Thanks for hanging in there, everybody! At some point, we did agree to answer questions before a chapter, so we're going to do that now, and address the concerns and questions some of the reviews have had.

Q: Gotta say, there seems to be some power continuity problems here. It just doesn't seem right that after Charizard's fight against Tobias, he ends up getting beat against a squirrel. IMO, Charizard should have sweeper Dawns entire team. Other than Rosa, the rest of his Pokemon shoulda wrecked too. It just doesn't make sense that a coordinator was able to hold her own against a veteran trainer who spent the last year training in one of the harshest environments in the world

A: This is a complaint we've had quite a lot of since chapter 22 was posted, so we thought it'd be best to address it. Just speaking in terms of Ash and Dawn's battle, the idea was to communicate that their synergy in battle is still a factor, and that Ash and Dawn understand each other well enough to battle basically on par, even though Ash is definitively stronger than her. Most of Dawn's victories were lent to quick thinking and being creative, rather than matching him in power. Charizard had to face three different pokemon to go down, and had handicapped himself by not taking Piplup/Prinplup seriously. As usual, he paid for that attitude. If he'd been at his best, and were they to have a rematch, chances are, Dawn's team wouldn't have fared so well. Ash's team is plenty powerful, but there's more to a match than pure strength.

Q: I hope you don't have rosa do contests with dawn- and have ash actually join up and start contests.

A: Well, their goals for this region run have already been decided; Ash and Dawn have their goals to achieve and are dead-set on them. If you hang in long enough, though, you might get to see Ash compete for fun!

I hope these are satisfying answers; we're doing our best to create a story that you guys enjoy. Feel free to ask more, and we hope you enjoy the chapter!


With Ash having finally defeated the Pewter City Gym and Dawn having earned her first ribbon in the Kanto Circuit, the duo have set out towards Cerulean City, along with their Pokémon. Before they could reach their next destination, though, they first had to cross through the mythic Mt. Moon. After another detour through the city of stones, they'd arrived at the foot of the mountain.

"It's beautiful up here!" Dawn marveled, hands clasped together in admiration as she gazed upon the skyline. The sun had already begun to set, just barely hanging over the craggy rocks, plump and red against beautiful streaks of purple and orange that lined the skies. An encroaching blanket of blue told the group that night time was mere minutes away. "You weren't kidding, Ash. This is great!"

"I told ya," Ash smugly agreed, enjoying the sight, himself. While he wasn't one for aesthetics, it certainly had a homey, nostalgic feel. Grass encroached around his feet, giving way to dirt and pebbles wherever the group was lucky enough to find a path. If there was any place that characterized the great outdoors, this was it. "It's been a really long time since I've been here… Hey, there's the entrance to the caves!" He beamed, pointing forward to the mouth of the mountain. "We should get to the center of Mt. Moon in no time now!"

Glad they were making good time, Dawn was swift to follow along. Unfortunately, the pleasant view of the skies was traded for the narrow, murky shelter of the mountain's shady tunnels. Squinting, she struggled to make out walls and shapes, lest she walk into something. "It's way too dark in here." Reaching into her bag slung over her shoulder, she rummaged before pulling out a flashlight. A quick flick of her thumb projected a narrow ray that guided their path. "That should be a little better."

"Yeah… Hey, I know! Pikachu, why don't you help us out a lil'?" He suggested, looking to the mouse on his shoulder. While he could probably navigate the path with aura, that wouldn't help Dawn much.

"Pika!" Ash's partner nodded, jubilant as ever as he hopped down in front of his trainer. Sparks began to dance from his cheeks, making their trek just a bit less confusing.

Content with their illumination, Ash grinned, folding his arms behind his head as he walked along. "Man… this place really brings back memories."

Dawn's head cocked just a bit at that. "Really? What kind of memories could you make here?"

"Well, I remember this is the first place where me, Misty, and Brock all fought Team Rocket together. They were trying to steal the Moonstone here… Well, Moonstones, now. But, the Clefairy and Clefable helped us take care of them! That was pretty cool, wasn't it, buddy?"

"Chu~!" Pikachu chimed, looking back quite fondly of getting to watch the Clefairy dance and evolve.

"I hope they're all still here… The last time we saw them was when I was taking on the Battle Frontier, with May, Max, and Brock." They were still going through the very same ritual, back then.

"That sounds amazing! I remember the Clefairy back in Sinnoh being really pretty… It'd be nice if we could see the ones in Kanto! Wouldn't it, Prinplup?"

"Prin, Prinplup!" The growing penguin trilled, waddling along at Dawn's side. That'd be exciting!

Just then, a pink puff crossed their path. Dawn let out a gleeful squeal, only to deflate upon seeing that it was not, in fact, a Clefairy. Ash, however, froze up, Pikachu mimicking him. The two watched in dead silence as the Jigglypuff moved on, eyes wide all the while.

Dawn, her disappointment over with, moved on, head hung a little low. "What a shame," she mumbled, Prinplup chirping in agreement. It was then that she noticed Pikachu and Ash hadn't moved. "Uh… Guys? You two alright?" She shined the flashlight at the two of them, confused and concerned.

Ash shook his head. "Yeah. We're fine." He looked down to Pikachu. "No microphone, buddy. We're fine."

"Pika chu…" the mouse said in relief.

"What was all that about?" Dawn asked as Ash and Pikachu caught up, brows furrowed.

Ash shook his head. "I thought it was different Jigglypuff."

"... Are you seriously afraid of Jigglypuffs?!" she asked, shocked.

"What? No! Well, one of 'em? But, not really scared… Ugh, forget it! Let's get going!" Picking up a fast pace, Pikachu and Ash soon left Dawn and Prinplup trying to keep up.


The cavern grew darker before speckles of light shone through. Intricate, thinly dug tunnels - probably ancient holes, now almost filled in, of onyx - let starlight filter in. It gave the whole cave system an otherworldly feel, and Dawn couldn't help but let out little oohs and aahs at the various rock formations. Soon, the distant melody of Pokemon came to the trainers' ears.

"What's that?" Dawn asked, captivated.

Prinplup swayed, the chiming voices incredibly soothing.

Ash grinned. "It's the Clefairy and Clefable." He reached for his belt, holding a pokeball in hand. "Dawn, Prinplup, you two stay here. I'll go say hi first with Pikachu, and then we'll let you know if they're okay with us hanging out here."

"Uh, okay." Shrugging, she and Prinplup felt for a relatively smooth wall before leaning against it, counting down the minutes until they were called for.

Ash, guided by Pikachu's light and the sound of the fairies singing, continued forward. He released Rosa as he went. "Hey, girl! I've got some pokemon I want you to meet!"

Cocking her head curiously, Rosa only held onto Ash's jacket as the tunnel widened, eventually emptying into the massive cavern of the Clefairy.

The Clefairy all held hands, dancing in a circle with their eyes closed and their own voices rising from their throats, forming a melody which had only improved in time. It was serene, magical even. The Clefable flew back and forth from high holes in the wall, carrying Moonstones they'd hidden away to make a pile atop a seemingly natural rock pedestal, carrying the gargantuan crown jewel of a Moon Stone. The moonlight filtered in at an angle, causing the dusty cave air to glitter with its light. With time, the moon would move and the light would eventually shine directly down on the pile.

But, right now, Ash had other things to occupy him.

He, Pikachu, and Rosa stayed silent, breath taken by the beauty of the colony of Clefable and Clefairy… Until the sole Cleffa let out a cry of alarm, the only one unoccupied enough to notice his arrival.

"Cleffa!" it cried, bouncing away and towards the circle of Clefairy.

The music stopped. The dancing stopped. The Clefable landed. Some of the younger looking Clefairy appeared hostile, seemingly cornering Ash.

"H-Hey, guys, it's me! Your old buddy Ash!"

"Clefable!" One of the older looking Clefable stood before the teen, arms out. Soon, other Clefable and a few Clefairy joined the elder, squabbling with the angry Clefairy. Perhaps they were vouching for Ash, clarifying that he had had helped save their precious evolutionary means and themselves so long ago, and rescued one of their young, more recently. This seemed to not only pacify but to shame the younger Clefairy. They looked to Ash before muttering amongst themselves and bouncing off.

"Clefa," the elder said, nodding. With that, it and the others turned to Pikachu. "Clefable fable!"

"Pika!" the mouse chimed, happily greeting their old friend. He looked up to his trainer, then.

"Oh, right…!" For a moment, he'd almost forgotten. "It's great to see you guys again! I kinda need to ask you a favor… My friend and I were coming through, and we need a place to stay for the night… Do ya think we could stick around and watch your ceremony? We won't get in the way, promise!" He lifted his arm, thumb raised and a cheesy grin on his lips.

One of the Clefairy had flown up, cooing over Rosa while the little Riolu shyly hid inside of Ash's jacket. At this question, however, it turned to its peers. They all gathered, talking among themselves.

"Clefable Clefable, Fable!" "Clefairy… Fairy, Cle." "Fairy fairy!" "Fable." "Clefairy…" "Fable?" "Fable."

The group turned around and nodded in unison. They would let Ash and his friends watch their ceremony! It was only right, after all. He was a friend of the whole colony!

"Alright! Thanks!" Turning and cupping his hand around his mouth, Ash called out. "Dawn! Prinplup! They said okay! C'mere!"

Soon, the sound of boots crunching and webbed feet plopping could be heard. Then, the missing duo stood before the Clefairy and Clefable. They clustered around Dawn and Prinplup, analyzing and sniffing, so that if they were to ever run into her without Ash again, they wouldn't be as harsh upon sight. One particular Clefairy flew up, gently touching Dawn's hair before letting out a happy squeal.

"Clefa!" The texture was so smooth and silky, yet thick!

Flattered but confused, the bluenette blushed before tucking her hair back into place as the Clefairy rejoined its kin. "Well, they're certainly a friendly bunch, huh?" Her thoughts trailed off as she caught sight of the cave. A groove had been worn into the ground around the giant magical rock, generations' worth of Clefairy dancing around the pile to initiate their evolution. The whole cavern had a mystic feel about it. "Whoa…"

"Nice, right? Hey, let's get a good spot to watch! They're gonna start dancing!"

Ash and Dawn both walked deeper into the cave, standing with the Clefable as the Clefairy danced. Both smiled.

Soon, however, a Clefairy broke away, bouncing over before tugging on Ash's hand.

"Huh? You want me to join? Well, alright! Here goes nothing!" he remarked, being led over to the line and trying his best to keep up with the circle. A few of the Clefairy looked a bit irked, but the rest just giggled and danced around Ash. "Your moves have gotten a bit more complex," he whined, still trying to remain good natured with a smile on his lips. Still, he could hardly keep up!

Back where Rosa had been left with Pikachu and the others, her face fell at the sight of her papa's haphazard dance moves. There was no way Ash was this bad… But, if he was dancing, so was she! ~Pikachu! I'm going to dance!~

"Pika," he said, giving her permission while hanging back himself. He shook his head as the little Riolu ran over, quickly joining Ash in the circle.

As Dawn settled down, Prinplup snatched a pokeball out of her bag. "Hey! What's gotten into you!?"

"Prinplup!" he explained, showing off who he'd released.

"Buneary?" the confused rabbit asked. Spotting her crush, she blushed.

Prinplup leaned over. "Prin… Plup!"

"Buneary…" Deciding to take Prinplup's advice, Buneary shyly walked over, offering her hand to Pikachu.

Pikachu hesitated before giving in. He walked over to the circle dance, paw in paw with Buneary, as Prinplup followed, letting out excited whoops as the water type stepped into line beside Rosa. Both of the "babies" of the group were having an excellent time whilst Ash continued to fumble along, and the long eared duo both tip toed around the fact they were dancing together.

"Hey, Dawn! You're the only one not dancing! Even the Clefable are starting to join!" Ash pointed out.

It was true. It was probably minutes to midnight and the celebration was in full swing. The dance had become wilder, livelier. Ash twirled in the line, trying to keep right on time but almost tripping over his feet.

"... Fine! But, let me show you how to actually do this dance!" The girl got up, walking over to Ash as he broke away from the main party. "Come here." Standing directly in front of him, she put her hands on his shoulder.

Quite used to touching one another given their high fives and general chummy nature, Ash tried to figure out where he should put his hands before putting them on her waist with a shrug. She didn't mind.

"When I step forward, you step back. Got it? Okay, now, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight. That's great! And, one, two, three, four -"

The two danced for a moment, Ash's movements eventually looking more like the Clefairy's… Until he stepped on Dawn's foot as she was going back, throwing the poor girl off balance.

"Ah!" she cried out, eyes clenched shut in expectation of hitting the floor.

But, she never did.

Ash, eyes slightly aglow, blinked, removing said glow. "Whoa. Sorry. Guess that aura training paid off." He found Dawn and himself mere inches from the ground, one arm snugly around the coordinator's waist, and another planted against the nearby rocky wall, saving both of them from a painful fall. Once again, his newly honed sixth sense proved quite useful.

It was quiet for a moment, Dawn too shocked to speak, before she sputtered out a laugh. Ash, momentarily confused, joined her. With a bit of struggle, particularly amongst their laughter, the duo pulled themselves upright. The initial closeness, their faces having been mere inches apart, was played off as little more than a clumsy fluke. And, yet, both caught sideways glances of the other as they stood, gauging the other's expression as the giggles faded.

"Well, while I appreciate it just as much, that doesn't feel very Aura Guardian-y," she teased.

"Hey, someone's gotta watch out for you, Ms. Bad Luck!"

"No need to worry! As long as you're around, I'm sure all the bad things will move towards you instead!"

Ash calmed, bickering aside. He ruffled Dawn's hair much to her chagrin and was rewarded with a swat of her hand. "That's when I worry the most." It was only when he looked up that he noticed all of the Clefairy and Clefable, as well as their own pokemon, had seen their antics. The entire room had gone quiet…

Before it burst into even more music. Inspired by the trainers, each Clefairy took the hand of a Clefable, spinning, leaping, and flying around the Moonstones. Taking his cue, Prinplup picked Rosa up and span her around, earning a delighted yip out of the puppy. The two blue pokemon danced very playfully together. Meanwhile, Buneary looked on the verge of either passing out or flying with joy at the fact Pikachu was holding both of her paws to dance the new way with her.

"I guess we could try that again," Dawn suggested, looking up to Ash.

He cracked a grin. "Maybe I should lead this time."

"You just learned the dance," she argued.

"Yeah, well, I'm taller! The taller should lead, right?"

Their little argument was interrupted by the tiny Cleffa calling out. It stood on a ledge. The moonlight was directly overhead, passing before her and shining right on the Moonstone pile. Suddenly, the Clefable disengaged, stepping back as the Clefairy formed a circle again. Some of the Clefairy even stepped back, not given the privilege to evolve this time. All of Ash and Dawn's pokemon returned to their sides, watching in silent awe.

With muted reverence, each of the chosen Clefairy stepped forward, chanting their name low and sweetly as they picked up a Moon Stone. They held it to the moonlight breaking through the hole in the cave ceiling, letting the white light of the moon wash over them as their own inner white light glowed over their skin. Soon, the Moon Stones they had picked up shone as well. What had been a cluster of Clefairy just moments ago began to shine and morph, sprouting larger wings and taller bodies. Once visible, they'd become a troop of fully evolved Clefable.

The whole cave broke into a chorus of cheers. The colony came together in a pink hurricane of hugs and congratulatory chattering. The outsiders merely clapped, each very proud of the Clefable.

While they did that, Dawn looked to Ash again. "Oh yeah, thanks."

"Hm? For what?"

"If you hadn't caught me, I would have really hurt my head, you know. We were right by a wall. A rock wall."

Ash smiled. "Of course! That's what friends are for, right? 'Sides, you taught me the dance!" He crossed his arms, looking back to the calming colony of Clefable and Clefairy.

"This was fun," Dawn noted. "We should dance again sometime."

"I think I tried to get you to back at that Croagunk Festival, didn't I?"

"Sorry… I didn't know you were actually a good dance partner." There was no teasing between them this time, merely a recollection of previous good times. Both sincerely meant it, though. It was always fun to play around with a friend, after all.

"It's a good way to spend an evening," he said, letting the subject trail off. "Friends, Pokémon… And, boy, am I tired now!"

"Well, it's past midnight and we've been going all day. We should get some rest," Dawn agreed.

"I don't think the rest of the caves are good places to sleep in," Ash confessed, watching the Clefairy and most of the Clefable head off to bed. Some remained in the cave the party had been in, watching over the Moonstones. "We should be able to sleep here. Between our Pokémon and these guys, we'll know if something happens!"

"I think our Pokémon already agree!" Dawn said with a giggle, noting the little cuddle pile.

Pikachu slept with his back to Prinplup, who slept belly down on the floor. Rosa was laid directly on top of Prinplup, back to back with him. Finally, Buneary looked as if she had been trying to work herself up to sleeping by Pikachu before settling on leaving a little space between the two.

"I guess Prinplup makes a good pillow," she giggled as she walked over, getting her sleeping bag out of her backpack.

Ash chuckled as well, taking his own out. The two worked slowly and carefully, but soon enough they had both of their Pokémon tucked into bed with them. Dawn found that Prinplup was indeed a good pillow, her back to him while Buneary slept in front of her. Ash was nuzzled in a little differently. Rosa was curled into his chest while Pikachu somehow managed to sandwich himself up by Ash's head on the pillow. Apparently, the mouse wasn't that asleep.

"Night, Dawn."

"Night, Ash."


Morning came swiftly, their departure delayed by only an hour before the sun crested enough to spill in warm yellow light where the moon's glow had previously filtered through. The outsiders stirred, awaking to see the Moonstone being hidden by packed dirt and fresh moss and plucked weeds. Perhaps that was how they hid it now, not wanting to risk their most precious possession being stolen again. The Clefable elders worked diligently, making it seem as if the Moonstone were really just a lucky knoll of sun-fed flora in the midst of the caves.

Regardless, a single Clefairy remained in the open, away from wherever her peers were. She looked down at the waking humans, truly fascinated. She knew one as the hero her elders spoke of. The other was a stranger, but one that intrigued her. The Clefairy kept quiet, watching as they packed up their camp and returned the Buneary and Riolu, leaving on the Pikachu and Prinplup out.

"Well, I guess we should head out!"

Dawn nodded at Ash, following him towards the cave exit… Only for the curious Clefairy to jump in front of them, arms out and blocking their path.

"Huh? Oh, I get it!" Ash started, "You must wanna battle, huh? Trying to impress the Clefable?"

Eyes going wide, the Clefairy shook her head before launching herself at Dawn. A bit knocked back, but not falling over, the confused coordinator caught the Clefairy with relative ease. Prinplup, meanwhile, let out an indignant squawk. If he couldn't just jump into Dawn's arms anymore, no one could!

"... Are you trying to join us?!" the coordinator squeaked, a little shocked.

"Clefairy!" she enthused, her little pink face all aglow. She looked over Dawn's shoulder to her elders.

The Clefable looked among themselves before nodding, a sad smile on their faces, but understanding that colony life was not for all of their members. It would be best if Clefairy pursued what life was best for her.

The trainers remained ignorant to this exchange.

Dawn chattered excitedly as she lifted up Clefairy. "Oh, gosh, you're so cute! And, I bet you've got great moves! I'll be so happy to let you join! Here, stand by Prinplup while I get out a pokeball, huh?"

The group waited patiently until Dawn did such.

"Alright…! Pokeball, go!" Dawn chanted the usual trainer's cry, tossing one of the spheres forward. The device popped open, swallowing the pokemon in a flash of light. Landing, the ball wobbled several times before letting out a 'ding.' Needless to say, the Clefairy had allowed itself to be captured.

"Nice!" Ash congratulated. "But, you know… That Clefairy didn't evolve. That probably means she's pretty inexperienced. You'll probably need to train her a lot before you use her in a contest."

Dawn's mood plummeted. "Oh, right." So much for a surprise ace in the hole. Still, she perked up, nodding as the two gave a wave to their hosts and then headed into the caves once more. "No need to worry! I have to train up Houndour, too, so I'll just scare two Starly with one rock! I'll definitely know what they're capable of, then! Having a Pokémon who's a little wet behind the ears isn't a big problem!"

Ash chuckled, nodding in agreement. He recalled how well he'd done with newbie Pokémon, and how well Dawn had done, too. "Speaking of wet behind the ears… Let's hurry to Cerulean City! I'd kill for a bath! I didn't remember these caves being so dusty!"

"Well, we did a lot of dancing," Dawn mused, puzzling together the mystery of why Ash might be extra dirty. "We probably did stir up a lot of dust." She let out a content sigh. "It was worth it, though. It was beautiful and the company was good!" The coordinator shrugged. "Besides, you guys have seen me dirty before."

"Uh-huh," Ash agreed, remembering a few circumstances where Dawn had been particularly unfortunate. "You're right, though. Palling around with Pokémon and just having a good time. What could be better?"

As if to emphasize his point, the cave system finally gave way to daylight. It'd be a while longer before they got there, but the duo were back on their path to Cerulean City, and a Gym Battle with Misty!