Stone Town Outskirts (Day 14)

It was another beautiful early afternoon in the Kanto Region. The sun shined down on Ash, Brock, and Misty in their encampment, which was in a typical wooded area with plenty of trees surrounding them. Each member of the gang was involved in their own little routine.

Brock was currently working with his Cubone, who had slowly but surely been coming out of his shell. The little tyke enjoyed watching Ash and his Pokemon train, so Brock took it upon himself to offer Cubone the same opportunity, which the Pokemon took with delight. The two were currently holding a mock battle with Graveler, who was admittedly taking it a bit easy on Cubone, though the little Pokemon didn't exactly know that.

Ash, as always, was knee deep in training. His victory, or co-victory, at the Laramie Ranch Tournament had provided some nice experience for his team. In particular, Ash was pleased with Charizard and Krabby. His happiness with Charizard was pretty obvious. The Fire Pokemon achieved the final stage in his evolution, opening up an entire new realm of possibilities. Aerial combat was just the beginning, though it was what Ash currently had his Pokemon working on. Building up the endurance to sustain flight for a longtime is different than the normal endurance training the Pokemon had previously gone under after all. As for Krabby, the Pokemon had learned every move Ash had wanted. In addition to his single battle in the tournament, the Water Pokemon also won a few additional battles on the road in the past few days. Things were coming along well, and Ash was starting to believe that he would evolve in time for the Cinnabar Island Gym.

Ash planned to use Charizard and Krabby in that crucial battle. The third Pokemon of course was Shellder. Even if Ash did manage to get a Water Stone in Stone Town, he didn't think she had enough experience to evolve yet. Nonetheless, Shellder had finally managed to get Aurora Beam down with Seel's help, which was some progress at the very least. Pikachu and Ivysaur were currently working together on some new moves. The mouse Pokemon was trying to learn something called Electro Ball, which could deal serious damage if used after a few Agilities. Meanwhile, Ivysaur was working on Magical Leaf. Ash recalled he had wanted his Grass Pokemon to work on it during his battle with Melissa, and so now was the time to do it. Espeon was off alone working on Shadow Ball. It would give her much needed versatility, and help against other Psychic Pokemon and Ghost Pokemon. Sadly, she was having trouble with the attack. Ash noticed and thought that he may need to bring Haunter back in rotation soon to help, or send her to the ranch to learn. Espeon would not be too happy with the second option though, and the boy wasn't sure he could send his princess away.

Finally, there was Clefairy. The pink Pokemon was currently staring at the sky in anticipation with a bright smile on her face. Ash knew the reason why. Brock had told him that tonight was supposed to be a full moon. Clefairy would finally be evolving.

Misty was currently engaged in something completely different than her normal gig. Rather than work with her Water Pokemon, the girl was currently polishing her brand new Pokemon egg...

The Road to Stone Town (Day 11)

Ash and Co. had just finished another one of Brock's amazing dinners, and were currently warming themselves by the campfire. Brock and Misty conversed with one another, while Ash stared at the fire, deep in thought. The boy had his Pokemon egg in his hands, and it was the source of his pondering. On one hand, Ash was grateful to Reggie for allowing him to claim the egg as his prize. On the other, there were a handful of Pokemon Ash had just caught in the Safari Zone that he had yet to train. There was also Tyrogue, who the boy felt like he had been neglecting. Caring for a Pokemon egg and then raising a new baby Pokemon took time, and it wasn't something Ash felt he had at the moment.

"What to do?" whispered the boy to himself. Looking up for a moment, he could see the currently engaged faces of his two friends. Maybe I could give the egg to one of them? Brock is a Pokemon Breeder, so this would be right up his alley. Then again, he is finally getting somewhere with Cubone and this might serve as a distraction. Misty hasn't had a chance to raise a Pokemon from an egg yet, or at least not on this journey. There is no guarantee it will be a Water Pokemon though, and she may not go for it. Still, it wouldn't hurt to ask. She also gave up the chance to be in the Laramie Ranch Tournament so I could compete, Ash thought, beginning to come around to the idea.

"Misty," Ash said abruptly, catching her and Brock's attention.

"Yes Ash?" questioned the girl.

"I've been doing some thinking"

"We noticed," Brock dryly interrupted, amusing the girl and annoying Ash.

"Thanks Brock," Ash sarcastically replied, before getting back on track. "Anyway, i've been doing some thinking about this Pokemon egg. The truth is, I'm not sure I have the time to commit to caring for it, or the new Pokemon that will hatch. I'd either be neglecting my other Pokemon, including the ones I haven't even trained yet from the Safari Zone, or the Pokemon inside this egg. That wouldn't be fair to anyone. So, I was hoping you might consider taking the Pokemon egg for yourself?"

"W-What? Are you serious Ash?" the now shocked girl questioned.

Ash nodded. "Yes. Brock and I have already raised newborn Pokemon. Besides, it was your selfless decision to not participate in the Laramie Ranch tournament that allowed me to compete, which has given us enough money to continue our journey. You deserve to share in the prize,"the boy genuinely explained, holding the egg out to the girl.

"You really mean that, don't you?" Misty smiled, with ironically misty eyes.

"I really do," Ash smiled back.

The ownership of the Pokemon egg passed to Misty, and for the second day in a row, Ash received a big hug from a pretty young lady.

Stone Town Outskirts (Day 14)

All in all, everyone felt they were using their time well. This continued for about an hour when Espeon's ears perked up at a nearby sound.

"Everyone stop what you are doing! I think I hear someone crying out for help," Espeon urgently conveyed through telepathy. People and Pokemon alike ceased their actions and all attention turned to the Psychic Pokemon.

"Where do you think it's coming from?" Ash urgently asked, walking up to her.

Espeon strained for a moment, casting her senses out, and her eyes widened. "North! I-I think it's an Eevee!" she said with emotion, before taking off. Not one to leave his Pokemon to fend for itself, Ash was right behind her along with his other Pokemon.

"Back him up Brock. I'll stay back and guard the camp. I am not sure I feel comfortable running with or leaving the Pokemon egg behind," explained Misty.

"Understood," said Brock, calling back Cubone and running after Ash. A few minutes of running later, Ash found Espeon conversing with an Eevee tied to a tree. He also noticed that food and water had been left in a red and green bowl next to the Pokemon.

"Is Eevee ok?" Ash asked, as he approached the duo.

"He's fine. It sounds like he just misses his trainer, who tied him here to the tree," casually explained Espeon.

"WHAT? WHY DID HIS TRAINER DO THAT?" an indignant Ash spoke.

"Relax. It's not anything too bad," laughed Espeon. "The thing is, his trainer has three older brothers who are each pressuring the boy to Eevee into either Flareon, Vaporean, or Jolteon. Mikey, Eevee's trainer, doesn't want Eevee to evolve into any of them," explained Espeon. By this time, Brock and Ash's other Pokemon had arrived, and were listening intently.

"Does Eevee have a preference?" questioned Ash.

"Vee!" cried the little Pokemon with a shrug.

"I guess that a no," chuckled Brock.

"He really just wants to go back to his trainer," added Espeon.

"Ok then," said Ash, moving to untie Eevee. "Let's regroup with Misty and then head into Stone Town."

Stone Town (A Few Hours Later)

Stone Town sat at the foot of a large mountain. The locals called it Evolution Mountain due to the many evolution stones found within. The gang took in the sight as they walked through an upper class residential area.

"Let's see here. The tag around Eevee says 3-14, and this is the third block," Ash said aloud, peering at the houses around him, while holding onto Eevee.

"I think it may be that one at the end," said Misty, looking straight ahead in awe. Ash and Brock looked forward and they soon understood Misty's reaction. A beautiful large blue mansion stood at the end of the street. It had walls and a gate, which happened to be open. Straining his ears, Ash could actually hear a good amount of noise.

"What a place, and yeah I see can make the address out from here," Brock said. With that out of the way, the group approached and walked through the gates. Inside they found what appeared to be a garden party. People and Pokemon crowded the area as they ate, mingled, and made merry.

"Check out all the Pokemon," Misty said, holding onto her Pokemon egg tightly.

"I think I see a pattern here. There's a Poliwrath, Raichu, Ninetales, Vileplume, Starmie, Cloyster, Victreebel, and then the three Kanto evolutions of Eevee. Each one of these Pokemon evolves through the use of an evolution stone," explained Ash.

"Seems appropriate considering the town name and the nearby mountain," agreed Brock. Soon enough, the trio drew attention from the attendees, including that of another trio.

"Hey, It looks like Eevee's back!" a teen with spiky oranger hair said, looking in Ash's direction. Next to him was the spiky yellow Pokemon Jolteon.

"Yeah, it is Eevee!" added in a red haired boy, who had a Flareon at his side.

"Mikey, get out here! Eevee's back!" joyfully shouted a blue-haired boy, who of course had a Vaporeon next to him. The three brothers quickly approached Ash and his friends, followed by their Pokemon.

"Thanks for bringing Eevee back," smiled the orange haired boy.

"No problem. Who are you guys?" Ash cautiously asked, more than aware that these were likely the three brothers pressuring Eevee and his trainer.

"I'm Sparky, and these are my brothers Rainer and Pyro. Together, we are known as the Eevee brothers! That Eevee you are holding belongs to our youngest brother Mikey," responded the teen.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Ash, and these are my friends Brock and Misty. As for Eevee, we already knew he belonged to a kid here," evenly responded Ash.

"Really? How so?" asked Sparky with curiosity.

"That would be me," piped up the emerald green Espeon at Ash's side. The brothers hadn't even noticed her, opting to focus on the newly returned Eevee instead. Needless to say, they were taken aback by the telepathic Pokemon.

"Woah! Did that Pokemon just talk, and what kind of Pokemon is that anyway?" a bewildered Pyro said.

"I did speak, and i'm an Espeon. I happened to have evolved from an Eevee, and let me tell you that I am not happy about"

A young boy interrupted the rest of that statement as he walked up to the group, looking at Ash with a frown. "Why did you bring Eevee back?" He was a short kid with brown hair, a green shirt, and blue shorts.

"Vee!" exclaimed Eevee, jumping out of Ash's arms and into the boy's.

"You're Mikey then?" Ash asked.

"Yeah, that's me. Nice to see you too Eevee," sighed Mikey, petting the Pokemon who was nuzzling the boy.

"Why so glum Mikey? Cheer up! Eevee's back!" smiled Pyro, clapping him on the back.

"Too right! Now we can get onto the main event!" cheered Rainer.

"So Mikey, which is it going to be? Will you choose Jolteon, Vaporeon, or Flareon?" excitedly asked Sparky.

"I-I," tried Mikey, wanting to convey his personal feelings, but also not wanting to disappoint his brothers. "I still need some time to decide," finished the boy, walking away with a slump in his step.

"Don't take too long Mikey! This party is in your and Eevee's honor you know!" shouted Sparky, before heading off with his brothers.

When the brothers were out of hearing range, Misty let out a predictable reaction. "That's just awful! They're pressuring their little brother and that poor Eevee into something neither clearly wants to do. The way they act reminds me of the way my older sisters treated me back home."

"An older sibling should always look out for their younger brother and sisters selflessly," Brock sternly added, glaring in the direction the brothers walked away.

"Guys, hang out for a bit. I'm going to go and have a chat with Mikey," Ash said, receiving nods from his friends. Ash, Pikachu, and Espeon wandered around for a while, but eventually found Mikey and Eevee sitting alone on an isolated bench.

"Mind if I take a seat?" asked the older boy.

"Go for it," sighed Mikey, and Ash obliged, while his Pokemon remained silent and by his side.

"Why do your brothers want Eevee to evolve so badly?" Ash bluntly asked.

"They seem to think it will make Eevee more powerful. There's also the fact that they want me to be a proper "Eevee brother," which apparently involves having an evolved Eevee," Mikey answered with exasperation.

"Evolution will make a Pokemon physically stronger, but not necessarily better overall. Pikachu here is a good example of that," smiled Ash, petting the Pokemon on his shoulder.

"Pika!" cried the Pokemon in contentment at the scratch behind the ears. Ash then turned his attention back to Mikey, and focused his eyes on the boy.

"Do you have a dream?"

"A dream?" a befuddled Mikey responded.

"In other words, is there something you want to do with your life? For me, I want to be a Pokemon Master," clarified Ash with determination.

"Oh I get it. Well, I like spending time with Eevee, so being a trainer doesn't sound too bad. Other than that, I don't know what else I would do," answered Mikey.

"Fair enough. Have you and Eevee ever battled together, or practiced some moves perhaps?" Ash prodded further.

"We've never battled against an opponent, but we have done some minor training. Why do you ask?" Ash didn't answer right away, opting to pull out his Pokedex first and aim it at Eevee.

"This Eevee knows the moves Swift, Quick Attack, Dig, Charm, Sand-Attack, and Bite," mechanically articulated the device, before Ash stored it away.

"Mikey, I think I have an idea on how to get your brothers off your back," Ash said with a sly smile. The young boy's eyes lit up with hope.

"Really? How?" Mikey eagerly asked.

"Settle down and listen closely. This is what we're going to do..."

One Hour Later

The sun had finished its descent, giving way for the moon and the evening. Likewise, Ash, Mikey, and their Pokemon walked back to the center of the party, easily finding the Eevee brothers and Ash's friends.

"There you are Mikey! So, i'm guessing you made a decision?" grinned Sparky.

Mikey gulped, but Ash put an encouraging hand on his shoulder, strengthening his resolve. "I-I have. Eevee is fine just the way he is, and I don't want him to evolve," adamantly answered the boy, surprising all three of his brothers.

"But, what about the party?" blurted out Rainer.

"Forget the party. What about the strength you can gain?" a fiery Pyro pointed out.

"Eevee is plenty strong just the way he is," Mikey retorted.

"Look, i'm sure your Eevee is strong Mikey, but it's no match for one of its evolutions," Sparky gently answered. There was no choice now. Mikey looked to Ash and he nodded.

"Then prove it," Mikey said with resolve, looking Sparky directly in the eyes.

"What?" the spiky haired boy responded, clearly fazed.

"Sparky, Eevee and I challenge you to a battle!" clarified Mikey.

"Vee!" affirmed Eevee, staring hard at Jolteon.

"Mikey, I don't want to hurt you or your Eevee, but if you need a battle to get some sense, then I accept," reluctantly nodded Sparky. The other brothers, Ash and the gang, and the party guests quickly cleared the area, leaving two brothers and their Pokemon in a makeshift battlefield.

"Did you put him up to this Ash?" Misty asked with worry from the sidelines where the group watched.

"I did. Mikey needs to prove that he and Eevee can stand on their own," Ash responded with no shame for his actions.

"Yeah, but Eevee could really get hurt, and Mikey's already fragile confidence would completely snap," retorted the girl. Ash allayed her fears with a reassuring smile.

"Have faith Misty. Mikey and Eevee will do just fine."

Back on the battlefield, Sparky wanted to end this fast, and so he made the first move.

"Let's get this over with Jolteon. Use Thunder Shock, but be gentle about it" ordered Sparky with little enthusiasm. A small jolt of lightning immediately left Jolteon and speeded towards Eevee.

"Dodge with Quick Attack Eevee!" Eevee took off at a surprising speed, easily jumping to the side and sprinting in Jolteon's direction.

"Counter with your own Quick Attack," Sparky called out, now paying slightly more attention to the battle. The spiky yellow Pokemon began to dash towards his smaller approaching counter-part, drawing closer with each step.

Just like Ash said it would happen, Mikey thought. "Now stop and use a point blank Swift attack Eevee!" suddenly yelled out Mikey. Eevee obeyed, halting his approach and shooting out yellow stars. Jolteon was far too close at this point and neither he or Sparky had time to do a thing. The stars landed, dealing a decent amount of damage to Jolteon and sending him sliding back to his trainer. Sparky and his brothers were momentarily stunned, but the elder brother soon recovered.

"Looks like we underestimated you two a bit, but now the battle really begins, and you will find that an Eevee is match for its evolution!" cried the boy with determination.

"Thunderbolt attack Jolteon!"

"Swift Eevee and then disappear!" Lightning met stars and the initial contact produced a small explosion, creating smoke that obscured the vision of both trainers.

"POWER THROUGH AND UP THE VOLTAGE!" Sparky yelled, now fully committed to driving his point home. Jolteon obliged and a torrent of lightning shot through the smoke, clearing it up at once. Unfortunately for Sparky, the cleared smoke revealed a hole and no Eevee, meaning the attack easily missed.

"But then where's"

Eevee answered the unfinished question, bursting through the ground beneath Jolteon and delivering a super-effective Dig Attack! Jolteon flew high into, crying out in pain, but Eevee and Mikey were not done yet.

"FINISH WITH YOUR MOST POWERFUL SWIFT EEVEE!" yelled Mikey.

"VEE!" grunted his Pokemon, firing stars at a breakneck speed.

"JOLTEON NO!" Sparky yelled with wide eyes. To his dismay, the stars struck the air-born Jolteon, dealing more damage and then sending the Pokemon even higher.

"Now Ash!" signaled Mikey.

"Espeon, use confusion to catch Jolteon," calmly ordered Ash from the sidelines. The green Psychic Pokemon glowed in a purple aura as mystic energy surrounded the new descending Jolteon, slowing his flight and gently setting him on the ground. Regardless, Jolteon was knocked out.

"No way," muttered Sparky, falling to his knees next to his Pokemon.

"WAY TO GO EEVEE!" Mikey cheered, running up to his Pokemon and pulling him into a hug.

"Vee!" the happy little Pokemon cried, nuzzling his trainer right back.

"Impressive. I assume you and Mikey planned that battle out to the letter, right Ash?" Brock asked with a wry smile.

"I don't know what you're talking about Brock. That was all Mikey and Eevee," winked back the boy.

Meanwhile, Mikey's brothers approached the boy and his Eevee. Jolteon had already been called back and Sparky now stood with the other two.

"H-How did you do that?" Sparky got out, still a bit out of it from his loss.

Standing up with Eevee in his arms, Mikey looked at his brother with something akin to compassion. "Ash helped Eevee and I plan out a strategy. It was a strategy that was particularly effective against Jolteon, but it would have worked on Flareon as well," admitted the boy, before continuing. "But, that's not the whole of it. Eevee and I would never have won if we were not already strong, and did not already share a strong bond. I love you guys, but I love Eevee too, and just the way he is!" firmly finished Mikey with resolve.

Mikey's brothers absorbed the information slowly, letting it sink in. The three shared a look and then smiled.

"Since when did our little brother get so tough and opinionated?" wondered Rainer with a grin.

"I don't know, but he and Eevee have sure come a long way," praised Pyro.

"Mikey, if you and Eevee are happy with the way things are, then who are we to say different. Bring it in buddy," beamed Sparky, holding his arms out. Mikey quickly jumped into the offered hug, along with Eevee and the other brothers.

"All's well that ends well," smiled Misty

"Sure is," said Ash, looking at the happy family with a tear falling out of the corner of his eye.

"Ash, are you crying?" an amused Misty asked.

"N-No," stuttered the boy, quickly wiping the substance away.

"No need to hide your feelings Ash. I think it is kind of cute when a boy shows their feelings like that," laughed the girl.

"Cute? MISTY!" the embarrassed Ash yelled.

"Guys look!" interjected Brock, pointing at the hug. From the center of the four Eevee brothers, a glowing white light emerged, and grew in intensity.

"Eevee!" shouted Mikey in shock, holding the glowing Pokemon in his arms. The Pokemon's legs grew in length, as did his tail and ears. This had the effect of sending Mikey to the ground, and pushing the brothers back. When the light faded, a midnight black Pokemon with yellow markings and red eyes sat atop Mikey.

"Breon!" cried out the Pokemon, licking his trainer in the face.

"What just happened?" a bemused Mikey asked.

"You're Eevee just evolved into an Umbreon," explained Ash, who had approached the fallen boy.

"An Umbreon?" questioned Sparky with interest.

"He didn't use a stone though," pointed out Pyro.

"AN EEVEE DOESN'T NEED A STONE TO EVOLVE!" huffed Ash's annoyed Espeon.

"Is that true?" asked Rainer.

"Espeon's telling the truth. She told you earlier that she evolved from an Eevee, but never explained how. Eevee has the ability to evolve when the friendship between an Eevee and their trainer is strong. If the tipping point occurs during the day, you get Espeon here," said Ash, petting his green Pokemon. "However, if Eevee evolves during the night, you get a Dark Pokemon called Umbreon."

"Is that still you in there Eevee?" hesitantly asked Mikey, as he looked at the Pokemon who still stood over him.

"Breon," nodded Umbreon, looking deep into Mikey's eyes. After a few moments, Mikey smiled and brought him back into a hug.

"I don't care what you look like, as long as you stick with me pal."

"Well, I guess Eevee evolved after all," laughed Sparky, making everyone else join in at the irony as well.

"Evolved!" Ash said aloud, remembering something very important, and drawing all attention in his direction.

"Ash?" questioned Misty.

"Sorry guys, but I just remembered something," said the sheepish boy, pulling out a Pokeball and releasing his Pokemon.

"Clefairy!" exclaimed the happy Fairy Pokemon. She immediately looked straight to the sky, seeing the beautiful full moon high above.

"Fairy! Fairy! Fairy!" cheered Clefairy, dancing around.

"Clefairy, are you ready?" Ash asked, pulling out the Moon Stone. The presence of the stone calmed Clefairy down immediately, and she slowly approached. Everyone watched on, anticipating what would come next. She slowly reached her hands out, and Ash handed over the coveted stone. The moment it made contact, another white light filled the garden. Clefairy nearly doubled in height, her tail grew in length, and a pair of wings sprouted from her back. When the light faded, a new Pokemon stood in her place.

"Fable," smiled the Pokemon.

"Welcome to the team Clefable," replied Ash, sending a smile right back

Stone Town Pokemon Center (Day 15)

Clefable's evolution capped off a wonderful party, but Ash and the gang did not leave empty handed. As thanks for helping return Eevee and aiding Mikey, the Eevee brothers offered Ash and his friends an evolution stone each. Ash opted for a Water Stone, which he planned to use on his Shellder in the future. Brock chose a Fire Stone, thinking that he might use it on Vulpix, assuming Susie would be okay with it. He would check with her just in case. Misty also accepted a Water Stone. She wasn't sure what she would use it on, but the possibilities of a Pokemon like Poliwrath or Vaporeon made her excited for the future. The group gave farewells and headed to the local Pokemon Center for a good night's sleep.

It was now the morning of the next day, and Ash was making his second consecutive phone call. The first has been to update his mom on his journey, bringing her much joy, and allowing Ash to fulfill his promise to keep her informed. This next phone call would be more practical though.

"Good Morning Ash," the cheery voice of Professor Oak sounded over the video phone.

"Good morning Professor Oak," politely responded the boy.

"What can I do for you today?" asked the professor, getting right to the point.

"I'd like to swap out Clefable and Ivysaur for Haunter and Tyrogue," answered Ash.

"Oh, is that all?" asked the Professor with curiosity.

"What do you mean is that all?" frowned Ash.

"Well, you seem to have caught quite a few new Pokemon recently. I assumed you might wish to make more drastic changes and begin training them. It is something you have frequently practiced with all of your other Pokemon," pointed out Professor Oak.

"I guess you have a point, but I can't really afford to make the switch now, or anytime soon. I have to get ready for the Cinnabar Island Gym. After that, I promise I will give these Safari Zone Pokemon the attention they deserve," explained Ash.

"Ah, so that is where you caught them. Where are you now by chance?" questioned Professor Oak.

"In Stone Town. Why do you ask?"

"I ask because a new Pokemon League sanctioned Gym has opened up, and you happen to be a few days away from it," smirked the professor.

"ARE YOU SERIOUS?" freaked out Ash, losing all decorum.

"Quite so," chuckled Professor Oak.

"Well where is it?" demanded the boy.

"The Gym is located in a nearby town called Dark City."

END CHAPTER

The next twist has been revealed. Ash's 7th Gym Battle will be taking place in Dark City. What does that mean for the Viridian City Gym? Read on to find out. Ash's small mentorship role is a preview to something big I have planned down the line, so keep that in mind. In other news, apologies for the delay in this chapter. Had some issues figuring out how I was going to write it. In other news, we are returning to the office in a hybrid model next week, which means less time to write. I typically get some writing done during down time working hours. This will not be possible at the office. I will do my best to get chapters out though in a fast manner.

Next Time - Ash takes on the Dark City Gym, and we catch up with a Hero and Villain.

Mermizle - Thanks for the review! Paul is fun to hate, but he serves as a nice foil to Ash. We will not seem him again for quite some time.

I am vegito - Thanks for the review! This will be a single ship story. No Multi going on here.

Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! You called it yet again. Not surprised with your Espeon Psychic powers. In any case, I considered a Botch (lol) and Cassidy appearance, but recall that Giovanni ordered that all Rocket activity with civilians to cease.

GrovertheGoat - Thanks for the review! Per the PM I sent, Brock gave up his authority as a Gym Leader and he wouldn't have had power over non Pewter City cops anyway.

Reader - Thanks for the review! Drapion was considered, but as you pointed out, I wanted him replaced since Koga just used one.

Akinn24 - Thanks for the review! Nice catch on the error. I may go back and fix that soon. Hope you enjoyed today's chapter.

Night Hunter553 - Thanks for the review! Sorry for missing the spelling error there, but it should be correct in the next chapter on the S.S. Anne.

Unknown - Thanks for the review! Glad you like the way I am writing the character. Ash will catch his first Dragon Pokemon in Johto, which I have explained multiple times in many reviews. It will be a very special one as well.

Remember to review with your thoughts and critique :)

Smell ya later!