Omega: Gem, get out of there!

Gem: NO! Not until something interesting happens!

Omega: Gem, the only thing you're interested in is fusion. That is not the kind of story this is.

Gem: Then tell the author to fix it!

Faux: That isn't how it works. Trust me, I tried.

Ohirume: *sigh* Why did I design him like that?

Seishin: You wanted to experiment with Pikashipping, remember?

Ohirume: It was rhetorical, Yukiro.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10

.

.

Samurai Zwei / Trial by Pewter

.

Samurai was woken up by the morning sun shining directly onto his face. He tried to get up but found that impossible. Looking down, he saw a rope tying him to a tree. He struggled to get free. But he failed.

"Hey, you're finally awake."

Samurai looked to where the voice came from and flinched when he found himself face-to-face with a large, black canine.

He stared at it warily, 'at least it's not growling.'

The dog blinked in surprise, "Are you okay?"

Samurai flinched again and muttered, "Great. First I get tied up and now I'm hallucinating."

Soot's eyes narrowed; feeling a little offended, "Rude."

Ash overheard and walked over, "Everything alright, Soot?"

Soot pouted, "More or less. Short stuff here thinks I'm a mirage."

Ash raised a brow, "Really? Why would he think that?"

Samurai looked up at Ash in shock, "Wait! You can hear it too?!"

Soot stuck her tongue out with a smirk.

Ash deadpanned, "Yes, I can hear her too." He shifted to a glare and crossed his arms, "Now, care to explain why you tried to rob me yesterday?"

"I wasn't trying to rob you!" Samurai argued, "I was challenging you to a battle!"

Ash and Soot stared at him in confusion.

"So why the sword?" Ash asked.

Samurai's eyes narrowed, "Not important! Just untie me already!"

Ash sighed and raised his right hand, "Fine. Just hold still."

Samurai raised a brow in confusion. He was about to ask what Ash meant until the boy flicked his wrist and three green claws appeared on the tips of his thumb, middle, and pointer finger; making Samurai flinch and grimace. Ash shot his clawed hand forward.

"No! Wait! Don't-" Samurai cried out frightenedly. He closed his eyes before he heard a slashing sound.

"Don't what?" Ash asked in confusion.

Samurai's eyes shot open to find Ash looking back at him in confusion. He looked down at the rope and found that only the knot had been cut before it completely lost its hold and fell off him.

Misty watched in wide-eyed shock from the background, "I'm sorry, what?"

Ash looked back at her and held up his clawed hand, "It's the gloves. The green ones add short, retractable claws to my nails. They're a lot easier to control than the red ones. That's part of why I always wear them." Ash lied before retracting his enhancement.

Misty continued staring and blinked, "How many of those crazy gloves do you have?"

Ash shrugged, "A few."

Samurai stared at Ash in surprise. He shook it off, stood up, and pointed at Ash with a determined smirk, "Alright, lets battle!"

Ash smiled innocently and nodded, "Okay. But how about breakfast first?"

Samurai was about to argue but was cut off by his own stomach growling, "Fine. But we battle right after."

Everyone moved to the picnic blanket. Ash divvied out the berries from yesterday and filled up the bowls with Pokémon food and various diced berries.

When he released Pidgeotto and Metapod, Samurai chuckled, "What a novice. I can't believe you would be so dumb as to reveal your team to me before the battle."

Ash frowned at him, "Pokémon need to eat too, y'know. I'm not going to make them go hungry to gain the element of surprise; especially not for a trainer battle."

Misty frowned upon realizing she hadn't brought her Pokémon out since meeting Ash. She pulled out her pokéballs and released her staryu, starmie, and goldeen.

Ash looked at the trio of Water-types and blinked in surprise. He looked at Misty, "I didn't know you had any Pokémon."

Misty chuckled nervously, "Sorry. Do you have enough food for them too? I forgot to restock."

Ash frowned slightly at hearing that, "Sure, just give me a second." He looked back and called out, "Soot, get the pool! We've got a Water 2 with us!"

"On it." She called back. She pulled a small, compressed pool out of Ash's backpack and pulled the cord on the side. The pool burst out into a square shape; 7 feet across, 3 feet deep.

Soot looked at the Star Shape and Mysterious Pokémon, "Staryu, Starmie. Do either of you know Water Gun?"

Both nodded and started filling up the pool. After they finished, Misty picked up the flailing Goldfish Pokémon and moved her to the pool. She immediately started swimming around happily.

Misty smiled, "Thanks Ash. Thanks Soot. You two are lifesavers."

Ash smiled softly and shrugged, "We try to be prepared." He filled up and handed two more bowls to the amphibious Water-types and dropped a large handful of food into the pool. Misty's Pokémon started eating immediately.

Samurai watched everything happen. He was starting to feel a little guilty but shook it off and started eating his share of the berries, 'I'm going to be ready for this battle.'

.

*After breakfast

Ash and Samurai stood on opposite ends of a clearing. Pikachu stood on Ash's shoulder. Soot and Misty stood off to the side with Misty's Pokémon all in the pool next to them. They wanted to watch too.

Ash smiled, "Let's do this right. My name is Ash Ketchum, from Pallet Town."

"I am known as Samurai. I have made it my mission to battle all trainers from Pallet Town. You shall be the fourth one I will face." Samurai said.

Ash nodded, "Alright, let's do this." Ash pulled out a pokéball before realizing something. He raised a brow, "What kind of match up should we do?"

Samurai pulled out a pokéball and held it out, "I propose a two-on-two, single. Is that acceptable?"

Ash nodded again, "Fine by me." He tossed the pokéball into the air, "Metapod! It's your move!"

The Bug-type appeared in a flash of white.

Misty stared in shock, "Ash! Why are you using Metapod?! It can barely move!"

Ash looked at her with a smile, "Well, why not? He could use the experience."

Soot nodded, "He'll never get anywhere if he just sits on the sidelines all the time."

Samurai snickered, "This'll be too easy." He tossed his pokéball as well, "Go, Pinsir!"

The Stag Beetle Pokémon materialized on the other side of the field and stared down Metapod.

Ash looked at his opponent's Pokémon and frowned, 'Their spikes are dull.'

Samurai took the first move and held out a hand, "Pinsir, end this with Vice Grip."

Ash sighed, "Metapod, Harden."

Metapod's body took up a green sheen for a moment. Pinsir then lifted Metapod into their horns and attempted to squeeze him into submission. Instead, the spikes on their horns crumbled against the Cocoon Pokémon's reinforced body.

Samurai flinched, "Oh no, Pinsir!" He pulled out a pokéball and returned his Pokémon immediately.

Ash sweat dropped, 'Pinsir was still conscious.'

Samurai glared, "You'll pay for that! Go, Metapod!"

The opposing Cocoon Pokémon appeared in a flash. Everyone stared blankly at Samurai's choice.

Misty sweat dropped, "Um…"

Soot sighed, "Yup. Metapod v. Metapod. The battle where almost nothing happens."

Pikachu frowned and glanced at Ash, "Maybe you should switch."

Ash sweat dropped, "Agreed." He pulled out two pokéballs and held out the first one, "Nice work, Metapod! Return!" The Bug-type disappeared in the red beam before he threw the second ball, "Pidgeotto, come on out!"

The Bird Pokémon appeared in a flash. She glared at Metapod. The Bug-type flinched slightly.

Samurai stared in shock, "What?! Why would you just switch like that?!"

Ash deadpanned, "We'd have been here all day if I hadn't."

Samurai frowned, "Whatever, I'll still win this! Metapod, use Harden!"

Ash smirked, "Pidgeotto, Gust!"

The Cocoon Pokémon's hardened shell did nothing to defend against the wind blowing them back. The Bug-type laid on the ground with their eyes in swirls.

Samurai stared in shock, "What?! B-but, Harden should have protected against that!"

Ash raised a brow, "Harden increases a Pokémon's physical defense, not their special defense. You can use that move all you want, but it won't help against Gust."

Samurai sank to his knees in despair and looked down with a frown, "I have lost."

Ash walked over and held out a hand to his opponent with a soft smile, "It was a good match."

Samurai shook his head, "No. It is clear that I was the novice. It was hopeless before we even started."

Ash sighed before crouching down, "Look. A wise woman once told me, 'What's important is that you learn and improve. You can't beat yourself up after one bad day.' You may have lost, but that just means you work to get better."

Samurai looked up at Ash in surprise before smiling, "Thank you." He stood back up, "I promise to be better for our next battle." He held out a hand to Ash with a determined smirk, "But do not expect to win next time."

Ash smiled and shook his hand, "Deal. But you'd better be ready, I won't hold back."

Samurai smiled at the banter, "Neither will I."

Misty ran over to Ash with a smile, "Way to go, Ash! You won!"

Soot followed suit and smirked, "Nice one, dad."

Ash smiled, "Thanks, but Pidgeotto and Metapod did all the work. I was just barking orders."

He released Metapod again to congratulate him. As soon as The Cocoon Pokémon appeared, he started glowing white.

Soot's eyes widened in shock, "You can't be serious."

Butterfree emerged a moment later and flew over to Ash excitedly.

Samurai watched in surprise before smirking, "Very impressive. I didn't know your metapod was that close to evolving."

Ash just stared at the Butterfly Pokémon in surprise, "Uh … neither was I. He actually just evolved into Metapod yesterday."

Samurai flinched and stared at Ash in shock, "What?! How could it have evolved that fast?! I've had my metapod for over a month!"

Soot sighed, "If you think that's shocking, then you might just faint knowing that he, also, joined our team yesterday."

Samurai didn't faint but was still speechless.

.

**Time Skip**

The group separated from Samurai and continued on their way to Pewter City. After a few, thankfully uneventful, days they reached the city limits.

"Alright, we finally made it!" Misty cheered. She looked around before blinking in surprise, "Wow, there are a lot of rocks here."

Ash was about to respond when another voice beat him to it, "This city is known for its rocks, ma'am."

Everyone turned to see a man sitting on a large rock with a few rock covered shelves next to him. He was wearing a fake beard and had a hat shrouding his eyes.

Ash raised a brow. He could swear he'd seen him before but couldn't put his finger on it, "Who are you?"

"Name's Flint." The man responded, "I sell rocks here."

Ash's eyes widened in realization, 'He's the previous Gym Leader! That's why he looks so familiar!'

Soot stared at Flint in surprise, 'What the Yvel is he doing out here?'

Misty glanced at the rocks on the shelves and sweat dropped, "You actually sell rocks?"

Soot shook it off and looked up at Misty, "It's not that weird. They could be rare or only indigenous to this area."

Flint looked at Soot in surprise before saying, "Quite the Pokémon ya got there."

Ash glared at him, "She's not for sale or trade or anything of the sort."

Flint frowned, "I didn't think she was. I was just goin' for a compliment."

Ash sighed and scratched the back of his head, "Right, sorry. We ran into some thieves in Viridian. It put me on edge."

Flint chuckled, "Quite alright. I can escort you all to the Pokémon Center if ya want."

Ash nodded with a kind smile, "I'd appreciate that. Thanks."

.

**Time Skip**

The group made their way to the Pokémon Center and rented a pair of rooms. Flint left a while ago.

Ash and Misty had just loaded all of their pokéballs onto a pair of trays. Pikachu jumped down to sit on the tray with Ash's pokéballs and Soot stood next to the nurse.

Joy turned to head towards the back, when-

"Excuse me, Nurse Joy." Ash said; catching her attention, "I can sign up for the Indigo League here, right?"

Misty looked at Ash in surprise. Pikachu raised a brow in confusion.

The nurse nodded happily, "Of course." She gestured to a small platform next to the counter, "Just place your Pokédex on the scanner over there."

"Thank you." Ash said before walking towards the scanner and placing his Pokédex on it. He saw a loading bar appear on the screen above it.

Joy continued walking towards the back. Soot followed.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Wait, your only just signing up for the League?"

Ash remained focused on the loading screen but still nodded, "Yeah. I didn't get the chance to back in Viridian."

Misty raised a brow, "No, I mean. I kind of assumed you signed up a while before we met."

The scanner finished loading and Ash put the Pokédex back in his pocket.

Ash looked back at Misty in confusion, "Misty, that was the day I started my journey."

Misty's eyes widened in shock, "What?! Seriously?! But you've been on top of everything this whole time! How could you just be starting out?!"

Ash just smiled, "Well I read a lot and I've had Soot since I was five. Plus, I lived down the street from one of the world's top Pokémon researchers. I had a lot of resources at my disposal." He said as if it wasn't anything special.

Misty continued staring in shock, "So, you're here to get your first Gym Badge?"

Ash shrugged, "Pretty much." He put a hand to his chin and looked down thoughtfully, "Although, I think we should get some training in first. Most of Brock's Rock-types are also Ground-types. So, I'm thinking about teaching Pikachu Iron Tail and Pidgeotto Steel Wing." He looked back at her with a kind smile, "It'll take a lot of effort, but I have faith in them."

Misty just blinked as she continued staring, 'He even knows about the Gym Leader already.' Her eyes widened and she flinched slightly, 'Wait! Could he know about the others too?! Does he know who I am?!'

Ash noticed the flinch and blinked in surprise, "Are you alright, Misty?"

Misty sighed in relief, 'Or maybe not.' She perked up and smiled, "I'm okay. I guess I'm just surprised, is all. Not a lot of starting trainers are this ready so soon."

Ash shrugged again with a smile, "Like I said before. We try to be prepared."

The pair perked up when the door to the back opened and they looked over. Pikachu ran out and jumped onto Ash's shoulder. Soot walked over and sat down next to him.

Ash smiled and kneeled down to her level, "Hey, Soot. How'd it go?"

Soot shrugged, "Pretty well. Joy said that Pikachu and the others were fine." She sweat dropped, "Though she kind freaked out after checking my pulse and finding my heart beating at two-thirds the natural rate." The Bite Pokémon snickered, "She ended up calling Professor Oak to figure out what was 'going on with me.' It turned into an improv Inheritance lecture."

Ash chuckled and pet her, "Hey, at least it worked itself out in the end."

Nurse Joy blushed and glanced away, "Your mightyena is right. I must admit, it was rather surprising to take care of a non-Ghost-type Pokémon like her." She looked back at Ash with a smile, "From what the professor told me, she's very healthy." She sweat dropped, "By her standards, at least."

Ash smiled at her, "Thank you nurse Joy." He retrieved his pair of pokéballs from the tray and clipped them back onto his belt. He then started walking towards the door, "Alright, we'll be in the forest."

Misty blinked in surprise, "But we just got here."

Ash stopped, looked back at her, and nodded, "I know. But I wanted to go ahead and get started on training." He turned back towards the exit and continued walking before waving, "We'll be back before curfew." He exited with Soot following him.

.

*Ash and his Pokémon; edge of Viridian Forest

Ever since entering the forest, Pidgeotto and Pikachu had been working on their respective Steel-type moves. Though, Ash's methods were nothing like they expected. Mostly because Ash had been the one teaching them the moves. Personally.

For Pikachu, Ash went Vaporeon and demonstrated Iron Tail repeatedly. He also relayed the exercises he had to go through to learn it in the first place.

For Pidgeotto, it was about the same, but with Braviary. The problem, however, was that Ash wasn't able to properly explain how to learn Steel Wing. The braviary he scanned already knew the move to begin with.

Their training had been going on for the last four hours. The two trainees were regretting all of their life decisions.

Ash watch from the sidelines in vaporeon form and supervised. The Mouse and Bird Pokémon were panting heavily from the constant exercise.

Soot glanced at Ash with a smirk and raised brow, "You sure you're not being a bit harsh, dad? They are just starting out."

Ash's ears drooped and he frowned, "You may have a point." He spoke up, "Alright guys! That's enough for now!"

The two Pokémon fell over; never wanting to move again.

Ash hit the symbol on his chest, returned to human, and smiled, "You guys made a lot of progress today. You should have those moves under control in no time."

Pikachu raised a paw and gave a thumbs up.

Soot smirked slyly, "Yeah. Just a few more days should do it."

Pikachu's paw dropped to the ground. He sat up enough to glare at Soot and he stuck out his tongue. Pidgeotto shot Soot a harsh glance.

Ash rolled his eyes with a smirk, "Don't worry, we're done for the day. We'll head back to the Center so you can rest."

Ash returned Pidgeotto and picked up Pikachu. Ash started walking out of the clearing with Soot next to him. Upon reaching the edge of the forest, they noticed a familiar figure.

Ash and Soot flinched slightly, "Flint?!"

Ash glanced back towards the clearing they were in before looking back at the man, "You weren't watching, were you?"

Flint shook his head, "Naw, not my place. Your friend told me you were out here, so I waited."

That wasn't creepy at all.

Soot sweat dropped, "Care to explain why?"

Flint looked at Ash, "You're plannin' to battle Brock, right?"

Ash raised a brow, "Yeah. Why?"

The man turned around, "Follow me."

Ash and Soot shared an unsure look. In the end, they decided to give Flint the benefit of the doubt and followed. Though, they kept their guard up the whole way.

They stopped on a hill overlooking a two-story house. They could see a man cooking something through the window. Ash recognized him immediately.

Flint frowned as he stared at the figure, "You see that man in there?"

Ash nodded, "Yeah, that's Brock. The current Pewter City Gym Leader. Rock-type user."

Flint looked at Ash in surprise. He shook it off and looked back at the window, "Well, keep watching."

Ash watched as a little girl ran over to Brock with a ripped pink skirt in her hands and tears forming in her eyes. The Gym Leader smiled softly before taking the skirt and moving to a nearby table with a sewing kit on it.

Flint took a deep breath before saying, "That's one of Brock's siblings. He has nine in total and Brock's the oldest."

Soot glanced at Flint, "What about his parents?" She asked. Though, she and Ash already had an idea about one of them.

Flint frowned and clenched a fist, "A few years ago, his dead-beat father left them to go on a journey. His mother was heartbroken and left soon after. Brock's been taking care of those kids ever since."

Ash gave the man next to him a sorrowful look, "Why did you want to show me this?"

Flint looked at Brock sadly, "Thing is, Brock dreams of becoming a breeder. But he can't bring himself to leave. He cares about his siblings too much to do that to them."

Pikachu looked at the man in confusion, "How does he know that?"

Soot shushed the Electric-type.

Ash thought for a moment before looking at Flint, "Has he heard from his parents at all?"

Flint looked down sadly, "It would just make him angry. He probably hates his parents for leaving them like that."

Ash frowned, "How do you know for sure?"

Flint went back to looking at Brock, "Why wouldn't he hate them? They abandoned him and his siblings for their own selfish desires."

Soot looked at Flint, "I'm not so sure about that. Yeah, he'll be mad, but I don't think any child can truly hate their parents. Not forever."

Flint looked at the canine; expression mostly hidden under his hat. He didn't say anything and turned back to look at the house.

Ash sighed and stood back up, "I'm heading back to the Pokémon Center." He started walking away with Soot next to him. After a moment, he stopped and glanced back at Flint, "Soot's right by the way. I don't think Brock will hate you if you go back."

Flint flinched and jerked around to see Ash and Soot already walking away.

.

**Time Skip**

It had been three day since Ash talked with Flint. He'd seen the man sitting on his rocks every so often but didn't approach. Today was the day of his first Gym Battle.

Ash stood at the entrance to the Pewter Gym. Pikachu was on his shoulder, Soot stood next to him, and Misty was about a half foot away and looking up at the Gym.

Ash took a deep breath, "Today's the day."

Misty put a hand on his shoulder, "You've got this Ash. You'll win, I'm sure."

Ash smiled and nodded. He pushed the doors to the Gym wide open.

The inside was shrouded in darkness.

Misty looked around in confusion, "Is this Gym Leader here yet?"

"Who goes there!" A voice rang out from the darkness; making Misty and Pikachu flinch.

Ash smirked; knowing a few things about scare tactics, "Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town. I'm here to challenge Brock Slate for the Boulder Badge."

"Very well!" The lights started coming on in the warehouse sized Gym. Brock stood on the other side of the room with his arms crossed.

"So, you think you have what it takes to beat me?!" Brock called out.

Ash smiled and shrugged, "That's what I'm here to find out."

Brock chuckled upon finding that his usual tricks wouldn't work this time, "Fair enough. Let's get started."

Brock snapped his fingers and the center of the floor started opening in front of them. A large rocky terrain started to rise from underneath.

Brock pointed to his left, "I'd like to ask all spectators to go up on the balcony during the battle."

Misty nodded, "Good luck, Ash." She made her way to the stand on the wall. When she arrived, she was surprised to find nine kids of varying ages next to her; all resembling Brock. She also saw Soot sitting next to her.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Wait, Soot? Shouldn't you be down there with Ash?"

Soot sighed, "No. Dad wants to give the others a chance." She pouted, "So unfair."

Brock looked up at the talking Pokémon in surprise before looking back at Ash, "I have to admit, a talking Pokémon is pretty rare. Also, she calls you 'dad'?"

Ash shrugged with a soft smile, "I raised her from an egg, it only makes sense. Besides, I doubt I could stop her even if I wanted too."

Brock smiled softly when he heard that, "Alright, first things first. How many Badges do you have at the moment?"

"None yet." Ash responded as he took his spot on the other side of the field, "I'm here for my first."

Pikachu jumped down from Ash's shoulder after he said that.

Brock perked up in surprise to hear that after everything else. He shook it off and smirked, "Very well."

A referee walked over to a platform on the side of the battlefield, "This Gym Battle will be between the Pewter City Gym Leader, Brock Slate, and the challenger, Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town. Both sides may use up to two Pokémon, but only the challenger may substitute. The battle will be decided when one sides Pokémon are unable to continue. Should the challenger be victorious, they shall be awarded the Boulder Badge. Are the rules clear?"

Ash and Brock nodded.

The ref held up a hand, "Very well. Let the battle-" The ref brought his hand down forcefully, "BEGIN!"

Ash threw a pokéball forwards, "Pidgeotto, it's your move!"

Brock followed suit, "Go, Geodude!"

The Pokémon materialized on the field and glared at each other.

Ash looked at the opposing Rock Pokémon and his eyes narrowed, 'Geodude, huh? This'll be tough, they're not that fast, but their physical defense is pretty decent. We may have to save Steel Wing for a finisher.'

Brock looked at Ash's Pokémon in mild confusion, 'A pidgeotto? Doesn't he know that Flying-types are weak to Rock-types? Maybe I overestimated him.'

The ref spoke up again, "And, Start!"

Brock raised his arm, "Geodude, use Tackle."

Ash followed suit, "Pidgeotto, Gust the ground."

Pidgeotto complied and kicked up a thick sheet of dust into the air. Geodude stopped in his tracks as his opponent disappeared.

Geodude looked around warily in the makeshift smokescreen. He floated aimlessly and ended up tapping a rock.

"Two feet, 9 o' clock!" Ash called out.

Geodude was suddenly hit by the Normal/Flying-type's Quick Attack. She disappeared before he could retaliate.

Starting to panic, Geodude used Rock Throw in the direction that Pidgeotto went. This was met with another Quick Attack in his left side.

Brock stared at the cloud with his teeth clenched as he tried to find a way out of this situation. Geodude didn't know any moves to clear the dust and the pidgeotto was hitting them every few seconds.

Ash smirked, 'He's had enough.' "Pidgeotto, clear the field!"

Pidgeotto fired another Gust into the center of the field. The dust dispersed enough to make everything visible again.

Geodude was on the ground and panting. He was still conscious but covered in scratches. Pidgeotto hovered over Ash's side of the field without a single scratch on her.

Brock smirked, "That was a mistake. Geodude, use Rock Throw!"

Ash held out his hand, "Dodge with Quick Attack! End it with Steel Wing!"

Brock grimaced and took a step back in shock, "What?! Steel Wing?!"

Pidgeotto swerved around the rocks and charged Geodude with her wings glowing. She hit her mark and took the Rock/Ground-type down. Hard!

Geodude tumbled back and crashed into the ground. He laid there with his eyes swirling.

The ref raised his arm in Ash's direction, "Geodude is unable to battle. Pidgeotto wins."

Brock stared in stunned shock, 'He was hiding a Steel-type move this whole time?!'

Ash cheered, "Alright, way to go Pidgeotto!"

The Flying/Normal-type cried out to join her trainer in the cheering.

Misty cheered too, "Go, Ash!"

"You've got this!" Soot followed.

Brock pulled out and held a pokéball towards his Pokémon, "You did well, Geodude. Return."

Brock smiled as he pulled out another pokéball, 'Guess I ended up underestimating him. But that's not happening again.' He threw the pokéball, "Onix, Go!"

The Rock Snake Pokémon materialized and took up about a quarter of the field.

Ash looked up at the large Pokémon warily, 'He's pulling out his ace. Faster than Geodude with a LOT more defense.'

Ash looked at Pidgeotto, "You good to continue, girl?"

Pidgeotto nodded. She wasn't planning to let her trainer down.

Ash smiled softly and looked at the referee, "Pidgeotto's staying in."

The ref nodded, "Then, begin!"

"Onix, use Rock Throw."

"Pidgeotto, dodge and use Steel Wing."

Pidgeotto copied what she did against Geodude and hit her mark. Only this time-

Brock smirked slyly, "Onix, Bind!"

Unable to react in time, Pidgeotto became bound in Onix's tail. She cried out in alarm as Onix squeezed her.

"Pidgeotto!" Ash called out in alarm, 'Crag! She's stuck! She can't do anything like this.'

Ash growled when he couldn't think of anything to get her out of this.

Onix finished the Bind by slamming Pidgeotto into the ground.

Brock didn't let up, "Onix, Rock Throw!"

Pidgeotto could do nothing but stare in shock as a handful of large rocks rained down and buried her.

Ash stared in horror, "Pidgeotto!"

The dust settled and Pidgeotto could be seen under the rocks with her eyes in swirls.

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle! Onix wins!"

Ash ran into the field and shoved the rocks off Pidgeotto. She looked up at Ash sadly before turning away in shame. Brock stared in surprise as this happened.

Ash smiled softly and pet her, "It's alright, girl. You were amazing out there."

Pidgeotto perked up and nuzzled up against Ash.

Ash chuckled, "We'll finish this." He pulled out her pokéball, "But for now, get some rest. You've more than earned it."

Pidgeotto smiled and nodded before returning to the ball.

Ash stood up and made his way back to his side of the field.

Brock smiled as he saw how Ash handled the loss, 'I really underestimated him.'

When he got back to the trainer box, Ash turned to face Brock. He looked down at Pikachu, "Your turn buddy."

Pikachu nodded with a determined smile, "Got it!" He ran out onto the battlefield and crouched down into a fighting stance.

Brock put a hand to his chin, 'A pikachu. Another type disadvantage. No doubt, he has something prepared.' He smirked, 'But, I'll be ready this time.'

The referee spoke up, "This will be the final round! BEGIN!"

"Onix, use Tackle!"

"Pikachu, Agility!"

Onix charged at Pikachu and carved the ground as he did. He missed completely as Pikachu lit up white and rocketed out of the way.

Ash held out a hand with a smirk, "Now Pikachu, Quick Attack and Iron Tail."

Brock grimaced, 'Crag! Another Steel-type move!'

Onix cried out as the attack struck him in the horn and he started to flail in pain. He lost control and ended up hitting the spectator's balcony.

"Ahhh!" Misty cried out.

"Brock!" Brock's siblings cried out as the balcony shook.

"NO!" Brock shouted in alarm before holding out a pokéball, "Onix, return!"

The Rock Snake Pokémon disappeared in the red beam. Unfortunately, the damage was already done.

The balcony started to crumble from the attack. It broke in half with each side hanging from the wall.

Misty clung to the railing for dear life. Forrest grabbed Billy and Tilly and managed to pull them to safety. Salvadore grabbed onto Suzie's arm and the railing. Yolanda caught Timmy and grabbed the railing as well. Tommy and Cindy managed to out-run the collapse and ran to the other side of the balcony that was still standing; the one opposite to Forrest. Soot couldn't get a grip and plummeted to the floor.

"SOOT!" Ash cried out in alarm and ran over to her.

She got up slowly, but shakily, "I'm alright, dad."

"HELP!" Ash looked up to see Misty and the others trying to hold on. Some of Brock siblings were starting to lose their grips.

Brock ran over to a ladder that led to the balcony, "I'm coming!"

Ash grimaced, "Crag! We have to help!" He turned to Soot, "I think it's time, Soot."

Soot managed to stand up and nodded, "Got it." She closed her eyes and opened them to reveal glowing red slits; the same as a banette's.

Ash grabbed the zipper buckle on Soot's back and pulled.

From the opening, ten translucent, purple strings shot out of Soot's back. Each one latched onto the tips of one of Ash's fingers.

Ash crossed his arms with the purple strings still clinging to his fingertips, "Soot, Marionetter!"

Soot then- wait, what's going on?

.

Seishin: Allow me to explain!

When a banette's zipper mouth is opened, its life force will leave its doll body forever.

Soot is a mightyena with banette Inheritance, which gives her more of a mortal tie to her body. When the zipper on her back is opened, the phantasmal strings emanating from the opening will latch on to the fingers of whoever is closest to her and give them full control over her body. However, Soot can still talk and use her eyes.

During this time, Soot is put into a ragdoll-like state that renders her bones, joints, and even pain receptors completely irrelevant. This allows her body to be used in countless, unnatural ways with no consequence.

However, this technique is not perfect. The wielder needs to be experienced enough, or she might not even be able to stand. Also, while Soot cannot feel any pain, she can still take damage. If she takes too much, the strings will fade, and she will be rendered motionless.

Once the zipper is closed, Soot will return to normal.

The use of this technique has already been made illegal in all forms of traditional battles, unless permission is given by the opponent.

Ohirume: WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?!

Seishin: A parody of the Buddyfight Ace announcer.

Ohirume: That guy is an idiot! All he does is state the obvious and interrupt at the worst moment!

Seishin: Exactly.

Ohirume: Grr. Back to the chapter.

.

Okay, sorry about that.

Ash ran out of the way of the falling debris and moved his fingers, making Soot stand on her hind legs.

Ash moved his hands wildly and Soot did a standing jump up to the balcony, lifted Misty into her forelegs, jumped down to the ground, and landed five feet away from the collapse. She put Misty down.

Misty stared up at the now bipedal Bite Pokémon in shock, "Soot?! How are you-"

"Tell you later!" Soot called out before Ash flailed again.

Soot ran over to the nearby wall, jumped off it, and backflipped onto the balcony. She ran across the platform at top speed, scooped up Yolanda and Timmy, and got them to the ground safely.

Brock had already gotten Forrest, Billy and Tilly down from the balcony. He stared in awe from the way Soot moved. As his siblings were helped down, they ran over to join him.

Soot made her way to Salvadore and Suzie when the balcony started shaking. Ash and Soot grimaced and Ash slowed Soot down. They moved to the pair cautiously.

Once close enough, Soot held out a paw to them, "Come on!"

Salvadore looked at Suzie and nodded. The scared little girl shakily moved to grab Soot's paw with a terrified frown. The balcony slipped again and Salvadore lost his grip.

Soot lurched forward to grab Suzie, but just barely missed, "NO!"

"SUZIE!" Brock called out.

Ash ran forward and moved his hands again. Soot grabbed Salvadore and moved him to safety.

Ash jumped into the air, grabbed the girl, and fell to the ground. He twisted around in the air to land on his back and cushion her from the fall. Ash grimaced and let go of her.

Brock ran over, "Suzie!"

"Brock!" The little girl called out as she got off Ash and ran over to her big brother. Brock pulled her into a hug as she started crying.

"Dad, look out!" Ash looked up and his eyes widened in horror. The part of the balcony Suzie and Salvadore held on too was starting to break off.

Ash tried to move but grimaced in pain. He was about to get Soot to come down and grab him, until he noticed the side Tommy and Cindy were on was getting ready to collapse. Ash gritted is teeth before moving his hands.

Soot shot over to the kids, scooped them up, and got them to the ground.

Soot glanced back and stared in horror as the balcony broke off, "DAD!"

The broken balcony crashed down on top of Ash.

"NO!" Misty cried out.

"PIKA-PI!"

Soot lost control and collapsed. She grimaced at the sight of her father trapped under the giant sheet of metal.

Soot glanced over at Misty, "Misty!"

The girl snapped out of her shock and looked over.

"Zipper! Quick!" Soot called out.

Misty ran over to her and closed the opening.

Soot's body corrected itself and she stood back up. She shook off any weird feelings before charging towards the collapsed balcony. She went intangible and phased into it. A minute later, she dragged Ash out of the sheet.

Everyone stared in fearful silence as Soot put an ear to Ash's chest.

A second later, Soot looked back up with a smile, "He's alive!"

Brock perked up and looked at his oldest sibling, "Forrest, call an ambulance!"

"Right!" Forrest nodded and ran to the back.

.

**Time Skip**

Ash started to stir and looked around. He found himself in a hospital bed with bandages littering his entire body.

Soot was laying on the side of the bed and Pikachu was curled up at the foot.

Ash moved to pet Soot. She jerked and looked at him in shock.

Soot smiled brightly and nuzzled up against Ash, "Dad!"

"Ash!" Pikachu ran over and nuzzled him as well.

Ash smiled softly, "Hey. I'm glad to see you two are okay."

Pikachu backed up and stared at him in shock, "Your glad we're okay?! You got hit by a half ton sheet of metal!"

Ash raised a brow, "Really? It felt a bit lighter than that."

Soot glared at him, "That doesn't make us feel better. You scared us half to death."

Ash frowned, "I know and I'm sorry for worrying you. But Brock's siblings were still in trouble, I couldn't just-"

Soot interrupted with a sigh, "I know you couldn't. That's just who you are." She nuzzled up against him again, "I'm just happy you're okay, now."

Pikachu followed suit, "Me too."

A doctor walked in, noticed Ash hugging the pair of Pokémon, and flinched, "YOU'RE AWAKE?!"

Ash looked at him with a deadpanned expression, "Gee, thanks."

The doctor fumbled, "No, I didn't mean it like that. You were … well-"

"Hit by a balcony, I know." Ash interrupted.

"U-um, right, that." The doctor stuttered before holding up a clipboard, "When we got you here, you were only covered in a few scrapes and bruises. No broken bones. No internal bleeding. Not even a sprain." He stated before sweat dropping, "I'm still not sure how to explain it."

Soot looked at the man with a sly smirk, "Told you he was tough."

He sighed, "We were hoping to keep you here for observation, but somebody already paid off your bill. You're free to go at any time."

Ash chuckled, 'Oak, you old fruit.' He smiled and nodded, "Thank you."

Ash got out of bed, got dressed, and made his way down to the front.

Misty, Brock, and Brock's siblings were waiting in the lobby. Most of them had 'get well' cards and/or flowers. It was lucky that none of the flowers were in vases, though. Namely because everyone flinched and dropped everything they were holding when they saw Ash walking towards them.

Misty ran up and pulled Ash into a hug, "You're okay!" She let go and stared in shock, "How are you okay?!"

Soot smirked, "Dad's tough."

Brock stared in shock for a moment. He shook it off and walked up to Ash with a soft smile on his face, "Soot told us what you did. I can't thank you enough for saving Suzie, Tommy, and Cindy like that." He reached into his back pocket and pulled something out, "But, I hope this is a good start." He opened his hand to reveal a Boulder Badge in his palm.

Ash stared at the Badge in surprise before looking Brock in the eye, "But, I didn't win the battle."

Brock smiled, "You would have. You had a strategy laid out and outsmarted me repeatedly. Add that to what you did for my siblings and … well-" Brock chuckled a bit, "I'm not going to take no for an answer."

Ash smiled, "Alright, I accept." He took the Badge.

"Alright, our first Gym Badge!" Pikachu cheered, "We did it!"

Ash smiled and reached up to pet the mouse, "Yeah."

.

*Later

Ash and Misty stood out in front of the entrance to Pewter City. Brock decided to see them off.

Brock smiled, "It was nice meeting you two."

Ash smiled back, "Same. It was a tough battle."

Brock chuckled, "Maybe, but admit it. You would have beaten me a lot faster if you used Soot."

Soot smirked, "I wouldn't say 'beaten.' 'Destroyed' or 'annihilated' might be more appropriate."

Everyone chuckled at the comment.

Ash looked at the Gym Leader with a sad smile, "So, I guess this is it."

Brock nodded, "Yeah. Thank you again, for everything." He looked out into the forest with a sad smile, "My dream is to actually become a world renown Pokémon breeder. Ash, if it's not too much to ask, I'd like you to fulfill my dream for me."

Ash blinked in surprise. Glancing to the side, he noticed a familiar figure approaching them.

Ash smiled, "Hold that thought." He pointed at Flint as he approached.

Brock looked at where Ash was pointing and stared at the man in confusion, "Who are you?"

Flint took a deep breath and pulled off his hat and fake beard.

Brock jerked, "DAD?!"

Misty's eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped. She looked at Ash in surprise. He responded by putting a finger to his lips; signaling to stay quiet.

After a long, painful few years, Flint finally spoke to his son, "Brock, I failed on my quest to become a great trainer. I came back home but was too ashamed to confront you all. I promise to be a better father from now on. I promise to look after the Gym. And most importantly, I promise I'll never leave again. Go live your dream, son."

Brock walked towards him, "Alright, but there are some things I need to tell you first."

Flint looked down shamefully with a sad smile, "I understand. Go ahead, I know I deserve it."

Brock handed the man a sewing needle and a spool of thread.

Flint stared at it in confusion, "huh?"

Brock started listing things off about his siblings, "Suzie always rips her dresses, so you'd better learn how to sew. And Timmy only eats cold spaghetti for breakfast. Tommy likes corn flakes for dinner-"

"Wait! Slow down, I can't write that fast." Flint begged as he tried to write a list.

Brock didn't let up, "Cindy sleepwalks, so you have to tie a bell on her wrist. The twins never want to take a bath, so you have to-"

Ash, Misty, Soot, and Pikachu tuned out at this point.

.

**Time Skip**

"So, you guys are sure I can join you all?" Brock asked as he walked alongside Ash and Misty.

Ash turned to him and smiled, "I don't see why not. The more the merrier."

Misty smiled, "Yeah, and it'll be nice to have someone who knows how to cook."

Ash looked at her with a frown, "Hey, the berry kabobs weren't that bad."

Misty smirked slyly, "Didn't say they were. They just get boring after a while."

Soot looked up at Ash with a smirk, "She does have a point, dad."

Brock chuckled, "I have to admit, hanging out with you guys will be a new experience."

"You'll get used to it." Misty commented, "Just try not to get too freaked out by Ash's crazy gloves."

Brock looked at Ash in confusion, "Gloves?"

Ash chuckled, "I'll show you when it's time to set up camp."

.

.

Gem: Alright, finally!

Omega: What? Gem, they didn't fuse. That was a technique where they fight in unison … sort of.

Faux: Yeah, kinda like my synchro evolution.

Gem: That's not what I saw. They came together in body, mind, and soul, just like fusion.

Omega: No, they didn't. You're reading way too far into this. That's like saying I fuse whenever I use 3XK, Ghost Killer, or Olsen. Only, you know, Soot's actually alive.

Seishin: Aw, let the hybrid dream, right Rob?

Ohirume: *grumbles*

Seishin: Oh, come on. You can't still be mad about earlier.

Ohirume: Yes, I can! You interrupted the story for a rip-off of that idiot.

Seishin: I'm a figment of your imagination. It's your fault even more than mine.

Ohirume: **** you.

Seishin: Wha- Hey! This is rated K. You can't say 'four star.' It implies the real word too heavily.

Ohirume: It only implies something if I put a working letter at the beginning … or anywhere, really.

…

Edit notes: Samurai didn't really react to Ash sprouting claws before the fix. Seemed a little hard to believe. / The thing about Professor Oak "sucking at explaining Inheritance" didn't really sound right. / Pikachu's unkind gesture seemed like a bit … much. / I have no idea how much a section of metal balcony weighs AND APPARENTLY NEITHER DOES GOOGLE! But even I can assume that it's more than 120lbs. / Regular touch-ups.