Good morning fellow fanfic peoples! How is everyone? It's early here but I'm up! It's time for another chapter to this lovely little story. I know I mentioned that there are OC spots open, and the ones I mentioned in previous spots still stand until further notice save for the love interest one, that is now closed off. I'd like to thank everyone who has reviewed this new one so far. Also, 364 views! Sweet, almost 400 so that's close to 100 each day...o.o. I appreciate the support, I really do. Also, credit for an idea in this chapter goes to PG-13. I'd love it if some of you checked out his story Pokemon: Anto's Bizzare Adventure! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. Now let's get right down to it shall we? Once again, any OC submissions will be read and the ones I deem fitting will be added in. One already made it in and I'm loving it! Anyway, getting back on track, let's start things up!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon! All of its characters and content are owned by Gamefreak and Nintendo.

Chapter 9: Trouble in the Sewers!

Hugh was sitting at the Cafe Sonata rather early that morning. It opened up at 7:00 am to give the early risers and workers a boost to their morning before they got on the road. A sigh escaped his lips as he looked down at his newly evolved Dewott who was happily eating some Pokemon Food he'd bought from a mart. Patrat was eating out of his own bowl and Pidove was sitting on his right shoulder.

Hugh reached into his jacket and took out a small locket with a picture inside. It was of him and his sister when he was a little younger. She was seven and he was 12 at that time. He was giving her a piggyback ride and the two were laughing. A Purrloin could be seen on top of Jill's head. A faint smile crossed his features as he remembered that day. Their mother snapped the photo just before the three lost balance and fell over. A laugh escaped his lips as he put the locket back inside his jacket and zipped it up.

He needed to track down Team Plasma. So far he hadn't heard of any recent activity, but he couldn't help but get this foreboding feeling the more he stayed here.

"Hey...did any of you notice there have been sightings of some weirdos walking around wearing strange uniforms?" A man walking by on his way to work stated.

"Huh? I wasn't aware of that...where were they sighted?" A woman said with confused look.

"They were walking around the Centra Plaza earlier...but they're not there anymore. It was strange."

Hugh let the two walk by and then stood up, returning his Pokemon so he could head towards the Central Plaza. That was going to be where he would look first. He walked right by the Pokemon Center, not knowing that Katsu was sleeping soundly inside. He didn't know that Alice wasn't with him either. Not that he cared anyway. As he was heading down Gym Street, his eyes locked with a young girl with long purple hair, done up in a strange fashion. She was around a few years younger than he was, probably 15. She was short but walked with an air of confidence around her.

As he passed her, he couldn't help but feel a powerful presence coming from her. He shivered a little and then moved on. He got to the Central Plaza after passing through crowds of people. Honestly? He couldn't see how people got up so early. He'd barely managed to do it himself. He stopped in the Plaza and began to look around.

'Okay...that man said people saw them here. There has to be some evidence to go by. Now...where to start? This plasa is huge...'

"Pidove, I'll need you for aerial coverage!" Hugh called out, sending out his little dove.

"Something I can help you with?" A feminine voice called from behind, causing Hugh to turn around.

His eyes met with the maroon colored eyes of the girl he'd seen in the city. She had on a small pink and cream dress that stopped at her knees and had a light pink backpack strapped onto her. She wore white leggings that had gold edges, stopping above her calves. Her shoes matched her dress.

"No...it's okay, I'm fine."

"Hmmm...that's strange, because from what you said, it sounds like you're looking for something..."

"Okay...and if I am?"

"Well, fill me in and maybe I an assist you..." The girl said with a faint smile.

X-X-X

Katsu roused himself from his slumber, the thought of the upcoming gym battle exciting him beyond all reason. Although he looked tired, he was pumped. But right now, all he wanted was a nice hot shower and some breakfast. Yes, that sounded really good right about now. He rubbed his eyes as he sat up, looking over at Riolu and Purrloin who were still sleeping. Rufflet still claimed the spot next to him on the pillow. He couldn't help but smile at this. The four of them were growing a lot it seemed and he was proud of his companions.

He took a little time before going to bed to do some research on the next Gym Leader which was Burgh. He'd heard of him briefly in the movie shoot as he was mentioned once. After figuring out that he had four Pokemon, Katsu thought that it was about time he caught himself another one. Putting himself at a power disadvantage would not be very providential. He figured he'd venture a little ways from the City and see what he could find there.

He removed his PJ's and stepped into the bathroom, closing the door so he could take a shower. Riolu awoke with a stretch and a yawn. Purrloin also roused herself, glancing up at Riolu with a smile before nuzzling him. She was somewhat used to the bipedal canine by now. She even didn't seem to mind Rufflet as much, though she would still pester him because it was fun.

'I take it our dear friend is awake? It's early, he must be wanting to get an early start.' Purrloin sniggered, hopping off the bed and stretching.

'That's Katsu for you. Nothing seems to deter him from his goals...one of the many reasons I'm glad I chose him...'

'My father seems to always be ready for battle. He would make a fine Braviary...' Rufflet chuckled, looking down at the other two.

'Indeed...though I wonder when we'll get a new addition to the team. He hasn't caught anything in a while. Let's just hope the next character we get doesn't disrupt our harmony...it took me a while to get used to bird brain over here...'

'I swear...if I wasn't so small I'd eat you...' Rufflet muttered.

'And that's why I love picking on you feathers for brains...you get so agitated easily, it's amusing...but it's all in good fun. Naturally we're enemies right? However, since Katsu takes care of us, we are friends. And though it's fun to tease you, I'm your friend still...even though it's fun to pluck your feathers, the face you make...priceless..''

'I'll show you priceless...'

'Okay you two, let's not get carried away here...' Riolu deadpanned.

X-X-X

"Team Plasma? As in the ones who tried to 'liberate' Pokemon from their trainers about two or three years ago?"

"Yes, the very same. Not sure if you heard about what happened at Floccesy Ranch but they attacked it. My friends and I were there at the time and stopped them before they could do more damage...however, we couldn't save all the Pokemon...some got away because a Herdier that the Ranch owners had led them to safety. We were incapacitated..."

"I see...and so now you're looking for them again huh? Why aren't your friends with you?"

"I can contact them anytime I want...I'm scouting ahead right now. I want to take them down as fast as possible...I want answers. And they're going to give them to me..."

"Mind if I ask what the reason is?"

"No...not at all..." Hugh said, pulling out the locket to show Iris. Hugh wasn't exactly aware that he was in the presence of the Unova Champion, the current one who took Alder's place.

"I see...is that your sister? She's cute! And that Purrloin is rather adorable. I prefer dragons myself but that's cute."

"Yeah...well that Purrloin was stolen from her five years ago. Team Plasma took it and a lot of other Pokemon as well. I want to get it back...I want to get them all back and make those Plasma trash pay for what they've done!"

"Well...you're not going to be able to do it on your own...you should at least let your friends find you first..."

"I already planned to meet up with them later...so, you mentioned you could help me?"

"Yes...I don't know for certain, but I do know of a place where most thieves and suspicious people would hide...why don't you have a look around the Castelia Sewers. It's just below the entrance to Skyarrow Bridge, if you know where that is. It shouldn't be too hard to find. I'd be careful going if I were you. I can see you're a strong trainer...but don't let your goal cloud your judgement..."

"Don't worry...I won't, and thanks..."

X-X-X

Jay was up listening to music while Gengar and Dusknoir were busy chatting. Since she had the volume up, she couldn't hear much of their conversation. Drifblim was hovering around her as usual, keeping an eye on the two.

'So, what do you think of Katsu? Nice guy huh?'

'A little too nice if you ask me...' Dusknoir grunted.

'Oh don't be that way, I think he's kinda neat. Handsome, strong, fast, he's got a lot of good qualities.'

'What are you getting at?'

'Huh? Nothing, I'm just saying he's cool guy, nothing more...'

'While I agree with you on some points, we have to remember that we are still Jaycelyn's guardians. We must protect her at all times...'

'Yeah, yeah, keep her safe, blah blah, I get it, I do that.'

'But you also embarrass her...'

'Look who's talking Mr. drag-any-boy-who-touches-her-into-the-abyss.'

'That was ONE time...the others weren't as bad...'

'Well...Jay seems to see Katsu as a friend, so let's just leave him be shall we? We're supposed to protect her AND make her happy.'

'I suppose...fine...'

X-X-X

Katsu stepped out of the shower and dried off. He sifted through his bag for some clothes to put on and threw them on the bed. He put on a black long-sleeve shirt and wore a white zip up vest with a popped collar. The vest had two zipper pockets on the chest area. He wore fitting, dark blue jeans with a bit of a faded color on the thigh and knee regions. He put on his usual shoes and strapped his backpack onto his shoulders along with his bokken.

'Morning Katsu.'

'Morning Riolu...ready for today?'

'Yep. Can't wait!'

'Good.'

"Morning Rufflet, doing okay partner?" Katsu said, ruffling the little eaglet's feathers a bit, causing Rufflet to nuzzle into his hand before hopping onto his perch.

Before Katsu could turn to address her, Purrloin leapt onto her preferred spot and nuzzled Katsu before licking the side of his face.

"Well, good morning to you too Purrloin. What do you all say we go and get ourselves a new friend?"

The three Pokemon nodded and with that, Katsu left the room to seek out Jay. He figured he'd see if she wanted to come along. He knocked on her door, but nobody seemed to answer. Just then, he saw Gengar poke his head through the door. Looking over to Riolu, knowing he could translate he spoke to it.

'Does he need Jay?'

'Yeah, we're headed out to get a new Pokemon to add to the team, he wants to know if Jay wants to come with him.'

'I see, well, I'll inform her then. Once she has those headphones on, she doesn't hear much...'

'Thanks Gengar...'

'You're welcome...' Gengar snickered, sucking himself back through the door.

'I'm guessing you handled it?'

'Yep...gotcha covered, Gengar said he'd get Jay right now...'

From within the room, an audible shriek could be herd as Jay was levitated from her bed. The door was opened and she was suddenly flung out towards Katsu. Reacting quickly, Katsu caught her but fell onto his back with Jay landing on top of him. Katsu looked up at Jay and noticed she was overtop of him. Her face began to turn red and she quickly scampered off of him onto her rear.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

"Hey, it's okay...don't worry about it."

"No, really! That was just embarrassing!" Jay almost cried.

"Seriously, it's fine, I'm not mad or anything, don't worry about it...okay?"

Jay couldn't understand it. She was awkward, probably annoying, and he most likely was getting tired of her, right? Apparently not, because there he went again, forgiving her. Just what was up with this guy? She grumbled cutely before getting up and dusting herself off. Making sure her skirt stayed down. She turned and shot a glare at Gengar who sniggered deviously. Dusknoir simply face palmed and shook his head. Drifblim floated over to Jay with a worried expression.

"So...did Gengar tell you the plan?"

"Mhm...something about wanting to get a new partner for your team right? I'm up for that..." She smiled.

"Sweet...well, we'd better get going. I'd like to get to the gym sometime today."

Jay nodded and went to retrieve her belongings. After doing so, she walked back out with her Pokemon in tow. She blushed in embarrassment after that incident. Sometimes Gengar was so intolerable. That was just rude! The two walked out of the Pokemon Center and into the city air. Katsu breathed it all in as he looked round. Everyone seemed to be running to and fro. Cars lined the streets and some were even riding to work via bicycle. It was a busy metropolis indeed. Katsu was about to head towards the Central Plaza area when his XTransceiver went off.

He looked down at it and saw that it was Hugh. He hit the switch on it and Hugh's face appeared on the screen.

"Oi, Katsu! How are you?"

"I'm alright Hugh, where are you?"

"In Castelia City...heading to the sewers...why?"

"Huh. I'm in Castelia right now actually..."

"Eh?! You caught up already? That was fast. Also, I heard about your movie from Alice, seems like you showed off as usual."

"I wouldn't exactly call it that...but yeah, I was in the new one..."

"Cool, we'll talk about that later. In the meantime, get on over to Castelia Sewers...we've got a job to do..."

And with that, Hugh winked out. A message buzzed on his XTransceiver which puzzled him.

'By the way...who's the girl?'

Katsu rolled his eyes and put the device back in his pocket. He turned around to see that Jay was shuffling her feet awkwardly behind him.

"Are you sure you're okay?"

"O-of course, I'm just sleepy, that's all..." She yawned.

"If you're sure...anyway, change of plans...we're going to Castelia Sewers. I'm going to need your help..."

"What for?"

"I'll tell you once we get there...we shouldn't keep Hugh waiting."

Jay didn't seem to get it but she went along anyway, Dusknoir and Gengar keeping close by her as well as Drifblim. Katsu pulled up the map of the city as he ran, getting the position of the sewers so he could navigate. Finding the location, he rounded the corner and went through the station, Jay following close behind. They soon reached the exit and were face to face with Hugh.

"There you are Katsu, been a while hasn't it?" Hugh smirked.

"Yeah, looks like you decided to get the jump on things...got your third badge already?"

"Yep...wasn't wanting to waste time you know, places to go, Plasma trash to burn...you get the idea...eh?" Hugh said as he saw Jay hiding behind Katsu.

"Uh, Katsu, who's that?"

Katsu laughed softly as he knew what Jay was doing. He turned back to Hugh and smirked.

"This is Jay, she's a trainer like us only she's not hunting badges. I met her after I got my badge at Virbank City Gym."

"So...you beat Roxie huh? I had a heck of a time with that Scolipede...luckily Pidove took it down after Oshawott weakened it. Let me guess...you used Rufflet?"

"No...Riolu finished the job..."

"Scary...Poison-types aren't affected all that much by fighting moves."

"Anyway, we're getting off track, you said we have job to do here? What's it about?"

Hugh glanced towards the sewers. He was informed that they were very vast and it was like a maze down there. On top of that, tons of wild Pokemon were there as well. It wasn't a place for the faint of heart.

"Team Plasma is down there...at least, that's what I am thinking. This girl named Iris said that thieves of all types gather down there...it makes perfect sense."

"I see...and you wanted backup huh? That's fine with me. I've always got your back..."

'Who is he?' Jay inquired, nodding to Hugh as she spoke to Purrloin who was closest to her.

'That's Hugh, he's a bit of a dimwit at times...but he's a pretty strong trainer. And on top of that, Katsu's childhood friend.'

'I see...so I can trust him?'

'Katsu hasn't been known to hang around anyone he wouldn't trust...'

'O-okay...'

Jay slowly slid out from behind Katsu and stood beside him. She listened in on the conversation. She was a bit scared about this 'job' they had to do. But she could tell that Katsu and Hugh knew what they were doing. She also had Dusknoir and Gengar to keep her safe along with Drifblim. She may have lacked confidence, but with the support of three powerful Ghost-types, she could go into battle without too much worry.

"Alright, so...shall we get going then?" Hugh asked.

"Yep...you coming Jay?"

"Y-y-yeah...I'm coming!"

X-X-X

"This place is big."

"I didn't realize it was this vast..." Katsu muttered.

"This place is big..." Hugh muttered.

"Okay, I get the point...so what should we do?"

"Hmmm...we don't have a choice. We should probably split up so we can cover more ground."

"I don't know about that Hugh...shouldn't we stick together?"

"Katsu...look at this place...it's-"

"Big, I know...I guess we could split up..."

"Like I said, now...any ideas?"

"Actually, yes...Jay, there's something I want to ask you..."

Oh no, here it comes. The dreaded question she wasn't ready for. Or...at least she thought it would be anyway.

"I was hoping you could use your powers to search for human aura with me. Riolu tells me that you can speak to him telepathically like I can only that your energy has a psychic feel to it...This will keep us connected and help us find each other if we should ever get lost. Hugh doesn't have these abilities like we do so we'll need to keep an eye on him more. Is that okay?"

Jay sighed inwardly, relieved that it was something completely different. She looked up at them and nodded.

"Yes...I-I suppose I can do that..." She said timidly.

"Good...we're going to split up now, I'll take the sewers heading this way, you head the opposite. Hugh? Take the south route...and be careful...yell if you find anything..."

"Gotcha Katsu."

"Alright...everyone ready?"

The group nodded and then split in different directions.

X-X-X

"Do you think we'll be able to pull this off?"

"We can't afford to have anyone find us out here...we're going to have to risk it...there are a lot of wild Pokemon down here and this seems like the best course of action.."

"If you're sure...go ahead and light it.."

The sound of a match being struck, followed by a loud crackling noise echoed through the sewers. Dozens of wild Pokemon ranging from Grimer to Muk and some Zubat along with Venipede and various other Poison-types, all went into a frenzy. Satisfied with their work, the Team Plasma Grunts stayed back as they all rushed through the sewers.

Katsu walked cautiously alongside Riolu, Rufflet and Purrloin still on his shoulders to keep a lookout. They were walking by the underground river and using it as a guiding point through the sewers. Katu's senses ticked as he felt something headed his way. A LOT of something rather. Riolu felt it too and just in time too. A Sludge Bomb exploded at his feet just as he and Katsu jumped out of the way. Purrloin leapt off his shoulders and Rufflet took to the air. Just as Purrloin was about to land, she was blasted into the river by an Air Slash which sent her sailing downstream.

"Purrloin!"

Katsu was about to turn back when another sludge bomb was launched at him. He evaded it and turned to his attackers.

"Wild Pokemon? That's odd...why are they all attacking me?"

'I don't know...but right now is not the time to ask...'

Riolu dodged another Sludge Bomb and fired off a Vacuum Wave.

'We need to repel them, we have to save Purrloin...'

Rufflet soared into battle, landing a solid wing attack to one of the Muk, knocking the pile of sludge back a little. Katsu formed his own Vacuum Wave, much to the surprise of the Pokemon standing in his way.

"Get out of my way!" Katsu shouted, lauching the blast along with Riolu.

The explosion created a dust cloud which gave Katsu and Riolu the time they needed to double back. Before they could do that, a blast of air came from behind and knocked Riolu to the ground. Another blast shot Rufflet down, taking it off guard. Katsu turned to see a few Team Plasma Grunts standing before him.

'Great...just what I need...you okay Riolu?'

'Yeah...I think...' He said, getting up slowly after taking a super-effective Air Slash to the chest.

Rufflet shook off the blow and rose up into the air, screeching angrily at the Team Plasma's Golbat for shooting him down.

"Looks like we found a rat in the sewers...looks like we're playing the part of the exterminator today. I hope you have a will written somewhere boy...because today is your last day..."

X-X-X

Jay was walking along the same water route as Katsu, only in the opposite direction. She was doing her best to use her psychic abilities to find other signs of human life down here besides Hugh and Katsu. She was about to round a corner when a loud mewing sound caught her attention.

'Help!' Came Purrloin's familiar voice.

Jay's attention shot towards Purrloin, her eyes widening as she saw the little one being carried down the river current. Dusknoir and Gengar both launched themselves into action but the river was carrying her too fast. She was heading straight for the edge of the sewers and was about to fall!

X-X-X

Riolu barely avoided an oncoming Air Slash and was now dancing around a Zangoose. Rufflet was in an aerial match with two Golbat which was not looking good. Riolu and Rufflet were getting exhausted. Rilou was dealt a heavy blow by Zangoose who relesed a punishing Crush Claw. Riolu bounced as he hit the ground. Rufflet was hit by Air Slash twice and plummeted, only to be caught by Katsu before he hit the ground.

"Looks like this is the end of the line for you and your Pokemon kid...any last words?"

As both Golbat's were about to strike, they were knocked back into the Grunts with brutal force. Katsu blinked as he saw what had occurred. His eyes went even wider when he saw the cause of the incident. There, standing before him was a large and slender purple feline with a yellow underbelly. She had speckled rossettes on her body and her face looked like it had a pink mask. Her eyes were bright green. She had long whiskers and her paws were also yellow. Her tail was long and sickle shaped as well. It was indeed, a Liepard.

Liepard looked back at Katsu and sniggered in a familiar way, signaling that it was his beloved Purrloin who had evolved. Katsu smirked at this, knowing that devious look anywhere. The Golbat who were so rudely interrupted glared at Leipard. The tricky feline looked over and saw Zangoose about to hammer down on Riolu. A few Air Slashes came her way and before they could hit their target, she vanished. Team Plasma gaped at this. What just happened? Suddenly, Zangoose was slashed across the back hard by a Night Slash attack. He was sent flying into a wall, knocking him out. Liepard landed gracefully and turned to defend her trainer.

"Well...looks like the odds just slipped into my favor..." Katsu grinned, taking out his bokken with a smirk.

Katsu and Liepard began to fend off Team Plasma. Liepard focused on the horde of Pokemon that still hadn't left yet. They were still a bit ticked off and wouldn't stop until the humans left them alone. Liepard maneuvered around every Sludge Bomb and Air Slash rather easily, dodging gracefully before hammering her targets with a Feint Attack/Night Slash follow up. She reappeared behind them, crouched down. An audible thud could be heard as every Pokemon she attacked collapsed. She turned around to examine her handiwork, rather pleased with the result. There were still more to take care of, but she was confident she could handle it.

"Katsu!" Jay's voice called out as she darted towards him. Gengar and Dusknoir handling stray Sludge Bombs that came their way.

"Oi, Katsu!" Hugh said, running beside Jay with Dewott racing alongside him.

"About time you guys showed up, what took you?" Katsu smirked as he turned towards Team Plasma.

"Looks like we just made it...Purr-I mean Liepard told me you were in trouble..."

"Huh?"

"I'll explain later..." Jay said as she turned to Team Plasma.

Hugh cracked his knuckles and turned to his Dewott, Patrat and Pidove. The odds were now stacked against Team Plasma. Katsu they could handle for a period of time...until Liepard came into the picture. On top of that...Jay had three powerful, fully evolved Ghost-types. This situation was not looking too good. They would have to withdraw for now.

"Alright you Plasma trash! Talk...where is my sister's Purrloin!"

"No idea what you're talking about kid. We don't have time to dawdle here...our mission is done here..." A Grunt stated.

At the snap of a finger, one of the Grunts sent out a signal. Suddenly, they were all teleported out. Katsu barely caught an image of whoever it was that teleported them. There were three by the looks of it. Jay could see them too.

"Ugh! Not again!" Hugh roared.

"Hey, it's not all bad. We're running into them more often now. I'm sure we'll eventually find out more information at this rate..." Katsu said with faint smile.

"Yeah...I guess you're right..."

The sound of clapping could be heard from behind them, prompting the trio to turn around and see a man in a lab coat standing there. He had blond hair with one section of it curving into a sort of 'C' shape. That part of his hair was blue. He had golden eyes as well. He was carrying a rather high-tech device that could be likened to that of a tablet.

"That was simply remarkable. The way your Liepard battled Team Plasma was absolutely superb. And your other Pokemon are rather remarkable as well. The way you brought out the power of your Pokemon in that fight was astonishing. I assume the same can be said for your companions. I have a feeling I'll be seeing more of you in the future...ciao..." And with that, the man walked off.

"Uh...what was that?" Hugh blinked, not really following what the man said.

"I dunno...doesn't matter though. We really should find a way out of the sewers."

"I can help with that." A voice called from behind them.

The trio turned around to see a man with wavy brown hair and green eyes wearing a red scarf with a green V-neck top. His pants were green on the back and red on the front with a black stripe down each leg. He had on black socks and green shoes with red straps. His belt buckle was in the shape of a white butterfly.

"Hey Burgh."

"Oh, Hugh, good to see you again!" Burgh said with a grin.

Once again, Jay hid behind Katsu. This was becoming a habit for her. Katsu couldn't help but find it rather endearing. It made him laugh inside. She peaked out at the man waving shyly. Burgh noticed this and raised a brow, a smile placing itself on his features as he waved back.

"You must be the Gym Leader, nice to meet you," Katsu smirked.

"Indeed I am, now, what do you say we all get out of here? I know the easiest way, follow me."

X-X-X

"Well, that was quick," Katsu chuckled.

"I know those sewers like the back of my hand. I could probably navigate them backwards and blindfolded," Burgh grinned.

"I see...so, what were you doing down there?" Hugh asked.

"I was looking for inspiration! Sometimes it's difficult to find when I'm painting so I go to wherever I feel will give me that inspiration and down there was simply perfect."

"I see...well, I suppose that make sense. How did you not run into Team Plasma while you were there?" Katsu asked.

"Like I said, I know the sewers well. They must have been on a different part of the sewers at the time. I only saw them briefly just before they left. You three seemed to be able to handle them quite well from what I could tell. I didn't see everything but they fled, so you three must be rather skilled."

"I don't know about that..." Katsu said as he scratched the back of his head.

"Katsu...don't play the modesty card...you just starred in a movie, you can shoot aura from your hands and sword, which shouldn't even be humanly possible and you spar with Riolu...so don't give me that crap!" Hugh said with an annoyed expression.

Katsu mumbled something unintelligable before turning to Burgh who didn't seem to be paying the least bit of attention.

"Well, in any case, feel free to challenge my gym when you're ready!"

"Will do..." Katsu smirked.

Burgh waved goodbye and then walked off down the street towards his gym. Katsu turned to Hugh who was looking away for a moment.

"You okay?"

"What do you think Katsu? We missed our chance again...this is really getting on my nerves. Are they so scared that they're going to run all the time? I'm really fed up with them..."

"So what do you plan to do?"

"I dunno, go on ahead I guess. I need to see if I can make some headway on this. They can't have gotten far. I'll track them down and let you know what I find."

"Just don't do anything dumb without us okay?"

'Us?' Jay thought with a raised brow. Did Katsu just include her in their mission? What exactly was it anyway? And why did she get the feeling that traveling with either of them would be dangerous? Well, it couldn't be helped now...Team Plasma already saw her face. She was now officially marked.

"Don't worry, with you two as back up I don't think I'll have much to worry about. Anyway, see you two later."

Katsu nodded towards Hugh as he left, heading straight for Route Four. A soft smile crossed his face as he turned to face Jay.

"So...what happened back there?" Katsu inquired, indicating to Liepard who was now sitting at his side.

"Well..." She began.

Earlier...

Dusknoir and Gengar made a grab for Purrloin as she sailed downstream. The current was strong and she wouldn't be able to pull out due to how small she was. The two Ghost-types missed her and darted off across the water again to grab her. Jay looked on in despair as she headed for the edge. At that point, Purrloin disappeared underwater. She was helpless in the current.

'Is this it for me? Is this how it ends? Katsu...'

'No...he needs me!'

A bright light enveloped her frame, new power coursing through her veins as her body began to change. Suddenly, her tail shot out of the water and latched onto a pole. Dusknoir and Gengar reached into the water to pull out what they expected to be a Purrloin only to be surprised to see a Liepard. They set her down on the ground and she shook her fur dry.

'Are you okay?'

'I'm fine now...but Katsu is in trouble!'

'He is?! Where?!'

'Up ahead...follow this river and it will lead you right to him. I'll go on ahead...make sure to find Hugh...'

'Got it...will do...'

End Flashback

"So, yeah...pretty much that..."

"Wow...not exactly how I was hoping Purrloin would evolve but...I'm so glad she did. Welcome to the team Liepard."

A smile rested on Liepard's features as she nuzzled into Katsu's side.

"Oh...and, thanks...had it not been for your two Pokemon, Liepard would probably be drowning right now...so, thank you...I owe you big time."

"I-It's okay...really, you don't have to do anything..." Jay blushed, twiddling her thumbs nervously.

"If you're sure...but if there's anything I can do for you, let me know."

"O-okay..."

"Now...let's see, Liepard, you're okay right now. What do you say we go on a hunt for a new friend?"

Liepard nodded, showing she understood and began walking with Katsu. Jay followed them and the three went up Route Four. Hugh was already way ahead of them so there really wasn't much of a need to try and catch up. Katsu raised a brow as he walked along. He stopped short, feeling out with his aura to see if there was anything nearby.

Liepard sniffed the air, her whiskers twitching as she kept alert. Suddenly, something red jumped out from behind a rock and started dancing around wildly. Katsu blinked as he saw the round red looking creature. Wondering what it was, he pulled out his Pokedex and pointed it at the Pokemon.

Darumaka. The Zen Charm Pokemon. When its internal fire is burning, it cannot calm down and it runs around. When the fire diminishes, it falls asleep.

"Well...it looks like its inner fire is lit up. Awesome...Liepard, let's go after it!"

Liepard padded forward and looked at the dancing ball with mild interest. Darumaka turned to see Liepard and grinned deviously in her direction. He then turned around and patted his buttocks in a taunting manner. Liepard sweat-dropped at this.

"Feint Attack!"

Liepard nodded and vanished from sight. She appeared behind the Darumaka and slashed across his back, sending him rolling around like a ball on the ground. He got up and continued to dance around, now throwing a bit of a fit. That same grin was stuck on his face as his fists powered up with flames.

'That's fire punch...this should be interesting...' Katsu thought with a smirk.

"Use Night Slash!"

Darumaka darted towards Liepard and aimed to slam his blazing fists into her side. She avoided it effortlessly and retaliated with a Night Slash. Sending the ball of fire sprawling across the ground. Damaged but undeterred it got up again and began shouting at Liepard.

'What...are you doing?' Liepard asked.

'I'm about to blow all of your pretty fur off of you pretty kitty!"

'What?...'

'I'M A FIRING MAH LAZEH!'

Darumaka opened its mouth and used Incinerate, effectively connecting with Liepard who was sent tumbling back after the blast. Liepard struggled to her feet and glared at Darumaka.

'Okay...now I'm pissed...'

What proceeded after that was a little hard to watch. After a succession of Fury Swipes and a few Night Slashes, Darumaka was rendered unconscious. Liepard breathed heavily and then huffed, turning her nose up at the concussed heap in front of her.

"Your Liepard...scares me..." Jay said nervously, hiding behind Katsu.

"She won't hurt you...she just gets into these moods sometimes..." Katsu muttered.

"Well...I suppose I should finish the job."

Katsu took out an unused Pokeball and threw it at Darumaka, catching the little critter without any difficulty. He picked up his new teammate and placed him under his belt.

"Thanks Liepard, that was great. Get some rest."

Liepard nodded as she was returned to her ball. Katsu breathed a relieved sigh and turned to Jay.

"Well, shall we get going? Burgh will be waiting for us back at the gym so let's stop at the Pokemon Center beforehand."

"R-right...let's go." Jay said with a soft smile.

Katsu and Jay soon headed back into Castelia City. So far, the morning had been eventful. The afternoon sun was now high above the sky and everything was looking bright for the duo. With his gym challenge up ahead, he now had a fourth Pokemon to add to his list.

And that brings this chapter to an end. How was it? Did you like it? Tell me your thoughts. So yeah, Liepard is finally here! Too bad the rest of his Pokemon won't evolve til later. Darn high level evolutions...Anyway, this was fun to right. Once again, credit to PG-13 for the sewer scene idea and the way to evolve Purrloin. Seriously, go check out his stuff, it's great. Anyway, it's break time for about an hour or so until my tablet recharges. Then the next few chapters will follow! I hope you're enjoying yourselves because I sure am! Find out how the battle goes in the next installment of Icy Wrath!