Welcome back, readers! Hope you enjoy yet another chapter of Another Road! As always, commentary and feedback are much appreciated. Enjoy!

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The business district of Vermillion City wasn't as busy as usual. With the dinner rush well over, the daytime shops were closed. A few remained open, but they were mostly late night restaurants or small movie theaters. The closed business included, unfortunately, the table sports center. Given that this is where the ping pong training was held, it meant Dawn would have to wait another day to meet back up with Ambipom.

"Are you kidding me?!" the coordinator yelped, dropping down onto her knees.

Empoleon put a hand on her shoulders, conflicted on whether he was indifferent to there being one less pokemon to share Dawn's attention for now, or whether how much he missed Ambipom weighed more heavily on him. Ash, on the other hand, jammed his fists in his pockets, kicking the dirt.

"Aw, man, I was lookin' forward to seein' her."

"I keep forgetting you traded Aipom over to Dawn," Misty admitted. "I'm even more surprised you didn't trade back. Remember Butterfree and Raticate?"

"This is different!" Ash quickly insisted. "Dawn's a friend! Ambipom was always supposed to come back after training! Wasn't she, Dawn?"

"Yeah!" the coordinator agreed, standing up.

Brock crossed his arms. "Ash has Dawn's Buizel, but it's a Floatzel now."

"Yeah, Brock. I've seen it," Misty grunted.

"You like him," Ash teased.

"Him, yeah. You? You're testing it."

Throwing an arm over the gym leader's shoulders, Ash chortled loudly. "Aw, Misty, ya know ya love me! I'm your bestie!"

"Ugh," she joked, playfully throwing his arm off. "You're like the little brother I never asked for!"

"Who're you calling little?!"

"You!" Misty stuck her tongue off before bolting. "I'm gonna get to the Pokemon Center so I can call dibs on the bed, ya runt!"

"What?! No way!" Ash yelled, taking off after her.

Blinking, Dawn looked up to Brock. "Was… Is…"

"This normal? Yes," he finished. "Don't try to catch up. Misty's about as athletic as Ash is." He smiled down at the bluenette. "And, Ash kind of ratted you out on slacking in the physical department during your trip to Hoenn. Looks like I'm not the only slacker anymore."

Scoffing, Dawn flicked her hair over her shoulder. "Just for that I'm not walking with you. I'm going to out pace you."

"You're shorter than me, Dawn!" Brock warned. "I'm gonna keep up! My legs are longer!"

"These boots were made for walking, Brock! These boots were made for walking!"


After a short incident of Dawn trying to power-walk and nearly twisting her ankle in a pothole in the street, the entire group joined back together after they had rushed to her aid. Thoroughly embarrassed, Dawn was content to let Empoleon carry her into the Pokemon Center.

Misty and Ash were, of course, not content to let either be first to check in, so, in a brief moment of reverting to their childish behaviors, they tried to push each other away from the counter. Brock naturally took over at that point, getting the room key without Toxicroak jabbing him and no flirtation with this station's Nurse Joy.

As the gang headed into the four person room, Ash couldn't help but comment on that, nursing an ear Misty had pinched.

"You didn't flirt with the nurse," he said flatly.

"Yeah," Misty agreed, shaking her hair from where Ash has messed it up. "What's up? Last I checked, you still like 'em, if the way you treat Euphoria is any gauge." The gym leader had listened to many a phone call while Brock was studying where he gushed over his shift partner.

Brock chuckled. "Ah… That's just it! Euphoria and I are… talking. While an unclaimed man might find it okay to flirt with unrelated women, it's uncouth to flirt with any woman's near relatives."

Dawn squinted as she put away her purchases from back in Scissor Street. Some fur sealant was removed from their shopping bags, stuffed desperately into Dawn's rapidly space limited backpack. "So… You're, like, exclusively flirting…? Is that a thing?"

"I don't think it's a thing," Misty agreed, looking over her new makeup purchases. She was rather excited to try out the new green eyeshadow.

"What makes you two the relationship experts?" Ash piped up as he tried to tug off the price tag from Pikachu's new Thunder Vest.

"I've been on more dates than Brock has," Misty said, shrugging.

Brock pursed his lips. "... You're just bitter," he mumbled. "Anyway, what do you guys wanna do for dinner? The longer we wait, the more limited our choices are."

Ash jerked his head up from where he was trying and failing to put the Thunder Vest on Pikachu. "Uh… Though I saw a barbeque place back a while away. They had the Boccer game on, too." The teen accidentally clicked his fingers in a buckle. "Aw, crap!"

"Was it a sports bar? Can we eat at sports bars? I know Sinnoh lets trainers above ten in, but, like… Does that work for Kanto?" Seeing her boyfriend's frustration, Dawn stopped fluffing Buneary's fur, since she'd been trying the fur sealant out on her wool. "Would you help Ash and Pikachu?"

"Bun!" Pushing Ash away, she began buckling and zipping the pieces.

"Did you go gambling?" Ash deadpanned.

"I went winning," Dawn retorted.

"Oh, she definitely lost. How much did you lose?" Misty quipped, laughing.

"I didn't lose!"

"Bun-Bun!" the rabbit triumphantly said, presenting Pikachu to everyone present.

Said electric type shifted, looking himself over. It wasn't too snug, but the weight was noticeable. It wasn't bad, either. It felt like a heavy, warm blanket; it was definitely comforting.

Ash smiled, ruffling his starter's fur. "Wanna go try it out in the city? You could go with Buneary! Vermillion has lots of electric types, what with Surge and all! I bet there's tons of Pikachu. You can blend right in. Buneary won't let nobody sneak up on you neither."

Picking up on Ash's suggestion, Dawn piped up. "She's got good stamina! You could try training with her, too! We'll leave food out for you guys, so you can come back whenever you want!"

Pikachu's ear twitched as he considered it. "Pi…"

Buneary, on the other hand, was bouncing with excitement. "Buneary~!" It would be like a date with Pikachu!

Her enthusiasm almost wanted to make him decline, but he needed this. Plus, she was a good battling partner. If she could just calm down, he was sure he'd enjoy being alone with her more; or, at least, dread it less. "Pika," he relented.

With that, he took off out of the room. Buneary followed closely after, clearly giggling like a schoolgirl.

"Hm. She didn't even pick him up and spin him. That's really good for her," Brock noted.

"Aw, well, this sucks," Misty suddenly lamented.

"What does?"

"Buneary's going on, like, a date with Pikachu, isn't she? She seems to like him. Dawn and Ash are going together. I'm the only loser here without a date!"

"I don't have a date either, Misty…"

"Yeah, Brock, but that's because you're hung up on Euphoria!"

Ash rubbed the back of his head, looking off to the side while Dawn giggled.

"Uh… Why don't we just go down to the shipping district? They've always got some street vendors and some side shows."

"Empo?!" the water type asked.

"Yeah, they've got fish," Dawn answered.

Misty huffed. "Well, I'm getting dressed up! If there's any cute boys, I'm gonna get their numbers!"

With that, Ash let out a loud groan. "Oh my Mew, that's why I didn't say going to a restaurant!" He turned to the bathroom door that Misty had disappeared behind. "If Dawn isn't getting dressed up, why are you!? C'mon! Work with me! I'm hungry!"


Meanwhile, with their trainers and companions left to work out their plans, Pikachu and Buneary enjoyed a brisk walk through the city. The occasional street performer went about their business in hopes of gathering some cash; neither had any to offer, but they made sure to offer their applause. Particular to a rocker, blaring his electric guitar, with some lightwork courtesy of his Voltorb. Pikachu was sure to voice his enthusiasm!

Buneary watched a couple of Magnemite float and spin about, occasionally orbiting power lines before an electrician fiddling with a fuse box told them to scram. Seemingly amused by their mischief, they were content to float off and chatter in beeps and syllables.

Pikachu felt a bit more secure when he saw a few of his own kind wandering around, and didn't neglect to greet them in passing.

There were even a pair of Electabuzz carrying take-out bags, most likely trusted to the errand by their trainers, judging by their arm bands.

Pikachu exhaled loudly, raising one of Buneary's ears in concern. She turned to the mouse. "Everything peachy, Pikachu?"

"Oh! Yeah!" Pikachu rubbed his neck, wearing an apologetic smile. He hadn't meant to worry her. "I just think the others were right; we blend in here, easy!" Though he was unaware of it, his lightning bolt tail was wagging behind him.

Buneary couldn't help but find that adorable. "...Hey, check it out!" Tragically tearing her eyes away from the object of her affections, she pointed.

"Huh?" Pikachu stopped in his tracks, looking out where Buneary had pointed. Just off the next block was a dirt battlefield, with a generous view of the port. Past it, anchored boats clung to the seaside undisturbed.

"A battlefield! C'mon, let's get to work!"

Pikachu didn't respond, keeping his eyes glued to the gently rocking waves offshore.

She frowned. "Hey, c'mon. Let's start with some laps, huh?"

The mouse turned back to the rabbit. "Alright. That sounds like a plan!"

A quick dash down the block, and the duo occupied the rectangular field, borders marked by spraypaint, with benches off to the side for spectators. There were no humans lurking around eyeing for a match, right now, however. The field was theirs.

"Alright," Buneary clapped her paws together. "A few laps around the edge sound good?"

"Fine with me!" Pikachu agreed, taking off onto all fours on the edge of the field.

"Like you need the head-start!" Buneary huffed, hopping off towards the mouse.

Pikachu dashed at a brisk, comfortable pace, skidding to a halt only to round a corner. This wasn't bad, so far!

"I'll… Catch up… To you… Just you.. Wait… Hun…!" Buneary panted, closing the distance between the two with one huge leap after the next. But, with every bound she made, Pikachu got even further ahead! She could only barely stay in league with Pikachu.

And, what's more, he didn't look like he was breaking a sweat!

The duo rounded corners in what seemed like no time at all, kicking up dust as they went.

After several laps, Buneary relented to catch her breath.

Pikachu skidded to a halt when he caught on. "Well, that was fun!" He chimed, standing on his hind legs. "Really got the blood flowing!"

"Yeah… Y'can say that again…" Was she getting out of shape? She needed to fix that, quick!

"...So, what now?"

"It can't hurt to practice some of your moves, can it?" Or, maybe she was speaking too soon.

"I don't know…" Pikachu fidgeted. Wouldn't that bring bad feelings on?

"Hm…. Got it!" Buneary clapped her paws together. "Use your Thunderbolt! Just… Forget it's an attack! Pretend yer using it to call for help! Right up in the sky!"

"Like a beacon?" Pikachu tilted his head.

"Yeah! Like that. C'mon, hot stuff, dazzle those skies~!"

"That doesn't sound too bad… Alright!" Pikachu hunched over with furrowed brows, calling on the static dormant in his cheeks.

"Chu!" With a brief charge, he threw his arms upward, shooting a dazzling, crackling lightning bolt high into the heavens.


Not far from the Vermillion Gym was an office building with a roof that held a much better view of the city's skyline. Pipes and wires ran across the top of the structure, and along with them, a single heating vent, upon which a large, tubby rodent sat.

Enjoying the consistent stream of warmth, he shoved ketchup-drizzled fries into his mouth out of a styrofoam box, watching the occasional blinking jet fly among the scarcely seen stars over Vermillion. Light pollution made for mostly clear skies, so the occasional glowing passerby was always a treat to watch.

When he grew bored of that, he lugged himself over to the edge of the building, watching the docks below. The ships' schedules had long since been memorized, and he could never resist scouting out new meat that would inevitably challenge the gym. Today was disappointing; he saw some young, greenhorn-looking trainers step off, and some geezers who didn't look the least bit fit to battle.

Hell, the last proper challenge he'd seen step off one of those boats had been a couple of months ago; a kid with a backwards cap and a Typhlosion, who'd turned out to be from Johto. One of the toughest fights he'd had this year, but most had been duds, not ready for their electrifying might, as the lieutenant loved to say.

Leaning his chin on his paws, he was about to give up and head back to the heated vent.

A pillar of light shot up from a field near the pier, though, rousing the mouse's senses. When he looked over, his face drooped. "Just a damn Thunderbolt," he complained to no one in particular. How stupid he was, for getting excited.

All the same, what was probably false hope welled in him, and he guided his tail in the direction of the commotion. A crackle or two in the air told him that it was somewhat strong. However…

"Eh. Feels unfocused. Can't be him." Raichu turned to return to his takeout, grabbing the last of it; a lone chicken wing. "Ain't like I got better shit to do, though."


"Now, that's what I'm talkin' about!" Buneary hollered, twirling on the tip of her toes. "Not bad; not bad at all!"

Pikachu exhaled, actually happy with the familiar feeling of sparks dancing along his fur, this time contrasting with the pitch black padding that hugged his torso. "I missed that. Nothing like a Thunderbolt to get the blood pumping!"

Even as he said so, Pikachu's ears perked up, keening to heavy steps in the dirt. He saw Buneary's do the same.

"Good, now give us a Thunder." Sauntering over to the two first stage pokemon was Raichu, footsteps heavy, and words muffled by the scraps that he was biting off the bone in his paw. Sated, he tossed the garbage aside.

But, one man's trash was another man's treasure; a small gang of Spearow swooped by to pick at the remains.

"Raichu!" Pikachu turned to his final stage. As many of that species as there were, he'd always recognize that accent.

"In the flesh. Didn't think I'd see you back here so soon… Ey! Get! Scram!" The mouse hissed, as the rowdy gaggle of Spearow made a loud, shrieking fuss over their small meal. A bit too small to share, apparently. A snap of Raichu's electricity sent them scattering with their prize.

"Lil' Vullabies… Hey, Baby. What's with the vest. I know you ain't doin' service work, are ya?"

"This?" Pikachu looked down, stretching his arms out. "It's, uh…"

"Y'know, it's rude to interrupt a training session outta nowhere like that. You a friend of Pikachu's, or what?" Buneary butted in, stepping forward.

Raichu squinted. "Y'gotta mouth on you… Huh. The doe yours? She's pretty damn cute, you know- could end up keeping her for myself."

Pikachu's ears folded back; he shouldn't be shocked by his sleazy attitude, knowing Surge.

"Uh-uhn, bud. Unless yer this Pika-stud, over here, keep dreamin'!" Happy to take any opportunity to ham it up, Buneary winked at Pikachu. "Least you got good taste, though!"

Raichu whistled. "All that, 'n y'haven't made a move? Maybe if you'da manned up and evolved, you wouldn't be intimidated by a smart mouth."

And, that was the Surf that broke the Numel's back. Pikachu stepped up to Raichu, chest puffed out and ears still pinned. "I'm just fine without evolving!"

Raichu leaned back into a hollering laugh, slapping his own knee. "Relax, kid! I'm just bustin' your grapes."

"Keep talkin', and I'll bust yours," threatened, the high-pitched, unassuming voice of a Buneary, who stood on the tips of her toes to stare daggers at Raichu.

Another whistle left Raichu. "I like you, uh… Shit, what're you guys called…"

"Buneary!"

"Buneary," the mouse continued. "You're a real stand-up gal in my book. But, trust me, I'm just messin' with him." He slapped a large paw rather hard on Pikachu's shoulder in a fraternal fashion. "I know Pikachu could lay me out flat if I caught him on the wrong day. Hell, he already did!"

"That last match was a great one," Pikachu agreed, his enthusiasm trailing off with each word. He kicked the dirt, averting his eyes from his evolved counterpart.

"Somethin' bothering you, kid?" Raichu cocked a brow at Pikachu. "Oh, yeah. Y'never answered me about the vest."

"Stuff happened," Pikachu quickly answered. "I'm still pretty shook up. Haven't battled since."

Piping up in Pikachu's defense, Buneary raised a paw. "But, that's what we're doing here! We're getting him back in the groove."

"Good on ya both," Raichu retorted, not an ounce of contempt in his voice. "Somethin' left ya shell shocked, huh? Don't be 'shamed. Ya made it back. Ya can recover from it."

Not altogether surprised by Raichu's understanding, once he thought about the other pokemon's notorious history, he couldn't help but turn to the other and ask, "How?! I gotta get over this before the Indigo League…! I have to fight with Ash!"

The bigger mouse nodded. "Heheh, that brings me back. Yeah. Don'tcha worry. Ya gotta push your boundaries a li'l. Not too far. Even drill sergeants like me known shell shock don't do well with that."

"So, practice?" Buneary asked. Hopping back a bit, the rabbit smiled wide.

"You guessed it. Now, y'just need a way to start off easy."

Pikachu folded his arms. "But, what… Everytime I try to fight, I get psyched out."

"I got it!" Buneary chimed in. "How 'bout I get you moving again with some of my attacks? You know I'd never wanna rough you up for real~"

"I know," he deadpanned. Pensive, he tapped his foot against the dirt. Was that a good idea? "...Alright. We'll give it a shot!"

"Do what you gotta do," Raichu agreed, stepping off to the side to give the companions room.

"An' don't go selling yourself short, hot stuff!" Buneary crouched, squinting at the object of her affections.

"I'll do my best!" Pikachu agreed, not bothering to correct her.

"Good, 'cause here I come!" Buneary sprang high, plummeting towards Pikachu with a fierce Jump Kick ready.

Pikachu was suddenly grateful for his vest. He hopped a good distance back, clearly avoiding Buneary's kick.

"Aha!" Buneary cheered, satisfied with Pikachu's speed. "Now, try this!" She stepped forward, jabbing at Pikachu with each of her ears.

"Pi!" Pikachu huffed, stepping to the side of the first punch. When the second came, he hopped backwards, and again for the third. Swerving by each jab of her ears, Pikachu felt his heart starting to race, his breath growing heavy.

A bit too heavy for a casual dodging exercise.

"C'mon!" Buneary huffed, throwing one last jab before hopping back. "See, you're just as tough as ever!"

"Sure don't feel that way," Pikachu muttered, stumbling back before falling on his rear. For a cool, cozy spring night, he felt remarkably hot, his thoughts blurry and hard to pin. Being chased like this…

That was it!

A freezing Ice Beam fired Pikachu's way, prompting him to lift himself with one paw and leap over the chilled air.

The Electric Mouse landed on all fours. "I just have to remember what Brock said…" That fear came from feeling out of control. Like those awful events would happen all over again; but, that wasn't happening at all! He was out in the open, on a portside field, with two pokemon he knew well.

"Hey! Baby! No time to screw around!"

"Pika?" He was jolted out of his thoughts by Raichu's voice, and was soon thankful. Buneary was dropping in from above, seeking Pikachu out with a fierce Bounce attack.

He sprang sideways, parrying Buneary's kick with a spin of his tail. "Pika!"

Buneary yelped, skidding off to the side with only a moment's notice. "… You got me!"

The mouse stood, adjusting his Thunder Vest. His heart was still pounding, but… "I did it!"

"Proud of ya, kid." A light slap in the back with his lightning bolt tail was Raichu's praise. "You didn't let that shit get to you. That's the first step to having your head in the right place."

"It wasn't easy." Pikachu wiped sweat from his brow. "But, if I can keep this up, then I'll be ready for the league!"

"One step at a time," Raichu reminded him. "That covers defending. Y'think you're up to being the one dishing the attacks out?"

"Attacking? I… Don't know." Pikachu frowned, lightly tugging at his vest. "Do you think I can?"

"Yeah, c'mon! Throw whatever y'got at me! I'm a tough sunnuva Bun, I can handle it!" Buneary riled, throwing jabs with each of her paws.

"You sure I won't hurt you…?"

"Nah, nah. You got this backwards, hun." Raichu walked over, standing in front of Buneary, opposite of Pikachu. "I'll take it."

"Waddya think this is? I've sparred with 'im before." Buneary stood on her toes once more, staring down Raichu.

"I'm sure you have, but only one of us has no-sold Pikachu's attacks before."

Hook, line, and sinker. With furrowed brows, Pikachu widened his stance. "Alright… If you're so sure about it, let's go!" He'd show Raichu, and then, all of Kanto!

Raichu grinned, pounding his chest. "Like takin' candy from a baby. Alright, show me some thunder!"

His feet drug across the dirt. Golden sparks flickered from the pouches on his cheeks. He eyed his target.

But, where Raichu stood, he could only see a cowering Girafarig, fearfully awaiting whatever punishment he might have dealt out. With his Thunderbolt ready, he recalled the Stantler-in-headlights stare he'd seen the moment before he shattered its collar. Overcome with a sickening guilt, Pikachu slumped, shaking his head. He swallowed, fighting back tears.

Raichu stood, his tail whipping about. "He's having some bad callbacks. Buneary, you're closer to him than me; try and calm him down."

The larger rodent barely had the chance to blink before the normal type was at Pikachu's side, holding him through the vest that was meant to do the job. Patting his cheek with one of her fluffy ears, she did her best to reassure him. "Snap out of it, baby. You're plenty tough; no one's gonna hurt ya, got it?"

Pikachu swallowed, taking a deep breath. "Uh-huh," he agreed. Her concern wasn't his, but hearing a familiar voice slowed his heart a bit. Slow, deep breaths.

"I know you're tryin', but that's not what he's scared of." Raichu walked over, looking Pikachu in the eyes. "Pikachu, it's me. You're not hurting anyone, alright? You ain't putting any scars on me. You're fine."

"Phew…" The mouse shook his head. "Thanks… I… I'm fine." He felt Buneary embrace him, and returned the hug briefly.

Normally, the small rabbit would have been over the moon, but she had greater concerns. "What happened there?"

"Just… Stuff that happened. It got into my head. Sorry about that."

"Hey, I told you. There's no shame in dealing with shell shock." Raichu rested a paw on Pikachu's shoulder. "If it's not gonna get you rolling again, spill it. Did ya hurt someone?"

The yellow mouse shook his head. "I was pushed to. Things worked out, but… Whenever I'm out to attack anyone, I see those scared pokemon… Ones worse off than me." He massaged his temple with a paw. "I hope they're alright, now."

"I'm sure they are," Raichu fibbed. He had no damned idea. But, that wasn't a burden he needed on his shoulders, now. "Alright, that's enough. Now, we know what scrambles you. That's a damn big step, you did good."

"Right," he agreed. "Thanks, Raichu. Buneary. I owe you guys one."

"You can pay us back by getting better~!" Buneary winked.

"Gal's right. You can sort that out in the long run. How 'bout I teach you something new, for now?"

"Something new?" Pikachu tilted his head. "Like what?"

"A defensive maneuver. You saw it in our scrap; watching your hide should be fine for you, right?"

"I think so. I didn't have a lot of trouble dodging… Alright! I'll try it." Eager, he pumped a fist in the air.

"Buneary? I need your help." Raichu walked a decent distance away from the two, turning back around to face them. "You're not in the shape for it, Baby," he addressed Pikachu, shrugging his shoulders. "Guess I have to settle for the gal."

"Y'still think you can talk down on me, huh!?" Buneary huffed, dashing at Raichu.

"Long as you're a half-pint, you're not leaving me a choice." Raichu grinned. No better way to kill time than getting someone else's Gogoat. Especially if it earned him a fight.

A Jump Kick was launched at the cocky rodent, with all of Buneary's momentum and weight behind it. "You're gonna eat those words!"

She was close… Just another moment, now…

"Rai!" Raichu cried, unleashing a booming Thunder. Blinding, golden bolts crashed into the dirt, tearing the ground apart.

Buneary was greeted with a painful cloud of dust that got into her eyes, prompting a swear that was drowned out by crashing electricity and rolling smoke. Disoriented in the midst of her drop, she crashed roughly into the ground.

"Bun…" She groaned, pushing to her feet, stepping through the dust and ashes with her ears ready to spring. "C'mon, you… Quit slinkin' around and-!"

Buneary was shut up by a foot slamming into her face, sent skidding across the dirt, and into the open by a dropping Mega Kick.

"Buneary!?" Pikachu gawked at his downed companion.

A whip of a pointed, lightning bolt tail swept the dust cloud away, where Raichu stood proud. "And, that's how you use camouflage."

The braggart's unevolved counterpart rushed to Buneary's aid, holding a paw out in aid. "You okay?"

Her coal black eyes blinked, stubborn to adjust to the cool night skies above her. Buneary's vision wavered despite it, and she could swear she was seeing double. Double of the dashing mouse crouching before her.

"I mighta died 'ngonetoheaven… Cuz I see a star or two right infrontame~" Still dazed and dizzy, Buneary took the opportunity to lean across Pikachu, paws clasped together about as well as a disoriented Buneary could.

"...Buneary?" A sweatdrop ran down Pikachu's forehead. He waved a paw in front of her eyes. "How're you feeling?"

"On cloud nine… You gonna be my guardian angel, baby?"

"Shit… You think I hit 'er too hard?" Raichu frowned, holding a paw up to his chin.

"You're fine. This is normal for her," Pikachu deadpanned. As exasperated as he managed to look, a streak of red found its way across his nose. Did she have to be so damned dramatic? "C'mon, Bun. Up and at 'em."

The normal type shook her head, finally coming to. "Ergh… No wonder y'gave Pikachu a hard time. You hit like a Garchomp."

"I'm not Surge's partner for nothin'." He was quietly relieved that he hadn't done too much damage. As cool as Pikachu tried to play it, he was pretty sure he'd be in for a world of hurt if she'd been seriously injured. "So, Baby. You catch all that? I want you to try it."

"Sure did," Pikachu nodded. Seeing it from third person made the strategy all too clear. "But…"

Raichu quickly caught on. "Don't worry about hitting back. Just get the move down and you can worry about that when you're ready."

Pikachu stood, helping Buneary up in the process. "You think you could go one more round?"

"I won't let you down!" The normal type chanted, hopping a decent distance away from Pikachu.

"Okay… I think I'm ready!" Pikachu stood tall, tail and ears alert.

Buneary began hopping towards Pikachu, turning into a spin to fire a swirling Ice Beam.

"I don't remember that being part of the plan," Pikachu thought aloud, springing out of the beam's range.

"Never said I'd make it easy~!" Naturally, Buneary's sharp hearing picked it up. "Here I come~!"

With flickers of teal dying out, Pikachu could only see a pair of cotton-tipped ears braced to pummel him. He silenced his doubts with a deafening crash of lightning before him.

Buneary was quickly forced to brace herself, slowed by a sudden shockwave, and numbing static with it. Sliding into the smoke with her guard raised, she marveled at Pikachu's display of power.

"A'ight… You ain't gonna fool me this time!" She slowly stepped through the debris, ears alert.

The raised extremity picked up on a snap, and it struck.

She found nothing but a quick, unpleasant jolt. "Yowch!" She hissed.

Before the bolt-tailed mouse could be spotted, the dust began to clear. Buneary peered about, vigilant.

Pikachu stood beside Raichu, long free of her watchful eyes and ears.

"!? How the…?" The normal type gawked.

"Y'did it, Baby." Raichu pat the smaller mouse on the back.

"It really does work…" A smile slowly grew on Pikachu's face. He'd done it!

"Sure does~!" Buneary hopped over, a bit sluggish from the clinging static. "Y'got me!"

A cool breeze swept up scattered dust and ashes as it passed the trio, nudging their ears while greeting them with the scents of sea salt and charred dirt. A robust, refreshing scent after a night of trials and training. A tangible reminder of their hard work.

Rushed, but quieted breaths from all three were a sure sign that the pokemon were tired. But, all were too prideful to admit it.

"Hey, Baby."

"Do you have to keep calling me that? I'm not a kid anymore," Pikachu protested, folding his paws across his chest.

Raichu hollered again. "Barely over a foot, you coulda fooled me."

"You know what they say; the bigger they are, the harder they fall." He'd heard Ash use that retort plenty of times. It was tired, but it left him with a satisfied smirk, all the same.

"Only runts say that."

"Go around telling people you got beat by a runt then."

"Ooooh!" Buneary whopped, paws cupped around her mouth. "Y'need a Burn Heal for that one, grandpa?"

Surprisingly, Raichu had a good laugh. "Well, I ain't getting any younger. But, just for that one, I'll stop bustin' your grapes."

"You better," Buneary shot back.

"Talkin' awfully tough for someone who left a dirt print with bunny ears." The large Electric Mouse grinned. "Really though. For all the shit I give you two, I'm proud of ya. Feel good knowing I'm not leaving the next generation to a buncha pansies."

"And, we're only gonna get tougher!" Buneary insisted.

"Long as you keep your chin up. I don't think I need to remind you to look out for each other. His trainer's got guts and a heart, but sometimes, a pokemon needs to hang around another pokemon."

"Ash and I get each other just fine," Pikachu huffed. That was a line no one dared to cross.

"You think I'm not tight with the lieutenant? I know that, ya dolt. Just keep sight of who you got around you... " Raichu trailed off, letting out a regrettably loud yawn. "I think you pinned me right for bein' a geezer, Buneary. I think I'm ready to crash. You yung'uns have fun."

"Sure," Pikachu nodded along. "But, Raichu?"

"Whaddya want?" The rotund mouse huffed. They were really dragging this out.

When he turned back, Pikachu had turned his hips, offering his jagged tail.

"Really, kid? Y'gonna embarrass me like that?"

"C'mon. You're still a 'chu!" Pikachu chimed, smiling wide.

"You yungun's really know how to turn me into a softy… Alright, alright." He whipped his long, jagged tail about, securing it in a hold with Pikachu's tail before shaking.

"Thanks again, Raichu."

"Don't mention it. I'll catch you later," he concluded, turning to trudge back home. "And, I better see you 'n your trainer make it in the big leagues."

"You can count on it!" Pikachu piped up, waving to the Raichu's retreating form.

With the eldest gone, the mouse felt free to collapse onto his bottom, resting his paws on the cool dirt.

Buneary looked to her companion and followed suit. By now, she'd noticed, a majority of the other pokemon nearby had retreated, likely to turn in for the night. She scolded herself for it, but she couldn't help but notice that the two of them were pretty much alone.

"What a night, eh?"

"You can say that again…" Pikachu whistled. "Hey, Buneary?"

She quickly perked up. "What's up?"

"Thanks for having my back. With the training, and, y'know, Raichu. He's a handful."

"Yer a little too nice with your words," Buneary leaned back. "But, that is what makes you, you~! But, man, what I mighta said if you guys weren't tight…"

Pikachu let himself laugh along. "I don't blame you. But yeah, that's me. Still… It's good to have a little back-up, and all that support… Even if you're kinda over-the-top." He averted his eyes to the sky. He hated to criticize, but…

"Baby, what's life without a little spice~?" Buneary cooed without missing a beat, lying back dramatically into the soil, with an arm held up in the most diva-ish matter she thought possible.

The rodent found himself caught up in more laughter. Maybe he was starting to understand her. "Well, one thing's for sure, Buneary: You're the spiciest there is."

"My, what a sweet talker~!" Buneary gushed, batting her eyelashes.

...Maybe just a little.

Awkward laughter was Pikachu's response. He rubbed the back of his head. "But, really, it's been fun hanging out with you today! I'm glad we got to train… Oh! That reminds me." He turned to the normal type. "We did all that for me, but what about you? I know you have the Grand Festival coming!"

"Well, I know I'm not pulling any punches! We're gonna blow the competition away! And, I'll pound anyone in our way." She threw a few jabs before leaning back against Pikachu. "But, we've got time!"

"Right." Pikachu was just tired enough to appreciate Buneary's soft cotton fluff leaning against him. "Then, after we get through the Indigo League, I'll help you train so Dawn can become Top Coordinator! We all will!"

"Pikachu, y'got yourself a deal!" Buneary held a paw out.

"It's settled!" Pikachu beamed, holding his own out to shake.

Buneary gave a firm shake, before leaving a quick peck on Pikachu's rosy cheek.

Her boldness had been spent, it seemed, when she buried her face in her fur, hopping off.

Pikachu hesitated, devoid of expression, pardoning a drop of sweat and a faint red streak across his nose. Some things never… "B-Buneary! Don't go too far ahead!" The mouse sputtered, chasing after his flustered companion.

Down the block and around the corner, a familiar group of four walked through the dimming streets, illuminated only by streetlights, and the occasional flashing fluorescent sign for a bar or a club.

"Ah, man… For once, I'm full!" Ash sighed, patting his full stomach. "I'm ready to head back 'n crash like a Snorlax."

"You say that, but you're still eating," Dawn reminded him.

"Y'can't not finish a chili dog, Dawn. That's a crime!" Ash says as he stuffs the remainder of the morsel into this mouth.

The mess on his face made Dawn scrunch her nose, and she reached into her bag. "At least finish it all the way," she pleaded, reaching over to wipe his cheek with a wetnap, much to his dismay.

"I coulda gotten it," he argued, face flushed.

"You would've missed it."

"You having buyer's remorse, Dawn?" Misty prodded, winking at the two.

"What's got you so cocky!?" Ash blurted back.

Misty continued to carry herself with a high chin, flashing her phone at the teen. "Three new phone numbers, from a couple of cute guys! You can't say I'm on the down and out anymore, compared to you two."

"Trust me, if Ash being sloppy bothered me, we'd've had problems a long time ago."

"You're just extra forgiving because he shared his cotton candy with you," Misty accused.

"Yeah, and coming from Ash, that's practically a love letter," Dawn chimed back, linking one of her arm's with her boyfriend's.

"Well, y'know," Ash boasted, smugly running a finger over the bridge of his nose, allowing Dawn to cozy into his side.

"Can we knock off the relationship talk, please?" Brock complained, tagging along in a heavy slouch. "There's still one person here who's still dodging Luvdiscs, y'know."

"But, I didn't even see you hit on anybody," Ash pointed out. "You sure you're not sick or something?"

"I've still got my heart set on Euphoria!" He argued, rubbing the back of his head. "It's just… Been a while."

"Well, if it's driving you crazy, maybe you should rethink that 'exclusive flirting' deal," Misty deadpanned. "I can't believe I'm saying this to you, but you have to hurry up and make a move! There's no use torturing yourself. That's our job."

"Thanks a lot."

"C'mon, you know I'm joking." Misty pat the eldest friend's shoulder.

"Yeah, we're just looking out for you!" Ash chimed in.

"Hm… You're right, Misty. Thanks, guys. I'll keep that in mind."

Dawn leaned over to Ash, raising a hand to whisper. "Speaking of lovebirds."

Around the block came a fluffy, hopping bunny; Buneary! She bounced on with fluff covering her eyes, not the least bit aware of her surroundings, at this point.

"Buneary!"

Her trainer's call stopped the normal type in her tracks, and she turned to the group. She lowered her fluff to wave, cheeks still burning red. "Bun~!"

Ash smiled, only for a moment. "If you're here, then where's…"

"Pikapi!"

Catching up quickly in a slowing dash, a tired Pikachu approached the group, stopping to catch his breath. That vest got heavy, after a while!

"There you are!" Ash grinned, resting his free hand on his hip. "You guys just got back?"

"Pika-Pika," he nodded along, echoed by his stomach growling rather loudly. They hadn't eaten yet!

"You must've been training for a while!" Misty cooed, stopping to crouch down to the two pokemon. "...And, you've got a lot of dust on you! You weren't fooling around."

The mouse shook his head. He was rather proud of his progress!

"You look like you're in good shape, aside from fatigue," Brock observed. "I'm sure you helped with that, Buneary, am I right?" He smiled down at the rabbit, resting his hands on his hips.

"Bun~!" She spun on the tips of her toes, winking at Pikachu, before quickly growing shy. She was nervous to even look at his face!

"Pika-chu." He rubbed the back of his head. She'd been an experience, alright. But, she had kept him calm!

"I knew I could count on you! Up here, girl," Dawn held an arm out for Buneary, who promptly accepted the offer to be carried.

"Thanks, Buneary. And great job, buddy!" Ash held out his free arm, which Pikachu quickly scaled, nuzzling cheeks with his favorite trainer.

"Hey, that tickles!" Ash laughed. "I'm real proud of you, buddy. You…" His praise was interrupted with a yawn.

"I think it's time to get some rest," Brock followed up. "After you two have a bite to eat."

"And then, tomorrow, we get to see Ambipom!"

"It's about time!" Ash agreed.

The gang continued their path towards the local Pokemon Center, with Ash and Dawn arm-in-arm, and their companions clinging to each, equally content.

Pikachu leaned over Ash's shoulder, chirping a couple of syllables to Buneary. "Thanks again. I'll keep trying my best!"

Buneary winked, blowing a kiss to her beloved. "You won't be the only one~!"


The next day, our heroes found themselves headed towards the Ping Pong Training Center, head by a surprisingly wide margin by Dawn, though Ash wasn't slouching on his pace to meet back up with Ambipom. Upon entering, the coordinator used her detail oriented nature to zero in on the wing dedicated to strictly training, not the matches. With little searching, she found where her precious purple partner was, training with someone who did not appear to be O.

That said, because she barged into the room, Dawn was immediately pegged in the forehead by a ping pong ball.

"Empo!"

"Dawn!"

"Pikaka!"

"Ambi!"

All four rushed to the coordinator's side. When Brock and Misty walked in, it took them only a second to figure out what had happened.

"This is why you knock on doors," Misty quipped.

"It's not like I wanted to get hit!" Dawn snapped. Still, she turned her attention to Ambipom. "There you are!"

"Ambi," the purple pokemon greeted.

"We came to pick you up!" Ash interjected.

The coordinator nodded, sitting up and holding out her arms. "How was ping pong? Are you ready to come back to coordinating?"

"Ip-ip!"

The pokemon pointed towards the walls. There, glittering as a testament to her skill, was a single golden trophy and two blue ribbons.

On cue, O walked in. "Dawn! There you are. I suppose Ambipom showed you her trophies already?"

"Three first places?" Dawn asked.

"No, no, haha. Two first places and an award for best rising athlete. She's done great as a professional." The man clapped the back of the monkey's shoulder. "Haven't you?"

"Ambi!"

"Well, we're here to take her back," Ash said.

"If she's ready," Dawn added.

Jumping into the coordinator's arms, Ambipom nodded. She'd done what she wanted! She was ready to come back to her two favorite people! She took note of Brock and Misty and waved at them.

"Are you sure…? Well, I can't complain. She was fun to have around. I'll see you around, Ambipom."

With that, Dawn snuggled her cheek into Ambipom's. "I think this calls for ice cream! What do you say, Ambipom?"

"Ambi!"

But, not before snatching Ash's cap right off his head.

"Hey!" He yelped, his head suddenly feeling unnaturally light. But, it didn't take long to find the likely culprit. "I guess even after playing ping-pong, that's still your favorite game, ain't it?"

"Pom~!" The pokemon snickered, taunting Ash by waving the cap above his head.

Unfortunately, he was a bit too tall for that, and snatched it back! "It's good to have you back."


It was quite a crowded group. While Misty fed Marill some of her vanilla bowl, Dawn let Ambipom finish off her waffle cone. Ash, meanwhile, was nursing a brain freeze from trying to wolf down his cone while Empoleon obsessively tried to keep his cone perfectly solid as he ate it. Pikachu seemed to be tolerating Buneary's return rather well, content to share a strawberry treat with her.

That just left Brock, who had just tried to use his personal cell phone to call Euphoria, especially concerning the pamphlet he'd just picked up near the counter. Though his pink haired would-be paramour hadn't answered, he could at least tell his friends.

"Hey, guys!" Brock called out, holding out the pamphlet, "there's a tag team tournament happening two days from now in a place called Navy Town! It's going to have a grand prize of a few evolution items and strength boosters along with a cash prize for the winners!" After a brief pause, he grinned. "The first few runners-up get an evolution stone, it looks like. I bet the competition will be fierce."

Ash raised a fist, blazing competitive spirit melting his pain away. "A tournament?! I'm so there!"

"That'd be a good chance to get Rura and Ambipom up to speed with everyone else!" Dawn noted, clasping her hands together.

Misty snatched the pamphlet, looking it over. "Hey, they've got a dragon scale shown with the prizes, I could totally use that!" She smirked, handing the paper back to Brock. "Plus, one of the guys I got a number from yesterday was talking about what a hot shot trainer he was… Might call him up to help out."

"Aw, what?! If he comes, that's less of a chance for us to win the prize!" Dawn argued.

"I could beat him," Ash quietly assured her, not overly worried.

"Shut up, Ash," Misty hissed, "Anyways, there's a tag-team portion before we go solo. I know you and Dawn are gonna team up, so I need a partner."

"What about me…?" Brock asked.

Misty smirked. "Why don't you just call your sweet, sweet Euphoria?"

"Yeah, it's gonna be during the weekend," Ash added, not as malicious as Misty because he hadn't yet realized she was goading the other boy. "She'll be off, won't she?"

Dawn let out a sigh of romantic whimsy. "Oh…! You could confess to her here! Wouldn't that be romantic? To confess during a tag battle?"

Misty quietly made a gagging noise. "You two are so corny. I was asking that so Brock would finally figure out where they're at."

Brock, meanwhile, stood in quiet horror. "Yeah," he agreed. "I, uh, could call her. I'm sure she'll come." In the back of his mind, he was very worried she wouldn't.

But, he had two days to make her agree to come, or he'd be very embarrassed once they got to Navy Town.