As the group continued traveling towards Petalburg, a little talk between Ash and Max lead the former to regale their hoennian companions about their adventures in other regions. While they took a short break, it soon turned to them exchanging old stories from the days before this journey...

''Oh and Max still has that old bedspread.'' May finished.

Her little brother blanched ''How'd you know?!''

She smirked ''Oh, I wasn't sure until today. Thanks for telling me.''

Max groaned, realizing that he walked right into that one while his friends were left amused. That story was one of the most embarrassing in his life-why'd she have to know it?!

''I'm more amazed it's actually in one peace after that story.'' Brock remarked.

Ash snickered ''Yeah, I mean really-why would you even-?''

''Oh, just stop it!'' Max cut in, flustered.

Trying to look for a change of subject, his eyes centered on Wally, who was preocuppied with tending to the egg. He wiped it with a cloth after which he was wiping carefully with a cloth. ''You're really taking good care of it.''

Wally's expression made it clear that he knew what Max was trying to do but he had apparently decided not to call him out on it, to which Max was very thankful ''I think it's only right. Brock said it's good for the pokemon too, apparently they're somewhat aware of things surrounding them even before they hatch.''

May blinked ''Really?''

''That's the first I hear of it...'' Max tilted his head.

''We weren't sure either but we first knew after finding a Larvitar's egg in Johto.'' Brock informed. ''It turns out the poor little guy was so timid because he remembered something bad happening before he was seperated from him mom. But it also worked out well because he knew Ash did a lot to look out for him.''

Their female companion smiled ''That's really nice, Ash.''

''Ah, he's exaggerating. We all did our parts.'' The boy returned modestly. ''Things were rough at first but Larvitar's a really good friend...''

Ash was distracted by the sound of the bushes rustling, making him look over to see a Zigzagoon coming out. The pokemon seemed to have been in a bit of a hurry, seemingly looking for something before relaxing. It noticed them after a moment but apparently took their presence in stride. Ash could've sworn Zigzagoon's eyes lingered on Wally longer than them but the pokemon took off before he could be sure.

''What was that about?'' Max wondered.

''No idea...'' The boy scratched his head.

''Anyway, you were saying?'' May inquired.

Ash blinked ''Oh, right-well...''


As they went back on their way, they ran into a Loudred who jumped down from a cliff. It growled, making a few nearby wild pokemon run away as it stomped forth. The pokemon had clearly seen some battles, judging by the visible injuries on its body but it was clearly more than willing to fight.

''Get out of the way!'' Brock cried and they all got out of the way as Loudred charged.

May ducked and pulled Max down the pokemon let out a Hyper Voice ''What's that thing's problem?!''

Wally, who had chosen to keep a watchful on Loudred-saw that that it was coming back. Likewise, Ash had done the same and thus ushered them to get away. They saw Loudred charging towards a Zigzagoon who was too frightened to move. This prompted Wally to have Kirlia teleport it out of the way and Loudred attacked with Hyper Voice. Ash had just been about to send Treecko to battle when...

''Loudred!'' A teen with green hair came running, tackling it then. Contrary to expectations, this actually helped calm it down.

May looked taken aback ''What...?''

The new arrival look at them ''I'm sorry for the trouble, this Loudred's my partner.''

The boy introduced himself as Guy, whose pokemon seemed to be going into rages lately. They had just stopped here to work on this problem but so far nothing had changed...

''So Loudred's been going on and picking fights?'' Ash clarified.

Guy nodded as he finished healing his pokemon ''I lost track of him a couple of hours ago. I tried to warn him to be careful-it looks like something's going on around here but he just wouldn't listen.''

''It did look like some of the pokemon were acting a little strange...'' Brock recalled a few things he had seen in passing earlier. Most had been rather withdrawn and cagey, as if they were intent on keeping them away. He'd assumed they were territorial but now he wasn't so sure.

The breeder noticed how Zigzagoon took a moment to glare at Loudred before turning to Wally and Kirlia before bowing, seemingly expressing gratitude before leaving. ''So how long has this been going on?''

''Ever since Loudred evolved.'' Guy admitted with a sigh. ''He had his outbursts back as a Whismur too but he was mostly actually timid. We got along pretty well after a while as we became a team. I was so happy when he evolved but then...well, you know.''

Brock hummed in thought ''Well, there were times when a pokemon's personality changes after evolution. Trainers have to adapt to that.''

Ash knew that from personal experience. He couldn't help but think back to his Charizard-how well they had gotten along at first before their troubles started after he came a Charmeleon...thankfully, they were much better off now but Guy's situation was a stark reminder of those times.

''We came out here to train and hopefully sort it all out for good.'' Guy stated. ''At least I'm trying but...one of my friends suggested that it'd be better to release Loudred but...I can't bring myself to do it.''

''Yeah, you shouldn't just give up!'' Ash said firmly. ''I can tell you still want to try by that look on your face. You're still giving it your best shot, right? It's not too late for you two.''

''But what do I do? No matter how much I try, it's always the same with him. I get through to him for a short while and then the same happens all over again...'' He remarked wearily and they suspected that it was less that he wanted to give up and more that he was at a loss.

''Ash's right, even if it may be hard, it isn't impossible.'' Wally offered. ''You still treat Loudred as a friend, you still there can be some good in this situation. That there's always a chance you can find another way, because you don't want to leave things like this. Even if not for your sake, you want to do help for Loudred...sound about right?''

Guy looked surprised, that about summed up most of how he felt perfectly ''H-how did you know?''

Kirlia smiled, he knew exactly why his trainer could relate to this situation.

The boy started to explain ''It's about how I felt with a certain friend back home. See, months ago...''


Wally had just come to the Pokemon Center to return the books Nurse Joy had lent him when he found the woman in question talking to Officer Jenny. Both women seemed rather troubled but he couldn't hear what they were talking about from here. The former stopped upon noticing him ''Oh, Wally-have you seen a pokemon run by here earlier?''

The boy blinked but nodded ''Chansey was going after one before...I think they're still in the garden.''

She sighed ''I thought so...''

''Um, Nurse Joy-is one of the pokemon causing trouble like the other day?'' He asked, recalling an incident with a Mightyena where Chansey had to use Sing to have it sleep.

''I'm afraid this one's a bit of an understatement in comparison.'' She returned. ''Officer Jenny retrieved a Mawile from a few despicable criminals who were mistreating pokemon. That poor thing was suffering for so long-even the wounds we healed were nothing compared to the scars they inflicted. But Mawile's completely unresponsive to any of us-we were just thinking it was best to relocate him.''

''The problem is, he won't let anyone near him.'' Jenny added. ''He's grown quite powerful with those lowlives. Mawile defeated quite a few of our pokemon with ease but we think forcing him to do anything is the wrong idea.''


Max stared ''Wow, things were that bad?''

Wally nodded ''They didn't want to hurt Mawile-using force was the only choice at the time but it really did make everything worse.''

''I can see that-they were trying to help but that must've made Mawile resent them.'' Brock stated.

''So what happened?'' Guy wanted to know.

''Well, the only thing was keep trying...and that gave me an idea...''


Nurse Joy frowned as Mawile's second mouth snapped at her and Chansey, teeth grinding together. Wally had been watching nearby, this was the third attempt in a row he had seen that Mawile completely rebuffed help. Jenny had suggested asking for Norman's help but the nurse asked for a little more time as it would surely just attract attention and Mawile would not take well to more people.

Wally wanted to help them somehow, especially after all Nurse Joy did for him. But given the situation, he could think of only one thing...

''...Nurse Joy, can you let me try?''

Joy and Chansey looked at him in alarm ''What? Wally, he's too volatile right now. I don't think we can get him to listen.''

The boy shook his head ''That's not what this is about-please, just wait a few minutes, you'll see.''

''...All right, but we'll be here.'' She decided, side-stepping to let her apprentice go ahead.

Wally sat leaning to the wall of the door leading to the garden. ''Mawile...'' A growl reached his ears as he pressed on. ''...I'm not here to tell you to listen to me, or to them. I don't think this is how it should work. You were captured by some terrible people who thought nothing of treating you as a weapon-I can't imagine how awful that must have been.'' Another growl sounded but Wally pressed on. ''But you're safe now-no one has the right to dictate your choices. Nurse Joy wants to make sure you're back to full health after what happened to you. Officer Jenny arrested those criminals-you're free. Even if it may not seem that way now.''

Nurse Joy could only stare at him in wonder. Now that she thought about, they may have really been too forceful. Not once had they sat down and simply tried to talk, to understand the deceiver pokemon. The thought made her feel ashamed of herself. Why didn't she see it sooner?

''What do you want to do now?'' Wally asked. Mawile grunted, sounding puzzled. ''You still need time to heal but what then? You don't want to fight-not really, otherwise you wouldn't have been staying out here, right?''

Nurse Joy blinked, realizing that was true. Mawile may have lashed out but he never actually set out to hurt them, not really. They had quickly realized that Mawile prefered staying in the center's garden because it was so big. But really, Mawile only fought when they came closer...technically, all he did was more or less push them away.

She could see Mawile staring at Wally through the glass door in confusion, clearly trying to figure out what to make of him.

Wally picked up the plate of food and berries Chansey had been meaning to give the deceiver pokemon before placing it before him. ''No one's going to hurt you but I guess you'll have to see that for yourself. Just give it time, okay?''

With his piece said, the boy turned to leave. He paused when he reached Nurse Joy and Chansey ''Ah, that was...really the best I could think of.''

''Thank you, it was great.'' Joy assured warmly, noticing how contemplative Mawile appeared. ''Judging by that reaction, I'd say you definitely had the right idea. What made you think of it?''

''W-well, it was actually something in one of the books you gave me.'' The boy smiled a bit, embarrassed. ''You have to be really honest and clear to pokemon for them to see you mean well, right? I thought it was worth a try.''


''It took a lot of time...'' Wally started, thinking back to how slowly he was the only one Mawile would allow close. Heck, for a while Mawile wouldn't even take any food if Wally hadn't been the one offering it. ''...things were rough but they all worked out. We're great friends now.''

''That's a cool story.'' Ash smiled while the others looked impressed. He could see how much of a difference Wally's approach made right from the get go. No wonder he made all the difference.

"You did great by him, Wally." Brock added and the others agreed.

''Thanks. That's why I think you just have to be patient, Guy. The most rewarding things can be difficult.'' Wally finished.

''I think he's right. We can help you out now.'' Brock added, the boy thanking them then.

''And I know how to start us off, how about we have a pokemon battle?'' Ash suggestsed. ''If talking and trying to reason with Loudred's no good, maybe a battle can help soothe him.''

''It's worth a shot, right?'' May added, looking at Guy.

He nodded ''Let's do it.''


Ash and Guy stood at opposite sides of the clearing. The former had Treecko out while Loudred let out a growl as it stood in front of the latter. Once Brock called the match...

''Treecko, use Quick Attack!''

''Tank it and use Stomp!''

Loudred managed to do just that, grabbing Treecko and throwing him dwn before pinning him under his foot. Treecko struggled to get out but Ash remedied the problem by calling for a Bullet Seed, pelting Loudred n the face and making it recoil.

The grass starter was quick enough to dodge Loudred's Supersonic but the consequent Earthquake catches him off guard, throwing him down. They hit each other with Quick Attack and Pound before getting back on their feet.

Just when it looked they were about to continue battling, both Treecko and Loudred started glowing.

''Hey, whoa, is that...?'' Max stared as the two began to change in shape.

The light faded in seconds, revealing that they had evolved into Grovyle and Exploud respectively.

May's mouth fell ''They evolved at the same time?''

Wally looked just as amazed. ''Wow...'' He and Max turned to May as she scanned Grovyle with her pokedex.

''Grovyle, the Wood Gecko pokemon. This pokemon flies adeptly from branch to branch in trees. In a forest no pokemon can ever hope to catch a fleeing Grovyle however fast they may be.''

Ash and Guy were excited by the development and they were quick to get back into the spirit of things. Max's eyes traveled to Exploud as the battle continued ''Wow, I've only seen Exploud in books-it looks impressive.''

''Yeah, it sure seems strong...'' May held up her pokedex, which buzzed.

''Exploud, the Loud Noise pokemon. Exploud triggers earthquakes with the tremors it creates by bellowing. If this pokemon violently inhales from the ports on its body, it's a sign that it is preparing to let loose a huge bellow.''

Wally blinked ''Wait, like right now?''

Confused, the girl looked back at Exploud to see that he was indeed inhaling deeply. The ports on his body seemed to be swelling with air as he simply stood there, despite Guy's commands.

Grovyle charged at the pokemon, the leaves on his arms glowing green before he struck his side. Ash stared ''What was that?''

Max perked up ''It's Leaf Blade!''

''Leaf Blade, huh? All right, do it again!'' The boy commanded.

Grovyle made to do just that but then Exploud let a fierce Hyper Voice attack that not only sent Grovyle reeling but damaged a good part of the battlefield. Ash yelped as he dodged the resulting shockwave while Guy stiffened in surprise. Exploud continued to rampage, throwing rocks and bouders everywhere. Grovyle sliced on in half before it could hit Ash as the boy steadied himself ''Thanks, use Bullet Seed!''

Grovyle unleashed the hail of glowing seeds that rained on Exploud but it seemed to have no little effect. The pokemon growled and charged at them, but he was suddenly raised up in mid-air by a glowing blue force. Ash blinked and looked at their friends, finding Kirlia glaring at the pokemon, who continued in flail in mid-air.

''Exploud!'' Guy hurried to the pokemon as Kirilia let him go. ''Calm down, please. You have to...'' Exploud pushed him off and took off, promting them to chase after him.


Guy sighed, they had yet to see any sign of Exploud anywhere ''Just when I thought things were working out, this happens...'' He glanced at Grovyle, who was hopping between trees ''...you're lucky you have pokemon who actually listen to you.''

''Hey chin up, we'll figure this out.'' Ash returned. ''Grovyle, you want some rest? We can handle things here.''

But the grass type shook his head and jumped to another tree, pausing as he noticed something. Ash blinked ''Do you see Exploud?''

Grovyle grunted and pointed at a hollow tree to their left, making them notice a few wild pokemon gathered around something they couldn't see. The pokemon's terse demeanor and glares told the group it was wise to keep their distance.

''What's going on?'' Guy wondered.

''Hey, didn't we see something like this before?'' Max thought back.

Brock nodded ''There were a bunch of pokemon who were well-hidden...they were acting a lot like this. I wonder why...''

''You think Exploud might have run into some of them?'' The younger boy asked.

''That wouldn't surprise me.'' The breeder returned, thinking to the pokemon's state earlier. ''Anyway, let's keep moving-we've got to focus.''


May crossed her arms ''Do you guys think some battles would help deal with Exploud's problem?''

''Well, trainers and pokemon can connect through battles...'' Her brother hummed in thought. ''...it's hard to say though.''

This left the girl thinking, she couldn't imagine dealing with a problem like Guy's. They hadn't dealt with evolution among their pokemon much so far. Things worked out pretty well with her and Beautifly. Kirlia was the most recent evolved pokemon among their group but May couldn't picture the sweet psychic and fairy type acting like Exploud-ever.

''What's up, May?'' Ash tilted his head.

''Oh, just wondering...'' Her eyes traveled to her pokeballs. ''...what it'd be like if something like this happened to me. I don't know what I'd do.''

''You'll be fine.'' The boy stated, making her blink. ''Well, you'll definitely care and keep trying for your pokemon...''

''Of course!'' May cut in. She may not have liked pokemon at friends but she couldn't imagine her life without them. She definitely did not want to give up on any of her pokemon.

''...there you go, that feeling is the most important part, May.'' The boy finished.

Wally nodded ''You wouldn't be alone-we'd have your back.''

''That goes without saying.'' Brock added while Max nodded.

May smiled widely ''Thanks, you guys.''


When they found Exploud, it was to see him roaring angrily near a waterfall. Oddly enough, there were corks blocking some of his ports as he stomped around. While angry as ever, Exploud's attention on them but on...

Guy looked bewildered at the sight of Team Rocket cowering from his pokemon ''Who're they?''

Max groaned ''Them again...of course they just have to cause trouble!''

Jessie tried to shoot more corks from the bazooka like weapon in her arms but Exploud batted them away. Snarling, the pokemon unleashed a Hyper Voice that had them scrambling to get away at once. As Grovyle landed before the Loud Noise pokemon, Team Rocket noticed the group.

''Oh, lookie here, the twerps! Perfect!'' Jessie smirked, striking a stance. ''Your pokemon are ours...''

''Oh, save it. Exploud was clearly kicking your butts just now.'' May cut in, her tone deadpan.

''Yeah, as you usual you're just full of hot-air.'' Her brother added.

''You little brats...!'' Jessie snarled while her teammates glared back.

Exploud stomped towards Grovyle, unleashing another Hyper Voice which Grovyle dodged. Likewise, when Grovyle used Leaf Blade, Exploud simply grabbed his arms and threw back.

''Use Bullet Seed!'' Ash called. Grovyle jumped and fired the attack, which made Exploud wince. ''Now Leaf Blade!''

This attack was a success, making Exploud grunt in pain. Grovyle was about to attack but he froze after a moment, spotting something dangerously close by. Ash blinked ''What's wrong? Are you tired?''

It was Guy who answered ''No, look!''

He pointed at a certain area, Ash squinted over and his eyes went wide as he understood Grovyle's choice. There were a number of wild pokemon trapped in a cage, if Grovyle had moved, they would surely have gotten hurt. He glowered at Team Rocket ''Why you...let them go right now!''

''No chance, twerp-those pokemon are going to ensure our promotion!'' James declared.

''Yeah, you wish! Grovyle, use Quick Attack!''

That may as well have been the signal for battle to begin as Team Rocket was quick to send out Seviper and Cacnea. While they fired their Poison Sting and Pin Missile attacks, their opponents dodged. However, Exploud didn't so much as twitch, to Guy's alarm-seemingly not caring about being caught in the crossfire. The two pokemon's consecutive attacks were repelled by Pikachu and Kirlia who stood before Guy and his partner as Ash and Wally rejoined them.

''Take those twerps down with Poison Tail!'' Jessie ordered.

''Cacnea, another Pin Missile!'' James added.

''Pikachu, Iron Tail!'' Ash called, the mouse slammed Seviper into the ground.

''Use Psychic!'' Wally called and Kirlia sent Cacnea flying.

Just when it looked like the attacks had beaten them back, a stray Pin Missile flew towards Exploud. Guy quickly shielded his pokemon with his body, to general shock.

Even Exploud seemed dumbfounded at the action while Brock helped his trainer up ''You all right?''

''Y-yeah, never mind me-what about you, Exploud?'' Guy looked at the pokemon in question, who nodded after a moment.

''Well, if you're just gonna sit there...'' Meowth smirked, revealing a new bazooka like weapon. ''...then I say it's time we test out our upgraded Sharpedo Cork Shooter!''

He fired the weapon, which unleashed a multititude of corks at great speed. Meowth tinkered a little with the weapon and fired another shot, this one revealing corks that unfurled together to reveal a net.

Exploud glanced at Guy for a moment. The teen really had been putting up with a lot because of him. Exploud knew he had been difficult lately-his mood had just been worsening and he had a lot to get used to after evolving. But Guy had been incredibly patient with him-even when he'd gotten hurt, he was focused on helping Exploud first...

Well, enough was enough.

Everyone watched as the Loud Noise pokemon stepped up in front of Guy, inhaling deeply before letting out a powerful Hyper Voice attack. Not only did it blow back the corks right to sender but it almost blew Meowth and Team Rocket back. Growling, Exploud fired up a second Hyper Voice that left them reeling and Ash had Pikachu send them blasting off with a Thunderbolt.

''Hey, that was pretty good!'' The boy exclaimed, grinning at Guy and Exploud.

The Loud Noise pokemon surprised them all by hugging Guy then. The boy beamed in delight and happily returned the gesture. May couldn't help but smile ''Aww...''

''Now that's more like it.'' Brock remarked and Wally nodded.

''Looks like they're ready to be friends again.'' Max's smile widened as Exploud grunted positively as if to affirm this.

''See? We knew you'd do it!'' Ash chimed in happily.

''Thanks...I'm glad.'' Guy grinned in return. ''I really was at the end of my rope but it's because of you all that it worked out. I'm glad I didn't give up in the end.''

He looked at the cage ''Exploud, can you...?'' But he needn't go any further as the pokemon seemed to have been thinking along the same lines, for he proceeded to wrench the cage bars open enough to allow the pokemon to escape.

Strangely enough, the first thing they all did was hurry to some trees and seemingly check something in there. Max blinked ''What's going on?''

They headed over for a closer look, only to be thrown for a loop at the sight of nests hidden within, all holding eggs. Ash stared ''Oh, so they were checking up on the those eggs...''

He stiffened as some of the pokemon turned to them with angry looks, most of them were centered on Exploud. But before anyone could react, a Zigzagoon stepped out, barking sharply before shaking its head. This gave the opportunity for calmer heads to prevail as the other pokemon seemed to be willing to talk things through with them.

''What was that about?'' May wondered as the Zigzagoon came over.

''I think Exploud might have run afoul of them when he took off...'' Brock trailed off, seeing Zigzagoon nod. He didn't miss Pikachu and Kirlia's recognition of the pokemon, which had him thinking. ''Say, you're the Zigzagoon from before, right?'' Another nod. ''Would you explain that we mean well, please?''

''Yeah, I'm sorry for the trouble. It won't happen again.'' Guy added while Exploud nodded.

Zigzagoon headed over to the wild pokemon and talked with them. It then looked back and waved a paw, reassuring that everything was all right.

''Thank you.'' Wally patted its head, to which it beamed back.

''Well, I'm glad everything's fine...but what do you think they're doing there?'' May wondered.

Zigzagoon gestured at the nearest tree, apparently deciding to show them. The group headed over, pausing in surprise at their find.

A number of the wild pokemon were huddled around a nest which held some pokemon eggs. Closer inspections revealed a number of other nests ensconed safely in the area.

''Look at them all...'' May paused as a thought occured to her. ''...wait, do you guys think maybe...that's what's been going on here? We were just talking about how weird the pokemon were acting but...''

''Yeah...looking back I remember seeing nests scattered around, maybe they were just pushing others away to protect the eggs and their newborns.'' Guy finished for her. Neither missed Zigzagoon nodding to affirm their conclusion.

Max remembered Zigzagoon giving them those odd looks and he figured it made sense. Maybe seeing Wally taking care of the egg actually helped it trust them in a way, no doubt it could relate after all. ''You guys are doing a pretty good job here.''

''Yeah, no kidding-we won't tell anyone about this. Promise.'' Ash added and the others nodded.

The three almost jumped at a rumbling sound suddenly reached the ears. They quickly realized it was coming from Exploud, who touched his stomach with a surprised grunt. Guy chuckled ''Right, we haven't really gotten to eat in a hours...''

''In that case, why don't you join us for lunch?'' Brock suggested.


As they all sat down to eat...

''Hey Wally, what happened to Mawile anyway?'' Max inquired.

''Yeah, seeing how close you seem to be, I would've figured he would've joined you.'' Guy admitted.

''Well, it's complicated...'' The boy started. He didn't think Mawile would've been ready to have a trainer back. ''...we met before I even thought I could really be trainer. Besides, Mawile decided to travel-he was in Petalburg Woods the last time I saw him but it's been so long...''

''You never know, you might be able to meet again.'' Ash pointed out.

Wally smiled at the thought ''That'd be great.''


Well, let's stop here.

What do you think? I wasn't sure about how to handle this chapter for a while but luckily inspiration struck and here we are. I thought I'd use the plan about Mawile a bit later but then I realized it could actually fit here pretty well. Oh and in case I got anyone confused, Wally and Mawile met months-almost a year before the story started. So Kirlia knows the story because Wally told him but they've never actually met. I intend to delve into more along that particular plot when I get to the part about Petalburg.

Well thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it, till next time!