Pokemon: Shuffled Journeys

by sithlorde1988

An AU write-up of the Pokemon anime in which nothing is how it was in canon. How different is the anime if it involves an Ash who starts his journey out in Galar, with Iris and Hop as travelling companions? Also, what order will he visit the regions in? And who will his starter be? To find out the answers to these questions (and more), read the story! Better summary in Chapter 1.

6. Ash's Egg-cellent Trial! part 2

A/N: sithlorde1988 here with another chapter of Pokemon: Shuffled Journeys! First off, let me say that (and I'm probably gonna be saying this at least a few times during both this A/N AND the end chapter A/N) as of the time of typing this A/N, my current poll has just under 24 hours left before I close it. At this time the vote sits at a 5-5-5-2-1-0-0-0 tie. Let me at this time give a brief breakdown of the detailed standings for anyone curious.

1st (3 way tie)- Korrina/May/Anabel (5 votes each)

4th- Marnie (2 votes)

5th- Jasmine (1 vote)

6th (3-way tie)- Bianca (Heroes)/Lillie/Silvia (no votes)

However any of them could ultimately triumph! Granted the ones at no votes are at a bit more of a disadvantage than say Marnie or Jasmine, though the latter is kinda on the fringe so to speak. So yeah be sure to get your votes in while you can! After tomorrow's poll closes, I'll tabulate the results and make the decision on who makes the harem. (Reminder: I said the top 2 POSSIBLY the top 3 girls in the poll would get in, but I'm waiting on the results to make that call) So yeah, be sure to vote! Also, thanks to the reviewers (and YES there were more than one this time) who reviewed chapter 5! One of them was a non-guest reviewer, so shout-out to Skitty4 for the reviews they posted for the first 3 chapters! I'm guessing they decided not to review the other 2 but that's fine, no one is required to review ALL of the chapters here. That is 100% optional, though I do prefer the feedback so I can be able to better improve my stories and in turn hopefully make them more enjoyable for the readers. However, the other reviewer was a guest so as usual I have to copy and paste a review and reply to it here. So without further ado, the review:

I like the story of both Red and Ash, however my grades go to Korrina and Marnie

First off, thanks for the review! That said, I'm not sure if by 'grades' you meant votes, because if so you never voted on the poll so I can't exactly count that. Otherwise I'd have opened up the reviews for people to send votes. The reason I didn't do so is frankly I can be a bit forgetful at times so I won't always remember to factor in votes sent via PM in the poll, plus while I technically CAN vote on my own poll, I can only do so once so I can't really cast a vote for anyone since I'm sure no one wants to see a writer voting on their own polls. That aside, thanks for the review! Having said that, let's get into the chapter, but before that let me just say one thing first: This chapter will conclude the 2-part arc currently running. HOWEVER, the focus will be less on Ash and Iris at first and more on Gloria and Hop. Also, I may or may not have a cutaway at one point to look in on Ash and Gloria's moms because of course I can. That being said, on with the chapter!

Chapter 6- Save That Egg! Ash and Iris' Egg-Cellent Adventure part 2

(recap)

Previously on Pokemon: Shuffled Journeys...

"Isn't the Wild Area supposed to be really large and expansive? Maybe we should split into pairs to explore it, like we did in Wedgehurst?" Gloria suggested. Hop shrugged at the idea. But Ash seemed to like the suggestion.

"That's not a bad idea. Given the pairs we used last time, how about Hop pairs up with Gloria, while Iris sticks wth me this time? Or does anyone have preferences on who pairs up with who?" Ash asked the others. Gloria and Iris seemed pleased by the idea. Hop was indifferent.

"That egg isn't yours, but you're raising it anyways since you found it abandoned recently and didn't want it to die. Aren't you a sweet and caring mother?"

"You think I took your egg, didn't you?"

"I didn't do it, I swear! I was too busy training. But if that's what has you upset, I can go try to get it back for you. You can even keep Iris here as collateral. If I don't return, you can do with her what you will so long as you don't take your anger at me out on her. She's innocent in this. And I won't have her getting punished for something neither she or I did. Besides, you see how kind and caring she is. Would she have let your children cuddle with her if she was a thief?"

Can Ash find the egg and bring it back to the Flygon before its' too late? What have Gloria and Hop been up to in the meantime? And will there be a random cutaway? Find out the answers to at least SOME of these questions right now on this episode of Pokemon: Shuffled Journeys!

(Back in Postwick, Lumie and Delia)

"So Lumie, how far do you think our children have gotten?" Delia asked Lumie, as the two ladies sat at the kitchen table sipping tea.

"They just left so most likely they're either on the train to Motostoke, or possibly in the Wild Area headed for Motostoke." Lumie replied after a brief pause. Delia frowned.

"Wild Area? Isn't that the open area where scores of Pokemon of varying power levels gather from what you told me?" Delia asked Lumie, who nodded.

"Yes. However, there are roadblocks of sorts in place to keep trainers of low skill levels, e.g. with insufficient Badges, from getting in over their heads. At most, they'll only have access to the first couple sections of the Wild Area, especially if they're heading for Motostoke. Odds are they're probably just doing some Pokemon catching while en route to Motostoke." Lumie said conversationally, making Delia nod.

"That does make sense. Honestly though Lumie, I remember things being MUCH less dangerous when we were on OUR trainers' journey." Delia said sighing. Lumie nodded.

"That's true, but at the same time there were only a few Pokemon back then. I think it was like 150 or so that existed back then?" *1* Lumie asked Delia. Delia frowned.

"I think it was 151 if I recall correctly. Granted, we were also much less mature back then. Remember how often you and I would wander off on our own just to mess with Gio and 'Gustus?" Delia asked, smiling fondly as she recalled her and Lumie's younger days. Lumie nodded, suddenly smirking.

"Indeed I do. I also recall that even back then you had a hard time keeping your eyes off of Gio. Too bad that didn't end up panning out well for you, Delia. But let's not talk about sad stuff. At least Gustus did well for himself. Last I heard, he'd become a Pokemon Professor in the Kalos region. So at least one of us made something of ourselves." Lumie remarked, seeing Delia briefly frown at Lumie's reference to her short-lived romance with Gio.

"Augustus became a professor? I didn't think he'd manage it so young." Delia said, using Gustus' full name in her surprise at Lumie's reveal about him.

"Indeed he did. Sadly he had to move to Kalos for his job, so that meant he and I couldn't work out since he was never the type for long-distance relationships." Lumie said sighing, but knew it was best that things played out the way they did. Delia smiled.

"That's true, but you know something Lumie? They say everything happens for a reason. Including me and Ash being sent here after we had to flee Kanto. And it resulting in the two of us finding each other once more." Delia said to Lumie, giving her a knowing smile.

"And exactly what does that mean, Delia?" Lumie asked, now confused. Delia giggled.

"Don't be daft, Lumie. You and I both know full well that Gustus wasn't the only one you had eyes for even back then. I know you had eyes for me as well. And you know I never judged you for swinging both ways." Delia said, gently putting her hand on Lumie's, looking into her eyes.

"I-I don't know what you're talking about." Lumie said, turning away to hide the now-present dusting of red on her cheeks at Delia's comments about her. Truth was she DID have a small crush of sorts on Delia, but she had pushed it down deep inside her since she had accepted that Delia wasn't into girls that way long ago. Delia smirked.

"I think you do. And contrary to what you might have thought this whole time, I don't just like guys that way. It's just rare for me to find a girl I can connect to in that way. But I think we can both agree you'd be one of the few that could be the case with. But we don't have to rush into anything right away if you'd rather we just stay friends for now." Delia said, smiling as she saw the embarrassment on Lumie's face. Lumie was shocked by this.

"Wait, what? Since when have you been into both genders, Delia?" Lumie asked in surprise, this being news to her.

"I doubt you'd believe me, but there was a time shortly after Gio and I ended where I briefly hooked up with Blue and Gary's mother, Green. But it became pretty quickly clear that Green wasn't comfortable with girls that way even if she was giving it a shot for my sake so we went back to being friends shortly after. But it was that brief hook-up that made me realize I was into both genders. Of course, you're now one of only five people who know that." Delia said to Lumie, who smiled at Delia.

"Aside from you, who're the other 3?" Lumie asked in spite of herself. Delia looked at Lumie.

"Those 3 are Green because of course she knows being the one I hooked up with, Professor Oak, who I'd confided in whilst living in Kanto since I saw him as something of a father figure *2*, and surprisingly Blue. Apparently we weren't as careful as we'd thought and he caught us making out once but had kept it to himself until he could confront us alone about it, but he wasn't judgemental about it, just happy for us. Which is pretty impressive given he was only seven at the time. I doubt Ash at that age would've had that much restraint, much less Red, Gary or even Leaf." Delia replied, getting up to sit on the couch, Lumie taking the unspoken cue and sitting down next to Delia.

"So if that's the case, have you ever had feelings for me? Lumie asked Delia, who shrugged.

"I've always liked you as a friend. As more than that? Not at first. Though I will admit living with you these past three years abouts has let me appreciate you a bit more, and yes even to a point slightly take notice of you as something other than a friend. But again, we can take things as slow as you want or as fast as you want, within reason. I'm just letting you know I'm open to exploring things between us." Delia said sincerely, looking into Lumie's eyes. Lumie flushed slightly at the attention, not expecting this to happen as fast as it did.

"If I'm being honest Delia, I think we should go slowly at first to get used to one another. But I agree that we could give things a go as more than friends." Lumie said, now openly blushing at what she was saying. Delia smiled.

"I thought you might say that. Now relax, it's not like things are really changing between us." Delia said, before simply leaning into Lumie's side and gently resting her head on Lumie's shoulder. Before Lumie could stop herself, she leaned down and gently pressed her lips to the top of Delia's forehead in a loving manner. Delia looked up, smiling. She then made the move for them both by leaning up to press her lips to those of a surprised but pleased Lumie. However, they were content to just leave it at that for that moment, breaking apart after a few seconds.

"W-wow. That was certainly something." Lumie said after a bit, not really sure what else to say.

"Indeed it was, Lumie. You're a better kisser than I expected. But we have plenty of time to get better at it. For now, it's enough that we've apparently agreed we're together." Delia said simply, resuming her previous position with her head on Lumie's shoulder. Lumie nodded, gently stroking Delia's hair lovingly.

"That we are, Delia. That we are..."

(meanwhile, somewhere in the Wild Area, with Hop and Gloria)

"Soo, which way do we head, Gloria?" Hop asked after Ash and Iris had taken off towards a grassy meadow, leaving Hop alone with Gloria. Gloria shrugged.

"I dunno. Perhaps we should go look for some Pokemon to catch? I know we both caught a Yamper and Wooloo respectively, but there's always room to improve our teams, wouldn't you say?" Gloria said to Hop, who shrugged.

"That makes sense. Although, technically Leon and Mom caught Wooloo, not me." Hop said, correcting Gloria gently. Gloria rolled her eyes.

"Details, Hop! But that's more reason to look for Pokemon then! That way you can get your own first catch! I know Ash didn't have his yet either since he himself said Pikachu is his brother Red's pokemon that he's looking after for him. But I'd be very much surprised if Iris doesn't get her first catch whilst with Ash. So wouldn't it make sense to get you yours? I already have mine thanks to Yamper. But you should be able to have your own first capture." Gloria said to Hop, who looked up at Gloria in surprise before smiling.

"That is a surprisingly good point, Gloria. Let's do that then." Hop said to Gloria, still smiling. No sooner did Gloria and Hop say this than they saw two bird Pokemon fly past them, one a blue owl with a black stripe in the middle along with a yellow underbelly and a mask on its' face and the other what appeared to be a baby eagle with a single red feather on its' head amidst a ring of white feathers. Gloria and Hop exchanged surprised looks before both nodding and giving chase to the birds, figuring if nothing else they could use that to decide where to go. It was better than standing around doing nothing. With any luck they'd lead them to Motostoke. After a bit of running, they caught up to the birds, who'd stopped to land. Hop took out his Pokedex, pointing it at the blue masked bird first.

"Rookidee, the Tiny Bird Pokemon. Jumping nimbly about, this small-bodied Pokemon takes advantage of even the slightest opportunity to disorient larger opponents. It will bravely challenge any opponent, no matter how powerful. This Pokemon benefits from every battle- even a defeat increases its strength a tiny bit. A pure Flying-type." Hop's Pokedex read out before he pointed it at the other bird.

"Rufflet, the Eaglet Pokemon. A combative Pokemon, it's ready to pick a fight with anyone. It has talons that can crush hard berries. If it spies a strong Pokemon, Rowlet can't resist challenging it to a battle. But if Rufflet loses, it starts bawling. A Normal/Flying type. As Rufflet can only be male this Rufflet is male." The Pokedex read out once more.*3* Hop and Gloria exchanged a nod. They'd found their next Pokemon.

However, before they could do much more towards that end, they exchanged shocked glances as they saw what looked like a metal claw zooming past, an unfamiliar egg secure in its' clutches. Unsure what that was about they warily turned back to the process of trying to catch the birds. After a brief discussion, Hop claimed Rufflet whilst Gloria went for Rookidee. However, the birds would take the choice out of their hands by flying off after the claw, realizing that a metal claw holding an egg is never a good thing. Reluctantly, Gloria and Hop gave chase to the birds once more, neither one sure of what was going on. As they did so, they both blinked as they heard someone behind them calling 'HOP! GLORIA! HEEEEYYYYY!", making Hop and Gloria turn around to see Ash running towards them, looking like he'd been jogging a long ways. Hop recovered from his shock first.

"Ash? What are you doing over here? And where's Iris?" Hop asked Ash, being the first to realize Iris wasn't with Ash.

"To make a long story short, Iris and I found some Trapinch, followed them into their nest and made friends (I think) with them and their parents, a pair of Flygons. After a bit of bonding, I left Iris with them to go train nearby, and when I came back, the Flygons were pissed at me and trying to attack because they noticed that the egg the mother Flygon had found and brought to the nest to raise as one of their own, according to Iris, had been taken from them. So now I have to go track it down and bring it back to the Flygons since I may have left Iris with them as collateral so they'd let me leave to go get their egg back." Ash explained to Gloria and Hop, the latter of which's eye was twitching at how Ash could so casually discuss putting Iris at risk. Unknown to Hop, Ash was actually very upset that he'd had to do that but knew it was the only way to save the egg. Gloria then spoke up.

"What're we doing standing around here for then? Let's get that egg back!" Gloria said, prompting both Ash and Hop to nod. The three then took off towards the barely still visible Rookidee and Rufflet, who were themselves following the egg.

(Further on in the Wild Area, with a certain trio of Team Yell members)

"How long is that claw gonna take to get back here then, Guv? It should've been here by now." Brielle said, huffing as she, Bob and Guv were waiting on the metal claw to reach them so they could see what they'd gotten this time. Right as she finished huffing, the metal claw zoomed into view, retracting right to where it started, the egg in tow. A surprised Bob lifted the egg off of the claw. "Well, what's this then? Looks like we got us a rare Pokemon egg. Reckon a certain someone could possibly make good use of it." Bob said to Guv and Brielle, the latter of which lightly bopped Bob over the head with her fist.

"Think for a moment, Bob. Yes this is a rare egg. But do we know for a fact it's something that you-know-who would want? We know they only like certain types of Pokemon after all." Brielle said, rolling her eyes. Guv laughed.

"Does it matter? Either way let's take it and get back to Spikemuth pronto so we can present our find to the boss. Worst case, he'll know what to do with it." Guv said, making Bob and Brielle nod their agreement as they dashed off, Egg in tow. Unfortunately for them, a certain duo of Bird Pokemon had spotted them, one bird continuing to tail the fleeing Team Yell grunts while the other flew back to the trainers that were following the birds, knowing they might be able to help save the egg. Rookidee even left a trail of feathers below it as it flew after the Team Yell grunts, while Rufflet flew off to get Ash, Gloria and Hop.

(Meanwhile, back at the Trapinch/Flygon nest with Iris)

Iris sat up, yawning sleepily as she rubbed her eyes, looking around as she slowly woke up, blinking initially at the unfamiliar surroundings, not remembering where she was at first before everything clicked into place for her, and she looked down, smiling at the three Trapinch that were presently nuzzled peacefully into her chest as they slept. Unable to resist, Iris gently petted the tops of each Trapinch's head, smiling as she watched them sleep.

"Aw, you three are so cute when you're sleeping." Iris said, gently nuzzling her cheek against the top of the closest Trapinch's head lovingly as the three Trapinch's small beady eyes slowly opened up, looking up at Iris before each nuzzled their face gently against her side before getting off of her to find their parents. Iris looked around as well, eventually gasping softly as she noticed something was missing. Or more accurately, several somethings. Iris looked to the now pacing Flygons.

"What happened to the egg? And where'd my friend go?" Iris asked the Flygons who looked at each other before the mother Flygon looked at Iris sadly, causing the purple-haired girl to look into the mother Flygon's eyes. She then sighed.

"No way. Your egg got snatched, and Ash went to get it back? That's so Ash. He's such a brave person." Iris said then frowned.

"Though I don't approve of him using me as collateral like that without asking me. But I get why he did it." Iris said eventually. *4* After a bit, she resumed playing with the Trapinch, Exeggcute coming out of her Pokeball to join in the fun to Iris' surprise. The mother and father Flygon exchanged smiles, knowing that this trainer was a good and kind trainer, much like the raven-haired male had said.

They then shared a sad look, knowing that they couldn't keep Iris here forever and that she and the Trapinch, especially the smallest Trapinch, were getting rather close. They had a feeling that the smallest Trapinch might end up wanting to leave the nest with the purple-haired girl eventually and while it saddened the Flygons, they knew they couldn't stop it since they knew the Trapinch would leave the nest eventually. But at least they knew that it'd be in good hands when it did leave.

(back with Ash, Hop and Gloria)

"I think we lost the birds, unfortunately." Hop said to Ash and Gloria, as the three had stopped to catch their breaths after running for awhile. Gloria huffed, still catching her breath, but Ash frowned, looking up and then smirking.

"Perhaps not, Hop. Look!" Ash said, pointing upward, to where Rufflet was flying back towards them. Eventually the Rufflet descended towards them, eventually landing on Hop's shoulder, to the surprise of all three trainers.

"Ruff ruff let let Rufflet!" Rufflet squawked, gesturing towards the direction he'd come from with his wing. The three didn't entirely understand, but Ash was able to somewhat get the gist eventually.

"I think Rufflet wants us to follow him, guys." Ash said, prompting Rufflet to nod slightly to Ash, then take off back the way he'd came from, going slower so the three trainers could follow him, which they did. After a bit of flying, they eventually found the trail of feathers that Rookidee had left for them to follow, following it to another part of the Wild Area. But what surprised them more than the fact they were in another part of the Wild Area was the three trainers that were waiting for them. Ash growled under his breath.

"I should've known it was you three! What do you want with that egg, Team Yell?!" Ash asked the three grunts annoyedly, making them smirk.

"Wouldn't you like to know, ya twit? Well, we're not telling you so too bad!" Guv said razzing Ash. Ash glared.

"Oh yeah? Maybe we'll have to drag the information out of you three with a battle!" Ash said, prompting Gloria and Hop to cheer in agreement, both readying their Poke Balls. However, both Gloria and Hop would be surprised as before they could throw their Poke Balls, Rookidee and Rufflet swooped down and landed in front of Gloria and Hop, respectively. The two gaped at the birds.

"Does this mean..." Hop started to ask the birds.

"...that you want to battle alongside us?" Gloria finished Hop's question, the two blinking at unintentionally finishing each others' sentence right then. Ash laughed at the two.

"Looks like you both might have new Pokemon then! Either way, let's battle! Rolycoly, I choose you!" Ash said, throwing his Pokeball and releasing Rolycoly. Bob, Guv and Brielle shrugged.

"Whatever, let's get this over with then. We have places to be." Bob said.

"And people to see." Guv added, ignoring the bop to the back of his head he got from Brielle.

"Let's just thrash these two already! Ready guys?" Brielle asked the other two. Guv and Bob nodded.

"GO ZIGZAGOON!" The three Team Yell members called out, releasing their Zigzagoon at the same time. Bob and Guv looked to Brielle, both smirking.

"What say we team up on the fool with the Rolycoly first since that one's the hardest of the lot for us to take being as it's pure Rock-type?" Guv suggested, and Brielle smirked.

"I like it. Let's do it." Brielle said as Bob nodded agreement. All three turned to the Zigzagoon.

"ZIGZAGOON, USE LICK ON ROLYCOLY!" The three Team Yell grunts yelled in unison, as Rolycoly had three tongues heading his direction.

"Rolycoly hang tough and respond with Tackle!" Ash said as Rolycoly stood there and endured the three tongues making contact with him, before charging towards the Zigzagoons and instead of tackling them, he lifted up a rock, causing it to crash down into the shocked Zigzagoon, making them scatter to avoid damage, though Brielle's Zigzagoon got hit anyways, taking moderate damage from the attack. Hop gaped at Ash.

"Ash, that was Smack Down! Your Rolycoly just learned Smack Down!" Hop said to Ash who smiled and nodded.

"Awesome! Then let's use it! Rolycoly, use Smack Down again!" Ash called out as Rolycoly made another rock drop down onto Brielle's Zigzagoon, slamming into it hard, causing it to skid to a halt in front of Brielle, swirls in its' eyes. Brielle growled in frustration as she recalled her Zigzagoon. Hop looked at Rufflet.

"Rufflet, use Hone Claws!" Hop said, as Rufflet nodded, sharpening his claws and making a red aura flash over him signifying an increase in his attack power and accuracy. Hop nodded.

"Good. Do that one more time then hit the closest Zigzagoon to you with Peck!" Hop said as Rufflet used Hone Claws once more then flew at the closest Zigzagoon, which happened to be Guv's and smacked into it beakfirst, sending it crashing back to Guv knocked out. Guv growled as he recalled his Zigzagoon. Bob smirked.

"I got this guys. Zigzagoon! Group those three together then pelt them with your Snarl attack!" Bob said as his Zigzagoon rammed Rolycoly into Rookidee and Rufflet, knocking all three into the ground before hitting them with a wave of black energy that pelted all three opposing Pokemon, dealing considerable damage to both Rolycoly and Rookidee. Gloria gritted her teeth.

"You can do it, Rookidee! Don't give up! Use Peck on Zigzagoon!" Gloria called out.

"You use Peck as well, Rufflet!" Hop called to Rufflet. Both birds nodded, charging beakfirst into Bob's Zigzagoon, smashing it into the ground where it slid back to Bob swirly-eyed signifying it was KO'd, giving the battle to Hop, Gloria and Ash. The satisfied trio high-fived. The Team Yell grunts growled in defeat.

"Ugh fine then. Take the bloomin' egg then!" Bob said, angrily tossing the egg at the group, who got wide-eyed. Luckily, Pikachu saw the whole thing from Ash's shoulder, the yelling getting his attention as he leapt up and deftly caught the egg, carefully landing on the ground with it in its' arms, carefully holding it out to Ash who lifted it into his arms.

"Good catch, buddy." Ash praised Pikachu, while Gloria ran up and gently hugged the Electric-type mouse, nuzzling her cheek against Pikachu's, making him give off a contented 'chaaa' as he felt Gloria nuzzle him. Meanwhile, the defeated Team Yell grunts ran off but not before Guv yelled, 'YOU'LL GET YOURS NEXT TIME YOU BRATS!", as a parting shot. Ash, Gloria and Hop shrugged. Hop and Gloria then turned to Rufflet and Rookidee.

"Thanks for helping us out you two." Hop said to the birds who nodded then looked at Gloria and Hop. Ash smirked.

"I could be wrong you two, but I think those two want to go with you guys." Ash said, making Hop and Gloria blink.

"Is that true?" Gloria asked Rookidee, who chirped once in the affirmative, the more demure tone in her voice indicating that this Rookidee was female.

"You want to come with us?" Hop asked Rufflet who nodded his head, landing on Hop's head and playfully preening his hair to Hop's confusion. Hop and Gloria shrugged, getting a Poke Ball each out.

"GO POKE BALL!" Gloria and Hop said, tossing their empty Poke Balls at Rookidee and Rufflet respectively, who were both sucked inside in flashes of red light as the Poke Balls hit the ground, rocking back and forth for a few seconds before a familar 'ding!' was heard, signifying that their captures were successful.

"All right! I got a Rufflet!" Hop said, punching the Poke Ball gently into his open palm before flexing.

"And I got a Rookidee!" Gloria said, doing a brief spin before flashing a peace sign and smiling, Rookidee's Poke Ball in her free hand.

"Please tell me I don't do something silly like that when I finally make my first capture, buddy." Ash said chuckling as he petted the top of Pikachu's head, prompting him to lean into the touch as he gave a shrug, not sure if Ash would do the same or not. *5* Eventually the group made their way towards the area that Ash had left Iris in, praying they were in time to keep her safe.

(Back with Iris and the Flygons and Trapinch)

"Hey now, easy there little ones. I get you're playing around, but you could hurt each other if you're not careful." Iris gently admonished the two bigger Trapinch as they playfully roughhoused with their smaller sibling. The two bigger Trapinch blinked at each other, before sharing a smirk with their smaller sister (the bigger Trapinch are males while the smallest is female) as all three playfully dove on top of Iris, making her land on her butt in surprise. After blinking, she giggled and wrapped her arms gently around the three.

"You guys are such goofs. But I guess that's what makes you, you." Iris said, gently patting the heads of the two bigger Trapinch while nuzzling her cheek against the top of the smaller Trapinch's head, to her (the smallest Trapinch is a girl) embarrassment. The two Flygons smirked at each other as they watched the interaction between the group. Unbeknownst to Iris or the Pokemon she was with, a certain trio that Ash and the others had defeated previously were headed their way, as evidenced by the sound of rustling up above followed by a trio of screams in the nearby room as three thumps could be heard. This prompted Iris to set the Trapinch trio on the nest, looking at the Flygons.

"You two watch the little ones. I'll go see what that noise was." Iris said to the Flygons who nodded at her. Iris then grabbed Exeggcute's Poke Ball in case she needed it and went to the next room over, groaning as she recognized the three unconscious figures that were there.

"Ugh not these three again. I'll bet they took the egg." Iris grumbled to herself, right as the three sprung to their feet. Brielle smirked, recognizing Iris.

"OI! Get a load of this guys! It's that other girl who travels with the three gits that keep beating us!" Brielle said to Guv and Bob who nodded. The three then exchanged evil grins before Bob and Guv jumped iris and tied her up, slinging her over Bob's shoulder as they made their way the direction Iris had come, ignoring the muffled protests of the purple-haired girl currently slung over Bob's shoulder. At that moment the Flygons saw the Team Yell grunts walk into their nest, and growled when they saw Iris slung over Bob's shoulder tied up. The father Flygon glared at the trio, charging forward to cut Iris loose but then Brielle pulled out the claw from before, getting a devious idea as Bob and Guv pulled out claws of their own, each grabbing a Trapinch and holding them in the claws. It was to this scene that Ash, Hop and Gloria arrived.

"Wha-? NOT YOU THREE AGAIN!" Ash said, getting angry when he saw Bob, Guv and Brielle, each holding a Trapinch. Gloria and Hop got angry as well when they spotted Iris tied up and slung over Bob's shoulder. The two exchanged a nod before grabbing their new Poke Balls.

"ROOKIDEE/RUFFLET, GO SAVE IRIS!" Gloria and Hop said, throwing the Poke Balls of their new Flying-types as Rookidee and Rufflet appeared, both seeing Iris and lifting her up between them, gently depositing her into Ash's arms after he handed the egg to Hop so he could catch Iris. Ash quickly yanked the gag off of Iris' face gently, and she growled at the Team Yell grunts.

"You scum sicken me! You WOULD kidnap and tie me up! And as if THAT wasn't bad enough, you take innocent kids hostage! Have you no self-respect or honor?" Iris yelled at the Team Yell grunts. Hop grabbed his other Poke Ball.

"Oshawott, come out and cut Iris free!" Hop said as he threw Oshawott's Poke Ball, the sea otter popping out and seeing Iris tied up before grabbing the shell off his stomach and using it to slice the ropes holding Iris in half, freeing her. Iris smiled, hugging Oshawott then Hop.

"Thanks, you guys!" Iris said to the two who were embarrassed but nodded.

"OSHA!/You're welcome." Oshawott and Hop said at the same time. Ash then threw Rolycoly's Pokeball.

"Rolycoly, help us save the Trapinch! You too, Pikachu!" Ash said to his Pokemon who flew forward to tackle Bob and Guv and free the two male Trapinch. Gloria made to stop Brielle, but Iris held a hand up to Gloria.

"Let me handle HER." Iris said angrily to Gloria who nodded and stepped aside. Iris grabbed Exeggcute's Poke Ball and glared at Brielle.

"Normally I wouldn't do something like this, but for sick and scummy people like you I'll make an exception! Exeggcute, use Hypnosis on Team Yell!" Iris said, throwing Exeggcute's Poke Ball as Exeggcute came out, her eyes narrowing as she saw the smallest Trapinch trapped in Brielle's metal claw. She then used Hypnosis to knock out all three Grunts. After that, Iris easily freed the smallest Trapinch from the claw by wedging the fingers apart on it, carefully lifting the frightened Ground-type into her arms and gently hugging it to her lovingly before walking back over to the Flygons and setting Trapinch down with her siblings. Ash then handed Iris the egg as he glared at the Team Yell grunts.

"Iris, you stay here with Hop, Gloria and the Pokemon. Pikachu and I will take care of these three." Ash said, dragging all three Team Yell grunts out of the room by their collars, dragging them to the spot where they'd landed in the pit in the first place. He then looked at Pikachu.

"Buddy can you use Thundershock to blast these three out of the nest?" Ash asked Pikachu who nodded and sparked its' cheeks.

"PIIIIIIKKKAAAA-CHUUUUUUU!" Pikachu said as it let loose a powerful burst of electricity which hit the three Team Yell grunts, causing a small explosion that launched the three out of the nest and sent them skyward where Ash and Pikachu watched until the three vanished with a twinkling star in the sky to signify their departure from visibility. Brushing his hands together in a satisfied manner, Ash smiled at Pikachu.

"Wow buddy, I didn't think you'd learn Thunderbolt right then, but I guess you did. I'm proud of you." Ash said playfully petting Pikachu's head, as Pikachu hopped up onto Ash's shoulder and the two returned to the others. When they walked back into the nest, they were greeted by confused looks from Hop, Gloria and Iris.

"Why did we hear an explosion?" Gloria asked in worry. Ash smirked.

"Oh, that was Pikachu using Thunderbolt to take out the trash." Ash joked referring to Team Yell. Hop laughed but Iris frowned.

"Ash, we may not like Team Yell but that doesn't mean we hurt them either, you silly dingus." Iris said, walking forward to hug Ash. Ash smiled, gently patting Iris on the top of her head as he returned her hug.

"I know. I was just being protective of you and Gloria and Hop. Sorry." Ash said to Iris who smiled.

"Don't worry about it, Ash. Just don't do it anymore." Iris said, smiling at Ash as she walked back over to stand with the Trapinch and Gloria. The Flygons nodded their head at Ash in gratitude, with the father giving Ash an apologetic look, clearly sorry for accusing him of stealing the egg previously. Meanwhile, the mother Flygon surprised everyone by picking up the egg that Ash had saved and brought back before walking over to Iris and gently laying it into her arms, nodding to her approvingly. Iris gasped.

"Are you saying you want me to have this?" Iris asked the mother Flygon who nodded her head. Iris set the egg into a surprised Gloria's arms and ran up to hug the Mother Flygon.

"Oh thank you so much! I'll take good care of it." Iris said to the mother Flygon who returned Iris' hug eagerly. The father Flygon then spoke to the three Trapinch and the two bigger ones went to stand with him while the smallest Trapinch walked up to Iris, a hopeful look on her face. Ash blinked at this but then smiled at Iris.

"Iris, I think this Trapinch is saying it wants you to capture it." Ash said, surprising not just Iris, but also Gloria. Iris looked at the Trapinch.

"Is this true little one? Do you wanna join my team?" Iris asked the smallest Trapinch who nodded her head in confirmation. Iris smiled, pulling a Cherish Ball out of her bag (apparently she had more than one type of Poke Ball in her bag to Ash and Gloria's surprise) and throwing it at Trapinch.

"Go, Cherish Ball!" Iris said as she gently threw it at Trapinch who put up no resistance as she was sucked into the ball, which rocked back and forth briefly before a 'ding' indicated that Iris' capture was a success. Iris smiled as she picked up the Cherish Ball.

"All right! I just caught a Trapinch!" Iris said smiling as she pumped her fist in the air (the one NOT holding the Cherish Ball) and then used the hand holding the Cherish Ball to do a basic, if accurate, impression of what Leon had dubbed his 'Charizard pose', to Hop's shock.

"Since when are you able to do THAT so well, Iris?" Hop asked, shocked that his cousin could copy Leon so accurately. Iris giggled.

"Silly Hop, who do you think taught me that pose? Lee showed it to me on my eleventh birthday because he saw that I liked it so much when he did the pose. He figured at the least I could look the part if I end up a Champion someday." Iris said smiling. Ash nodded to Iris.

"He's right, you know. You could be anything you put your mind to, Iris. And we're all here to have your back whatever you decide!" Ash said to Iris, smiling at her. Iris nodded.

"Thanks, Ash." Iris thanked Ash. After that, the mother and father Flygon came up to the group, the mother hoisting Ash and Iris onto her back while the father did the same for Hop and Gloria. Unsurprisingly, Iris threw her arms around Ash's waist, holding on tightly to him while Gloria and Hop threw their arms in the air, enjoying the ride. After a bit of flying, the two dragons deposited the group in front of a bigger city gate, before nodding to the group and flying off into the distance towards their nest. Ash, Gloria and Hop waved goodbye to the two dragons, Iris being too busy carrying the egg to be able to wave. Hop turned to the others recognizing the city they were at.

"We did it, guys! Welcome to Motostoke!" Hop said to the others as they stared at the gate openmouthed.

The next step of their journey was about to begin...

end of chapter

A/N: And there we have it! Another chapter down! I personally surprised myself at least once typing up this chapter. What do you guys think of the chapter? As a clarification, I planned from the time I started typing up chapter 5 that Iris was getting her first capture in this arc. I couldn't resist giving her a Trapinch since her ambition is to be a Dragon-type specialist. I'm sure many of you are wondering what the egg will hatch into. All I'll say on that is that it'll hatch into a Pokemon that can help Iris deal with one of Dragon type Pokemon's biggest weaknesses. That and I don't think I've seen the pokemon it hatches into appear at all in the anime that I know of so yeah there's that. Hint: It's a Unovan Pokemon that was on Alder's team in the Gen 5 games (specifically Black and White)

That said, as a reminder, you all will have roughly 24 hours (from the time this chapter goes live) to vote on my current poll before I close it down and get the results! So be sure you vote! Every vote counts! These votes can affect who makes it into Ash's harem after all. So be sure to vote!

And yeah, Delia/Lumie is apparently a thing now. I hadn't initially planned it when I was planning the story out but then when I was typing out the cutaway with them, it came to me and I couldn't resist. I mean, granted the anime doesn't exactly give much evidence to Delia swinging both ways but I see no reason she wouldn't. And besides this is called SHUFFLED Journeys so yeah obviously not much of canon is gonna matter in this story. But if people really don't like it, I'm open to changing them back to just friends. But I figured I'd try something a bit new. So yeah, enjoy the chapter! Next update on this should be in a few days. So read, review, enjoy, vote on the poll and until next update, sithlorde1988 out!

Teams

Ash- Rolycoly, Pikachu

Gloria- Eevee, Yamper, Rookidee

Hop- Oshawott, Wooloo, Rufflet

Iris- Exeggcute, Trapinch, Egg

Notes

*1* As one might guess from the number Delia quoted, her journey was considered to be during Gen 1 of Pokemon when only the first 151 Pokemon (150 if one disregards Mew back then) were known.

*2* I like to think, and I feel it's somewhat supported in canon, that Delia has kind of a father/daughter dynamic with Professor Oak, even if I see the rare fic or two shipping them together. But that's just my opinion.

*3* Per a reference article I looked up on Serebii regarding Rufflet, apparently Rufflet are gender-locked to only be male similar to Nidoran(M) and Tauros. I found that surprising since I hadn't realized that until I read the article.

*4* Before anyone tries to say Iris is a psychic or something similar, the actual show itself had points (namely in Pokemon Journeys) where Iris was shown to be able to understand the hearts of Dragon-type Pokemon to some extent, as demonstrated during her battle with Ash in Journeys where she helped Dragonite learn Draco Meteor even though it cost her the match. She cares more for Dragon-types than just about anything (friends and family likely being the things she cares for more)

*5* Of course I took the goofy Ash poses from his captures and made it so the others do it instead of Ash because of course I can. Hello, SHUFFLED Journeys much? But in all seriousness, I thought it'd be worth a chuckle to see Ash see how his goofy victory poses look from the perspective of the onlooker.