Interlude_Day 001

It took a while, perhaps 10 minutes, before finding a large tree with an empty burrow under an arc formed by a raised root. While it wasn't exactly a clearing, this solution was even better because of the superior cover it gave.

− This will do. Still nobody around. − Rush revealed as Pikachu and Lizard gently lowered their charge on the ground. Thankfully his condition hadn't worsened in the meanwhile.

− Good. We need to make a leaves-bed to help Ash rest... − the male Fire Type murmured, but was interrupted by the Electric one.

− We have better. Fang can you hand me the backpack? − the yellow rodent neared her and she complied and then watched curiously as he unzipped the white-green-black bag. Soon after a roll of puffy cloth was extracted and unfurled. − Ash's sleeping bag will keep him both warm and on soft ground.

− From its length we could even seat on it while he's lying down. − Poccha observed with a pleased hum.

− First of all you should dry off the remains of the Surf. − Rush objected. Fang blinked, noticing for the first time that both Pikachu and Ash were still soaked.

− Oh... right. − the Mouse Pokémon murmured mareepish as he dived again in the rucksack. He popped out few seconds later with a flurry white towel. − Do you need this too? − he offered.

− Scales. − Team Bitefire declined in unison.

− Penguin. − Poccha joined in.

− Fire bird. − Rush concluded.

− Of course. − Pikachu acknowledged, chuckling quietly. Carefully he stripped Ash from the wet blanket and gently rubbed his fur, slowly drying it. Now that the danger had ended, the Riolu seemed to have slipped in a catatonic state, a sort of limbo between consciousness and sleep, aware just enough to respond (even if slightly) to his friend touch and lean in it.

Fang wondered how much trust the ex-human had to completely abandon himself to the electric mouse's care. Not that she wasn't any better with Lizard, but they had saved the world from an asteroid! What had happened to this two? Pikachu had mentioned that this wasn't the first time Ash had risked his life, so maybe it was that.

− If I may, − Rush quietly intervened after observing a while − the towel is already too damp, if you drape it on me I could dry it for you.

− Oh, thank you! How do you prefer... − he whispered gratefully, but then sounded uncertain about the methods of procedure.

− Like a Halloween fake-ghost costume will do, it'll be quicker. − Fang snickered at the other girl's suggestion while Pikachu just complied, gaining odd looks from Lizard and Poccha.

− ...What's Halloween? − finally the latter braved to ask, while his partner lightly glowed in a heating up process.

− You don't know what's Halloween? − the yellow rodent stared at the oblivious duo in surprise.

− Never heard of it before. − the orange reptile confirmed.

− No, wait it makes sense. − Fang suddenly realized and the more-aware four looked at her. − It's a human festivity. Only we four could have ever known it. − Pikachu's and Rush's (peeking) eyes lit up in realization.

− What's it about? − the male Fire Type curiously inquired, while in the background the Mouse Pokémon checked the towel and removed it from the Chick one, waving it a bit to get rid of the excessive warmth.

− At the eve of the day when we celebrate all the deities of the Lore, it's said that the spirits of the dead, either human or pokémon that don't turn into Ghost Types, walk on the land. − Pikachu was the first to respond, all the while drying his friend. − While the already "living" Ghost Pokémon do get a power boost and enjoy the festival more than others, we literally living people like to wear costumes, usually scary ones, to either camouflage among them or scare them or each other off. − the yellow rodent shrugged, rubbing a stubborn spot behind Ash's ear. − The funniest part is usually when kits and kids go from house to house for "trick or treat" where the residents give them sweets or suffer a prank.

− Sounds funny! − Lizard beamed, looking at his best friend expectantly. Fang sighed fondly.

− Alright, once we'll come back to the Team base we'll ask Alakazam or Whiscash if there's a festival like that in some lost tradition. And if not, we'll make it up. − she relented at his Growlithe-eyes making him cheer quietly, minding the injured's state.

− Can we do that too? − Poccha jumped at the possibility.

− Sure we can, Azurill and Bidoof will be ecstatic at the idea too! − Rush agreed, smiling.

− All done. − Pikachu stated while he draped the towel on his shoulders, then gently guided the bandaged Riolu down on the sleeping bag to lay on his belly. In the meanwhile Fang had recovered the icebag from the previously discarded cap, so she put it down on the fevered head eliciting a relieved sigh. Soon after, Ash seemed to acquire some awareness back, because he peeked glassily around through an eyelid.

− Pik...? − he tried to mumble, but all his efforts seemed to be casted aside since he started slipping into sleep.

− Don't worry, we're safe for now. Go to sleep Ash, right now I'm not gonna go anywhere. − the Mouse Pokémon reassured, sitting beside him on the sleeping bag. Probably by the very moment the neo-pokémon heard his calm voice, the Riolu fell blissfully unconscious.

P~OwO~W

Rush sighed a bit at the scene. What a high faith they had in each other...

− We need a healer. A scorch like that won't get better anytime soon by using only Rawst Berries. − Fang commented as she sat on the sleeping bag, paws crossed. − Plus, we have that concoction only for another application.

− So at dawn we'll go both berries-searching and healer-finding? − Poccha proposed, joining the other Water Type while earning several nods.

− And terrain-surveying. If it's possible, we'll need to know where we can go before trouble meets us. − Rush added, sitting down on the admitting comfortable fluff surface.

− If you want I'm able to climb very well trees. A higher observation point usually is a good start. − Pikachu volunteered with an air of too much familiar comfort for not being a habit.

− That's a very good idea... Say, are you used to get lost? From what I know your species hasn't a habit of tree climbing. − the Torchic observed, making the yellow rodent blush and scratch his nape.

− Yeah, Ash has no sense of direction whatsoever and luckily we usually have friends travelling with us that can read the map, but... − he trailed helplessly, gesturing to his partner.

− Ash'll never lead any exploration, then. − Poccha decided drily.

− At least not outside Dungeons, in there it doesn't matter where you head to anyway. − Lizard intervened, from beside his partner. − Besides, if he manages to get hold of whatever told him that Suicune was about to attack, I'll let him on the front.

− Oh right, now that we're not in the middle of the battle anymore, what really happened? Rush, since you had the Specs, where did he come from? − Fang asked, sounding earnestly confused. The Chick Pokémon ruffled her feathers in a shrug.

− I have no idea. The instant before Ash's warning the chamber was empty, then, after we ducked, he was there. − she told them.

− He just spawned? − Poccha asked raising an eyeridge.

− Thinking back, I think that perhaps there was a secret room. − Pikachu hummed, paw on chin, deep in thought and ear twitching. − I didn't realize before, but I hear a "shhhwink" right before the Ice Beam, like an automatic sliding door opening. − he looked at them again.

− So, given that it was the Secret Base of a Legendary, it's quite possible that it was isolated against the Specs. At last this makes sense to me. − the Totodile clarified, earning a nod from the other ex-human girl.

− Sure thing it is. On that mission with Sunflora, the one when we tried for the first time the Specs, there was a floor with a closed treasure room and we couldn't peek inside to see the items. − Rush confirmed.

− So how did Ash notice the attack beforepaw? − the male Fire Type tilted his head in confusion.

− Oh right, you don't know Sinnoh pokémon. − Pikachu realized, so he turned to Team Purplewing. − Where's the Pokédex? − Poccha in response rummaged into the team bag and extracted the gadget, giving it back.

− It's the encyclopedia? − Fang mused and the yellow rodent hummed in assent, scanning his partner like he had done to her in order to search for Mega-Blaziken.

"Riolu, the Emanation Pokémon. It can discern the physical and emotional states of people, pokémon and other natural things from the shape of their Aura waves. It's tough enough to run through the night and it's also a hard worker, but it's still a youngster. This pokémon is a Fighting Type."*

− ...Now I'm not so surprised about Ash's endurance anymore. − the orange reptile murmured.

− Then it's possible that he felt the rage of the incoming Suicune. − the blue crocodile deduced, ignoring her partner.

− Aye. Once as human, he formed a sort of link with a kidnapped Riolu and was able to pick up his distress from even far away. − the Electric Type confirmed. − Uhm. Now that I think about it he's becoming with the passing of time kinda empathetic with us pokémon teammates... − he added in an afterthought.

− So he always had the potential of a Riolu/Lucario. That's good to know. − the Torchic smiled.

However, the moment she had finished her observation, her teammate quietly clapped his fin-like wings to call everyone (sans Ash) attention. − Now that we have the species credential of everyone, we should try to understand why and how we are here,

− Right. By now, I think it's obvious that both exploration teams had been abducted in order to be dropped here. But why in the maws of an angry Suicune? − Fang pondered.

− To be fair he did mistake us for these so-called "Shadows"... − Pikachu mediated.

− But we don't look anything like Ghost or Dark Types. − Poccha objected.

− I don't think he meant that. He seemed oddly specific with his words: he didn't want us to go further, but send us back. Then he added that he wanted to erase us. It's possible... − the female Fire Type hesitated − that he didn't think at all about us as pokémon to begin with.

− We're pretty pokémon-esque! − the glacial bird protested.

− Well, while he had his paw on me, Suicune murmured something about us being a "new type" of shadows and being too dangerous. Like, to him, we were an actual threat so he had to eliminate us before it was too late... so it's possible that either his mind or eyes were affected by something. − Pikachu adjusted the towel still hanging on his shoulders absentmindly. − Once, in Unova a group of Beheeyem took control of a whole city to seek a piece of their starship but Ash, Team Rocket and I were the only unaffected so as result we saw the mind-controlled people with a Beheeyem mask. − he circled his face with his paw as to sign where the mask had been.

− Ah... What pokémon now? − Lizard asked confused.

− Oh, no Unova too... − the human-world-pokémon mumbled and typed for a bit on the Dex. − This one. − he showed a humanoid brown figure with green eyes and an enormous head shaped like a strange hat. − They're powerful Psychic Types; I've met them only twice, so I don't know much about them. Anyway, since they could do something like that, it's not impossible that other pokémon of the same Type could have conditioned Suicune.

− Maybe. Still, I feel that these "shadows" have something to do with us being here. And... it'd be somehow linked with the Dimensional Scream I had on Ash's cap. − Rush finally voiced her inner thoughts she had been pondering since the confrontation started.

− What are you talking about? − Fang inquired, making the other girl realize that they had the conversation about it only with Pikachu.

− Even when I was human, I had this special power called Dimensional Scream: by touching something, I can get snapshots or even whole cutscenes about its past or future if it's important for someone's safety or it's linked to a mystery. − she explained. − Apart from pointing how reckless Ash really is, it showed me a "Mega Evolution" too.

− Now I really feel out of the loop: I've never heard of that before. − Lizard admitted uneasily.

− So did us till she saw one of those Mega-evolved pokémon and Pikachu briefly explained them to us. − Poccha reassured. Team Bitefire looked expectantly at the yellow rodent.

− Well, we recently discovered the in Kalos. Some final stages and non-evolving base pokémon can... sort of evolve for a certain period of time. − Pikachu began his explanation before Lizard interrupted him.

− You mean the evolution is only temporary? − he sounded bewildered.

− Yup, but it's only because of the massive energy involved. Imagine a Blaziken, since that's what Rush saw, but a hundred times stronger. A body, no matter how much trained, can handle only so much power without a failsafe, so there are conditions to be met. − he looked around with a frown and, stretching his tail, he picked up two pebbles that were nimbly bandied into his waiting paws.

The Chick Pokémon was about to gape at the pro-ness of that performance, however the attempted teacher spoke up again. − A specific Mega Stone to supply the power necessary to evolve, − he rose one of the pebble that was subsequently tossed on Rush's lap − and a Key Stone to catalyze and trigger the evolution itself. − he raised the other, but hesitated. − However in order to do all of this, another step is needed: even if Rush was a Blaziken and had a Blazikenite and a Key Stone, she couldn't Mega evolve by herself. Poccha, you're her partner, right? − the blue bird nodded, a bit confused by the non-sequitur. Where was Pikachu trying to go? His question was half-answered when the second pebble was thrown to him and he haphazardly caught it. − Only you could help her achieve the process. What really matters is the bond between the people who hold the stones. We fought against a Gym Leader and her partner Mega-Lucario that were friends since he was a pup, but at first they couldn't get hold of all the power because there were certain aspects of their friendship that weren't as solid as they thought therefore he went on a rampage. Thankfully after some time they managed to settle the matter. − he sighed, probably at the memory.

− Wow... But how much does a Mega evolution last? − Lizard breathed.

− From what I saw either a full battle or being KOed. But I wouldn't exclude the possibility of the separation between the Key Stone and its holder too, because of the need of the bond I mean. − the Electric Type shrugged.

− A hundred times stronger, two partners with a solid bond with one of them capable of Mega evolution and Shadows... do you see why I think it's not a coincidence? − Rush finally asked now that they had all the evidences she had gathered beforeclaw.

− It depends only if either Feraligatr or Charizard can Mega evolve. − the female indirectly questioned Pikachu who blinked.

− I don't know, let me check. − he raised the Dex first towards Fang then swiped the screen a couple of times. − No, Feraligatr no. − he repeated the procedure with Lizard, but this time he stared. − Okay, I wasn't expecting this.

− What? − the orange reptile asked with bathed breath.

− Charizard can choose between two Mega Stones... and one of them, codenamed "X", also makes him a Fire-Dragon Type. − the Mouse Pokémon showed them the picture of both forms.

B~OwO~F

− Fang. Fang, I want that one. − Lizard pointed urgently at the black and blue behemoth with the flaming maw, shacking her at the same time by her shoulder.

− I had guessed it since Pikachu said it was a Dragon Type. − the girl extracted herself from the grip of her friend with a chuckle.

− He likes Dragons that much? − Rush stage-whispered with a smile.

− Who couldn't? They can learn practically any Move Type and they're only vulnerable to themselves and Ice! − he fanboyed.

−Uh... I have to guess that the re-classification of some pokémon in Fairy Type is exclusive of the human world? − Pikachu hesitantly questioned. That made them still on their tracks and slowly turn to the rescued.

− "Fairy Type"? − was Lizard strained come back. Like Fang he probably had a bad feeling about the matter.

− Pokémon like the evolutionary line of Clefairy, Marill, Jigglypuff and Snubbul are now classified as "Fairy" Types. Oh, even the Ralts line is Fairy-Psychic, now that I think about it. − the yellow rodent added. − Anyway, Fairies have this really cool advantage against Dragons: they're... immune to moves of that Type.

− you mean that if I Outrage or Dragon Claw a Ralts, it won't have even a scratch? − the male Fire Type asked looking a bit sick.

− Aye. And if you're a pure Dragon Type a Fairy move like Disarming Voice, a hissatsu like Aerial Ace, would be super effective. − he explained sympathetically. − The only Types that work well on them are Steel and Poison.

− Which are the others vulnerable to this "new" Type? − Fang asked trying to quell the despair she was feeling coming from her partner.

− If I remember right they were Dark and Fighting... but it's not very effective on Steel, Poison and Fire, at least. − the Mouse Pokémon recalled.

− So the damage on the "X" Mega Charizard is normal. Cheer up Lizard, it's not so bad! − his partner patted said pokémon downed head in sympathy.

He sniffed. − I'll learn Metal Claw or Iron Tail or Steel Wing, whichever comes first.

− I know one of them and I could teach you, if it's of any comfort? − Pikachu offered.

− Thank you! − the Charmander bowed in gratitude.

− Let's get back on the track. − Poccha proposed and the others nodded. − Another element we didn't mention that could be involved is the Creepy Voice. What it actually said was that our stay will depend on me and Rush. So there's something we will have to do to get out of here.

− You mean that the threat of these Shadows could be real notwithstanding the out-of-it state of Suicune? Or his state to begin with? − the azure crocodile clarified.

The Penguin Pokémon nodded. − Either or both, till we have more info nothing can be excluded.

− Besides, it couldn't be only a coincidence either that a third human turned into a pokémon right before we were dragged here. − Rush added coal to the discussion. − You mentioned that your Absol teammate foresaw the event, right?

− So you think that the Voice waited for Ash and Pikachu to be randomly shot by a crazy Hyper Beam so that the process could transport them here by chance and at the same time turn the former into a pokémon? Just so we could have a backup and a friendly close source of information? − Fang exposed and rectified her line of thought with a no-nonsense look on her muzzle.

− Said like this makes it sound bad... − she whimpered lamely.

− It does. − the other girl amended with an apologetic expression, in order not to make her feel dejected. − You're implying that it wanted to give us this "mission", but which client does treat their employees with an angry Suicune at the end of a Dungeon with an injured colleague in tow? Aside from the fact that the clues about mission itself were vague, fragmented and unsure if they're really right.

− She does have a point. Not always your instinct is right Rush. − Poccha agreed.

− Maybe I got wrong the theory behind it, but I'm sure this wasn't a coincidence. I mean, what are the chances? In their misfortune they were lucky to have met us and vice versa. − the feathered Fire Type insisted.

− I wouldn't exclude a strike of our adverse fortune. − Pikachu sighed, gathering their attention. − I think it's more likely that we barged into someone's plan and somehow ruined it... However, since after all our knowledge could help, they decided to keep us anyway.

− Wow, it sounds like something that had already happened before. − Lizard wondered.

− Oh, it has. More than I like to. − the yellow mammal sighed rubbing the towel on his scalp without adding more. The Teams took it as a hint not to probe further.

− Soooo, whichever possibility doesn't change our plan for tomorrow, does it? − Poccha inquired, changing the subject.

− There's no reason to divert from it, we still need those things anyway. − Fang shrugged, eyeing the prone pokémon-turned human. The sight of him reminded her of another matter. − How are your energy reserves, by the way?

The other three either patted themselves or hummed pensively.

− I don't know if I'm talking for the others too, but after being revived by the Seed and the no-fight afterward, I feel fine. − her partner concluded, prodding Poccha and Rush to nod, though Pikachu raised an eyeridge.

− You got revived? When did it happen? − he tilted his head, abandoning the towel in his lap.

− The second Surf KOed us. − Poccha shrugged. − You were Volt Tackling Suicune at the time, I think... I just saw the yellow flash. − he added.

− With "Volt Tackle" you mean that flashy move you pulled while charging Suicune like an enraged Raikou after the first Surf? Because that was pretty awesome. − the Totodile said impressed. The Electric Type nodded.

− I've never heard about a move like that. − her partner admitted mareepishly.

− It's understandable, only a few of the Pikachu line are able to do it, since it's an Egg Move. And only if one of the parents has a Light Ball. − at the Team Bitefire's perplexed look he added. − It's a rare "chu"-related Item that sometimes remains from a spent Thunderstone used to evolve into a Raichu.** Usually it give us an offensive boost. Mom had one from her evolution... that gave me the potential to use that move. − he explained. − However I never thought about using it till 3-4 years after meeting Ash. We needed something more powerful than a Thunder.

− It's that strong? − Lizard quietly whistled.

− I think I read once it's on par with Zap Cannon in term of power. − Rush recalled.

− But that move has a half-miss rate! What's Volt Tackle downside? − Fang frowned: moves were usually balanced.

− It's like Double-Edge. The recoil damages me. − Pikachu finally confessed, looking uncomfortable.

A dread suspicious crept through the ex-human as she scanned with her reptilian eyes the mouse's form. − How much are you hurt now? − he seemed to wince at the accusation.

X~OwO~Y

− I've had worse. − was the non-committal response. And it was true, it was been years since a mere Goldeen's Poison Sting had been able to ground him. He had even challenged (and defeated) a Latios in a League and a Battle Frontier's Regice! Still, he didn't like to brag and he had already slipped too much with the Arceus reference, so he kept quiet.

− "Never pull a tough-act during an expedition." Chatot always says. − Rush scolded disapprovingly. − And since he's the deputy captain of our Guild Chief, he's pretty right about these things. So, don't go around the matter and say things straight. − she mother-henned (which was quite ironic since she was a Torchic).

− ...I'll be alright after a few hours of rest. − he relented. − My midsection hurts where I was stomped on, but I don't feel any broken or cracked bone. I'm tougher than I seem, so I wasn't really downplaying anything. − he defended himself, rubbing the damaged spot.

− ...If you say so... − Fang didn't seem convinced in the slightest, but thankfully let him be.

− We still have two Oran Berries, we could split them between you and Ash when he wakes up next time. − Poccha offered, pulling out said fruits.

− What about you? Shouldn't we keep them for emergencies? − the Kanto native worried.

− That's what the berry-searching tomorrow morning is for, Pikachu! − Lizard snickered. We went into excursions with less equipment before, we'll just be careful before entering into Dungeons.

− I'm a bit hungry, though. − the Totodile sighed, patting her stomach. − We still have two Apples, right?

− Yeah, those were two of the few things we didn't lose during our "delivery". − the scaled Fire Type extracted a couple of red fresh fruits that were put down on the sleeping bag near the berries.

− We have one too. − Rush fished another with her beak by the petiole and it soon joined the rest.

− It's not much, but I've got my own contribution for the "feast" too. − Pikachu stood, dragging along the towel to put it back, and reached the backpack to rummage into it... − Ha ha! Here it is! − he extracted a cylindrical holder and opened it: it was filled to the brim with Pokéchow. − We had just refilled our stash yesterday. I may have some Superpotions, but the status cures were held by a friend of ours... The backpack was already too full. − he sighed dejectedly, sitting back down and putting down the food.

− Full of what? − Lizard inquired curiously, leaning the fiery tip of his tail as if to make a makeshift tiny bonfire.

− Well, since we primarily travel, the majority of the backpack is occupied by the sleeping bag, the blanket, the towel, a change of clothes and the First Aid Kit. There's also my food and the canteen. − Pikachu listed, making a count in his head. − In the side pockets there's also a Fishing Rod, two cloth handkerchiefs... I think we have also a rope and perhaps, if Ash hasn't lost it, even a compass Delia gave him somewhere in the front pocket. − he eyed it suspiciously.

− Who's Delia? − Fang asked softly as finally the Electric Type leaned back to check himself.

− She's Ash's mom. She helped him pack for our journey in Kalos, region we where in before the incident. Ah, it's still here! − he cheered dragging out a worn out compass that dutifully pointed North. If he was right, the Spiral Dungeon was at South-East from their actual position. − It's the very one we had in our first journey in Kanto, our home region, but we didn't really use it that much...

− Why not? In the Guild there wasn't anyone capable of building a regular one, but we always carry along a magnetized Iron Thorn to use it as a make-do compass. − Poccha seemed shocked by their "recklessness".

− We met early an older human with better orientation skills than Ash, so... we relied on him. We lost our way several times anyway along the travel, but we had fun despite everything. We had him in our group for 4-5 years, then changing region companions had to go by their way and we met new people that could lead the way. I will always be grateful to them, since I did pick up some of their skills along the way. − Brock, Max, Cilan and Serena had been a saving grace, otherwise the two of them would have been missing long ago.

A distinctive "we have an eye on you" look that the four were giving him, made Pikachu feel on edge: he really hoped they weren't doubting him and his orientation skill.

− H-how about digging in and you tell me some of your adventures? − the Mouse Pokémon warily attempted to change the subject.

− Fine by me. I wanted to know about unknown regions that have Dungeons too. − Poccha puffed out, looking expectantly at Team Bitefire.

− I have nothing in contrary; it'll be a few hours before dawn, so we have time. − the Charmander agreed, lifting the pressure.

Therefore the five quietly chatted about their experience, exchanging some peculiar mission and each other moveset and strong point. It seemed that they were well balanced: Team Bitefire had two/three long ranged attacks (Water Pulse, Flamethrower and Rock Slide) and the rest covered the Type weaknesses and/or relied on their strong suit (Crunch, Shadow Claw and Ice Fang for the Big Jaw Pokémon; Dragon Claw and Brick Break for the Charmander); the same could be said for Team Purplewing (Flamethrower, Quick Attack, Aerial Ace and Dig for the Torchic; Water Pulse, Brine, Drill Peck and Hidden Power for the Piplup). They still had some "stored away" moves like his Volt Tackle though, so they could do more offensive combats in case of need.

Without them notice, the hours passed quickly, between that and checking on Ash, so finally the first rose lights of dawn started staining the dark sky, giving them the hope of the incoming Sun.


Do you wanna save the game?

►YES

NO

...φ

SAVED.


* To let the teams understand better, I choose the combo of Sun&Moon-games descriptions (not withstanding that I like it better too). (̀_•́)

** Headcanon borrowed from "Ashes of the Past" by Saphroneth. I liked his idea and I don't really like not giving credit when it's due, so here! ;D


A/N. UltraSun and UltraMoon are finally here! Right now I'm writing at the early hour of two in the morning while the hype train is running all over me as I wait for the opening of the shop where I pre-ordered the latter game... Ahh, I hope it won't disappoint me... By the way I'll take the fluffy Litten (in the previous game I chose Rowlet, he was my precioussss) just to change the team a bit.

Back to the "Mix": this chapter is a bit filler-ish in term of action, but I felt the need to make them confront their information and form a plan. Next chapter will give you all the effective setting of this region (as in: part of the map) and a bit of development of Ash condition.

The thing about the Volt Tackle was just me trying to give the anime some sense from games-canon, because one cannot simply learn an Egg Move out of nowhere. The last hint about the "stored away" moves is my compromise between game mechanics and common sense: it's highly improbable that in the wild pokémon know only four moves to defend themselves (or attack), however to "limit" themselves in a regular/fair battles, they can choose only between four that are usually the main moveset. Hopes it makes sense. xP

Thanks for all your views, favorites, follows and above all reviews! They help me improve both my story and my mood. Type ya soon!

[Rockster: The Aura Sphere was mostly powered by spite and fear, so it was plenty powerful... notwithstanding that Suicune had been wore out by the others' previous attack, so he was already at the edge of fainting (like, red bar HP). The move will surely pack a harder punch when Ash recovers though.

Thanks for the correction, the "n" at the end of Shinka came from me writing it down from the Japanese dub and hearing a letter that wasn't here... eheheh ^^'

I know too well what you mean with Super MD. Most of the hype for the game was because of them and the way they were played disappointed me... I used it only once and it felt as if the Mega Evolution wasn't there at all. I definitely liked more the references and pokémon from the previous games. u_ù

The Sun Moon anime... I follow it without following it. I mean: I read about the story but I don't watch the episodes themselves because of its butchered animation in comparison to the perfection it was XY (&Z). Who knows if they bring back old glories? They did it with Misty and Brock (they had Mega Evolution at long last, *sniff* TTwTT), all can happen.

Thanks foe you review as always, hope you enjoyed this chapter!]