Three yellow feathers sprouted tentatively from the hole of the staircase, their owner not far behind as she searched with the Specs the floor which consisted in a single chamber full of crystals...

...which was empty.

The only noticeable feature of the whole room was the exit, which could be noticed only because it was the sole place without the soft light given by the crystals. Probably it was night then.

The non-exploration-team-members had been right.

− Poccha, stay close to me, you three wait there. − Rush ordered in a whisper, without controlling if it had been complied. Even if she had been unofficially and unspokenly nominated temporary team leader, the "role" let her freely give indisputable orders in this operation. All exploration teams had that code during important missions and, being a matter of life or dead, this undoubtedly was one of them. As a matter of fact, when the Torchic stepped inside the chamber, the only footsteps that followed her were the familiar ones of a Piplup.

Carefully she sidestepped till she found herself back to back with her partner and the duo circled around, waltzing towards the exit and observing like a Pidgeot the surroundings.

They slowed their progress halfway the chamber and Rush chirped the clear, senses in overdrive. Half of the dungeons had a final floor boss, above all the strange ones. And this one was suuuuper strange.

Slowly the middle guard entered the room and Pikachu's face lit up at the sight of the exit, while Lizard only smiled. Ash... well, he was too occupied by only standing up and walking because of his exhaustion and injury to notice.

The trio stepped carefully towards Team Purplewing who still acted like a sentry till Fang too joined them, through she was a little wearier of her surroundings.

The only sounds now where their steps and the whistle of the North wind...

X~OwO~Y

That last climb had been a killer for his stamina. They were only stairs! Was he really that weak or the burn had been too severe?

Thought, before any of his inner debates could be answered, that odd sensation at the edge of his senses spiked suddenly, raising his hackles and halfway his dreadlocks.

Cold water, freezing North wind and power assaulted his mind which was only able to process one thing: get cover!

The sudden panic injected an unexpected wave of energy that Ash used to grip both his helpers' shoulders and pump strength in his legs to push them forward and down. At the same time a shout ripped his larynx, warning everybody else. − Duck!

CRASH!

As they hit the ground the explosion of what from the noise sounded like ice swept above them, thankfully out of range due to the early warning. The next instant both Pikachu and Lizard had rolled over, the former crouched above Ash's prone form, to cover him, while the latter stood between them and the threat, looking defiant.


All the elation given to the sight of the exit vanished as soon as his best friend pushed him down, shouting a warning. An Ice Beam exploded behind them and as soon as the shockwave had dispersed, Pikachu found himself already on a defensively position above Ash, facing the ice sculpture that adorned and blocked the entrance to the staircase with sparkling cheeks.

Thankfully Fang had rolled away in time and was just jumping into action, namesakes shining in the light when the perpetrator appeared on the top of its creation.

This... couldn't end well.

B~OwO~F

Fang was thankful to her wariness because as soon as Ash had shouted his warning she had leaped forward, avoiding for a scale to be engulfed in the ice. She then rolled and swiftly stood, sharp teeth ready to face whatever Dungeon Boss... only to cringe at the sight of said foe.

Atop of the giant crystal stood a magnificent azure quadruped pokémon, with an air of both grace and fury into its fiery red eyes, purple mane moving backwards by an invisible wind. Two white tails lashed besides its flanks as it shook its hexagonal crest on its forehead on a show of both challenge and aggression.

Lizard and Rush were in a serious problem.


The male Fire Type couldn't really believe that Ash could still have found that kind of energy to manage to push both him and Pikachu down. Not that he wasn't thankful, but still!

As soon as he was able, he stood to shield his charge and look if his own partner was out of danger, which she was. As he saw who had been the cause of that attack, he wasn't as sure for himself, though.

Thou Shadows shalt not pass further this point! I will send thee back whence thou came! − he (he was definitely a male if the deep voice was of any indication) howled, making the presents wince.

− We're no shadows! − Poccha shouted back indignantly. His reply received a Gust in answer for all was worth, but it was more or less easily dodged

I will erase thee! − the Legendary kept on as if he hadn't heard him and charged another Ice Beam.

− No time to argue, someone bring Ash to safety! − Lizard took the lead and shot a Flamethrower of his own, intercepting and melting the Ice Beam in a dense mist.

− I'll get him, you keep Suicune busy! − somewhere inside the fog the Big Jaw Pokémon responded.

Trusting his partner, Lizard quickly activated a Dragon Claw to settle the matter in a close range, since his long reach moves were either not very effective against the Aurora Pokémon or dangerous for his allies (Gravelrocks included, since in a blind situation the lock-on didn't work)*.

Behind him the yellow shaper of Pikachu vanished in the fog, probably to aid Fang, while a bit further a cone-shaped-light turned on, either a Peck or a Drill variety from one of Team Purplewing.

The droplets around him shifted, suddenly disturbed, and a randomly lashed out Iron Tail caught his middle section, making him double over, but still not enough damage received to pass out.

The Dragonclaw turned off as he coughed in the ground: unwillingly he had aided their foe by creating that mist. Cursing his bad luck, this time he crouched low and kept his tail near the ground, attenuating the flame on its tip to the minimum in order not to be an easy prey due to its light.

Okay, we've got 5 Reviver Seeds each, we can do this! he mentally cheered himself, going for a Brick Break (less glow involved) that strengthened his tail while he listened both noises and air shifts to strike.

P~OwO~W

Why a Suicune?! Poccha panicky thought as he activated his Drill Peck, feeling his partner tense in anticipation of either a Quick Attack or an Aerial Ace. They had two Fire Types and an injured Fighting one! Plus he doubted his fellow Water Type had super effective moves against their Type. The Piplup certainly hadn't, even if he still hadn't figured out which element was his recently learned Hidden Power. He had tried it during their quest in World Abyss and he had been able to exclude both Grass and Electric Type... And it didn't behave like Fighting either, because, while it was normally effective against Flying-Normal and Electric pokémon, super effective on Dark Types and not very effective on Poison ones, it was strong on the Dark-Flying combo (usually it was neutral) and neutral on Normal Types.** In short, it was a mess he didn't have time to clean right now. And they were already in deep Sludge.

...No wait. There was Pikachu!

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a landed hit and a coughing Charmander. − There! − Rush hissed, leaping and vanishing in the mist with the grace of an Aerial Ace.

Of course! The Specs! And she won't miss with an hissatsu! the Penguin Pokémon calmed a bit once a grunt resounded and the female Fire Type had landed near him from the rebound of the hit.

− He's fast. − she announced. − We need to regroup and take cover. Even if the mist is both a disadvantage and a blessing, it won't last long. Then Lizard and I will be easy targets. − her eyes were darting to the sides, following the foe.

− We also need Pikachu. While he won't be able to take on Suicune alone, at least he'll give us leverage on him. − Poccha scurried towards a faint glow on the ground, near what looked like a candle flame, quitting his Drill Peck in order to whisper. Rush followed him without a question but keeping to look out for Suicune.

− And we're not counting our Blinker Seed. − she added, as they found Lizard squatted down while listening for threats. He looked winded. −You okay?

− Luckily it was only an Iron Tail. I can endure that much. Where is he now? − he requested the other Fire Type.

− He's keeping distance. After I hit him with an Aerial Ace, he's more cautious. The others...? Ah no, wait, there they are. − she answered her own half question, glancing at the opposite side of the chamber.

− So there's no one near him? − a nod − Point me, I've got Rock Slide. − a wicked grin painted the reptilian muzzle and immediately Rush pointed with her beak into the mist. The Lizard Pokémon straightened and cracked his knuckles before thrusting his slightly glowing paws forward with a focused look. Soon after, several noises of rocks colliding against one another ricocheted along with an enraged shriek.

− Only two out of a ton hit. Ready, he's coming! − Rush warned as wind started to roar and the fog suddenly parted, revealing a humongous wave heading in their direction. − Holy Palkia!

B~OwO~F

Fang rushed where she had last seen the rescued duo and found the Mouse Pokémon still crouched on all fours above the downed form of the Riolu. The former was already looking in her direction, so once they crossed eyes she nodded and silently they helped Ash up, who seemed to stifle a whimper but kept on with both a pained and troubled expression on his muzzle. The Water Type could understand both of them: the pain from the burn and the trouble for the disadvantage against this adversary. Too many Fire Types and so few super effective moves. She had only two neutral! Maybe only Pikachu could have a possibility.

The trio moved behind a big crystal to the side of the chamber, letting Ash sit adjacent to it, thus he could get more cover and Fang swiftly left near him his backpack too, in order to be more nimble.

Sounds of skirmish echoed behind them, so the battle-ready-duo peered into the fog warily.

− You stay hidden here, I'm gonna join. − the Totodile pointed a claw to the Riolu, who heavily swallowed, nodding.

− Pikachu... go with her. − the Electric Type looked ready to protest, but the former male human stopped him. − I'll be fine. − he stated determinately staring into the other's eyes, making him relent.

− You bett-... − Pikachu began his warning, however a loud "Holy Palkia!" interrupted him.

Without any other warning sans the roar of a wall of water, a wave crashed on the crystal, soon overwhelming it and engulfing from both above and the sides the trio, who was swept from their places and swatted on the wall not far from them.

Fang had somehow managed to overcome the shock of the first impact with the water and had swum away before making contact with the rock, however not fast enough to grab Ash and spare him another hit even if it had been subdued by the cover of crystal.

As water receded, the rescued were coughing and spluttering, the injured one looking worse for wear. Realizing this, Pikachu managed to catch his breath more quickly, righteous fury blazing in his eyes.

− You *cough* okay? − Fang heard him frantically ask while she looked at the situation: Poccha seemed relatively fine but dazed, Rush was nowhere to be seen and Lizard... A gasp behind her made her twirl around and find her partner just being revived by a Seed.

− I hate super effective STABs. − the Fire Type groaned, getting up difficultly, helped by his partner.

− Who doesn't? − she asked jokingly, then turned to glare at the far away Legendary.

That's it! − suddenly the Mouse Pokémon declared and sidestepped the crystal, charging in both meanings towards the Aurora Pokémon. As a matter of fact a corona of electricity surrounded him as he gained so much speed that he managed to catch off guard Suicune, landing the move square on his side, launching both of them apart from one another for 3-4 meters. Electric discharges danced on both of them, though the littlest of the duo recovered sooner than the other and unleashed a powerful Thunderbolt. However in that minimum time lapse the Legendary pokémon had retook control of his muscles and succeed in rolling away, only to be launched in the air (belly up) by a surprise Dig delivered by the previously missing Rush.

The sight of her shook Fang from her amazement, so she nudged Lizard, alerting him too. A shared glance was enough and the female Water Type leaped into action, while her partner turned to Ash to feed him an Oran Berry.

Shadow Claw at the ready, she matched with it a randomly lashed out Iron Tail that Suicune was using to keep them at distance while he landed less gracefully than his species was able to.

More coordinated... − he seemed to mumble before firing an Ice Beam all around the pavement, making the already slippery floor (due to the residual Surf-water) almost impossible to walk on. "Almost" because Team Purplewing and Pikachu seemed fine enough, probably because of Rush's clawed feet, Poccha's penguin nature and the unconventional way the Mouse Pokémon was using his Iron Tail. Like, who would have thought about using it like a pickaxe to reach the rock under the ice and then propel oneself forward with double speed?

Well, I got claws too... Fang reactivated their Shadow variant and used them to take hold of the pavement and slide ahead.

Meanwhile Suicune was skating again with grace, seemingly faster than before and so evading better Pikachu's Thunderbolts and Rush's attempted Quick attacks to keep up with him. The only capable of flanking the Legendary was the Piplup, who was skimming on the ice like a rocket, but his unusually rose colored Hidden Power was imprecise and missed 4 times out of 5. Newly learned move?

A surprise Flamethrower made the Aurora Pokémon swerve on the Totodile's path who, grateful to her partner was able to unleash a Crunch on the foe's left front leg and cling there, to hinder the other's movement.

As a matter of fact, thanks to that stunt, Rush landed an Aerial Ace on his flank while her partner had switched to a propelled Drill Peck on the other side after a sharp u-turn to backtrack.

Eat this! − the Electric Type leaped from in front of the Legendary with a strange yellow sphere held at the tip of his tail, ready to launch it...

...but sensing the threat Suicune had reared on his hind legs (dislodging the pecking Piplup and Torchic) and violently stomped down, creating an unexpected ring of water which at point blank was enough to disengage Fang too from his leg.

The applied force seemed higher than the previous time, so both Water Types weren't able to swim inside the Surf and the four of them collided with the chamber wall.

The Big Jaw Pokémon was sure to have blacked out this time, because the next thing she knew was the familiar surge of energy of a Reviver Seed.

X~OwO~Y

Pikachu was beyond furious: how did Suicune dare to endanger his best friend? Legend(ary) of the North wind or not, he was gonna have his mane fried!

Even ice hadn't bothered him that much, training against Ice Gyms and Viola's Surskit trick had ingrained in him the strategies to use. The only problem was that their current adversary was much quicker than the Bug-Water Type.

However the distraction offered by the Charmander's Flamethrower had been more than welcome, along with the simultaneous attack of the other three that had locked the Aurora Pokémon in one place.

Before he knew, the Kanto native had already shoot in the air, way higher than Suicune, and had charged an Electro Ball ready to be served.

Honestly Pikachu hadn't expected him to reflexively react with a blunt Surf. The Electric attack had been that way blocked, but at least the yellow rodent hadn't been hit by the Water one either, being him out of range.

Fine, I can still use the height difference! for the second time in ages, Pikachu charged a Volt Tackle (never forgotten, just stored away) and recklessly headbutted the Legendary, dealing serious damage...

...to himself too. The hexagonal crest was harder than it appeared.

Dazed by the hit, Pikachu bounced on the frozen ground then sided a bit, till a paw slammed into his midsection, forcing out the air from his lungs. The azure and purple blur above him was certainly the culprit as his deep voice reverberated inside the room.

This new type of Shadows is too dangerous. I shalt end thee all in one hit! − Suicune stated in a determinate yet strained tone.

Wait, does this mean that he's at the verge of exhaustion? If only I could charge a Thunderbolt, I would end this! But...no...air... his lungs protested along with him.

The temperature increasedly dropped around him, making the Kanto native shiver uncontrollably as dread settled into his squeezed stomach. He wasn't readying a Sheer Cold, right?

P~OwO~W

Contrary to most of his allies and partner, Poccha had been aware for the whole second-Surf-ordeal. Sans the split second the Reviver Seed triggered, of course. Contrary to the first time, the second area attack had been more focused on the starting energy than the quantity of water, so the real reason they had splatted against the wall was the shock wave. [A/N. A critical hit.]

And that was also why the four of them had KOed and had needed a Seed.

In the recovery lag though, things had gone out of paw: too far for any of his ranged attacks to hit precisely, Suicune was pinning down a chocking Pikachu, too asphyxiated to even try and fry the enemy... who was charging a powerful ice attack.

− No, a Sheer Cold no! − he was scrambling on his feet insatiably, as his allies did the same frantically.

Because the Reviver Seed didn't work on a 1 Hit KO. ***

Beside him a glint of silver from a Spike in Lizard's paw and a metallic one from a Thorn in Rush's beak appeared, while in both Poccha's fins and Fang's paws a globe of Water Pulse enlarged, ready to be fired.

As was too far and too soon the Sheer Cold.

Frost had already started creeping in the floor around the duo, like a closing ring, all set to freeze over the Mouse Pokémon.

X~OwO~Y

Ash still hadn't understood how he had managed to stay conscious during the first wave (the second was easier, without that much water generated, he had been wetted only by droplets). Probably because of sheer dumb luck or pure stubbornness. Or maybe even Aura.

However none of this mattered because, as soon as Ash saw his aibou headbutt Suicune with a Volt Tackle, he knew things had taken a turn for the worse. Somehow he knew the Water Type's crest was harder than Pikachu's skull and, super effective move or not, the owner of the former was going to recover faster than the latter's one. So, to stop the foe, his only conscious thought was to find a way to attack the Legendary.

And that's when Ash's new and unfamiliar body moved by itself, following his wish.

Trembling paws rose as Pikachu sauntered back, ready to collide with the floor.

Sparks of whitish-bluish energy flickered between them when the Mouse Pokémon bounced the first time.

A globe condensed as ignored sweat from the strain started trickle down his temple and the Electric Type sprang again.

The sphere enlargement spiked when, after a slide, Suicune stepped hard on his best friend, making him squeak.

It was the uttered threat however that sealed the deal.

Collecting all his remaining strength, Ash shot the Aura Sphere with a snarl, barely registering the desperate and useless charge of the Exploration Teams.

A deafening whistle covered the crackling of the summoned frost as the globe sailed like a Ninjask towards its target, too quick to immediately be registered by the spectators and above all by Suicune, who suddenly found a ball of light right in his face.

BOOM!

The recoil hurled 187 kg of dog/deer-like pokémon across the chamber, making him roll once reached the ground.

A loud intake of air along with bewildered gasps was heard during the whole sequence, but Ash barely noticed: one of his focuses was the moving and more or less alright partner who was just sitting up, shocked and confused. The other was the threat...

Who was out cold.

At that revelation, the trainer's pent up tension was finally released and his brain caught on the real condition of his body from that stunt.

His frame quacked from shivers, his breath was quick and ragged, his limbs felt like lead and he was so tired that he couldn't even feel the pain from his back while it was leaning heavily on the rock to keep him on a seated position. Plus he felt so, so hot, almost as if he was facing again Moltres in a volcano, being in the middle of a Fusion Flare or near a V-Create. Uhm, perhaps even his friends Charizard and Infernape could match that blazing inferno if motivated...

His fever induced internal ramble came to a halt as in the haze that had started glazing his vision popped out of nowhere his best friend, slightly panicked and worried.

All the symptoms were put aside by the relief of knowing his aibou was really okay.


If the moment before Pikachu was staring at his incoming doom, the next he could suddenly breath and Suicune was nowhere to be seen above him. The sudden intake of oxygen dazed him, so the yellow rodent carefully levered himself up in order to understand what happened... Finding several meters away a knocked out Johto legend.

He gaped at the sight: he knew that the kirin-like divinity was at the end of the rope, but the only long ranged attacks the four starters pokémon could generally do weren't much effective against a Water Type. Unless they had used an item. Thus he confusedly looked behind, only to find said four gaping (so much that a Thorn had just fallen from the Torchic's beak) with their respective moves and items still at the ready, unfired, and staring back at him.

− ...Was that you? − Pikachu attempted to ask, but was met by four shakes of head as the two moves died out and the items put back. − Then who... − realization hit him like a herd of Tauros, so his head whipped towards where he had left his trainer. − ASH!

There he was, sitting sagged, wet blanket hanging on his shoulders and blissfully cushioning his burned back from the hard rock, legs spread in front of him, paws abandoned on his lap and unfocused eyes staring in Suicune's direction.

The Electric type broke into a run, soon followed by the explorers and in few instants he was by Ash's side, startling him into awareness. His brown eyes lit up in relief, but Pikachu couldn't find himself matching him. From closed distance the new-Riolu looked even worse: he was sweating, trembling and breathing hard. When he had left him, he hadn't been like this!

− Ash, how do you feel? − he asked, a bit panicked, removing the hat to feel his forehead. He felt hot like a pissed Heatran!

The only noticeable response was a weak and strained grin and an attempted victory sign with one of his paws.

− So it really was an Aura Sphere. − Rush breathed behind the Mouse Pokémon, who turned in question. − All I was able to see was a bluish orb whiz past me. − she elaborated. Yep, that was the right description of the move.

− Here, eat. You look ready to keel over. − Lizard offered an Oran Berry to Ash who flickered his eyes to him and frowned, lifting a finger then signaling a "before" with the same paw. − Yes, I know I already gave you one few minutes ago, but with that stunt you've already spent up all that energy.

− We need to lower his temperature too. He feels like a Groudon! − Pikachu added as the male Fire Type aided the Fighting one in eating.

− Do any of you have something to easily carry ice? − Fang asked all of them, before biting off a spear of ice from a random shot Suicune had fired. Pikachu perked up.

− We do. Let me search. − he reluctantly left Ash's side to reach the backpack and open it. Arceus bless Delia for purchasing a waterproof one. As a matter of fact the things inside were still dry and, after almost crawling inside, finally the Kanto native found his target. − Here. It's for both cold and warm. − he uncapped a sturdy bag with an opening to insert hot water or ice which as close by a stopper.

The Totodile broke the ice in shards to fill the bag which Pikachu kept elevated. − Done. This way even if it melts I'll be able to freeze it again with an Ice Fang. − she approved after her helper had closed the stopper. − Put it on him while we sort things out.

− Such as? − Pikachu complied, but asked warily. Ash sighed in relief at the cold.

− We gather our things and get out of here! − Poccha informed resolutely a bit further away, waving a shard of rock that had iridescent gleams.

− But what about Suicune? Shouldn't we clarify the misunderstanding? − the Electric Type pleaded.

− From what I saw, he's one of those bosses whom we can't reason with right now. And thrust me, after almost 2 years of exploration missions I've seen plenty. − the male Fire Type assured, while his partner zipped the backpack close and hauled it up once again.

− Besides, we don't have much time now anyway. If he wakes up and he's still angry, we won't stand a chance. Above all Ash out of everyone. That was our last Oran Berry. − Fang pointed out. Hearing the reasons, Pikachu deflated, relenting.

− We left an Oran of peace before he decides to follow us outside. Scratched a "Sorry" in the ice too, just in case. − Rush communicated, joining them with Poccha. When had they sneaked around?

− Then out of here we go. − Lizard encouraged, grabbing one of Ash's limp paw and making him perk up. − Do you think you'll manage to walk? − he asked him.

Pikachu watched in apprehension as his best friend considered the question and tried to collect his legs in order to stand up, but they stopped only halfway. Ash gritted his teeth before shaking his head.

− No need to worry, we'll help you. − the Mouse Pokémon's voice wavered a bit at the sight, but managed to quell his distress in favor of collecting the ice-bag, putting it inside the cap and put them both on the Riolu's head in order to keep the former in contact with the head.

A weak "'K" was the only response, them the Charmander and Pikachu as gently as possible lifted the injured up and started dragging him towards the exit.

By unspoken agreement they switched into the formation they had made while climbing the stairs and hurried (as much as possible due to Ash's dead weight) towards the exit.

P~OwO~W

Fresh air hit them as soon as they were out and a strange sensation rippled all through Poccha's being. It was like being targeted by a Lock-On, before it settled into a Helping Hand. What in the Temporal Tower...

The Penguin Pokémon looked around and at himself, finding none of the familiar signs on said ongoing move on him. Maybe it had been just a suggestion.

He shrugged then adjusted his Special Band shaped like a papillon that held in each of its "wings" his Relic Fragment and an odd rock he had found around in the Boss's chamber. He would look at it better later.

The place outside the Spiral Dungeon was covered by trees and the sky was painted by a flock of unfamiliar stars as none of the constellations matched with his memory. The forest was quiet, probably it was a very late hour if even nocturnal pokémon weren't around.

− Rush, I know that the Specs don't work as well as in a dungeon, but do you see anybody? − the male Water Type whispered.

− Not that I see. We're alone. − a bit of tension eased in the group.

− I suggest we search a clearing away from the entrance, just in case Suicune'll still bring rancor. − Fang proposed from the back.

− Right. Let's go. − the Torchic agreed and they entered the forest.


The Last Outing

Dungeon: "Spiral Dungeon"

Rush

cleared the dungeon.

Item: X-Ray Specs


Do you wanna save the game?

►YES

NO

...φ

SAVED.


* Totally legit, I tell you: if the leader is blinded, the precision of the rocks goes cuckoo. They're a little more accurate if the pokémon is facing the general direction of the enemy, but in this situation this is nowhere near possible.

** I dropped a couple of hints after this brainstorm, so try and guess Poccha's HP. ^o^

*** I bended the rules a little, because have already a low hit rate (30%), plus the target instantly recovers thanks to a Reviver Seed? It's pretty unfair and frustrating. Moreover they are meant to be instant "kill" moves: it shouldn't be easy to recover from something like that.


Edit: I was probably able to correct Suicune's speech to be a passable arcaic-like after a few researches... Hopefully it's not too bad...


A/N. I don't know if you noticed, but I'm kinda cheesy about updating in particular recurrences, if my Muse and schedule let me. Sooo... Today is the release date of this year Pokémon Movie: "Kimini kimeta" AKA "I choose you!"... Thus here's the chapter!

Gandalf-Suicune is the best! I tried to use archaic English to convey more stateliness, tell me if I made mistakes or it didn't work. Ah and later it will be revealed why he was so aggressive and didn't acknowledge Poccha's protest.

The boss battle had taken two takes to be staged like this, though the "final smash" (xD) was the same in each of them. Did you like it? Or was it too cliché? (I have to let you know... I'm not really good with action scenes, but I did my best!)

That scene about Ash's Aura Sphere... he wasn't overshadowed (AKA possessed), just his Riolu instinct took over. Does it make sense to you? Anyway he had already somehow a previous experience in doing one (during the 8th movie which is probably the whole reason Ash is a Riolu = the species is more attuned with Aura and he has a ton of it).

I don't really believe in only-4-moves-clause, in "real" life outside the metagame isn't realistic. So Pikachu has Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Electro Ball, Agility and Volt Tackle.

Hope you liked the chapter and the new mysteries introduced with it! Type ya soon!

[Rockster: Glad you liked it! If I may... there's an app called Fanfiction Reader it's totally gratis and doesn't need an account to download it, but it lets you keep on your device memory all your favorite stories without the need to be online to re-read them. It also downloads new chapters when updated, so you won't miss anything! I have it too and I'm enthusiastic. ^w^

Thanks for the praises, they are very appreciated!

As for the Specs and the Boss, Rush didn't see him coming because of reasons that will be explained in a couple of chapters, sorry for the secrecy... ^^'

Thanks for the corrections, I've already edited that chapter!

I admit that now the plot can seem similar to Super Mystery Dungeon, but the story was planned way before it had been announced and I played it. I'll try to make it different while it goes on anyway ('cause I know how the game was). And above all I'll try and use the Mega Evolutions better than the game, because that's where the "Shinkan" in the title (= Evolution in Japanese) comes from, since there were nowhere easy to use! Meh.

As for the timeline location... when I published the first chapter, XYZ had just begun and the point it was at that moment wasn't ideal to start with. The only occasion of "pause" was in between the series. °w° Though, I totally agree for Greninja, you give the protagonist an awesome power than you take it away with a banal excuse? What a waste.

Again thanks for your ramble! =^ w ^=]