Gem: Please. Please. Please.

Ohirume: What is it now, Gem?

Gem: Can I, please, invite the rest of my team? We've already had Faux's team and the second Shadow Brigade is sure to bring in more readers.

Ohirume: They really won't, but fine. We need the characters, anyway.

Gem: Alright! I'll tell Pearl to bring the others.

Ohirume: *sigh* Here we go…

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10

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Secret Sanctuary of The Spellc- I Mean Lost

.

Soot's eye twitched, "Remind me why we chose to get directions from Giselle, again."

Brock scratched the back of his head and laughed nervously, "It seemed like a good idea at the time."

Soot glared, "Are you sure that's the only reason, lover boy?"

"Well…"

Misty sighed, "We're lost, aren't we?"

"Yup." Groaned Soot.

Ash shrugged, "Well, we aren't in a hurry. Besides, 'getting lost is just a path to new adventure'."

Soot deadpanned, "That's from one of grandma's fortune cookies isn't it?"

Ash chuckled, "Yeah, but it helped lighten the mood, didn't it?"

Soot smiled and rolled her eyes, "You big dork."

That made the others laugh. They came across a small clearing with a pond.

Misty noticed something, "Hey, what's that by the water?"

Ash looked, "An oddish. They're Grass and Poison-types."

Misty smiled and pulled out a pokéball, "I'm gonna catch it."

Soot raised a brow, "What? Misty, they aren't Water-types. Heck, they have an advantage against Water-types."

Misty looked over at Soot, "Well, Brock's a Rock-type trainer and he has a zubat. So why can't I have a Grass-type?"

Soot considered this and shrugged, "Fair point. Good luck."

Misty smiled and walked over to the Weed Pokémon. Oddish noticed and became startled.

Misty tossed a pokéball, "Starmie, let's go!"

The Mysterious Pokémon materialized. Oddish started trembling and backed up.

Ash frowned, 'Why is it this scared?'

Misty pointed, "Starmie, use Water Gun!"

Oddish was washed away by the attack. It laid on the ground and tried to use its leaves to get up.

Misty smirked, "Now use-"

Her command was cut off by a pair of vines shooting out of a bush and nailing Starmie. They recovered but were immediately Tackled by a green from. It stood in front of Oddish defensively.

Misty grimaced, "No, Staryu!"

Ash's eyes widened, "A bulbasaur?!"

The Seed Pokémon glared, "Stay back, trainer! Your kind aren't welcome here!"

Ash looked over to Soot, "Mind translating?"

Soot frowned, "He said, 'your kind aren't welcome here.' But it's kinda weird. He specified trainers; y'know, instead of humans."

Ash looked over at the Grass-types, "What do you have against trainers?"

Bulbasaur's eyes widened, "What?! How did you understand that?!"

Pikachu spoke up, "The mightyena. She can speak human."

Bulbasaur looked over at Soot, "Why the Yvel would you do something like that?!"

Soot raised a brow, "You mean learn their language? Well, I was human raised, so, why not?"

Bulbasaur glared, "Then your just as bad as them!"

Bulbasaur grabbed Oddish in his vines and ran into the same bush he came out of.

Soot pouted, "rude."

Ash pet her, "Just ignore him, Soot. Sticks and stones, remember?"

Clefairy overheard and brought over a twig and a rock, "Here, you go."

Soot chuckled, "Thanks, Clefairy. I needed that."

Clefairy smiled, "Your welcome. Oh, I'll go get some more."

The Fairy-type ran off and started gathering sticks and stones.

Ash laughed, "We really should stop her at some point."

Misty walked over, "Can someone please tell me what just happened?!"

Soot spoke up, "Bulbasaur has something against trainers. I guess he was trying to protect Oddish from us."

Misty sighed, "Great." She said sarcastically.

Brock put a hand on her shoulder, "Don't worry about it. These things happen"

Ash nodded, "Let's get going." he looked over to the pink Pokémon, "Come on, Clefairy. We're moving on."

She looked up, "But what about the sticks and stones?"

Soot laughed, "Don't worry about them. I'll explain on the way."

.

**Time Skip**

Clefairy frowned, "But, wouldn't that really hurt?"

Soot shook her head, "I didn't mean breaking bones, literally. It's just something people say to try and make others feel better."

Clefairy blinked, "How would sticks and stones make someone feel better?"

Soot sighed, "I don't know. Let's just dro- forget about it" 'This used to be cute. I need to stop using expressions around her.'

The group came up to a rope bridge spanning a ravine. A fast-moving stream was at the bottom of it.

Brock pulled out a map, "Strange. I can't find this bridge on the map."

Ash looked at him, "How long have you had that?"

"Since I left home." Brock responded.

Misty sweat dropped, "And you didn't think to bring it out earlier?"

Brock chuckled nervously, "I forgot about it."

Ash sighed, "Let me see the map."

Brock complied and Ash looked over the map, "The ravine is on here, but you're right. No bridge." He looked at the bridge and frowned, "Let's be careful. It doesn't look very sturdy."

They all made their way across when the wind started up. Ash noticed the ropes unraveling.

His eyes widened, "Crag! Guys, grab on to something!"

The bridge collapsed. Soot reacted first and managed to jump across. Ash tossed Pikachu and Clefairy over to Soot and managed to grab a plank as he fell. Misty grabbed on to Ash's leg. Brock managed to grab the plank at the end of the bridge.

Soot looked over the ledge, "Are you guys okay?!"

Ash looked up, "For now, we are."

"Ash, pull us up!" Misty cried out.

Ash nodded and reached for the next plank in the 'ladder.' It didn't take long for them to reach the top.

Ash looked back over, "Hang on tight, Brock. I'll pull you up."

"Hurry!" Brock shouted.

Ash grabbed the rope attached to the ground and pulled. Half-way through, the wind picked up again. The strain caused the rope to unravel again. When it snapped, Ash lunged forward to grab his friend. He almost made it.

"Brock!" Ash shouted as the man plummeted to river below.

The current swept him away before he could respond. Ash could only stare in shock.

"Ash come on! We have to find Brock!" said Misty.

Ash didn't respond and started trembling, 'I-I can help. I just need to.' Ash's left hand hovered over his watch.

"DAD!"

Ash snapped out of it and looked at Soot.

She continued, "Misty's right. Look, the current isn't that fast, and we know how tough Brock is. If we hurry, we can catch up."

Ash looked back at the river. "Y-yeah. Your right, Soot." He responded; voice shaky.

Ash got back on his feet and the group headed down stream. Ash said nothing and kept a steady pace. Misty and Soot followed. Pikachu ran alongside them and Clefairy was on Soot's back.

Misty frowned and looked at the Bite Pokémon, "Soot, is Ash alright? I'm worried about Brock too, but he seems really freaked out."

Soot frowned, "Dad doesn't like losing people he cares about. We all know Brock is okay, but that's not going to stop him from worrying."

"Is there any way we can help him?" Misty sked, concerned.

Soot shook her head, "Nothing short of finding Br- AHH!"

Soot was cut-off when a large hole opened beneath her, Misty, and Pikachu.

Misty held her head, "Ow."

"Are you guys okay?!" they looked up to see Ash looking down at them, worried.

Soot nodded, "We're good. We just need help getting out."

Misty looked at her, "Couldn't you and Ash just use Marionetter?"

Soot shook her head, "Not without dad jumping down here. My automatically strings latch on to whatever human is closest. And, right now, that's you."

"Hold on, I have an idea." Ash said, "I'll be right back!" He ran off in the direction they came.

Misty looked shocked, "What?! No! Ash, come back!"

Soot spoke up, "Calm down, Misty. Dad isn't going to just leave us here. Trust him."

Misty was still uneasy, "But, what about what you said before. He's still freaked out."

Soot frowned, "Misty it's okay. Think about it; he was so focused on finding Brock that he subconsciously dodged this trap. Right now, that focus is going into helping us. So, just be patient."

Misty blinked in surprise but nodded, "okay."

Ash returned less than a minute later. He tossed down a rope, "Guys, come on!"

Once everyone was out, Ash immediately pulled Soot into a hug, "I'm so sorry. I should have-"

"Stop." Soot interrupted, "I know what you're going to say, so just stop. I'm not hurt." She looked up at him and smiled, "Let's find Brock."

Ash smiled and nodded. They continued downstream. Ash seemed to have calmed down some. Pikachu and Clefairy took back their usual places on Ash's shoulders.

Misty looked at Ash and smiled, "I'm happy to see you're feeling better."

Ash smiled sadly, "Thanks."

Misty sighed, "What's been going on, lately? First the bridge and then a pit trap. It's crazy."

Ash frowned, "Whatever the reason, we need to be careful. There might be more-" Ash stopped, "wait."

Misty stopped too, "What?"

Ash picked up a rock and tossed it at a pile of leaves. A net sprung up in front of them.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Whoa. Nice one."

Ash sighed, "This is becoming unsettling. Let's just hope we find-"

"Ash! Misty!" they looked ahead of them and saw Brock running towards them.

"Brock!" Misty called out as she ran over and threw her arms around him, "You're okay!"

Ash sighed in relief, "Thank goodness."

Ash and Soot ran over to join them.

Soot spoke up, "Brock, are you okay? We saw you get swept away." She blinked, "did not mean for that to rhyme."

Brock chuckled, "Don't worry, I'm fine." He smiled and started blushing, "A beautiful girl helped me out."

They waited for him to continue. When that didn't happen, Misty flicked him in the head.

Brock snapped out of it, "Come on I'll take you to her!" he started walking in the direction he came.

Soot sweat dropped, "We just got him back."

They followed.

Ash spoke up, "So, who exactly are you taking us too?"

Brock smiled, "Her name is Melanie. She owns this place where injured and abandoned Pokémon go to seek shelter."

Soot smiled, "I like her already."

They reached the place in question. It was a large, lush clearing with a pond and a hut. There were Pokémon everywhere, enjoying themselves.

The only other human in the area noticed them and walked over, "Hello there, you all must be Brock's friends."

Brock turned to face his friends, "Guys, this is Melanie." He turned to face Melanie, "Melanie, this is Ash and Misty."

Soot glared at him, "Thank you for that, Brock."

Melanie looked at Soot in surprise, "Oh my. You were serious." She held out a hand, "I'm Melanie."

Soot shook hands with her, "Soot Ketchum. Nice to meet you."

Melanie blinked, "Sorry, I never knew that Pokémon had names like that."

Ash chuckled, "They don't. I raised Soot and gave her a name."

Soot followed, "That's also why I can talk. The thing about being raised, not the name."

Melanie smiled, "Well, it's seems like you've done a very good job."

"Thank you." Ash said with a light smile. He frowned as he remembered something, "Melanie, you wouldn't happen to know about the traps in the forest, would you?"

Melanie nodded, "Yes. I set them up to keep out trespassers."

Soot deadpanned, "You couldn't have put up a sign somewhere? You do realize that we could have been seriously injured."

Melanie frowned, "Oh, I'm so sorry. But I do check the traps regularly and release anything that wanders into them."

"Does that include the death bridge?" Soot asked.

Melanie put a hand to her chin, "hm. Perhaps, I should rethink that one."

Soot nodded, "Agreed. My advice: big safety net, right above the water. That or hire some Water-types"

Melanie smiled, "Let me show you all around. One thing, though. I need you all to promise that you won't catch any of the Pokémon here."

Everyone nodded.

Misty: "Of course."

Ash: "I promise."

Soot: "Just don't blame us if they ask to join."

They walked into the village and Ash noticed something. "Isn't that the oddish from earlier?" he said.

Misty looked, "Oh, yeah. I guess it lives here."

Melanie frowned, "Sort of. Oddish was abandoned by her trainer. They accused the poor thing of being too weak."

Ash frowned, "That explains why she reacted to us that way she did. Oddish was trembling horribly when we met."

Misty frowned and walked over to the Pokémon. It saw her and flinched; looking like it was ready to run.

Misty frowned, "Listen, I'm sorry about earlier. You must have been scared."

Oddish seemed to relax but was still uneasy.

Misty continued, "Melanie told me about your old trainer. I know there are some bad trainers out there, but we're not all like that. I really am sorry about earlier. I hope you can forgive me."

Oddish walked over and placed one of her leaves on Misty hands.

Misty smiled, "Thanks, Oddish." She moved to pet the Grass/Poison-type but was Tackled by the other one.

"Stay away!" Bulbasaur growled.

Soot jumped between them, "Okay, that was uncalled for. Misty was just apologizing to Oddish."

Bulbasaur glared at her, "Exactly what I'd expect to hear from human-speaking freak!"

Soot glared back, "Care to repeat that, you little Monster?"

Ash jumped in, "Soot, Bulbasaur, knock it off. This is no place to fight."

Bulbasaur glared at Ash, "So leave already! The only thing a trainer can do is cause trouble and hurt us!" he glared at Soot again, "Be sure to tell your master that for me."

Soot looked away, "Not happening. You want to talk to him? Figure it out yourself."

Ash sighed and looked to Pikachu.

The mouse frowned, "You sure you want me to tell you?"

Bulbasaur glared, "Seriously?! How many of you freaks are there?!"

Clefairy pouted, "Stop calling my friends freaks! And besides, only Ms. Soot talks like a human. Ash can understand what me and Pikachu are saying."

Bulbasaur chuckled mockingly, "Yeah, right."

"Freaks, huh?" Ash muttered.

Bulbasaur looked at Ash, shocked.

Ash sighed, "Soot, what did he say?"

Soot growled, "He accused trainers of only being good for trouble and pain. He wants us to leave."

Melanie frowned, "Bulbasaur, that wasn't nice. Apologize."

Ash sighed, "No, it's fine." He turned around and started walking into the forest, "I'm not going to leave yet, but I'll leave you alone. Be back later, guys."

Soot ran after him, "Dad, wait!" Pikachu followed her.

Clefairy glared at Bulbasaur, "Ms. Melanie is right. You need to apologize to Ash."

Bulbasaur glared, "I am not apologizing to a human!"

"But Ash isn't always human!" Clefairy argued.

Bulbasaur blinked, "what?"

"He isn't always human." Clefairy responded, "He has this circle on his arm that can turn him into Pokémon."

Bulbasaur growled, "Yeah, right. How stupid do you think I am?"

Clefairy was about to respond when she heard something familiar coming from where Ash went.

She looked at Bulbasaur, "If you don't believe me, then come and see for yourself."

Bulbasaur frowned, "Fine. If it'll make you shut up."

Clefairy led Bulbasaur to Ash. The humans present all felt completely lost about what just happened.

.

*Ash and team

Clefairy and Bulbasaur came into the clearing. Bulbasaur looked around and quickly found Soot and Pikachu. Butterfree and Pidgeotto were with them. They were all crowded around a male Mightyena.

His ears twitched and he looked at Bulbasaur, frowning, "Oh, it's you." He looked at Clefairy and smiled, "Hey Clefairy."

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "Ash?"

Ash chuckled and sat up. A familiar green symbol could be seen on his chest.

Clefairy smiled brightly, "Woah! That is so cool! I didn't know you could turn into a Mightyena."

Soot chuckled, "Well, I call him dad for a reason."

Bulbasaur glared, "How much of a fool do you take me for?! You can't actually expect me to believe this, can you?! There is no way you're that human from the earlier!"

Ash rolled his eyes. He brought up a paw and hit the symbol on his chest.

Bulbasaur had to close his eyes in response to the sudden flash. When he looked up, his jaw dropped when he saw Ash sitting there.

Ash glared, "There, happy?"

He messed with his watch and hit it again. Mightyena-Ash sat there, still glaring.

"If you don't mind, I like to get back to relaxing with my daughter and team." He laid down.

Bulbasaur was unable to respond. He was still overcome with shock.

Clefairy took up a smug expression, "Told ya."

.

*One Omnitirix timing out and almost recharge later

Ash raised a hand, "Give it a minute."

"Can we just talk?!" Bulbasaur responded.

Soot relayed the message.

Ash shook his head, "Let the watch finish recharging first. That way we actually talk to each other."

The watch changed from red to green.

"There." Ash started messing with the watch. He slammed down the center and a braviary stood in Ash's place.

Ash looked at the Seed Pokémon, "Now we can talk."

Bulbasaur blinked, "H-how are you doing that? How long have you been able to do this?"

"This thing." Ash said; pointing a wing to the symbol on his chest, "It catalogues Pokémon DNA and gives me the ability to transform into them. Also, five years."

Soot joined in, "It's also the reason I was born."

Bulbasaur's eyes widened, "Where on earth did you get something like that?!"

"A meteor. I don't know where it really came from. All I know is what it does and that I can't take it off." Ash responded.

Ash sighed, "Look, I'm sorry about coming here. No matter what I say, it doesn't change what I am. I'll leave when my friends are ready, so just-"

"I'm sorry." Bulbasaur interrupted.

Everyone else looked at him in surprise. Ash would have blinked if his form allowed it, "What?"

Bulbasaur sighed, "I'm sorry about what I said. If you've really had these powers for that long, then you're practically an elder."

Ash chuckled, "Honestly, not the first time I've heard that. Thank you for understanding, but you owe my hatchling an apology too."

Bulbasaur gave a light smile and nodded. Turning to Soot, he said, "I'm sorry about what I said earlier. It was out of line."

Soot smirked, "Oh, don't worry, I'll feel better once I get my revenge." Bulbasaur flinched. Soot laughed, "I'm kidding. I'm kidding. You wilds are just so easy to mess with."

Bulbasaur chuckled, "Okay. I deserved that." He brought out a vine, "Apology accepted?"

Soot chuckled and shook hands/paws/vines with the Grass/Poison-type, "Yeah, apology accepted."

Clefairy jumped over and hugged Bulbasaur, "Yay! We're friends now!"

The moment was ruined by a chorus of shouting coming from the village. They hurried and found a giant domed stadium sitting on top of weather balloons. A gigantic vacuum protruding from the side was threatening to suck up the Pokémon in the village.

Bulbasaur stared in shock, "What the Yvel is that?!"

Soot deadpanned, "My guess, a couple of humans who justify your hatred in trainers. As well as their speech impaired meowth who, also, speaks human."

Ash scowled, "We need to stop them!" He turned to face his team, "Pidgeotto, you're with me; we're taking that thing down. Everyone else, protect the village. Soot, you're in charge."

Soot nodded, "Good luck."

Ash and Pidgeotto flew towards the machine. Ash looked at the other bird, "Follow my lead! Steel Wing!"

Ash's wings lit up. Pidgeotto followed suit. They attacked the hose with their Steel Wings; cutting it to ribbons.

Jessie looked over the edge, "Hey, what happened?!"

Meowth followed, "Da hose! It's been shredded!"

James looked at the ground, "Down there! It's Pikachu and the others. But, where's the twerp?"

"Who cares?!" Meowth responded, "We'll jus' get dem too!"

"Yeah, that's not happening." Meowth flinched at the voice. The three of them turned around to see Ash and Pidgeotto standing on the railing.

Jessie flinched, "Ah! It's the twerps pidgeotto and … what is that?"

James pulled out a small book and flipped through the pages, "Here. It's a Braviary, the Valiant Pokémon. They're Flying and Normal-types from the Unova region. Apparently, they're all males."

Ash stared at him, "How long have you had that?"

Meowth stared in shock, 'T-that voice. But that's impossible.'

Jessie glared, "I don't care what it is! We are not letting some feather brain and its girlfriend get in our way!" She pulled out a pokéball.

Pidgeotto blushed at the comment, "W-we're not mates!"

Ash shook his head, "Just ignore them. We have a job to do."

Koffing and Ekans appeared on the dome. Ekans immediately started slipping on the smooth, curved surface.

Ash sweat dropped, "You can take these two, I'll pop this thing."

Meowth snapped out of it, "We gotta stop dat boid!"

"Koffing, Tackle that Braviary!"

Pidgeotto Steel Winged the Poison Gas Pokémon before it even got close.

She looked over at Ash, "Go!"

Ash nodded and jumped off the ledge. Adjusting quickly, he shot towards the balloons with his wings glowing.

James pulled out a remote, "Not so fast!"

He pushed a button and a dozen robotic limbs shot out towards Ash.

Ash glared, 'What is it with these guys and robotics?!' He was forced to abandon his goal and focus on dodging. He looked around the arms, trying to find a weak point.

He scowled, 'No joints, again. And they're thicker that the ones from the drill and their balloon. Brute force won't cut it this time.' He barrel-rolled as an arm got close. During the roll, he hit it with Steel Wing, 'Too thick to cut through normally. But maybe…'

Ash got out of range of the arms and looked down to his team, "Guys, I'm about to do something stupid! Be ready to catch me if it goes south!"

He was too far away to hear their protests.

He flapped and whipped up a Tailwind, 'focus.'

The speed modifying breeze started to warp around the stadium. Nobody could see it happening.

.

*Pidgeotto vs. Koffing and Ekans

"Steel Wing!"

Pidgeotto batted away at the Sludge as it approached. She started panting, 'I need to stay focused. Just remember what Ash said, 'Steel Wing is a powerful tool against Poison-Types. If you can't dodge, use it to block their attacks. You'll nullify most of the damage and lessen the chance of poisoning.' I just need to buy him time.' She glanced back at Ash, 'For whatever he's doing.'

James held out an arm, "Koffing, use Smokescreen!"

Koffing complied and started filling the area. Everyone, even Pidgeotto, became shocked when the black smoke started being swept away.

Jessie glared at her teammate, "James, what's going on?!"

James didn't respond. He looked forward in shock.

Jessie blinked, "James?" she followed his gaze and her jaw dropped.

The Smokescreen could be seen all around them, but not the way they wanted. It was being compressed into cylindrical tubes all around them and it was still moving.

"W-what is this?" Jessie asked, "Is the twerp's pidgeotto doing this?"

Meowth shook his head, "It couldn't be. We've been watchin' it dis whole time."

They heard the sound on metal being ripped into.

James fumbled, "What was that?!"

Meowth noticed something, "Look!" he pointed at one of the smoke tunnels. Ash could be seen inside, moving through them at high speed. His wings were folded at his sides but still glowing from Steel Wing.

Jessie's eye widened, "Wait! You mean that Brooviary did all this?!"

Ash overheard, 'Now I know how Soot feels.'

Ash rode the tunnel near one of the arms and jumped out. Keeping his speed, he unfolded his wings and spun like a top. He made contact with the arm and cut clean through it. He landed in another one of the tunnels and continued his ride.

"WOAH!" James shouted.

Meowth stared, wide eyed, "Dat shouldn't be possible. No Pokémon could come up wit' somet'in' like dis."

Pidgeotto stared in shock, 'Ash made this?! I-I don't even-' her eyes lit up, 'Creativity! That's why I can't figure it out! This is the power of the human mind!'

Ash cut through another of the arms. Jessie glared, "We have to stop that thing! James, do something!"

James shook himself out of it and stared hitting buttons on the remote, "Eat metal!" The arms started batting away at the tunnels. No effect.

"What the?!" James shouted.

Meowth's eye widened, "It's Tailwind! Dat bird used a status to make dis! Dat's why we can't hit it!"

Ash's eyes widened when he heard that, 'He figured it out?! No. He couldn't be.'

Jessie smirked, "But, we can still hit him!"

James messed with the controls and all of the remaining arms moved into Ash's path.

Ash smirked, 'About time.'

He jumped out of the tunnel and started spinning at the closest arm. Instead of tearing through it, he rolled along the arm like a circular saw. He was heading for the base of the of the dome.

"What's it doing now?" Jessie shouted.

Meowth squinted at the scene. His eyes widened, "Da balloons!"

Ash reached the base and tore into the balloon's fabric. The dome lost its balance and started falling into the village.

.

*Misty, Brock, Melanie, Ash's team

Soot looked up in horror, "EVERYONE, TAKE COVER!"

The dome crashed into the clearing. Team Rocket was still on top of it, dazed.

James sat up and held his head, "Ow." He looked at the staring crowd and flinched, "Um, we can explain."

"Fire!" Soot shouted.

Soot, her teammates, and Bulbasaur attacked the grounded sky base all at once.

Pikachu used Thunderbolt.

Butterfree used Whirlwind.

Clefairy used Disarming Voice.

Bulbasaur used Razor Leaf.

Soot used Shadow Ball.

Team Rocket exploded and flew up high.

Jessie groaned, "Another chapter, another blast-off."

James followed, "I really thought we had them this time. Why can't the author just give us a break?"

Meowth sighed, "It's not gonna stop us from tryin' again next chapta."

James pulled out his book again, "Actually, it looks like we're being cut out of the Charmander story."

Jessie took the book, "What?! You can't be serious!" She looked over the pages and scowled, "That is so unfair! We were there in the original series!"

Meowth shrugged, "Could be time constraints. Dese chaptas have been gettin' longer."

Now, with the overdone fourth wall breaks and unnecessary pseudo-spoilers out of the way.

"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

.

*Ash

'I … did it' Ash thought as he fell towards the earth. He used up all of his strength in his rampage on the sky base. He passed out as the ground approached.

A familiar beeping woke Ash up. He opened his eyes to a large red flash. He sat up and held his head.

"Dad, you're okay!" Soot exclaimed as she pulled him into a hug.

Ash looked around; his team and Bulbasaur were all around him. They were back in the clearing from before Team Rocket attacked.

He looked down at Soot, "What happened?"

Soot looked up at him, "You passed out. Pidgeotto managed to catch you and brought you here before you timed out."

Ash looked over at the bird and pet her, "Thank you, Pidgeotto."

Pidgeotto blushed and backed away; she tried to hide behind her wings.

Ash frowned, "What's wrong?"

Soot chuckled, "It's best not to question it. Girl stuff."

Ash blushed, "noted." He stood up, "Come on let's get back to the others." He started walking back towards the village. Everyone but Soot and Pidgeotto followed.

Pidgeotto sighed, "Thanks."

Soot chuckled, "Don't sweat it. Just promise you'll try not to kiss dad next time he's passed out."

Pidgeotto blushed again, "Right. Again, I'm sorry about that. I don't know what came over me."

Soot nudged her, "Probably the same thing that came over my mom." She chuckled, "Just promise you'll be a little more careful. I don't think the world's quite ready for another Phantom Child."

Pidgeotto's blush deepened. Soot laughed and made her way to the village, "If you get embarrassed again, just go with the 'girl stuff' excuse. It always works on him."

Pidgeotto followed slowly.

Ohirume: Sorry to interrupt, but I need to clarify something. What Soot said wasn't meant to imply things escalating in the slightest.

For this story, we're going with the concept of kissing = the entire Pokémon 'mating ritual'. Yeah, I know it's weird, but no amount of hate is going to make me change it. Sorry.

.

*Village

Ash returned to the village and immediately got chewed out by Misty.

"What the heck is wrong with you?!" Misty shouted.

Ash blinked "What?"

Misty glared, "You know 'what'! Soot told us you fell asleep in the forest! Do you have any idea what happened during your little nap?!"

Ash frowned, 'Of course she chose that excuse.' He chuckled nervously, "Well, I heard an explosion. So, uh, Team Rocket?"

Misty blinked, "Well, yeah, actually." She went back to glaring, "But that doesn't change the fact that all of your Pokémon were here to help while you were sleeping!"

Ash rubbed the back of his head, looking ashamed, "You're right. I'm sorry. I should have been here to help."

Bulbasaur blinked in surprise.

Soot walked up, "In his defense, we didn't think to wake him up. I'm just glad that Braviary showed up when he did."

Melanie blinked, "Where did it go, anyway?"

Soot shrugged, "He didn't say. Just said 'bye' and left."

Melanie pouted, "That's too bad. I was hoping to thank them."

Soot chuckled, "I'll pass it on if I see him."

"Braviary?" Ash asked.

Brock nodded, "It helped Pidgeotto take down Team Rocket." He put a hand to his chin, "But, it was weird. It whipped up a really advanced wind move and spun around like a saw blade. I've never even heard of a wild Pokémon doing something like that."

Ash blinked, "Wow. I wish I could have seen that."

.

*One Rocket machine clean up later

Melanie invited everyone to stay the night in the village. The answer was obvious. In return, Brock, Misty, and Ash were helping Melanie feed the wild Pokémon. Pikachu and Clefairy stayed by Ash's side to help translate for the Pokémon. Soot did the same, but for everyone else.

Misty looked at Soot, "Doesn't Ash need you to translate for him, too?"

Soot shrugged, "Eh, he'll be fine. Besides, it'll teach him not to sleep through a crisis."

Misty smirked, "Nice."

Bulbasaur frowned when he heard that. He looked over at Ash; the boy was tending to the Village Pokémon. He could swear he saw the boy flinch every now and then. The Seed Pokémon walked over to them.

Pikachu quickly noticed, "Hey, Bulbasaur. Do you need something?"

He shook his head, "No, I'm okay." he looked up at Ash, "But, Is he alright?"

Ash looked over at them, "What did he say?"

Pikachu frowned, "He asked if you were alright."

Ash looked surprised, "Really?" he looked at Bulbasaur and smiled, "Thanks for caring, but I'm fine. Promise."

He moved to grab the box of Pokémon food. Right as he grabbed the box, he grimaced and dropped it. Clefairy and Pikachu ran over to help.

Bulbasaur's eyes widened, "That's what you call alright?!"

Ash put on a smile, "It's nothing. I'll be fine."

Bulbasaur was still uneasy, "Still, we should probably get it checked out."

Bulbasaur reached out a vine and grabbed Ash's left wrist. The boy flinched and fell to his knees.

Clefairy slapped the vine, "Stop! You're hurting him!"

Bulbasaur flinched, "What?! But I thought-"

"No, you weren't!" Clefairy shouted, "Ash is hurting and you're only making it worse! You're just a big mean-"

"Clefairy, stop." Ash argued. He was holding his wrist and trembling. He looked at them, smiling shakily, "He didn't know, so don't blame him. Bulbasaur, I'm sorry I overreacted. My arms are just sore from the battle earlier."

Bulbasaur stared at him in shock, "B-but how?! You weren't human then!"

Pikachu relayed the message. Ash chuckled, "The watch doesn't work like that. My injuries and fatigue transfer between my forms. In this case; aching Braviary wings equals aching human arms. Holding Steel Wing for that long wasn't my best idea."

Bulbasaur scowled, "Then, you should be resting! You shouldn't push yourself when your hurt!"

Clefairy frowned and told Ash what he said.

Ash stood back up, "It's fine. I promise. Besides, my friends would get mad if I laid around while they had to work. Especially after I slept through Team Rocket's attack." He tried stop himself from trembling. Ash turned around and reached for the box again.

"HEY!" Bulbasaur shouted; sounding angry.

Ash turned around and was immediately hit in the face with a large puff of blue dust.

Ash glared "Hey! What was … that" he started losing his balance, "for…" he fell back. The Sleep Powder worked like a charm.

Pikachu and Clefairy stared in shock. They thought the same thing, 'Why didn't I think of that?!'

Misty, Brock, Melanie, and Soot heard the commotion and ran over.

Misty glared, "Are you kidding me, Ash?! You are not sleeping through this, too!"

"I don't think it's his fault" Brock said as he inspected the ground, "I think he got hit with Sleep Powder."

Melanie glared, "Bulbasaur, why would you do that?! Ash was just trying to help."

Bulbasaur glared at Soot, "Soot, your trainer is hurt and needs to rest!" he shouted, making sure to sound angry, "Tell them that I still don't trust him or that I thought he did something to the food!"

Soot growled, "Are you kidding me, you little Monster?!" the Pokémon all looked at her in shock, "I get it, you don't like trainers and my dad messed up earlier, but that does not give you the right to just knock him out like that!" Soot winked.

Bulbasaur's eyes widened in realization, 'she's playing along.'

Soot sighed and turned to the humans, "The little weed knocked dad out because he thought he messed with the food." She glared at him, "The nerve of some people." She smiled at him; making sure the humans didn't see.

Misty sighed, "Fine. I guess I can't blame Ash for that."

Melanie frowned, "Bulbasaur, I was hoping you were over this. I'm disappointed in you."

Bulbasaur glared and looked away.

Melanie sighed, "What am I going to do with you?"

Brock spoke up, "We should get back to work. There are still Pokémon to tend to."

The others nodded and started walking back.

Misty turned around, "Are you coming, Soot?"

Soot looked at her, "In a bit. I've still got a bone to pick with bulby here."

Misty shrugged, "Just don't go too far."

Bulbasaur sighed as they left, "I have to admit, that was impressive."

Soot smirked, "Not the first time I've had to play along. Honestly, I'm impressed you came up with all of that so quickly." Her ears drooped, "Sorry I was so harsh."

Bulbasaur chuckled, "Hey, I'm the one who told you to blame me. You just played along."

Oddish stared in shock, "What?! What are you talking about?! Bulbasaur, why were you saying all of that stuff in such a weird way?!" she turned to face Soot, "And you! Why did you yell at Bulbasaur like that?! It's like you weren't hearing him correctly!"

Soot laughed, "We were acting, ya little goofball. The others might have suspected something if I didn't react to Bulbasaur's 'confession' like that."

Oddish tilted, "But Bulbasaur didn't confess anything."

Bulbasaur chuckled and patted her with a vine, "I'll explain later. Come on, let's let Ash sleep."

.

**Time Skip**

The rising sun woke Ash up. He sat up and stretched.

"Good morning, dad."

Ash turned to see Soot sitting there. He blinked, "Soot?" he looked down at his wrists, 'They stopped hurting.' "How long was I out for? Also, why am I outside?"

"You can thank Bulbasaur for that." Ash heard Pikachu say.

He turned to see Pikachu, Clefairy and Bulbasaur walking his way. Bulbasaur was balancing bowl of fruit on his head. Pikachu and Clefairy were on either side of the Grass/Poison-type; keeping the bowl steady. They put the bowl down in front of him.

Clefairy smiled, "Bone apple tea!"

Ash chuckled, "I think you mean 'Bon appétit.' It's something they say in Kalos." He took a sitrus berry, "Thanks." He bit into the yellow berry.

Bulbasaur smiled, "I'm glad you're feeling better."

Ash frowned and looked over to Soot, "Are the other's awake yet?"

Soot shook her head, "They were up late taking care of some nocturnal Pokémon."

Ash smiled, "Cool. That'll make this easier."

He put the berry down and pressed the button on the side of his watch. The center popped up, he rotated it, and hit it. The light appeared and faded to reveal Ash in vaporeon form. He went right back to eating.

Bulbasaur blinked, "Okay seriously, how many Pokémon can you turn into?"

"Sphicks" Ash swallowed, "Sorry, I meant 'six.' What were you saying before?"

Bulbasaur chuckled, "I said 'I'm glad you're feeling better.' Also, I never really got a chance to thank you for what you did yesterday."

Ash shrugged and gulped again, "It was nothing special. I just did what anyone would do."

Clefairy stared in shock, "Nothing Special?! Ash, that was the coolest thing I've ever seen! You were all Zoom and Whoosh and Buzz!" she said that last one while spinning with her arms out, "And then you rode one of the arms into the balloons and brought the whole thing down! Calling that anything but special should be an insult!"

Ash chuckled, "Okay, I get it. I guess it was a little impressive." He rubbed one of his forelegs with the other, "My wings felt like they were on fire, though. I almost considered using Brave Bird to try cooling off."

Bulbasaur smiled sadly, "Thank you, again. If it weren't for you, the entire village might have been taken or even destroyed."

Ash smiled, "Don't sweat it. I'm just happy I could help."

Ash went back to eating. The others decided not to interrupt with any more questions.

Ash looked at them, "Mind if go ahead and change back? I think I prefer having hands for this."

Soot chuckled, "Go ahead. We won't be offended if that's what you're thinking."

Ash chuckled, hit the symbol on his chest, and returned to human form. Everyone heard a crash. They looked towards the hut and saw Melanie standing over a shattered bowl. She was staring at Ash; eyes wide.

Ash stared back in shock, "Oh crag."

.

**Time Skip**

Ash and Soot had just finished explaining to Melanie what she saw. The watch, Soot's birthright, Ash being able to under Pikachu and Clefairy, and even the fact that Ash was the braviary that saved them. The entire time, Pikachu and Clefairy stood in front of Ash defensively. Bulbasaur stood off to the side; unsure of what to think.

"Th-that- that's incredible." Melanie stuttered.

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "That's one thing you could call it. I know it's weird, but-"

Melanie interrupted, "No! I mean, you saved my home yesterday! It was incredible!"

Ash blinked in surprise, "You're not going to say something about the watch?"

Melanie smiled sadly, "I admit, it's bizarre." She perked up, "But, I've always believed that actions speak the loudest. Your actions-" her eyes widened, and she frowned, "Y-you saved my home and we all accused you of being a lazy-" she started tearing up, "I-I'm so sorry."

Ash smiled sadly, "It's alright, I swear. I mean, I went along with the whole thing, anyway."

"No, it's not!" Melanie cried our, "I thought so little of you after you came out of the forest. I almost thought you were just another horrible trainer. I-I called you-" she put a hand over her mouth.

"I know" Ash responded.

Melanie looked at him in shock, "What?"

Ash smiled, "I know what you were calling me. One of my watch's functions enhances my senses. I overheard your muttering yesterday."

"Why aren't you mad, then?!" Melanie cried out, "I-I was way out of line! You didn't deserve any of that!"

Ash shook his head and kept smiling, "Melanie, I knew exactly what I was getting myself into when I went along with Soot's cover story." He chuckled, "Heck. If I were in your shoes, I probably would have thought the same thing. I promise I'm not mad."

Melanie smiled at that, "Thank you for being so understanding. Still, if there's any way I can make it up to you, please say so."

Ash smiled sadly, "In that case, can you promise to keep this a secret?"

Melanie blinked in surprise, "Yes, but why would you want that? Your abilities are unlike anything I've ever heard of. You could be famous."

Ash and Soot looked at each other and frowned.

"That's, actually, why we don't want anyone to know." Soot responded, "We've had to deal with people obsessed with inheritance in the past. And that was just them trying to figure it out. If word got out about the truth, things would only get worse."

Melanie frowned, "I understand. I'm sorry."

Ash chuckled, "You don't have anything to apologize for. It's okay."

Melanie smiled, "Thank you. Your secret is safe with me. Still, I wish I could repay you in some way." She perked up and looked over at Bulbasaur.

She smiled sadly, "And, I think I know how." She petted the Seed Pokémon, "Bulbasaur, I think you should go with Ash."

Everyone was shocked at hearing that.

Ash blinked in surprise, "Wait, what?! I know your grateful, but isn't that a bit much? This is Bulbasaur's home."

Melanie shook her head and smiled, "That isn't the point of this place. I don't invite abandoned Pokémon here to give them a permanent home. It's about giving them a place to stay until they get back on their feet."

Clefairy raised a hand and was about to say something. Pikachu reached up and pulled her hand back down, "I'll explain later."

Melanie looked at Bulbasaur again, "I'm grateful for everything you've done for me and the village, but you need a real home. This place is too small for your bulb to grow."

She turned back to Ash, "I know I made it sound like a reward. But you would be doing me a favor by letting Bulbasaur join your team."

Ash looked at Bulbasaur, "Do you want to join us, Bulbasaur?"

Bulbasaur blinked in surprise, "You're asking what I want?"

Soot chuckled, "He's asked everyone else on our team. Truth be told, none of the others have battled him before capture."

Pikachu nodded, "She's right."

Melanie was surprised to hear that.

Bulbasaur looked between Melanie and Ash repeatedly. He came to a decision, "I'll join if you can beat me in battle."

Soot smirked, "He said 'yes.' But we have to beat him first."

Melanie smiled at the news.

Ash smirked and looked at the Grass-type, "Deal." He looked to his side, "Get ready, Pikachu."

Bulbasaur shook his head, "That's not what I meant." Bulbasaur argued, "I'll join if you can defeat me. I'll be okay with any form you choose."

All of the Pokémon stared at him; wide eyed.

Melanie looked at Soot, "What did he say?"

Soot recovered, but was still dazed, "He wants dad to battle him. Personally." She turned to face Ash, "He said he'll be okay with whatever form you choose."

Melanie was surprised … again.

Ash chuckled, "So, that's it. Alright, sounds good. As for the form-" he raised a finger, "I'll choose human."

It was Bulbasaur's turn to be surprised. I think I might be getting obsessed with this 'surprised characters' thing.

He blinked, "You … what?!"

Ash read the tone, "I'll battle you as I am. Not a lot of Pokémon can say they battled a human. Besides, it'll be a lot easier to explain if we wake up Brock and Misty."

Bulbasaur stared, "How is that easier to explain?"

Soot chuckled, "You've got a lot to learn about us, newbie."

.

*The hut

Misty woke up to what sounded like a battle. She yawned and looked around; Brock and Melanie were gone. She got up, stretched, and went outside to find them. She found the pair standing in a few feet away from the hut. All of Ash's Pokémon were with them.

She walked up next to Brock, "Hey, what's going-" she stopped talking and stared as she followed his gaze.

Bulbasaur launched a Razor Leaf towards Ash. The boy weaved through the leaves, grabbed one near the end of the attack and threw the leaf back at Bulbasaur. The Seed Pokémon jumped back to dodge the leaf, landed, and used Vine Whip. Ash grabbed the vines and pulled. Bulbasaur was unable to stand his ground and flew towards Ash. The Grass/Poison-type smirked and charged another attack. Ash frowned, let go, and rolled out of the way to avoid the puff of Sleep Powder. Bulbasaur held his breath as he flew through his own attack and used his vines to soften his landing.

The opponents smirked as they stared each other down and took on a fighting stance.

Misty was speechless. Okay, that's a lie, "What the actual Yvel am I looking at?"

Melanie spoke up, "Bulbasaur challenged Ash to a battle on grounds that, if Ash wins, Bulbasaur will join his team. Ash accepted, just not in the way we expected."

Brock looked at Misty, "I've stopped questioning it at this point."

The humans continued watching the battle. The Pokémon with them cheered.

"You've got this, dad!" Soot cheered.

"Pi Pikapi!"

"Fairy Clefairy!"

"Freeee!"

"Pidgo!"

Bulbasaur used Razor Leaf again. Ash weaved through the attack again, only this time-

"What?!" Ash shouted as Bulbasaur's vines wrapped around his arms, 'he hid his Vine Whip amongst the Razor Leaf?!'

Bulbasaur pulled and flew towards Ash; this time intentionally. He readied another Sleep Powder. Ash tried to escape but failed. Bulbasaur smirked as Ash became engulfed in the blue powder. That smirked disappeared when Ash reach out of the cloud and grabbed him by the leg. Ash pulled Bulbasaur in and held him as he stood in the cloud of dust.

Bulbasaur held his breath, 'Ha, I got him! All I have to do now is wait it out.' After a minute, he looked up and found Ash staring down at him; smirking.

Bulbasaur got worried, 'Is he still holding his breath?! I thought humans couldn't hold it for this long!'

Bulbasaur couldn't hold his breath any longer and breathed in his own status move. Ash's smirk grew as Bulbasaur fell asleep in his arms. He walked out of the dust cloud and released his held breath.

He put down Bulbasaur and brought out a pokéball, "Good game, Bulbasaur."

He tapped the Grass/Poison-type with the ball. He was captured without resistance.

Misty stared in shock, "Ash just battled Bulbasaur. On his own. And won."

Soot shrugged, "Not the first time."

Brock looked at the canine, "What?"

Soot looked up at them, "Well, yeah. He knocked out Team Rocket's ekans back in Viridian."

Misty responded, "I mean- It was Team Rocket. It was probably just really weak."

Soot deadpanned, "You really want me to go there, huh?" she sighed, "You guys remember that Scyther I told you about? The one that gave me the zipper on my back."

Brock and Misty grimaced. "Yeah?" Brock replied anxiously.

Soot continued, "Well, I blacked out after it attacked me. I woke up to find dad keeping Scyther in a chokehold. Dad was 7 at the time."

Everyone, even the other Pokémon, stared at her; wide eyed. Nobody knew how to respond to that.

.

**Time Skip**

Melanie and all the village Pokémon crowded around Bulbasaur in a makeshift group hug.

Melanie smiled sadly, "I'm going to miss you Bulbasaur." She let go and pet him, "Promise you'll stay safe."

Bulbasaur nodded, "Only if you promise the same thing."

Soot grinned, "He said, 'Stop nagging me, lady'."

Bulbasaur glared, "HEY!"

Soot laughed, "I'm kidding. He told you to stay safe too."

Melanie laughed, "Thank you, Soot."

Brock walked up to Melanie, blushing, "Melanie, I've been thinking. With Bulbasaur leaving the village, I wouldn't mind staying and helping you out."

Soot sweat dropped, 'Really, Brock?'

Melanie smiled innocently, "That's very kind of you Brock, but we'll be fine. I wouldn't want to keep you from your adventures."

Brock smiled sadly, "Oh, I guess you're right."

Misty sighed and put a hand on his shoulder, "Come on, you."

Ash walked up and held out a hand, "It was nice meeting you, Melanie. Good luck."

Melanie shook hands with him, "Thank you."

The group made their way on of the village. Destination: Vermillion City.

Bulbasaur looked back, "Take care!"

.

.

Pearl: I do recall encountering that Melanie girl during our first time in Kanto.

Gem: Yeah, she was nice, I guess.

Peridot: She does not seem as prepared for conflict as I first imagined.

Mewtwo: … oh, am I supposed to say something?

Ohirume: *sigh* Welp, one more team to go. Tune in, next time, to meet the Omni force. Maybe they'll actually saying something meaningful.