AN: Soooo... I'm back. Yeah, sorry about not updating when I said I would, and trust me, I reeeeaaally wanted to. At the time though, my computer wiped all of my document data due to it being an old piece of crap. So I lost a 8500 word chapter, which demotivated me a great deal. Now, I have a new PC, and I'm feeling inspired; as well as having many, many things to say.

To start, you all have no idea how much your kind words, whether it be reviews or PMs, mean to me. I'm really not an expressive person due to prior experiences in life, but I'm willing to admit that I almost cried when I read some of the reviews that you guys sent me, and the PMs were almost as wonderful. I really, genuinely appreciate all of you, and I hope you all continue to keep up this strange devotion to what I consider to be a mediocre FanFiction at best.

Now, I will definitely be posting a poll, maybe even before this chapter comes out, so you all should go vote on it. I would definitely vote on this one, as it determines how I prioritize what happens in my story. Basically, should I get to the romance that we all love, or should I stretch it out. Your input will be greatly appreciated. I'll respond to a few notable reviews, and then we'll get into what I'm sure you've all been waiting for.

Cyde: Unfortunately, I'm not a particularly avid Slakoth fan, but I can definitely see your point. As for your predictions on Pseudo's, I'm actually only planning to give him... well 3 of them yeah. I'm sure that someone will be able to predict which ones lol. That's in response to your second review. As for your first one? Wonderful constructive criticism, meaningful words and concise. Thank you for your wonderful words, and I'll be entirely honest? I totally fell off of my computer chair when I read the ditto thing, that was fucking hilarious.

Pokefanatic95: Now, I got enough reviews complimenting me that I usually just respond to them all collectively, but you're a truly special one. As I said when I messaged you, it was your review that really was the straw that broke the Camel's back, in a wonderful way. So thank you, truly, and I will most assuredly be watching for continued reviews from you.

MortemPlasmon: I feel the same way, and you know what? I'll find a damn way, that sounds cute as hell.

Now, there are too many assorted compliments to respond to individually, but know that I've read every single one and I appreciate them all so much. Thank you. I will also reiterate, if anyone has the talent and wish to do the artwork for Ash and Garchomp, I would literally hug you.

Disclaimer: I do not, in any way, own Pokemon

"Speaking"

'Thoughts/Telepathy'

"Pokemon Speaking. This will become much more common when Ash discovers his aura"

Chapter 4 (Finally)

Ash's eyes flickered open slowly, the gentle dawn 's light flickering through the blinds that covered the window. He blinked rapidly to readjust himself before attempting to sit up; this effort failed due to a rather light, but noticeable weight that rested upon his arm and shoulder. Ash smiled as he remembered the welcoming of Bagon into the world, and gently shook his most recent Pokemon awake, "Baaaagon," He smiled as the child yawned adorably before waking itself similarly to that which he had done not 5 minutes ago. Ash sat up, stretching and dressing swiftly as his Pokemon woke up; a few minutes later, he pulled his gauntlets on and returned his Pokemon.

He walked out of the room and dropped off his key with the Nurse Joy, "Good morning Nurse Joy, I'm sorry to bother you, but I wanted to drop off my room key with you and ask if you could take a quick look at my Bagon?"

The Nurse smiled sweetly before tilting her head in slight confusion, "Your Bagon? I was not aware you had a Bagon, I thought you only had your Pikachu, Kirlia, Pidgey, and Garchomp?"

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "No that was the case, but one of the eggs that I was taking care of hatched, and I just want to know that everything is alright with him."

She nodded, seeming only slightly surprised at how many Pokemon a new trainer had, "Very well, you can release him on the counter here," Ash did so, hiding a light chuckle as Bagon peered around him perplexedly. Nurse Joy performed a quick check-up, making sure to draw a very small blood sample so as not to chance the risk of an unknown genetic disease. After a few vaccines, she turned back to Ash with a pleasant smile on her face, "He's as healthy as can be, is there anything else I can do for you, sir?"

Ash just smiled under the shadow of his hat, and while he knew the Nurse couldn't see it, she could hear his voice warm ever so slightly, "No, that's plenty. Thank you, you have eased all my worries when it comes to Bagon," the small saurian perked up at the mention of him, "I really must be heading out now, but thank you again." He picked up Bagon and placed him on his shoulder gently before spinning on his heel and giving the Nurse a brief, single wave.

-**Time Skip to Pewter City**-

Ash stared balefully at the Pewter City Gym from underneath the shadow of his hat, and he could feel his Pokemon's incredulity as well, 'It's... It's a rock. Literally, just a rock.' Pikachu's mental voice sounded in his mind. Ash could only sigh and shake his head slightly before walking in. The gym was dark, oppressively so for the weak-willed. Fortunately, Ash was anything but; his eyes instantly honed in on the gym leader, Brock if his research was correct. The Gym's lights suddenly snapped on, and Ash got a better look of his opponent (We all know what Brock looks like, so I'm not going to waste space), who almost immediately began speaking, "Welcome to the Pewter City Gym, are you here fo9r a badge?"

Ash simply nodded and took his place on the challenger's side of the battlefield. Brock sweatdropped slightly before doing the same, and his brother took the referee's spot and begun introducing the match, "This is a battle between Brock, the Gym Leader, and..."

"Ash, from Pallet Town."

"and Ash, from Pallet Town. This will be a 2 on 2 battle, with only the challenger being permitted to substitute, are there any complaints?" following the silence that descended, Brock's brother continued, "Then begin!"

"Geodude, go!"

"Pikachu, secure this round."

Brock's Pokemon manifested into what looked like a rock with two arms on either side with a shout of, "Geo!", while Pikachu merely jumped down to the battlefield as his cheeks sparked slightly. Ash could see and practically feel Brock's sudden condescension, even without his Psychic nature. Brock immediately began explaining the 'basics' of Pokemon battling, going on about how electric types can't beat rock types, etc.

Ash eventually got sick of it, "Would you mind hurrying this up? I don't have all day."

Brock instantly became slightly sheepish before focusing on the battle, "Okay, you asked for it! Geodude, use Rock Throw!"

"Agility into Iron Tail."

Geodude threw the medium-sized rock that it had picked up with a cry of its name, but Pikachu was suddenly no longer there. Both Brock and Geodude were shocked as the Iron Tail slammed into the back of Geodude's 'head' with crushing force, sending it flying. It stood back up with a growl and awaited its trainer's next orders. Brock shook himself slightly to rid himself of his stupor and continued the battle, "G-Geodude! Use Earthquake and then Brick Break!"

"Plant an Iron tail in the ground to minimize the effectiveness of the Earthquake, follow with Brick Break in the same spot as the Iron tail," Pikachu did so immediately, wincing only slightly at the would-be-lethal Earthquake before dashing around Geodude and swinging his glowing fist into the spot that he had previously struck with his Iron Tail; but Geodude spun around with a matching glow on its left hand and swung towards Pikachu hastily.

Pikachu had never been so glad for his reflex training with Ash.

He spun and used an Iron tail to parry the fist to the side, spinning Geodude around just enough for the Brick Break to slam into the web of cracks that marked his target. Geodude didn't stand a chance as the already powerful move became lethal and struck with a resounding crack. The rock-type instantly fainted and was sent rolling forward, back towards its trainer as it fell unconscious. Brock's jaw was agape and he numbly returned his Pokemon before croaking out, "H-How...?"

Ash just stared at him apathetically, even though he was inwardly smirking, "I train my Pokemon fiercely and I trust them wholly; which means I am more than happy for them to judge and react to a situation that they deem important enough to bypass my instructions," secretly, even he was incredibly surprised with how Pikachu performed in that interaction, and very proud of him too, 'He's definitely getting a bottle of ketchup after that,' he thought to himself.

Brock could only nod slowly before steeling his resolve, "I underestimated you, but it won't happen again. Go Onix!" The Rock Snake Pokemon burst from his ball with a mighty roar and coiled itself slightly as the boulders that made up its body ground together menacingly.

Pikachu just stared at the display with a slightly raised eyebrow before looking backwards towards Ash, an, 'Am I in for this one as well?' going unspoken. Ash just shook his head slightly and Pikachu raced back to his shoulder as Ash withdrew another Pokeball, "Kirlia, you're finishing this," Kirlia materialized with a flash of blue as her eyes watched the giant Rock Snake before letting out a soft snort of derision. Onix saw this and roared angrily before settling down as the battle officially began.

"Onix, use Bind!"

"Teleport into Calm mind, then Calm Mind again," Onix when speeding by the area where Kirlia used to be as she raised her special attack and defense twice with a light blue glow, "Follow up with Icy Wind."

"Onix, dig to escape the Icy Wind!" the Icy Wind blasted out with all the power of a mighty Blizzard, coating the battlefield in frost; Onix barely managed to get underground in time and burst out of the icy earth right where Kirlia had been not 5 seconds ago.

"Kirlia, Moonblast."

"Onix, you have to dodge that!" Brock's started panicking as Kirlia gathered fairy type energy above her head rapidly and threw launched it towards Onix. He almost managed to avoid it, but it smashed into his side and he was knocked back with a pained groan. Kirlia stood rock-steady in the following dust spray as Onix picked itself up painfully. Brock's eyebrows furrowed together in concern, "Onix, are you okay? That Moonblast looked powerful," Ash could tell that Brock was genuinely concerned for his Pokemon and his opinion of the man rose a slight degree. Onix shook its head slowly as it nodded its head towards its trainer with a soft roar and turned back to the almost innocent looking fairy-type.

Brock stared at the Emotion Pokemon before smiling ruefully, "Well Ash, I can admit when I have been outclassed, and I admire your expert command of both your Pokemon and the Battlefield; but that doesn't mean that I'm going out lying down. Onix, use Rock Polish and then Bind!" Onix shone for a brief moment as its speed increased significantly before lunging at the small Pokemon on the other side of the field.

Ash watched it approaching with not a worried bone in his body, "Wait Kirlia... wait... now! Psychic!" Kirlia's eyes immediately started glowing blue as a blue shine surrounded Onix and stopped it in its tracks not two feet away from her. She gradually increased the strength of her Psychic hold. The boulders that made up Onix's body ground together painfully as she did so and Onix could only bellow in agony. Kirlia then slammed Onix into the dirt harshly before flicking her outstretched arm slightly and sending him careening along the earth, back towards his trainer. Onix felt the Psychic grip dissipate and attempted to raise itself; this endeavor ultimately failed as he collapsed to the ground, his eyes swirling.

"As Onix is unable to battle, Kirlia is the victor! Meaning the winner of this match is Ash, from Pallet Town!"

Kirlia gave a slight cheer of her name before practically dancing back to Ash who smiled and rubbed the top of her head gently, "Kirlia, you did wonderfully; I'm very impressed with that Psychic, that was incredible," Kirlia blushed slightly before hugging her trainer lightly before she was returned. Ash looked up to see Brock smiling at the close interaction between Pokemon and trainer, "Thank you, Brock, for the battle."

"No, thank you, Ash. You reminded me that I can't underestimate my opponents, no matter how I may think them inexperienced," Brock said this all with a rueful smile. Ash's opinion of him went up another notch, but he merely nodded before accepting the proffered badge. He then spun around with a slight swirl of black cloth and leather before stopping as he heard Brock shout out for him, "Wait! You're going over to the Pokemon Center, right?" Ash nodded, "Do you mind if I accompany you? My Pokemon also need to recover."

Ash hesitated slightly before nodding slowly and continuing out the door, with Brock running after him to keep up.

-**Time Skip to the Pokemon Center**-

(Part of this next scene I would like to dedicate to cjws, as I drew inspiration from his story "Ash's Journey: Kanto")

"Good morning Nurse Joy, how are you?" Ash smiled slightly on seeing Jane, the Nurse Joy of Pewter City. They had become rather acquainted while he was a Junior Professor who traveled with Professor Oak. Jane was always a special case though, she seemed very insistent on spending time with him alone. He never did, but still... strange. Brock saw all of this, could practically taste the attraction that the Nurse Joy, Jane apparently, had for Ash; and he almost cried because of it. Ash, of course, didn't see it, but continued onward, "Do you think that you could treat my Pokemon, Jane? I want to make sure that they aren't too tired after their battle."

Jane smiled widely, "Of course Ashy! Is there anything else I can do for you?" Brock continued to cry quietly in the corner as he heard this.

"If you could treat Brock's Pokemon as well, I would greatly appreciate it," Ash said this all with a small, innocent smile. Jane sweat-dropped slightly but did as he asked, leading her to begin blushing deeply as he smiled at her warmly. Brock nodded in thanks towards the helpful Nurse, trying not to fawn over her like he normally does. Ash thanked Jane for her help and sat down in the lobby, resting after his first Gym battle. Just as he closed his eyes however, he felt a presence sit down next to him, one far too close for comfort. He then heard an annoying, arrogant and condescending voice start speaking, "Hi, I'm Misty! What are your dreams?"

(...I hate Misty... but this next scene is mostly to show how Ash is towards those like Misty, how he treats and behaves around them)

He cracked an eye open that immediately glared at the intruder, now named Misty, "A rather personal question for someone you've only just 'met', wouldn't you agree?"

He could almost feel the blood rush to her face as metaphorical steam burst from her ears, "Well there's no need to be rude! It was just a question..."

"Actually, I think there is plenty reason to be rather rude; you, someone I have never met and have no intention of interacting with, invade my personal space, ask incredibly private questions about me and my life, and then pretend as though you're the one who has been slighted. So yes, I think there is plenty reason to be rather miffed or otherwise impolite," Ash could only stare at her coldly as he went on a slight tirade, wishing that she would get the hint and just go away.

She, evidently, didn't, as she continued to yell at him, "Well at least I'm an actual trainer instead of a whiny and rude brat who has to hide under a hat! When I become a water Pokemon Master, you'll realize just how much better I am!"

His gaze snapped to hers as his eyes went frigid, "Listen here listen well. You are nothing. You are insignificant. You are worthless. You feel the need to overcompensate with everything you do, most likely due to an inferiority complex caused by being in some way inferior to someone else, most like siblings. You leave home due to this, and you dare call me the coward? You dare say that you are better? You are a whiny, spoiled brat who is too lazy and weak to think of doing anything yourself and yet expects the world to be handed to you on a silver platter," Ash had stood up and walked towards her methodically as she backpedaled, his voice detached. Cold. Clinical.

Misty's mouth opened and closed rapidly, due to her being unable to refute his disturbingly accurate claims about her as she refused the urge to cry. This continued for a few seconds before she let out a brief scream and pulled a heavy mallet out of nowhere, swinging it at his head.

She was, of course, far, far too slow.

His hand snapped out, grabbing her wrist and twisting it, forcing her to drop the mallet. He twisted her arm behind her back before shoving her forwards, jolting her shoulder and causing her to stumble to the ground. She yelped as he did so before turning around just in time to see her mallet be snapped and then tossed into a garbage can. Her face, already beet red due to a combination of embarrassment and rage went even redder before she shouted, "What did you just do you-"

"I think what he just did was obvious," A normally friendly voice sounded from the door which led to the medical facilities.

Misty spun around to begin shouting at whoever had interrupted her before her face became a hideous shade of white. Ash turned around as well, far more calmly and smoothly than she did and almost smiled at what he saw. There, with a Pokedex in hand and recording the scene, was Brock, his face stony (Once again, I'm a comedy legend). Jane had a mild scowl on her face as she watched from behind her desk, which was more concerning than Brock's anger; Nurse Joy's are some of the kindest and sweet individuals ever, so if one is mad at you, you know you messed up. Ash smiled lightly at both Brock and Jane as they glared at Misty, who paled even more before stuttering out, "W-What's up? S-Something the m-matter?"

Brock's scowl deepened as he stopped the recording and put his Pokedex in his pocket, "You have the nerve to ask that question? After what we just saw?"

Misty's anger returned with a fiery vengeance. "Yeah, I do! This stuck-up brat attacks me, and you pretend that I'm at fault?!"

Brock's mouth opened to continue the argument, but he was cut off by a sweet, almost sickeningly so, voice, "Cerulean Gym Leader Misty, I'd ask that you leave the premises immediately, as you are disrupting the peace of the Pokemon Center, and kindly do not return for a good while," Jane had a small, but almost vicious smile on her face as she spoke. Misty's face when blood-red before she shouted in frustration and stormed out the door and into the night.

Ash watched her go with an apathetic face before turning back to Brock and nodding in gratitude, "My thanks, she was obviously incapable of forming logical or reasonable opinions and reactions. What are you going to do with the recording?" Ash tilted his head slightly with his question, just enough for Brock to get a slight look into his eyes; while they were normally as cold as ice, those brown orbs shone with just the slightest hint of warmth and sincerity.

Brock could only smile at the trainer garbed in black, "I'll keep it for now, so that if her attitude ever becomes a more serious issue, I can get her relieved of her duties as a Gym Leader more quickly," Ash nodded understandingly before turning to Jane and thanking her as well, even going so far as to give her a gentle hug, leading to Brock laughing at the flushed face of Jane and the obliviousness of Ash. When Jane ran off, Brock decided now was as good a time as any, "Hey Ash?"

"Yes?"

"Would... Would you be interested in having a traveling partner? I can help cook and my dad can manage the gym and I can be good company and-"

Ash cut him off there, "Brock, I'd more than welcome it. I do have things that I'd prefer to remain private and such, but I would be happy to travel together. I'm curious though, when did Flint get around to telling you?"

Brock froze briefly, "You knew who he was the whole time?" Ash just raised an eyebrow with an inward smirk. Brock could only sigh ruefully, "What did I expect; either way, he told me just now basically, that's where I was when Misty ambushed you. He wanted me to continue with my dreams, not to be hampered by his lack of presence in my family and I's lives. It took a bit for me to trust him, but he seemed sincere."

Ash nodded and retrieved his Pokemon from the now calmer Jane, "Thank you again, Jane, for both healing my Pokemon and for standing up for me," Ash nodded his gratitude before going to his room for the night.

-**Time Skip to Mt. Moon**-

He sighed lightly at the third trainer who accused him of cheating that day alone before turning around and indicating to Brock that they should keep going, Kirlia falling into step behind him. Brock had a slight smile on his face as the other trainer, Richard or something, stormed off. They had only been traveling through Mt. Moon for two days, and it had proven to be rather dull beside the amusement that came with witnessing trainers ranting at Ash's obvious 'cheating' and 'foul play'. He walked alongside the quiet trainer as they began their second half of traveling for the day, having stopped for lunch a few hours ago.

Two hours later, they had set up camp and Ash had decided that it was time for him to continue training his Pokemon, as he had missed out on chances to do so for the past few days. He released his Pokemon and almost immediately regretted doing so as he was knocked into the ground and under an 8 foot tall, 375-pound dragon who seemed very insistent on staying there. After he had managed to persuade Garchomp to let him up, he was finally able to assign training for the few hours that they had, 'Alright, Pikachu, can you work on your speed as well as Dig? Your species is not known for their defense, so we're going to need you to be as fast as possible,' Pikachu nodded and started doing laps around the clearing while Ash turned to Kirlia, 'Kirlia, your Ice and Thunder Punches both need work, so if you could work on them that would be wonderful,' she curtsied slightly before going off to practice.

Ash then pulled out his Pokedex and turned to Pidgey, 'I'll scan you real quick before assigning you anything for today.'

Pidgey, the Tiny Bird Pokemon. Common in grassy areas and forests, it is very docile and will chase off enemies by flapping up sand.

Gender: Female

Type: Flying-Normal

Ability(s): Keen Eye

Moves: Sand Attack, Quick Attack, Gust, Mirror Move, Air Slash, Roost. Egg Moves: Brave Bird (Locked), Steel Wing.

Ash nodded in satisfaction, 'Very nice, especially for one so young. That said, we're going to have to work hard so you can catch up with the others. Why don't you start by improving your speed and agility in the air further? That'll open the gateway up to other moves upon your evolution, such as Aerial Ace,' She nodded happily and flew off to fly alongside Pikachu as they both worked on their speed together.

He then turned to Garchomp and rubbed her snout lightly as she leaned into his touch, 'Honestly, I'm still unsure of what to do with you. You're far more powerful than many Pokemon I've seen or even heard of. Do you feel comfortable with your evolution?'

'More or less; it's very different to my previous form though,' She shrugged slightly as he continued the stroking of her scales.

Ash thought for a few moments before continuing, 'How about some flying exercises? I can put the training weights on you and you can try to get more accustomed to the air,' She nuzzled against him briefly before holding still as he strapped on the weights that he had picked up at the Pokemart in Pewter City. After he had secured them tightly, she launched herself into the air and began flying as fast as she could. Then, he turned to the last member of his family, who was currently staring at him innocently, 'You are a bit young to begin training, but I suppose we can do some light move tutoring if you want to?' at Bagon's nod, he continued and scanned him as well.

Bagon, the Rock Head Pokemon. Bagon has a dream of one day soaring in the sky. In doomed efforts to fly, this Pokemon hurls itself off cliffs. As a result of its dives, its head has grown tough and as hard as tempered steel.

Gender: Male

Type: Dragon

Ability(s): Rock Head, Sheer Force

Moves: Ember, Bite, Dragon Breath, Dragon Claw, Toxic. Egg Moves: Hydro Pump (Locked), Metal Claw (Locked), Flash Cannon (Locked), Fire Fang (Locked)

Ash smiled warmly at the eager-to-please dragon, 'That's very nice indeed. Very potent moves for your weaknesses, combined with the fact that you have the potential to learn Flash Cannon, which I've never heard of a Bagon or even Salamence using. How about you just do some light move practice?' upon seeing Bagon's face fall, he was quick to elaborate, 'Don't worry, we'll be able to do some bigger stuff soon, I just don't want you to hurt yourself, okay?' Bagon nodded very reluctantly but started practicing his Ember on a few nearby rocks to strengthen it.

Ash smiled at the work of all his Pokemon, watching them for a full minute before sitting down and closing his eyes and meditating; he did so every morning and at every opportunity that presented itself during the day since it both relaxed and strengthened his Psychic reserves. As he relaxed his mind and body, his mind spread outwards naturally, gently probing all found within its reach. He sat there for almost an hour before he found the mental equivalent of a cry of despair, a desperate call for help a few miles away.

Ash stood up expediently and called his Pokemon over, returning them. He then turned to Garchomp, who he had left out, 'You're in my mind almost 24/7, I'm assuming you know what's going on?' she nodded and motioned for him to get on her back. A few moments later, they were speeding through the sky, towards a cave in the side of Mt. Moon. Garchomp landed and Ash jumped off, jogging into the cave. He moved forward slowly, being cautious even as he heard the cries and screams of Pokemon deeper within the mountain. Ash turned towards Garchomp, motioning for her to stay within the shadows where her scales would protect her from the sight of normal eyes. They moved forward cautiously but swiftly towards the source of the now audible cries.

After almost half an hour of tensely stalking their way deeper into the mountain, Ash saw light towards the end of the tunnel and sent a quick mental message to Garchomp for her to stay here. Ignoring her protests, he moved forward. He then saw the source of the screams.

Cleffa's, Clefairy's, even a few Clefable's were locked up in cages and were being electrocuted by laughing Team Rocket grunts with electric Pokemon and tasers. Some were kicking them, not letting them drift into the sweet depths of unconsciousness; some were laughing over bodies that lay still, and most likely would never move again. Ash's vision went red and he was so preoccupied with his rage that he almost missed the sense of danger that blared on his senses. It was a trap that would have worked on any normal person; baiting them in with something that would elicit a huge emotional response and then strike while they were still preoccupied with the horror before them.

Unfortunately, or rather, fortunately, depending on perspective, Ash was the complete opposite of 'ordinary'.

The electrical net that would have electrocuted him comatose was stopped in the air with a dark, dark blue surrounding it. Immediately, all the Team Rocket grunts and officers anticipation was immediately flipped on its head as they felt an emotion that they were not subjected to very often, and certainly not in a situation where they should have the advantage. Fear.

Ash's figure began almost smoking, wisps of blood-red snaking off of him as the Rocket's stared at the back of what they could only deem a nightmare. Said 'nightmare' slowly began turning around, and the aura permeating the air suddenly increased tenfold as the shadows lengthened and the lights that had previously lit the den of horrors now seemed to be nothing but torches, dim torches flickering in an unseen wind. The Rocket's all cowered in fear as they stared at the glowing red eyes of whoever this demon was, trails of red wisps leaking out of the corners of his eyes; all but a tall standing, psychotic looking man with purple hair.

Said man stared contemptuously at Ash before finally speaking, "I am Petrel, Executive of Team Rocket and I grant you one last chance to join us and surrender your Pokemon before you die," he said this while grinning slightly, the insanity and madness gleaming in his eyes. Ash only glared harder and the pressure bearing down on all of them increased even further. The man, now known as Petrel, descended into an insane rage, "You dare deny this generous offer?! Do you dare oppose the salvation we offer?! Nidoking! Hyper Beam on this worthless brat!" He released a Pokeball, a Nidoking appearing in a flash of light. The Nidoking charged up a Hyper Beam before firing it at Ash who just raised a glowing hand.

The Hyper Beam exploded, blowing up a large chunk of the ground and cave wall and sending dust everywhere. Petrel's insane cackle could be heard above the falling debris, "This is what waits for all who dare oppose us! Blood and death, for there is no mercy fit for the inferior specks that live on this world!" Petrel continued laughing and laughing, and his minions relaxed around him, deeming the situation safe once again. They were all ready to get back to their leisure time and they turned around to see all of the cages empty, their doors and latches ripped to shreds; they heard the sound of footsteps impacting the ground behind them, walking towards them slowly. Petrel's laugh died off as all of the grunts and officers around him felt that fear once again as they all turned as one.

A dark figure started becoming clearer in the cloud of smoke that was settling, its blood-red aura still burning with a vicious intensity. Ash stepped out of the dust cloud with not a scratch on him as he glared at the now pale Executive in front of him before speaking in an amplified, disembodied voice, "You have forfeited your lives, your freedom. Remember these last moments of your lives for if you are fortunate enough to survive this... You shall never know the meaning of freedom again," and with those words, Ash blurred into motion.


Giovanni sat at his desk, reclining in his chair as he bounced a rubber ball off of the wall in front of him repeatedly, catching it every time. He was interrupted by the massive TV decorating the wall suddenly blaring to life with a call. Giovanni drew breath to begin screaming at whichever buffoon dared to call at this time, in his private office no less, before he heard what the low-level officer at the other end was screaming.

"-ster! He's a monster! Petrel is dead and over half of our men are either dead or unconscious! Giovanni, sir, we need immediate back-up before we all die to this freak and his Pokemo-" The small, handheld phone that the officer had been holding apparently tumbled to the floor and fell on its side. Giovanni gasped involuntarily as blood sprayed on the ground in front of the screen as the officer that had previously been speaking fell with blood coming out of his mouth and an apparently broken jaw. Methodical footsteps sounded from the other end as black boots made themselves visible next to the, now unconscious, Rocket. A gloved hand appeared on the screen as it grabbed the phone and picked it up; what Giovanni saw on that screen would haunt his nightmares for weeks.

A black-garbed figure was staring into the screen, with the bodies of dozens of either unconscious or dead Rockets visible over his shoulder. Its eyes were glowing blood red, with an aura surrounding him that matched. Giovanni also thought he could see blood on the right side of its body, evidently not his. A shadowy-black dragon appeared on screen as well, the shadows of the cave hiding almost all of its distinguishing features. The two stared at Giovanni for almost a minute before the humanoid spoke.

"You will withdraw any and all men in operations such as this and you will immediately change your organization's methods and goals or you will watch your entire organization and company burn around you, Giovanni. Everything you own and hold dear will become naught but ashes scattered among the wind. Good day."

The screen shut off immediately and a now ashen Giovanni stared at the blank screen for a solid five minutes before shakily reaching out and pressing a button as he spoke in a quivering voice, "S-Send the o-officers and E-E-Executives to m-my office immediately."

So that's it for now, I'm so tired. Hope you guys enjoy it, and do please vote on the poll that I've put up; It will determine the way this story is written in future chapters. Sorry if it seemed rushed, but it looked a lot different on my document, so my apologies. Should be updating soon