Sorry for the super long update. Hectic week.

Enjoy the story

Ash looked at the building. Rustboro gym. This would be his first Hoenn gym battle. Ash glanced at Pikachu. Ash felt extremely nervous, but Pikachu seemed to radiate confidence and eagerness. Ash smiled, and asked, "Ready to truly start Hoenn?"

Pikachu shoved a fist in the air and called loudly in anticipation. Ash smiled before looking at the gym again. He took a deep breath before yelling, "My name is Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, and I am here to challenge this gym to a battle." His voice echoed through the building.

It only took a second before the doors opened on their own accord. Ash paused for a second before walking into the gym. After the gates was a small walk until he stood in front of the small set of doors to the battlefield. Ash took another deep breath before confidently throwing open the doors. He walked into a clearly rock type battlefield.

Ash quickly scanned the area. There were an unusually high amount of people present. Ash was immediately able to pick out the gym leader. Roxanne was dressed in a blue dress with pink tights. Her brown hair was in two ponytails. Behind her were two others who looked to be maintenance men. They looked to be setting up a camera, and there were also a dozen or so kids in the seats.

Roxanne walked up and put out a hand before informing him, "Hello, Ash. I'm Roxanne the Rustboro gym leader. We got the message from Nurse Joy that you would be challenging today, and when we heard we would be having such a qualified trainer, we got sort of excited. It isn't often that we get trainers who come in the top eight of the Silver Conference. We were hoping that you wouldn't mind if we had an audience and recorded the match to show my students. I think it could be a highly educational experience."

Ash shook her hand as he studied her closer. He'd never been asked something like that. She seemed sincere so Ash smiled before stating cockily, "Sure, if you don't mind having your students watching you lose."

Roxanne grinned as she replied, "Don't count your badges yet. I'll be using my two strongest pokemon for this battle. I don't get the chance too often to go all out. I usually get the beginners here."

A few more jabs were exchanged before the two found themselves on opposite sides of the battlefield. The referee quickly announced that it would be a two on two. Only Ash would be allowed to switch pokemon. The typical gym rules.

Ash watched as Roxanne released a Geodude. The pokemon smashed a couple hands into the ground. Ash felt the vibrations and knew this was a powerful pokemon. Ash lifted a poke ball and threw it as he yelled, "I'm relying on you Mudkip."

Mudkip appeared on the battlefield. The energetic pokemon caught onto the atmosphere and grew serious as he faced his foe. Roxanne and her Geodude scrutinized Mudkip. She finally claimed, "I'm disappointed Ash. Such an obvious pokemon. Geodude has battled dozens of Mudkip, and you don't stand a chance."

Ash shrugged and grinned before informing her, "You act as if I'm another beginner. Mudkip may be young, but I've worked with him. We always stand a chance." Ash didn't give her a chance to reply as he ordered, "Mudkip, start with Mud-Slap."

Mudkip gave a cry as he squirt some water on the ground before scooping up some of the mud and flinging it at Geodude. Roxanne quickly countered, "Rollout." Geodude started rolling at an amazing speed. The mud glanced off before Geodude moved at Mudkip. Mudkip got hit with the attack, and got flung back. Mudkip quickly got up with a determined face. The attack was not effective, but the next ones would pack much more power.

Ash saw Geodude moving at Mudkip again. Ash quickly called, "Water Gun." Mudkip shot the water, but Geodude moved straight through the stream to connect with Mudkip again. Mudkip got tossed farther back this time, and clearly took longer to get up. Geodude was still rolling and once again Roxanne ordered for a Rollout. Ash quickly thought. Rollout was both a shield and attack. The fast spinning protected Geodude from all, but the strongest attacks, and Mudkip didn't have anywhere near the power needed. They needed to slow the Rollout. Ash ordered, "Use Water Gun on the dirt between you and Geodude."

Geodude shot forward as Mudkip wet the dirt. It was too late for Roxanne to order against it, and she bit her lip as she hoped that there wasn't enough space. Geodude easily sped through the first patch of wet dirt, but Ash clearly saw the mud was slowing Geodude. Ash waited until Geodude was moving at his slowest just feet from Mudkip before yelling, "Use Water Gun at full power."

Mudkip let out the burst of water. Between the slowed Rollout, and the increased power of the Water Gun, Geodude let out a cry as it was stuck rolling in midair. Geodude was spinning in midair for several moments before the Water Gun finally pushed Geodude back. Geodude was flung back with a grunt of pain.

Roxanne didn't wait before ordering, "Mega Punch." Geodude sprang into action and smashed a glowing fist into Mudkip. Mudkip got launched high into the air with a pained cry reverberating through the arena. Ash watched in horror as Mudkip landed painfully on the ground. Mudkip turned to him clutching the top of his head while crying(anime style). Roxanne didn't have any mercy though and ordered, "Geodude, finish this up with another Rollout."

Ash immediately got an idea and ordered, "Mudkip, use another Water Gun, but aim it at the right side of Geodude." Mudkip nodded before following his orders. Mudkip shot the attack, but it didn't seem to affect Geodue. Roxanne was grinning triumphantly, but her face fell as the attack took effect. Geodude's Rollout completely changed direction. Geodude now turned to the right and smashed straight into a rock. Dust covered the area.

Roxanne ordered, "Rock Throw." A large rock got shot out from the dust.

Ash yelled, "Dodge it and use Mud-Slap." Mudkip jumped to the side. Mudkip was completely into the spirit of the gym battle now. Any weakness shown earlier was gone. Mudkip then swiped at the mud from earlier. Geodude appeared only to get a blast of dirt in its face. Geodude grunted in pain and discomfort as it swiped at its eyes. The dirt had gotten into Geodude's eyes. Ash now yelled triumphantly, "Finish this with a Water Gun."

"Geodude."

The attack connected, but it didn't affect Geodude who started glowing. Geodude started to glow white as it increased in size. Ash cursed as Roxanne watched in fascination as her Geodude evolved into a Graveler. The newly evolved pokemon let out a grunt as it pounded the ground. Mudkip still looked determined, but Ash saw that this match was over. Geodude had been strong enough, and it had taken a lot of work to be close to finishing it. Graveler looked pretty fresh, and was no doubt stronger.

"Mudkip, use Water Gun again."

"Go through it and use Mega Punch."

Mudkip launched the attack, but Graveler literally went through the water before slamming the fist into Mudkip. Mudkip flew straight back before smashing through a rock. Ash ran forward to catch the limp Mudkip in his arms. Mudkip looked up at him weakly before going limp again. Ash gasped.

"Mudkip is unable to continue. The challenger must send out his next pokemon." The referee announced.

Ash returned Mudkip as he said softly, "You did amazing. You would have won if not for that surprise." Ash then looked at Roxanne and announced, "My last pokemon will be Pikachu." Pikachu jumped onto the field eagerly.

Roxanne looked surprised and stated, "I won't berate your choice, after all your Mudkip would have won if not for Geodude evolving, but are you sure you want to use Pikachu."

Ash quickly claimed, "Technically I might have better choices, but Pikachu is my buddy. He'll get it done."

Roxanne nodded before yelling, "Graveler, use Rollout." Graveler started heading towards Pikachu. Pikachu calmly awaited orders.

Ash commanded calmly, "Use Dig to dodge, and keep it up." Pikachu disappeared underground and Graveler swerved to avoid the hole. Pikachu popped up a good distance away, and Graveler immediately started rolling towards Pikachu again.

This repeated several times, and Roxanne looked confused as Ash smirked. Pikachu was creating an entire network of tunnels underground. Roxanne finally yelled, "I don't know what you are doing, but this is fine. Rollout is just getting stronger."

Ash watched emotionlessly before announcing, "You think I didn't know that. The dangerous part of a battle is what you don't know. I would prefer knowing my opponents advantage to being forced to wait for my opponents strategy to play out." Ash let the words sink in before ordering, "Pikachu, that is enough."

Pikachu popped out of the whole and calmly looked at the speeding Graveler. Right before Graveler's Rollout connected, Ash ordered simply, "Dodge it." Pikachu jumped right above Graveler, and suddenly Graveler was launched into the air. Graveler had hit one of the holes and got thrown into the air. Ash now yelled, "Get above it and use Iron Tail."

Pikachu jumped right above the helpless pokemon and slammed a glowing tail into its body. Graveler got launched downward with a cry before landing in one of the holes. A ominous thunk went through the arena as Graveler was stopped instantly. Graveler was unconscious as its body was stuck in the opening.

Roxanne gaped in shock before exclaiming, "One shot. How? Graveler was fresh from evolving and…Oh." A look of understanding came over her face as she explained to herself, "After Graveler was in the air, hitting him into a hole increased the impact. After an object is hit, the momentum is usually spread through a layer of cushioning. While usually a pokemon would bounce and slide through the dirt, Graveler was stopped in one moment when he was wedged into the hole. This increased the damage. Impressive, using holes to launch Graveler into the air."

Ash raised a finger as he pointed out confidently, "Not only that. The holes are far more useful. I thought of the idea specifically for rock types. Look at the field and how Dig affected it." Ash watched as Roxanne looked through the field. Finally he saw the realization hit her, so he explained, "I created obstacles. Rock types are extremely slow, but they are able to gather great momentum. By using Dig, I created obstacles in the battlefield. Moves like Rollout will be diminished. They simply can't move with enough agility to keep up the momentum. Pikachu on the other hand, is perfectly fine. Pikachu can avoid these holes, and they provide him excellent cover. He can use the holes to hide from you as he sets up his attacks. This is both an offensive and defensive move."

"So why tell me?"

Ash smirked and shrugged before saying, "You said you were going to use your strongest pokemon today. I assume you had the two already picked out. I don't know whether this strategy will work on this pokemon, but I know you won't switch out your pokemon."

Roxanne smiled before grabbing a poke ball and releasing a Nosepass. Ash frowned as he thought of it. He remembered being interested by its uniqueness, and it didn't seem likely that this strategy would help him. Nosepass weren't known for moving much.

Roxanne started by ordering, "Nosepass, Rock Throw." Nosepass stomped on the ground to shoot a large rock in front of it, and then it ran into the rock, driving it forward. Pikachu lithely dodged the rock. Roxanne now yelled, "We'll have to make our attacks connect. Use Lock-On."

Ash's eyes widened. He'd just heard of this move. Now she had one shot that would definitely hit. Ash growled and yelled, "Get ready and counter." Pikachu nodded and waited.

Roxanne grinned mischievously and ordered, "Tackle attack." Nosepass started moving towards Pikachu, and Pikachu started preparing an Iron Tail. Roxanne grinned more, and Ash frowned as he tried to figure out what was going on. His eyes widened when Pikachu gave a cry as he got pulled into the air. Pikachu was flying straight towards Nosepass. Pikachu was completely disoriented and connected with Nosepass. Nosepass might not have been going fast, but Pikachu had. Smashing into such a large opponent made Pikachu give a howl of pain before smashing into a rock. The rock smashed and crashed around the limp form of Pikachu. Ash gasped in concern. One shot could have just gotten rid of Pikachu.

Ash watched as Pikachu slowly got to his sleep, but Ash saw that one shot was all that would be needed to finish it. He couldn't believe what had just happened. Roxanne explained, "Nosepass' magnet pull. It allows him to draw steel types closer. Even steel type moves."

Ash cursed. He didn't know about that ability. Despite checking and reading about Nosepass, he hadn't focused on that ability, and it had practically eliminated Pikachu. That attack had fatigued Pikachu, and now magnet pull took away Iron Tail. Now Pikachu was facing a rock type without the ability to use his only steel type move.

Ash ordered, "Use Dig. Be ready."

Pikachu nodded and jumped in one of the holes. Immediately Roxanne called, "Magnitude, Nosepass."

Ash growled as his suspicion was confirmed. He immediately yelled, "Use Quick Attack to get aboveground." Pikachu launched out of the hole with a white trail following. Pikachu launched into the air as vibrations shook the ground. Ash suddenly got an idea from something he had learned. Ash yelled, "Pikachu, use Iron Tail again." Roxanne scoffed, but Pikachu followed the orders and immediately got pulled towards Nosepass. Ash now yelled, "Stay in control, and use Iron Tail on Nosepass' nose."

Pikachu growled as he attempted to keep the concentration needed to use Iron Tail. Roxanne was too late, and Pikachu slammed the extra fast Iron Tail into the nose of his opponent. This was both a sensitive spot, and the source of Nosepass' magnetic ability. Hitting this would both hurt, and disorient Nosepass beyond repair. Nosepass gave a loud and echoing cry when it connected. Nosepass started to wobble unsteadily.

Ash saw a chance to finish it and commanded, "Grab on and use Thunder." Pikachu jumped onto Nosepass and gave a screech as he unleashed a huge amount of electricity on his opponent. Ash was forced to turn away from the light, but he let out a grin. A Thunder attack while holding an opponent would deal immense damage to any pokemon.

Ash heard a thunk. He looked up and saw Nosepass unconscious in the middle of the clearing created by Thunder. Pikachu was standing triumphantly on top of the rock type.

"Nosepass in unable to continue. Ash Ketchum and Pikachu are the winners," the referee announced.

Ash ran forward and grabbed Pikachu as he jumped in the air. He laughed from the giddiness overcoming him. Just two moves to finish Nosepass. Much different from the first match up. Ash frowned as he suddenly wondered whether he should use Pikachu in his next few gym battles. Pikachu was just so powerful. Ash shook his head as he continued to celebrate with Pikachu.

Roxanne walked up with a small smile. She announced sadly, "I guess I lost. That second match up was just so different. Your Pikachu is sure something to defeat Nosepass with such power. It was very impressive. You deserve this badge. I give you the Stone Badge."

Ash tried to grab the badge out of her hand, but Pikachu jumped forward and swiped it. Ash grinned as he remembered Pikachu's idea. Pikachu grinned and looked at him with the badge balanced on his tail. Ash nodded and Pikachu threw it at him. Ash moved and neatly caught it behind his back. He then held it out in front of him triumphantly as he exclaimed, "Alright, I got the Stone Badge." Pikachu balanced on his tail as he threw a tiny fist into the air.

Roxanne giggled at the cool and yet cute display by the maturing trainer.

Ash walked towards the mountain. His belt was slightly lighter. After his gym battle, he sent some pokemon to Professor Oak so that he could go catch some more. He currently had Pikachu, Torchic, Taillow, and Ralts on him. He figured he could catch any pokemon with that combination. He hoped to catch three or four before heading off towards the next gym.

Ash had easily defeated some of the young trainers who were common around here. Ash valued the battle experience they provided, even if they weren't of too good quality. Torchic and Ralts seemed particularly eager for the battling. Those two had an uncountable urge to battle and become stronger. The perfect pokemon Ash needed.

Ash stopped on top of a hill and scanned the area. He pulled out a poke ball and stated, "Taillow, I'll need your assistance. Fly around and check for the closest pokemon around." Taillow flew off.

Ash let Pikachu jump onto the ground before they walked to a cluster of trees. He saw some more Taillow and Zigzagoon, but he wasn't particularly interested. Pikachu climbed a tree to look around. Ash was leaning against the tree as he hoped for Taillow to return soon. He jumped when Pikachu cried in shock. Ash looked up to see Pikachu hanging onto a vine of the branch. He looked to be fine, but Ash's jaw dropped. That was a pokemon.

Pikachu had accidentally walked onto a pokemon hanging from the tree, clearly thinking it was a branch. Yet the pokemon hadn't yet moved. Ash pointed his pokedex, and it popped up a picture with information alongside it. A Slakoth. Ash scanned the information. It looked to be slow and lazy. Not particularly desirable, but then Ash saw its evolutions. His eyes widened as he saw it evolved into Vigoroth.

He looked up. He now had to catch it. Ash called Pikachu before exclaiming, "Torchic, I'll need your assistance." Torchic jumped excitedly as it looked for an opponent. Ash pointed up at Slakoth, who had yet to move. Torchic waited for its opponent to get ready, but Slakoth still stayed still. Torchic started to squeak in indignation. Torchic was angry enough to fire off an Ember already. Slakoth took the attack in the back without flinching. In fact, it didn't even seem to care about the attack. Torchic grew even angrier and went completely out of control. It jumped into the air and started using Peck on Slakoth. This time Slakoth stirred, but continued to sleep. Torchic now used Ember again. The attack didn't directly do much, but the attack caused the branch to break. Both fell to the ground. Torchic sprang up, still angry at being ignored. This time though, Slakoth rose too. It slowly turned and fixed a pissed stare on Torchic. Torchic froze in shock, and even Ash took a step back. This reminded him of when Snorlax got attacked by Harrison's Hypno while sleeping. They become mad. Slakoth sprang forward suddenly and smashed his claws on Torchic, and held Torchic to the ground. Ash recognized the move as Crush Claw. That was a really unusual move, and Ash watched in chagrin as Torchic struggled. Slakoth opened its mouth and let out a small bubble. Ash recognized this as Yawn. He called desperately for Torchic to use Ember, and suddenly flames came out of Torchic's mouth. Fire Spin encompassed Slakoth. This drew a slow groan from the pokemon, and Ash threw a poke ball. The ball went into the flames and sucked Slakoth in.

Torchic was relieved of the Crush Claw, and Ash caught the poke ball. He immediately hissed in pain and released it. That Fire Spin had heated the poke ball quite a lot. Ash watched as the poke ball twitched before laying still. Ash slowly approached, but Pikachu went forward and flicked it at him. He had just finished the pose when Taillow came back, squawking.

Ash tucked the poke ball in his belt before running after Taillow.

Ash was huffing after the run. Taillow must have led him for two miles before Taillow finally perched on a branch. Taillow must have seen something urgent to lead him so far. Ash had seen them running past plenty of pokemon, so Taillow wasn't talking about a simple wild pokemon. This needed his attention.

Ash was now bending over at the edge of the mountain. The land was pretty ragged and rocky. He didn't see why he was here before he saw a motionless shape. He ran up and picked up the pokemon. He looked at it and identified it as a Skitty. It still wasn't responding.

Ash quickly started examining it as Pikachu and Taillow looked on. Ash looked at them and stated, "I think it is just exhaustion. Skitty are very energetic, and tend to tire themselves out by playing. It just needs some water."

Ash pulled out a water bottle from his backpack, and poured some into a bowl. He then held the water in front of Skitty. Skitty sniffed for a moment before flicking out its tongue to lap at the water. Ash grinned as it sat up and started to drink ravenously. Barely a minute later, the water was out, and Skitty was jumping around excitedly again. Ash chuckled at its excitement so soon after being exhausted.

His noise made Skitty look at him. It jumped up and started to lick his face. Ash chuckled again, but suddenly Skitty disappeared. Ash's eyes widened as he realized that Skitty's tail had touched the empty poke ball at his side. He watched in shock as the poke ball stopped twitching. He'd caught a Skitty by accident. It wasn't exactly a typical battling pokemon, but he would now have to deal with it.

Ash sighed, still in shock, and stated, "Maybe we should stop for lunch now."

"Oh my god, I can't stand it," Ash yelled in exasperation. After making lunch, he had released all his pokemon. Slakoth had eaten five servings before deciding to use Ash as his new tree. Ash was forced to carry Slakoth on his back as he chased after Skitty. Skitty just wouldn't stay still and was getting on the nerves of his other pokemon, but none of them could catch the bouncy pokemon.

Ash pulled out a poke ball and returned the sleeping and uncaring Slakoth. With the weight off his back, Ash now looked at Skitty. The pokemon was managing to dodge around all his other pokemon. Ash ordered, "Ralts, stop it with Confusion."

Ralts glowed blue as she concentrated on Skitty. Skitty stopped for a second as she floated in midair. After barely a second, Skitty started moving excitedly again. Ash returned the pokemon before collapsing. His other pokemon dropped around him too. This was just too much. Possibly one, but he definitely couldn't handle both of these pokemon. They were just too difficult.

Ash finally exclaimed, "I'll send them back to Professor Oak. I just need to find two other pokemon to catch. Although, let's rest for a minute first." His pokemon cried in agreement.

After they had rested, Taillow started flying again. An hour later, Slakoth and Skitty were replaced by a Seedot and Shroomish. Ash felt briefly sorry for Professor Oak, but resolved he would work with those two pokemon. Just not at the same time.

Ash turned to Pikachu and claimed, "I think we should head back now. We've got four pokemon. Two normal and two grass." Pikachu nodded in agreement.

The two started walking down the hill towards the distant Rustboro. They hopefully would be able to reach by nighttime if they didn't meet any trouble, but Ash attracts trouble like an Absol. Ash felt his gaze drawn towards a kid running with something in his hands.

Ash ran up and overtook the kid quickly. The kid turned around to show his Zigzagoon was injured. Ash asked urgently, "What happened?"

The kid looked close to crying and claimed, "We were up in the mountains when some pokemon attacked my Zigzagoon. We tried to battle, but it smashed Zigzagoon with its head." The kid then turned and started running.

Ash turned to Pikachu who also looked nervous. Ash started running where the kid had just come from. A wild pokemon attacking trainers. That wasn't good. Most trainers here were beginners, and not used to true battles. A strong wild pokemon could do a lot of damage. Ash faintly admitted to himself though that he was probably also interested in finding a strong pokemon.

Ash went over several hills and was starting to wonder if the pokemon had moved when he heard sounds of battling ahead. He sprinted the last of the way to crest a hill and see the scene before him. An entire group of Geodude were watching as another one battled a different pokemon. Several pokemon were already laying through the clearing, and Ash knew this other pokemon had beaten them all and was probably the one battling the lead Geodude.

Ash looked at the pokemon in question. It was connecting its head with Headbutt to attack the Geodude using Rollout. The pokemon stood on two thick hind legs with barely any arms on its blue torso. It didn't look to have fingers. It had several patches of yellow under its chin and on its stomach. Its large head was covered in a silver looking formation. It almost looked like hair or a helmet. Two fangs were sticking out from its lower jaws. Ash pulled out his pokedex. A dragon type Bagon. It proceeded to show information as the battle continued before him. Bagon weren't suppose to be in this area. Ash also got a look at its size and moves.

Ash looked up to see Headbutt and Rollout once again clash. Somehow, this time Headbutt knocked the Geodude backwards. The Geodude recovered quickly though, and used Rock Throw. Bagon jumped forward and smashed through the rock like it was nonexistent. Ash gasped at the power. Before the Geodude could recover from shock, a Zen Headbutt connected cleanly. The Geodude smashed into the rock face. It was over, but suddenly Bagon continued to attack with a Dragonbreath. The other Geodude jumped forward in outrage, but fled when the Dragonbreath was turned on them. After all, this Bagon had just defeated their leader. When they left, Bagon turned the attack on the helpless leader again. Through the flames, a poke ball appeared to suck the Geodude in. Bagon looked around in confusion and anger.

Ash was running forward. He had to stop this Bagon. It was out of its mind. Geodude also needed treatment. Ash was running, but had to jump to the side desperately when the Dragonbreath was launched at him. Ash stared in shock at the attack. Wild pokemon almost never attacked humans. Something must be wrong. To injure so many pokemon and attack a human without hesitation.

Pikachu was on the ground shouting at the furious Bagon. Ash reached out a hand and said desperately, "No, Pikachu. You can't handle this." Ash turned to look at the Bagon. It looked to be waiting for a battle now. Ash quickly though. Pikachu and Torchic were at type disadvantages, and Seedot and Shroomish were both too new. Taillow didn't have a good enough defense to take one of those Headbutt attacks. Ash pulled out a poke ball and yelled, "Ralts, I need your assistance."

Ralts appeared only to be forced to Teleport to avoid an immediate Headbutt attack. Ash ordered, "Throw it with Confusion." Bagon was lifted into the air, and launched at a nearby boulder. Bagon managed to miraculously straighten in midair, and connect the boulder with its steel like head. The boulder shattered, and covered the opponent from view.

Ash watched the dust intently with Ralts. Bagon shot out of the cloud like a bullet. Ralts dropped to her back to avoid the Zen Headbutt. Ash then yelled, "Magical Leaf." Ralts leaped up and created the multicolored leaves before launching them. The first couple connected with Bagon, but it quickly incinerated the rest of the attack with Dragonbreath. The attack continued to connect with Ralts.

Ralts struggled against the attack, but the attack quickly stopped. Ash saw Bagon launch another Headbutt. If one of those connected, it was over. Ash yelled desperately, "Use Teleport to dodge, and then use Shadow Ball to the back."

Ralts disappeared right before the attack connected, but immediately reappeared behind the flying Bagon with a swirling ball of purple energy. Ralts launched the attack. It connected squarely on the back of Bagon to launch it even faster towards a wall, but now it was spinning. Bagon connected with the boulder back first. That must be the end. He was immediately proved wrong. Bagon leaped out with barely any sign of weakness. Ash gasped and Ralts couldn't dodge the Dragonbreath. Bagon jumped forward once again with Zen Headbutt. Ash called quickly, "Defend by launching Shadow Ball."

Ralts created the ball of energy, but couldn't launch it in time. Zen Headbutt connected with the Shadow Ball. The connection stopped Bagon's momentum, but the two attacks exploded against each other. Ash ran forward and dived to catch Ralts before she connected with a boulder. Ralts looked at him gratefully, but Pikachu cried a warning. Ash looked up to see Bagon diving at both of them with another Zen Headbutt. Ash prepared for the impact, but felt none. He opened his eyes to see Ralts glowing in his arms. He then turned his head to see Bagon being held in midair. It was shaking angrily, but couldn't break free from the immobilizing attack. It started shooting off Dragonbreath, but none came close to the two of them.

Ash watched humbly as the Bagon shot off Dragonbreath repeatedly. Why wasn't it hurt or tiring? It just wouldn't stop attacking. Was it anger? Or fury? Or possibly fear consuming it?

Ash smashed a fist into his hand as he exclaimed, "Attack Rage!" Ash turned to Pikachu. He then continued, "Remember, Pikachu. That Dragonite just couldn't stop attacking, and couldn't be beaten by conventional means. They said it sometimes inflicts on dragon types due to repeated use of attacks from fear for fury. Bagon must have been attacked by a trainer trying to catch it. Now it just can't stop attacking. It all makes sense." Pikachu nodded grimly.

I could have told you it was consumed by fear, Ralts claimed telepathically. She now continued, But how do we stop this 'attack rage?'

Ash looked down at Ralts before announcing, "So it is fear. I'm not an expert, but I would say that we have to comfort it and take away its fear."

Ralts looked skeptic as she replied, That won't be easy. This is pure fear. It hasn't changed one bit since I felt it. Definitely no amount of battling will stop it. We need to think fast. I can't hold it for much longer.

Ash looked to see Bagon slowly being lowered to the ground. Not more than twenty seconds. Ash stood up with a determined face. Pikachu saw this and tugged on his jeans as he shook his head slowly. Ash looked down at his buddy and whispered, "I have to. I can't let a pokemon go on suffering. Bagon is alone right now. It needs someone right now. Plus, I feel at home in dangerous situations. It makes me feel like I deserve the life I want to lead to sacrifice for others. If I'm not willing to suffer, than I don't deserve it."

Ash then pushed through Pikachu to run towards Bagon right as it touched the ground. Bagon prepared to jump again, but Ash now clasped his arms around Bagon. Ash pulled Bagon closer as Bagon struggled furiously. Ash felt it struggling furiously against his hug. He was trying to yell, "It's okay. You don't have to be afraid. You are safe. No one is trying to hurt you. Let me help." His words fell on deaf ears, and suddenly Ash felt Bagon use Bite on his shoulder. Ash howled in pain. This was far worse than Mighyena's Crunch attack. Bagon was firmly gripping his shoulder with its long fangs, and they were tearing into the muscle. Humans weren't meant to take pokemon attacks, but Ash just grit his teeth after stopping his initial howl. He had to suffer to gain anything. He now said in a soft and comforting voice, "It's fine. You don't have to defend yourself. I won't hurt you. You aren't alone in this world." Ash felt Bagon starting to weaken in its struggles and he continued, "You don't have to rely on only yourself. You can trust others. You can trust me. I won't hurt you. I will help you. My pokemon will help you. You can trust us. Truly, there is no reason to be afraid because…I will defend you. Just let me."

Ash finally felt Bagon go limp. He put some space and put Bagon back on the ground. Ash looked at the pokemon. Its head was down, and it slowly lifted it head to look him in the face. Bagon looked to be close to crying. Ash smiled softly and pat Bagon on the head before fainting.

Ash opened his eyes to see the night sky above him. He stared at the stars for a moment before turning his head. He looked to see his pokemon spread out. Taillow, Seedot, and Shroomish were clearly sleeping. Ash looked down to see Pikachu curled up in his side. Ash tried to pet him, but his shoulder flared in pain. Ash looked to see some green paste spread on the bite.

Ash now looked around more, but couldn't find Ralts or Bagon. He forced himself to sit up despite the pain. Pikachu continued to sleep, and Ash got a better view of the clearing. Somehow he had ended up without a shirt, and in his sleeping bag. Ralts must have used Confusion.

Ash turned around at movement. He looked to see Ralts and Bagon walking forward. Ralts looked grim, and Bagon looked emotional. Ash watched, and the two stopped feet from him. Silence enveloped them for several moments.

Suddenly Bagon leapt forward into his chest and started to cry into his chest. Ash hesitated for a moment before smiling and trying to comfort the pokemon. He softly hugged the pokemon as it continued to cry.

Ralts now spoke to him telepathically, Bagon is very similar to me. No memories of family or a home. It has spent its life defending against humans, and yet it is vastly different. In some ways it is far stronger than me, but in others far weaker. It has been forced to put up a shield to the rest of the world here, but has always suffered underneath and hoped for someone like you to come along. Someone who would help it. It only remembers a large group of trainer coming before blacking out. The next thing it remembers is your voice and words. It has seen what it has done, and is trying to come to grips. You have temporarily broken down Bagon's wall of confidence, Ash. Now you need to deal with it. Bagon has developed a trust of you. If you break that trust, then you aren't worthy of being called a trainer, but I trust you will help Bagon. Bagon is almost a child at heart. A child forced to behave as an adult. Bagon needs you now. Ralts turned and walked to the other sleeping pokemon. Ralts then paused before laying down and stated, However, Ash, you impressed me today. I can honestly say that I don't regret coming with you. Ralts now lay down and clearly ended her speech.

Ash watched her in shock as Ralts went to sleep. Ralts had so much pride and knowledge. There is no way that she was lying when she said that. Ash smiled before looking at the emotional Bagon clinging to his chest like a baby. Ash hugged the pokemon gently as he announced, "Let it all out, Bagon. Don't worry. I'll protect you."

Long chapter, and now long chapter's note.

I made Geodude evolve because I wanted to show Mudkip was stronger than Treecko had been at this time in the anime, but I still wanted to show off Pikachu by having him be the hero.

I added Skitty last minute. I always planned on Slakoth. I just felt the two had fun behaviors, and Skitty was one of my favorite anime pokemon. Just feel these two are fun additions, especially since Skitty isn't really a battler.

Yes, Ash is catching a lot of pokemon. I think it is more entertaining with him having more pokemon. Now I have received several comments on changing Ash too much. I would more consider this Ash an OC than the anime character. An OC with his past. I sometimes just get annoyed with the anime Ash. I'll try and make it more subtle, but overall, it will probably stay as him this new character.

Yes, Ash caught that Geodude, and he will catch Bagon. Just didn't feel like writing the little part.

Poll: Should Bagon be male or female? I originally intended him to be male, but I wanted to make Bagon a little more emotional than one would expect, and that made it feel more like a female. Please vote.