DarkFoxKit: Well, well, well, first I must say… HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE! Hope y'all are grateful and enjoy that big fat turkey!

Key2DestNE: Yeah, we decided to post this chapter on Thanksgiving as a little treat from us.

ChuckTheEon: So they should be thankful for this story being updated, right?

Key2DestNE: ...Er… that sounds kind of rude, Chuck… Let's just go on to the story- we'll see you at the bottom, everybody! Who wants to do the disclaimer this time? Fox, Chuck, anybody?

ChuckTheEon: How about George Washington, the first President of the United States!

Key2DestNE: ...Yeaaah, I'll just do it… *sweatdrops* We don't own Pokemon, we're not Nintendo or GameFreak- the only thing we own is the Pokemon's personalities and any adjustments to the anime's story we make. Have fun, everybody!

DarkFoxKit: Hey! Ya'll only gave me ONE line!? This is unacceptable! I- *static*

Chapter 15: The Ninja Re-Match

"Foxfire, go!" Beginning the fight, Ash threw his Poke Ball, releasing the Vulpix.

"I'm read-" Foxfire began to say but the Muk overtowered the little fire fox. "EEEEP!"

"I will cover you in MUUUUUUUUK!" the Muk hissed overed Foxfire.

"E-e-eeeewwww!" The Vulpix backed up, clearly repulsed. "You need a BATH, you smelly creature! D-do I really have to fight him, Ash?"

"Come on! Don't be a coward!" Storm snapped at the shaking Vulpix.

"Ash, Foxfire may have gotten some training in, but she's not strong enough to take on Muk like this- are you sure you don't want to use a different Pokemon? I DO have Psybeam you know…" Dexter the Porygon said to Ash.

"It's okay, I believe in Foxfire- and she would have to make her debut in battle some time, even if it's a Gym Battle." Ash said with a smile.

"Very well, you may make the first move, Ash." Koga said calmly.

"Start this off with Will-O-Wisp!" Ash commanded, and Foxfire immediately summoned sinister purple flames around her and they moved towards the Muk.

Koga frowned, quickly pointing to the side. "Dodge and use Minimize, Muk!" Ash blinked at that… Minimize? Why would somebody use that?

The Muk turned into literal sludge, avoiding Will-O-Wisp as the flames literally went just above it and hit a wall before disappearing in a wisp. Then the giant purple sludge began shrinking itself into a much smaller sludge, almost the size of it's opponent!

Ash bit his lip- although it's smaller, it doesn't make it weaker, just harder to hit! This can't be good. He noticed Foxfire was looking rather nervous, despite the new sizes, and he quickly reacted. "Foxfire, stay focus! Keep an eye on that sludge, don't let it out of your sight!" He looked at Koga and could see the ninja had a clear plan. What's he got up his sleeve?

The Gym Leader narrowed his eyes thoughtfully before pointing at Foxfire. "Go between the Vulpix's legs and use Toxic!" Ash's eyes widened- Koga wanted Muk closer to his Pokemon!?

"Foxfire! Hurry and use Extrasensory before it gets too close!" Ash quickly said, frowning worriedly.

The Vulpix was panicking a bit as the tiny sludge Pokemon was coming closer at her with such speed! Foxfire had trouble concentrating due to the fear, but she tried and scrambled away to try and get a good hit with her Extrasensory attack! But every time Foxfire tried to run away, Muk simply followed her, preventing any chance of escape! It was like they were playing tag or something! Ash couldn't help but sweatdrop at the scene, rubbing his forehead.

"Is this a battle or are they playing tag?" Even Storm had to sweatdrop at this as he scratched his ear in embarrassment.

"GET AWAY FROM MEEEEEE!"

"Foxfire!" Ash got an idea. "Use Quick Attack to get further away!"

The Vulpix nodded, and she quickly grew much faster, leaving a white trail behind her! With that, Foxfire managed to get enough distance between the two to use Extrasensory, and her eyes glowed a soft yellow as the yellow aura surrounded the Muk, causing it to become completely disorientated as its body was literally stretched out by an invisible force!

Koga frowned, closing his eyes as if thinking before he smirked, nodding to himself. Then he opened his eyes and pointed at his opponent's Pokemon, speaking calmly. "...Muk, use Disable."

Ash's eyes widened in shock, he hadn't expect Muk to know Disable! The Muk's eyes shined for a split second, and Foxfire blinked before trying to use Extrasensory again… but nothing happened. "Wah? Why can't I use it!?"

"The move's been Disabled! You can't use it anymore, you little weak fire fox! MUUUUUUK!" Muk laughed in her face.

Foxfire glared angrily as she spat out a little puff of fire in anger, making the sludge Pokemon swallow it! "SHUT UP YOU BIG SLUDGE!"

Muk coughed a bit, spitting out some smoke. "Ugh, your pollution's worse than the power plant I grew up in!"

Ash knew he had to come up with a better strategy soon, since thanks to Disable, Foxfire can't use Extrasensory for a while. "Foxfire, use Will-O-Wisp again! Try to burn that thing!"

Foxfire didn't hesitate this time as sinister purple flames began to surround her body and they shot over at the smaller Muk. "Take this!"

Koga quickly reacted as he swept his arm across, shouting out, "Use Poison Gas and jump away before the flames can reach you!"

Muk smirked, spewing out some purple smoke before quickly jumping back as the gas caught on fire! "Ha ha, take that you stupid little Vulpix!"

Foxfire yelped in shock at the sudden poisonous explosion! She jumped back, but she wasn't fast enough to get out of the toxic smoke that filled the area. Foxfire began choking, and she fell to her knees, coughing wildly.

"F-Foxfire! Get out of there!" Ash quickly yelled in concern.

Storm was holding his nose, for fear that the toxic smoke would get THEM too! "Oh the stench… I feel sorry for Foxfire now…"

The smoke soon cleared, revealing that Foxfire was trembling, her cheeks were purple and she looked ill. She was poisoned, and badly too- it was clear she was struggling to stay on all fours. "I… I… don't… feel so… good…" But then she shut her eyes and her body began to emit a warm glow, the area around them became warmer and brighter.

Ash blinked, surprised. "Wh-wha? Foxfire…?" Then he smiled, quickly realizing what she had done. That's it! If I can't use Extrasensory for a few turns… I'll use…! "Alright, use Fire Spin, full throttle!"

Thanks to Foxfire's Drought ability, the sunlight outside became intense as the brightness and heat wave intensified into the Gym itself, powering up Fire attacks. Foxfire shot out powerful hot flames from her mouth, with the Sunny Day in effect, powering it up even more! The small sludge couldn't escape the fiery vortex and it was soon caught in it, forcing the tiny sludge to stay put! Although the attack itself wasn't too powerful on its own, it makes it hard to move and it is constantly being burned by the vortex, and the Sunny Day made it even hotter and stronger.

Koga actually looked like he was sweating as well, but he kept it to a minimum as he cleared his throat. "Muk, use Sludge- hit that Vulpix and knock it out!"

Muk hissed in pain as the Fire Spin kept hurting it, but he managed to throw up sludge from its mouth and hit the Vulpix! Foxfire was covered in sludge! She hissed and fell to the floor, but she was still conscious, just enough for one more attack… maybe…

Ash noticed her eyes were glowing again, Extrasensory was usable once more! He smiled, pointing at the Muk trapped in the Fire Spin. "Quick! Give this one everything you got! Use Fire Spin once more and use Extrasensory in a combination! Control the fiery tornado and aim at its weak point, NOW!"

Foxfire did not hesitate, and she immediately shot out the hot flames from her mouth and her eyes glowed yellow, the yellow aura surrounding the flames just as they began forming a fiery tornado. The flames turned sharp, almost like a fiery spear and surrounded Muk. Muk's eyes widened and so did Koga's- both were in shock as the Extrasensory Fire Spin went in a full circle before shooting right at the Muk's mouth, it's only weak point! Muk screamed in pain as the flames entered it's body, burning the sludge from the inside!

"MUUUUUUUUUUUUUUK!" Muk screamed in pain before it literally melted onto the Gym's floor, out cold.

Foxfire gave a weak smile before she too passed out cold onto the Gym's floor, the poison having taken its toll on her body. Ash gave a small smile, pulling out her Pokeball and returning her. "Great job, Foxfire- you deserve a long rest…"

Koga blinked a bit, clearly still startled, before he hastily shook his head. "A-ahem… Impressive." He pulled out his own Pokeball, returning his Muk. "Good job, Muk- you have done your duty." Then he pulled out another shuriken Poke Ball, tossing it out. "It is time for you to face my second Pokemon- go, Nidorina!"

Ash blinked, surprised. "Nidorina? Not Venomoth?" I was half expecting the moth Pokemon- to face a Nidorina…

Koga smirked, shaking his head. "Not this time- however, Nidorina is a highly trained Pokemon, do not underestimate her just because she's not fully evolved."

Ash turned to the Porygon next to him, quickly commanding, "Dexter, analyze."

Dexter nodded as his eyes glowed, scanning the blue bigger Nidoran female. "Nidorina, the Poison Pin Pokemon. The evolved form of the female Nidoran. It has a docile nature. If threatened with an attack, it raises the barbs that are all over its body."

"So Nidorina is the evolved form of the female Nidoran- this should be interesting, especially if you're going to use Nidosaur…" The Pikachu chuckled at the irony.

Ash rolled his eyes at the Pikachu's commentaries. "Alright, let's see if Nidosaur can do any better. Nidosaur! Let's go!" He tossed out Nidosaur's Pokeball, releasing the shiny blue male Nidoran.

As soon as Nidosaur was on the battlefield, he looked at the Nidorina before him and his eyes went wide in shock. "U-uh… Madam Nidorina? What are you doing here?"

The Nidorina blinked as well before she smirked, huffing. "Well well, if it isn't one of my old herd. I'm here as Koga's Pokemon, just like you're here as the challenger's!" Then she looked at him, a peculiar gleam in her eyes. "I'll admit, though, I never expected to see one of you here!"

Nidosaur cringed and backed up a little in fear, gulping. "N-neither was I… I-I didn't even know y-you were captured…"

Ash frowned, hearing the conversation between the two. So they know each other… this may be a tougher battle for Nidosaur than I thought…

"Look at you! You're so pathetic and weak, you haven't even evolved yet- just sad." Nidorina muttered and looked at him like a little child about to get himself hurt.

Nidosaur looked down with his ears lowered for a few seconds before he looked back up again and glared, his ears pinned back up. "You know what? No- you've bullied me all my life just because I was odd and different, but no more. I will tell you… No, SHOW you how much stronger I've become since we last saw each other!"

"Oh really?" Nidorina grinned, lowering onto all fours and growling a bit. "You'd better bring your A-game then, because I've been trained by my own mother, and Koga! If you think you stand a chance, you're sorely mistaken!"

"Let the battle begin." Koga said, nodding to his opponent. "You may make the first move, Ash."

Ash nodded, as will, clenching his fist. "Let's make this count, Nidosaur! Use Leer, now!"

Nidosaur glared harshly at Nidorina, lowering her defense and softening her up, much like what Blue did with Aya's Golbat- not like the boy knew that, of course.

Nidorina blinked a bit before shaking her head, scoffing. "Big deal- so you have a strong Leer! You're all bark and no bite!"

"You'll see soon, Madam Nidorina." the blue Nidoran snapped, his ears twitching.

"Nidorina!" Koga quickly spoke up before the Poison type could shoot back an insult. "Use Bite, now!"

Nidorina ran up at Nidosaur, who didn't have time to react as she bit down on his back! Nidosaur yelled in pain as he was lifted up into the air by the girl's jaws alone.

"Nidosaur!" Ash called in concern as Nidorina threw him to the floor. "Come on, you can do this- get up!"

Nidosaur glared at Nidorina as he managed to stand himself up, Ash nodded, crossing his arms determinedly. "We won't let them get the better of us. Use Leer again!"

The blue male Nidoran glared harshly at Nidorina once more, making her cringe a bit as her defense lowered again. "S-stop glaring at me!" She huffed, glaring right back, but it was clear that she was a bit intimidated now.

Koga frowned, pointing at the bite on the smaller male's back. "Use Toxic- aim for the wound, Nidorina!"

"No you don't!" Ash frowned- even though it is impossible to poison a Poison type Pokemon, Toxic itself would still severely hurt or cripple a Pokemon if it goes into the wounds. "Nidosaur, jump and use Fury Attack!"

Nidosaur, being small and nimble, jumped high, avoiding the incoming sludge of Toxic, and he dived right at Nidorina's head with his horn! Nidorina gasped as he began piercing away at her head with his horn multiple times, having used Leer twice on her made it hurt all the more! "Take this! Take that! Take this and that!"

"Ow! Ow! STOP IT YOU MORO- OW!" Nidorina backed up, trying to dodge the strikes, but Nidosaur was too fast, and she was too large a target to just evade the attacks!

Koga smirked, though, confusing Ash. "Nidorina, use Metal Claw- attack the Nidoran's horn!"

Nidorina's claws turned into silvery metal as she slashed at Nidosaur's horn! Nidosaur gasped in pain as she struck there, making it a critical hit! "GAAAAH!" he cried out in pain as he flipped over onto the ground, curling up and twitching in pain while holding his horn in pain.

"N-Nidosaur, are you okay?" Ash asked in concern, seeing the poor blue Nidoran writhing in pain as the Nidorina smirked, having the advantage again- it was clear that although Nidosaur is strong, the evolved form was stronger. This is bad, Nidosaur won't last much longer at this rate! Ohh, if only I had taken the time to teach him Dig or something! At this rate, we'll lose for sure!

Nidosaur still held onto his horn, but he turned, seeing Nidorina coming closer to him, ready to finish the job, she was smirking with satisfaction as if she had predicted this outcome.

The female Poison type scoffed, nudging the poor Nidoran male with her foot. "Pathetic- like I said, all bark and no bite. Why not go back to the herd? It'd be easier than this kind of lifestyle for you, you weird-looking Nidoran."

The blue Nidoran growled in anger as he tried to hit her with his horn again while she was close, but she quickly sidestepped his attack, making him miss and plunge back to the floor. She put her foot over his head, forcing the Nidoran to keep still.

"I-I… I won't… I won't lose… to you… not here… not today." Nidosaur spat angrily, struggling to get out of her foot.

"Come on Nidosaur! Show her who's boss!" Storm shouted, trying to cheer Nidosaur anyway he could.

"This battle looks rather grim, Ash. I do not like Nidosaur's chances here…" Dexter said with a worried tone.

Ash frowned, "I know… Nidosaur…" He's getting totally overpowered… Then he looked at Storm who was on his shoulder. Wait a minute… this reminds me of Storm's fight with Lt. Surge's Raichu. Hmm...

Nidorina scoffed, pressing down a bit harder. "Please- like a common Nidoran male like you could do anything against me, the daughter of your queen! You hurt me again, and you'd do nothing but disgrace yourself. Well… not like you already haven't, but it's the thought that counts- you may as well give up now."

"..." Nidosaur gritted his teeth, but he looked down on the floor he was being smooshed on in defeat, it looked like he was ready to give up.

Ash saw this and wouldn't have it, so he quickly cried out, "NIDOSAUR!" This caught the blue Nidoran's attention, and Ash continued his speech. "You can't give up, Nidosaur! I know it looks bad now, but you can't stop! Not until the bitter end! Storm knows how you feel, he also had to fight against his evolved counterpart to face a dark past, and he won! You can do it too, but not if you're going to give up! Please Nidosaur, you have to keep fighting! You'll only lose if you don't try! Do you hear me? FIGHT HER NIDOSAUR! For your sake and mine! I know you can do it!"

Storm nodded and he too began shouting. "That's right! I would've just shamed myself if I HAD given up! But even though I lost before, I managed to make a comeback and won! Don't listen to HER words, all she'll do is tear you down! You're so much better than that, you just can't let yourself hold back anymore! Just fight and let it all go! You're stronger than this and we all know it!"

When they said this, Nidosaur's spirit began to fill, and his eyes began blazing with fire. "Ash… Storm… thank you. I won't be afraid to hold it back anymore..." Nidosaur nodded as he closed his eyes as if concentrating on something deep inside him.

Dexter immediately perked up, his head and 'arms' spinning in surprise. "What's this?"

"Hmm? What's wrong Dexter?" Ash blinked, looking at the Porygon curiously.

"I… I think… Nidosaur is… evolving!"

"Say what!?" Ash looked at Nidosaur again, his body beginning to glow a bright white light. The glow surprised Koga and Nidorina, and the latter quickly jumped off him as the little Nidoran began to grow.

Nidosaur kept glowing, and his body began to transform as Koga's eyes widened in shock. "What in the world? It's… evolving during a battle!?" He looked up at Ash, a newfound respect in his eyes. This boy… could he be… just like the Champion?

Nidosaur had grown bigger, slightly bigger than Nidorina, and spikes grew on him as well, not to mention his ears were longer too. The glowing faded and in the Nidoran's place 1 a blue Nidorino! Nidosaur gave a roar of confidence and pride as he glared at Nidorina, kneeling down as if he wasn't injured at all. "I've always had this power within me, but I was too afraid to let it go, I was too afraid to change… to evolve. But now… I'm no longer afraid. Let's finish this battle, Madam Nidorina!"

"Wow! I can't believe it!" Ash was in shock and awe, and Storm was the same on his shoulder, almost falling off his shoulder. Thankfully, though, he managed to compose himself before he did. Nidosaur actually evolved… one of my Pokemon, other than Flutter, actually EVOLVED! This… this is… this is AWESOME!

Dexter looked more proud than in awe, he immediately began scanning the newly evolved Nidorino. "Nidorino, the Poison Pin Pokemon and the evolution of the male Nidoran. An aggressive Pokemon that is quick to attack. The horn on its head secretes a powerful venom. It's horn is harder than diamond and can puncture enemies with its deadly poison."

"W-wha!?" Nidorina took a step back, caught off-guard. "How… how did you!? I- you're not supposed to evolve! What gave you that kind of power!? Especially in the middle of battle, too!"

Nidosaur just gave a smirk, shrugging. "Who said it was against the rules to evolve during battle? Now enough stalling, I'm ready to end this!"

Ash was almost taken back by Nidosaur's sudden confidence boost, it's almost like he was a different Pokemon now! But he quickly shook his head, smiling. "Okay Nidosaur, let's do this! Use Focus Energy!"

The newly evolved Nidosaur closed his eyes and concentrated, his body glowing a bit of red before he opened his eyes and looked ready to charge. Ash nodded, quickly ordering, "Now use Horn Attack!"

Nidosaur charged at Nidorina with his horn and immediately pierced her stomach with it, causing the wounded Nidorina to fall back and hit the ground! The double Leer still affected her, but she hissed in pain- despite the damage, she wasn't out yet.

Koga quickly recovered from the shock of a Pokemon evolving in battle and he frowned, ordering, "Use Toxic on the floor, Nidorina!" Ash blinked at that, but Nidorina quickly did so, and the acid began eating away at the floorboards!

"Wah!? What are you doing!?" Ash frowned in shock at this, taking a small step back away from the rapidly rotting floorboards.

Nidosaur frowned and glared, not liking this either as he jumped away. "Are you trying to make both of us fall?"

Koga quickly hopped away as well, and he shrugged. "As a Gym Leader, it is my responsibility to test your strength. But as a ninja… I will use means many will consider irresponsible, perhaps even dangerous. This is not one of those- you must learn to handle changes in an environment, no matter how sudden!"

"What a cheat! It's like with Sabrina all over again!" the Pikachu hissed from Ash's shoulder, clearly hating this. "Why can't Gym Leaders, I dunno, FIGHT FAIR!?"

Dexter merely floated over the Toxic floor, looking down as he calculated in his head. "At this rate, the floorboards will be eaten away by this toxic venom in about five minutes, leaving us on solid earth."

The raven-haired boy blinked before his eyes widened in realization. No way…! Does Nidorina know Dig!? He clenched his fists, gulping. Koga couldn't dig under the floorboards- so he had to make the dirt appear! This is bad- I have to beat Koga in five minutes or less!? This is like a video game!

Nidosaur himself could sense that he'll lose if he lets the floorboard melt, so he glared, not wanting to lose after coming this far and finally allowing himself to evolve. "Ash, we're not going let this happen, and we WILL win, got it? We're not giving up now!" he said, turning to his Trainer. Ash could see the fire in the Nidorino's eyes and nodded.

"You got it. We'll end this battle quickly then. Use Fury Attack now!" Ash quickly ordered.

Nidosaur didn't waste any time jumping at Nidorina and hit her with his horn- however, this time she managed to dodge by sliding on the Toxic like it was slime or ice, avoiding him. Nidosaur growled in irritation as he landed and turned, he tried to jump at her again, but she kept 'skating' away from him!

Ash frowned thoughtfully before he grinned, getting an idea. Just as Nidosaur began launching at her for another attack, the boy cried out, "Jump to the right, now!" The Nidorino blinked, but he quickly did as his Trainer said, and he managed to stab the Nidorina as she tried to jump away!

"WHAT!?" Nidorina yelled in shock, trying to skid away.

"Instead of hitting her where she is, hit her where she's going to be! Now, Fury Attack!" Ash quickly said. He was working as fast as he can, but it wasn't fast enough- the floorboard underneath began to be eaten away as cracks can be heard.

Nidosaur showed no mercy as he jabbed at his female counterpart multiple times, but even after hitting her five times, she STILL wasn't out! Nidosaur gritted his teeth, grumbling in irritation. "How many hits can you take!?"

Koga frowned as well, and he hastily pointed at the Nidorino. "Use Double Kick, force it away and jump back!" It was clear that, especially with the extra hot sun overhead, the ninja was growing slightly sloppy, but it wasn't enough to take advantage of.

Nidorina jumped at Nidorino, kicking his face twice, but it didn't do much damage since Fighting type attacks were weak against Poison types.

Ash looked down and saw the floorboard was almost completely eaten away, showing dirt! This is bad! We have to finish this NOW! "Horn Attack once more, hurry!"

Nidosaur quickly slid on the toxic sludge and smashed his horn with into Nidorina's head, hitting her weak spot! Nidorina yelled in pain as she hit the wall, slowly sliding down it! Nidosaur looked on the floor, seeing the last bit of wood eaten away and leaving the earth, but as he looked up, he saw his female counterpart on the ground, her eyes spiraling. "..." He sighed in relief, sagging slightly. "That was too close!"

"..." Koga frowned, closing his eyes and crossing his arms. "...Impressive- but you have not earned the Soul Badge, Ash Ketchum."

Ash, Storm, Nidosaur and even Dexter all looked at Koga in shock, their eyes wide. "Wh-what? Why not?" He frowned as well, confused at this.

Storm jumped down from his shoulder and hissed at Koga in anger, sparks of electricity flowing from his red cheeks as he shouted, "HOW DARE YOU!? Ash won that badge fair and square and you know it you dirty LIAR!"

Koga shook his head, keeping his eyes closed as he calmly replied, "You may have the sheer strength to defeat me, but strength isn't all that matters in a Pokemon battle. You may challenge me again at a later date… but you have not proven yourself worthy of the Soul Badge."

Nidosaur glared, stomping his foot angrily. "Ash earned it- he showed he had MORE than just strength, and you KNOW it you stubborn ninja!"

Ash frowned and said sadly, "Koga… the fact that you think I haven't earn the badge is hurtful, but you're the Gym Leader and it's your job to judge if the Trainer has the right to earn it. Fine, I'll leave and return to show you that I'm worthy enough for the Soul Badge. Let's go Storm, Dexter, Nidosaur- we have to heal up after that battle…"

"..." As Ash turned, he didn't see a small smile form on the man's face. I see… he truly is one of a kind, isn't he? "...Hang on." Ash paused at that, turning just in time for a tiny piece of metal to hit his face and fall to the ground at his feet! "Here… the Soul Badge, as promised."

The boy blinked a bit, confused as he saw it was a heart-shaped badge. He looked at Koga, raising an eyebrow. "I don't understand… I thought you said I didn't earn it… What changed your mind?"

The ninja chuckled, shaking his head in slight amusement. "You defeated me, yes… but there was one last test for you- and you passed it with flying colors." The raven-haired Trainer frowned, still confused. "You didn't even realize it… but your reaction was vitally important to whether or not you earned the badge."

"My reaction?" Ash blinked but he seemed to understand after a moment, and he crossed his arms. "...You wanted to know how I would react if you refused to give me the badge? Why is that important?"

In response, Koga pointed at the badge. Ash slowly picked it up as the man explained himself. "The Soul Badge isn't simply an item you receive from defeating me… It's a symbolization of your own heart. A true Pokemon Trainer who learns nothing from his Pokemon, let alone from his teachers, does not deserve it. Time and time again, I have refused the Soul Badge to Trainers, testing their reactions… and time and time again, they insisted that they earned it- that they wouldn't leave without it. Tell me… what did they and you do differently?"

Ash looked at the Soul Badge in his hand and smiled a bit, realizing what the ninja was getting at. "I knew that I'm still young and have a lot to learn… and I also wanted to bring out the best in both myself and my Pokemon. I've done the same thing with another Gym Leader back in Pewter City, and even though I had lost that battle, he still gave me the badge anyway, insisting I had earned it." Then another thought crossed the boy's mind. "Didn't Blue or Red come here and earned the badge before me?"

Koga nodded, crossing his arms. "They did… and they both passed the test as you have. However… I could tell that at the time, the one of the boys had not learned the true meaning of the Soul Badge- indeed, of every badge. For you see, each Gym Badge you earn has a special meaning, even if it isn't told to you." Ash blinked at that, making the ninja chuckle. "Tell me… why do you think the Boulder Badge was given to you, despite your 'loss', Ash?"

Ash had to think for a moment as he tried to remember what Brock had told him on that day before he answered, frowning thoughtfully. "He said it was because he saw how I cared for my Pokemon and how much I have trained them, preparing for his Gym battle…"

To his surprise, though, the Gym Leader shook his head. "I didn't ask for what he said while giving it to you, Ash… I asked why you thought he gave it to you. What do you believe the Boulder Badge symbolizes, if the Soul Badge symbolizes the connection between Pokemon and Trainer, between student and teacher?"

The boy blinked before he said, frowning thoughtfully, "The Boulder Badge… I think it symbolizes the hardships you go through and it makes you stronger and tough like a boulder- and that hardship giving you a stronger connection with yourself and your Pokemon… Or at least, that's what I think."

"..." Koga chuckled once more, returning his Nidorina to her Pokeball. "I see… Impressive- even without realizing it, you've learned the true meaning of the Gym Badges. They aren't there as a key to the Pokemon League… They exist because they symbolize how a Trainer grows and becomes the best they can be. Most Gym Leaders do not test this hidden aspect… I, however, do- it wasn't your skill that earned you that badge, but your heart."

Ash gave a happy smile as he nodded, "I understand, although I never thought of it that way before. I'm happy to have learned this- thank you, Koga." He then returned Nidosaur and Dexter back into their respective Pokeballs. "Both of you take a nice long rest, you've earned it…"

Then the two heard a slow clap, and Ash turned to see Blue, leaning against the wall. "Impressive, Ash… You did well against Koga." He gave a small smirk, crossing his arms. "I'll admit, though, I didn't expect to see your Nidoran evolve in the middle of battle like that."

"Blue!?" Ash and Storm both stared at the boy in shock. "H-how long were you standing there!?"

Blue shrugged, pushing himself off the wall. "Heh… Long enough to see Nidosaur and Nidorina's fight- and I gotta say, that was some nice work. I'm glad you managed to get the Soul Badge, though, it's one of the hardest badges out there to earn due to Koga's second challenge."

Ash blushed a bit as he scratched the back of his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Heh… W-well, you know… I just…"

Storm chuckled as he jumped back onto his Trainer's shoulder, pushing the boy's cap over his eyes. "Hey! Don't be so modest! You know you've earned it! Too bad your you-know-who wasn't around to see this… She'd have enjoyed i-"

"Hey Ashy~" Nya suddenly jumped down from the ceiling, landing on Ash's back and making both him and Storm scream in shock! "You did great against Koga- I knew you could do it~! I never had a doubt- especially against his secret test!"

"Mem- Nya! Where did you come from!?" Ash demanded, the sudden appearance of her almost gave the boy a heart attack! Seriously, is EVERYONE gonna just show up ninja style today!?

"Oooooh, I was in the rafters, ya know- it's super comfy up there, especially while watching a Pokemon battle!" Nya giggled, nuzzling her son's cheek like a playful cat.

Koga blinked, looking at the Meowth in surprise. Hmm? When in the world did she…? I didn't even notice her sneak into this area of the Gym…

Then the ninja girl in pink landed from the ceiling- by this point, Ash and Storm just deadpanned at the sudden entrances. Aya looked at Blue for a moment before she said, turning back to Koga, "There is no sign of that boy Dustin anywhere in the area, Brother. But we may have to warn the other Gyms in case he's going after their badges too."

The Gym Leader nodded, frowning slightly. "You may be correct, Aya… Despite that, it does not excuse you from your impromptu battle with Blue here." Ash blinked at that, glancing at Blue while the ninja girl in question stiffened, blushing in embarrassment. "The only reason I will forgive it is because frankly, I needed to test Ash's abilities alone, with nobody else actively watching."

Kinda defeats the purpose since Blue saw it… Ash thought to himself before he said, quickly changing the topic from his thoughts, "We'll try to find Dustin and see what he's up to ourselves if we can. He tried to take someone close to me by using me as bait once- I know how strong he can be, and he also has a partner named Jayden, she has strong Pokemon too."

Blue nodded, looking serious. "We don't know much about either of them, but there is something else that's unusual about them too…" He took a deep breath before looking right at Koga. "They were members of Team Rocket a few years ago- Giovanni's right hand men, and Red defeated them along with that man. The fact that they're back now… It doesn't spell anything good. It seems like they've gotten even stronger since Red fought with them… so by this point, I doubt even the Elite Four could defeat them."

"That really doesn't sound good." Koga frowned in thought, staring at the ground. "There might be more of them too… We'd best keep on our guards. Aya and I will alert every Gym in the Kanto region. You two boys be on the look out for any other elite members like those two."

Ash nodded, giving a small salute. "We will, you can be certain of that! Chances are that they'll find us before we find them though… They're pretty stealthy when they want to be."

The ninja sighed before giving them both a small smile. "Well, anyways, you both had better head on your way- you have 6 badges, right? If so, I would suggest the Viridian Gym last, as it is right near the entrance to Victory Road, and the Indigo Plateau."

Ash nodded, pumping his fist confidently. "Yeah, I've heard that gym is the toughest of them all. I want it to be my last Gym Badge! Thanks Koga, what's the next Gym you suggest for me?"

Blue answered, shrugging, "There's some gyms in different town or cities you could go to, but if you're looking for a real challenge, I'd suggest the gym on Cinnabar Island- but I need to warn you… It's a big tourist attraction, getting around and getting a hotel may be impossible when you get there."

The raven-haired boy smiled, shrugging. "Well, I'd be okay with sleeping in the woods or something- alright then, Cinnabar Island it is!"

"Oooh, I haven't been to Cinnabar Island in AGES! I've been dying to see that place after a century, see how much the place had changed since that volcano exploded." Nya said with a big smile on her face.

Storm sweatdropped nervously, gulping. "The fact it's an island with an active volcano really doesn't make me feel comfortable."

Ash turned back to the two ninjas, smiling. "Thanks again, both of you- I've learned a lot in our battles. I hope to see you again someday." He gave a respectful bow to them.

Koga bowed back, hiding his own smile. "And to you, Ash Ketchum- I hope we shall meet again…" Then he looked at Blue, an unreadable look in his eye. "Blue… I hope you have learned much since winning the Soul Badge."

Blue looked at him and said, an unreadable look in his own eyes. "Yeah, me too."

"You have changed since I last saw you, Blue." Koga remarked, crossing his arms. "Don't think I hadn't missed your battle with my younger sister Aya."

"... It was only a fluke, nothing more." Blue waved it off, shrugging. "She could have easily beaten me if she hadn't been such a cocky ninja."

"Wha- hey!" Aya growled, a tick mark forming on her forehead. "Just because I lost to you doesn't mean I'm incompetent!" She huffed, crossing her arms.

"I didn't say you were, I just said you were cocky." Blue said, giving a small smirk before he shrugged. "Hey, don't worry about it, my brother and I were a lot worse- at least you've learned your lesson."

"..." Aya kept frowning, but at least she seemed appeased by this. "Alright then, you two head off… I'm sure we'll meet again!"

Ash nodded as Koga opened a secret door, leading the way outside. Good, I was worried I'd have to navigate through that entire maze just to get out. "Good-bye! Take care of yourselves!" Ash waved, giving a bright grin.

"I hope you two become great ninjas someday." Blue said as they began walking out of the gym, both of them continuing their journeys together.

Then Ash had an idea, and he blinked. "Wait, don't we still have our bicycles?" Blue gave a smirk as Ash smiled excitedly.

Both of the boys were on their bikes in a flash, and one of them turned to the other. "Race ya to the Pokemon Center, Blue!" Ash laughed, instantly rushing off as Storm closed his eyes in pleasure on his little basket and Nya just giggling from in her child's backpack.

"Hey, wait up!" Blue couldn't help but give a slightly amused grin, riding after him as fast as he could. "You're going too fast, you'll hurt yourself!"

As the two boys cycled off into the distance, someone slowly came out of the bushes, smirking, with his trusted Dewott by his side. "Hmph… looks like somebody's getting cocky." He raised an eyebrow, staring at their retreating forms, before he pulled out a phone and dialed a number. "...Hey- it's me. You'd better hurry up with the Marsh Badge and the Volcano Badge, it seems our operation is being blown wide open."

"Well EXCUUUUSE me, Dustin! We can't ALL be Mr. Perfect! Sabrina isn't exactly EASY to get by, you know! I had to use Umbreon and Espeon to keep her from finding me! Not to mention this stupid ship is taking FOREVER to get to the island!" A girl's voice shouted over the phone in irritation.

Dustin rolled his eyes, scoffing. "If you can complain about it, you can do better. Besides, I had to get past a ninja and you don't hear me complaining." Then he sighed, a serious expression growing on his face. "Look… Blaine's Badge will be more difficult to snag- the Gym Leaders are catching on." He pointedly ignored the fact that it was sort of his fault, and continued to speak. "We have every other Gym Badge, we can't fail this late in the game. If we do, then we'll never be able to crush Mew like the maniac she is."

"Well don't you worry your pretty little head Dustin, I've got it covered. I'll see you back at HQ in about 24 hours if everything goes as planned."

Dustin sighed as his teammate hung up, still staring at where he had last seen those two Trainers. "The problem is, it might not go as planned…" he mumbled to himself, his grip on his phone tightening. Especially if THEY'RE getting involved.

"Shall we go after them, Master?" Dewott asked his Trainer as he polished his scalchops, looking eager for a fight.

Dustin smirked as he put a hand over his partner's head, ruffling his fur. "Not just yet- let's see how Jayden will handle them this time… But don't you worry, we'll get another crack at them soon, Dewott- we just have to be patient." Then he turned, staring at the ocean, and at a large island in the distance. "Patience is key… just like chess. And even if those two are somehow strong enough to get past Jayden and the two of us, we still have one other teammate… our leader- she's stronger than both of us combined." He smirked, turning away from his view of the island and beginning to walk away. "Come on- let's get going… We have to get back to HQ soon anyway." Soon… soon, our plans will be complete…!

DarkFoxKit: Yup… finally… an evolution to Ash's team- about time, huh? And yes, we got to see Vulpix in action too.

ChuckTheEon: But… how will Trixie react after all that training she went through? I know from experience what an angry Zorua will do.

Key2DestNE: I'm not sure, honestly… guess that'll take the next chapter for you all to find out!

ChuckTheEon: Is that even IN the next chapter? *munches on some turkey*

DarkFoxKit: This is probably one of our longer chapters. Completing Ash's rematch and how he got the badge… that ninja is sneaky, wouldn't you say? Of course, it wouldn't be so easy to earn it, but looks like our Ashy boy is finally maturing now.

Key2DestNE: Yeah- we hope you like that Ash is learning! We're taking special care for Ash to not seem like a dunce in this story, the test Koga gave him being a perfect example. Now then, what will Dustin do next? I guess you'll have to find out next time!

ChuckTheEon: Why don't ya Read and Review, and I'll share some turkey with you!