I don't own Pokémon.

Thanks to Legendary Fairy for give confidence in continuing the story.

To nWoreviewer, I have considered shipping him but it would have to be with someone like Clair or Sabrina.

Patriot-112, Yep they will be all dark types.

4 months after the encounter with Red

Ash sat in Canalave Library, researching dark type Pokémon that could benefit his team. Houndour, just like Pikachu, didn't like being in his Pokeball, so he was curled up at Ash's feet sleeping. Over the 4 months since he accepted Red's offer, Ash has not only been researching but training with Houndour.

To Houndour the training was the toughest thing ever. It ranged from either running or swimming for hours, learning attacks and defence building. But no matter how physically demanding it was, Houndour loved it. He loved it even more when he was able to see the results. Originally he was only able to use leer, ember and howl. Now his move set included smog, beat up, fire fang, bite and feint attack.

Ash finished reading, feeling as though he was truly ready to start his new journey. "Ok Houdour, wake up time to go." Ash said as he gently shook Houndour awake. "Today we leave for Kalos, since most of the Pokémon I want are there. Funny thing is that was where I was going next before losing everything." The last part was said with a slight chuckle.

Even though Ash took the betrayal of his friends and Pokémon bad at the start, he realised that it actually gave him an opportunity. And this opportunity is one that he would not and could not waste. He had come up with a quote that kept he motivated even when he was feeling depressed. 'Broken and betrayed but resurrected from the pain.' He would always tell himself this if he thought about giving up.

Ash and Houndour had now just exited the library when they saw a flash of blue and blond before feeling pain pulse through his face. After he regained his bearings, he saw a furious looking Sinnoh Champion wearing a light blue top with black pants and high heels (her Unova clothing).

"Um, Cynthia what was that for?" Ash said as he was very confused at the moment and rubbing his cheek.

"You left your Pokémon because you thought they were weak. How could you Ash? I thought you were different." Cynthia stated with arms crossed and scowl firmly planted on her face.

"I didn't leave them, they turned on me!" It was Ash's turn to be furious now.

"Oh, your friends told me you'd probably say something like that. You're worse than Paul."

Ash would have exploded once his former friends were mentioned, but he had grown up in the last six months. He calmed himself and looked down at Houndour, who had been growling at Cynthia.

"Houndour quiet, let's go." Was all Ash said before walking off towards the port of Canalava town, leaving Cynthia who was still glaring at him.

3 months later, Route 15 Kalos

"Well Houndour, we finally made it to route 15. Right here is where we get our new partner and friend." Ash said as him and Houndour casually walked down the route.

"Houndour" Houndour roared its name. Even if he only 2 feet tall, it was clear that he was in no way weak.

"Ok. Now you remember what Pokémon we are looking for?" Houndour nodded. "Good now let's go find it." As Ash finished, they set off looking for his desired Pokémon.

3 hours later and Ash and Houndour were in a fierce battle with the Pokémon they had been searching for. All it took to find this Pokémon was Houndour eat off the wrong berry tree. But neither was complaining, as both Pokémon were enjoying the battle, even if Houndour was taking the advantage.

"Houndour finish it fire fang." Ash called as Houndour's mouth started to flame.

Houndour bit down on the Pokémon, coursing it to cry it pain before finally fainting due to its injuries. Ash through a Pokeball at the downed Pokémon and once it stopped shaking he released it, to treat its wounds.

"There you go, all better. I must say you are quite the fighter. Now I'm going to give you a choice you can come with me and get stronger or you can leave." Ash said now focusing on preparing diner as it was nearing night and they were too far away from any towns.

The Pokémon was surprised by this but looked at Houndour and saw how strong he was. After a moment of contemplation, he Pokémon walked up to Ash and answered with its name.

"Pawniard" the Pawniard said with a nod.

"Great training starts tomorrow after a week or two we will head off for Pokémon number three." Ash said with a smile as he finished preparing the meals a blend of dark and fire type Pokémon food for Houndour, a dark and steel type blend for Pawniard and some cooked Remoraid fillets for Ash.

A week long training session turned into a month long training session due to an influx of trainers on that route. Neither Ash nor his Pokémon were bothered by it as they got more chances to battle. The last battle was the best by far, it was against a blond girl named Serena. She had sent out her Braixen and Ash had sent out Pawniard. The battle was a big test for Pawniard as he had a type disadvantage, but as the battle went on Ash used a TM move he had recently gotten Pawniard to learn. The move was dark pulse and I ultimately ended the battle.

1 week after the battle, Lumiose City

Ash, Houndour and Pawniard were walking down Vernal Avenue when he saw a very familiar person walking his way.

"Well it's been 8 months since I last saw you. And I see you've caught yourself a Pawniard. Any other Pokémon apart from those two?" the person said.

"Well hello Dad. Yes I've caught Pawniard and no I don't have any others but I'm working on it." Ash replied.

"Well ok. So as you know I missed a lot of your birthdays. So I'm here to give you a present." Red pulled out a card and handed it to Ash. "That card is linked to my champion account, it does have near unlimited funds but don't spend too much. I do suggest new clothes." Red said looking at what Ash was wearing.

"Thanks. I was planning on getting some new clothes because this was all I had when I left and it doesn't really fit. By the way what happened to the Elite Four before your group?"

"Oh, you didn't hear? Johto doesn't compete at the Indigo Plateau any more. They are at the New Championship Super Tower near Goldenrod City. So that is where the other Elite Four went there." Red answered. "Before I go I have a little challenge for you. Since you have been entered as Elite Four member in training you are able to take other region's Elite Four challenge. I want you to challenge any that has a dark type elite to prove you are the best dark type trainer around, you up for the challenge?"

"I am up for the challenge." Ash simply answered.

"Good now I am going back to the plateau and you go get yourself new clothes and Pokémon." Red said as he stared to walk away.

"Well, let's go get me some new clothes then we'll go to the Pokémon Centre and stay the night. Tomorrow we leave for Route 8 to find the next member of our team.

30 minutes later and Ash and his Pokémon walked into Boutique Couture. On the upper level he was looking at the clothes well his two Pokémon slept near the changing room. Ash found some stuff the he liked the look of and went into the changing room. Upon exiting he looked at himself in the mirror. He wore a dark grey shirt underneath a black sleeveless jacket, black skinny jeans (they didn't' have anything else) and black combat boots.

"So guys, what do you think?" Ash asked waking his Pokémon.

The two Pokémon just gave a nod before following Ash who went to pay for the clothes. When they left it only 11:30am, they decided to skip the Pokémon Centre and head straight for route 8.

Chapter 3 is done. Story will continue in a few days as I'm going on holiday and may or may not have internet.