Omarnosian10: Scarlet… Violet… Scarlet… Violet…

Ash: What are you doing?

Omarnosian10: Hey everyone. Learned about the Gen—9 games and debated on which one to pre-order.

Dawn: But isn't the info less than a month old?

Omarnosian10: Can't hurt to plan ahead. Oh, and before I forget, here are the pairings for this story.

Human
AshXGeorgia/May/Dawn
DarwinX? (revealed soon)
CilanX? (different Region)

Cilan: What do you mean by that?

Omarnosian10: Ash isn't the only one passing a torch to someone.

Cilan: Really?! I'm gonna be Darwin's Brock?!

Ash: That's awesome!

Omarnosian10: Before anyone whines, no; this doesn't mean Ash's seasonal friends are getting replaced, just having a smaller focus or giving the main cast learning experiences.

Darwin: Like?

Omarnosian10: For example, in the future Kalos Arc, you and Clemont are gonna be best buddies with how much you both like tech.

Darwin: He's hardware, I'm software.

May: They're still sciency.

Omarnosian10: Yep, and if you excuse me, I have to debate whether or not to put a 'shipping' segment on my Profile/Bio. ON WITH THE SHOW!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon. If I did, it would've gone the Yu-Gi-Oh route and had Ash succeeded by someone, given Ash a sensible harem, done Unova better (like anyone would), or a lot of other stuff. All descriptions of Pokémon and most of their moves belong to Bulbapedia. A majority of this chapter before being edited by me belonged to 19jchoi's Unova Journeys.

"Normal"

'Thought'

"Communicating through a medium"

"Possessed"

"Telepathy"

Flashback or Dream

"[Poké-Speech]"


Chapter 7: Snivy and Blitzle Play Hard to Catch!

(Route 3, Noon)

*GRUMBLE~!*

"Man… I need food and quick!" groaned Ash, putting a hand on his stomach. He and the gang have been walking for hours since leaving Striaton City.

"[Yeah…]" nodded Pikachu. Just then, there was another stomach rumbling. Everyone turned to Piplup, making the Penguin Pokémon blush.

"Alright, who else is hungry?" deadpanned Darwin. As if on cue, May's stomach starts rumbling, embarrassing her.

"There's nothing to be ashamed about! It IS lunchtime, now," assured Cilan.

"Why don't we stop here for lunch?" suggested Dawn.

"Good idea!" agreed Ash.

"Did any of us even pack food?" asked Darwin.

"Well, I did, (glares at Gible's Poké Ball) but a certain Dragon-Type ate it all before I could even leave the store… and I hadn't even purchased them!" yelled Georgia.

"[**** it Gible!]" facepalmed Pikachu.

"Looks like we'll have to get food the old-fashioned way." acknowledged Ash.

"But not without some help," added May. With that, everyone called out their Pokémon, although Munna, Pansage, and Cilan are getting curious stares.

"Everyone, this is our new friend and traveling partner Cilan and his partner Pansage." introduced Ash.

"And in case some of you don't know… (Munna floats to arms) This is my newest teammate, Munna. Say hi," added Dawn.

"[Hi!]"

"I hope you can get along with them." finished Ash, getting small cheers as they went over to greet Pansage and Munna. Once they finished, Darwin cleared his throat, getting everyone's attention as his Pokemon straighten up.

"Alright listen up, we didn't call you out just to meet our new friends. Because of Gible's appetite, we never got any food for our trip to Luxuria Town. (Pokémon glare at Gible, who blinks innocently) Because of that, we need any food you can find out here." ordered Darwin.

"[OK!]" "[Roger!]" "[Got it!]" Various confirmations were heard before the Pokémon broke off in groups into the forest, nearby rivers, etc. While they searched, the humans set up on a large tree stump as an improved table.

"So Ash, Darwin, do you have any plans for the Nacrene Gym?" asked Dawn, setting the plates.

"From what I got, it's a Normal-Type Gym, so I'm hoping that my Deerling learns Double Kick, Tepig evolves, or I catch a Fighting-Type on our way there," answered Darwin.

"I have a few Fighting-Types at Professor Oak's lab. I can ask him to switch out Gible for one of them so my new Pokémon and yours can learn from him," suggested Ash.

"Blaziken's a Fighting-Type to— Wait, a few? I thought Heracross was your only Fighting-Type… and Bug-Type," added May.

"Infernape's Fighting too, but that's less than a few," added Dawn, confused.

"You'll find out when we get to a Pokémon Center… maybe," answered Ash. While he does want to see his old friend again, he knows that something could come up to change his plans. Once they finished, their Pokémon came back with enough food to last a few days … and a frozen Gible to make sure it stays that way.

"Whoever froze Gible earned a second helping!" smiled May. On cue, Beartic fist-pumped while Vanillite and Piplup groaned. Togekiss pats Piplup's back supportively, although Dawn couldn't help but notice the sadness on their faces.

'So they couldn't find anything, huh…'

"Check it out! Wow, does that look good!" grinned Ash.

"Eat all you want!" called Georgia.

"Even though it's just some fruits!" chuckled Cilan nervously. Hungry, some of the gang reached for the basket… "Hold on, just a minute!"

"Cilan…"

"I promise you, the wait will be worth it." calmed Cilan, hoping to not see a hangry May.

"It better."

(Minutes later)

"Sorry for the wait! Here you go!" called Cilan, placing many plates down, all filled with his product. "I pureed the fruit, and made fruit muffins and cakes!"

"Wow… That smells awesome! Now, for the taste test!" announced Ash before biting a muffin, May doing the same to two.

'Please be as good as Brock's, please be as good as Brock's…' chanted Dawn. She received her answer when…

"Yummy/Delicious!" cried the gluttons before taking larger bites. Curious, their Starters took one and bit into it… letting out cries of approval. Soon, everyone else followed their examples, letting out noises of agreement.

"Man, your restaurant definitely earned its reputation." complimented Darwin, wishing his wrist would heal already so he can grab more.

"Thanks." With that, everyone began eating their impromptu lunch, casually talking over it.

"Hey, Darwin, what did you ask Officer Jenny about last night?" asked Georgia.

"I was asking how I could teach Purrloin and Lillipup Shadow Ball," answered Darwin.

"But won't that Move be useless in the Nacrene Gym?" noted Ash.

"Yeah, it's something I'm planning on for after that." nodded Darwin.

"Out of curiosity, I wonder what Pokémon are in this Route." thought May aloud, taking out her Pokédex.

Pokémon commonly found in Route 3 are; Patrat, Lillipup, Pidove, Watchog, Herdier, Tranquil, Audino, Blitzle, and Zebstrika

"What are the last two?" blinked Dawn.

"A line of pure Electric-Types," answered Georgia.

"I'm hoping to catch a Blitzle while we go through this Route," revealed Darwin.

"I already got an Electric-Type back in Hoenn." shrugged May.

"Really?" blinked Ash.

"Yeah, a Flaafy that I caught as a Mareep back," revealed May.

"My… mom is looking after Pachirisu." sighed Dawn. Before Ash could ask about them or Darwin could search them through his Pokédex…

"[AAAHHH!]" Bolts of lightning came out of the woods near them, striking a few Pidove flying above.

"What was that?!" jumped Ash.

"Let's head over and find out!" declared Darwin, running off. The humans follow, with the Pokémon remaining, unaware of a flurry of white energy hearts racing towards them…

(Minutes later)

"Nothing but Patrat and Pidove looking like they've been tasered." groaned Darwin, leading the gang back.

"Do you think a Trainer might've… what the?!" gasped Ash, the others following at the sight.

"[You glutton!/That was my share!/Right from my hands?!]" Almost all of their Pokémon are brawling into a smoke cloud, the ones not included being a still-frozen Gible, M-Tepig hiding behind him, and Togekiss trying to stop the fighting.

"What do you think this is about?" frowned Cilan, worried for Pansage.

"I have no idea… Wait, Cilan, all your fruit stuff is gone!" gawked Darwin, pointing at the empty stump.

"Why didn't they save any for us?" whined May, Ash hiding a blush at that before whistling. Right as it stopped the tussle, rustling is heard.

"Huh? There's something moving in the grass over there!" pointed Georgia. The rest look to see it rustle too.

"How much do you wanna bet whatever's hiding there has the rest of our food?" sighed Darwin dryly. The others silently agreed before nearing it. Once they got close, they spotted not one, but two Pokémon eating a fruit muffin each.

"I call dibs on that one!" announced Darwin, pointing at the black, zebra-like Pokémon with thick, double-pointed white stripes on his neck, chest, back, and hind legs. He has a rounded muzzle with a large, dark nose and oval, blue eyes with yellow sclerae. On top of his head are short, triangular ears with blue insides. Below the knees, his legs are white with black hooves. His tail is stubby, white, and has two points. Running up his neck is a spiky, white mane, which culminates at the front in a long extension that resembles a lightning bolt.

"An Electric-Type?" blinked May, scanning.

Blitzle, the Electrified Pokémon. Blitzle catches electricity and stores it in its mane, which glows when the electricity is discharged.

"So that's a Blitzle… but what's the other one?" noted Dawn.

"That's a Snivy! It's one of three starter Pokémon you can get in this region!" exclaimed Ash.

"A Snivy?" echoed Dawn, taking out her Pokédex.

Snivy, the Grass Snake Pokémon. Cool, calm, and collected, Snivy uses photosynthesis to collect energy with the leaf on its tail.

"So Ash, (boy looks) are you gonna hoard this one too?" giggled May.

"Hoard? What are you talking about?" asked Ash, the others sharing his confusion.

"You have four Grass Starters from the regions you traveled through before Unova while no one else but me had only one," replied May.

"What?! No, I don't!" denied Ash.

"Bulbasaur, Bayleaf, Sceptile, Torterra." counted May, having seen Ash in the Sinnoh League.

"Don't you have a Venusaur?" retorted Ash weakly.

"Yeah, that I got from Hoenn." deadpanned May.

"…Wow, you are a hoarder." gawked Darwin. Suddenly, Ash crouched near a rock, a depressed aura around him.

"I'm such a hoarder." realized Ash. His Pokémon went over to him, attempting to cheer him up.

"So, you don't mind if one of us catches it… right?" asked Darwin nervously, not talking for himself since he has eyes for Blitzle. Ash waves them off, saying he doesn't care. Before anyone realizes it, an empty Poké Ball is thrown towards Snivy, absorbing her. As the ball began to shake, everyone gawked as they follow the trajectory to…

"Dawn?!" The Coordinator ignored them, staring at the shaking Poké Ball.

*Beep… Beep… Beep… BOOP!*

Snivy appeared out of the Poké Ball, slapped her tail on it, sending it back to Dawn. She caught the ball.

"Dangit." With that said, Snivy ran into the tall grass, followed by Blitzle.

"If Snivy went into your Poké Ball like that, it must be wild!" guessed Georgia.

"Perhaps that Blitzle as well!" added Cilan.

"Piplup, Togekiss, we're gonna catch that Pokémon for sure!" exclaimed Dawn, running after the Snake Pokémon.

"[Yes, ma'am!/master!]" cheered the Sinnoh Pokémon, following.

"Wait for me, I called dibs! Lillipup, Purrloin, (Cilan looks away) Tepig, Let's Go!" declared Darwin, chasing after the Sinnohians.

"[Yes, Master Darwin!/Very well!/Come on, new teammate!]" cheered the rookie's Pokémon, following. Returning most of their Pokémon, the rest of the gang gave chase. Soon, they found the Grass-Type still eating the muffin while Blitzle tries to nap.

"There you are! Okay, Piplup! Drill Peck, go!"

"Tepig, Tackle!" The Starters nod before doing so; Piplup performing the Flying Move by making his beak glow sky blue while his body spins like a drill before jumping at Snivy while Tepig charges at Blitzle. Suddenly, the Grass-Type jumps out of the way while Blitzle dashes away.

"They dodged!" whined Dawn, seeing the Starters stop themselves. Snivy ate the last of the muffin she had before turning serious, smirking, and putting her nose up in the air while Blitzle snorts, preparing to run.

"Uh… Looks like you're being made fun of, Dawn!" noted Ash. Darwin growled, being reminded of Trip's Starter.

"That arrogant, little… Dawn, what do you say we switch targets?" suggested the rookie.

"That could work." nodded Dawn. "Piplup, Whirlpool on Blitzle!"

"Tepig, Incinerate on Snivy!" Piplup raises his arms while glowing blue and Tepig took a deep breath. Before they could finish their STAB Moves, their opponents winked at them, releasing several white hearts that fly towards, then surround their initial opponents.

"What kinda Move is that?" irked Darwin. Dawn on the other hand…

"Piplup, get out of—" Her warning came too late when the hearts then circle around and shrink into their bodies, stopping the Starters from finishing their Moves, eyes closed. Suddenly, they opened, their eyes filled with hearts.

"[What an angel/hunk~!]"

"What the—"

"LANGUAGE!" scolded Georgia.

"They're affected by Attract!" realized Cilan.

"What is that? Some kinda paralysis Move?" tilted Darwin.

"Attract; a move that causes infatuation between Pokémon of the opposite gender!" explained Cilan.

"With those two, that explains why our food was stolen." sighed May, hoping someone in their group catches a Genderless Pokémon so this doesn't happen again.

"Since Attract worked, Snivy must be a female while Blitzle is male!" noted Cilan. At those words, two small pale yellow lights flash where the yellow collar and Snivy's green skin meet, and a pair of green vines the same color as Snivy's skin comes out from in between them.

"That's Vine Whip!" recognized Ash, seeing the Grass Move lash out at Piplup, the Super-Effective Move knocking the Water-Type down. Blitzle, on the other hand, raises his head and yellow electricity starts to gather at the tip of his mane. After a moment, his mane starts to glow yellow with electricity. When it finished charging electricity, the mane on his head starts to crackle with electricity. Blitzle then lowers his head and fires a beam of yellow electricity from the tip of his mane at Tepig.

"And that's Shock Wave!" added Georgia, seeing the Electric Move knock Tepig down. As if that wasn't enough, the two wild Pokémon kept up their attacks, not relenting.

"Piplup/Tepig!" yelled the 'D's, rushing towards their Starters before grabbing and shielding them, feeling the Move strike their backs.

"Ssssssshhhhhh…" Feeling electricity course all over his back, Darwin couldn't finish his swear.

"Are you okay, you two?" asked Dawn.

"[I should be asking you that!]" answered the Starters, finding their Trainers' stunt crazy and no longer Attracted. Suddenly, the feeling of pain is replaced by a rush of wind while glowing leaves come from behind the 'D's. When they look back, they see the wild Pokémon gone.

"Dangit…"

(Minutes later)

"Owowowow…"

"Sorry." winced Ash, putting down the rubbing alcohol before bandaging up Dawn's back, who had to lower her jacket to expose the whip marks… and a pink bra strap. 'Must not touch, must not touch…'

"Good thing I lined my hoodie with silver instead of something like steel or lead in case my camera equipment overloaded." sighed Darwin, lying on a makeshift gurney facedown and top clothes off so his sister could treat his electrical burns.

"Attract and Leaf Storm… that Snivy's quite powerful!" noted Cilan, intrigued.

"I wonder what's her deal with Blitzle…" hummed May, pitying/envying Dawn.

"That Blitzle is most likely under Snivy's tutelage." guessed Cilan.

"I wonder… if she abandoned her trainer…" guessed Dawn, surprising everyone.

"What does that mean?" asked Ash.

"Ash, Mom… told me that not many Pokémon learn the Move Attract naturally. It has to be taught," explained Dawn, hiding her giddiness at her crush playing doctor.

"Let me check… (lifts head and checks Pokédex) She's right; according to this, only three Pokémon lines in Unova can learn it naturally, and Snivy and Blitzle aren't among them," added Darwin.

"Dawn, I'm normally not one to say this, but maybe you should give up on Snivy," advised Ash. Dawn fixes her jacket, humming thoughtfully… before shaking her head.

"No way, I want Snivy more than ever! She'll be great for Contests!" smirked Dawn.

"And I called dibs on that Blitzle!" added Darwin, putting his top clothes back on. Ash sighed, smiling at their determination.

"Well, if you can't beat them… Pidove, go find Snivy and/or Blitzle!" called Ash, bringing out his flyer.

"[Yes, sir!]" nodded Pidove before flying off to find them.

"Now while she looks for them, how are you two gonna catch them?" asked Ash, the group dividing themselves with the catchers sitting on a separate rock.

"Well, Piplup is at a disadvantage against both while Togekiss is good against Snivy, but still bad on Blitzle, especially with Attract." rambled Dawn.

"Tepig can work on Snivy and both of my healthy Pokémon are neutral in Types, but Attract's still an issue." sighed Darwin.

"Dawn, you seem to have the most experience with the Move. Do you have any contingency against it?" asked Cilan. She, Ash, and Pikachu frowned, remembering Trainer Tower and the evil Togepi back in Sinnoh.

"Well… from what it looked like, those two can't use Attract to the point they could control the Pokémon affected," noted Dawn.

"That can happen?!" gawked Cilan.

"You don't wanna know how we found out." sighed Ash. The gang decided to drop that.

"The only way to snap them out is to jolt them awake, but Snivy and Blitzle could just reapply it," answered Dawn.

"What if you shield each other?" pointed Georgia.

"What?"

"Think about it; remember what Lillipup and Herdier did yesterday with the Shadow Balls? Do the same with your Pokémon," explained Georgia.

"That could work…" nodded Dawn.

"Looks like we're tag-teaming again," smirked Darwin.

"But if you guys get hurt again, we're leaving those two alone," demanded Ash. While Dawn blushed at his commanding tone, Darwin groaned but relented.

"[Found them!]" Pidove returned, wings smoking.

"Pidove, are you ok?!" gasped Ash, letting his flyer land on his arm.

"Looks like Blitzle attacked her before she left them," noted Cilan.

"[It was a different one.]" shook Pidove, the gang understanding the message.

"Why are only her wings smoking and nothing else?" tilted Darwin. In response, Pidove smirked and held up her wings, letting them glow before turning metallic.

"Is that Steel Wing?" awed Cilan.

"Ash is a great teacher." smiled May.

"I get it; you stuck a wing into the ground and used the other as a lightning rod to let it pass there." realized Ash. Pidove nodded, dismissing the Steel Move.

"That's great and all, but did you find them?" interrupted Darwin. Clearing her throat, Pidove nodded, hovering off Ash's arm before flying off. "Follow that Tiny Pigeon!"

(Meanwhile, Rocky Cliff)

"[Zzzzzzz…]" Blitzle and Snivy snoozed off, having stopped after a small discussion about their pursuers. Suffice to say, the two piqued their interests.

"Seriously, they decided to doze off on a cliff… out in the open… in the middle of the day…" Darwin's voice started waking them up.

"I'm starting to question that Snivy's rumored intelligence." Georgia's jab finished the job, getting them fully alert to see the gang looking at the two dryly, with the 'D's in the front.

"[Insufferable…]" Growling, Snivy used Vine Whip on a nearby boulder, causing it to tumble towards—

"HOLY ****!" Darwin dove out of the way while Dawn did the same on the opposite side.

"Pidove, break that apart with Steel Wing!" ordered Ash.

"[Yes sir!]" Transmuting her wings to Steel, Pidove smacked them against the boulder, breaking it into pebbles.

"I told you antagonizing that Snivy would backfire on ya." sighed Georgia, helping her brother up.

"Yeah yeah, no need to… wait, where's Dawn?" blinked Darwin. Looking around, everyone sees her climbing up the cliff.

"She's determined, alright." whistled Ash.

"WAIT FOR ME!" Impatient, Darwin followed. Soon, Dawn reached the top, helping Darwin up before they glare at the wild Pokémon.

"Here comes Round 2! Come out, Togekiss!"

"You too, Lillipup!" The opposing-gendered Pokémon appear, glaring at their foes.

"[Can I hear you say 'fur power'?!]" screamed Blitzle, body surrounded in sparks and feeling his Special Defense rise.

"T—T—That's C—Charge!" recognized Dawn, 'Dee Dee' echoing in her head.

"Oh yeah? Two can play at the Status game! Lillipup, Leer!" ordered Darwin. Growling, Lillipup did so towards Blitzle, getting not only a flinch and Defense drop from him, but Snivy too.

"Leer can work on more than one Pokémon at the same time?" awed May.

"That's news to me." shrugged Ash.

"Given that Double and Triple Battles are rarer than regular ones, it's not surprising that it's uncommon." nodded Cilan.

"[Try to avoid this.]" scoffed Snivy, winking and sending a dreadfully familiar Move.

"Attract this soon?! Lillipup, get behind—"

"Actually Darwin, I think I have a better idea." Dawn cuts off Darwin's attempt to reach Plan A. "Togekiss, Safeguard close to Lillipup!"

"[Yes, mistress!]" Nodding while flying to her partner, Togekiss faces her head towards the sky and she spins around. Two light green vortexes form on top and below the two as Togekiss spins, and a cylinder of sparkling green energy appears around their bodies, repelling the white hearts.

"[What?!]" The Move shocked Snivy, having never seen her favorite Move blocked before.

"What Move was that?" gawked Darwin, taking out his Pokédex.

Safeguard, a Normal-Type Status Move. The user creates a protective field that prevents status problems for a limited duration of the battle.

"…You mean to tell me… YOU HAD A MOVE LIKE THAT UP YOUR SLEEVE THIS WHOLE TIME?! WHY DIDN'T YOU SAY ANYTHING EARLIER?!" shouted Darwin in disbelief. Dawn flinches at his volume. Ash clenches his fists, holding the urge to scold the hacker.

"To be honest… I haven't used that Move in a while, so it slipped my mind." giggled Dawn nervously. Groaning, Darwin faced the wild Pokémon.

"Anyway, with that in play, looks like we don't have to worry about that cheap Attract. Lillipup, Tackle Snivy!"

"Togekiss, Aura Sphere on Blitzle!"

"[Yes master/mistress!]" The two nod before using the Moves; Lillipup via rushing at Snivy while Togekiss fired the Fighting Move at Blitzle.

"[Nice move, you show-off!]" laughed Blitzle, firing a Charged Shock Wave towards the Aura Sphere. Once the Moves collided, they remained stationary, struggling… until the Fighting Move won and shot through the Shock Wave, striking Blitzle and knocking him away while at the same time…

"[GRAH!]" Too surprised by her 'signature' Move being blocked, Snivy couldn't block or evade Lillipup's Tackle, getting launched to Blitzle's side.

"Good work, you two!" praised Dawn.

"[Why you…]" Recovering, Snivy glares at the trained Pokémon before she jumps into the air and multiple glowing green leaves start spinning around her body before she fires them at—

"Leaf Storm!" recognized Dawn.

"Dodge it, Lillipup!" ordered Darwin. Yelping, the Normal-Type attempts to do so… only to get pelted by the Grass Move.

"[AAAHHH!]" Screaming, Lillipup took the downpour of leaves and fell onto his stomach.

"Intercept with Air Slash!" ordered Dawn.

"[I'll save you, little pup!]" glared Togekiss, wings glowing with Flying energy before repeatedly flapping them, releasing multiple light blue glowing saw disc-like energy blades at the Grass Move.

"[Don't interfere!]" glared Snivy, keeping up Leaf Storm and shifting her attention to her female opponent.

"[Shock Wave, don't fail me now!]" yelled Blitzle, firing his only Special Move at the Leaf Storm, the electricity coursing over each and every leaf.

"They combined Moves?!" gawked Ash, the gang equally surprised.

"What a disastrous combination to face!" added Cilan. seeing the combined Moves overpowering Air Slash. Grunting, Togekiss kept up the Move, intent on winning.

"[Togekiss…]" Watching in awe while getting, Lillipup couldn't help but feel useless. His only Status Moves can't weaken their opponent nor support his partner. If only there was some way he could help…

As if responding to his desire and feelings, a rush of energy and knowledge went over Lillipup. Giving a determined glare, the Normal-Type rushed over to Togekiss, getting her attention.

"[What are you—]" She received her answer when Lillipup lays one of his front paws on her, covering both in a multicolored aura, powering up the target's Move. Within moments, Air Slash turned the tides on the Leaf Wave (dubbed by Darwin), soaring towards the wild Pokémon, both of who had their eyes widened.

"[Oh sugar honey ice tea!]" Those were Blitzle's last words before he and Snivy felt the Flying Move strike them and the area, exploding.

"What was that?!" gawked Darwin.

"I… think that was Helping Hand." blinked Dawn, her archrival's use of the Move flashing in her mind.

"It's a Move that boosts an ally Pokémon's next attack," added Cilan.

"Sweet!" grinned Darwin.

"[Thank you, Master Darwin!]" barked Lillipup.

"[Question is… is it enough?]" asked Togekiss. Atmosphere turning serious, everyone looked at the dispersing smoke to see two knocked down wild Pokémon. Eager, Darwin and Dawn took out—

"Go Poké Ball!" In sync, the two struck the desired Pokémon, absorbing them.

*Beep… Beep… Beep… DING!*

"YES!" fist-pumped Darwin… with his sprained wrist. "AHAHAHAH! Worth it!"

"I'll say!" Nodding, Dawn grabbed the Poké Balls, giving Darwin Blitzle's before they raised them in the air.

"I caught a Snivy/Blitzle!"

"[YES/Correct!]" cheered the battled Pokémon.

"That was an awesome battle!" complimented Ash, making Dawn blush.

"What Ash said! Such a delightful partnership between Pokémon and Trainers from two Regions!" added Cilan. He is no stranger to the racism that's been occurring in his home. Seeing this battle reignited his hope for a union between Unova and the rest of the world.

"Congrats, you two!" smiled May.

"While I share their happiness, and with Snivy caught, I have to ask you Dawn; why were you so determined to catch her in particular?" asked Georgia pessimistically. Everyone looked at the Sinnohian, curious. Realizing that she can't avoid the topic, Dawn sighed and sat on a nearby stump.

"At first, I guess it was because… I was feeling left out." started Dawn.

"Left out?" repeated Ash, confused with the others.

"When you and May were talking about Grass Starters, plus with how none of my Pokémon found any fruits while yours did, I felt… useless. When the chance to catch a Grass Starter of my own came up, I wasn't thinking and took it. I don't regret it with how much Snivy looks good for Contests, but the chance to get close to your level was… very hard to resist." finished Dawn, Togekiss patting a wing on her back. The veteran travelers felt their hearts go out to Dawn, guilty of rubbing it in.

"I know the feeling all too well." All eyes went to—

"Cilan?" whispered Ash. The Connoisseur wordlessly brought Pansage out, the Grass Monkey getting on his head.

"My brothers and I got our partners' Eggs at the same time from our parents, yet when Chili and Cress' Eggs hatched around the same time first… mine showed no signs of it." sighed Cilan, sitting beside Dawn.

"Was Pansage sick or something?" gasped May.

"No; our parents brought us to the local center, and even the closest Day Care to check… which reminds me, it's between Luxuria Town and Nacrene City, so it should make a good rest stop," noted Cilan.

"Neat." whistled Darwin. Ash and May, however, look at the natives. If their luck with Day Cares was anything to go by, chances are that at least someone in their group is getting an Egg.

"Anyway… (shakes head) When they couldn't come up with an answer other than telling me it was healthy, I tried copying my brothers' techniques in caring for the Egg." continued Cilan.

"By…" trailed Georgia, having a feeling the answer was stupid.

"Well, the two came up with the idea that surrounding the Egg in their Type would ease the Pokémon in it into hatching sooner, so I… buried it under a literal boatload of sticks." blushed Cilan. The foreigners and Darwin snicker at the idea while Georgia sighed; while she also thought the idea was stupid, she almost thought that Cilan literally buried the Egg.

"…Cilan, I've seen less than a dozen Eggs hatch up close and cared for a couple; I can tell you from experience that your brother's idea isn't the only one to guarantee Egg hatching." snickered Ash. May nods, holding her sadness at the memory of her latest Egg.

"I was desperate back then. Also, it didn't help that some of the sticks I used had Bug Pokémon on them and it was Woobat season. (winces) When I noticed them, I tried to shoo them away from the nest, but they weren't intimidated and did it to me with Psychic. Just when I thought the Egg was a goner, my father, and his Simisage swooped into the rescue with an Energy Ball that sent all the Woobat flying." narrated Cilan.

"Let me guess, he was mad at you for doing something reckless but happy you were safe?" guessed May; her father having done similar stuff to Max.

"Correct. Once we returned home, I brought the Egg with me to sleep and expressed my regret of putting it in danger while promising never to do anything like that again. The next thing I knew after some shuteye, the Egg started hatching and this little guy came into the world." smiled Cilan, petting his partner.

"[I would treasure that memory forever.]" sighed Pansage.

"Point is… while the whole thing did end with Pansage hatching… there are times I wished that I stuck to my regular Egg care techniques and never endangering my partner again." frowned Cilan. The girls sniffed, their hearts going out to the eldest.

"That's… impacting." winced Dawn, looking at her new catch.

"Dawn… I'm sorry that I made you feel that way. I should've noticed your feelings earlier and did something about it." apologized Ash. His small, heartful speech made Dawn blush, but she took it.

"Especially me. (steps forth) I'm the one that started that whole Grass Starter banter. I should've remembered how sad you looked when I told you about my Venusaur and how you mentioned you wondered what it was like." added May, guilty.

"Thanks… but I was the one who threw caution in the wind and risked mine and… Darwin's life." frowned Dawn, looking at her human partner.

"Eh, no biggie. I got a Blitzle out of this, so we're even." shrugged Darwin, putting the Poké Ball away.

"Just make sure you don't drag my little brother into any more dangerous stunts, and you're fine." finished Georgia, ignoring Darwin's "HEY!". The foreigners sweatdropped, their most dangerous adventures coming to mind. Shaking it off, for now, Dawn looked down on Snivy's Poké Ball.

'When I'm sure she won't follow us… we'll get into a Grand Festival and make our friends proud, Snivy!'


Ash's Pokémon Team

Pikachu (M): Ability: Static. Moves: Agility, Thunder, Iron Tail, Quick Attack, Volt Tackle, Thunderbolt, Fusion Bolt, Brick Break

Gible (M): Ability: Sand Veil. Moves: Dig, Draco Meteor, Dragon Pulse, Rock Smash, Incinerate

Deerling (M): Ability: Chlorophyll. Moves: Tackle, Camouflage, Growl, Agility, Double Kick

Pidove (F): Ability: Super Luck. Moves: Gust, Quick Attack, Air Cutter, Leer, Steel Wing

Oshawott (M): Ability: Torrent. Moves: Tackle, Water Gun, Razor Shell, Rock Smash

Tepig (M): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Tackle, Ember, Yawn

Darwin's Pokémon Team

Tepig (F): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Tackle, Tail Whip, Ember, Odor Sleuth, Incinerate

Purrloin (F): Ability: Limber. Moves: Scratch, Growl, Assist, Iron Tail

Lillipup (M): Ability: Pickup. Moves: Leer, Tackle, Odor Sleuth, Bite, Helping Hand

Blitzle (M): Ability: Lightning Rod. Moves: Quick Attack, Charge, Shock Wave, Attract

Georgia's Pokémon Team

Beartic (M): Ability: Snow Cloak. Moves: Slash, Night Slash, Icicle Crash, Ice Beam, Rock Smash

Pawniard (F): Ability: Defiant. Moves: Metal Claw, Iron Head, Guillotine

Vanillite (F): Ability: Ice Body. Moves: Avalanche, Mist, Icicle Spear, Ice Beam

May's Pokémon Team

Blaziken (M): Ability: Blaze. Moves: Blaze Kick, Overheat, Flamethrower, Sky Uppercut, Fire Spin, Shadow Claw, Mega Kick

Swablu (F): Ability: Natural Cure. Moves: Sing, Mist, Round, Double Team

Dawn's Pokémon Team

Piplup (M): Ability: Torrent. Moves: Drill Peck, Ice Beam, Hydro Pump, Whirlpool, Mist

Togekiss (F): Ability: Serene Grace. Moves: Aura Sphere, Sky Attack, Air Slash, Safeguard

Munna* (F): Ability: Synchronize. Moves: Psybeam, Yawn, Imprison, Barrier

Snivy (F): Ability: Overgrow. Moves: Attract, Vine Whip, Leaf Storm, Leaf Blade

Cilan's Pokémon Team

Pansage (M): Ability: Gluttony. Moves: Bullet Seed, Bite, Solar Beam, Dig, Rock Tomb, Vine Whip


Dawn: Who am I talking about?

Omarnosian10: Not telling until the Luxuria chapter. Also, you're not gonna catch another Pokémon for… *takes out BW episode guide* less than a dozen chapters.

Dawn: Aw.

Ash: Out of curiosity, why did you give Snivy to Dawn instead of me like canon?

Omarnosian10: While it is true you stopped hoarding Grass Starters in Kalos, Snivy's Moveset is more fitting for a Coordinator.

Ash: True.

Darwin: Then why does Blitzle knows the Move Attract?

Omarnosian10: Luxuria. You also have Dragonsrule18 to thank, with his "When One Door Closes, Two More Open" Pokémon story and how the starters and other Pokémon are split between the gang.

May: Isn't that the story where—

Omarnosian10: NO! Not while Ash is in the room!

Ash: Huh?

Omarnosian10: Nothing!

Georgia: Man, that story hasn't been updated in almost five years.

Omarnosian10: Yeah, the guy… girl… whichever, was focusing more on making stories for… Undertale? What's the frick's that?

Darwin: Looks like a videogame that's been out since 2015.

Ash: You don't know anything about it?

Omarnosian10: Other than the protag looking like a skeletal Steven Universe and named Frisk, no. Never even watched a trailer for it.

Cilan: Then how did you know—

Omarnosian10: Thank DevilArtemis on YouTube for it. Now, if you excuse me, I need to bunker up so no crazy fans of the game get to me. SMOKEBOMB!