And into the tide

It isn't what you've got, it's who you know
We take that with us wherever we go
We stick together and we have our fun
You know we're taking our days one by one
And when there's trouble in my face
I'm a tired runner in the human race
It's so good to see a familiar face

I never walk alone, I never walk alone
Never walk alone, Huey Lewis and the News

"There's a house near Azalea Town." Red said. "It belongs to Kurt, a Pokéball maker. I passed command of several Pokéballs when I first came to Azalea. It may be interesting for you to come along."

Ash took the feather he'd kept with him, the golden feather Ho-Oh had given him after defeating Drake.

"I wonder if he heard about GS Balls."

"Most likely. He is the Pokéball specialist of Kanto and Johto."

Kurt was living in a small house by the outskirts of Azalea Town. When the group came knocking at his door, he greeted them quite fondly.

"People keep talking on how you saved this town. As a reward, I crafted all of you those special Pokéballs. I thought you would appreciate."

He took a box that contained several Pokéballs and gave them to the group, one by one.

"To Red, the son of our former Champion, here is a Master Ball."

Red took the purple ball, his eyes shining with mirth.

"It never fails capture. Make good use of it."

"I will."

"For Gary Oak, who I was told had changed for the best after … the incident of the Indigo Conference, here is a Premier Ball."

Gary took the white Pokéball with a smile and a nod.

"For Misty Williams, former Gym Leader of Cerulean City and Water Specialist, here is a Dive Ball. It works better on Pokémon met by fishing, surfing or diving."

Misty grinned hugely as she took the blue Pokéball.

"For Brock Harrison, former Gym Leader of Pewter City and Rock specialist, here is a Heavy Ball. Works better on heavy Pokémon … like most Rock-types, right?"

"Right." Brock smiled and took the grey Pokéball.

"Finally, for the young Ash Ketchum, Healer and Aura Guardian in training, here is a Friend Ball. Guaranteed to tame the Pokémon caught by it."

Ash took the green Pokéball.

"Thanks!"

"What about me?" Silver asked. "Don't I get anything?"

"Silver Nor Shadow, if you want a Pokéball, you'll just make it yourself. Crafting Pokéballs is child play compared to some of the works you created in the past."

"My powers aren't what they used to be, old man. The time I crafted the wonders sealed within the Reverse World is over."

Kurt was silent for a moment. Silver looked depressed. Deciding to change the subject, Ash took the golden feather on his cap.

"Have you heard of the GS Ball, old man?"

Kurt turned to him and frowned.

"I have. However, I never had the chance to make one. Not that I don't know how."

"Then … Could you make one based on this feather? It belongs to Ho-Oh."

The craftsman smiled.

"I could. But crafting GS Balls isn't easy." He took a book and opened it. "GS Balls, also called Godly Seals, are made using body parts of Legendary Pokémon. Fur, feather, scale and skin, of course, but also blood and other materials such as ice, fire or even some grass can be used. And the Ball must be made entirely of Legendary parts, least it becomes flawed. Next, once you have the part of a Legendary, the other parts you will use must either belong to the same Legendary or belong to related creatures. You can craft a GS Ball using feathers of the Legendary Birds, but not using a Silver Feather and Mew's fur."

"I see. So, if I want to make a GS Ball using this golden feather, I need either another of Ho-Oh's feathers or body parts of the Legendary Beasts. Or even one of Lugia's feathers."

"Exactly."

Ash grinned and summoned his golden flute.

"I think I can come up with something."

Going outside, he put the Heart Flute to his mouth and played Lugia's song, focusing on Suicune. The blue Beast appeared after a few minutes.

"Hello, Ash. Do you need my help?"

"I need part of your, Raikou's and Entei's fur to craft a GS Ball. I want to combine it with the golden feather Ho-Oh gave me in the Orange Islands."

"A Godly Seal? Good idea. If one of us were to rampage or be threatened by capture, this Ball would ensure you caught it first. Here." The Beast yanked a handful of his mane and handed it to the boy. "I am calling Raikou and Entei right away. I know they won't refuse."

Ash nodded and handed the fur to a bewildered Kurt. Misty and Brock seemed amused.

"They all react the same way."

Raikou and Entei quickly arrived and yanked part of their manes, which Ash gave to Kurt.

"Can you work with these?"

"… Sure. But this will take time. A week, I think."

"Then we'll be back in a week. Thank you."

Silver was reading the book Kurt had used.

"I think I've seen this content before. Is it a translation?"

"Yes." The craftsman answered. "Of this. A book written two thousand years ago by an Ancient."

Silver took it. It was a thick book made with rot-proof paper and covered by a light brown cover. He recognized the signature instantly, a cross of life within a sun.

"Lucy!"

"As in, your childhood friend?" Misty asked.

"Yes. The book is signed 'Lucy Malicia Daga, Guardian of Light'. Lucy was quite good at sealing away demons and monsters. I knew she had a hand in the creation of the first Pokéballs, but I didn't think she'd written the book on it …"

Ash looked at it and frowned.

"I can't read it. The letters are different from ours, and yet somewhat similar."

"Indeed they are. This isn't true Ancient, though. More of a mix between Ean language and old Common."

Common was the universal language of the Pokémon world. Some areas still retained their old language or had their own slang, but Common was the language used everywhere. Silver sat, the book on his knees.

"Literature didn't exist when the Ancients came to this world. The humans back then used pictures and oral tradition. When they first tried to teach writing to the autochthones, the Ancients had trouble due to the difference between both languages. Ean was simply too complex. Then they noticed there was a Pokémon that looked a lot like letters."

Gary's eyes lit up.

"The Unown!"

"Yep. The Hundred Hands of Arceus. For the Ancients, it was perfect. They first translated their alphabet using the Unown, then used them to teach the humans. That Unown were Pokémon made things easier as they could be observed in the wild, and I remember groups of them playing with the Ancients and humans alike during some lessons. It was fun. Actually, for creatures that can manipulate reality in larger swarms, lone or small groups of Unown are quite playful. In larger groups, given the members of a swarm share hive mind, it becomes trickier, because they are not only more intelligent but also gain the ability to distort reality. And this is an ability even the more powerful members of the Legendary Council are afraid of."

Ash looked at the letters.

"They indeed look like Unown … in more curved."

Silver smiled.

"I can teach you, if you want. Given your ties with the Council and the fact you have Ean ancestry, this may be a nice skill to have."

"Thanks."

Kurt nodded.

"You can keep the book, if you want. I only keep it because it is the original of the book I currently use. Like young Ash, I cannot understand a single word in it."

A scream suddenly came from the garden.

"Maisy!"

The group turned to one another and rushed outside, where the Apricorn orchard was located. A little girl was on the ground, looking at a group of Pineco with fear in her eyes. The Pokémon closed on her, Pin Missile ready …

"Stantler, go!"

The young deer-like Pokémon jumped from his Pokéball and stepped between the girl and the Pokémon swarm. Brock came to his side.

"I have no idea why you're picking on this little girl, but five against one just isn't fair. Stantler, Hypnosis!"

The Pokémon nodded and waved his horns. The air shivered as under a very hot day and a soothing noise came, which put the Pineco in a trance-like state. Brock grinned.

"Good job! Now, let's use the attack Pikachu taught you last week: Wild Charge!"

Stantler nodded and cloaked himself with lightning. It wasn't Volt Tackle, but he liked the attack as much as Hypnosis, which was his first move. He rushed among the swarm of Pineco and scattered them left and right, Stomping and Double Kicking like he didn't care. One Pineco caught itself and rushed at Stantler.

"No, you don't! Pokéball, go!"

Stantler saw the Pineco rush at him. Instead of moving, he Double Kicked it straight into Brock's Pokéball. The sphere shook furiously, but held on. Seeing their friend captured was enough to make the other Pineco flee. Ash knelt to the little girl.

"Are you alright?"

"I … I think. I wanted to pick Apricorns for Grandpa when those Pineco attacked me." She turned to Brock. "You saved me! Thank you."

Brock blushed and looked at the Pokéball.

"I'll have to send a teammate home. My team is full."

"Not a problem. The Pokémon Center isn't far."

They said goodbye to Kurt and Maisy and went to the Center where Brock sent Golem to Pewter City. He also called his family.

"So, how are things going home?"

"Fine." Forrest smiled. "Ash's Aerodactyl sometimes joins us when he wants to train with other Pokémon. Dad uses him when he doesn't want an unworthy Trainer to win and Tony and Diana love flying on his back. I understand them. I go on a flight with him more often than I care to admit …"

"Still a kid, I see. Well, those are good news. Nice to know Dad still retains his strength as one of the Eight Challenges."

"The Reverse World, he does! Fights with him are gruesome to say the least, and woe betides the Trainer who picked Charmander as his Starter! That apart, any new teammate?"

"Yep. Stantler and Pineco. Stantler joined me willingly and I caught Pineco in the spurt of the moment after it attacked a little girl. That's why I'm sending Golem."

"Big Brother: always the knight in shining armor."

"And proud to be!"

The group watched the two brothers laugh.

"Speaking of which …" Ash asked. "Is there an organization similar to the Eight Challenges in Johto?"

"Of course! There is one in every region. The Eight Challenges of Johto are Falkner, Bugsy, Whitney, Morty, Chuck, Jasmine, Pryce and Claire. All of them are affiliated with an Elite, but I haven't got word of who serves who so far."

"Good. I know which Gym I'll hit, then."

Red turned to him.

"Going after the Eight Challenges? You're a brave one."

Misty crossed her arms and leaned in her seat.

"Ash has eight badges from Kanto. Gary has twelve. Of those twelve, four belong to the Eight Challenges. Ash fought all eight of us, including Blaine and Giovanni."

This shut Red for a while. So, of the two of them, Ash was the deadlier? They seemed fairly equal during their match against Bugsy. Wait, no, they weren't. Misty was right: Ash was indeed the most dangerous. Not only did he seem to share a bond with Ho-Oh and the Legendary Beasts, there were also bits and cues that an experienced Trainer like him instantly noticed that set the two apart. Gary may have used mega-evolution in his fight, but Ash hadn't and had used two Starters instead, one of which had a type disadvantage and the other lacked experience. And he'd won. It seemed Gary's reputation was overrated in the end.

"Let's stay around Azalea Town until Kurt is done." Silver suggested. "There are interesting things to see, and crossing Ilex Forest to reach Goldenrod is going to take some time."

The group agreed and booked room in a hotel. Because Azalea was close to the sea, they decided to spend an afternoon here. Misty smiled. She needed practice with her Water teammates. So, while Gary, Brock and Red were getting a tan and Silver was fooling among the waves, she called her teammates.

"Okay, guys! Let's do this!"

The sound of a flute interrupted her. A little away, Ash was playing with Silver's wooden flute, but it wasn't a regular heart-warping melody like the ones he made with the Heart Flute. Instead, he played several notes, stopped, counted his fingers and made some gestures, shook or nodded, then started playing again. Silver came to her side.

"You're not the only one who wants to train. Ash said he wanted to play regular music and actually learn to play the flute instead on relying on the Heart Flute's magic. You should do it too. The sea is the perfect place to learn to use the Tide Pendant."

He had a point. So while her teammates trained, Misty focused on the jewel and started manipulating the waves.

Ash frowned. He had a melody in his head but wasn't sure how to play it. It was cheerful and catchy, especially with the right tempo, but even though he knew the notes, chaining them was harder than he thought.

"No, I won't use my powers! That's cheating. I want to play flute with my own skills instead of using my powers as a Chosen."

He took his breath, put the flute to his lips and played again. He got it right on the sixth attempt.

"Good! Now, I need to play it faster …"

Red watched from under his sunglasses. Everyone had his hobbies but he was surprised that Ash had taken flute as one of his.

"Trust me, you have no idea what music he can do with it." Brock chuckled. "His last melody using his golden flute left us all in tears. And one time, he played a song that made you want to just sit under a tree and take a nap. Chill out …"

"But he doesn't sound that skilled right now."

"As Brock said …" Gary explained. "Ash needs the right instrument. Literally. The songs he played were with a magical flute that manipulates emotions when he uses it. The flute is linked to his heart so it's easy for him to translate emotions into notes. Here, this is just a regular flute."

"Oh."

Finally, Ash managed to get the tempo right. He was taking his breath when he noticed a Totodile looking at him.

"Toto."

Ash raised a brow. The creature clapped its hands and nodded.

"Toto."

Pikachu jumped on Ash's lap.

'I think he wants an encore.'

Really? Smiling, Ash put the flute back on his lips and played the melody again.

(Play Eternal Harvest from Final Fantasy IX. Author advice: play the song and picture the scene lasting all of it.)

The Totodile softly banged his head at the beat, then broke into a full-on riverdance. Ash chuckled and played harder. The blue crocodile was laughing and tap-dancing in pleasure, only to be joined by a line of Wooper. Snubbull heard the music, came to see, saw Totodile dancing and decided to join. Soon, the two were tapping their feet in rhythm in front of the line of Wooper. Ash finally stopped and bowed in a flourish.

(End music)

"And now, for something a little more modern …"

The tune was indeed more modern despite being played by a flute. It didn't stop Totodile, Snubbull and the Wooper from tap-dancing along. They were joined by three Krabby who did the Egyptian walk, a Politoed who did the Robot, a couple of Golduck who rocked around the clock, a headbanging Quagsire and a Poliwrath doing the moonwalk. Red was watching with saucer eyes while Gary and Brock were trying hard not to giggle. Silver was outright laughing while Misty face-palmed.

"He can't do anything without something weird happening. Well, I don't mind. I didn't know Poliwrath could moonwalk ..."

Ash finished the melody once more and bowed. Totodile came to him and nuzzled him.

"Toto? Toto?"

"He wants to join you." Silver grinned. "A tap-dancing Totodile! If he keeps it all the way to Feraligatr, I can't wait to see your opponents' face when they'll see a giant blue crocodile start dancing!"

Ash smiled and took a Pokéball.

"Well, I never refused any Pokémon who wanted to join me. I'll have to send a partner home, though. Yeah, Clefable should do. I bet she misses Hitmontop."

Clefable sent a wave of approval from her Pokéball. Red frowned.

"Wait. Before you do, I want to have a battle." His eyes narrowed. "I heard your Clefable is one of your strongest teammates. Is it right?"

"Oh yes." Brock shivered. "She, Pikachu and Charizard are nearly invincible."

"Then it is on. My Charizard against your Clefable. One on one, first down loses. How does it sound?"

"I remember your fight against Lance." Ash nodded. "You're a powerful Trainer in your own rights. Deal! Let's find a good place …"

There were several battlegrounds in Azalea Town but Ash refused.

"Given how powerful Charizard and Clefable are, I prefer finding something outside the town to prevent collateral damage."

They finally found a grassy area outside. Red took a Pokéball.

"Ready?"

"Ready. Clefable, go!"

"Charizard!"

(Play Fight to the Death, from Kingdom Hearts II)

Dragon and Fairy faced one another. Both could tell the other was powerful, and both were barely hiding their excitement.

'So this Clefable is a deadly fighter? Ho-Oh, I can't wait to see what she can do …'

'At last someone my size!'

Both thought the same thing, though.

'This is going to be interesting.'

Red made the first move.

"Flamethrower!"

"Tank it!"

The heavy burst of fire engulfed the fairy, who emerged with not a scratch. She crossed her arms, raised a brow and made a taunting move.

"Fa-clefa fa?" (Is it all you've got?)

"It was just a Flamethrower. This, however, will make you sing a different song: Steel Wing!"

Ash held his chuckle as Charizard took flight, his wings turning steel-hard. He rushed at Clefable who didn't move an inch. At the last moment, the girl grabbed both wings and stopped the dragon's rush dead-on. Red gulped. Silver grinned.

"You know, she isn't called the Steadfast Clefable for nothing."

Clefable suddenly jumped, charged a double Thunder Punch and struck Charizard in the back. The dragon growled in pain but shook himself and flew above the girl.

"Dragon Rush full power!"

"Moonblast!"

Charizard charged a massive dragon armor he launched at Clefable. Clefable's wings glowed as the silver blast charged in her hands. The beam colliding with the burst caused a deafening explosion that shook the air. Misty and Brock winced.

"Metal Claw!"

"Focus Punch!"

Clefable charged her energy in her punch as Charizard dived on her, claws extended. Her fist sent the dragon reeling back before Red. The boy didn't seem worried, and indeed, Charizard looked as good as he was at the beginning of the fight despite having exchanged several powerful moves with the Fairy. So did Clefable, though.

"Blast Burn!"

"Moonblast!"

Charizard rose and made a giant sphere of fire he threw at the Fairy. Clefable charged Moonblast again and held the sphere at bay until it finally exploded, blasting both Pokémon away. When the smoke faded, Ash was holding a hand on his heart and Clefable looked fierce. Red smirked.

"Let's kick this fight to a new level … Bonds forged in the heat of struggle, become the source of our power! Mega-evolution!"

Charizard's body glowed brightly and morphed, the light fading only after he had taken a more feral and threatening form. Ash closed his eyes, focusing on the bond he felt with Clefable. The Fairy's body glowed brightly and shifted. Her wings became bigger and gained a second pair, her tail warped itself in her back to form a kind of halo and, when the light faded, her eyes were glowing bright blue and arabesques of energy were running on the corners. They were also all over her hands and part of her arms and the tip of her ears was burning with the same energy, which also made intricate patterns all over her tail. Finally, her wings were white and generating what looked like dust. Brock gulped.

"You know, I think this form was meant to look mystical, but she makes it look really threatening."

Indeed, Clefable was frowning and the glow in her eyes gave the impression she was in a state of quiet fury. Red nodded.

"Nice."

Ash closed his eyes and focused on his partner, determining what changes had occurred within her. His eyes shot wide.

"She is still pure Fairy type … but her Magic Guard has shifted to Magic Bounce and she gained a second Ability: Pixilate. I can feel a third ability that awoke along. It is … Magic Surge! It increases the power of Special moves, like Huge and Pure Power increase the power of Physical moves."

"As if she needed another power boost …" Misty groaned. "Mega-Charizard or not, this is gonna suck."

"On the other hand, Red's Charizard has Drought as his new ability." And indeed, the sun was shining bright. "This means his Fire attacks are even stronger. This will be epic."

Red raised his hand.

"Charizard, Fire Blast!"

The star-shaped blast covered the whole battlefield and set it ablaze. And yet, Clefable was nowhere to be found. Charizard found her looking at him at eye level, having apparently jumped between the tongues of fire. Lightning crackled between her hands and extended to her wings, soon covering her whole body.

"Thunder!"

The lightning rushed and struck the dragon in a deafening KRAKA-BOOM. Charizard growled. Now this hurt! Focusing his powers, he charged golden energy in his hands. Clefable did the same with silver energy and Solar Beam met Moonblast in a brutal shockwave that forced Silver to shield the group. Clefable hissed. She wouldn't give up. Ever. She focused her powers and pushed the beam harder and harder, but Charizard didn't let go. Instead, he pushed as hard as she did while sparks of silver and gold rained over the battlefield. Finally, both attacks ended backfiring at their caster and sent them back on the ground. The two Mega Pokémon rose and glared at each other. Charizard rushed with Metal Claw. Clefable charged Fire and Ice Punch and ran at him. Soon, the two were caught in a fist fight in the middle of the battleground. Charizard lunged forward. Clefable ducked and sent both punches in his stomach before going for an uppercut the Dragon blocked, using his second hand to claw her in the stomach. His answer was an Iron Tail he answered by a point-blank Flamethrower. Clefable jumped away and unleashed Thunder. Charizard growled. This hurt! He took flight and focused his powers. Soon, a sphere of fire as big as he was had formed in his hands. Clefable grinned.

"Cle fafa fa clefab-le!" (Now that's what I call a challenge!)

Pink light glowed in her wings and accumulated in her hands. The typing may have changed, but Ash still recognized the move: Hyper Beam! The beam struck the fire sphere and pierced it, causing it to explode in a rain of fire. Red and Ash shielded themselves. When Ash dared to open his eyes, he saw Charizard rushing at Clefable.

"Seismic Toss!"

"Fight back! Zap him with Thunder!"

Charizard snatched the Fairy and soared into the sky. Clefable snarled. Lightning gathered in her wings, her hands, her eyes and tail, in her ears changing the blue glow in golden sparks. Charizard dived and span on himself faster and faster, not bothering his opponent's body was surging with ionic doom. Clefable let it out in a single burst that scorched deeply in the dragon's hide.

"Cle-faaaaaaaable!" (Thun-deeeeeeeeer!)

Charizard roared and struggled, but he didn't let go. The air around them was saturated with energy and electricity that formed a spiral around them. Them hitting the ground caused an earthquake that threw Red and Ash off balance. When the smoke faded, the two boys came to look at their partner.

Both had fainted.

(End music)

The two boys looked at one another.

"Well … That was unexpected."

"Definitely. Either I overestimated Charizard's power or your Clefable really is that tough."

"Option number two. Your partner is a powerhouse in his own rights."

Both returned their Pokémon and looked at the rest of the group. All of them seemed as surprised by the tie. Silver looked at the group.

"So, about that bet …"

"No winner." Brock decided. "None of us bet on a tie."

Red and Ash looked at one another.

"Who bet on who?"

"I bet on Ash." Gary answered.

"Red." Brock admitted. "It seems I forgot how powerful Ash could be when he wants to."

"I bet on Ash." Was Misty's answer.

"And I played bookkeeper." Silver finished.

"Liar! You bet on Red!"

Ash made a face of kicked Growlithe.

"That wasn't very nice …"

They went to the Center to heal their teammates. Somehow, Nurse Joy didn't seem surprised.

"So you were the cause of all the ruckus we heard on the outskirts. The fight had to be fierce … though I'm surprised it ended in a tie."

Red shot Ash a look.

"He was able to turn a Clefable into a killing machine. I don't know about his other Pokémon, but they have to be something …"

"Don't worry. Clefable isn't a great representative of her species. In fact, the reason she joined me is because she was an outcast and we shared the same love for battle."

"Oh. So she's a special case."

"Her father was a Breloom. I think she wishes she was born one."

Once the girl was healed, she was sent to the Corall and Totodile took her place. The next morning, Misty returned to the beach to train while Ash got acquainted with Totodile. The blue crocodile had become instant friends with Snubbull and danced at the smallest note. This amused Ash greatly.

"Well, since he loves music so much, why not make use of it?"

He took Silver's flute and started playing. The two Pokémon instantly broke into a dance. Gary watched from afar.

"He wants to train Totodile to be a battle dancer. Interesting. I wonder how it will turn out …"

At the beach, Misty was dueling a boy. A Wooper was watching by the sidelines.

"Seaking, Hyper Beam!"

The red and white fish gathered energy on her horn and sent it toward the boy's Quilfish. The boy winced as his partner was obliterated by the move. Misty crossed her arms.

"Next time a Pokémon tells you it doesn't want to join you, take it like a man and leave it alone!"

In the boy's defense, the little Wooper had made his point clear by throwing mud at his face and slapping his butt with Tail Whip, so the boy had a right to be angry. It didn't change the fact he was stupid enough to chase it around Misty's spot, and this as she was playing Water Ball with Vaporeon and Psyduck. Said water ball had ended in the boy's face.

Wooper came to Misty and somersaulted several times.

"Woopah! Woop-woop woopah!"

The creature was in a playful mood. Misty decided to entertain him and made several spheres of water that danced around her. Wooper cheered and tried to catch them with Water Gun. His aim was … a little more than off. Misty sighed.

"Either he's young or he's a klutz. In both cases ..." She came to his side and smiled. "Don't be so impulsive. Look, my spheres are following a pattern. Once you get it, aim where the sphere will be and shoot!"

"Woopah!"

They spent a good part of the morning training this way and returned by midday. Ash was surprised to see her send Starmie to Cerulean City.

"I got a new teammate. You and Brock aren't the only ones able to catch Pokémon through friendship."

"I never said you couldn't. Poliwag and Bellossom are proof of it."

They almost jumped when a steady stream of cursing came from the back of the Center. The group hurried to find Nurse Joy looking angrily at her reserve. Several spots were empty and the lock of the backdoor had somewhat melted. Gary raised a brow.

"What kind of flame can melt a lock!?"

"Pokémon flames." Brock answered. "Either the culprit is a Fire Pokémon, or he knows a good Fire move."

"Well, whatever it is, it's the third time this week someone comes pilfering in the reserve! I tried to put cameras, but the place is too dark! The culprit is invisible!"

Ash and the group looked at one another. A plan was already forming in their head. The next morning, Ash sat cross-legged in front of the reserve's main door and waited. Around midday, his senses kicked in as the mysterious culprit entered the room.

"A Pokémon. I sense Dark … and Fire. Brock was right." He shifted to Aura Vision. "It is canine in appearance and about as high as my waist. And … it looks like it has bones on it."

"Houndour!"

Red looked at the group.

"Are we gonna catch it?"

"No. Pokémon never act without a reason. We'll let this Houndour take what it wants and follow it."

They did as planned and followed the Houndour to Ilex Forest. The Dark canine took a rocky trail and headed to a cave a little inside the woods. Several Houndour appeared and sniffed the supplies their pack mate had stolen. One of them, apparently the alpha, nodded and let the Pokémon enter the cave. Ash closed his eyes.

"There's a Houndour in the cave. It's lying in a grass bed. It feels … weak somehow. There's something wrong with him. Gary, can you try to read their minds?"

"Can't do." Gary sighed. "They are Dark Pokémon. My Psychic powers are useless with them."

"Then we'll have to ask them ourselves." Brock frowned. "Or have one of our teammates do it."

Pikachu raised his paw. Ash nodded. The rodent emerged from the bushes and found himself surrounded by the pack. The alpha growled.

(Auto-translator: ON)

"A Pikachu? What does an Electric rodent in our territory? You're lucky we've already hunted, or you would be next on the menu."

"Make me." Pikachu's cheeks sparked softly. "I'll fry you and your pack the moment you bare your fangs."

The mouse stood up and bowed.

"I am Fleeting Flash. I heard a Pokémon was stealing from the local Pokémon Center and went to see what it was about."

"It is none of your business, rodent."

"It is. The Nurse Joy is furious and hired Trainers to find the truth. Not every Trainer is as kind as mine …"

The pack gasped.

"You're a trained Pokémon!?"

"My partner is an Aura Guardian. That's how we found you. He is also a Healer of the Hearts. He let me talk to you because he doesn't know how you would react to human presence."

"How considerate …" A Houndour huffed.

The alpha Houndour frowned.

"An Aura Guardian? I thought the Gift of the Ancients had left this world for good."

"You're wrong." Pikachu retorted. "Some of us can still use Aura like Togekiss and Lucario. My partner comes from a line of Aura Guardians and even has some Ancient blood in him. The Gift has been dormant for awhile, but it has finally awakened in him. So, will you trust us now?"

The Houndour turned away.

"Humans are hardly trustful, but if we cannot trust into the Gift, who else can we turn to, save the Legendaries?" He looked at Pikachu. "My brother is sick. A disease is eating him from inside and the supplies Ghostly Flame brings back barely manage to hold it back. We do not possess the human knowledge or skills to treat such disease, so unless your partner helps us or Entei's purifying flames come and devour the disease, Shadow Claw is lost."

"My partner brought Nurse Joy along. She'll berate you for not coming directly to her, but she'll heal your brother. Come on, now."

The mouse returned to the group and quickly explained the situation. Nurse Joy reacted exactly as he thought, except with a hand to her face after hearing the explanation.

"Stupid dogs … Alright, where is the patient?"

The alpha Houndour led her inside. Indeed, on a bed of leaves and grass, a Houndour was lying with half-opened eyes and panting heavily, blood around his muzzle. The nurse looked at him.

"Ouch! Looks serious!" She took a Pokéball. "Blissey, come out!"

The Pokémon appeared and held a hand to the Pokémon. Finally, her eyes opened.

"Power Upsetting!"

Houndour paled.

"Power Upsetting!? Darkrai, of all the diseases …"

Blissey frowned.

"Your brother's Dark typing is taking over his body and his Fire typing is fighting back, which is why his body is so hot and he coughs blood. Dark is eating him from the inside."

"Is there any way to heal him?"

"Yes. The Pokémon Center has machines that use various kinds of waves to treat many ailments. Some speed up cellular regeneration, some kill infected cells and germs, other reset power imbalances or help get over power incontinences …"

The Houndour looked down.

"I only have one brother. Take him to the Center. If he survives …"

The group accompanied Houndour and his pack along Nurse Joy to the Center. It took two days for Shadow Claw to heal. At the same time, Nurse Joy explained what the disease was.

"It is actually an ailment that strikes dual-type Pokémon. Usually, a dual-type Pokémon is both of his types in equal parts. Power Upsetting is a rare occurrence of one type growing more and more preeminent against the other, which results in the Pokémon feeling sick. Eventually, both types will clash and the Pokémon's body will be torn apart by the struggle. Don't worry, it is a fairly rare disease. But it happens. There's no way to cure it naturally. If one of your Pokémon gets it, bring it to a Center. You need professional expertise to handle it."

After two days, the poor Houndour was finally back on his paws and his full shape. Turns out Ghostly Flame was his mate, hence the reason the canine was the one stealing from the Center. The alpha rewarded the nurse by offering her their help anytime she needed it. The group got a different reward.

"You are the ones who took Nurse Joy to use and convinced us to let you help. You played a part in my brother's salvation. For this …" He turned to his pack. A young Houndour stepped before them. "My eldest son will join you. A life for a life. Just … take good care of him."

The group instantly turned to Gary who raised a brow.

"What?"

"You're the only one who didn't receive a new teammate recently. Ash got Spinarak and Totodile, Misty got Wooper and Brock got Pineco. You're next."

"Alright. I'll send Arcanine home, then."

Nidoking and Nidoqueen had already left to make room for Ledyba and Misdreavus. Ash grinned.

"A new Dark Pokémon to keep your Psychic powers in check. If you lose control and Alakazam can't help you …"

Houndour raised an ear. So his new Trainer was a Psychic?

"My powers awoke recently. I'm still learning to control them. Umbreon will be happy to have some help."

He petted the creature on the head. Houndour whined. He could tell the boy was nice despite having psychic powers. Pikachu sighed.

"Some very few exceptions aside, all Dark types share a bias toward Psychics."

And indeed, Gary turned to be the exception to the rule for the pack. He was kind and understanding and gladly helped his new teammate when the canine tried to learn Dark Pulse. Finally, Kurt came to see the group with a box in hand.

"The GS Ball is finished. Here you go, young Ash."

Ash took the box and opened it. The GS Ball inside was fully gold, with two purple and a grey streak crossed around it. The spot was located where the streaks met.

"Ho-Oh's feather was used for the main body. The streaks, which make the actual seal, came from the manes of the Legendary Beasts. Make good use of it."

Ash nodded, holding the box as if it contained Ho-Oh's very heart. Suicune appeared at the same moment.

"Ash! Oh, the GS Ball is finished? Good, you may need it."

The boy raised a brow.

"Suicune? You sound panicked. What's going on?"

The Council has a mission for you, Golden Heart. An archaeologist found a set of Unown-related artifacts ad gave it to his daughter before disappearing. And the girl has unleashed their powers."

And here is the next chapter! I thought I'd never make it before the end of the month! Well, inspiration is fickle like that ... Anyway, I know I fumbled with the épisodes but, let's be honest, who cares? (If someone does, pretty please, don't take it badly!) And yeah, I had my fun writting about Pokémon dancing. And I feel Red vs Ash could have been more awesome ... Well, gotta save some for the next chapter. So, liked it? And yes, I gave Ash a new GS Ball.

For the reviews ...

- DoctorDesmond: glad you like the series! But why do you make reading it fully sound like an accomplishment?

- Pewee: maybe I will.

- NatsuXFuyu: Red is actually Ash's rival in Johto, but they are friendlier than Ash and Gary in Kanto.

- dark dragon777: actually, Gary's the one who got Houndour. Ash's rooster isn't fully set yet, but I can tell he'll catch a Skarmory at some point. And for Ledyba vs Yanmega, Ledyba Evolved in mid-fight and critical hits aren't to be underestimated. Yes, hitting a Poliwrath in the innards or an Yanmega in the eyes count as critical hits. Some Pokémon are just better than others at hiding their weak points.

- Me: sorry, Pacific Rim chapter are just faster to write. Besides, I don't have main and secondary series. I just like both fandoms and updates come when the chapters are done.

- zackattack999: Crystal Chronicles for you? I give it a different name ...

- Nightshadegirl: spider phobia here too. If I saw an Ariados in real life, I'd be running for my life too ...

- Siggimondo: hey there! Ice Shadow? Nope, not Naruto. Shadows (Ean black ops/special agents) all have a code name. Stellan is the First Shadow, Thanata is Shadow Flame and Silver is either the Ice Shadow or the Shadow of Tarnished Silver (an approximative translation of his name). No gloating. Petrel is too savvy for that. Awesome funeral procession? Don't tempt me ... And don't worry for Hoenn. I saved a can of awesome just for it. By the way, what's your opinion of Clefable's mega-evolution?

- God of the Challenge: don't worry, boyXboy will be kept on the "tease" level.

- o: Shiny male Bunneary? Can do.

- Blaze-A-Blaze: je garde la suggestion pour Hoenn. Bonne idée.

- MidnightHunter563: Ash got a mega-evolution in this chapter. And his Starters will mega-evolve, even if I have to make it on the spot. As for the snapping moment, prepare your brown pants. I am actually scared of writting this part. When the author is scared of his work ...

- dragonMSTR: I was planning for May to have an Absol in Hoenn ... but maybe Ash will get one. Maybe.

Okay, this is done. And yes, I forgot to tell about mega-Clefable. Sorry if she sounds over-powered. It's Starlight we're talking about, after all ... So stay hooked for the next chapter: Entei and the Crystal Dream. I'll try to post it the 27th February (my birthday), but given I'm totally hooked on writting it, it may come sooner. Maybe.

See you soon!