Deep within Rock Tunnel (1 Day after After the events at The Pokemon Tower)

Damien moaned in pain, as he was slammed into yet another wall of rock, while a rough hand grasped his throat. Everything seemed to be going his way until that punk kid managed to beat him yet again. The last thing he remembered before waking up in this dark cave was disbelief, green spores, and then darkness. He had honestly expected to wake up in the back of another police cruiser, or even a jail cell. Given the current situation, that might have been preferable.

"Focus you useless boy!" snapped the voice belonging to the hand holding him up by the throat. Damien looked up at his "rescuer's" face again. The man in front of him had sharp blue hair, sticking out of both sides of his head. He also wore a standard black hat and uniform, with a red R on the shirt. The man had previously told him that his name was Proton and he worked for Team Rocket. He was the same man that approached him a few weeks back with that tantalizing offer. Damien could still remember his words...

"You look angry kid. Something biting you," asked a stranger with a suitcase, taking a seat next to him on a bench at an empty park.

"Why don't you mind your own damn business," angrily retorted the youth.

The stranger laughed at that remark. "Funny you should say that, because it's business i'm here to discuss. You see, it has come to my organization's attention that you had a run in with a certain Ash Red Ketchum a while back. We also know that your Pokemon License was then revoked and that you were put on probation for a minimum period of 1 year. Do I have your attention yet?" asked the man with a smirk.

Damien's eyes widened as he looked at the man in shock. "H-How did you know that?"

"My organization has eyes and ears everywhere kid," smiled the man mysteriously. "In any case, how we know is irrelevant. What is relevant is that we share a common enemy. This child has taken actions, which have sabotaged multiple objectives we sought to achieve.

"You lot must not be that impressive if you let a punk kid like that mess with you," retorted Damien with a chuckle.

"Believe me, that child was lucky. We made the mistake of underestimating him in the past, but that is no longer the case. Now, we wish to actively eliminate him before he has a chance to interfere yet again!" said the man in a harsh voice.

"E-Eliminate?" stuttered Damien.

"Yes," said the man with a cruel grin. "That brings us back to you and the offer I mentioned. My organization is prepared to make all of your problems with the authorities disappear. In addition," started the man as he popped open the briefcase, revealing two Pokeballs. "We wish to offer you these two powerful Pokemon."

Damien eyed the Pokeballs with greed, slowly reaching his hands out before stopping and looking back at the man. "What's the catch?" asked the boy with suspicion.

"It's simple really. We would like you to take care of the boy yourself," smirked the man.

Damien grabbed the Pokeballs at once, looking at the other man with sadistic glee. "I'm in!"

The stranger merely smiled. "My name is Executive Proton. Welcome to Team Rocket Damien..."

Damien was regretting taking that offer right now, but his musings were soon interrupted again by yet another slap to the face.

"I SAID FOCUS CHILD!" yelled a very angry Proton. "We invested serious resources into clearing your name, providing you Pokemon, and pointing you in the direction of that meddling brat. In return, you offered up one of the most pathetic displays in battle I have ever seen!"

"W-What do you know about our battle?" weakly replied Damien.

"I told you boy. Team Rocket has eyes and ears everywhere, including the security cameras in the Pokemon Tower!" Proton yelled. "Give me a single reason why I shouldn't leave you for dead in this cave and walk away?" demanded the Executive, squeezing the boy's neck harder.

"I-I-I can still be useful. I know things!" desperately tried Damien, struggling to breath.

Proton scoffed. "What things do you know that Team Rocket couldn't possibly figure out?"

"I know where he's going! I swear I do!"

"Oh?" asked Proton with some interest.

"He wants to compete in the Pokemon League. That must mean he is heading to cities with Gyms in them!" exclaimed Damien, who was now on the verge of passing out.

Proton released the boy at once, and Damien collapsed to the ground. "The Gyms eh? That means he will be passing through Celadon City at some point. Yes, we can work with that," Proton said aloud with a vicious smirk. His attention then turned to the pathetic shaking boy at his feet.

"Maybe you can be useful when you actually use your head?" mused Proton. "Get up boy! We have work to do," concluded the Executive as he began to walk off.

Damien slowly rose to his feet and limped after the man. He was angry. Angry at Proton! Angry at Team Rocket! Angry at Ash! Angry at himself! Angry at the world!

Saffron City (Present Day)

"What kind of an Eevee is that? Is it sick?" asked Misty with some concern.

"No Misty. I've actually come across this in some books on breeding. Some Pokemon, like this Eevee, are born with a color different from the norm for their species. These Pokemon are extremely rare and are known as Shiny Pokemon," explained Brock.

On some level Ash could hear his friends conversing, but truth be told, he was far more interested in his newest Pokemon. Eevee was a wonder to behold. From her silver-grey fur, to her wide beady eyes, to that gorgeous smile, Eevee had captured Ash's heart. He returned the smile at once and pulled her in for a hug.

"Welcome to the team Eevee. It's great to have you with us," the boy whispered softly.

After the initial shock and introduction, Ash called out the rest of his Pokemon to meet their newest teammate. He also did his best to explain their dreams and goals, but most of it went over Eevee's head since she was still just a newborn. One interesting thing he discovered, was that Eevee shared Pikachu's utter disdain of residing in a Pokeball. After Ash captured his new Pokemon, she immediately let herself out and growled when Ash reached for the offending tool. Ash supposed he had two shoulders, and one was free, so no big deal.

The group soon arrived at the Pokemon Center, where Ash and Co. immediately gave Nurse Joy their Pokemon for a quick check up. Eevee refused to leave the boy's side however, so Nurse Joy kindly gave her a quick look in the lobby and told Ash all was well. Brock headed to the store to resupply, after making a fool out of himself in front of Nurse Joy, and Misty went to do some sight seeing, after stopping Brock and his aforementioned shenanigans. From here, Ash decided to give his mom a call. He briefly spoke with her over the phone in Lavender Town, but felt he had been neglecting her a bit too much.

Taking a seat at a Video Phone booth with Eevee, Ash dialed the number.

"Ashy! It's great to hear from you. How are you?" Whose the little cutie hiding on your shoulder?" asked the smiling Delia Ketchum.

"Hey mom! I'm doing great. My friends and I are in Saffron City for my battle with the Gym Leader. This here is Eevee, and she's my newest friend," Ash said, petting his shy Pokemon, who had her face buried in Ash's shoulder.

"Well she is just adorable! Now, are you staying safe young man?" questioned his mother with a firm look.

Ash felt guilty at this, though he did managed to hide it on his face. He wanted to be honest with his mom, but didn't have the heart to tell her and make his mom worry. "Of course mom. Between traveling with Brock and Misty, and my Pokemon, I have plenty to protect me," smiled the boy.

Relief showed instantly on Delia's face as she also smiled. "I'm glad to hear it Ash. Now, why don't you tell your mom a bit about what you've been up to."

Ash spent a good hour, omitting certain events, describing his journey in detail to his mom, who enjoyed every minute of it.

"And now, like I said earlier, we are here for the Gym Battle," concluded Ash.

"It sure sounds like you have had a lot of fun. I'm going to let you go now Ash, as i'm sure you probably need some rest before your big battle. Remember to change your you-know-what and that I love you son," smiled Delia with a wave, and then the phone screen went blank.

"Love you too mom," Ash whispered to himself.

Deciding to take his mom's advice, Ash went to his room at the Pokemon Center, and settled in for a quick nap with Eevee.

The Pokemon League Championship Match?

Lance's Dragonite fell to the floor with a thud.

"Dragonite is unable to battle. As Champion Lance is out of usable Pokemon, the winner and new reigning Kanto Champion is Ash Red Ketchum from Pallet Town!" called the referee.

Applause rang throughout the stadium and confetti burst from everywhere in celebration of a new champion. Ash took this all in with an unending joy! His dreams were finally coming true. Looking out into the crowd, he could see his friends and family cheering for him.

They were all here. Professor Oak, his mom, Brock, Misty, Ritchie, AJ, a little girl in a white dress... Wait? Who the heck is that little girl, thought Ash.

The scene around him shifted and he soon found himself alone in a forest of misty trees.

"What's going on?" Ash asked out loud, looking around confused and a little scared.

A soft giggle drew his attention straight ahead. There she was again. The girl had the same white dress with a white sunhat, complete with a red bow. It was covering long blue hair that went down to her back. She was also holding a white ball in her hands.

"Excuse me little girl, do you know where we are?" Ash asked tentatively.

"Play with me," smiled the girl." Before Ash could respond, she giggled some more, turned, and began to run away into the forest.

"Hey, please don't run away!" called out Ash, pursuing the girl through the mist-filled Woods.

The girl stopped, turning back to Ash and beckoned him to continue forward.

Ash was just about there when his eyes widened in horror as he ran off the end of a cliff. Falling to his impending doom, Ash's eyes stayed on the girl, who floated in the air, staring down at his descending form. He thought he could make out a whisper.

"See you soon."

Feeling the ground near, Ash braced for the end...

Saffron City Pokemon Center

Ash's eyes flew open as he nearly jumped out of bed in fright. The boy was sweating profusely and his heart rate was elevated. Taking in his surroundings, Ash realized his was in his room at the Pokemon Center. Eevee was still asleep, cuddled into his side. Taking some deep breaths, Ash allowed his head to fall back onto the pillow.

"Man, what a weird dream," Ash said aloud. Trying not to think on the unsettling nightmare too much, Ash's mind soon shifted to his upcoming Gym Battle.

Saffron City Gym

It was nearing sunset when the gang walked up to the Saffron City Gym. They had previously been accosted by a man in a green tracksuit and a yellow hat. He had warned Ash against battling Sabrina, which oddly reminded the boy of what Flint did back in Pewter City. Ash jokingly asked if the man was Sabrina's long lost father, causing the man to grow pale and to immediately run away. A bizarre experience to be sure, but now in the past.

Not wanting to waste any more time, the group pressed forward through the Gym doors. They found themselves in a room lit by candles with orange-yellow pillars and similar colored walls.

"Hello? Anybody there?" called out Ash. He and his friends were met with silence. Shrugging, they decided to walk along the path.

Along the way, they noticed a blue door with a window. Walking up to it, they came upon yet another strange sight. People in white coats were seated around tables, engaging in a variety of interesting activities. Some people were holding spoons and staring intently at them. Others appeared to be trying to guess which kind of card a colleague was holding up.

"What is going on with this place?" wondered Misty.

The three were broken out of their confusion by a different voice aiming a question at them. "What are you kids doing here?" The source of that voice was yet another man in a white coat. In particular, he had a mask and ponytail.

"I'm here to battle Sabrina for the Marsh Badge," Ash exclaimed firmly.

"You wish to challenged the great Sabrina?" chuckled the man with amusement.

"I do," Ash replied with no hesitation.

The man gave Ash another look, seemingly appraising him, before nodding. "Very well then. Follow me and stay close."

As the group made their way down the corridor, Brock couldn't help but ask about what they had seen. "Sir, what were these people doing back there?"

"They were practicing their psychic abilities. To truly master Psychic Pokemon, you must learn to harness their power for yourself," explained the man without looking back.

Continuing down the path, the group soon found themselves in front of two stone doors, at which point the man turned to the three. "The great Sabrina is waiting for you inside. I will go no further," said the man, as he proceeded to walk back in the opposite direction.

Mustering his courage, Ash pushed the doors open, walking into the room.

"Hello again boy," spoke a voice with an eerily familiar giggle. Ash looked up and turned pale himself at the sight before him. Sitting on a throne between two giant torches of flame, was the same little girl in the white dress from his dreams. She was sitting on the lap of what looked to be an older teenager with long green hair, an ornate red shirt with gold buttons, and nice black pants.

"YOU! You're the little girl from the dream!" Ash exclaimed.

"From his dreams? What is he talking about Brock?" whispered Misty.

"Beats me, but i'm getting the same spooky vibe that I had in Lavender Town," admitted Brock.

The girl smiled and nodded her head, while the older girl remained stoic. "Yes. Have you come to play with me again?"

It took a moment, but Ash broke out of his fear induced state and gained some level of resolve. "No. My name is Ash Red Ketchum and I have come to challenge the Gym Leader for a Marsh Badge!" yelled the boy.

The girl pouted at this, but soon smiled again. "As the Gym Leader, I accept. However, if you lose, you and your friends will play with me... This time forever!" giggled the little girl.

"Uh Ash... Maybe we should go to another Gym? Misty suggested with some fear. Brock simply nodded in agreement with the girl, creeped out at the sight before him.

Ash looked to his friends and took a deep breath. "My dream is to be a Pokemon Master, and I will not walk away from the roadblocks on this journey. Have faith guys. I can do this," added Ash with a reassuring smile. "Oh, and Brock, please hold onto Eevee for me. I don't think she will be able to handle being this close to the action yet," Ash said, handing over his protesting Pokemon to Brock.

"I accept your conditions Gym Leader!" Ash answered, turning to face the Gym Leader once more.

This time, it was the older girl with the green hair who spoke in an emotionless voice. "The battle will be 2 on 2. Only the challenger may make substitutions. The battle will end when both of one trainer's Pokemon are unable to battle. Time to play."

Carrying the little girl in her arms, the older teenager stood and glided through the air down to her side of the battlefield. "Drowzee, to the field," repeated the same monotone voice. A Pokeball materialized in the little girl's hand out of thin air. It then floated on its own and opened, releasing the Gym Leader's Pokemon.

The top half of the Pokemon was yellow, while the bottom half was a dark brown. It had two hands, legs, and a trunk for a nose.

"Butterfree, I choose you!" responded Ash, as he called out his Bug Pokemon. Butterfree appeared in an instant and was ready to go.

Let's get going with a Gust attack," Ash calmly called. His Pokemon gave a might wave with its wings and a small gust of wind started speeding towards Drowzee.

Sabrina said nothing, but Drowzee responded anyway. The elephant Pokemon held its hands out in front of itself and summoned a barrier of light to the field, completely negating the Gust Attack, which dissipated on contact.

The rumors were true then. Sabrina can telepathically command her Pokemon. Good thing we prepared, thought Ash.

Route 8 (A Few days ago)

"Good work guys! I think we are just about ready to take on Sabrina," Ash praised Haunter and Butterfree.

"Free! Free!" cheered the bug type.

"Haunter!" smirked the ghost Pokemon.

"There is one more thing though. I've heard rumors that Sabrina can communicate with her Pokemon telepathically. If this is true, it will allow her to counter anything we say instantly and to attack in unexpected ways," Ash explained gravely.

The Pokemon looked slightly alarmed at this, but their trainer gave a trademark smile in return.

"No need to worry guys. I have a plan. If Sabrina is able to give commands through telepathy, then we will just have to hide our moves as well. Here is how we are going to do that..."

Saffron City Gym (Present)

Ash had already tried something similar against Misty with his "disappear" command that he gave to Krabby, but he knew it wouldn't be as easy against a psychic like Sabrina.

Ash was broken out of his thoughts when Drowzee decided to make its first attack. Psychic waves began to flow from Drowzee's hands, aimed right at Butterfree. Ash recognized the attack as Psybeam.

"Ok Butterfree, use purple to counter, disappear, and finally go prospecting!" Ash called out. Sabrina's eyebrow rose at this particular phrasing, but her facial expression otherwise stayed the same.

Butterfree instantly releases a Psybeam of his own, which collided with Drowzee's and caused a small explosion with smoke covering the middle of the field. The Bug Pokemon took advantage and instantly flew into the smoke, disappearing from sight. Not a moment later, powdery scales carried by the wind emerged from the smoke and struck Drowzee head on, instantly knocking Drowzee out.

Ash was taken back by this. I expected Silver Wind to deal some good damage, but it knocked out Drowzee in one hit? Maybe Sabrina isn't as tough as she looks, thought Ash.

As always, Sabrina did not react. Drowzee's Pokeball appeared floating in the air again and summoned the downed Pokemon back at once, before the ball disappeared. It was soon replaced by another. "Come now Kadabra," intoned the older girl in her same voice. A yellow fox-like Pokemon was summoned to the field. It had a brown chest, some markings on its body, and held a single spoon.

"Purple once more to start things out," Ash said confidently. Psybeam poured out of Butterfree, making a bee line for Kadabra.

"Kadabra!" The fox Pokemon's eyes glowed red and the Psybeam attack halted right in front of the fox Pokemon, before speeding back at Butterfree with twice the amount of speed.

"FIRE ANOTHER PSYBEAM TO BREAK UP THE ATTACK!" cried out Ash. Butterfree obeyed and released another set of Psychic waves, but it was no match for Kadabra's redirected attack. Kadabra's hi-jacked Psybeam rolled through Butterfree's and then slammed into the Bug Pokemon itself.

"FREE!" Butterfree lit up and cried out in pain as the purple waves consumed it. To Ash's utter dismay, his Pokemon slowly fluttered to the ground was knocked out in one shot, just like Drowzee.

"Butterfree," Ash called out weakly at the sight of his knocked out Pokemon.

"Return your Pokemon and call out the next one at once," Sabrina voiced with no emotion or remorse. Ash glared back at the Gym Leader. I was wrong. Sabrina is not weak at all. In fact, she might be stronger than I originally gave her credit for. It isn't over yet though, Ash thought.

"Butterfree, take a breather. Thanks for the hard work buddy," Ash said, calling back his Pokemon. "Haunter, it's up to you!"

Haunter emerged from his Pokeball with a playful expression. Turning to his trainer, he saw a serious look on Ash's face and realized that this battle would be all business. With that in mind, the Ghost Pokemon faced his opponent, ready for battle.

"A Bug Pokemon and now a Ghost Pokemon. You certainly came prepared. Not that it will matter," neutrally remarked Sabrina.

"So you think," Ash coldly responded.

Kadabra got things started again, shooting a Pysbeam of its own in Haunter's direction.

"Double Shadow Punch," Ash ordered, not showing any emotion of his own this time.

Like the previous battle with Misty, one fist disappeared, while the other flew towards the oncoming attack. This time though, Haunter had the advantage. Haunter's recent experience combined with the type-advantage over the psychic attack allowed the fist to fly straight through Psybeam and towards Kadabra.

"Kadabra!" Sabrina's Pokemon responded with a Light Screen, just like Drowzee had done before. The defense attack successfully negated the oncoming fist, but it also drew Kadabra's focus away from the one that appeared behind it. A powerful Shadow Punch connected with Kadabra's back and slammed the Pokemon into its own Light Screen, adding additional damage. Kadabra fell to its knees, clearly in severe pain.

Ash allowed a small smile at this, but remained wary for what Sabrina could bring next. He had to finish this now.

"Haunter, follow up with—" but Ash was interrupted when Kadabra's wounds instantly healed and the Pokemon stood back up.

"Recover!" growled out Ash, recognizing the move.

"Yes. Don't you see now? You can't win. Surrendering would be wise," Sabrina offered.

"Never!" Ash yelled in defiance.

Sabrina did not answer, but Kadabra did. A shadowy orb formed between the Pokemon's two hands and was then launched at Haunter.

"Dodge it Haunter!" The Ghost Pokemon quickly floated out of the path of the oncoming attack, but Kadabra's eyes glowed red and the attack was redirected, sending it straight into Haunter.

"Haunter!" wailed The Ghost Pokemon, having been hit with a supper-effective move.

"Stay strong Haunter!" encouraged Ash, snapping the Pokemon back to focus. Haunter still had some fight in him, but one more hit and that would probably be it. Ash's eyes widened as another orb began to form between Kadabra's hands and time slowed down. Haunter can't take another Shadow Ball, or this thing is going to be over fast. At the same time, even if I can stop Shadow Ball and attack Kadabra again, it will instantly recover! I need something that can take this Pokemon down fast, before it can get that chance. Curses... Wait? Curse? It's risky, and admittedly is pretty close to what Petrel did aboard the S.S. Anne, but I think it may be my only shot. Forgive me Haunter...

Time sped back up and Ash made his move. "Stop that Shadow Ball from forming quick with Astonish!" Ash quickly called out. Haunter instantly gave out a huge ghostly wail. Kadabra's hand instantly went to cover its now overloaded ears, causing the half-formed Shadow Ball to explode and bring up a cloud of dust, blocking Sabrina's vision of both Pokemon.

This is my chance, Ash thought. "Malediction," softly spoke Ash, disguising his intentions from Sabrina with his low voice and code word.

Haunter didn't hesitate and a ghostly nail instantly appeared, and seemed to hammer itself into Haunter, bringing the Pokemon to the brink.

Ash let out a silent sigh in relief though when he saw Haunter squeeze its fists and maintain its ability to battle. Around this time the dust cleared up, and the boy went in for the kill. "DOUBLE SHADOW PUNCH ONE MORE TIME HAUNTER AND GIVE IT EVERYTHING YOU HAVE!"

"HAUNTER!" screamed the Pokemon, launching one fist at max speed, and making the other one disappear.

"Fool," muttered Sabrina, before actually speaking her command out loud for the first time this battle. "Double Light Screen," the trainer calmly said. Kadabra held one hand at its front and back as dual Light Screens appeared. The first fist was about to land when Ash's ace in the hole appeared.

A ghostly nail appeared in Kadabra's side, and Sabrina's eyes widened as emotion finally showed on her face. It was shock.

The nail dug into Kadabra, causing the Pokemon pain and breaking the focus it took to maintain two Light Screens. The first fist from Shadow Punch shattered the flickering Light Screen in front of Kadabra and drove into the Pokemon's gut. Immediately after, the second fist from Shadow Punch broke through the weak Light Screen at Kadabra's back, striking the Pokemon yet again.

"Kadabra..." cried the fox Pokemon, before falling face first to the ground, and not moving.

"W-We did it?" Ash questioned in disbelief. "WE DID IT! HAUNTER WE DID IT!" The boy ran to his very injured Pokemon and tackled him in a great hug, reversing their usual role, and spinning around the ghost himself. Not wanting to be left out, Eevee jumped out of Brock's arms and jumped into the mix as well, sending her trainer and Haunter to the ground.

Meanwhile, the older girl with the green hair watched the display closely. This child had managed to defeat her. She couldn't remember the last time she had actually lost. It did happen from time to time, but only the most ruthless of trainers ever walked away with a badge. The boy was different though. He clearly loved his Pokemon, and from what she could see, they loved him too. Looking at the loving display, A warm feeling enveloped the girl, and she began to smile. All the while, Sabrina never noticed the little girl in the white dress fading away from her arms.

A lot happened over the next few hours. That weird man from earlier in the tracksuit showed up, and ironically, he did turn out to be Sabrina's father, leading to a tearful reunion from the two and a lengthy backstory on Sabrina's less than stellar childhood. Ash privately wondered if this was going to become a regular thing with Gym Leaders, between this guy and Flint. Sabrina also offered Ash a sincere apology for her attitude and the literal nightmare she inflicted on the boy earlier in the day.

Most importantly, according to Ash, he was awarded a Marsh Badge. He was halfway to the Pokemon League! Still, he couldn't feel like he was just beginning on the road to being a Pokemon Master.

END CHAPTER

This was was a doozy, but another one bites the dust! This is officially the new longest chapter. Damien makes another appearance as an official member of Team Rocket, the reaction to Eevee occurred, and we also got a real battle with Sabrina.

Next time - Ash swap's out some Pokemon, has a proposal for Brock, checks out the informal fighting Gym, and maybe catches a new Pokemon.

DragonEmperor999 - Thanks for the review! I am happy to see you like the Shiny Eevee. No more till Johto though :)

Kail Blade - Thanks for the review! As I mentioned in the PM, it was meant to bring some levity. Misty was also notorious in the anime for bonking Ash and Brock from time to time.

Ultron0901 - Thanks for the review! I am glad you like the story. I can tell you right now that I am 99% positive that Pikachu will not evolve. If he ever does evolve, it will not occur for a long time. Pikachu and Ash are just too iconic. As for Eevee, I will simply say that I foreshadowed which Pokemon she will evolve into at some point in this story already. It is my favorite evolution and will be important to the long-term plot.

Coolguy001 - Thanks for the review! Glad you liked the chapter. Hope you liked this one too!

As an aside, I was inspired by another story for Damien's placement into Team Rocket. Sadly, I cannot recall which story that was. I think Damien made an appearance on the S.S. Anne though?

Remember to review with your thoughts/critique :)

Smell ya later!