Who I Am - Lightning99

Chapter 36:

Gladion

The spotlights nestled in the roof of the Battle Royal Dome were the only ones switched on throughout the entirety of Monday evening, their bright glow concentrated solely on the busy ring below. Everything else was wrapped in dimmed light – except beside the large screens that displayed close-up footage of the battles – yet it was alive in its own right, with noise. Boisterous cheering of the attending enthusiasts thundered from within the jammed stands, the stamping of feet, the clapping of hands, all performed to spur on their favoured contender. The challengers, or their reigning champion for the evening: Ash Ketchum.

Faultlessly following a perfectly coordinated command, Ash's Sceptile transitioned from a twirling Leaf Blade that slashed the opposing Araquanid onto its side to a Leaf Storm that acted like a lasso, lifting Araquanid then slamming it onto the canvas. Sceptile was relaxed while he moved. His movements were practised. The crowd roared as yet again Ash's winning streak rose by one.

Quickly consulting Clemont, his analyst on the bench, Ash switched out Sceptile for Heracross, transferred the wristband Sceptile had worn to him and returned to the ring.

A Pokémon named Toxapex was Heracross' first opponent; it quickly became his first victim via an Endure-Focus Punch combo – Ash decided to practice varying his battling with some old moves. A Gumshoos was next. It fell to a spectacular, gliding stab of Megahorn.

When Heracross became tired, Ash swapped in Staraptor. Infernape was next, then Noivern. Pikachu was Ash's choice to round off his fantastic stint. Throughout the evening, Ash thought he had never battled better.

Pikachu, his sight obscured by a splatter of mud sustained from a previous scuffle, bobbed around the rapid, repetitive lunges of a Toucannon to Ash's careful instruction. Following his final fleet-footed manoeuvre, Pikachu gyrated once in a circle, slashing Toucannon with his glinting tail. Iron Tail connected perfectly despite his impaired vision, more masterful instructing on Ash's part, a play that gained another roar from the Battle Royal's crowd.

The Toucannon bounced on the canvas of the ring, dazed for a moment, then swooped back into the air shaking its head as if to clear a fogginess. Expertly and of his own volition, Pikachu unleashed a Thunderbolt. The Toucannon didn't see it coming; the blindly shot Thunderbolt connected, and Toucannon dropped onto the canvas, unconscious.

The cheering in the stands peaking, Ash congratulated Pikachu, cleaned his face with a rag, and placed him on his shoulder. He headed back to the bench Clemont occupied beyond the ropes, glancing at the wristband Pikachu wore and the identical one on his arm.

They were for the Battle Pulse Meter V2. Finally, with the chaos complicating his life sedated for now and Kiawe's troubles soothed, and as a momentary pause in his Island Challenge, Ash had asked Clemont to test out his invention the previous day. After an initial precarious test to determine if they were a success or a failure – if they would explode in his face or not – and the confirmation that they were indeed a success, the pair headed to the Battle Royal Dome on Sunday.

"Well done, Ash," Clemont said, setting aside his laptop beside the Clembot Mimi, which displayed the Battle Pulse Meter V2's data via a projected screen from its eyes.

"Thanks," Ash replied. "How are the results looking?"

"It's as we suspected," Clemont said, gesturing the blue projection.

Ash looked over Clemont's shoulder. On the screen, two lines were displayed in graph formats. One denoted the readings received from the band Ash wore on his right wrist, and the second showed Pikachu's readings before he removed it. It was just like the previous version of the wristbands.

"It's like the phenomenon we saw in Greninja. All of your older Pokémon's – and some of your new ones' – brain waves and heart rates are closer to your own than that of a Pokémon you have recently encountered. As an example, Bagon – a Pokémon that you're relatively new to – has a completely different reading, what I would consider normal. The rest of your Pokémon's readings, at rest, are closer to your own," Clemont explained.

"So that confirms it: this ability I have that enables me to… connect to Pokémon more clearly is some sort of variation of the Bond Phenomenon."

"Yep. It took us two days to test all of your Pokémon thoroughly, but we've confirmed it. Although, it's different from the situation with Greninja. It's like an evolution of it."

"Right. Greninja and I only synchronised in battle before," Ash recalled.

"Correct. Now, it's happening outside of battle too. It's so interesting…"

"It sounds awesome!"

"Pikachu's natural data seems especially close to your own, and while battling it gets even closer. That's not a huge surprise given everything you have been through together, but it does explain a few things."

"Like how I was able to pull off a Z-Move, which relies on bonds and synchronisation, almost immediately and without having to do the movements?" Ash deduced.

"Exactly. There's something else, too," Clemont said. He pressed a few buttons, and the projection changed. Given the Pokédex-style pictures of either Pokémon in the top corners, Ash guessed the new graphs showed the data for Bagon and Rockruff.

"If we compare Rockruff and Bagon's data, you can really see the change." Clemont followed the curve of the graphs with his fingers. "You know this, but these curves show a mixture of brain waves, heart rates, and synchronisation. I've deduced an approximated threshold of how deep your bond needs to be to see changes. This point here," Clemont said, indicating two dotted red lines cutting horizontally across the curves.

"So Rockruff's readings are within the threshold and Bagon's are outside of it," Ash said.

"Yep. I think that's why you can feel their meaning when they communicate. This unique bond phenomenon brings your hearts closer together – which we know because of Greninja, and Infernape in a way – and thus some sort of invisible understanding exists between you. It's only a hypothesis, but that is what I have deduced."

"Wow… It's probably gotten old by this point, but all I can say is science is so amazing."

"Indeed, it is," Clemont said, smiling.

"What next?" Ash asked spiritedly. During the development and unfolding of his unique experience with Greninja, he had constantly anticipated and enjoyed discovering everything. That enthusiasm and curiosity hit him again like a Giga Impact.

"What next indeed!" Clemont said, sliding his glasses into place, smirking. "As with science, we have to keep investigating, keep discovering new possibilities. I say we continue battling."

Ash wanted to, but he took one look at his Pokémon and decided against it. They looked exhausted. "Maybe another day."

"Of course."

Even so, the night had been a huge success. It was fun, too, even though a fair number of his opponents weren't that strong. Most were confident members of the audience fancying their chances rather than some of the more seasoned battlers known by aliases such as this Royal Mask – someone that the crowd kept mentioning, arguing who would win should he and Ash battle. There were some tough battles, though.

As Ash started packing up – the sweat on his hands and forehead suddenly feeling more prominent – and Clemont stowed Clembot Mini in his backpack, Professor Kukui appeared. He weaved through the crowd, greeting them with a friendly wave.

"Excellent battling tonight, Ash," Kukui said, the ever-present grin sculpted onto his expression shining. "I've been watching all night. You got them chanting for an Encore!"

"Thanks, Professor," Ash said gratefully. "What brings you here?"

"You heard about Royal Mask yet?" Kukui asked.

"In brief, yes," Clemont answered. "I've overheard people talking about him. Supposedly he's the strongest trainer to ever take part in the Battle Royal."

"That's how the rumours go, cousin!" Kukui said, folding his arms over his chest. "He's having a few battles later tonight."

Ash scanned the crowd, which looked excitably restless. "That must be why it's so packed in here. Are you a fan, Professor?" Ash asked.

"Eh, something like that, yeah. But don't be writing yourself off, Ash. A lot of 'em are here for you, y'know. I heard talk in Heahea of a guy beating people with some foreign Pokémon and I knew I had to come," he answered.

"They're talking about me?"

"Heh, you may be stronger than Royal Mask," Kukui said.

"If he's that strong, I'd love to battle him!" Ash said.

"Maybe you can tonight."

He wanted to, but Ash knew his Pokémon were exhausted. A serious battle as that wasn't a good idea. Plus, relaxation tugged at his sleeve, too.

"Ah, maybe another time," Ash told Kukui, "My Pokémon are tired."

Kukui chuckled. "Sure thing. I guess I'll see you later then, Ash, Clemont," he said. With a wave, Kukui turned and ambled toward the pathway to the lobby. He turned at the last moment. "Oh, Ash. Your older Pokémon sure are something special. I'd love to see you battling super seriously some time. It'd be a real Astonish."

"Thanks, Professor! Sure thing!" Ash called out, waving to him. Kukui reciprocated over his shoulder and left the ring area. Soon after, Ash and Clemont headed for the lobby themselves, clapped out by the thoroughly entertained crowd. It was stuffy inside, warm, so finally leaving was a huge relief.

It took about fifteen minutes for the pair to leave Royal Avenue itself. A hoard of amazed supporters pounced on them in the lobby; another group attacked them outside the door.

Those that were merely fans bombarded Ash with praise and requests to see him battling again. Those that were keen Battle Royal participants asked him how his Pokémon became so strong, and how they could improve themselves.

Clemont received his fair share of attention too. The fans asked if he was Ash's tech assistant or work partner, and those more technically minded questioned the purpose and specifications of the devices they had seen him working with earlier. Clemont answered them all with elated, jittery professionalism and without revealing anything about the true nature of the experiments. Seeing Clemont receive such attention and praise made Ash grin. He thoroughly deserved it.

"T-That was crazy! Was that what it was like after the Kalos League?!" Clemont breathlessly asked when they finally reached the route outside. He plonked himself on the grass beneath a tree, breathing deeply.

"It was worse," Ash said, laughing. He sat beside Clemont. "But it feels amazing to have so many people as interested in Pokémon battling as I am asking me questions and for advice."

"It does! I can't believe so many people wanted to know about my inventions!"

"Besides me?"

Clemont chuckled, pushing up his askew glasses again. "Yes, besides you."

"Thanks for making those bands though, Clemont. I finally have some sort of idea what's going on. I'm interested to see where this goes."

"Not a problem, Ash. I'll continue helping you however I can. I'm just as interested as you are," Clemont answered. "In fact–"

But Clemont didn't get to his point. A loud voice punctured the route's quiet, interrupting him.

"Are you even taking this seriously?!"

Ash looked up quickly, surprised by the harsh remark. He curiously scanned the courtyard for a moment, his eyes finding two familiar figures. One more familiar than the other.

Hau was stood across the route, his arms slung behind his head and a grin on his face. Unusually, however, his grin looked awkward, and Ash guessed it was because of the person opposite him. It was the blonde boy dressed all in black that Ash had briefly met in the Battle Royal Dome, the boy with the Umbreon and the bad attitude.

Ash shared a glance with Clemont, who shrugged. Curious as to the development and a little annoyed that someone was yelling at his friend, Ash made his way towards the confrontation, Clemont following behind.

"I am! I'm seriously enjoying it! Haha!" Hau chuckled, though his cheeky grin faltered under the blonde boy's intensity.

"…Enjoying it? Seriously?" the boy muttered darkly. "You can enjoy Pokémon battling when you put everything you have into it. You can enjoy it when you have no other reason to battle but for fun. For me…" the boy trailed off into a sigh. He shook his head. "You're clearly not putting everything into it."

"What're you saying?" Hau asked.

Ash decided that was the best time to intervene. Hau's cheery expression had fallen, and his voice's enthusiasm had waned.

"Hey, Hau," Ash announced himself.

Hau glanced up, his expression reigniting. The blonde-haired boy spun around, his brows rising as he took in Ash with his eyes, then Clemont behind him. His gaze was a perfect blend between a Mean Look and Miracle Eye as if he were trying to intimidate Ash's thoughts and personality out of him.

"Woah! Hey, Ash, Clemont! This guy's plenty scary! I lost to him in a battle good and proper," Hau said.

"…So, your name's Ash?" the boy asked, his focused gaze unrelenting.

"Yeah," Ash said, nodding politely. "Nice to meet you. We talked a little bit before, right?"

The boy in black nodded. "…Hmph. You're not very cautious for such a strong battler. Some Pokémon have a better sense of self-preservation than you appear to."

"Uhh…" Ash muttered. He glanced at Hau. He shrugged, shaking his head. "What have I got to be cautious of?"

"…You wouldn't understand," the mysterious boy said, casting a fleeting forlorn glance to the absolute nothingness beyond Ash's shoulder. "My name's Gladion. I've seen you battle a few times."

"Oooh, what did you think?" Hau interrupted. "He's great, right?"

The boy named Gladion glared at Hau, sighed, and looked back to Ash. "Battle me. I won't take no for an answer."

"Uhh," Ash replied confusedly. He wanted to relax, but when he looked to Pikachu's grin, he decided one final battle wouldn't hurt. "Sure. You don't have to be so… dramatic about challenging me, you know."

Gladion huffed. "I'm not being dramatic. I'm training to get stronger, so I'm challenging all of the strong trainers I can. My team and I… We have to get stronger!"

Gladion's conviction struck a particular notion in Ash's mind. There was something in Gladion's serious, resolute emerald eyes that made Ash simply understand. It was a message that needed no explanation: he had a real reason to want to get stronger. A true desire. Ash could whole-heartedly understand that feeling.

There was something about Gladion, however, that made Ash curious: his blonde hair and emerald eyes. They looked familiar.

"I think I get it," Ash said, nodding. "Let's do it."

Gladion looked surprised. "Hmph. Looks like you're more understanding than I thought. Follow me."

As they set off after the mysterious teen, Ash caught sight of Hau and Clemont exchanging a questioning look and a half-hearted shrug.

Gladion led Ash a short way along the route to a pathway between some trees. On the other side of the path was a secluded opening shy of the public eye, perfect for a battle.

"Here. So nobody can interrupt," Gladion explained, taking his position on the opposite side of the glade. Ash took his position, and Clemont and Hau moved to the outer trees. "One-on-one battle. Choose one of your strong Pokémon."

Ash frowned. Gladion's wording sounded belittling, aggressively so. He swore he saw Gladion's eyes falling on Pikachu as he said it, too. A twinge of annoyance bothered Ash's mind. That judgement didn't sit right with him. Not at all.

"Pikachu, let's do this!" Ash said, and Pikachu leapt onto the makeshift battlefield, pouches sparking and ready. He seemed to have caught Gladion's subtle scorn too.

Gladion frowned. It was a simple gesture, one that heightened Ash's annoyance by a second stage. He could tell Pikachu felt the same.

"…Whatever. Umbreon, you're up." Gladion threw a Pokéball out with surprising enthusiasm and his Umbreon appeared. Ash could have laughed for a split second – the glare in Umbreon's eyes as it manifested made the pair look identical.

"Both sides ready?" Clemont asked, stepping forward. Gladion flicked his eyes at Clemont, nodding. Ash did the same. "Then… begin!"

"Umbreon, Dark Pulse!" Gladion commanded immediately, theatrically swinging his arm out. His command was loud, full of effort. Ash could tell from something as simple as that how serious he was, even if his enthusiastic movements were a betrayal to his personality.

"Pikachu, counter it with Electro Ball," Ash called. Pikachu darted at the swirling black circles, tossing the Electro Ball into the path. He kept running onwards, the connection of the moves exploding into smoke. "Alright, use the smoke as a cover and get ready!"

"Umbreon, get in close, don't let it hide!" Gladion shouted. Umbreon obeyed, but Pikachu out sped it and ducked into cover.

"Pikachu, Volt Tackle!"

"Umbreon dodge!" Gladion cried. Again, he was too slow, too vulnerable so close to the smoke. A blade of lightning split the cloud in two and Pikachu bolted out, colliding with Umbreon's side, knocking it flying backwards. As he often did after the connection, Pikachu flipped once, de-charging as he did, and landed safely on his paws. He winced a little at the recoil effect.

"Nice work, buddy," Ash called out.

"Tsk. Umbreon, you ready to go?" Gladion asked, and he received a strong-willed response. "Alright, Shadow Ball, then run in!"

"Knock it aside with Iron Tail!" Ash said. Pikachu effortlessly slapped away the speedy Shadow Ball, but Umbreon had closed in with a surprising burst that defied its earlier sluggishness.

"Iron Tail!" Gladion shouted. Umbreon slid in low on its paws and swivelled, slapping Pikachu across the back with its steeled tail. Pikachu slid into the ground head-first but quickly corrected his stance by rolling across his side. Unfortunately, Gladion commanded a follow-up Dark Pulse that at near-point-blank range allowed no time for Pikachu to dodge or block.

"Electro Ball above you!" Ash called as Pikachu was launched into the air. Pikachu obeyed, sending Electro Ball upwards in line with his current trajectory.

"Shadow Ball!" Gladion called, and his Umbreon hurled another ball of swirling darkness at Pikachu's tumbling figure.

"Iron Tail!"

For a moment, gyrating so quickly with his tail glinting silver, Pikachu looked to be using Gyro Ball. The Shadow Ball practically bounced off his spinning shield. Pikachu began to slow to a more stable upright position.

"Prepare Volt Tackle, Pikachu!" Ash said, keeping his eyes focused on the falling Electro Ball. Once more, Pikachu's body sparked to life, and he too began to descend. Ash kept watching the ball though, which had gained a faster momentum than Pikachu since it had started falling first.

"Umbreon, Shadow Ball again!" Gladion called.

"Now! Push off the Electro Ball with Volt Tackle!" Ash commanded as the Electro Ball and Pikachu aligned.

Suddenly, something happened. As Pikachu's paws touched the Electro Ball, Ash felt something inside him simply change. As if his heart changed. Fast as a blink, he felt like he was in the battle. He could feel the intensity. He could feel the exertion. His body was trembling. He could feel the battle. He smiled automatically, focusing even harder.

Pikachu sprung from the ball of electricity – kicking it into a nearby tree – and darted down at Umbreon who was righting itself again after tossing its Shadow Ball, which Pikachu simply smashed through, unfazed.

"Quick, block it with Iron Tail!" Gladion called. As Ash often had Pikachu do, Umbreon swung its tail by its side, used Iron Tail, and held it there as a shield.

Pikachu clattered into the Iron Tail. Though Umbreon skidded back along the ground, the angle at which it stood made it parry Pikachu's attack. Pikachu slid across the metal, sending sparks into the air. He discharged the electricity from his Volt Tackle at the same time he landed and spun around to face Umbreon.

"Iron Tail!" Gladion commanded again. Umbreon swung its tail back around, aiming for Pikachu's head. Pikachu instinctively dropped to all fours and retreated.

"Iron Tail!" Ash called too. Pikachu swiped for Umbreon's feet, knocking them from under it; Umbreon then caught Pikachu on the head with its tail.

The two Pokémon skidded apart, but not for long. Seconds later, they were clashing their tails like swords. When Pikachu swiped left, Umbreon countered, and when Umbreon swung right, Pikachu parried. They traded hits for a while, but it soon became apparent that Pikachu's attacks packed more punch, that his endurance was higher. Umbreon began to get sluggish, its tail swings lethargic. When Umbreon swung too slowly, Pikachu readied himself to counter.

"Pikachu, generate Electro Ball then swing!" Ash commanded. He leant forward instinctively; an action that made him quickly realise that his body ached.

When Pikachu hit Umbreon's tail, the prepped Electro Ball exploded, knocking them apart from the force of the blast.

"Umbreon! Twist and use Dark Pulse!" Gladion called. It was a frantic move given how wildly inaccurate the Dark Pulse ended up – pulses of black rings shot off in multiple directions rather than one straight beam – but Umbreon scored a few lucky scrapes on Pikachu. It was nothing major, however, and firing from such a slumped position on the floor left Umbreon vulnerable.

"Pikachu, Volt Tackle one more time!" Ash called, but Pikachu was already going, and Ash knew he was moving before he noticed it. He could feel it, exactly as he had felt Greninja's movements in the past. He felt like he was running.

Umbreon was unable to dodge nor block, so the hit was direct. Once more, Pikachu bounced back off of Umbreon, flipping in the air to right himself. This time, however, he sprung up a lot higher, and Ash already knew how Pikachu wanted to end the battle, and it was the exact idea he had himself.

"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!" Ash shouted.

Pikachu yelled out, covering himself in an aura of lightning. He unleashed the Thunderbolt after a moment, and the large, forked bolt crashed into Umbreon on the ground. Ash watched it go, feeling as if he had unleashed the move for some odd reason. And, even stranger still, he swore he saw, amongst the usual yellow threads of lightning, a red glow.

Sure enough, after the attack exploded and the dust settled, and Pikachu returned to the ground, proudly stood on all fours, Umbreon was unable to battle. Clemont called it, and Ash released a sigh, smiling.

Out of nowhere, Ash suddenly, bizarrely, felt his whole chest decompress, drop. It was as if he became disconnected from something. Then he realised that he was breathing heavier than usual and that he felt tired. It was as if he had been running around himself. And his body ached and trembled even more.

Shaking his head to clear the strange tiredness, Ash glanced at Gladion. His hands were clenched into fists, his eyes flicking between Ash and Pikachu. Ash saw Gladion grab for another Pokéball on his belt – a Premier Ball if he saw correctly. He held it tight, then relinquished it and sighed. He approached his Umbreon instead, stroked its back.

"You fought well. We will have to do a bit more training," Gladion said rather kindly for his so far edgy persona.

After returning Umbreon, Gladion stood and approached Ash. But before that, Ash swore he heard him mutter 'How annoying…'.

"I appreciate the battle," Gladion said, nodding at Ash. "It looks like I've got to keep fighting stronger opponents. It looks like I'm still not ready…"

"Ready for…?" Ash asked.

Gladion shook his head. "It doesn't matter. You wouldn't understand. You fought me seriously and that's all that matters." He turned to look at Hau. "That kid there."

"Hau," Hau introduced himself.

"His Pokémon aren't weak. And sure, it's fine to enjoy battling, but he's not giving it his all…"

"You could just talk to him, you know," Ash said.

Gladion sighed, turning back to Hau again. "You can't truly enjoy battling if you don't give it your all. Our battle earlier… You were half-hearted. You're good, but you don't have the mindset for getting stronger right now."

"Huh? Wait, so you're saying that I'm strong?" Hau obliviously asked, grinning away as usual. Ash had to sigh. He and Gladion did so in unison.

Gladion turned back to Ash. "I want to battle you again when I've gotten stronger. You won't win then."

Ash nodded, putting out his hand. "I look forward to it."

Gladion simply nodded and walked away, nudging through the brush; elsewhere, another bush rustled. Ash watched him go, dropping his hand. And it was only then that he realised why his blonde hair and emerald eyes looked familiar.

Lillie.

"Well, that was kinda rude… He's a serious one, huh?" Hau said.

"Yeah… Weird," Ash said. "He was good, though. And with how seriously he wants to get stronger, I imagine he'll only get better."

"Ash, you need to look at this," Clemont said suddenly, stepping up on his right side.

Ash glanced at Clemont, who was holding his Clembot Mini to display some readings. They were readings taken from the wristbands for the battle – Ash had completely forgotten that he was wearing them.

He studied the projected graph: it showed his and Pikachu's readings overlapping exactly. From the timings listed, though, it seemed to only occur for a few scattered moments.

"Eh? What's all this?" Hau asked.

"It's a set of data that analysed the last battle," Clemont answered in short, keeping the nature of their experiment a secret, which Ash appreciated.

"Huh… What does it all mean?" Hau asked.

Ash considered the results and thought back to the red glow he swore he saw. "I don't know."

He couldn't understand how he lost. No. That wasn't it. What Gladion couldn't understand, and he knew he wouldn't even if the knowledge would save his life, was how the boy named Ash and his Pikachu were so strong. He had been watching in the Battle Royal Dome for a long portion of the evening. He had seen how long Ash had been battling, how many different Pokémon his Pikachu defeated. Sure, a number of them were weak, but a Pikachu shouldn't be so strong. He just didn't understand how even he lost, especially given that exhaustion.

Gladion sighed aloud, looking upwards. He stopped walking outside of a large, grey, metal-walled warehouse, the scent of the sea breeze blocking his nose. The familiar scuffed metal of the shutter fell in his gaze, then the logo spray-painted on the left wall facing out to sea. The Team Skull logo.

Gladion hesitated before entering. He didn't want to do this, but he had no other choice.

It was almost barren inside, held up all over by girders. It was dark, too, especially in the evening, though some light leaked in through holes in and under the walls. There were boxes strewn around, upon which sat too many punk-looking kids wearing the Team Skull tank tops, shorts, tracksuits, and hats. In the centre of the room, one large rug overflowed with miscellaneous items rested, from which some people were picking. Unlike outside, a foul stench of grime and dirt drifted through the room.

Silently even though all eyes fell on him and the loud chatter hushed, Gladion trudged into the warehouse and to the rug. He knelt, scanned, and picked out an assortment of food: apples, some berries, some bread too. He stowed it away in his front hoodie pocket and took two bottles of water.

"Woah, woah, whaddya think yer doin'?" a voice suddenly asked.

Annoyed, Gladion sighed and rose to his feet. "What does it look like?" he asked the girl.

"Yer not one of us. Ya just free-load and step in when ya feel like it," the girl replied.

"And?"

"Huh?! Yer lucky we're so generous."

"You know, you act cool, but you're pretty uncool, Gladion," another boy chipped in.

"…What?" Gladion asked, glaring.

"Yeah. Losin' that battle earlier then praisin' 'em. I saw it. I guess it's no wonder a homeless kid has no backbone. That you're so uncool. Don't worry, we've got enough swagger to–"

"Shut it," a stern female voice barked from the back of the room. A taller girl stepped forwards, glaring at the two mouthy grunts.

Gladion knew her. Her name was Plumeria. Seen as a leader within Team Skull's shambled crew, she was a slim girl with a hard, intimidating face. She had pink hair tied into four twin tails – two on each side of her head – two of which were yellow. She wore low-rise black joggers, purple and white sneakers, and a black crop-top with two staps forming an X over her stomach, on which was a pink tattoo of the Team Skull logo. Around her neck was a chain neckless with another logo.

"We don't kick people out because of that. Remember, he's strugglin', just like the rest of us. Doesn't matter what he does. Hell, the boss likes him. He must've done somethin' good, right? So, leave it. We don't condemn people like us. Besides, we gotta discuss those police officers crackin' down on us," Plumeria said.

"Hmph. I'm not like you," Gladion argued.

"You want me to take that back?" Plumeria snapped, her white-lined, black-shadowed yellow eyes sharpening.

Gladion said nothing. He turned around and marched out of the warehouse. He didn't like going there. That way of life wasn't for him.

But he had to. Without being registered as a proper trainer, he couldn't earn money from battling, and living on your own was hard without any income. Foraging the forests was fine, but he couldn't do it all the time. Besides, all it took was being their muscle and he was allowed in on their takings. It wasn't a bad deal, especially because he couldn't register as a proper trainer. Registering required them noting down all of your Pokémon. And he couldn't let them see his.

But it was fine. He didn't need much. All he needed was to stay alive at the moment. Because all he had to do was get strong enough to complete his goal. Then, everything would change.

Even after returning to the Pokémon Centre for the night, it was a while before Ash headed to his room. Upon his return, he chatted with Mallow for a while about his and her day, he checked in on Kiawe who was training in the yard outside, the firelight of his Turtonator's Flamethrower lighting up the windows. After talking with the others too – and planning with Brock to explore the next route tomorrow – Ash headed to his room.

It was a little before eleven, so he was tired, but that wasn't the whole reason. It was Lillie. She wasn't downstairs with the rest of them, and with how he was already worried about her, he wanted to see if she was alright. He gently knocked when he reached his room.

"Come in," Lillie said from the other side.

Lillie was sat on her bed in her nightie when he entered, a book in her hands. She smiled his way, resting her book on the bedside table.

"Hey, Lillie. Are you alright?" Ash asked after closing the door.

"I'm…" Lillie began. She paused for a worrying period of time, in Ash's opinion. "Yes. I'm ok. I'm just a little… sad."

"How come?"

"I can't even hug my Pokémon egg. I've been trying but… I was able to touch Pikachu, so why can't I do this? It feels like it's getting harder… Like I'm going backwards."

Ash felt like there was more to that statement. Because of her hesitance, it seemed as if Lillie was holding something back, but he didn't pry.

"I see… Do you want to give it another go now? I'll help you out if you want," Ash said.

"A-Are you sure?" Ash nodded. "Yes, ok. Thank you, Ash."

"No worries. Just let me get changed," he said.

As Ash was changing, he reflected on his day. On his battles, his wins, on Gladion, and he suddenly recalled the familiarity between Gladion and Lillie's features.

"Lillie?"

"Yes?" Lillie called from the room.

"This is random, but do you have any siblings?"

Again, a pause came before Lillie's response. Ash frowned to his reflection in the mirror.

"Yes, I have. Why?" Lillie finally responded.

"Oh, well, I met this boy today – well, I met him before, but I battled him today. His name was Gladion and his features kind of reminded me of yours. Blonde hair, emerald eyes… Could he be your brother?" Ash asked as he exited the bathroom. He stopped outside the door because Lillie's expression had fallen yet again.

"Y-Yes… That probably is my brother," she said.

"Huh. What're the chances of that? If you want to see him, I can probably find him again–"

"Um… You d-don't have to trouble yourself, Ash."

"Uhh sure…" Ash said slowly. Once again, Lillie looked like there was more that she wanted to say. If Ash was inferring correctly, though, it seemed she didn't want to see Gladion.

Ash didn't say anything more on the subject as he helped her with her phobia until they decided to sleep, which raised her mood, but he was growing increasingly worried about her. Even more so than before.

Hallo!

It's a longer chapter today, but there were a number of things that I wanted to add into this one, so there ya go!

My uploading is a bit random in terms of week, so sorry about that! As an aside, I always make a point of getting chapters out on a Monday, so that's some sort of structure... right?

Well, I hope you enjoy this chapter! Thanks for reading!