Chapter 12:Omens and coincidences
Bagon took consecutive attacks on itself, evolving into Shelgon to secure me a win. Metang suffered so much before evolving to Metagross just so that I could win. Rhydon, Poliwhirl, Pidgeotto, Crawdaunt… all of them did so much to contribute to my victories, one after another. Even Gyarados did his best.
What did I give back? What did I pay them with, for the efforts they contributed towards my successes so far? What good am I if it took merely a good tricky move to defeat me? I had the type advantage, the field advantage, the power advantage… and yet, and yet I lost.
Horribly.
Houndoom, a fire type, defeated my Gyarados, a water type, in a pool. Arcanine, a fire type, defeated my Poliwhirl, a water type, in a pool. All things considered, Blastoise doesn't even come into account.
What was the result of so much training, if my own lack of knowledge and experience is so staggering? What good am I?
"Hey, Ash?"
It was Shirona.
Ash didn't turn around, as he kept on staring at the expansive ocean around him, standing on a rather solitary end of the ship's deck. He had always liked this place, since it allowed him to clear his mind and introspect himself. Today however…
"I just wanted to say that, it was a great match. Your parents and friends ought to be proud of you." Shirona replied softly.
"Fat lot of good it did," Ash chuckled mirthlessly. "I lost horribly to Harrison."
"I disagree."
Ash spun around at her statement. "Why?"
"You didn't lose to Harrison. You lost to your own inexperience." She raised a finger to stop Ash from contradicting. "Let me finish. Your team is powerful, I get it. In fact, many league participants would be worried to face the team you have built for yourself in a month's time."
Ash looked up. "They still lost, because of me."
"Aren't you listening?" Cynthia chastised him. "Despite their power and skill, it's been merely a month that you began your training. To think that you would have gained enough experience to defeat anyone and everyone is not only arrogance, but foolishness."
Ash kept quiet.
"Don't you think that Metagross's victory against Typhlosion constitutes a win? Or Shelgon's against Electabuzz? Your pokémon fought to win you so many matches? Don't you think that those also contribute to victory?"
"Of course they d0." Ash retorted angrily. "I'm not blaming my pokémon. I'm blaming myself."
"For what?" Cynthia asked coolly.
"For being so easy to be taken off-guard." Ash answered, gnashing his teeth in frustration. "Harrison literally played me from the beginning of the match, and I let him."
"Harrison is a trainer who has had a year-worth of experience." Cynthia countered, "Yes, I checked his profile. You on the other hand, have less than a month, and yet, the match could've easily gone differently had Blastoise been a little more injured. Think where you would be with a year of experience under your belt."
Ash looked away.
"Honestly, I think that it has been for the best that you lost the battle."
Ash spun around angrily. "Take that back. I could've won. I could've defeated Harrison had I been prepared about his tricks."
Cynthia's lips curled. "Indeed? So tell me, great Ash Ketchum, what else could you have done in the battle you just lost?"
"I would have won if I knew that Harrison fights like a sneaky little bitch. That, despite having so many advantages, my pokémon could still get their asses handed over to them. That I have only focussed on a single side of pokémon training, ignoring everything else."
"Like?" Cynthia tilted her head in curiosity.
Ash looked down. "I focussed only on increasing my pokémon's raw strength, never on their weaknesses. I did nothing to counteract Metang's weakness against dark types back then in Vermillion, and the same carried over to Metagross. I focussed only on developing his psychic and steel-type attacks, ignoring any form of long-ranged attacks."
"True." Cynthia agreed wholeheartedly.
"The same is true for Rhydon. I did nothing to work on his lack of speed, or his weakness against water. Had I done that, I could have used him instead of Poliwhirl. Poliwhirl, Pidgeotto, none of them… Crawdaunt is untrained, and so is Charmander. Gyarados was a boon, which I couldn't even use properly."
"And yet you managed to reach the Top-4." Cynthia pointed out. "With so many flaws, is it not a worthy feat? Last I checked, over two hundred and fifty trainers failed to reach where you stand now. I'm pretty sure a majority of them have experience equal if not more than you."
Ash didn't know what to say. Shirona was making sound arguments, but it didn't negate the fact that he had actually lost.
"I think that you should stop being so selfish."
"I am not being selfish."
"Yes, you are." Cynthia stressed. "Jeez, Ash. You mentioned so many things that you have learnt from the battles you faced here. Things you didn't know before. Use this experience to better yourself as a trainer, and develop your pokémon's abilities. You should celebrate your pokémon's success of being in the Top-4 position, but instead, you are being selfish and standing here, on the deck, standing alone by yourself."
Ash kept silent.
"They are going to call upon the Top-4 for the prize distribution in an hour, and I think you should be there. For your pokémon, if not for yourself. After all that they did for you, they at least deserve this."
Ash kept quiet. After his defeat, he had shut himself in his room for the day and the next, only caring to get his pokémon sent to the pokémon center for treatment. He had even missed the finale between Harrison and Jon Dickson, where Jon had defeated Harrison in a six-on-six battle. He knew for a fact that despite his own defeat, Harrison had gotten Misty, and the two of them had tried to get Ash out of his self-imposed confinement, multiple times, but without success. It was only when the party for the Champions had started, that Ash had gotten out of his room, knowing for a fact that everyone else would be downstairs in the grand hall.
That was where Shirona had dropped in on him.
"They are going to award the Top-4 in an hour's time. Clean yourself up, and get your sorry ass down there. If you don't, I swear I am going to ask my Garchomp to show you what a true Hyper Beam looks like."
"You—you have a Garchomp?"
"Yep, he's my strongest pokémon." Cynthia admitted. "Get yourself down in the Banquet Hall. I'll see you there."
With those words, Shirona spun around elegantly, before walking away, leaving a somewhat mollified Ash in her wake.
Ash stood inside his room, his hands filled with all of his pokeballs, as he stood, introspecting himself once again. Finally, he let out a sigh, as he whispered, "Come out, everyone." His entire world was inundated in a flash of red as all of his pokémon materialized in front of him. Pidgeotto soared across the room, before choosing to perch on one of Metagross's claws. Lairon had trudged to stand next to Rhydon, who was standing on the carpet. Poliwhirl had found himself a place beside Shelgon who looked at him expectedly. Charmander slowly walked up to him to rub his head against Ash's leg in appreciation, while Crawdaunt just sat with a bored expression. Ash hadn't gotten Gyarados out because he wouldn't even fit in the room.
"Well… I never really said this before, and I realize that it's been quite selfish of me to do so." Ash began. "We were able to reach the Top-4 position before I lost to Harrison, because of my mistakes and lack of experience, no matter how hard you all fought to get me to that position. Even then, I was simply considering my own failure, and didn't even consider your own efforts, and that you deserve to be congratulated for those victories." He paused. "As I said, I've been a very bad trainer."
The cacophony of grunts, gurgles and roars did their best to deliver the opinion that his pokémon thought otherwise.
You are young, as are we. We will make mistakes, learn from them, and grow strong together, human Ash. Metagross's calm voice reverberated inside his head.
Ash rubbed away the little tears that threatened to fall from his eyes. "Thank you, guys. I promise to do my best not to disappoint you again."
Charmander, as a gesture of his belief, rubbed his head against his leg once again, as Shelgon, and Poliwhirl followed him. Pidgeotto soared over to perch on Ash's shoulder, while Rhydon nodded his head in Ash's direction. Metagross hummed softly from his position, giving Ash the feeling that had he been Metang, he would have settled on Ash's other shoulder. Crawdaunt, being the cool, solitary crustacean that he was, simply took a single step towards Ash and stayed there. Lairon, being new to the group, simply looked at Rhydon and Ash expectantly.
A little while later in the Banquet Hall.
The entire place looked nigh unrecognizable. If the welcoming night had been grand, then this one overwhelmed it by several magnitudes at least. The entire hall was populated with trainers, men in their black suits, while the female population were free to dress up in accordance to their choice. At the centre, there was an elevated platform with several microphones in position, for the party to begin.
Ash Ketchum felt immensely odd, walking all alone into the party. The previous time, Harrison had been there to accompany him, and the utter grandeur of the cruise had been too great for him to give birth to any complex emotions. However, after almost ten days of being there had changed a lot of things. He was now walking into a party, where a lot of eyes would be on him, as the second runner-up of the Clubsplosion event. He wondered for a moment where Shirona might be.
With her friends, perhaps. The more rational part of his mind supplied.
"The prodigal son return at last."
Ash spun around to see Harrison and Misty walking towards him, both wine glasses in hand. Misty had been wearing a rather beautiful, red gown, one that matched with her hair, accentuating her own beauty.
"Hey Harrison, Misty." Ash replied, with a slight hesitation in his voice.
"Seriously, Ash, if I knew you'd go all dramatic upon losing, I'd have gone easier against you." Harrison joked, much to Misty's annoyance. "Sorry! Sorry!" He raised his hands in surrender. "Seriously buddy, our match could very well go the other way under different conditions. You are going to become a very powerful trainer in time."
Ash returned a soft smile.
"I didn't honestly expect you'd show up." Misty replied, frowning at Ash. "You didn't even bother replying when I beat on your door."
Ash looked sheepish. "I was being stupid."
"At least you are honest about that." Misty deadpanned.
Ash rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. "Sorry, I wasn't myself."
"So what changed?" Harrison asked, taking another sip from his glass.
"Um… I was in the deck a while ago, and…" He paused, unsure of why he did. "I got to think things over."
Misty narrowed her eyes but decided to go with the flow for now. "Well, at least you have the sense to take the right choices, late or not."
"I said sorry, didn't I?"
"Just checking."
Ash scowled good-naturedly.
"Want some wine? This thing is real good." Harrison offered.
"I'm underage." Ash deadpanned.
"Your point?" Harrison countered saucily.
Ash chortled. "Yeah, I'll take one."
"Great." Harrison cheered. "Wait here. I'll get one for you." Saying so, he left Ash with Misty as he went towards the bar.
"Harrison was worried about you, you know?" Misty replied slowly. "He seemed to think that you were kind of… you know, blaming him for taking advantage of your discussing battles with him."
Ash looked a little guilty. "Well, I did, and still do think that he played dirty, but I guess I got to learn a lot from that battle. Now, I will do my best to counter the weaknesses I discovered."
"And you came to that conclusion all by yourself?" Misty accused, her eyes widened in surprise. "Boys aren't supposed to be that perceptive, you know that, right?"
Ash snorted.
"So when you are running off?" Misty asked suddenly.
Ash found himself caught off-guard by that statement, but chuckled. "I was thinking of dropping off in Mirage Island. There's this… Forest of Illusions over there. Harrison told me about it. Apparently, it's got a lot of ghost pokémon in there. I was hoping to catch one for my team."
"Dis Harrison also tell you that Mirage Island is under special guard by the Hoenn Police, because a lot of people are scared of that place?" Misty pointed out.
"Precisely the reason I'm getting off there." Ash grinned.
Misty muttered something like 'boys' under her breath. "And after that?"
"Uh…" Ash rubbed the back of his head. "Don't know for sure. Maybe stay around for a while, see the Hoenn region if I can. Worse comes to worse, I can always pay for a teleportation service and get me back to Celad0n if I run into trouble."
"Do you seriously mean that?" Misty probed. "You look like the type to run into trouble, heads-on, and then dive with two-feet into it."
Ash chortled at that. "Seriously, you need to stop talking to whoever is giving me such a bad reputation."
Misty snorted at that.
"So guys, having fun?" Harrison was back, as he handed Ash his glass of wine. "Try it."
Ash lifted an eyebrow suspiciously, before he took a sip, before almost puking it out. "The hell? What is this broth?"
Harrison looked indignant. "It's an acquired taste, something that an oblivious teenager wouldn't understand."
"This oblivious teenager is one second away from kicking your ass." Ash retorted good-naturedly.
"Stop it you guys." Misty rebuked.
The microphones chimed in, as the main host, the Deputy Champion Steven Stone took his place at the center of the stage, raising his arms outward. "Everybody having a nice evening?"
The audience cheered back, raising their glasses up to the former Hoenn Champion.
"Well, not to spoil your fun, but it is now time to introduce the winners of our Clubsplosion event, for which, I'm sure, you all are super-excited."
The crowd returned an appreciative cheer.
"Great. So, help me welcome on stage, our third runner-up for the event, Ritchie from Frodomar City, Kanto. Fantastic job, Ritchie."
Ash observed how Ritchie walked up the elevated platform, as he shook hands with Steven.
My turn.
"Our next, our second runner-up. Ash from Pallet Town, Kanto. A big hand."
Harrison patted his shoulder appreciatively, as Ash slowly trudged up to the platform. The audience were all cheering for him, though inwardly, Ash knew that he was far more comfortable in a battle ground, with audiences around him, than here, in a party.
"Well done, Ash." Steven smiled, as they shook hands. "Wonderful demonstration of your skill."
Ash mumbled a thanks, before Steven allowed him to stand aside.
"Our next, and runner-up, please welcome Harrison from Little Root Town, Hoenn, my own region." Steven shook Harrison's hand as he whispered something to him like he had done to Ash, before going ahead with the final name. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, the winner of the event, the one person who will get a direct entry into the Top-32 of Indigo Conference due next year, is Jon from Sento Cherry Town, Johto."
Jon was a rather tall, lanky guy with brown hair, who looked to be around twenty. The elder guy shook Steven's hand, who actually looked a little smaller than Jon in height.
"And now, it is time for the finalists to get their mystery pokémon." Steven announced, as an entire table, with eight glittering ultraballs on it came levitating down from the ceiling, almost as if they had come down from the heavens themselves. "I should remind you that there are eight pokémon, all of them in their final stages. On behalf of the Kanto and Hoenn League, I hope that these pokémon will be able to support you fully in your path to become powerful trainers and Masters."
Everyone clapped hard for the four finalists.
"Now, I will ask Jon to step forward and choose a single ball from the stack, and then release your mystery pokémon for everyone else to see. Will you sporting enough to do that, Jon?"
Jon gave him a pursed smile. It wasn't vivid, but Ash thought that the guy wasn't terribly happy with the idea. Jon strode forward and after few seconds of indecisiveness, chose a random ultraball from the eight, before releasing the pokémon out for everyone to see.
The red light flashed, before materializing into a large, quadrupedal wolf, with jet black fur on the back, top and legs, with silvery hairs on the rest of its body. It let out a woof, as the audience cheered.
"And Jon's mystery pokémon is a Mightyhena." Steven announced, as Jon returned the pokémon before stepping back to his place.
"Harrison's next."
Harrison strode up with confidence, as he selected a random pokeball, before smiling, and releasing it out for everyone, as a beautiful Ninetales materialised.
"Wonderful! A Ninetales. Thank you, Harrison."
Wow. Ninetales are truly splendid pokémon. Ash thought inwardly.
"Ash, if you please?"
Ash strode forward, pausing slightly as he considered the remaining six balls, each of them having a mystery pokémon. After a moment of indecisiveness, he plucked the one on the extreme right, before holding it up and releasing it in front of the crowd. The red light that shot out materialized into a feline figure, one which Ash had never quite seen before, even during his study for the license. The beautiful creature was around four feet tall, with a dark blue face with a short, cat-like muzzle, a small, black, triangular nose, a scythe-like tail, and sickle-shaped growth on the right side of its head. It also has an oval marking on the top of its head. It let out a soft growl as it stared back at its future trainer, with its sharp, oddly-wise looking eyes.
"Wonderful, an Absol. That's a rare one that even I didn't expect. Nice choice, Ash."
Ash slowly held the ultraball up, his eyes never leaving the white pokémon that now belonged to him, as he recalled it back, before slowly stepping back.
"And finally, Ritchie, please come up and select your mystery pokémon." Steven welcomed, as the trainer from Frodomar city walked up confidently, his Pikachu still on his shoulder, and picked up a random pokeball, before releasing the pokémon within. The energies shifted and condensed into a short, bipedal pokémon that seemed to be made up of wood. It had a long, white, shaggy mane that covered most of its face and trailed down its back. Long pointed ears poking out the top of its mane, a long, pointed nose and a large mouth with teeth.
"A Shiftry." Steven announced. "Great choice, Ritchie."
Just as Ritchie had stepped back the four remaining pokeballs suddenly turned incorporeal and vanished from sight, much to everyone's surprise. Steven however, simply walked up to the center. "Now, I will call upon our guests to present the prizes to our Top-4 finalists." He turned towards Jon, as he beckoned him to join him at the centre. "Please welcome, our dear Ice Queen and Elite Four of Kanto, Lorelei."
An extremely enthralling lady stepped out of the other room, much to everyone's cheers. Ash could see Misty literally swooning at the woman Ash knew was the Ice Master and one of Kanto's Elite Four. Lorelei. The woman looked in her late twenties and had rich, red hair, with two pigtails and a ponytail, a pair of silvery glasses over her hazel eyes. She wore a blue jacket, a red shirt, and a black pencil skirt, a rather normal dress, but nevertheless, looking breathtakingly beautiful.
Just as Lorelei reached the centre of the stage, a single trainer belt with ten, shiny ultraballs latched onto it, aside from a single brown bag that must have contained the four full-restore packs inside it, along with a single certificate of appreciation. She handed those to Jon, before smiling and muttering something to Jon, before stepping back and moving over to join Steven.
"Now join me in welcoming Glacia, our dear Ice Mistress and part of Hoenn Elite Four." Steven announced, as a tall, slender young lady, with pale, creamy-blonde hair hanging in thick locks behind her head, bluish eyes and pale skin, walked out of the other room. Just like before, she took the suddenly appeared trainer belt with seven ultraballs, a bag of restores, a cheque and a certificate of appreciation. She handed them to Harrison, who looked pleased as ever, before Glacia stepped back to join beside Lorelei.
"Our next is the breathtakingly beautiful, brand-new Champion of Sinnoh. Please welcome the new Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia." The person who walked in next was wearing a beautiful gown of black and gold that accentuated her eyes and hair, as she gracefully walked towards the center, a soft smile on her face. She turned towards a flummoxed Ash Ketchum who was literally gaping at her, before an impish smile formed on her lips. "Nicely performed, Mr. Ketchum. Your performance was impressive."
"I- I thought your name was Shirona." Ash replied weakly. Had he noticed, he would have seen both Harrison and Misty look completely shocked.
Cynthia chuckled, as she gracefully took up the trainer belt with five ultraballs, the bag, the cheque and certificate of appreciation, before turning towards Ash. "My full name is Cynthia Shirona."
Ash opened his mouth, before closing it back, his mind gone dizzy as he tried to digest the revelations. As for Cynthia, she just smirked before joining Lorelei to her left.
"And finally, please welcome our oldest and one of most revered of Kanto's Elite, the Ghost Mistress and Kanto's Elite Four, Agatha."
The old woman that slowly trudged her way into the platform set Ash on edge. Something about the old blonde-haired woman was odd. She had been walking, with support her wooden cane, her shadow slightly darker than normal, and her eyes- one red, and one white, creating a strange juxtaposition of infirmity and controlled power at the same time. Almost subconsciously, Ash took a step back as she walked past him, before stopping in front of Ritchie. Silently, she gave away Ritchie's prize before walking back, her wooden cane tapping all the way, as her… odd shadow moved back with her.
"Now that the prize distribution is over," Steven held up a glass of wine, "let the party begin!"
Ash and Harrison had gotten back to Misty, all three of them completely outwitted and awed by the fact that they had been in the presence of a Champion all this while. Ash in particular, was completely outwitted since he had come to view Shirona as someone he could talk to, spend time with as an equal and dare he say it, someone he could call a friend. Somehow, he found it rather… conflicting to connect the image of a Champion with the girl who had been on deck with him an hour ago, trying to talk sense into him, someone with whom he had spent time, had ice-cream and battled for fun. Someone on whom he had demonstrated anger, as if she were a friend and thus, in his own circle.
And Shirona had been Cynthia, the Champion of Sinnoh region, all this time.
"Still angry at me?" The sudden, feminine voice shook Ash out of his reveries, as Shirona—no, Cynthia walked up to him, the impish smile still floating on her lips.
"It is an honour to meet you," Ash replied, if somewhat tersely, "Sinnoh Champion."
Cynthia winced. It seemed like her little trick had taken a little wrong turn. "I'm really sorry. I thought it would be funny to reveal myself to you at the party. Please don't be angry on me."
"I don't understand." Misty replied suddenly.
"What?" Cynthia and Ash asked in unison.
"You are the Champion. Not just anyone, but the Champion. Why would… you know, someone like you, deign to talk, forget being friendly, with a newbie trainer?"
Cynthia raised an eyebrow. "Are Champions not worthy of making friends?"
Misty coughed. "No, no, not that—I mean, he's just…"
"I'm just Ash." Ash finished for Misty, nodding at the girl. "A trainer with barely a month of experience. Why would a champion even care to take interest in my profile, forget… you know… appearing friendly and everything?"
Cynthia's lips thinned. "I thought I was being friendly, not merely appearing to do so."
Ash looked confused.
Cynthia let out a sigh. "I just…. Never mind. You won't understand. I guess… I saw a little of myself in you, and it attracted me, and-"
Misty coughed.
"—I mean, I found you an interesting person to talk you, and it was a good way to spend time on the ship. So, that's it, I guess."
"Oh." Ash replied, something that wiped off the smile on Cynthia's face. However, she controlled her irritation. "Anyway, come with me." She pulled Ash's hand.
"Huh, where are you taking me?" Ash asked, perplexed.
Cynthia arched an eyebrow. "I did tell you that I'd introduce you to my friends, didn't I?"
Before Ash could even register that statement, he was pulled along by an excited Champion who led him all the way to Lorelei, who was currently talking to Agatha and Steven.
"Guys, this is Ash, as you might know." Cynthia introduced.
"Hello, Ash." Lorelei replied, rather bluntly. "What…. I mean, do you two know each other?"
"Ash has been a great friend to me on this cruise." Cynthia chirped, in her usual airhead-manner.
Lorelei arched an eyebrow. Steven looked mildly amused, while Agatha didn't even change an expression.
"So this is the person you've been spending time with." Lorelei realized, briefly amused at the slight blush on Cynthia's features. "Nice to meet you, Ash."
"Uh- Nice to meet you too, Elite Four Lorelei."
Lorelei chortled at his method of describing her. "Just Lorelei is fine, Ash. I must say, your performance has been an eye-turner."
"Hasn't it?" Cynthia chirped. "Who'd say that he's not even a month into training?"
Both Steven and Lorelei arched their eyebrows at that comment.
"You are the kid whom that Absol chose, aren't you?" Agatha spoke for the first time.
"Uh—yes, Ma'am."
"Agatha." The old woman countered. "Not Ma'am or Elite Four."
Ash nodded hesitantly.
"Agatha, stop worrying the poor boy." Lorelei chided good-naturedly.
Agatha however, was staring at him with an undecipherable expression on her face, making Ash feel an incredible urge to run away. Finally, she spoke up again. "Fate and Absol do not play dice with each other."
"What are you harping on, Agatha?" Steven complained jokingly. "The- Ash here was the one who chose Absol out of random."
Agatha paid his comment no mind. Her eyes were staring at Ash as if he were an incredibly interesting bug and she were a researcher of the bug-type. "I will not repeat that statement, boy." That said, she turned towards her left, but not before speaking her last words, "I believe it is time for me to desert this gathering. Lavender Town needs my presence."
Almost instantly, her cane shifted its shade to pitch black, as it morphed into a wider shape, before engulfing her and vanishing off. The entire thing happened so quickly that had Ash not paid any attention, he would have thought that the old lady had just teleported away.
"Agatha and her flair for dramatics." Lorelei sighed. "Do not mind her, Ash. She's probably thinking about seeing an Absol here. The old lady is crazy powerful, but damned superstitious as hell."
Steven chuckled at her use of expletives, but didn't choose to point it out.
"How does seeing an Absol matter?" Ash blurted out.
Cynthia chuckled. "I was wondering when that question would pop up." She looked at Ash. "Absol are believed to be the cause of disasters by a whole lot of people, though some believe that they are simply the harbinger of something ominous."
For some reason, the words didn't remind Ash of his precipitous experience with the King of Ice, or the King Dragonite, but the strange psychic he had met at the power plant. He shuddered.
"Something wrong?" Steven asked, noticing the change in his expression.
"Just remembered something." Ash returned, turning to Cynthia who instantly widened her eyes, as it hit her.
"Lorelei, it's about that… oddly powerful psychic I mentioned."
That, caught Steven's attention. "Oddly powerful what?"
"A psychic. Cynthia mentioned about some odd psychic that… Ash had encountered during his travels, who had—what was it again?"
"Ash?" Steven addressed him directly. "What is this psychic you met? Can you tell me what happened?"
Ash felt slightly intimidated at Steven's direct attention on his person. Even Lorelei seemed interested in the matter, glancing from her expression. Gulping, he spoke up. "Do you, by any chance, know about the blackout that happened a day before the St. Anne left Vermillion?"
"The Commerce City power plant failure?" Steven inquired. "What of it?"
"Uh… please don't take this the wrong way," Ash pleaded, "I... kind of thought, that something… odd might be happening, and I didn't want the injured pokémon in the pokémon centers to be delayed treatment because of the blackout. So, I and my friend…" He looked back towards Harrison who seemed captivated in a discussion with Misty and a couple more trainers afar- "—my friend Harrison over there, we went to Commerce City, to the power plant to investigate the matter."
"I should warn you that as Deputy Champion, I find your actions of trespassing into national property, illegal. However, I will let that pass for now." Steven replied in a stern, no-nonsense tone.
Ash swallowed, but continued his description of the events. "I encountered a herd of magnemite and magneton who attacked me and my pokémon. My… rhyhorn almost got killed in the process, but he evolved into a Rhydon, and that saved his life. I also… uh… might have caught the Magneton after he was defeated."
"That's strange. Magnemite and Magneton that are employed at the Power plant are rather docile." Steven frowned.
Ash wondered what part of being docile involved being a murderous electric-type, but suppressed the thought. "We, that is me and my pokémon, encountered Team Rocket, with a pack of Umbreon on them, on the… uh, second floor."
"What?" Lorelei and Steven literally shouted in unison.
"Uh… what's this Team Rocket?" Cynthia asked, unaware of the existence of the organization. A single glance from Lorelei was enough for the Sinnoh Champion to drop the issue.
"Where have you encountered Team Rocket before?" Lorelei questioned, as Steven released a pokémon, Ash realized in surprise, a Metagross-whose eyes glowed with an ethereal blue, as a psychic barrier formed all around themselves, making their discussion not only private, but also ignored by everyone else.
"We can talk in complete privacy here." Steven urged. "Go on."
"I was captured by those Rocket people on my way from Mount Moon to Cerulean City, near those mountain tunnels." Ash paused. "There was this woman, who called herself Executive Ariana."
"And you escaped her? Alive?" Lorelei gasped in surprise. Clearly the boy's performance at the tournament was no fluke.
"I uh, had help." Ash answered bluntly.
"Get to the power plant. What happened then?" Steven urged.
Ash nodded. "My pokémon and I defeated the Umbreon and the Rocket grunts, and we, uhm, found a single lobby where the entire population of workers were lying on the floor. They were um… in a coma-like state, preserved through psychic powers."
"Did you break that?" Lorelei asked. "You have a Metagross with you."
"Metang back then." Ash clarified. "Metang did try it. But the moment he stopped actively pushing his power, the psychic coma would reactivate again."
"How powerful can a psychic be, to do that? Have a continuous level of control, and that too passively?" Cynthia wondered.
Ash looked away, not really wanting to answer that question. "Not succeeding in our attempts to wake them up, we crossed the tunnel that led to the second tower, the one with the management lobby, and there…." He paused, "we met a strange, hooded man—a psychic with his hands inside a brightly lit thing."
"A brightly lit thing?" Steven repeated in confusion.
"Right. I knew I was forgetting something." Ash hit his forehead. "When we got to the turbines, we saw that the turbines were working perfectly, but all that power was being channelled to the central tower," he paused, "the one place where the psychic was standing. I think, into that brightly lit device."
"A reservoir, or a conduit to channel that power, I presume." Lorelei theorized. "But it is impossible for anyone to eat up that much power. An electivire would fry out in a minute under a fraction of that much energy."
Ash shrugged. "I cannot say for sure. It's just what that psychic told us, that he was hungry, and feeding of that power."
"You talked to the psychic?" Steven's eyes sparkled with interest. "How did it look like?"
"Can't say." Ash denied. "He was wearing a full-sleeved jacket and a hood. I tried to stop him, and he tossed Rhydon away like tissue paper, before stopping a Skarmory that a… friend of mine had. He even stopped two powerful hyper beams and then threw them back in an explosion."
Steven looked strangely… Was that fear on his face?
"What… else can you tell me?" he replied in a strangely, broken voice.
"He…" Ash paused, closing his eyes, as he recited the words the stranger had spoken to him. "In time…" Ash spoke in an oddly calm voice. "You will know what it is like to lose. To feel so desperately that you are right, yet to fail, all the same."
After a moment of ominous silence, Ash opened his eyes.
"He's telling the truth." Steven replied with a sigh, his entire expression one of resignation. "Ash encountered the armoured pokémon in Commerce City, who stole an entire day's of power, enough to power half of Kanto, with no one knowing any better."
Lorelei gasped.
"Armoured pokémon?" Ash repeated.
Steven however, had other plans in mind. "Uh… Ash, I need you to come with me for a moment. Lorelei, Cynthia… I'll talk to you later. Come with me, Ash."
Ash gave a look to Cynthia who nodded back, her own face scrunched up in confusion, as he was led away by the former Hoenn Champion towards a different part of the Banquet Hall, the Metagross following swiftly behind them.
Steven dragged Ash all the way towards one corner of the Banquet Hall, where Ash could see, even from his vantage point, a group of elderly gentlemen talking among themselves. As he got closer, he could almost realize the facial structure of the man closest to him, with his white hairs and spectacles and-
Is that-?
Before Ash could even finish the thought, Steven had dragged him to the group, as he spoke up. "Dad, Uncle, this is-"
"Ash?" Just as Ash had formulated the name in his mind, Derrick looked at him in surprise. "Right of course, I knew that the boy with the black hair looked so familiar. Sorry kid, looks like my age is catching up faster than usual."
Steven blinked. Then blinked again. "You… know each other?"
"Of course." Derrick laughed. "The kid helped me out a lot back in… you-know-where. I even got him one of our… well, you-know-what I am talking about. For the record, how's Metang?"
Steven widened his eyes. His uncle got Ash to the Metagross hive? Why? Was there where Ash found his Metang?
"You are…." Ash began.
"Derrick Stone, Steven's uncle." Derrick introduced himself fully, with another laugh.
"Uh… uncle, Dad, I need to talk about something, extremely private."
The other man, whom Steven was referring to as Dad, a short, portly man with white hairs, and dressed in a business suit, sent a calm glance towards Ash. "I assume he will be joining us?"
"It's… peculiar, but yes."
The man nodded. "Very well."
Ash Ketchum found him sitting in an ornately-decorated room, with a couple of couches in the centre, upon one of which, he was currently sitting, wondering what he was doing at that moment. Beside him, Steven was explaining to his father, Mr. Joseph Stone, head of Devon Corp., and his uncle, Derrick Stone, famous researcher and archaeologist.
"And that's what—happened, as far as what Ash told me, and Metagross verified it as the absolute truth. Ash isn't… fibbing." Steven finished his short and succinct explanation.
"This… is certainly troubling." Mr. Stone muttered, turning towards his elder brother. "What do you think, Derrick?"
Derrick on the other hand, was sharply staring at Ash, who was finding it quite… uncomfortable. "It is… certainly plausible that this… armoured pokémon has been working in coalition with Team Rocket. However, I do not, see someone with powers alike a Legendary to work side by side with them, or having such… sinister purposes."
That Articuno certainly had no troubles in deciding to kill us. Ash couldn't help but scoff inwardly.
"My boy…" Derrick suddenly replied, "The ways of the Legendaries are beyond human comprehension. Whatever they do, it is all for a specific reason. We may not know why that very instant, but in hindsight, everything becomes clear."
Steven crunched his face at the odd comment, though Ash simply widened his eyes. He hadn't known that Derrick Stone was a psychic as well, or that he could read minds with such ease.
"What are you talking about? Do you think that this… armoured pokémon is a Legendary?" Steven prompted.
"A Legendary, no. On par with a Legendary, perhaps. This psychic is… stronger, several times more than Metagross, but Legendary? I do not know. Then again… it didn't seem like the psychic was exerting himself in any shape or form."
"That… creature had an entire complex under its passive control, said control being too great for an average psychic to even break, and then it played with so many powerful pokémon. Are you still saying that-?" Mr. Stone questioned with disbelief.
"That it wasn't using his full power? Yes. That its power is at par with Legendaries themselves? Perhaps. That is a Legendary? Not really."
Both Steven and Mr. Stone fell silent at that comment.
"Ash, can you please release Metang for a moment?" Derrick finally replied.
Without needing any further prompting, Ash unlocked his pokeball and released Metagross, who hummed quietly, speaking to Ash in his mind.
What is it, human Ash?
Derrick… you remember Derrick right? He wants to talk to you.
Metagross turned towards Derrick, as he recognized the man…. "Old Keeper."
Derrick smiled, as he unleashed his own Metagross, the phantasmal steel-behemoth appearing before him, as it gave Metagross a gaze, before turning to Ash.
You have been touched by the fallen dragon king's presence. His shade lies upon you, just like the legendary king of ice. I knew you would be interesting, human-ling. The ancient Metagross spoke in Ash's mind.
Of course he is. He is my trainer. Ash's Metagross put his two cents in.
You still have much to learn, young one. The ancient one chided.
"Both of you seem to be getting along famously!" Derrick clapped his hands, staring at the two Metagross with affection. He turned to Ash. "You certainly live an interesting life. Even I cannot say to have gone through so much in so less time. I hope you realize how significant that is. An encounter with a legendary is always a work of Fate."
"Hold on!" Steven yelled, standing up. "Ash has encountered a Legendary?" He glanced at Ash, his expression one of absolute shock. "When?"
"In Mount Moon." It was Derrick who answered. "He and his Bagon were rather helpful. Speaking of which, has he evolved?"
"He's a Shelgon now." Ash answered helpfully, much to Steven's consternation.
"Stop changing the topic you two." The former Champion yelled, completely uncharacteristic of his… charismatic outlook while at the party.
"He also met a… Am I allowed to speak of it, Ash?" Derrick asked, raising an eyebrow.
Somehow, Ash knew that Derrick was referring to the incident with King Dragonite. How he knew that, he didn't know, but supposed that it might be because of the ancient Metagross, sine the knowledge was sealed deep within. Then again, this was Derrick.
"You suppose correctly, and before you ask, I should inform you. You didn't reveal it. Metagross took it from your mind. You will not have to pay any penalty for that."
Ash sighed in relief. "Thanks."
"Explaining what's going on any time soon would be good." Steven glared.
"I'll do you one better." Derrick smiled, before turning to Metagross. "If you please?"
Metagross's eyes glowed blue, and suddenly, the entire room vanished, and they were all standing on the terrace of a lighthouse, beside another Ash Ketchum, and beside him, a researcher they all recognized as Bill Montgomery.
"You know Bill Montgomery as well?" Steven asked, somewhat sarcastically.
This is… a memory. Ash realized. He was… inside a memory. His own memory, and looking at himself. It was mind-boggling.
"Look there?" Derrick pointed out. For some reason, they were unable to hear any sounds, something Ash felt slightly grateful for. Bill had asked him to keep the true name of the King Dragonite an absolute secret. Steven might be the Deputy Champion, but Ash wasn't comfortable enough to share a secret of that magnitude with him.
The three men literally drew their breaths in absolute awe, staring at the mythical behemoth in front of him, a Dragonite that could very well, be the tallest possible pokémon they had ever seen.
The last of the fallen dragon kings.
"Lance would give away a leg and an arm just to behold that sight." Steven finally replied, as the memory faded away, leaving Ash and the Stones back in the room. He turned to Ash. "I thank you for showing me that memory." He nodded gracefully towards Ash, who felt extremely awkward.
"Uh… it's no big deal." Ash muttered.
"Guess the fact that Ash chose an Absol out of the mystery pokémon doesn't even compare before all this."
"WHAT?" Derrick yelled, so loudly that both Ash and Steven had to cringe.
Meanwhile on the deck.
"Seriously, I don't really understand the need of this-" Cynthia tried, but Harrison would not, it seemed, accept a no from her.
With Ash deserting her for Steven (she knew it happened differently, but couldn't help but look at it that way), and Lorelei having to attend to the other invitees who had bombarded her with questions regarding the League, Cynthia had retreated back to Misty and Harrison, her rings active and in full effect.
That was when Harrison had asked her for a favour. A rather… odd favour.
"The entire population is inside the Banquet hall. After your... grand introduction, there's no chance that I'd ever get a chance to hold a private battle against someone like you. Please, please, accept my challenge?" Harrison pleaded once again, as the two stood on the empty deck.
"Uh… okay." Cynthia muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed at the way Harrison was pleading with her. "One on one, is that enough?"
"Very." Harrison smiled. "The platform over there then?"
Cynthia shrugged. "It is your challenge."
Harrison nodded as the two walked towards the elevated platform that had served as the battleground for the finals, earlier in the morning. Standing on the blue platform, he glanced at the Sinnoh Champion who stood on the red one. "This is an unofficial challenge against the Sinnoh Champion for a one-on-one battle."
Cynthia's lips twisted in amusement, as she released her pokémon. "Go, Garchomp!"
The bipedal shark-like pokémon that materialized in front of them had a mix of red and blue colorations all over, with two horn-like appendages and a star-like yellow mark on its snout. Its arms had one claw each, and triangular fins emerging from its elbows and back.
"The nigh legendary Garchomp!" Harrison whispered. He had heard about the new Sinnoh Champion and her undefeatable Garchomp, though had never ever even considered that Shirona would be the Cynthia Shirona.
"Go, Arcanine!" He chose his own pokémon. "Let the battle begin!"
Back in the Hall.
"Uh… Steven?" Ash asked cautiously, wondering how to address the Deputy Champion.
Steven, it seemed, didn't mind him calling by that name. "Yes?"
"Why… uh… are the guests going away?"
It was a valid question. At the end of the discussion, the three Stones had a private discussion for a couple of minutes, after which the senior Stones teleported away with Derrick's Alakazam. Steven also made a couple of calls to the League to deploy several dozen Kadabra and Alakazam and prepare for emergency deployment procedure.
"My uncle," Steven let out a sigh, the sudden tension getting to him, "my uncle seems to agree with Agatha's… ominous words about your Absol. Choice or not, an Absol did appear before you, before all of us here, without any of us knowing of her ascent beforehand."
"But… you are the Deputy Champion. Surely you would-"
"I didn't." Steven admitted. "The eight mystery pokémon were taken from the Hoenn Reserves and the Fuchsia Safari, four from each. Only the Rangers know which pokémon was chosen. As organizer, I only knew that the pokémon consented to be awarded to strong trainers who would train them to be even more powerful and skilled than they already are."
"I… I don't understand." Ash repeated in confusion. "What is so bloody—I mean, why is me choosing Absol such a big affair?"
Steven pinched his nose. Truth be told, he had never really given much importance to Absol or its relation with disasters, citing them as mere coincidences, since Absol were generally found in earthquake-prone regions. It was quite possible that Absol were able to feel the seismic waves rolling off, faster than the others, and hence, were able to know when an earthquake-related disaster was about to happen.
Now though…
"If Agatha and my uncle's theories are to be believed, and just between you and me, I put a great deal of faith on my uncle's theories than the former, since Derrick Stone has never been wrong when it comes to his premonitions. Even Sabrina admits that her own skill- whatever, the point is, no one, except Absol, knew that it would show up at today's event, like the way it did. And according to folklore, whenever an Absol appears like that at a place, it is a catastrophic omen."
"I'm sorry, I should've just-" Ash began to mumble.
"Aren't you fucking listening?" Steven literally yelled, a good thing that they were in private. "No one knew about Absol's presence. Not you, not me, not the organizers, not the audience. No one."
"The rangers did." Ash pointed out.
"That's beside the point." Steven waved it away. "Eight pokémon were selected, and even then, the Ranger Squad didn't know that the pokémon were to be given to the winners of the Clubsplosion event, here on St. Anne. And yet, an Absol consented to be sent to the event, and then was released in front of the crowd."
"You are saying that Absol chose to be a part of the group of eight because it knew it would be chosen, and thus, predict some catastrophe that would come soon?" Ash countered with incredulity.
Agatha's ominous words suddenly resurfaced in his mind. Fate and Absol do not play dice with each other.
Bottom line. An Absol had appeared on the ship, in the Banquet Hall, chosen by Ash Ketchum. And that translated- a disaster of catastrophic proportions was about to happen.
Just my luck. Ash cursed. "What are… we doing about this?"
"You, aren't doing anything." Steven shot back. "While I'm thankful to the Gods up there, that even by mere coincidence, Cynthia introduced us, and you spoke about the psychic and everything, but this is something that falls under mine and the Elite Four line of work." He paused. "Though, it would be better if you get your friends to subtly make sure that they have their things packed up and collected in case some… anathema happens."
Ash widened his eyes. "You mean…"
"I'd thank you not to speak out any ominous ideas about the supposed catastrophe that might occur. On second thought, keep your pokémon ready. I've noticed you have quite the team on you."
"Uh… thanks." Ash mumbled.
Steven waved it away. "Also, I think…" He took out a single card-like object from his pocket, which enlarged into a little suitcase. From the inside, he pulled out a watch-like thing and handed it to Ash. "Take it."
"What… is this?" Ash wondered.
"This is a Pokenav," Steven explained. "It is used to communicate with people who have a similar one on them, without having to resort to using PC Consoles. They are quite expensive, so I'd say that you take good care of that thing."
"Uh... thanks, but… why are you giving this to me?"
Steven sighed. "Look kid, you seem to get involved in matters that fall under Elite Four scrutiny a lot, especially with your past experiences with… you-know-what's. I guess, it is for the betterment, of both yourself and us, that you remain in contact, especially now that you are in direct communication with the Sinnoh Champion and Devon Corp. and, for the record, what exactly is your relation to Montgomery again?"
"Bill—I mean, Mr. Montgomery is like a friend to me, and um… he registered me as a freelance researcher working for Mr. Montgomery."
"Impressive." Steven arched an eyebrow. "You sure have a knack of knowing people in the higher ups."
"I ask myself the reason for that every day." Ash mumbled to himself, much to the former Champion's amusement.
"Anyway, you will find mine and uncle's number registered inside the Pokenav. I personally gifted Cynthia with one, so I guess the two can exchange information later on, considering how chummy she seems to be with you."
Ash flushed at that remark.
"Just teasing," Steven chuckled, as he took out a tiny device from his jacket and checked in Ash's credentials. "Damn. You're right, kid. Freelance researcher to Silph Co. and reporting to Bill Montgomery, and roster limit updated to…." Steven looked up. "Nah Ash, you better not lose my contact number. Something tells me we will be meeting soon again, somewhere."
"Of course." Ash replied, a little too quickly.
"You should join your friends and… do what I advised. I… need to go and contact Lance."
"Sure."
Ash found himself strolling around the Hall, somehow feeling distant from the people talking cheerfully all around him. Little did these… people know, what had just conspired, and what was, hypothetically, about to happen.
He cursed himself once again for his stupid luck. Had he not chosen that particular ultraball, a different pokémon would have come out.
Would it? The more cynical part of his mind commented. Agatha certainly thinks differently, as do the others. You were meant to choose Absol. You were meant to be here, on St. Anne, get into the Top-4, befriend Cynthia, meet the Elite Four, and talk to Steven about the Psychic.
Was I? Ash wondered. Could it simply be a string of coincidences once again? What were the chances that a Champion would become his friend, that he would go ahead to become the second runner-up, that said Champion would also coerce to bring him to the Hall to accept the prize, and that he would choose an Absol of all pokémon from the group? Cynthia took him forcefully to meet the Elite, and just by happenstance, Agatha had to comment like that, and Ash just coincidentally thought of the Psychic, and got noticed by Lorelei. Then, Derrick's presence, and all that followed.
Could it all be just a chain of coincidences?
"Hey Ash!" Misty's voice broke him out of his reveries.
"Yeah?" He asked, slightly off-guard.
"What's with you being so absentminded today?" Misty chided.
"Nothing… nothing really." Ash lied. "Where's Harrison?"
"There, sulking in the corner." Misty rolled her eyes. "The fool had the grand idea of challenging Cynthia to a battle."
"He what?" Ash countered, a little louder than he expected.
Misty cringed at his louder tone. "He challenged Cynthia to a one-on-one battle on the deck, saying it was his only chance for a private battle and all that." She waved her hands animatedly. "Poor fool's Arcanine didn't stand a chance against her Garchomp."
Ash rolled his eyes. That was a given. Harrison was strong, yes, but nowhere close to Elite level, and Cynthia was a goddamned champion. In hindsight, he couldn't help but wonder what would have happened had he continued battling her Buizel with his Charmander.
"And now you are lost again." Misty sighed, at Ash's introspective expression.
"Ehehehe!" Ash rubbed the back of his head absently. "I'll… go and see what's wrong with him then. Maybe offer a few words of advice?"
"You do that." Misty frowned. "I'll just have another drink." Saying so, she left for the bar.
Damn. I forgot to tell her about packing stuff. Ash raised his hand, but then decided to attend to Harrison first, who was sulking in a corner, while Cynthia, he observed, was talking animatedly to a few guests.
"Harrison," he walked towards the brown-haired trainer, "hey Harrison."
"Yeah?" Harrison returned, his expression sour.
"I heard you were sulking in the corner." Ash chuckled. It was almost ironic, considering what he had done over the last two days.
"Well, her Garchomp completely demolished Arcanine and put him down like yesterday's trash."
Ash winced. Cynthia must have thrown her experience full-force on Paul. Then again, this was the Champion they were talking about.
"Well, she is the Champion." Ash tried.
"Yeah, you have a point." Harrison receded. "Hey Ash, can I ask you for a favour?"
"Sure."
"My Arcanine is in pretty pathetic condition right now, and the Pokémon center is closed for the night. I was wondering if you… you know, send Arcanine to Professor Oak's coral for treatment using your… device."
"Oh." Ash muttered. "Let me contact Professor Oak and ask him, okay?"
"Sure".
A while later, Ash found himself standing with Cynthia, Harrison and Misty on the deck, the other three having confused and somewhat tensed expressions on their faces.
"So… Steven believes that the cruise is actually having a chance to end up in an accident or sorts or something?" Cynthia asked.
"I'm not sure, but he did make sure that the VVIP's all teleported away as soon as possible, and has called in for teleportation deployment from the League." Ash answered, keeping his voice low. "He also told me to make sure all my stuff is gathered and ready, in case something happens."
"I should probably get the same done." Misty added.
"But all of this… just because of an Absol being spotted. I mean, isn't this a little too much overreaction?" Harrison asked, a little sceptical about the entire thing.
"Might be, but it helps to be prepared." Cynthia countered. "If the former Hoenn Champion deems it important enough to address the situation so firmly, then you might as well join in."
Harrison nodded, though it was clear he still had reservations on the subject.
"We should meet down there in the Hall once we are done, just in case." Cynthia replied, as the others agreed to that instantly. "As Champion, it is my duty to make sure everyone on this ship remains safe."
"We'll help." Ash offered, joined by the other two trainers.
"Thanks, see you downstairs in a while." The Sinnoh Champion nodded, before leaving for her room, Misty following swiftly behind.
"We should do the same as well," Harrison offered, "you did send Arcanine away, right?"
Ash nodded in agreement.
"Good. I don't want him in this…fiasco, whatever might happen. And Ash, should something ominous really happen, don't make stupid mistakes and don't hold back."
Ash stared at his friend for a couple of seconds, before nodding. "Let's go."
Meanwhile in the deep interiors of the ship's administrative segment.
Mr. Gibbs had been the serving as the St. Anne's captain for the last eleven years, and before that, he had served as the Head of the Engineering Department Crew for over twenty years. Thus, he knew more about the Anne than any other person on the ship. Aged more than fifty, the man was always guarded by two Haunter on either side, knowing very well how easy it would be for a malicious psychic to implant some… suggestions in his mind, causing him to lead the ship astray into enemy territory, or even worse, cause a shipwreck. Ever since he had become the captain, Gibbs had incremented the cruise's defense mechanisms by several fold, making it literally a fortress on water to anyone trying to lay siege on it. The St. Anne had a dozen Wailord kept inside pokeballs inside the Captain's chamber, besides having a collection of several other ghost, psychic, and dark pokémon placed in reserve in the deepest interiors in case they were needed. He had also made it mandatory for the sailors to have at least one single flying-type, most of which were Wingull, Fearow, Pidgeotto, and the rare Pidgeot, in addition to having water-types at hand. Gibbs personally, believed in having two Gyarados in his own collection, knowing very well how advantageous it was.
Thus, it was quite understandable that seeing the cruise ship being surrounded by a dozen submarines on all sides, all of them within two hundred metres from the cruise ship, surrounding it like a pack of Sharpedo, when barely a moment ago, everything had been clear on the SONAR.
Gibbs cursed. Getting up from his seat, he switched on the alert button and blared into the megaphone. "Attention, passengers! This is an Emergency! I am the ships' Captain and this is an Emergency! Repeat, this is an Emergency!" Gibbs clicked on several other buttons, letting know the ships' defense team to rise up to the deck. "We are under attack. Repeat, we are under attack. Please get your stuff, and be prepared for exit."
And all hell broke loose.