Thanks for the reviews guys I really appreciate you taking the time to write one.

Here's chapter 10 I hope you enjoy.

In conversations:

'- Translation of Poké Speech – No human unless otherwise stated can understand it.

"- Human speech

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon.

The next morning Ash woke up bright and early. His excitement at the prospect of winning his first Hoenn badge making it impossible for him to rest. His Pokémon clearly felt the same as they had all woken up early too. After they had breakfast their wait for the gym to open began. Ash constantly kept looking at the time and each time was disappointed to see that only a few minutes instead of a few hours had passed. After what felt like an eternity the clock showed ten am. Ash jumped to his feet.

"Finally. Come on guys lets go win our first badge."

Everyone cheered and were then returned to their poke balls. Ash clipped their Pokéballs back on to his belt and walked out of the Pokémon Centre towards the gym. He arrived at the gym a few minutes later. He opened the door and walked inside. He looked around the reception area and spotted a man dressed in a referee's outfit. The man saw Ash and walked over to him.

"Who are you and what is your business here?" the man asked.

"My name is Ash Ketchum and I'm here to challenge Roxanne for the Stone Badge."

"Follow me."

The man led Ash threw a door which led to a battlefield. The man told Ash to wait in the trainer box and he then walked to the side of the battlefield and sat on a bench. Ash stood waiting as told and after ten minutes of waiting he was starting to get a bit annoyed. He was about to start complaining but then a girl walked down the stairs and stood in the opposite trainer box.

"Hello Ash I'm Roxanne. I apologise for making you wait. I had to make sure all the students were fine."

Ash looked up and saw that the students from the Trainer School were sat in the stands above. He smiled at them as several of them were waved at him.

"So you're the person Taylor told me about. Let's see if you are as good as he says." Roxanne said.

The referee got up and stood at the side of the battlefield.

"The rules of this gym are that this will be a three vs three match. The challenger is the only one who can make substitutions. Roxanne shall choose her Pokémon first." the referee announced

"Graveler you're up."

"Phanpy to the battlefield."

"Trap Phanpy with Rock Tomb."

"Dodge with Rollout and gather momentum."

Graveler smashed the ground around him and started throwing rocks at Phanpy. In response Phanpy quickly got into a ball and rolled straight at Graveler. As the rocks flew his way Phanpy changed direction weaving between the rocks getting closer and closer to Graveler his rapidly speed increasing.

"Stop him with Mega Punch." Roxanne said.

Graveler's arm glowed white but before he had a chance to launch his attack Phanpy rammed into him sending him crashing into a boulder making the rubble falling on top of him. Graveler got up shaking the rubble off of him. Ash and Phanpy were amazed that it looked like the attack had barely affected Graveler.

"Double-Edge."

Ash knew Phanpy couldn't win in a straight up battle of strength so all he could do is reduce the damage he would take.

"Take Down."

Both Pokémon glowed white and they charged at each other. They collided in the centre of the battlefield and Phanpy was quickly overpowered. He was sent skidding along the ground eventually coming to a stop next to Ash. To Roxanne and Graveler's surprise Phanpy quickly got back to his feet and walked back on to the battlefield.

"It'll take more than that to stop my Phanpy. Use Hidden Power."

Phanpy formed several green orbs around him and fired them at Graveler. The rock Pokémon was still stunned at Phanpy's resilience and by the time he snapped out of his shock the orbs hit him which knocked him back. The attack had clearly had much more of an effect on him as he fell to one knee but quickly pushed himself back to his feet.

"Earthquake." Ash said.

Phanpy stomped on the ground shaking the very foundation of the building. The shock waves knocked Graveler off his feet doing some serious damage to him. The tremors also turned several parts of the battlefield to rubble. Ash looked around for something to give him an advantage and saw a boulder at an angle which gave him an idea.

"Use that rock as a ramp and use Rollout."

Phanpy got into a ball and rolled straight towards the makeshift ramp as Ash instructed.

"Nice idea Ash but it won't work. Dig your feet into the ground and hit him with Mega Punch. Follow up with a Smack Down and finish him with Rollout."

Phanpy shot off the rock sending him flying into the air. He started plummeting towards Graveler who stood his ground. Phanpy slammed into him but due to Graveler's feet being dug in Phanpy was stopped in his tracks. Graveler's arm then glowed white and his fist slammed into Phanpy's gut sending him back into the air. Graveler then picked up a boulder and threw it at Phanpy the power behind the attack sent Phanpy crashing into the ceiling. Graveler then got into a ball and rolled straight towards where Phanpy would land. Ash knew that if this attack hit it was over the Phanpy.

"Try Hidden Power." Ash said desperately.

As much as Phanpy wanted to attack he couldn't. He was still recovering from Graveler's last attacks. He kept trying to focus but was unable to and he slammed into the ground. Phanpy struggled to his feet and saw Graveler heading straight at him. He tried one more time to form the orbs but was to slow and Graveler slammed into him making him fly across the room and slam right into the wall. Phanpy then slumped to the ground unconscious.

"Phanpy is unable to battle. Challenger choose your next Pokémon."

Ash returned Phanpy thanking him for his efforts and he took the next Pokéball off his belt.

"Mudkip to the battlefield."

The mud fish took a quick look at Graveler and could tell that whoever had fought him before had severely weakened him so this should be a simple knock out.

"Water Gun."

"Roll through it." Roxanne said sounding unconcerned.

Mudkip opened his mouth and fired a jet of water at Graveler. At the same type the rock type got into a ball and rolled towards Mudkip pushing straight through the water stunning both Ash and Mudkip.

"Water Gun on the ground." Ash said quickly.

Mudkip stopped firing the water at Graveler and instead shot it at the ground instead. The force propelled him into the air dodging Graveler who slammed into one of the few remaining boulders which brought him to a halt.

"Now Iron Tail."

Mudkip's tail-fin turned metallic. He flipped aiming his tail-fin at Graveler and he slammed it down on to Graveler's back. The rock Pokémon grunted and staggered forward eventually collapsing.

"Graveler is unable to battle. Roxanne choose your next Pokémon"

"Onix your turn."

Ash looked at the Onix and could tell it was strong. In fact it could probably be able to give Brock's a run for his money. Ash cursed internally as he knew Mudkip wasn't ready for this kind of challenge. Ash took Totodile's Pokéball off his belt and was about to return the Mud fish. However Mudkip then turned around and Ash saw the look in his eyes. He could see determination, courage and a desire to win.

"Okay Mudkip. If you believe you can win then I do to." Ash said confidently.

Ash was amazed at how convincing he had sounded. Sure he had a lot of faith in Mudkip but knew he would probably have to forfeit Mudkip like he had forfeited Pikachu in his first battle against Brock.

"Water Gun full power."

"Take it." Roxanne said.

Mudkip opened his mouth and fired a jet of water far more powerful than any of his previous ones. Onix stood strong and took the water attack head on. When Mudkip stopped firing the attack he saw that Onix had barely flinched from the water. Ash was stunned. He had expected the Water Gun to at least do some damage instead he had just shaken it off.

"Onix Iron Tail."

"Dodge it."

The tail end of Onix's body turned metallic. He swung it at Mudkip who managed to jump away from the first attempt. But Mudkip had been backed into a corner and couldn't avoid the second strike. Onix's tail slammed into him and sent him flying across the room. Mudkip then crashed into the wall in the same place Phanpy had. He fell to the ground but somehow got back to his feet.

"I'll give Mudkip credit he's a tough one. But this is the end for him. Onix Wrap."

Ash watched as Mudkip who was still dazed from the Iron Tail was picked up by Onix. The rock worm then wrapped his body around Mudkip and started crushing him.

"Try to escape."

Mudkip struggled in Onix's grip but couldn't move. He tried to fire a Water Gun at Onix but the pain he was being subjected to was preventing him from focussing long enough to attack. Mudkip continued to struggle to get free but it was useless. As Onix tightened his grip Mudkip was trying not to cry out in pain. But as Onix's grip got even tighter it eventually became too much for him and let out a loud pain filled cry. Ash watched in horror as he saw Mudkip in so much pain. Ash knew what he had to do. Mudkip then looked down and saw Ash about to forfeit him. He would not lose to this overgrown worm. Mudkip yelled and emitted a bright white light. Everyone shielded their eyes from the intense light. When the light died down they looked back at the battlefield and were shocked to see a Marshtomp now being wrapped by Onix.

Marshtomp took advantage of Onix's shock by opening his mouth and firing several small balls of mud at Onix's face. The rock worm was blinded by the mud and he roared in pain. As Onix tried to recover from the attack his grip on Marshtomp loosened allowing Marshtomp to escape. When he could see again Onix glared at Marshtomp who looked back with a very cocky smirk on his face.

"Iron Tail."

"Dodge it."

The tail end of Onix's tail turned metallic again and he swung his tail at Marshtomp. The mud fish easily leapt out of the way still keeping the cocky look on his face. Onix was determined to hit Marshtomp so he kept flailing his tail at Marshtomp but was missing every time. With every miss Onix was gradually getting even more enraged.

"Keep dodging while rapid firing Water Gun's."

Marshtomp did as told and kept leaping out of the way of Onix's tail. After every dodge he shot a quick Water Gun at Onix. The low powered water attack wasn't doing a great deal of damage to Onix. But every time Onix missed a sweep of his tail and took a Water Gun from Marshtomp his rage built. As he got angrier Onix's attacks started getting more wild. Onix's rage finally broke when Marshtomp jumped on to Onix's body and made him hit himself with an Iron Tail. Onix let out a deafening roar and continued his failing assault.

"Onix please calm down." Roxanne begged.

The rock worm looked at his trainer and ignored her. He had given in to rage at Marshtomp and was now out of control. Ash knew that he had to take down Onix before someone got hurt.

"Marshtomp we have to take him down. Run up his body and use Iron Tail on top of his head."

Marshtomp nodded and ran at Onix. He jumped on to Onix's tail which was still metallic and started running up his body. Marshtomp quickly sidestepped when he saw Onix's tail headed towards him. Onix didn't seem to care about hitting himself and continued his attack. Marshtomp kept dodging Onix's tail as he kept slamming it into his own body in his attempts to hit Marshtomp. Finally Marshtomp leapt on to Onix's head and was about to execute the attack when he saw Onix's tail aimed at him. Marshtomp quickly jumped dodging Onix's tail which without Marshtomp in the way slammed into his own head. The strength of his own tail slamming down on his head made Onix fall to the ground. Marshtomp knew this was his chance to finish this. His tail-fins turned metallic and he aimed them at Onix's skull. Onix pushed himself up and he was met by Marshtomp's tail-fins which slammed down on his head. The force of the attack made Onix pitch forward unconscious.

"Onix is unable to battle. Roxanne choose your final Pokémon"

Roxanne returned Onix and looked at his Pokéball sadly. She felt ashamed that he had behaved that way in front of the children. What sort of example was that for her students? She looked at Ash.

"Thank you for stopping him Ash. Believe me when I say that he's never acted like that before."

"I have no doubt that you're right. To be honest I think Marshtomp kind of provoked him."

Marshtomp looked sheepish and muttered his name a few time which they guessed was an apology.

"Anyway we have a battle to finish so Lairon lets win this."

Lairon appeared on the battlefield. Ash could tell that this was her best Pokémon by far and was in a different league to her last two.

"Marshtomp take a rest."

Marshtomp reluctantly did as he asked. Ash knew Marshtomp had taken a beating and could use the rest. He also didn't want another Pokémon to start rampaging.

"Totodile to the battlefield."

Totodile appeared and looked at his opponent. A grin was on his face as he knew that Lairon would be a challenge.

"Start with Stone Edge."

"Counter Shield." Ash said to Roxanne and Lairon confusion.

Thanks to Onix's rampage which had turned the battlefield into a pile of rubble it wasn't hard for Lairon to find stones to use for his attack. The sharp stones on the battlefield circled around Lairon and then shot at Totodile. The crocodile got on his back and started spinning while firing a Water Gun. The action created a vortex of water that repelled any stones that got near him. Roxanne and Lairon looked at Totodile amazed at what they had just seen.

"Iron Head." Roxanne said once she'd gotten over her shock.

"Aqua Jet."

Lairon's head shimmered and her charged at Totodile who was surrounded in water and shot off to meet the attack head on. The attacks clashed and Totodile was beaten back by Lairon. Although Totodile had the type advantage over Lairon. The steel type had superior strength which Totodile couldn't match until he evolved.

"Double-Edge." Roxanne said looking to press her advantage.

Ash had learned his lesson and was not going to make the same mistake twice.

"Dodge with Aqua Jet."

Lairon ran at Totodile again however this time he glowed white as he ran. Totodile watched as Lairon got closer and moments before Lairon would have hit him Totodile was surrounded in water. Totodile shot into the air avoiding the charging Lairon. The steel type was forced to skid to a stop so he wouldn't slam into the wall.

"Totodile Dig."

"Earthquake."

Roxanne felt pretty confident that she would be able to do some serious damage to Totodile. Her confidence was slightly lessened when she looked at Ash who was smirking. She watched as Totodile quickly dug underground and before Lairon could even raise his legs to create the Earthquake Totodile burst out of the ground landing on Lairon's back.

"Use Ice Punch repeatedly." Ash said confidently.

"Throw him off." Roxanne said worriedly.

Totodile's fists became encased in ice and he began punching Lairon as he flailed around trying to get Totodile off of him. Lairon continued trying to throw Totodile but he then had a different plan he sent his head back as far as he could. Totodile was about to hit Lairon with another Ice Punch when Lairon's metallic head smashed into Totodile's face. The pain Totodile felt made him lose his grip allowing Lairon to throw him into the air. Totodile sailed through the air eventually crashing down in front of Ash.

"Iron Tail."

Lairon ran at Totodile and then swung his tail at Totodile who was still focussed on his face which was causing him a lot of pain. Totodile was pretty sure that something must have been broken by Lairon's metallic head. Totodile's thoughts were taken away from his face when Lairon's tail slammed into his side and sent him skidding through the rubble. He quickly got back up but was holding his side which was now causing him more pain than his face.

"Use Double-Edge one more time." Roxanne said looking to end this.

"Roll out of the way." Ash said knowing that Totodile might not be able to take another hit from Lairon.

Totodile saw Lairon charging at him and did as he was told and rolled out of the way which caused him more pain. Lairon once again had to skid to a stop however this time he was stuck in some of the rubble. Ash saw this as his chance and he wasn't going to waste it.

"Now Ice Punch."

Totodile was limping now due to the pain in his side. Somehow he managed to get to Lairon in time to hit his right leg with his ice encased fist. The ice attack didn't do a lot of damage however it had done what Ash wanted and frozen his right rear leg.

"It's time to end this. Use Hydro Pump."

"Lairon try to get out of the way." Roxanne said desperately.

Totodile shot a high pressure blast of water at Lairon. The steel type struggled to try and free his leg from the ice. Sadly for him he couldn't get free quick enough and he was lost in the torrent of water. Totodile stopped the attack not long after and as the water washed away it showed Lairon unconscious

"Lairon is unable to battle. Ash Ketchum wins."

The children all cheered which made Ash and Totodile grin. The crocodile finally gave into his exhaustion and collapsed. Ash rushed to his side and picked him up.

"I'm proud of you Totodile. I'll get you to a Pokémon Centre as soon as possible."

Ash got a nod in response. Ash decided to return Totodile to try and lessen the pain he was feeling. Ash got up and walked to the centre of the battlefield and was met by Roxanne. They shook hands and then Roxanne placed the Stone Badge into Ash's hand.

"That was an amazing battle Ash. I see that you are far better than Taylor and Norman said."

"Thanks Roxanne I enjoyed... hang on did you say Norman?"

"Yeah Norman called me about a week ago. He told me you would be coming soon so I should bring my best if I wanted to win."

Ash made a mental note to 'thank' Norman when he next sees him.

"Well it was a fun battle Roxanne. Maybe we can have another some day."

"I'd like that Ash."

A loud explosion from outside cut their conversation short.

"What the hell was that?" Ash yelled.

Ash and Roxanne rushed outside and heard another explosion. They looked around to see where it was coming from.

"It's coming from Devon Corp." Roxanne said as another explosion went off.

Ash and Roxanne looked down the road to Devon Corp and saw a group of people in Team Firestorm uniforms.

"Damn. It's Team Firestorm. Roxanne take the children to the Pokémon Centre. Take Marshtomp, Totodile and Phanpy with you and get them healed. They'll help you keep everyone safe if Team Firestorm attack the Pokémon Centre."

Roxanne was reluctant to leave when Team Firestorm were attacking but her best three Pokémon were knocked out so she wouldn't be much help.

"Okay Ash. Just be careful."

"I'll try." Ash handed Roxanne three Pokéballs "Now go and keep the students safe."

Roxanne nodded and went back into the gym so she could get the students. Ash then started pushing his way through the people who were screaming in terror and running away from Devon Corp.

Once he pushed his way past the crowds Ash gradually crept closer to the members of Team Firestorm who were stood outside Devon Corp. He kept as quiet as possible and made sure he was out of sight. Ash got behind the wall that was as close to Devon Corp as he could get and quickly looked over the cover spotting five grunts. Ash got back behind the wall and looked at Eevee and Ralts. He knew that with Team Firestorm being here it was too dangerous to keep them out of a Pokéball He placed his daughters on the ground and took a couple of spare Pokéballs off of his belt. He then held out the Pokéballs in front of Eevee and Ralts.

"I'm sorry but I have to put you both in Pokéballs now." Ash said sadly.

Both Ralts and Eevee whined clearly not wanting to be parted from Ash. The looks on their faces broke Ash's heart. But he knew that he had to do this to keep them safe.

"I'm sorry but it's the only way I can be certain you'll be safe. I'll send you back out as soon as it is safe I promise."

Eevee and Ralts looked down dejectedly and reluctantly pressed the capture buttons on the Pokéballs Ash looked at the Pokéballs sadly and then clipped them on to his belt. He turned his attention back to the Team Firestorm grunts and saw two more join them meaning there were now seven grunts guarding the entrance to Devon Corp.

"There is too many of them for us to rush in. We'll have to be smarter than that." Ash whispered as he devised a plan.

Raichu's cheeks started crackling preparing to fire a Thunder Wave at them.

"Wait Raichu. They might make noise if you shock them. I have another idea."

Raichu realised Ash was right and stopped charging his attack. Ash took a poke ball off his belt and opened it revealing Noctowl.

"Noctowl use Hypnosis on those men." Ash whispered

Noctowl's eyes glowed red and she released red circles that expanded as they moved towards the grunts. When the hypnotic waves hit the grunts they collapsed to the ground and were in a deep sleep. Ash came out of cover and returned Noctowl. He carefully stepped around the sleeping grunts and walked through the entrance to Devon Corp which no longer had doors as they had been blown off its hinges.

Ash walked down a corridor headed for the stairs. Suddenly he heard voices coming from a room to his right. He went to the door and quietly nudged it open. He looked inside the room and saw a group of scientists. They were all cowering in fear looking at the grunt who had a menacing looking Cacturne by his side.

"W-w-why are you doing this?" one of the scientists asked.

"This is your final warning. Shut up now!" the grunt yelled.

"B-but..."

"That's it I've had enough of your whining. Cacturne Pin Missile."

Ash couldn't stand by and watch this any longer.

"Raichu block the Pin Missile's with Thunderbolt."

Cacturne fired multiple white glowing streams of pins from the dark green patches on its arms and legs at the scientists. Raichu then leapt into the room and fired a bolt of electricity at the pins cancelling them out.

"Now Quick Attack and hit him with Iron Tail."

Raichu shot off with streaks of white coming off him and he rammed straight into Cacturne's gut making him double over. Raichu then leapt into the air and his tail turned metallic. He slammed his tail down on Cacturne's head smashing him face first into the floor knocking him out. The grunt seeing his unconscious Pokémon went to flee so he could get reinforcements.

"Raichu stop him with Thunder Wave."

Another bolt of electricity shot off of Raichu and hit the fleeing grunt making him collapse. He tried to move but was unable to the paralysis completely immobilizing him. Now that he knew the grunt wasn't escaping Ash walked over to the terrified scientists.

"Are you all okay?" Ash asked.

"We're fine thanks to you. You must hurry now. The main databases are on the top floor in Mr Stone's office. You have to get there quickly before they steal any crucial research data."

"Okay I'll go. But I need to make sure you're all safe. Snorlax come on out."

Snorlax came out wondering what was going on. He looked at Ash questioningly.

"I need you to stay here and protect these people. Stop any Team Firestorm members that try to come in."

Snorlax nodded and stood ready for battle. Ash gave a quick thanks to Snorlax before running to the stairs and started to ascend to the top of the building. As he climbed the countless steps he wondered why there wasn't an elevator in the building. He shook off the idea and focussed back on his goal. Every time he got to a new floor he would look inside the rooms and see several Team Firestorm members. Ash had to ignore them though no matter how much he wanted to help them. He knew that not only did he not have the time to help them but he didn't have enough Pokémon either.

Ash finally got to the top level and he burst through the door. The first thing Ash saw was a man who had a much more intimidating presence than any of the other Team Firestorm members her had met. Next to him was a Crawdaunt that had a man stuck in one of his claws. Crawdaunt was squeezing the man for a few seconds before stopping. Ash could see the man trying to not show the pain he was obviously feeling.

"Let him go you scum." Ash yelled at the man in the Team Firestorm attire.

The man and Crawdaunt turned their attention to Ash who was temporarily chilled by the man's ice blue and blood red eyes.

"I'm Rethant."

"Why have you attacked Devon Corp?" Ash asked.

"Foolish child. Do you really think I am going to tell everyone Team Firestorm's plans? I am not some stupid Saturday morning cartoon villain. Now I suggest you leave now before I crush you."

"I'm not going anywhere." Ash said defiantly.

"Fine. Crawdaunt snap him like a twig." Rethant said darkly.

"Raichu Volt Tackle."

Crawdaunt dropped the man he had been crushing causing the man to land on the ground and bang his head on the ground. The blow knocked him unconscious. Crawdaunt then charged at Ash but was intercepted by Raichu who was surrounded in electricity. Crawdaunt fell back after the attack however he hadn't taken anywhere near as much damage as Ash had hoped.

"That rat of yours isn't bad." Rethant said,

Ash and Raichu growled at the rat comment.

"Thunderbolt."

"Protect then Dark Pulse."

Raichu fired a bolt of electricity at Crawdaunt who created a a green barrier which deflected the electricity. Crawdaunt then released a dark wave of energy at Raichu which knocked the mouse back but he remained on his feet.

"Crush the rat." Rethant yelled clearly annoyed that Crawdaunt hadn't dealt with Raichu yet.

"Avoid his claws with Quick Attack. Then jump on his back and use Thunderbolt."

Crawdaunt charged at Raichu again and started trying to grab him. He kept snapping his claws shut when he thought he was going to catch his opponent but Raichu was too fast. When he got behind Crawdaunt Raichu jumped on to Crawdaunt's back. Crawdaunt tried to grab the rat but he couldn't quite reach him. Raichu's cheeks crackled and he transferred the electricity directly into Crawdaunt making him cry out in pain.

"Slam your back into the wall."

Crawdaunt slammed his back into the wall behind him leaving Raichu embedded in the wall. He yanked the mouse out of the wall and started crush him in his claws. Raichu struggled against his grip but he couldn't get free.

"Full power Thunder."

Raichu managed to focus long enough to unleash all the electrical energy he could muster and shot directly into Crawdaunt. The powerful electric attack made Crawdaunt release him. This allowed Raichu to scramble away to give him a few moments to recover. However Crawdaunt quickly shook the Thunder off. But to Ash's relief he appeared to have been paralysed by the attack.

"Crabhammer." Rethant growled angrily.

"Volt Tackle."

Crawdaunt ran at Raichu as his pincer glowed white. Raichu charged to meet him and he was surrounded in electricity. Raichu collided with Crawdaunt's fist and after a short power struggle Raichu was overpowered. He was sent flying back and Raichu slammed into the wall behind Ash. He looked back and saw Raichu trying to get back up but he was unable to. Ash was now wishing he hadn't left Snorlax downstairs. His only options now were Zangoose, Nincada and Treecko who were strong. However Ash didn't know if Nincada or Treecko would be strong enough to fight Crawdaunt.

"Zangoose to the battlefield."

Zangoose came out and looked at his opponent. A grin broke out on to Zangoose's face as he was finally going to get a chance to battle. However he was disappointed that it looked like Crawdaunt had taken quite a bit of damage from someone else. Zangoose got into a battle stance and thought well a battle is a battle in the end.

"Start with Quick Attack."

Zangoose shot off as streaks of white came off him. He rammed straight into Crawdaunt who staggered back and put his claws to his gut. He was still feeling weak from his battle against the rat so the attack hurt more than it usually would have done.

"Use Crunch and make sure you break him in two."

"Quick Attack to get away. Then use Crush Claw."

Crawdaunt jumped forward trying to snap his jaws down on Zangoose. But he bit thin air as the mongoose had shot away. Zangoose appeared at Crawdaunt's right side and his claws glowed blueish-white with white sparks surrounding it. He raked his claws across Crawdaunt's side creating three gashes down his right side making Crawdaunt collapse. Crawdaunt struggled back to his feet but was clearly unable to fight back. Ash looked at Crawdaunt and knew that he would have to knock it out as Rethant wouldn't return it otherwise.

"Finish Crawdaunt with Close Combat."

Zangoose started pummelling Crawdaunt with a flurry of punches and kicks until it finally crumpled to the floor finally losing the battle with consciousness. Zangoose then added a final kick for good measure making him skid along the floor coming to a stop in front of Rethant. Rethant recalled Crawdaunt and glared at his Pokéball

"You useless Pokémon. I'll deal with you later." Rethant growled angrily.

Rethant looked up at Ash and sent a terrifying glare at him.

"Your time has come boy. Salamence destroy him."

Salamence appeared and let out a deafening roar. It looked straight at Ash and Zangoose with an almost maniacal look in his eyes. Zangoose was unaffected by the intense stare though and stood in front of Ash ready to continue battling. As Salamence was about to attack an Officer Jenny ran up the final steps and entered the room with a group of armed officers behind her. Rethant saw them and quickly leapt on to Salamence's back.

"Your interference doesn't matter boy. We've got what we came for."

With that Rethant threw a smoke bomb which allowed him to escape as everyone was coughing and spluttering.

When the smoke cleared Office Jenny looked furious.

"Damn it he's evaded us again." she shouted.

"Not yet he hasn't. Noctowl stop him." Ash said as he sent out Noctowl.

Noctowl quickly took off in pursuit of the Salamence. Rethant had an evil grin on his face when he heard something behind him. He looked back and saw Noctowl now chasing him.

"You don't know when to quit do you? Salamence Dragon Claw."

Noctowl had tucked her wings in and was now headed straight at Salamence who's claws glowed green. As Noctowl approached Salamence the dragon dodged under her Brave Bird attack and slashed at her creating three gashes across her body. Noctowl screeched in pain and started plummeting to the ground.

"NOCTOWL!" Ash yelled in horror as he watched her limp body plummet towards the ground.

Rethant and Salamence had evil smirks on their faces and clearly look proud of their work. They turned around and Salamence quickly flew away. Ash wasn't concerned about Rethant now. He was only concerned about Noctowl. Ash fumbled with his belt trying to get Noctowl's Pokéball He finally managed to find it and returned her when she was mere inches from the ground.

"Come on let's go. I'll give you a ride to the Pokémon Centre." Officer Jenny said.

Ash nodded and followed her downstairs. As he walked down the corridor to the entrance he saw Snorlax outside carrying the unconscious Team Firestorm members to the police station. Ash returned Snorlax and got on Officer Jenny's motor cycle. She hit the gas and they sped off towards the Pokémon Centre. Ash was praying the whole time that Noctowl would be okay.

Notes

Please give a review telling me what you liked/didn't like.

If you have any questions I am more than happy to answer them.

So another appearance for Team Firestorm - What data could they have stolen from Devon Corp and why would they want it? - Read on to find out.

Ash:

Kanto – Raichu, Meowth, Ivysaur, Wartortle, Charizard, Pidgeot, Kingler, Muk, Tauros(x29), Snorlax & Eevee (Shiny)

Johto – Totodile, Bayleaf, Cyndaquil, Heracross, Noctowl (Shiny), Phanpy & Sneasel

Hoenn – Marshtomp, Nincada, Treecko, Zangoose & Ralts

Pokémon on hand – Raichu, Meowth, Nincada, Snorlax, Totodile, Marshtomp, Treecko, Phanpy, Zangoose, Noctowl, Ralts & Eevee