Hey, everyone! I'd like to take this opportunity to show off the blog specifically for this fic. Its url on tumblr is another-rxad. On top of answering any questions asked and being around for world-building, it'll frequently post art for the story, character designs included. In fact, one of them will be from this chapter, so check it out, when you have the chance!

Also, if you have any questions, commentary, or feedback you'd like to see answered, send it in! We always appreciate reviews, and if there's anything that can be answered, it will be when the next chapter is posted! Thanks a lot in advance!


Large, teal-tinted wings flapped heavily through the cloudy skies, blowing clouds astray that had dared to come too close to the temperamental Flame pokemon that soared high over Sinnoh. A Charizard glided through Sinnoh's troposphere, carrying his eager trainer and a Pikachu on its back. As hardy as this particular Charizard was, he had been in the air for quite a while, and was beginning to grow tired. He huffed, carrying the duo at a noticeably slower rate.

"Hey, I think Charizard's getting tired," Ash observed, looking down to his companion. "We must be getting pretty close by now… What do you say we swoop on down for a break, huh?"

A grunt of agreement was all Ash needed, followed by a steady decline towards the ground below. Gliding in through the trees, Charizard slowed before it found an empty clearing, skidding to a stop along the grassy earth. Kicking up dust, the dragon dispelled it with a flap of its wings.

Beating away the last of the dirt with a few waves of his cap, Ash hopped down onto the ground below. "Thanks a lot!" He lightly rubbed the fire type's neck, all too grateful for the quick transportation. "Now, take a lil' bit to rest. We can hang out here and have lunch before you get your energy back!"

A huff of agreement was the next thing Ash expected to hear, but another quite familiar sound took that spot. "Ashy-boy?" That same, nasally voice, albeit quite a bit deeper than what he was used to. A spiky, auburn head of hair stood out among a very green landscape, belonging to none other than Ash's former rival. "I never thought you'd be out here!"

"Gary?" Ash turned on his heels, eyes going wide at the sight of the other trainer.

Much like Ash himself, the previous months had left quite a mark on him. Standing at Ash's new height, the researcher sported a new get-up. What seemed to be a white t-shirt was covered up by a dark grey sweater, just unzipped enough to show off his signature pendant. Brown slacks completed the look, both them and the sweater sporting pockets. "You're still in Sinnoh? Shouldn't you be preparing for the Indigo League, right about now? You're not gonna win it by being a slacker." He teased, though, there was a tinge of sincere concern with his words.

Crumpling his hat quite roughly in his tightly closed fist, Ash huffed. "For your information, I've been doing some serious training! We've done some serious powering up." Well, for the most part, he had. At the very least, his other pokemon had exercised to stay in shape. "What're you doing in Sinnoh, though? Weren't ya back home in Pallet not too long ago?"

"You know as well as I do that neither of us stay in the same place for long, Ash. I'm still doing research for Rowan. This time, I'm looking into unusual evolution methods of certain pokemon."

Before Ash could ask anything else, a barrage of loud booming sounds assaulted the group's eardrums, followed by smoke and dust rising above the trees. "What the heck was that!?"

"That's coming from where I was doing my research!" Gary figured he'd spoken enough, proceeding to sprint off towards the source of the commotion.

The other Pallet trainer's expression turned stern. "Return, Charizard!" Ash held a pokeball outward, calling back the fatigued pokemon in a red flash of light. "C'mon, Pikachu! Let's follow him!" Answered quickly by a syllable of the mouse's name, Ash ran off in pursuit.


A short sprint later and the trio arrived at the foot of a hill. Several Wormadam surrounded it, fretting before some high piled rubble leaning against the hill.

Gary put his hands on his hips. "Sorry, guys… Still no luck on anything delicate to get 'em out. What's with all the noise, though?" he apologized to the relatively friendly bug types. They surrounded him, then, all chatter in their own language at once.

"Are there some trapped in the cave?" Ash asked, getting upset himself. "Pikachu, let's use Iron Tail to -"

"Don't!" Gary barked. "Use your head. If you're not careful in moving those rocks around, the cave could actually collapse." The researcher huffed, exasperated, but not surprised with Ash's haste. "We'll have to find an easier way to get them out, or at least find a different path." Shaking his head, the brunette continued to glare at the rocks, almost willing them to move and free the pokemon who were doing him a favor by allowing him to be so familiar with them. "We've got to get them out, though. Or, at least check on them!"

"Oh, hey, Misdreavus can check on them!" Ash let her out quickly.

Gary's brows rose. "You caught a new pokemon. Huh. Figures, kinda, but I'm not complaining."

Nodding, Ash spoke to Misdreavus, then. "Hey! Do you think you could go in that cave over there? We need to make sure the pokemon inside are alright. If you can, find a way out!"

Letting out a little giggle of agreement, the Misdreavus floated over to and then through the boulders and rocks to get into the cave. As she did, she found a few Wormadam. They approached her. After a short exchange, she explained what she was there for, and the bugs grew more comfortable with her. The young Burmy who had been hiding also came out, grateful they might be saved, though everyone kept their voices low.

Soon, Misdreavus found out why the Wormadam and Burmy were afraid. A low, rumbling growl from the back of the cave caught her attention. As she peered, the Wormadam and Burmy fled. A few of the hiding places were full, so three of the largest Wormadam merely fled as high upon the rubble as they could.

Meanwhile, a Gabite loomed closer, eyes flicking between the jewels upon Misdreavus and the Trash Wormadam which had a bit more shiny refuse stuck to its body than the rest… One of the three largest.

Panic entered Misdreavus's body as the Gabite ran at them, clearly headed up the slope she floated over. If it didn't act fast, those pokemon would be in serious trouble! Forming a Shadow Ball with haste, she blasted the second stage dragon, sending it reeling back.

Showing a great deal of stubbornness, though, it retaliated, assaulting the group with Rock Tomb.

The ghost pokemon let out a shrill squeak, firing off several stone-shaped shots of energy toward the offending rocks. Power Gem obliterated each attack that came their way, though, it required quite a bit of marksmanship from the small ghost. Powerful as it was, defending several other pokemon put quite a bit of pressure on it.

Meanwhile, the rumble inside the cave had caught the group's notice on the outside. "It sounds like something's going on in there. But there's no way for us to tell what." Gary admitted, frustrated with his inability to help.

Gazing on, Ash failed to answer as his eyes fell shut, his usual five senses taking a backseat to a sixth. Aside from the several life signatures surrounding him, Gary, Pikachu, and the wild pokemon included, Ash peered further into a seeming blackness. A faint, unsettling vibe reminiscent of a life force floated about further ahead. That had to be Misdreavus. A sense of anxiety floated among it, as well as a number of other auras that accompanied it. Finally, an aggressive, larger source of aura was stationed nearby. Gritting his teeth, Ash returned his focus to the world around him. "Something's attacking them in that cave! Be careful, Misdreavus!"

Gary cocked an eyebrow at the trainer beside him, weirded out, to say the least. "How in the world did you figure that out?" He stared at Ash, ever incredulous of the boy's odd instincts.

Already sweating, Ash reached to rub the back of his head, letting out a very nervous chuckle. That was right. He hadn't told Gary about that… "Oh, it's… Just a lucky guess! Ahaha…!"

"Whatever you say," Gary answered, unconvinced. "Things never stop being weird around you."

Amidst the dust and chaos, Gabite had burrowed under the ground, escaping Misdreavus' gaze by time the cave had cleared. Where had it gone…? The small pokemon's eyes darted left and right.

Meanwhile, a crack formed from beneath the earth, quite close to a couple of Wormadam that began to scatter when the ground collapse. Gabite shot out, quite ready to assault the frightened pokemon.

Misdreavus let out an angry wail, firing off another ghastly Shadow Ball. Striking the ground just in front of the aggressive Dragon, the blast let off a shockwave that sent Gabite skidding quite a few feet.

Growing increasingly angry, Gabite fired off another round of Rock Tomb, intent on pummeling all the other pokemon that were intruding in its space.

No! Misdreavus fretted. There were too many of them, this time… She had to protect them. She had to stop those rocks!

And, somehow, she was able.

The cave grew quiet. The previous panicked whines of the Wormadam and Burmy turned into slack jawed awe. Even the Gabite looked on in shock.

A bright blue glow surrounded each of the stones, all suspended in mid-air by a powerful form of telekinesis. Opening her eyes, Misdreavus had found that she'd learned Psychic! After realizing what she'd done, the little ghost huffed, eyes still glowing pink. What a bully! One of the rocks was flung at Gabite, sending it backwards and yelping, but the rest just landed uselessly.

… She could move the rocks now! Misdreavus quickly began tossing the rubble that blocked off the exit to the cave, occasionally throwing one Gabite's way when it began to cause a stir again.

Emboldened by their "champion" defending them, the Wormadam also stood up, ready to defend themselves and the Burmy.

"Worma!" they cried in unison as they used Confusion as the Gabite rushed forth.

Meanwhile, on the outside, Misdreavus was making progress enough that the others could see.

"Let's meet her halfway!" Ash cried, quickly climbing up the rubble. If they pulled from the top like she was, it should be fine, right? Pikachu followed Ash's lead, pushing rocks backwards.

"Wormadam, you, too! Let's make a relay line to keep this from collapsing again! Rocks from the top to the bottom and then to the sides!" Gary instructed, taking charge.

Soon, the wall was scattered and the Wormadam, Burmy, and even Ash's Misdreavus came rushing out. Unfortunately, as soon as the pressure was off Gabite, it also came out, hissing and eyes locked onto the glittering Trash Wormadam.

"...It's after whatever sparkling in that Wormadam!" the researcher shouted. "Umbreon, I choose you!" Gary called out, tossing a pokeball forward to release the Moonlight pokemon.

Upon seeing the dark type, the Gabite let out a roar and then used Dragon Rage.

"Phfft, fat chance!" A bit of cockiness seemed to resonate under Gary's tone. "Umbreon, deflect it with Psychic!" As soon as Umbreon did such, the blue dragon fire was flung back at Gabite, who was completely wiped after the intense attacks Misdreavus and the combined efforts of the Wormadam dealt out. "Pokeball, go!" Wasting no time, Gary tossed out a pokeball. In short order, the Gabite was captured.

"Huh? What'd ya catch it for?" Ash wondered aloud as he absently scratched at Misdreavus's chin. Though it passed through her, she appreciated the effort, as shown by a happy wail.

"I'm gonna teach it some manners," Gary explained before checking over all the trapped pokemon. Satisfied with their safety, Gary supposed there wouldn't be any more studying today. "Alright, you guys go calm down in your home. I'll visit later, right?"

"Burm!" "Worma!" they all agreed before en masse entering their cave once more.

With that, the brunet turned to Ash. "That's quite the impressive Misdreavus you've got."

"Thanks! I got her on Mt. Silver. She helped me when I was lost." He bore a sheepish grin.

"Really, now?" Returning Umbreon and putting away Gabite's pokeball, the researcher brought out a different pokeball. "A pokemon from all the way up there's gotta be pretty tough. I'd kinda like to see how it performs, myself."

"Is that a challenge?" Ash inquired, cocking his head.

"Are you going to accept it?"

"Oh yeah."


Shortly after order had been restored, both Ash and Gary had returned to the open clearing, where they had plenty of space for their match. Misdreavus had gotten the chance to rest from its previous engagement, leaving the tiny specter eager and ready to go. It floated alongside Ash, who stood tall and confident, equally ready to begin the match. "Alright, Gary! Let's do this!"

"You've got it! Arcanine, I choose you!" Gary tossed another pokeball forward. The Legendary pokemon appeared, letting out a loud howl. Spotting the trainer Gary was facing, Arcanine grinned. The last time he'd been involved in a match of theirs, it'd been quite the thrill.

"Then, let's get started! Misdreavus, use Shadow Ball!"

The Screech pokemon opened its mouth wide, conjuring a purple, crackling ball of ghoulish energy. With a cry, it fired the attack towards Arcanine.

"Fire Spin, Arcanine! Get rid of that Shadow Ball!" Gary threw a hand forward.

The large canine spewed forward a blazing twister of fire, willing the attack to swallow the ghost type attack, tearing it to shreds before surrounding Misdreavus itself.

The ghost type was caught up in the inferno, letting out a wail of pain.

"Don't give in! Use Psychic to blow that Fire Spin away!"

Once more, the pokemon's eyes glowed pink, its own mind willing the flames to cower away from its own body before being blown away completely, leaving little more than embers.

"Hit it with Flame Wheel!" Gary called next.

The Legendary pokemon cried out, surrounding itself in a brilliant, bellowing flame, soon taking the form of a ring that barreled toward Misdreavus, having every intention of leaving its mark.

"Don't let it hit you! Counter that with Power Gem!"

Misdreavus let out another burst of its supernatural power, firing off several shining shots that seemed to be shaped like gems, closing in on the attacking Arcanine. The stones pummeled the approaching Flame Wheel.

Secure enough behind the veil of flames, Arcanine was shielded from the brunt of Power Gem's damage. Still, though, the attack was powerful enough to throw the pokemon off-course, forcing it to skid to a halt past Misdreavus.

"Don't give up on attacking it, Arcanine! Follow that up with Thunder Fang!"

Irritated, Arcanine lunged forward again, sinking its electrified fangs into Misdreavus.

"Misdreavus!" Ash called out, cringing as he watched Gary's pokemon gain the advantage.

The small ghost wailed out in pain as golden electricity coursed through its semi-physical form, cringing from the sinking fangs before being tossed back towards Ash. It righted itself, only to cower and flinch from the painful attack. Once its bearings had returned, it glared at Arcanine.

"We've gotta fight back… That's it! Misdreavus, use Payback!" Ash cried out.

Competitive fury boiled in the tiny ghost's metaphorical heart, a dark force within it ready to seek vengeance for the damage she'd been dealt. "Misdreavus~!" She shouted, unleashing an unholy blue ring of energy upon her opponent. Resulting from a prior attack, the move's attack doubled, pummeling Arcanine.

"Not bad, Ash… I guess we'll have to go all out, for this one. Arcanine, Fire Blast, now!"

Arcanine let loose its most powerful attack, then. A brilliant star formed out of flames shot towards Misdreavus, ready to swallow the small ghost in its infernal wrath.

"Use Psychic to blow it away!" Ash suggested, wholly absorbed in the action.

"Dreavus~!" She wailed once more, channeling the full extent of her psychic power to will the fiery formation away. Try as she might, though, her telekinetic push wasn't quite enough to stop Arcanine. Fire overcame the protective barrier, swallowing Misdreavus in its entirety.

Ash threw his arm over his frame, doing his best to guard himself from the uncomfortable heat that splashed past his pokemon and towards him and Pikachu. The latter hopped about to avoid embers, while Ash did his best to stare into the bright flame. "Misdreavus, are you alright!?"

The smoke and embers cleared, revealing a toasted, but still floating Misdreavus. "Mis!"

"Good job hanging in there! Now, use Shadow Ball!"

The ghoulish orb was fired, this time striking Arcanine head-on. Still, though, it persevered.

"Alright! Now, follow it up with Power Gem!"

Misdreavus readied the dazzling shot of energy, firing it from its center jewel.

"Use Flame Wheel to dodge it, and then hit Misdreavus head-on!" Gary ordered.

"Arrrrc!" Arcanine roared, bellowing flames surrounding his form as he launched off towards the ghost type pokemon. A sharp turn in his path towards the other pokemon allowed him to completely avoid Power Gem, leading him straight on course towards his opponent.

"Great… Now we're in trouble!" Ash grimaced. A certain shot of light, though, was captured in the corner of his eye. His dark orbs glimmered, as they always did when one of his off-the-wall plans came to mind. "Hey, Misdreavus! Use Psychic to bring your Power Gem back around!"

A mischievous little grin fitted the small ghoul's face, a bright light surrounding its body. Its supernatural grasp pulled the shots of energy back into its orbit, coming back towards Arcanine as it came close to striking its target.

Soon enough, Gary saw the trouble they were in. "Arcanine! Watch out for that attack!"

Alas, his warning was too late. The attack came from Arcanine's blind spot, pummeling it and dispersing its veil of flames. Sliding on past Misdreavus once more, it slid through the dirt before collapsing on its side. Under the weight of the super effective attack, it'd been knocked unconscious.

Observing their victory, Ash and Pikachu couldn't help but grin and cheer. "Alright! You did it, Misdreavus!" "Pi-Pikachu!" The two pumped their fists in the air, only to have the tired ghost circle them both, chanting happily before disappearing, and then re-appearing right in Ash's face, once more scaring the pants off the unsuspecting trainer.

Even in the face of defeat, Gary couldn't help but smile, letting out a huff that acknowledged the results. "You were great, Arcanine. Return!" Calling back the canine in a flash of light, he approached Ash.

"Well, Ashy-boy. I've got to say, I'm very impressed! You've got a strong pokemon there, and I don't want to get your ego up, but you've really come a long way as a trainer. You should be proud of that."

"Man, thanks, Gary! I-"

"But! You still get a bit too reckless, sometimes. You oughta be careful about that." As stern as he tried to be, the researcher couldn't help but break his facade. "But, I guess if you weren't a little reckless, you wouldn't be Ash Ketchum, now would you?"

The other trainer let out a laugh, scratching his cheek. "I guess I can't argue with that!"


After a bit more idle talk and making sure both pokemon were fine after the battle, Ash supposed he should get a move on, and Gary knew he needed to get back on task before the day was truly wasted. Getting out Charizard's pokeball, the trainer checked the dragon over before deciding the fire type was in good shape.

"Well, Ashy-boy, I'll be seeing you."

"Same to you, Gary!" Ash bit back, only barely able to keep from snapping at the nickname. He still hated it, but he could almost tell Gary now said it reflexively and not out of spite. Old habits die hard…

As Charizard took off, Gary shouted one last message. "Hey! Don't forget to get your stuff together and be on time for the League! If I show up and you aren't in the roster, I'm never letting you live it down!"

"When have you ever let me live anything down?!" Ash yelled back, laughing. With the happy contentment of having seen an old friend, and having a bit of fun after solving Gary's dilemma, Ash was now focused on making it to Veilstone City to visit another rival of his.