in the water limited due to the middle part of the field being frozen. Seaking would have to swim around it. As those thoughts ran through his head, his attention turned to Seaking who was in the air a bit before he went back into the water after launching the water type attack. Ash smiled as he found a way to beat Seaking.

"Use Supersonic!"

Seaking followed Lily's command and let loose a powerful sound wave from his mouth.

"Dodge with Quick Attack."

Audra became surrounded by a thin veil of white energy before disappearing in a flash as she easily dodged the attack and began to make her way towards Seaking.

"Dive back into the water!" Lily quickly shouted.

Audra barely missed Seaking as he went back deep into the water as she began flying above the air.

"Stay a few meters above the ice." Ash commanded.

Audra listened and flew at above the ice.

"End this with Ice Beam!"

After a few short tense moments, Seaking burst out of the water directly behind Audra and launched three jagged arcs of ice energy towards the normal/flying type.

"Quick Attack to dodge and get close to Seaking!"

Audra reacted immediately and disappeared in a flash of white but the powerful and fast Ice Beam attack had managed to clip her wing, causing her to wince in pain. She flew much lower to the ice then Ash would have liked as Audra charged towards Seaking who was still in the air.

The water type was preparing to fire another Ice Beam before falling into the water, but out of her own sheer will and strength, Audra managed to close the distance between them very quickly.

"Steel Wing! Knock Seaking high into the air!"

Audra's wings became enveloped in silver energy, eventually taking a metallic appearance. Thanks to her weird angle from flying too low due to her wing being clipped by the Ice Beam, she managed to perfectly smack Seaking upward, sending the water type flying.

"Air Cutter into Quick Attack!"

Audra shrieked before launching two streams of white crescent shaped blades of wind towards the airborne Seaking. The attack hit its mark and did quite a bit of damage before Audra disappeared in a flash of white again and raced towards Seaking who began falling towards the water. Ash and Cynthia both had noticed the very small blue flames that had licked Audra's body for a second before disappearing which had also managed to burn off the small bit of ice on her left wing.

After Audra collided with Seaking, the water type was sent crashing into the psychic barriers before falling into the water and floating at the surface with swirls for eyes.

"Seaking is unable to battle! The challenger wins the match!"

Audra came over and landed on Ash's shoulder causing the man to wince a bit at the sharpness of her talons and her weight was quite a bit more compared to when she was a Pidgey but nonetheless happily stroked her neck. Audra cooed in delight although it was a bit weak, no doubt due to the battle.

"Great job Audra! I'm really proud of you." After a few more moments of petting he recalled her. "Take a nice long rest."

Ash then turned his attention to Lily who had also recalled her unconscious Seaking after praising the water type and walked over to his side of the trainer box. Cynthia got up as well and made her way to him before Lily did.

"Quite the battle Ash. Nice strategy to use Seaking's vulnerability while airborne to attack. Audra's sheer will to continue flying even while being hurt a bit by the Ice Beam was impressive."

"Thanks." Ash replied at the praise before.

"Here is the Cascade Badge Ash." Lily said as she handed him the same badge as Daisy had handed Cynthia.

"Hold just a minute!" came the angry female voice.

Everyone turned their heads towards the source and found a girl with dark orange hair tied into a sideways pony tail, wearing an orange tank-top and blue mid-thigh length jean shorts with red straps going over her shoulders, connecting to her shorts.

The girl walked over to Ash. "You are not getting that badge until you defeat me in a battle!"

"Misty?" the three sisters

Ash said nothing as he tried to remember where he saw her and within a second, he remembered. "You're the girl I defeated on my second day as a trainer!"

Misty turned red from embarrassment and anger upon learning that she lost to a complete newbie even after she had one year of training more then him. "I want a one on one match and if you win, then you get that badge!"

"You have no authority to do that. I know the gym leaders of every gym and the registered gym leaders and theses three," Ash pointed at Daisy, Violet and Lily standing side by side, "are the official gym leaders of the Cerulean City gym. And Misty Waterflower, which I assume is you, are only a gym leader in training. They gave me a badge so you have no power to demand that a badge not be handed. However, if you want a battle I will gladly give it."

Misty was now very angry. She saw both the blonde and Ash's battles and while she was very impressed with Cynthia's Milotic and her power, she was absolutely furious that Lily actually lost the battle with Seaking against a flying type Pokémon like Pidgeotto on a water battlefield of all places. And now she had been completely shut down by the same crimson-eyed trainer…who she admits is very handsome, who defeated her before.

"What the hell are you doing here Misty?" questioned Violet, a bit angry at her little sister.

"Weren't you like going to be a water Pokémon master? What are you doing back here? Did you already become one in the span of a year?" questioned Daisy although her tone made it sound both mocking and innocent at the same time.

"I was doing that but I got worried you three weren't taking care of the gym so I decided to come back here! And what do I find, Lily losing to a Pidgeotto on a water battlefield of all places!"

"Misty we take care of the gym just fine. Stop acting like a raged brat." Said Lily not liking Misty's tone.

"Whatever. So, you going to battle or what?" said Misty as she turned to Ash.

He simply nodded and took the badge from Lily and walked back to his trainer box while Misty walked to hers. People like her is why he generally tended to avoid human contact but being a researcher and occasionally meeting new people, and now traveling with Cynthia mellowed him out quite a bit. Before when he would have felt nervous and a bit scared around an angry person like Misty, now he felt confident and even rage at the insult to Audra's strength.

"Don't bother referring, this will end quick!" said Misty, her well known short-temper getting the better of her causing her sisters and Cynthia to watch with a frown.

"Let's go Staryu!" shouted Misty as she launched the water-psychic type's Poké Ball into the air, causing the Pokémon to materialize into the water.

"Raijin let's go!"

The electric materialized onto the ice part of the water battlefield.

Misty growled at the sight of the Pokémon that beat her before and immediately went on the offensive. "Use Bubble Beam and then hit it with Gyro Ball!"

Staryu blasted itself out of the water and bent the top part of his body towards Raijin before launching a powerful stream of blue bubbles filled with water type energy.

"Thunder Shock!"

Raijin nodded and launched a thin bolt of electricity towards Staryu, easily ripping through the water type attack and making contact. It did a decent amount of damage and also managed to cause Staryu paralysis as faint blue sparks of electricity occasionally appeared on its body as it lay immobile on the water.

"Recall your Pokémon Misty. Its paralysed and Raijin can easily knock it out with one more attack."

"No! Get up Staryu and use Psywave!"

Staryu groaned in response as it tried to move its body but found itself unable too.

"That's enough Misty!" Daisy shouted in anger, far different from her normal soft and innocent tone. "I apologize for my sister's behavior. I hope you two stop by to battle us again some day but until then we will make sure to give Misty a stern talking to!"

"Please do so." Ash said as Raijin hopped on his shoulder and he and Cynthia left the gym, ignoring Misty's enraged shouts.

When they found themselves outside of the gym, both Ash and Cynthia let loose a sigh.

"Well that was…interesting." Said Cynthia finding the only word to describe their encounter with Misty.

"And a very anti-climactic battle. Guess anger makes you do stupid things."

"Let's get to the Pokémon center." Cynthia nodded to Ash and they began to make their way towards the red roofed building only a couple blocks away.

"So, what's our next stop? Saffron? You can earn the Marsh badge there although I would have to come back later since I know none of my Pokémon can even begin to give Sabrina a challenge at the moment" said Ash receiving an angry mumble from Raijin. "Don't worry Raijin. After some lots of hard training, we will be able to defeat her."

"No doubt. Anyways, we will skip Saffron for now and head straight to Vermillion since St. Anne is leaving in three weeks and it will take us a minimum of a week and a half to get there and battle to get another ticket. Plus, I always wanted to go on a cruise."

"Ok that settles it then. Our next stop is Vermillion City."

And that concludes chapter 3!

If anyone wants to know how aura will work in this story, search up Aura Manipulation in google and you should see a superpower wiki on it. Read that if you want to know, or don't if you do not want to be spoiled.

The Pokémon he catches will again be according two three factors. The plot, my preferences, and what you readers want. I chose Dratini since many people recommended it in the reviews since I had been deciding on which pseudo-legendary to give him but couldn't place my mind on a final choice.

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS!

Which Pokémon do you want Ash to catch, including the ones he already has? Let me know in reviews and keep in mind the limit and the fact that he will not be getting any legendary Pokémon.

Which Pokémon do you want Cynthia to catch, including the ones she already has? Let me know in reviews and keep in mind the limit and the fact that she will not be getting any legendary Pokémon.

Please review the story and let me know your thoughts about it.

Have a nice day!