Chapter no.405 Cerulean Cave

[Bill's Lighthouse]
The old lighthouse, a bastion of maritime safety, stood sentinel over the rocky coastline. Its light pierced the foggy night, a beacon of hope for lost sailors. The lighthouse, repurposed as Bill's lab, was an enchanting blend of history and cutting-edge technology. Every inch of the walls was covered in floor-to-ceiling shelves, groaning under the weight of ancient books, strange gadgets, and mysterious artifacts. A cacophony of colors and shapes, it was a testament to Bill's inquisitive mind. Large, ornate windows stretched across one side of the lab, framing a sweeping view of the churning sea below, its white-capped waves crashing against the jagged rocks.
Bill sat in a plush, high-backed armchair, its dark, burgundy velvet contrasting with the worn, wooden floorboards. His thick, woolen sweater, a deep navy blue, made him feel at one with the stormy sea outside. Bill sipped his hot cocoa, the steaming mug warming his hands as he watched the television screen. The sound of the crackling fire in the fireplace blended with the faint hum of the television, creating an almost hypnotic atmosphere.
On the television, Brock and Misty were dressed in their temporary gym leader uniforms. Brock wore his usual brown cargo pants and an olive-green jacket, while Misty donned a sleek, teal tracksuit, her black hair cascading down her back in a single, long braid. They stood in the middle of the bustling Celadon City Gym, verdant foliage and vibrant flowers lending an air of tranquility to the scene. An interviewer, clad in a sharp, charcoal suit, stood between them, microphone in hand.
"Brock, Misty, with the recent unrest in the public, do you think your presence as temporary gym leaders here will help to ease tensions and provide reassurance?"
Brock, his voice steady and confident, replied: "Absolutely. We're here to bring stability to the gym and ensure that it continues to function seamlessly during this transition."
Misty chimed in, her determined tone matching Brock's: "We also want to be positive role models for the trainers of Celadon City, showing them that we can overcome adversity together."
The interviewer's eyes gleamed mischievously as they leaned in, attempting to provoke a more salacious response.
"I must ask, are there any romantic feelings between you two? And Misty, as one of the few female gym leaders in the region, do you feel any added pressure to perform?"
Brock and Misty exchanged uncomfortable glances, the tension palpable. Brock cleared his throat and responded, his voice strained but composed.
"Misty and I are just close friends and colleagues, nothing more. And I believe Misty is a fantastic example of a strong, capable female leader."
As Misty nodded in agreement, the phone on the interview desk rang, its shrill tone cutting through the air. The interviewer picked it up eagerly, their eyes alight with anticipation.
"We have a surprise caller! It's none other than the former Celadon City Gym Leader, Erika Amano. Erika, what are your thoughts on Brock and Misty taking over your position?"
Erika's calm, soothing voice floated through the television speakers, like a balm to the heated conversation.
"I have no issue with Brock and Misty stepping in. I am deeply sorry for my performance as a gym leader, and I am determined to regain the trust of the people of Celadon City, one step at a time."
The interviewer tried to interject, but Erika continued, her voice resolute and unwavering.
"I'd also like to take this opportunity to announce that I've started a homeless shelter and NGO to combat homelessness in Celadon City, alongside my partner Tom. We're dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need."
As Erika's words echoed through the room, the camera panned to reveal her sitting in a modest office, her long, violet hair flowing down her back. She wore a simple, emerald blouse, a subtle nod to her previous role as the Grass-type gym leader. Behind her, a window displayed the busy streets of Celadon City, alive with the sound of people and Pokémon working together.
Bill couldn't help but smile at Erika's resilience and determination. Outside, the storm seemed to subside, as if nature itself was recognizing the hope that Erika's words brought to the people of Celadon City. The fire in the fireplace crackled and hissed, casting flickering shadows on the walls, the scent of burning wood filling the lab.
The interviewer, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, adopted a more respectful tone.
"Erika, it's clear that you're committed to making a difference in Celadon City. Do you have any advice or words of encouragement for Brock and Misty as they lead the gym in your absence?"
Erika smiled warmly, her eyes meeting those of Brock and Misty on the screen.
"Brock, Misty, I have complete faith in your abilities as gym leaders. Please take care of this place until I can show the people of Celadon that I am worthy of being someone they can rely on and trust as their protector."
Bill's introspection was abruptly interrupted by the shrill ring of a telephone, jolting him back to reality. He glanced at the caller ID as he picked up the receiver, noticing it was from Ash. As he pressed the phone to his ear, he hesitated for a moment, bracing himself for the conversation to come.
Bill reclined in his armchair, the telephone cradled between his ear and shoulder, his tone casual yet probing.
"Hey Ash, what's going on, other than you manipulating the league to fight Team Rocket?"
A moment of silence hung in the air as Austin blinked, taken aback by Bill's forthrightness.
"You are too smart for your own good."
Bill grinned, pleased with himself.
"Seriously, Ash, at least deny it so I can flex my detective muscles."
"Fine, tell me how you figured it out."
Bill, eager to demonstrate his deductive prowess, launched into an explanation.
"Fine, the league sent your 'live' video for me to analyze and figure out how you did it."
"And?"
"I saw Pikachu in the reflection of your shoe. I must say, your shoes really are shiny."
Austin, momentarily speechless, stammered.
"How can you be sure that it was my Pikachu?"
"It was eating ketchup."
"What?"
"On ice cream."
Astonishment seized Austin as his jaw dropped at Bill's words.
"So, since you haven't reported me to the League... What do you want?"
Bill feigned innocence, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
"Come on, Ash. You're my lucky star, why would I need anything from you?"
Austin, growing impatient, pressed on.
"What do you want?"
Bill's tone grew serious, the gravity of the situation sinking in.
"Fine, I want in."
"In what?"
"The mission to destroy Team Rocket."
"Why?"
Bill hesitated before revealing his personal connection to the cause.
"Let's just say, my parents were victims of Team Rocket in the war."
Austin, his voice softened, offered his condolences,"I'm sorry for your loss."
Bill, resolute, replied.
"Ash, I don't want your sorry. I want to be a part of the mission."
Austin, acknowledging the depth of Bill's determination, relented.
"Fine, you're in."
As Austin outlined his strategy, Bill listened closely, captivated by the audacious plan. When Austin finished, Bill couldn't help but chuckle, impressed by the scheme's boldness.
"You've certainly thought this through, Ash. What do you need me to do?"
"I need you to work with Dr. Akihabara. I'm sure you know him."
Bill smirked, recalling the eccentric scientist.
"A big guy with green hair, wants to play God."
"Bingo."
"So, he made that artificial Pokémon."
"Yep."
Bill, connecting the dots, realized the extent of Ash's network.
"Huh, now it makes sense how you got so much Team Rocket information."
Austin, his voice tinged with admiration, responded.
"Your intelligence is dangerous, Bill."
Bill waved off the compliment, focusing on the task at hand.
"Whatever, I presume that you want Aerodactyl back."
"Yes."
Bill couldn't help but sigh, hearing the unmistakable weight behind Austin's voice. "So, Ash, was your only intention of calling to retrieve your fossilized pet bird?"
There was a moment of silence on the other line before Austin responded, "No, I wasn't planning to, but it seems like you already fell onto my side of the court."
"Well, I do have a knack for nosediving into trouble," Bill joked, before noticing Austin's silence. He shifted uncomfortably, the static of the line filling the room. "What's wrong, Ash?"
"I...I'm feeling a bit lost," Austin admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
Bill raised an eyebrow, "Lost? In a life-size maze? You got a map, don't you? What about that plan you just laid out for me?"
"That's just it, Bill. It's an ideal plan, a perfect world scenario. But every time I calculate the outcomes, even in the best-case scenario... Team Rocket doesn't go extinct. We just prune their branches. The roots, however, will survive and come back, stronger."
"The roots?" Bill questioned, trying to follow Ash's metaphoric train of thought.
"Lionel Giovanni," Austin clarified.
Bill's eyes widened. Lionel Giovanni was the puppet master of Team Rocket. "And why not just trick the Elite Four and Lance towards Giovanni? Send them all on a wild Geodude chase?"
"They'd end up dead," Austin said flatly.
"Giovanni's that powerful?" Bill asked, taken aback.
Ash sighed heavily, "Not him, per se. He's got a secret weapon."
"Secret weapon? What, like a Self-Destructing Voltorb?"
"Worse. A creature... you can't even call it a Pokémon. It's more like a monster with a quarter of the power of a legendary Pokémon."
The implication sent a chill down Bill's spine. "Then why are you so set on this game of Chicken with Giovanni? If he has this monstrous beast, why not retreat, regroup?"
"Giovanni underestimates me," Austin stated, a newfound determination in his voice.
"What, like you're some kind of stealthy ninja Pikachu, lurking in the shadows?"
"Giovanni doesn't know the true extent of my power. By the time he realizes he's been played, it'll be too late. I'll have set the stage to terminate Team Rocket for good."
A heavy silence settled over them, and Bill could practically hear the gears turning in Austin's head. "You're planning to kill Giovanni," he said, not as a question but a statement of fact.
Austin didn't deny it. Instead, there was a long, pregnant pause. "Bill," he began, his tone grave. "I know what must be done."
There was another silence as Bill sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Ash, you know I'm an expert in many fields, but professional hitman isn't exactly one of them."
"I need you to help me find a way to defeat Giovanni, without getting killed myself," Austin clarified.
"Ah, well, when you put it that way, it sounds like a simple Sunday stroll through Viridian Forest," Bill said sarcastically. "You're quite the troublemaker, Ash Ketchum."
"I know. Can you help me?"
Bill paused for a moment, considering the implications. "I think I might have a way for you to win, Ash. But it involves a method that'll take your Pokémon out of commission for a few months."
"They'll live, right?" Austin asked, his voice laced with concern.
"Yes, but they might not appreciate the lengthy spa treatment. There could be some side effects."
"Fine, tell me what it is."
....
Austin snapped shut his Pokedex, looking around the unfamiliar territory. What began as a simple, grassy hike had turned into a full-on vertical climb. Austin, Pikachu, and Lucario navigated a path that wound around thick bushes and the encroaching underbrush. Before long, they were surrounded by what looked like a pop-up version of a woodland forest.
Lucario, being the natural scout, took the lead, guiding them to a plateau where the trees grew as dense as a pack of Tangela on a bad hair day. He motioned for Pikachu and Austin to join him at the edge of the cliff, which dropped off into nothingness.
"Take a gander at that," Austin gestured, sweeping his hand out over the edge like a tour guide in the Grand Canyon.
Pikachu, standing precariously close to the edge, took a nervous glance downwards, feeling a twinge of vertigo. Tree roots as thick as Snorlax's thighs weaved in and out of the rocky face. At the bottom of the cliff, a narrow stretch of beach acted as a buffer between the cliff and a massive lake that seemed to extend all the way to the edge of the world. Cerulean City glittered in the distance, resembling a shiny Staryu from this viewpoint.
"And there," Lucario pointed, "is Cerulean Cave."
Pikachu squinted, trying to make out what looked like small figures flitting around the base of the mountain and the beach. "Pika?" he asked, unsure of what he was seeing.
"About halfway up," Lucario guided, "on that ledge. And no, we're not going for a Zubat-watching trip."
Pikachu finally spotted the cave entrance, which at first glance looked like a shadowy dent in the mountainside. An instinctual desire to explore it sparked in him, almost compelling him to take a step forward before he shook his head. Nope, nope, not going spelunking today, he thought, eyeing the ominous cave.
Austin then turned to Lucario with a mischievous grin. "So, Cerulean Cave as our next training spot. What do you think?"
Lucario returned his gaze, smirking slightly. "Are you asking me? Can't you feel the aura of danger radiating from that place? It's like a Magikarp out of water."
"And that's why you're here," Austin retorted, "to shield us from the danger."
Lucario nodded, accepting the compliment before processing the implications. "Hold up, did you just volunteer me as a meat shield?"
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[ Omake Paragraph ]
It is quite common for pokemon such as Ditto, Parasect or Cradily, who develop amazing skill in performing a rare or unique attack, to regard Smeargle with jealousy or even hatred. It is not difficult to see why, for not only can Smeargle learn and in instant these attacks which take pokemon years to master, but they can combine them in nearly infinite ways of which other pokemon can only dream. This versatility has made Smeargle a popular pokemon among trainers and brought them to the highest heights of the Pokemon League.

There was once a Smeargle for whom merely being among the greatest was not enough, for he sought the power of the gods. He traveled from across the lands, tracking down and doing "battle" with various pokemon of legend, losing each match. He was a brilliant painter of objects as well as techniques, and used his income to purchase countless Focus Sashes, which he used in order to last long enough to Sketch their wrath. In time, he climbed Mount Coronet, faced off against Dialga and Palkia in turn, and gained control over time and space itself, a power which he used to perform miracles for personal gain.

To preserve the harmony of the world, Arceus descended from the heavens and cast Judgment upon this Smeargle. Smeargle, badly wounded but not yet vanquished, sketched out the attack in all its heavenly glory, and the god was too surprised to move. Smeargle then cast his own Judgment on Arceus itself, bringing forth and condemning it for every atrocity of mythology, every cruel thing in creation. And Arceus – Mighty Arceus, Arceus the Creator –was defeated in battle for the only time in its life.

Thus passed the power of the priests. Thus began the Age of Reason.