Disclaimer: I don't own pokemon
Midnightson41: We hope so too
Banchero: Thanks
Silverkami: Dawn will be on par with Ash and Dusk definitely before end of this book Dusk is help Dawn cultivate her skills to push her abilities even further then in the anime and later that happen with all three helping each other grow stronger
Pokemon fan: Well as state before one the hints is that it girl he met before coming to sinnoh and those a lot of good guesses with some good reason so how about a another hint she owns multiple pokemon
Xadhoom boy: Well we have removed the age lock that put on the characters so they are a little older than their show counterparts with Silvia being 14 when she meets with group which which we will go into further detail in the notes and I'm sorry hopefully you will like who we do have him shipped with.
"Speaking"
'internal thoughts'
{Narrator}
A few day had passed since Dawn and Piplup has master her bubble beam ring yet that didn't stop her from doing more practice contest battles with Dusk usually using Pidgey but sometimes she use Togekiss instead which is the case today
"Piplup spin and use Bubble Beam." Dawn shouted as Piplup spun around creating a Ring of bubbles around Togekiss surrounding her.
"Togekiss, spiral while using fairy wind!" Dusk shouted.
Togekiss began to spin rapidly while generating a gust of pink wind, creating a fairy version of twister as it not only sucked in the bubbles but caused them to pop contact creating blue sparkles as the pink twister dispelled making pink sparkles with both slowly falling from the sky.
"Not bad, Dusk." Dawn smirked.
"Piplup, Pip." Piplup spoke.
"You too Lady Dawn, you and Piplup are getting even better." Dusk said, smirking back.
"Kiss, Togekiss." Togekiss said smiling.
"Both of those two are in the zone," Ash said, looking at both Dawn and Dusk practicing for Jubilife City contest with them only being a few days away. They need to use the time they still got left to improve where they can.
"Yeah, she has come a long way in such a time, I say she should do fine in the upcoming contest. Thought if she could catch another pokemon that wouldn't hurt her odd's to have the option to pick between two pokemon between rounds." Ash brought up.
"You just had to bring that up," Dawn pouted, with her hands on her hips. But she knew Ash had a point she needed to catch another pokemon. Her routine with Piplup was coming along nicely but she needed a secondary pokemon before she arrived at Jubilife City.
"Sorry." Ash said with a sheepish grin. "But you have enough time to find a pokemon and train it before we arrive."
"He's right, Lady Dawn don't give yet we still have time before we arrive in Jubilife City." Dusk said, trying to brighten Dawn's spirit.
"All right, let's pick up where we left off, let's go Piplup." Dawn said ready to continue.
With that Dawn and Dusk continued with their practice while Ash was on side both acting as referee and offering what advice he can. A little ways away Brock was working on lunch.
Brock was turning the stew before tasting it. "Hmm, a little more peper it'll be done," he said, off to the side Geodude was setting up the bowls for the other pokemon while bonsly watched.
"Bonsly, Bonsly," Bonsly said, jumping around.
"Geodude." Geodude turned to Bonsly and smiled as he finished setting up the bowls, before turning to Brock. "Geo, Geodude."
"Thanks Geodude, and the stew is ready," Brock said, before calling out. "Lunch is ready."
Hearing that made both Dawn, Dusk and their pokemon stop practicing and turned to Brock. "Nice, all that battle has really made me hungry, right Piplup?" Dawn asked.
"Piplup." Piplup replied, ready to eat lunch.
" Ready eat buddy?" Ash asked pikachu.
"Pikachu." Pikachu responded excitedly for Brock food.
"Are you ready to eat Togekiss?" Dusk asked her partner.
"Togekiss." Togekiss nodded.
A few minutes later everyone was eating lunch, Ash was scarfing down food as usual which Dusk picked up a habit of telling him to not eat too fast and about having better table manners. While Dawn and Brock just chuckled at their friends antics as they ate
With the pokemon eating their respective food much calmer than Ash was, with the most note worth thing being Starly and Pidgey eating out one larger bowl together since the two have been eating out same bowl together recently where they finish their two bowls together it made sense put both their food in large bowl rather then keep giving them individual one's since it save little on clean up.
"Have you noticed, Pidgey and Stary are sharing the same bowl lately?" Dawn brought up, she had only just started noticing recently.
"Yeah, I have noticed that they seem to have become good friends," Ash said, thinking it was because they had become fast friends.
'I think it could be more than that,' Brock thought, having an assumption of what could be forming between the two tiny bird pokemon thanks to his training to become a pokemon breeder.
Dusk was actually thinking the same thing, she did have knowledge of breeding with a lot of her teachers being breeders themselves they had taught her about pokemon behavior and what to do with certain types and species of pokemon.
'Well we'll find out soon enough and see if my hunch is right.' Dusk thought as she turned to focus on her food.
"So Sir Ash, are you really planning to enter the contest?" Dusk asked, Ash had brought up himself trying out the Jubilife Contest.
"Well I thought it wouldn't hurt to try it out, plus I thought about what Nando said that Contests help a trainer and pokemon become closer along with helping us become more in sync and adapt new strategies so I thought I entered to see how it goes." Ash explained, for while now he had been thinking about what Nando said and so he decided to try out contests he wouldn't be going at it hardcore like Dawn or Dusk but it would help him prepare for his Gym Battles.
"Well don't expect me to go easy on you Ash I'm aiming to win." Dawn said determined to show Ash and Dusk her skill.
"You're not the only one aiming to win Lady Dawn, I'm going to show you the true extent of my skills." Dusk smirked, she was determined to win as well.
"We should be in Jubilife city in a few days, a week at most." Brock said checking the map he keeps on him.
"Then that should give us enough time to practice some more and find Lady Dawn a second pokemon." Dusk smirked.
"Yeah, watch out Jubilife City here I come!" Dawn shouted, pumping her fist into the air.
"So Sir Ash and Lady Dawn, do you want to continue practicing after we finish eating?" Dusk asked them.
"Sure, I'm game." Ash smirked.
"Me too, the more practice I put in the more I'll be prepared for the contest." Dawn agreed.
Hearing their conversation Pidgey and Starely who had finished eating fly over trying to get their attention.
"What is it Starly?" Ash asked, wondering what his pokemon wanted.
"You need something Pidgey?" Dusk asked, curious to what he wanted.
"Pidgey, Pidg." Pidgey chirped.
"Star, Starly." Starly chirped as well.
"Do you both want to train with us?" Ash asked.
"Pidgey. Starely." The two birds said while nodding pretty much saying yes to him.
"Alright Pidgey, we can practice your moves." Dusk smirked, happy to practice with him.
"How about you two have Pidgey and Starly battle each other?" Dawn suggested.
"That's an excellent Idea Lady Dawn." Dusk said, turning to Ash. "Are you ok with that Sir Ash?"
"Sure Dusk it will be a good experience for both to face a flying type." Ash agreed since he hadn't had a chance to train Starly yet.
"Starly." Starly chirped.
"Pidgey." Pidgey chirped
"All right, let's do this." Ash said having finished his food and got out of his chair and is ready to battle.
"Wait Sir Ash." Dusk said to cause him to quickly stop, nearly Losing his balance and falling over. "Aren't you forget about something?" Dusk said as she hinted to his dirty plate, glass and silverware he left on the table.
Ash sighed. "Man, it's like having my mom here." he said under his breath, but he did as Dusk reminded him and he began to neatly put away the dirty dishes to be cleaned later as Dusk put her away there as well.
"You guys really don't need to do that." Brock said with him being used to cleaning up from his time caring for his siblings.
"I know Sir Brock, but everyone should clean up after themselves when they eat and since you handle the cooking at very least we should help clean up a little." Dusk smiled, Brock had done most of the work cooking so it was only right to help him put the dirty dishes and silverware away.
"Alright, now let's battle." Ash said eagerly.
Dusk nodded satisfied with the clean up "Ok Sir Ash." Dusk said now ready to battle herself.
Ash and Dusk were standing a good distance from each other with their respective flying a good ways up in the air with both ready to battle.
"Alright as the old saying goes ladies first Pidgey use Gust." Dusk said, making the first move.
Pidgey flapped his wings creating a strong gust of wind sending it towards Starly.
"Starly, Dodge it and use Quick Attack to counter." Ash said.
Starly quickly moved to avoid the gust, before she charged at Pidgey with a quick attack the attack hit dead on, knocking Pidgey back which he quickly recovered from and shook off the damage.
"Pidgey." Pidgey said to starly in a very cheerful way as if complimenting her.
"Starly." Starly replayed back thanking him.
"It looks like Pidgey is complimenting Starly." Dawn said as she watched the battle.
"Piplup, Plp." Piplup agreed with her.
" It's great that the two are getting along so well." Ash said, smiling, glad that their Pokémon are not having any issues with each other.
"Yeah, getting along." Dusk said not to think they're just getting along and definitely believe there is something more going on.
Dusk then focuses back on the battle "Pidgey, use Tackle Attack." she said.
Pidgey then flew at Starly, Ash smirked. "Starly use Tackle Attack as well."
Starly charged at Pidgey with the two flying types charging at each other, both had nearly collided pushing passed each other before they continued their aerial battle. Starly charged at Pidgey who moved aside using a barrel roll before making a u turn getting behind Starly.
"Pidgey use Tackle." Dusk said since it is the only physical move Pidgey can use safely at the moment.
But to her surprise instead of using tackle Pidgey attempts to use Brave Bird as They see flaming energy form around him but like his other attempts using the move it fails draining him of energy.
"Pidgey, why would you use Brave Bird? You know you can't handle it?" Dusk called out to her Pokémon.
Pidgey weakly turned to her. "Pidgey, Pi, Pi."
Dusk was confused wondering what Pidgey was trying to say until Ash called out to her. "I think Pidgey wants to master Brave Bird Dusk." Ash called out to her.
"Really?" Dusk asked, surprised.
"Dusk, don't you remember Dawn and Piplup training?" Ash asked, getting Dusk's attention. "They kept failing, but they never gave up. Piplup even trained on his own because he wanted to master the move so he could be at his best for Dawn, and right now Pidgey is doing the same for you. Don't be afraid to master a move, even if you fail a lot of times you should never give up."
Dusk stared at him before she felt slight pain in her head. (even if you fail a lot of times you should never give up) she heard Ash's words echo through her head 'what was that?' She questioned.
"Dusk, you need to keep pushing not just Pidgey's strength to his limits and pass them, but as his trainer you need to do the same." Ash said pointing at Dusk.
"But clearly Pidgey's body can't handle the strain it puts on him." Dusk said voicing her concern
"Then work with him to strengthen his body and help him become stronger together." Ash said, determined.
Dusk was stunned by Ash's words, she then looked at Pidgey and she could see the determination in his eyes. "Alright, I vow to work with you Pidgey."
"Pidgey!" Pidgey said with determination ready to continue trying to master Brave Bird.
"Ok, should we continue, Lady Dusk?" Ash gave her a smirk.
Dusk blushed slightly, she couldn't understand she had always been called Lady before but somehow she was flattered by Ash calling her that. But she quickly recovered and was ready to continue.
(Play Under Dog Beyblade G Revolution)
"Alright Pidgey, use Tackle!" Dusk commanded.
Pidgey nodded and flew at Starly as fast as he could.
"Let's face them with our own tackle Starly!" Ash said.
The two flying types charge at each other with two barely dodging each other tackle while trying to land their own making it feel like a dance between the two as one avoids the other tackle when they charge attempting their own with the other avoids their tackle before trying their tackle again and repeats.
"Starly use Quick Attack." Ash called out.
Starly did a quick dive out of Pidgey's way before making a u-turn upward at a fast speed.
"Pidgey, use Gust to block the attack." Dusk said, trying to stop the quick attack.
Pidgey quickly creates a gust of wind which Starly crashes into struggling to push past.
"Starly you can do I believe in you!" Ash said to starly putting his faith in her.
"Starly!" Starly shouted, pushing through the gust of wind using all her might, shocking both Pidgey and Dusk as she slammed into Pidgey knocking him out of the sky and into the ground creating a dust cloud.
"No Pidgey!" Dusk shouted.
The dust cleared revealing Pidgey was unconscious with swirls in his eyes. "Pi, Pidgey," Pidgey uttered.
Dusk walked over to Pidgey and took him in her arms. "Are you alright Pidgey?" Dusk asked concern.
"Pidgey…" Pidgey uttered, saying he was alright.
"Star Starly." Said in concerned with Starly landed near Dusk checking on Pidgey
"I see I'm not the only one worried about you." Dusk said with a small smile.
"That was a good match Dusk, I thought you almost had me," Ash smiled.
"Thanks Sir Ash, you really are an amazing trainer." Dusk replied. "You know that's the first loss I've experienced since I've started my journey." she would admit that she and Togekiss had lost to many of her teachers back home even loss to Freesia who would win a lot of times when they would have a pokemon battle, however she would learn from defeat and it would make her and Togekiss stronger back then and by their second year of training she and Togekiss had made a winning streak having not lost to any of her teachers in one on one pokemon battles.
"That was amazing, you two," Dawn said she was amazed by how skilled both Ash and Dusk were with their respective flying pokemon.
"Very true Dawn, that was a great battle, you four have come a long way in such a short time," Brock said, referring to both trainers and Pokemon.
"Why thank you both," Dusk smiled before turning to Ash. "And thank you Sir Ash for helping me see that I shouldn't underestimate my Pokemon determination and give up.
Ash just chuckled while rubbing the back of his head."Don't need to thank me, that's what friends are for right?"
Again Dusk's head began to hurt. (that's what friends are for regardless of where we are from.)
'What is going on?' Dusk thought it was weird Ash's words somehow were making her head hurt causing her to hear his words echo in her head making her feel unbalanced.
"Dusk, hey Dusk are you ok?" Dawn asked in concern.
"Do you need to sit down or something?" Ash said also worried, it could be after battle stress he got at times after battle often took a mental toll on the trainer as much as the pokemon.
"I have some medication in my bag, I can give you some," Brock offered.
Dusk immediately shook her head. "No, I am fine, thank you for your concerns," she said with a smile.
The others looked at each other with Ash and Dawn shrugged. "Alright, if you say so but if you are feeling bad don't hesitate to tell us ok?" Ash said.
"Again thank you, but as Lady Dawn says, "no need to worry." Dusk smiled.
"That's right," Dawn smiled at Dusk using her line.
'Then why am I worrying a lot.' Ash thought with a sheepish grin.
Deciding to drop the subject, Brock treated both Starly and Pidgey. Then they put the rest of the stuff away and then they continue their journey to Jubilife City.
As the group continues on, Dusk decides to ask Ash a question she had on her mind " So Sir Ash have you considered any new moves to teach Starly?" She asked curiously.
"Well I actually haven't thought of that." Ash admitted sheepishly having been more focused on physical training. "Why are you asking?"
"I think you should start adding more moves to Starly's repertoire." Dusk suggested.
"Repertoire?" Dawn asked not sure what word meant with Ash also being unsure.
"It means a stockpile of skills or types of behavior that a person or pokemon habitually use," Brock informed them both. "Basically she's saying you should add more moves to Starly's skillset."
"Oh, that makes sense." Ash smiled, now knowing the meaning of the word. "But you're right, me and Starly should start working on a new move for her." Ash said agree with Dusk.
"How about Aerial Ace?" Dawn suggested. "Since Paul's Starly he had known it then yours should be able to learn it right?"
"Paul had a starly?" Dusk asked before thinking about it for a second before saying. "Let me guess he released it didn't he?"
"Yeah, if they aren't strong enough even if they win." Ash said remembering how Paul caught three different Starly's and released all of them before the day ended.
Dusk doesn't know whether she should be more upset about how Paul appears to have no respect for Pokemon or how she is getting to point with him where she expects him to release a pokemon he has after every battle when it does reach his standards.
"Anyway Aerial Ace would be a strong move for Starly to have an excellent suggestion from you Lady Dawn." Dusk said to Dawn wanting to stop thinking of Paul.
"Yeah, good idea Dawn." Ash stated.
Dawn just smirked and puffered her chest out. "Well, I'm not just a pretty face you know?" Dawn said with pride.
"Then Starly could practice with Pidgey and I'm sure Pidgey would be happy to have her working with him." Dusk said
"Yeah those two would make great partners right Dusk?" Ash asked her.
'More than you think Sir Ash.' Dusk thought before she then answered Ash "yes they would make a great team."
Before they could talk anymore, a red pokemon had jumped in front of them the pokemon had the general appearance of a bug with most of it exoskeleton covered in red with small patches of black, the head being red with three red pointing spikes on the top of it's head, his main body was red with black areas at the neck, on the front of it's chest and on lower half of its body on the front, on its back was set of wing's, it's arm's had Pincher's where they were red with a round black spot with a yellow dot and finally it's leg's we're red with two white toes with one on each end of the leg.
"Hey, it's a Scizor." Ash smiled.
"Scizor?" Dawn asked as she pulled out her Pokedex to scan the pokemon.
"Scizor, the Pincer Pokémon and the evolved form of Scyther It threatens enemies with its eye-patterned claws, which can swing with tremendous force when used in battle." Dawn's Pokedex informed.
"How cool." dawn said
"Indeed, Scizor is an intriguing pokemon." Dusk said she studied on Scizor back home and had found its evolution line very interesting.
"Scizor!" a young girl shouted as she ran up to Scizor who appears to be her pokemon. "Please wait up for me,"
"Excuse me, is that Scizor yours?" Dawn asked.
"Yes, it is." the young girl answered. "And Scizor is my all-time favorite. Anyway, I heard that there is a gym close by. Do you know if that is True?" The girl asked the group.
"A gym out here?" Dusk asked herself while pulling out her PokeSlate to check the map feature which is constantly updated with the latest information available.
"A gym." Ash said, confused.
"I think the closest gym is the Oreburgh gym." Dawn said fairly sure that closest gym
"It is." Dusk said as she finished looking at her PokeSlate. "According to my Pokedex (PokeSlate), there's no gym near here."
"Then you have to go through Jubilife City to get to Oreburgh." Ash explained to her.
"No, not that one I'm talking about a new gym that just opened and what we are looking for, maybe that is why it is not on your map." The girl said.
"Maybe you're right," Dusk replied. 'But my Pokeslate is constantly updating which means it would have the location of this new gym if it has been around for a bit.'
"It's called the powerzone gym." the girl explained.
"Well if that's actually a gym I'm willing to take a shot at it." Ash said, determined thinking maybe he could get his first badge earlier than expected.
"Cool I actually get to see what a real Gym is like." Dawn smiled, excited to see her first real gym.
"It couldn't hurt to check it out." Brock said optimistically interested in seeing why the gym was called powerzone.
"Sir Brock is right, let's go check it out," Dusk smirked, although she was still suspicious of gym being out here
"Then look for it together, oh my name is Minnie by the way," Minnie introduced herself.
"My name's Ash," Ash introduced himself.
"I'm Dawn," Dawn smiled.
"It's nice to meet you Lady Minnie, my name is Dusk." Dusk said while bowing.
"My name's Brock, it's nice to meet you Minnie." Brock smiled.
"Nice to meet you, come let go." Minnie said, leading with others behind her.
Dusk decides to voice a concern to others she had about the Gym. "Doesn't this seem odd for a gym that isn't on map to be out here?"
"Well it could be an unofficial gym, me and Brock have run into a few of those." Ash said, trying to bring up an explanation as to why it wouldn't be on a map.
"We have run into a few unofficial gyms in the past, some having various themes integrated into them so this Gym Training pokemon who have lost isn't too out there." Brock explained training other pokemon not being the strangest idea he has heard of.
"Well I hope you are right." Dusk said as they continue to follow Minnie
"To tell you the honest truth I'm not that good of a battler at all." Minnie admitted Sheepishly. "I've even been trying to teach Scizor a new move for about a month now, and we still haven't mastered it."
"What move are you trying to teach Scizor Lady Minnie?" Dusk asked out of curiosity.
"I've been trying to teach him Hyper Beam, but we still haven't mastered it yet." Minnie admitted. "And then I heard that the power zone gym takes any pokemon who loses their battle and trains them to make them stronger, and maybe they can help Scizor learn Hyper Beam."
"That's such a nice thing to do." Dawn smiled.
"But doesn't that defeat the point of being a trainer to grow stronger together with your pokemon?" Dusk said, voicing one of her issues with the gym.
"Well… you do have a bit of a point," Minnie admitted. "But I want to help Scizor, however I can plus with how much experience they have training pokemon they probably know better how to help him then I do." Minnie said.
"Sometimes it is better for the trainer to help their own pokemon, and how can you be a trainer if you aren't the one training your pokemon?" Dusk said that comment made Minnie think a bit.
"Dusk does have a point, getting help is alright, but it takes away the experience a trainer should gain with their pokemon plus putting one's pokemon in the care of another shouldn't be taken so lightly." Ash added knowing from experience.
"Also when you put your pokemon in another's care you have make sure that their needs are met both why you put them in that person's care from a training standpoint and their general needs and care cause no two pokemon even those of same species are completely alike some need special and more personal care to bring out their full potential." Brock said
"Wow, I never knew that." Minnie admitted. "So I have to make sure that they can meet my Scizor's needs, but what Dusk said makes sense too. How can I be a good trainer if I don't grow with Scizor?" Minnie said feeling uncertain of what to do if she should still challenge that gym any more
"It's still your choice Minnie, but the key to being a good trainer is practice, practice and practice." Dawn said, even though she herself was a new trainer she knew that practice makes perfect and she had come a long way so far.
Minnie nodded, taking the group's words to heart as they continued to walk for a couple more minutes they then came across a building that they assumed was the powerzone gym.
"That's an interesting design." Dusk said with the building having a mix of different looks with Thorny Vines, lava and wings she thinks the building does not really have a uniting theme to it.
"Hey look, that's got to be it." Minnie said.
At that time inside the gym a battle was taking place, between a Croagunk and a Sandslash. The gang entered the gym just in time to catch the battle.
"Use Fury Swipes Sandslash!" a young boy shouted as his Sandslash charged at Croagunk.
"Croagunk dodge it!" Said what appeared to be the gym leader named princess powerzone with Croagunk moving to avoid Sandslash swipes at him.
As that is happening the gym door's open and lets the group see the battle that is happening currently.
"Woah, look at them go." Ash smiled at seeing the two pokemon battling.
"Wow, we came at a good time," Dawn said, getting excited seeing a gym battle right in front of her.
"It's a Sandslash and a Croagunk," Dusk said, looking over the two pokemon.
"So that's a Sandslash?" Dawn said as she took out her Pokedex scanning the pokemon.
"Croagunk?" Ash questioned as he took out his Pokedex and began to scan it.
"Sandslash, the mouse pokemon and the evolved form of Sandshrew, when running at full speed it sends up a cloud of sand to hide itself." Dawn's Pokedex informed.
"Croagunk, the toxic mouth pokemon, lives in swamps and forests where there's little light and it prefers moist places." Ash's Pokedex informed.
"Use Sand Attack Sandslash!" The boy said.
Sandslash dug its claws into the ground and then launched sand towards Croagunk repeatedly.
"Dodge then poison jab." Princess power zone order to Croagunk.
Croagunk dodged the last few sand attacks before delivering a power poison jab to Sandslash throat.
"Sandslash, you ok?" The boy asked as Sandslash hit the ground and was knocked out.
"Sandslash is unable to battle princess power zone wins." Referee called.
"That's me," Princess Power zone cheered.
The trainer walked up to his Sandslash to check on his pokemon.
"Are you alright Sandslash?" the boy asked in concern as he helped his pokemon sit up.
"Sandslash." Sandslash replied in shame.
"A valiant effort but no badge." Princess power zone said in what could be considered a teasing voice.
"Ah but fear not, we will train your partner," the referee said.
"We will supercharge that Sandslash." Said another much short man with a weird face (Danny DeVito face)
"Really? Thank you." the boy smiled then asked his Sandslash. "Don't you think Sandslash?"
"Sandslash?" Sandslash agreed with him.
The boy then handed them his Sandslash pokemon. " Alright I will be back later."
"Sure you will." The referee said as he took his Pokeball.
"Much later." The three said together
Dusk noticed the way said that, so she decided to stay quiet for the moment and just observe as the boy got past them and left through the door.
"I guess what they said is true." Dawn said
"Alright, let me go!" Ash said but Brock held his hand out in front of him.
"Let me have a go Ash, I haven't had Geodude battle that much since coming here, and it could be a good opportunity to work off the rust we have." Brock said actually getting excited since it has been awhile since his last pokemon battle.
"Maybe we should let Minnie go? She is the one who wanted to battle here in the first place?" Dusk suggested.
"Yeah, let's let her go first." Dawn agreed.
"I'm fine with letting her go first." Brock said not minding going second.
"Ok, excuse me we would like a battle here " Ash said getting the three attention.
"With pleasure." Three said as they turned to the group only to look shocked before they quickly went into a huddle talking to themselves.
"Drat alright, who told the twerps?" Princess powerzone said who actually Jessie.
"We don't really talk that much." The referee replied who was actually james.
"Let's think this through whatever reason they're here now " Jessie said thinking they could capitalize on the opportunity.
"Did you forget about the new twerpette and how she tore through our last scheme so quickly and found so many flaws in it?" James said as he took a peak back at the group looking at dusk.
"You don't have to tell me, she's the reason I have to wear this itchy mask." The short man said scratching his face revealing that he was Meowth. "Besides we don't have a choice if we don't battle them they will get suspicious and that new twerp will no doubt start ripping through this plan might as well go for broke." Meowth said knowing that their best choice
"Excuse me?" Minnie asked.
"Is something the matter?" Dusk asked, staring at them closely with her voice showing some doubt she felt.
"Oh, no, no. I am your not-so-humble gym leader princess powerzone, and who is challenging me today?" Princess powerzone asked.
"I would like to challenge you," Minnie stepped forward.
Ash then takes a few steps back as Brock steps forward. "I would also like to challenge your gym though as an expedition battle if that is ok?"
"Very well, once the battle between the two is over you will battle next," James said, trying to remain as professional as possible to avoid suspicion. "Also would you like to challenge us as well?" James asked Ash since if they're going to get Pikachu they need him on the battlefield.
"Sure but after Minnie and Brock have had their turns." Ash said.
"Of course." James said telling himself they just need to keep appearances up until Pikachu on the battlefield then their set.
"And I would like to as well," Dusk spoke up while giving him a firm look.
"Of course, miss." James nodded trying not to sweat.
A minute later, Jesse had Croagunk and Minnie had her Scizor while Ash, Brock, Dawn and Dusk sat on the gym bench.
"First we will familiarize ourselves with the power zone gym rules." James said.
"Most gym's will usually follow the same standardized rules with main differences being how many Pokemon are allowed and what kind of battle it will be like one on one or double battle. Though sometimes a gym might have a unique rule to further test challenge's." Brock explained.
"Like making an entire forest the battlefield." Ash said then added. "Personally I hope it's either one on one or three on three."
"Cool." Dawn said wondering what it would be.
"The match will be one of if you are lucky to win, you'll earn a badge." James explained.
"Each Gym has its own unique badge," Dusk said, knowing that from one of her teachers who was a former trainer who competed in the Johto league and showed her their badges.
"I just got to see what their badge looks like now. Excuse me, would you mind showing us the gym's badge before the battle starts?" Dawn asked.
'oh no we gave away our last one to that Marowak kid.' Jessie thought realize how bad that is
'Since we've been on a winning streak I forgot to make any new fakes since.' Meowth thought as well.
"I'm sorry, I forgot to get the badges earlier, let me go get them ok?" James said as he walked out of the Gym and quickly made his way to the back and saw the bottles of soda along with the bottle caps, he then took out three permanent marks red, blue and green and be began to drew on them making various shapes along with flattening them with a rock, seeing his work was down he quickly returned to inside.
"Sorry I took so long, here they are." James said showing them the 'gym badges'
'That idiot must have used the bottle caps from those soda's I brought back and now the soda's are also going to go flat.' Meowth thought.
"These are some weird badges." Ash said, looking them over.
"Are all badges like these?" Dawn asked, a little confused.
"Typically they don't look as cheap." Brock said with some hesitation in his voice he not one criticize and tell other gym leaders how fun their gym but their badge/badges just honestly looked very poorly made
"Hey cut us some slake, we aren't a well known Gym you know!" James shouted.
"Forget about the badges, let's begin the battle!" Jesse said, hoping to prevent the new twerpette from opening her mouth.
"Yeah, I'm ready to battle now," Minnie agreed.
"Alright," James nodded, thankful for the save, he then took his place next to Meowth. "Ok, let the battle begin!"
"Croagunk, use Poison Sting!" Princess powerzone ordered.
Croagunk expanded his poison sacs and then opened his firing multiple needles made of poison at Scizor.
"Scizor dodge with Quick Attack!" Minnie said as Scizor gathers energy into his wing's and uses the speed he gained to avoid the poison sting and start to close the distance between him and Croagunk.
"Wow awesome." Ash said
"That's fast," Dawn smiled.
"But she didn't need Scizor to dodge the poison sting. she could have had him simply go through it." Dusk said
"That's right Scizor is part Steel, Steel Types are immune to poison type attacks." Brock nodded.
"Immune?" Dawn asked confused
But before anyone could explain further, they heard Minnie give Scizor his next move.
"Scizor use Slash." Minnie said.
Scizor pulled back his claw and slammed his claw into Croagunk knocking him back toward princess powerzone.
"Scizor quickly uses Metal Claw!" Minnie said thinking they could win using that move.
"Croagunk, use Sucker Punch." Princess Powerzone yelled.
"Croagunk!" Crogunk shouted as his opponent had just finished reading his metal claw only to get interrupted by Croagunk fist hitting him straight in the face knocking him back before he reacted.
"What was that?" Dawn asked.
"It was Sucker Punch, a Dark Type move." Brock told her.
"The move only works when an opponent uses a direct attack." Dusk added.
"Scizor, use Quick Attack again." Minnie said
Scizor once more gathered energy in his wings again to charge at Croagunk again.
"Croagunk, use Brick Break to counter." Princess Powerzone ordered.
Croagunk gathered energy into his right hand.
Scizor hits Croagunk hard center chest with his quick attack, but Croagunk slams his Brick Break into his back.
The two pokemon stumbled back from each feeling the effect of each other's attack.
"Quick Scizor, use Metal Claw before Croagunk recovers." Minnie said
Scizor gathered energy in his claw and slammed it into Croagunk knocking him to the ground and knocking him out.
"We did it," Minnie cheered.
"Alright." Ash said
"Scizor did great." Dawn said
"You two did excellent." Dusk said to Minnie
"That means I won isn't that right Sir?" Minnie asked James who was trying to keep his panic off his face.
"Uh Croagunk is um unable." James said, trying to stall hoping Croagunk would be able to get back up before he had to make a call.
*Referee what are you doing clearly Croagunk is unable to battle and by the rules of Gym Battles once a pokemon is unable to battle they are eliminated if the opposing pokemon is declared the winner." Dusk Questioned knowing the rules of official battles.
"Well you see um he isn't um that are." James continued to ramble on.
"She's right, Minnie won the battle and as a referee you need to declare her the winner." Brock said firmly, being a former gym leader he knew this was Minnie's win.
"What are you talking about, my Croagunk is fine and able to battle." They heard Princess Powerzone say as they turned their attention back to her and Croagunk seeing Croagunk back up and ready to fight again.
"To be counted out " James said, acting as if that is what he was saying.
'Something isn't right here, Croagunk was indeed unable to battle and Minnie had won.' Dusk thought now completely suppious of Princess Powerzone and the other two.
"What." Minnie said, confused, having thought she won.
"Wow that one tough pokemon." Dawn said impressed by Croagunk.
"But that is one lousy referee they have." Ash frowned, and agreed with Dusk and Brock that Minnie should have been declared the winner.
"He clearly intentionally stalled his call." Brock said now starting to question the legitimacy of this gym.
"Are you sure?" Dawn asked.
"I used to be a gym leader Dawn, what just happened goes against what Gyms are meant to do." Brock told in the most serious tone she ever heard him speak.
"Let's see where we are? Oh yeah, Croagunk, use Brick Break!" Princess Powerzone order with Croagunk gathered energy in his right hand.
"Scizor dodge that." Minnie said as Scizor quickly stepped back to avoid the attack.
"Once more." Princess Powerzone ordered with Croagunk gathering the energy in his left hand this time and attacked too quickly for Scizor to react, slamming his hand into his back causing Scizor to take a few steps back feeling dazed.
"Let's wrap this up with a thunder punch!" Princess Powerzone ordered.
'Now or never.' Minnie thought.
"Scizor, use Hyper Beam!" Minnie said, hoping it will work.
Scizor held his claws in front of him and began to gather orange energy, he then tried to fire it but the energy dissipated. "Scizor…" Scizor said looking at his claws seeing his attack had backfired.
"Croooooo gunk!" Croagunk said as his fist covered with electricity before ramming it into Scizor's body, shocking him.
"No Scizor!" Minnie cried.
As the group could only watch in concern as felled to the ground and was knocked out.
"Scizor is unable to battle the winner, is Princess Powerzone." James said as fast as he could not wanting to risk Scizor getting back up.
"That's me." Princess Powerzone cheered for her victory not seeing Dusk and Brock glaring at her thinking the same thing.
'The referee didn't have any issues when it came to declaring their gym leader the winner.' Dusk thought to herself.
'This isn't right, that referee stole the victory from Minnie and the gym leader doesn't care that tears it, something is definitely wrong with this Gym.' Brock thought.
Minnie sighed but smiled as she walked over and took Scizor in her arms. With the others walking up to her.
"That was a tough battle," Dawn said with a sad smile.
"Well, I knew it wouldn't have been easy," Minnie replied sheepishly. "And I shouldn't have called for a Hyper Beam at that moment."
"If you ask me, I say you should have won that battle." Dusk frowned.
"I'm afraid she has lost the battle, but we will wipe that loser into a fighting champion." James shouted.
"You might be a lost cause but your Scizor isn't." Meowth said
"That wasn't very nice to say." Dawn said not liking the way he put it.
"It was beyond rude." Dusk frowned, glaring at the three which made them nervous.
Ash frowned as well, he had never seen a gym like this before and how the three acted he was starting to question the methods of the gym.
"Thank you very much." Minnie smiled.
"Scizor," Scizor agreed.
Brock frowned hard, before walking up to them. "I noticed your referee had stalled for Croagunk to recover and he had no trouble immediately calling the victory for you and why is that?"
All three flinched at his question, he was starting to become really suspicious and knowing they needed to say something.
"I must be tired?" James said being only thing he could think of
"Tired? you didn't look tired when you called Princess Powerzone the victory?" Dusk brought up, that made him flinch even more.
"If you are a legitimate gym, let a former Gym Leader test you in an exhibition match!" Brock challenged, holding up a Pokeball, he wasn't officially taking up the league but that didn't mean he couldn't battle a gym in an exhibition match.
"Sorry but it's lunch time. Besides, my poor Croagunk Is exhausted." Princess Powerzone said. "Can't you see him trying to catch his breath."
Everyone looked at Croagunk who seemed perfectly fine
"He seems fine to me." Dusk said.
"Well, I'm hungry, why don't we have a lunch break?" Brock said winking at Dusk.
"Yeah that does sound nice about now." Dusk said following Brock's lead making sure to grab Minnie's hand pulling her toward the door.
"Wait, I didn't give them my Scizor." Minnie told them having returned Scizor to his pokeball already.
"You got to trust me on this Minnie, those three cheated you out of your win." Dusk whispered to Minnie.
"She's right, something is wrong here and it's best you don't give them Scizor." Ash whispered, agreeing with Dusk's decision.
As they walked out the door, team rockets were having their own talk.
"Darn it, that twerpette is messing with our plan because of her we didn't get that sucker's Scizor!" Meowth said, taking off his mask.
"You don't think she figured out it's us do you?" James asked getting worried
"Who cares that new Twerpette nearly cost me my victory. I rightfully won that match!" Jessie seethed in rage.
"Croag-gunk-gunk," Croagunk said while staring into space, not caring at all about what Team Rocket was saying.
"So what do we do? Do we continue with this, or do we get while getting is good?" James asked.
"No! We still need to capture Pikachu and I will not let the blue haired smarty pants ruin our plans again!" Jesse declared clenching her fists.
"So continue the plan as usual." Meowth sighs
"It would seem so." James agreed, also sighing.
"Besides, I have an idea that will nap Pikachu for sure." Jessie said with smug smile
Both James and Meowth both sighed.
Meanwhile outside the others were far enough way from the Powerzone Gym where they felt it was safe to talk.
"Ok this far enough," Dusk said, letting go of Minnie.
"Why did you drag me out of there before I gave them my Scizor?" Minnie asked, still confused.
"That match was rigged Minnie, I've been to alot of gyms but that one is off even if you considered it an unofficial gym." Ash said
"Yes, and coming from a former gym leader, that gym leader is bad news, she felt like she prioritized her own need to win over keeping the battle fair." Brock frowned.
"Yeah, that Referee just stalled enough for Croagunk to recover and win the match even though you won already." Dawn said.
"So they cheated me? But why?" Minnie asked, still confused.
"They take pokemon who lose and train them at least that's what they say." Dusk frowned. "But that match was rigged so you lost and would have to give them your Scizor which means their goal is get their challenger's to hand over their pokemon under the impression that they will train them for you when you leave but by time you come back they probably be gone along with the pokemon you and every other train gave them."
"It's a scam, they are tricking trainers into giving up their pokemon!" Minnie gasped, she felt absolutely stupid. "I can't believe it, I almost gave up my Scizor," Minnie said in shame, lowering her head.
"It's ok Minnie, you aren't the only one who fell for it, what matters is you still have Scizor," Brock said, patting Minnie on the shoulder which made her nod.
"Also, doesn't the gym leader and referee look familiar?" Dusk said she wasn't sure before but after now.
"Now that you mentioned it, they do look familiar." Ash said
"And the way they acted," Dawn stated.
"You two are right," Brock agreed.
"Team Rocket!" all four shouted.
"Team Rocket?" Minnie asked, she had never heard of Team Rocket, she only knew of one criminal organization of Sinnoh.
"They are a group of people who steal pokemon." Ash told her.
"And they made a fake gym to steal trainers' pokemon." Brock said clenching his fist, angry that team Rocket would dare use a gym as a scam, also remembering what they did back in Pewter City Gym.
"So what do we do? Go back and stop them?" Dawn asked, ready to do so.
"They still have who knows how many trainer's pokemon somewhere so we need to figure out where they're hiding them so we can get back to their trainers." Dusk added knowing they need to find those pokemon.
"We need to save those pokemon, for all the trainers they tricked." Minnie said wanting to put an end to Team Rocket's scam.
"I'm going to battle them when we get back, maybe while we're battling one of you can sneak around and find the pokeballs?" Brock suggested.
"I'll do it," Dusk offered.
"Wait Dusk, you did call out their plans before if you aren't there they will get suspicious," Ash brought up.
"Then they might try to make a run for it with the stolen pokemon or worse forget about them to save their own skins, making it impossible to find them." Dusk said getting what Ash is saying
"What about me?" Minnie pointed to herself. "I did lose, and I don't think they'll get suspicious if I'm not around, they may think I left after you dragged me out."
"I think Minnie is probably the only person they wouldn't find odd missing." Dawn said.
"I agree, so while Sir Brock is battling Lady Minnie will sneak around the gym and find the pokeballs." Dusk agreed.
Brock nodded. "Alright, I'll try to draw out the match as much as I can, while Minnie looks for the pokeballs judging from the size of the Gym there can't be too many places to hide them." with that everyone nodded in agreement with the plan.
That is when they heard multiple growling stomachs and realized that we're all actually hungry so they decided to eat before they start planning with Brock treating Minnie to his cooking. She found it delicious, the best meal she had in a while. After they ate, Brock treated Minnie's Scizor so he was at 100%, while Dusk told Minnie more about Scizor and how to use him if she ran into trouble. With that the plan was done and soon they were 30 feet away from the powerzone gym.
"We all remember the plan, right?" Ash asked.
"Yes, while Brock is battling me and Scizor will sneak to the back of the gym and try to find a way in." Minnie said.
"Yes, I'll draw the match out as long as I can." Brock nodded.
"But how will we know when Minnie finds the pokeballs?" Dawn asked.
"If one of you has one, I can contact you on my Poketch." Minnie said, showing them a pink watch. "I can send a message to one of you."
"What is poketch?" Ash asked, unsure what a poketch is, making clear he doesn't have one.
"There isn't much time to explain, but it's a smartwatch that can be programmed to help the trainer out," Dawn said knowing alot about the poketch but seeing how there wasn't much time she couldn't give full details about it.
"We don't have one of those." Brock frowned.
"I think my Pokedex (Pokeslate) could be compatible enough to get the message." Dusk said as she took out the Pokeslate, she still didn't know how to unlock the other features but the messaging feature could be on, suddenly the eye in the back of Slate began to glow before a blue beam shot of the pupil onto Minnies poketch shocking them all making a data pattern on it before the beam receded back into the eye.
"Pairing complete, Trainer Minnie now recognized." the Pokeslate said.
"Woah, is that supposed to happen?" Ash asked in shock.
"I think it formed a link between it and Minnie poketch making it possible for the two to receive messages from each." Dusk said though she was fully sure she didn't even know it could link to other devices like that.
"Amazing," Minnie said in awe at the Pokeslate, she had never seen anything like it before. "Now that we're connected we can go along with the plan."
"Yeah, let's worry about it later and let's help get those pokeballs back." Dawn said.
"Yeah." everyone shouted.
Minnie then stayed back as the group went back to the gym while she got ready to begin her search for the PokeBalls but Dusk mind was drawn to her Pokeslate and how it linked to Minnie poketch practically on command.
'What else is it capable of that I'm not aware of?' Dusk thought to herself, however she put those thoughts to the side and focused on the task at hand as they entered the gym.
As they entered they were greeted by the still disguised Team Rocket, all four needed to play along as if nothing was wrong if they were going to pull the plan off.
"Welcome back, are you ready to battle?" Jessie asked with a smile.
"And who will be the challenger?" James asked.
"I will be the challenger for an expedition match between gym leaders." Brock said with determination.
"Alright, but where is the girl from before?" The short man (Meowth) said.
"She left for the next town," Dusk answered. "She didn't want to waste too much of her time."
"Too bad, I was hoping she would want another crack at me," Jessie smuggly said, believing Dusk's lie.
Dusk then noticed the Croagunk, it looked like it didn't want to be here like it was bored. She was wondering if it was truly their pokemon or if they tricked it like they did with Golduck and the other pokemon before.
"Alright this will be a one-on-one battle." James said as Jessie and Brock and took their positions on opposite ends of the battlefield
"I will be using my Croagunk." Jessie said confidently.
"Geodude! I chose you!" Brock shouted before the pokeball in a flash of white light Geodude appeared on the field.
"Geodude." His pokemon cried ready for battle.
'So he brought back that old pokemon? It doesn't matter with Croagunk's attack that rockhead won't last long.' Jessie smirked, completely confident.
"Let the battle begin!" James called out.
At that moment, Dusk took her Pokeslate keeping it out of the sight of Team Rocket and messaged Minnie to begin her part of the plan.
Minnie looked at the poketch and got the message. "Alright, let's go find the pokeballs," she told herself, as she ran to the back of the Gym, she then saw a backdoor, she smiled she walked up to the door and turned the handle she was surprised to see it unlocked.
"For a gang of bad guys, they certainly don't keep their place locked," Minnie commented, before she walked inside.
Back with the others, Jessie smirked, wasting no time and called out an attack.
"Croagunk, use Brick Break!" Jessie commanded.
"Croagunk!" Croagunk shouted as his hand glowed white and he charged at Geodude.
"Geodude use Dig!" Brock shouted.
"Geodude." Shouted Geodude as he quickly dug underground before Croagunk could hit him with Brick Break.
Croagunk then stops in his tracks, looking around to figure out where Geodude will come from.
"Hey where did it go?" Jessie growled looking around.
"Nice move, not only did Geodude avoid the attack but since Croagunk is part poison he's weak to ground moves like dig." Dusk said seeing Brock having already taken initiative to take control of the battle.
"Geodude now surface!" Brock called out.
The ground beneath Croagunk began to shake, before Geodude shot out and headbutted Croagunk, sending him skidding back dealing mild damage.
Brock knew he had to draw the battle out as long as he could and the best way he can do that is first to weaken Croagunk so he won't be able keep up with Geodude making the battle a game of catch up that should hopefully buy Minnie the time she needs.
"Geodude use Sandstorm!" Brock called out.
Geodude gather his energy then lifted his arms releasing a storm made of sand that covered the battlefield, Croagunk clenched his eyes shut from the sand blowing against his face.
"And I thought we fought dirty." Meowth muttered.
"Even with these sunglasses I can't see anything." James complained.
"It's getting in my hair," Jessie complained.
"Good, with Sandstorm in effect it will wear Croagunk down and will buy Minnie more time." Ash said quietly to both Dawn and Dusk.
"I hope she's close to finding the pokeballs." Dawn said quietly.
"Still no message from her so Brock has to keep the battle going and with Sandstorm Croagunk is going to have trouble finding Geodude which works to our favor." Dusk replied quietly.
"Croagunk, find Geodude and use Poison Jab." Jessie yelled at him.
Croagunk squinted his eyes and is able to make out a vague shape and thinks it's Geodude and then gathers poison into his left hand and stabs into the shape.
"Geodude!" Yelled Geodude having been hit with Poison Jab and then Sandstorm's effect wears off revealing the two pokemon.
"Geodude, you alright?" Brock asked.
"Geodude." Geodude said as he nodded his head, saying that he was alright
"Not for long use Brick Break!" Jessie called out.
Croagunk then charged forward, his hand glowed white and was about to hit Geodude.
"Geodude, block his attack with Mega Punch." Brock quickly said.
Geodude gathers his own energy in his hand before forming a fist and throws a punch toward Croagunk's hand.
The two attack's clash but Croagunk's Brick Break overpowers Geodude Mega Punch, and knocks Geodude away delivering heavy damage to the rock type.
"Dude!" Geodude shouted as he fell to the ground.
"Geodude!" Brock called out in concern.
'This isn't good, another hit like that and it's over.' Dusk thought. 'Come Minnie you need to hurry.'
Meanwhile back with Minnie, she was still looking for the pokeballs. The place wasn't that big so she was hoping to find them.
"They could be anywhere, but where?" Minnie asked.
"Scizor!" Scizor called out, getting Minnie's attention.
"What is Scizor?" Minnie asked walking up to her partner who had found some kind of hatch. Minnie smiled. "Good work Scizor, let's see what's inside."
Scizor nodded and used his claws to pry open the hatch. Inside they saw a green balloon basket.
"I guess that's how they plan to escape so Pokeballs got to be nearby." Minnie said she then looked right below the basket and saw a net filled with Pokeballs. "It's them we found them," Minnie cheered, she quickly began to message to Dusk that she and Scizor had found the pokeballs.
Meanwhile back at the battle, Geodude struggled to get back up after the last attack but it was determined to keep battling.
Dusk's Pokeslate began to beep, she looked at it and saw Minnie's message. {I found the Pokeballs}. Dusk smirked and turned to Ash and Dawn.
"She did it, she found them." Dusk quietly told them.
She then starts tapping her foot to signal Brock that Minnie has found the PokeBalls
Brock heard it and turned to them and nodded. However Jessie didn't waste time and called out for a final attack.
"Time to wrap this up, Croagunk, use Brick Break one last time!" Jessie called out.
"Geodude, use Mega Punch full power." Brock said to Geodude.
"Clearly you didn't learn from last time." Jessie said smugly as the two attack's clashed again.
But unlike last time the two appeared to be evenly matched in power.
"It's not that, we weren't going all out then." Brock smirked.
"You what?" Jessie gasped.
"Geodude!" Geodude shouted, as his body began to glow white surprising everyone.
"No way, Geodude's evolving." Ash said, shocked.
Geodude started to grow larger, his body expanding to point now he is taller than Croagunk forcing him back he gained a set of legs and another set of arms that when light faded revealing Graveler.
"Graveler!" Graveler shouted as he raised his arms after evolving
"That's Graveler?" Dawn said, taking out her Pokedex.
"Graveler, The Rock Pokemon, and the evolved form of Geodude. Graveler grows by feeding on rocks. Apparently, it prefers to eat rocks that are covered in moss. This Pokémon eats its way through a ton of rocks on a daily basis." Dawn's Pokedex said
"That can't be good." James said, now completely worried.
Graveler than slammed his arms into the ground, causing jagged light blue rock pillars to appear out of the ground and heading towards Croagunk
"Croagunk dodge it." Jessie in panic.
Croagunk avoided the stone pillars before they hit him.
"Woah, what was that move?" Ash asked.
"That was Stone Edge." Dusk answered.
"Graveler, use Seismic Toss!" Brock said to his newly evolved pokemon.
Graveler moved towards Croagunk and grabbed him, the poison pokemon tried to break free but Graveler's grip was too strong and Graveler then jumped high into the air and began to do multiple backflips making Croagunk dizzy and threw him to the ground with great force creating a dust cloud.
"Ah, Croagunk!" Jessie exclaimed.
As the dust cleared it was revealed that Croagunk was now out cold. "Croa, Croa." Croagunk uttered.
"Snap out of it you lazy pokemon." Jessie yelled at Croagunk.
"I um cro um is um." James once more tried stalling again but Dusk isn't going to deal with that again.
"Croagunk is unable to battle so the winner is Graveler and Brock from Pewter City." Dusk said standing up, ending the battle herself.
"Hey you can't call the match yourself!" Jessie shouted in rage.
"She can if this Gym is a phony." Ash said.
"Yeah, that's enough of your scam." Dawn stated.
"Drop the disguises, Team Rocket!" Brock demanded.
Jessie gritted her teeth before relaxing and then turned to Meowth. "Fine Meowth plan b."
Meowth quickly pulled out a remote and pressed a button on it, and an arm came out the ceiling grabbing Pikachu.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted.
"Pika, Pi!" Pikachu shouted and was dragged into the ceiling.
That is when the building starts shaking as it falls apart and near the top of the building, a balloon that looks like Meowth starts inflating as Team Rocket quickly gets in it as the building finishes collapsing.
"Prepare for Trouble." Jesse said, taking off her disguise and jumping into the basket.
"Make it Double." James said, also taking off his disguise, as he jumped into the basket.
"To protect the world from devastation." Jessie said
"To unite all people within our nation." James said
"To denounce the evil of truth and love." Jessie said.
"To extend our reach to the stars above." James added.
"Jesse." Jessie smiled.
"James" James said proudly
"Team Rocket Blasts off at the speed of light." Jessie said
"Surrender now or prepare to fight." James added.
"Meowth that's right." Meowth finished finally taking off his disguise.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet said with his hand on his head.
"Mime Mime." Mime Jr added.
Pikachu was sitting on the bottom of an empty net as Team Rocket in their balloon were flying away.
"Hahaha, Pikachu at the top of the heap." Jessie laughed,
"What heap?" Minnie called out to her as she and Scizor appeared with the stolen pokeballs. "Looks like you're missing something?" Minnie smirked.
"What? How can that be?!" Jessie practically screeched.
"They swiped the pokeballs we rightfully stole." Meowth frowned frustration.
"While you were battling Brock, Minnie snuck into your 'Gym' and took back all the pokeballs you stole from those trainers." Dusk answered.
"Well we still got Pikachu." James said as he then noticed they had left behind Croagunk who was back up having recovered some.
"Isn't Croagunk a part of our crew?" James asked
"Who cares as long as we go Pikachu besides his cheeks were creeping me out." Jessie said disgusted at the idea of Croagunk actually being a part of their team.
"Team Rocket!" Ash shouted as he and the others ran after the balloon,
Brock stopped and looked at the Croagunk, who just sat there croaking. He and Croagunk stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like forever before he turned and ran after the others.
"They're getting away!" Dawn shouted.
"Not for long." Minnie said she was still upset about what they did earlier. "Scizor bring down that Balloon!"
"Scizor!" Scizor nodded and leaped into the air at the balloon as fast as he could.
"Use Slash!" Minnie called out.
Scizor then slashed his claw against the balloon creating a gash in the balloon causing the air to escape making their balloon lose altitude.
"It looks like we were cut out of the deal." James looked nervous along with Jessie and Meowth shouted, as they crashed onto the ground, with the net releasing Pikachu.
"Pika." Pikachu said as he ran towards Ash and others.
"We're not through yet." Jessie yelled.
"Pikachu is ours." James added.
"So scram." Meowth said as well.
"Dustox your turn!" Jessie yelled as she threw out Dustox PokeBall.
"Alright Pikachu use-" Ash didn't get a chance to finish with Minnie holding her arm in front of him.
"No, let me and Scizor handle this Ash, they did cheat me out of my win. And this time it won't happen." Minnie said with determination in her eyes.
"Scizor." Scizor nodded agreeing with his trainer showing the same determination.
"Sure Minnie, it's all yours." Ash nodded.
"Go for Minnie." Dusk said.
"Scizor uses Hyper Beam." Minnie said with determination.
"Scizor!" Scizor Said as he put both his claws in front of him gathering his energy.
"You're trying to use that move and it fizzled on you, then this will be easy." Jessie boasted.
"Dustox, use Tackle." Jessie said
"Tox!" Dustox shouted as she charged at Scizor.
Scizor remained still as he continued to gather the energy for Hyper Beam. his head snapped up now he was ready.
"Scizor, fire!" Minnie shouted.
"Scizzzor!" Scizor shouted as he released the Hyper Beam.
Which hit Dustox knocking her back toward Team Rocket who didn't have a chance to react getting pinned between their balloon basket and the Hyper Beam until because of the force of the Hyper Beam the Basket explodes launching Team Rocket into the sky.
"Maybe we can run a real gym." James sighed.
"When you act like a real man." Jessie yelled back.
"Looks like that seals that deal," Meowth commented.
"Mime, Mime, Mime." Mime Jr said copying Meowth's tone.
"Wobb Wobbbuffet." Wobbbuffet said.
"We're blasting off again." all shouted as they vanished into the sky leaving a twinkle.
"We did it Scizor, we finally mastered Hyper Beam!" Minnie cheered as she hugged Scizor.
"Scizor." Scizor smirked, happy he had finally moved down.
"Well now that they are dealt with all that's left are these pokemon." Dusk said.
"You're right Dusk so what do we do about all these Pokeballs?" Dawn asked.
"I'll make sure they get back to their trainers." Minnie smiled.
"But Minnie, what about your journey?" Dawn asked.
"After everything happened I realized something that I'm just not ready for gym battles yet and that I have a lot to learn as a trainer." Minnie sadly admitted.
"Don't sell yourself too short Minnie, you have proven that you are a good trainer if it wasn't for you Team Rocket would have gotten away with their scheme," Dusk told Minnie.
"The only reason I still had Scizor was because if you hadn't stepped in then I would have given them Scizor."
"Everyone makes mistakes, what matters is learning from them." Brock said.
"He's right, you and Scizor did great in that battle you saved Pikachu and sent Team Rocket packing you are ready for the Gyms Minnie." Dawn smiled.
Minnie smiled at their words. "Still I want to stay and make sure everyone gets their pokemon back after that. Maybe I might try going to the gyms again."
"If you do, I know I'll have a strong rival to look forward to battling, good luck." Ash smiles, holding his hand, which Minnie took and nodded.
"Until we meet again." Minnie smiled.
"Scizor." Scizor nodded in agreement, looking forward to the next time they'll meet.
Just then they heard a croaking sound from behind them and they turned around and saw Croagunk staring at them.
"Hey isn't that Team Rocket's pokemon?" Ash asked, thinking Croagunk was Team Rocket's.
"I don't think so Sir Ash, I think Team Rocket tricked him like they did with Golduck and water types from a few days back." Dusk surmised.
Brock looked at Croagunk for a minute before he spoke. "You want to come with me?"
Croagunk nodded, to him he was impressed with the way Brock and Graveler had battled and defeated him, and he decided to tag along with them and plus he feels like someone who has interesting things happen around him at very least he won't be bored.
Brock smirked and took out a pokeball. "Alright, go pokeball!" Brock shouted as he tossed it at Croagunk, it hit the poison pokemon and in a red light he was drawn into the pokeball. It shook three times and it stopped confirming Brock had caught Croagunk.
"Nice Brock, you caught a new pokemon." Ash congratulated his friend.
"Yes, Sir Brock it appears you've got a new friend." Dusk also congratulated him.
"Good for you Brock." Dawn said though she did feel a hint of jealousy since now she is the only one who hasn't caught a pokemon yet.
"Nice, catch brock," Minnie smiled.
"Thanks," Brock nodded.
Not long after the group began to walk away from where the fake gym was waving goodbye to Minnie and Scizor.
Dusk looked at her Pokeslate, she was still wondering what triggered her Pokeslate to link with Minnie's Poketch was it her saying or just it having a direct line of sight to it or is there something else she overlooked. 'What else are you hiding? Is there something I'm missing?' Dusk thought, but she shook her head, deciding to drop it for now and began to think about the Jubilife Contest because she was going to need all the training if she was going to win.
{Our heroes have not only put a stop to another scheme of Team Rocket but also made new friends with Minnie and Scizor and Brock added a new pokemon to his team Croagunk and his Geodude evolving into Graveler but their journey still far from over as their legend continues}
A/N: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, this was much different from the original. With Dusk and Brock knowing something was very wrong with the Gym, in my opinion Brock being a former Gym Leader he should have known something was off with James stalling for Croagunk to get up, and I'm sure you are surprised that Geodude evolved into Graveler something I think should have happened in the anime. And I hoped you all loved the way the team got the pokeballs back and Minnie being the one to end the battle earning her the win. Also you saw one of the functions of the Pokeslate and it has the ability to scan and link up with other devices like Minnie's Poketch and I'm wondering what else it can do? But we'll have to wait until next time. But now I turn it over to my co-writers Sandshrew Master and Skylanderzilla.
Co - A/N - Sandshrew: High good see you all again first to cover something one reviews brought up in the previous chapter the characters ages Ash and group won't have the age lock on them so they and everyone in the universe have been getting older so Ash and Dawn are not 10 Ash is 14 and half Dawn is same age as Salvia/Dusk being 14 and and had same body type as her just clarify that and Brock is 19
2nd Co - A/N - Skylander Zilla: Hope you all enjoyed the story so far, there will be more surprises in the future