Seishin: Alright! With the introduction of Dynamax, we finally have an explanation for the jumbo Dragonite!

Ohirume: Maybe, but I don't think I'll use that. I've had this story in my head for a long time and, while it might make things easier, I never planned to include a new generation into this timeline.

Omega: Is it really that difficult? You could just throw the stuff in and claim it was always like that.

Ohirume: It's not just that. I know it's unlikely, but I can't deny the possibility of new types, evolutions, pre-evolutions, or new- well, anything in the next generation. If some Pokémon change type, then I won't be able to cover it up.

Seishin: You could just do what Saphroneth did and break time.

Ohirume: I can't just rip off a professional!

Seishin: What?! You ripped off tons of fanfictions to make this story! You stole the mating concept from Colb-a-nater's "Inner Strength," me from nenilein's "The Pokémon Gods" on DeviantArt -even though they took down the story-, the creativity imbalance from a 'renegade Ash' story -also … taken down-, and we haven't even brought up the concept you stole from that Pokémon/Avengers crossover, "IronPika"!

Ohirume: You done?

Seishin: Not yet. And then there's the stuff from Card Game anime's! Marionetter and Power Integration from Yu-Gi-Oh, and 'crag' from Monsuno! Okay, now I'm done.

Ohirume: *sigh* Look, I'll cross that bridge after Sword/Shield comes out.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Night at the Lighthouse

.

Misty groaned, "You really want to take a detour?"

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry, but I have a good reason. Bill's an old friend and one of Professor Oak's colleagues. Dropping by his lighthouse doesn't put us that far off track."

Soot nodded, "Trust us, you'll like him. He was one of the only Phantom Child researchers we liked. Mostly because he knew when to back off."

Brock shrugged, "I don't mind."

Misty sighed, "Fine." She perked up, "At least it's somewhere with a roof."

.

**Time Skip**

They set up camp for the night. Brock was cooking and Misty was sitting at the table with a bored expression on her face.

Ash spoke up, "You guys mind if I head off to do some training?"

Brock turned to look at him, "Go ahead. Dinner won't be ready for a few more minutes, anyway."

Misty shrugged, "I don't mind. Do you think you could leave your pool, though? It's kind of boring just waiting."

Brock looked at Ash in surprise, "You have a pool?"

Ash nodded, "It's just a little inflatable one."

Ash pulled over his backpack, pulled out the folded plastic, and tossed it out while holding on to the cord. The pool sprang out in front of him.

Ash looked over at the Water-type gym leader, "All yours, Misty." He headed off into the woods with Pikachu and Clefairy on his shoulders and Soot next to him, "Be back soon!"

.

*Ash

Ash found a clearing and released all of his Pokémon. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped off his shoulders.

"So, we're out here to show them the watch, right?" Pikachu said as he pointed at Charmander and Squirtle.

Charmander blinked, "Watch?" he started looking around, "Watch what?"

Squirtle sighed, "I think he means the thing on the trainer's wrist." He looked at Ash, "What's so special about it?"

Pikachu looked at Ash and smirked, "They're curious."

Ash smirked, "Alright." He hit the button on the side of his watch and the center popped up, "So, what do you guys think I should choose?"

Bulbasaur cocked his head, "What are the options?"

"Pikachu, Vaporeon, Braviary, Mightyena, Clefairy, and Banette."

Clefairy raised a paw, "Oh, I pick Clefairy!"

Pikachu chuckled, "Alright, I'll pick Pikachu then."

Bulbasaur thought for a moment before responding, "I've already seen Braviary, Mightyena, and Vaporeon. I'll vote Banette."

Pidgeotto blushed, "Um-" 'I want to choose Braviary, but-' she sighed, "Clefairy."

Butterfree nodded, "I choose Clefairy, too!"

Soot smirked, "Clefairy. That makes the vote 4 for Clefairy, 1 for Pikachu, and 1 for Banette."

Clefairy cheered.

Ash sweat dropped, "Clefairy, it is." He started rotating the watch's center.

Squirtle blinked and looked at Charmander. The Fire-type just shrugged.

Squirtle looked at Soot, "What are you guys talking about?"

Soot grinned at him, "You'll see."

Ash found the right silhouette and sighed. He hit the watch and a green light overtook him.

Charmander and Squirtle had to cover their eyes. They opened them to find Clefairy standing in front of them. Though she looked a bit different … and wasn't a 'she'.

Charmander blinked, "Clefairy? But weren't you-" he turned to look at where she was and found her still there, "right … there?"

He looked back and forth between the two nearly identical clefairy, "What?"

Squirtle walked up to the male Clefairy and stared. He looked down and saw the symbol on his stomach.

He looked back up to face the Fairy-type; wide eyed, "T-trainer?"

Ash smiled, "What's up?"

"Woah!" Squirtle jumped and backed up, "Wha- but- how- What is this?!"

Charmander walked over to Ash, "Master?"

Ash frowned and put a paw on Charmander's shoulder, "Charmander, you don't have to call me that." he smiled softly, "We're friends, remember?"

Charmander smiled brightly and jumped him, "It is you!"

Clefairy ran over to them and jumped Ash too.

Ash laughed as the pair cuddled him, "Guys, that tickles!"

Squirtle stared; slack jawed. He looked at Soot, "Explanation! Please!"

Soot laughed, "It's the watch. It lets dad turn into Pokémon and is the reason for his weird abilities. The Pokémon he named earlier are the other Pokémon forms he has."

Pikachu nodded, "It's the reason Ash can understand Clefairy and I when he's human."

Squirtle blinked, "That … actually explains a lot." He looked at Ash. The trainer-Clefairy was still being cuddled by the other clefairy and Charmander, "How long does this last for?"

"About fifteen minutes." Soot responded, "But he can change back to human or switch between the other forms whenever he wants by hitting the symbol from the watch. In this case, the green thing on his stomach. The time limit carries over if he switches."

Bulbasaur blinked, "Then, why did we take a vote?"

Soot shrugged.

Ash kept laughing, "Guys, please stop!" he flailed and accidently hit the symbol.

Charmander and Clefairy were flung into the air as Ash transformed into Mightyena.

Pidgeotto laughed, "I'll get them."

Soot chuckled, "Nice one, dad."

Ash's ears drooped, "I owe them an apology."

Soot walked over and rubbed her head up against him. Ash smiled softly.

Squirtle blinked, "Huh. He was not kidding."

.

*One training session later

Training was short, but efficient. Ash switched to, and remained in, Vaporeon form as he partnered up with Squirtle and Charmander.

He helped Squirtle practice his Water Gun and got him started on Ice Beam. The turtle was ecstatic to learn the move and could already generate a small bolt of the freezing attack. His aim needed work, though.

Ash told Charmander to practice Flamethrower by using it on him, but it took a while for Charmander to get started. He hesitated constantly out of fear of being punished for attacking his trainer. That took a lot of reassuring. His flames were good, but hesitating took away most of the power.

Ash's transformation timed out and the group stared walking back to camp. All of the Pokémon were still out.

Pikachu and Clefairy were on Ash's shoulders, Pidgeotto and Butterfree flew close behind Ash, Soot walked alongside Ash with Squirtle on her back and Bulbasaur by her side, and Charmander was in Ash's arms.

"This is so awesome!" Squirtle cheered, "I've been trying to crack an Ice-type move for forever and I finally meet a mon who can teach me Ice Beam! And they're my freaking trainer!" Squirtle laughed like a mad man, "Eat it Grass-types!"

Bulbasaur sweat dropped, "I'm right here."

Charmander frowned and looked up at Ash, "So, I'm really not in trouble for attacking you?"

Clefairy relayed the message.

Ash smiled sadly and held the Fire-type tighter, "I promise you're not. I'm the one who suggested it in the first place, remember?"

Soot looked up at the lizard, "Besides, Water-types are resistant to Fire-type attacks. Plus he knows Aqua Ring."

Charmander smiled and cuddled Ash's arm, "You're the best trainer ever, Ash."

Clefairy smiled and hugged the boy's head, "He sure is."

Ash chuckled, "You guys."

The campsite came into view. Brock was putting out the plates and Misty was lounging in the pool with her Pokémon.

Brock noticed them, "Nice timing. How did training go?"

Ash smiled, "Pretty good. Squirtle's making progress on Ice Beam and Charmander's Flamethrower is getting better."

Misty looked over at him, "Ice Beam? How did you teach him that so fast?"

Soot smirked, "Same way he taught Pikachu Iron Tail and Pidgeotto Steel Wing."

Brock took out his notebook out again, "How might that be?"

Ash chuckled, "Sorry, Brock. I like to keep my training methods a secret."

Brock frowned and put away the notebook. He shook it off and perked up, "Anyway, dinner's ready."

"Sweet!" Misty called out she hopped out of the pool. She pulled a towel out of her bag and started drying off, "What are we having?"

Ash sniffed the air, "Beef stew."

Ohirume: Yeah, yeah, 'meat in the Pokémon world.' I'll cover that eventually.

Brock chuckled, "You're not easy to surprise."

Ash shrugged, "I get that a lot." He walked over to the table, "Let's eat!"

After all the food was divvied out and Brock's Pokémon were released, everyone started eating.

Charmander ate rapidly, "Sho goot!" he said with his mouth full.

Pikachu raised a paw, "Slow down there, buddy. Remember what happened at the Center?"

Charmander gulped and rubbed the back of his head, "Right, sorry." He went back to eating, though not as fast.

Squirtle looked at Pikachu, "What happened at the Center?"

"He ate fast and started choking." Pikachu responded before flicking a piece of food into his mouth.

Squirtle raised a brow, "That's it?"

Pikachu chuckled, "Not everything that happens to us is crazy. Just, most things."

Charmander looked over to the humans and held up his empty bowl, "Can I get seconds, please?"

.

**Time Skip**

The group of Misty, Ash, Pikachu, Clefairy, Brock, and Soot came up to a beach at the edge of the forest.

Ash smiled, "We're getting close to Bill's place. We should be there by sundown."

Misty sighed in relief, "Thank goodness. We've been walking for hours."

They stepped on to the beach and immediately heard shouting.

"You there! Trainer! Battle me! Prove that you're not a wimp and face me like a mon!"

The group looked over to see a krabby glaring at them.

Ash looked at Pikachu, "Mind translating?"

Pikachu sighed, "He wants to battle you. Also, he's talking himself up. A lot."

Ash looked at his friends, "Krabby wants to battle me." He pulled out pokéball, enlarged it, and threw it, "Charmander, take the field!"

The Lizard Pokémon emerged, blinked in surprise, and looked at Ash.

Ash smiled, "Wild battle. You're up against Krabby." He pointed at the small Water-type.

Charmander looked at the crab and flinched, "A-a Water-type? Ash, are you sure about this?"

Pikachu relayed and Ash nodded, "I'm sure, Charmander. Just follow my lead."

Charmander nodded and turned to face his opponent.

Krabby eyes glowed blue, using Leer. Charmander flinched and took a step back.

Ash glared, "Stay calm, Charmander! Use Flamethrower!"

Charmander shook it off and fired a stream of flames. Krabby was engulfed in the attack. When the flames stopped, Krabby was covered in scorch marks and having trouble standing.

Ash blinked, "Woah." He pulled out a pokéball and threw it at Krabby. He was sucked in and captured with little resistance.

Charmander cheered and ran over to Ash, "I did it! Ash, I did it!"

Ash crouched down to pet him, "Way to go, Charmander. I'm proud of you."

Charmander's eyes lit up and he jumped into Ash's arms, "Yay!"

Ash chuckled before returning Charmander and walking over to retrieve Krabby's pokéball.

Misty walked over, "Nice catch, Ash."

"Why did you use Charmander, though?" Brock asked, "Wouldn't Pikachu or Bulbasaur have been a better match-up?"

Ash shook his head, "Charmander needed this. We already know he had it rough with his old trainer, so I thought beating something with type advantage would help boost his confidence."

Misty blinked, "You planned this?"

Ash chuckled, "Sort of. I didn't know what kind of Pokémon it would be, but I had a feeling we'd find a Water-type out here. Because, y'know, beach." He said gesturing to the sand/water landscape, "Come one, we still have to get to Bill's."

Everyone continued along the beach.

.

**Time Skip**

The sun had already set by the time they made it to the lighthouse. Brock and Misty were breathing heavily.

Soot smiled, "Here we are."

"yay" Misty said weakly.

Brock looked at the large door, "Are those Pokémon?"

Ash nodded, "Yep. Bill changes it up a lot but usual sticks with Pokémon native to Kanto."

Misty looked up at the door and squinted, "Hey, what's that one?"

Ash looked at her, "Which one?"

Misty pointed, "Far left, second row. Next to Arcanine."

Ash looked and raised a brow, "Uh, good question. It looks kind of like a cross between Mew and Hitmonchan … with a touch of Beheeyem."

Soot cocked her head, "Weird." She shrugged, "Ah, whatever. Let's head inside." She walked over to the side of the door and pressed a red button with her nose.

What sounded like a large bell or gong came from the lighthouse. Brock and Misty jumped. Clefairy and Pikachu flinched and hid behind Ash.

Ash chuckled, "Still going big on the doorbell, I see."

The speaker turned on, Who's there?

Soot smiled, "Hey, Bill."

Soot?! Is that you?! Hah, I haven't from you in ages! Is your father with you?

Ash walked over to the speaker, "As if you had to ask. I'm here with a few friends of mine and was hoping to introduce you all."

"Hi, there." Brock announced.

"Nice to meet you." Misty followed.

Ah, marvelous! Yes, please come in. You're timing actually couldn't be better. *nervous chuckling* I seem to have gotten myself stuck in one of my suits … again.

Ash deadpanned, "Bill, I keep telling you to put the release buttons on the insides."

The voice chuckled nervously again. The giant, decorated doors opened to reveal a large dark, hall. The group waked in.

Misty turned to Ash, "So, what did Bill mean when he said he was stuck in a suit."

Ash chuckled, "I'd rather not spoil the surprise. Trust me, you'll wanna see for yourself." He looked into the empty room, "Hey, Bill, mind if I borrow your phone real fast?"

"Go ahead." The voice, presumably Bill, called back, "It's right next to you."

"Thanks." Ash called back. He walked over to the phone, picked up the Bellsprout shaped dial, and punched in a number.

The screen lit up to reveal Professor Oak looking down at something. He looked up and nearly jumped, "Ash! Is that you?! Please tell me I'm not losing it!"

Ash blinked, "Um, hey professor. Are you feeling okay?"

"Are you kidding me?!" Oak shouted, "Over the past few days, my computer has been giving me alerts about your new catches and they've all been starter Pokémon! I can accept you catching a clefairy, but-"

"Professor Oak, calm down." Soot called out, "Yes, a squirtle, bulbasaur, and charmander have joined our team. All of them we met by chance and all them were abandoned by their trainers. Honestly, I'm still trying to figure it out. The point is: it's all real and you're fine."

Oak sighed in relief, "Oh, thank goodness. I was really getting worried." He perked up, "Regardless, it's quite impressive what all Pokémon you've caught."

Ash narrowed his eyes and smirked, "Thanks, but care to tell me why all nine are with me right now?"

Professor Oak rubbed the back of his head, "Oh, right. Did I forget to mention that I increased your carrying limit?"

Soot smirked at him, "Smooth."

Oak chuckled nervously. "So, where are you right now?" he asked, changing the subject.

Ash rolled his eyes while smiling, "Bill's lighthouse."

"Hello, Professor!" Bill called out, still unseen, "It's wonderful to hear from you!"

The professor smiled, "It's nice to hear from you too, Bill! Anyway, I have to go. Also, Ash, your mother wants you to call her when you get the chance."

Ash flinched, "C-can do professor. See ya." He hung up.

Soot chuckled, "Dad, are you scared about calling grandma? Come one, it's not like you went and hung up on her in the middle of a sentence."

Ash scratched his cheek, "well-"

Soot frowned and her eyes widened, "Oh, dear Arceus, you did. Do you have a death wish?!"

"Finally, I made it!" the light's turned on and everyone turned around to see a gigantic kabuto at the top of the staircase.

Brock flinched, "What the?! A kabuto?! I thought they were extinct!"

Soot chucked, "Yeah, that's not a kabuto."

"Soot is correct." The 'fossil' responded, "I am Bill, the one who owns this lighthouse. As I said before, I have gotten myself stuck in this costume."

Ash walked up the stairs and crouched down to inspect the suit, "This blue button between the legs, right?"

"Yes, that's the one. I'm afraid the forelegs are too short to reach it." Bill said while trying to reach it.

Ash pressed the button and jumped back. The suit opened up and fell apart around the man.

Bill sighed in relief, "Thank you, Ash. I've been stuck in that thing for hours."

Brock and Misty walked up to Bill.

"So, why were you wearing this big costume?" Misty asked.

Bill looked over at her, "Oh, it's part of research. Getting in a Pokémon's skin helps me get inside its head."

Pikachu and Clefairy blinked and looked at Ash. The boy noticed and shook his head.

Bill looked at Ash again, "Anyway, it seems like you have started your journey. If I don't get the chance to say so later, I wish you luck in the league."

Ash chuckled, "Thanks Bill, but I still only have two badges. It'll take a while to get the last six." He blinked upon remembering something, "Oh, right. I haven't introduced you yet." He gestured to his friends, "Bill this is Brock Slate and Misty Waterflower. They've been traveling with me for a while." He turned to his friends, "Guys, this is Bill."

Bill blinked in surprise, "Slate and Waterflower?" he smiled, "I must admit, it's not often that I get to meet gym leaders. Welcome to my lighthouse" He took a bow, "Please make yourselves at home."

Bill's stomach started growling. He looked up and scratched the side of his head, "One of you wouldn't happen to know how to cook, would you? My chef went on vacation and I've been stuck eating tofu for days."

Brock smiled and raised a hand, "I could make us all something."

Misty nodded, "Brock's cooking is some of the best."

Bill looked at him, "And it can be something without tofu?"

Brock nodded, "Of course."

Bill smiled brightly, "Splendid! Let me show you to the kitchen!"

Misty raised a hand, "And could you point me to a hot bath?"

Bill nodded, "Of course. The restroom is actually on the way to the kitchen."

The group walked off down a hall.

Soot nudged Ash, "Shouldn't you go ahead and call Grandma?"

Ash started sweating, "I-I mean probably. Though, maybe it could wait until-"

"That'll only make it worse and you know it." Soot interrupted.

Ash sighed, "Right." He walked back over to the phone and dialed his home phone number.

Delia appeared on the screen and smiled, "Oh, hello, sweetie."

Ash smiled, 'guess she forgot' "Hi mom."

Soot put her forelegs on the table, "Hi, grandma."

"Hello, Soot." Delia responded, still smiling. She blinked when she noticed something, "Ash, who's that Pokémon on your shoulder?"

Ash gestured to the Fairy-type, "This is Clefairy. She joined my team at Mount Moon."

Clefairy smiled and waved, "Hi, phone lady!"

Ash chuckled, "Clefairy, this 'phone lady' is my mom. My female meema."

Delia blinked again, "Wait a second. Ash, can you understand her?!"

Ash scratched the side of his head, "Um, yeah."

Delia's eyes lit up as she smiled again, "Oh, that's so adorable! I can't wait for us to meet up in person!"

Ash sweat dropped, 'should have seen that coming.'

Delia started again, "Have you been making friends?"

Ash smiled, "Yeah. Their names are Brock and Misty. They were actually gym leaders before they started traveling with me."

Delia smiled brightly, "Oh, Ash, that's wonderful!" she moved closer to the screen and whispered, "Do they know about the watch?"

Ash chuckled, "Whispering doesn't work on video phones, mom. And, no. At least, not completely. I've told them about the stuff from Power Integration, but that's it." Ash smiled sadly, "I'm just- I'm not sure how they'll react if I show them everything."

Delia gave him a sympathetic look, "I'm sure they'll understand, sweetie. Still, it's up to you."

Ash nodded, "Thanks. Love you, mom."

Delia smiled, "Love you too, Ash." she raised a finger, "Oh, one more thing." She smiled innocently and spoke in a cheerful voice, "Ashton Satoshi Ketchum, if you ever hang up on your mother again, not even Stone Edge will be able to make a wall strong enough to protect you."

Ash paled, "Y-yes ma'am!"

Soot hid under the desk. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped off Ash's shoulders and joined her.

Delia nodded, "Good. Bye, Ash. Bye, Soot. Love you." She hung up before Ash could respond.

Ash chuckled nervously, "All things considered, that went well."

.

*Later that night

Everyone sat down to dinner. Brock made triple bacon cheeseburgers and Bill couldn't have been happier.

Before they could finish, a deep but faint wailing sound rang throughout the lighthouse.

Bill's eyes widened, "They're back!" he scarfed down the rest of his food and ran off down a hall.

Brock and Misty looked at Ash. He shrugged, "I don't know either."

Ash sped up and finished eating before following Bill. Everyone else followed soon after.

Ash led them to the top of the lighthouse and found Bill standing there.

"Bill, what's going on?" Soot asked.

Bill looked at them and smiled sadly, "I'm sorry. I was hoping to surprise you all with this." He looked towards the sea, "I've discovered a Pokémon unlike any kind I've seen before. It resembles a dragonite but it's size rivals that of a wailord and its vocal patterns are nothing like I've heard before." He brought out a remote and pressed a button, "Listen."

The deep wailing from before sounded from the lighthouse. The Pokémon all frowned at hearing it.

Ash blinked, "Definitely not a dragonite."

Bill looked at Dark-type, "Soot, could you translate this?"

"He's lonely." Soot responded sullenly, "He's looking for a friend."

Bill frowned, "What about this?" he pushed the other button, "I tried to create a message in return." Another wailing sound came from the lighthouse.

Soot smiled sadly, "It's nice. It's shaky, but it sounds like you want to be friends."

Bill smiled, "That's what I was going for. I want to meet this Pokémon in person. And I know I for sure; I want to be his friend."

The ground started shaking and a gigantic silhouette appeared in the fog; eye's glowing.

Ash stared; wide eyed, "woah."

Brock stared in shock, "It's enormous!"

The Pokémon wailed sadly again. Bill pressed the button again and repeated his return message. Dragonite raised its head and looked towards the lighthouse. He wailed again. This time-

Soot smiled, "He wants to meet you!"

Bill looked at her; wide eyed. He looked back at Dragonite and played the return message again.

Dragonite's silhouette grew in size as he approached.

Bill smiled brightly, "It's working!"

Dragonite approached and reached out a claw. Bill mimicked by reaching out a hand.

The lighthouse's spotlight spun and shined directly in Dragonite's face. He flinched and covered his eyes.

Bill flinched and started waving his hands, "Dragonite, I'm sorry! Just wait a moment!" He was about to run off when Soot stopped him.

"Hold on." Soot looked at Dragonite, "Crouch down a bit!"

Dragonite ducked under the light and looked up, curiously, as it passed. His face could finally be seen. He kept watching as the light spun around; seemingly entranced by it.

Everyone stared in awe at large Dragon-type.

Soot frowned and started looking around anxiously.

Ash noticed, "What is it?"

Soot looked up at him and shook her head, "Nothing, I guess. I just, kind of, expected Team Rocket to show up and ruin all of this."

.

*Team Rocket

The trio was in their balloon flying high above the forest.

James looked at Jessie, "Weren't we supposed to-"

Jessie sighed, "Enough with the fourth wall breaking questions, James. We're not attacking the dragon."

James sighed, "Alright, fine. I suppose it's for the best. I was, kind of, against the plan in the original series, anyway."

Meowth groaned, "Will you two quit yappin?! It's a long flight ta Vermillion and I'm tryin' ta sleep."

.

*Bill's lighthouse

Dragonite continued watching the lighthouse spin. He was definitely entranced by it.

After the first hour, Ash and his friends got bored. Ash pulled out a deck of playing cards and suggested Go-fish.

After the third hour, Dragonite started yawning. He moved over to the beach and curled up; falling asleep as he took up most of the sandscape. *chuckles* Okay, I'm sorry. I couldn't resist making a joke that stupid.

Bill watched the sleeping dragon in a state of awe, "I can't believe it. He's finally here."

Soot chuckled, "And on tonight of all nights." She shook her head and looked at the breeder, "You were right, Brock. We are lucky. Impossibly so." She looked down at her cards. They were propped up against her detached arm, "Got any 8s?"

Brock scratched the back of his head and chuckled, "Well, I was mostly joking. Also, go-fish."

.

*Morning

As soon as morning rolled around, Bill ran down to the beach. Dragonite stirred awake and cocked his head at the man.

Bill's eyes lit up, "Dragonite! It's wonderful to finally meet you! I've been looking forward to this day for a long time!"

Dragonite blinked, licked his paw, and used it to groom his head. Ash and the others walked over.

Soot walked up to the beast, "Um, hi Dragonite."

Dragonite looked at her; tongue still out. He blinked again and laid his head on the ground in front of Soot. He grimaced and tried spitting out the taste of sand on his tongue.

Soot laughed, "Oh, man. He's like a puppy."

Ash walked up and put hand on Dragonite's snout.

Dragonite responded by licking him. Ash became covered in dragon spit.

Ash started laughing, "You really are just a big softy, aren't you?"

Most of the others started laughing, too. Soot grimaced.

She walked up and nudged Ash, "Dad, the watch." She whispered.

Ash's eyes widened. He looked down at the device right as the center changed from yellow back to green.

He looked back at Dragonite, "Oh boy."

Brock looked at him, "Everything okay, Ash?"

Ash sighed, "Yeah. It's just- everywhere"

Pikachu smiled slyly, "We could just evaporate it."

Ash looked at him and groaned, "I'll still need to take a shower, but fine. Just get it over wi-" he grimaced, and the saliva started to evaporate.

Ash's eye twitched, "Thanks."

Pikachu smirked and Misty and Brock laughed again.

Bill stared, "What's happening?"

Soot walked over to him, "I'll explain later."

Without warning, Dragonite stood back up and started walking back into the water.

Bill jumped, "Dragonite, wait! Where are you going?!"

Soot smiled, "Don't worry, he'll be back."

Bill looked at her in concern, "Are you sure?"

Soot chuckled, "Of course. You're probably the first being he's interacted with in years. There's no way he'll forget you."

Dragonite was already waste deep in the ocean. He turned around to look at Bill. The Dragon Pokémon smiled and waved at him.

Bill smiled and waved back, "Farewell, Dragonite! I look forward to us meeting again!"

The group watched as Dragonite walked off into the distance.

Bill smiled sadly, "I'm going to miss him."

Ash put a hand on his shoulder, "It's like Soot said, he'll be back."

Bill nodded, "Thanks."

.

**Time Skip**

Ash and his friends stood out in front of the lighthouse with Bill.

"Thanks for letting us stay the night." Brock said.

Bill smiled, "It was a pleasure to have you all here. I don't get a lot of visitors."

Ash walked up and held out a hand, "It was good seeing again, Bill."

Bill shook his hand, "Likewise. I'll be sure to inform the professor about anything I can find out about Dragonite."

Misty smiled, "Well, the pictures should be good start."

Bill looked at her and frowned, "Pictures?" he grimaced, "AH! I forgot to take pictures!"

Soot blinked, "Dragonite was watching the lighthouse for three hours and laying on the beach for another six. How did you never once think to take any pictures?"

Bill sank to his knees and groaned, "How could I have missed such an opportunity?"

Soot chuckled and put a paw on the man knee, "Aw, cheer up. Just remember to next time. Alright?"

Bill chuckled, "Right."

The group walked away from the lighthouse, towards Viridian. They waved goodbye to Bill and he waved back.

"Take care!" Misty called out.

"Good luck!" Brock followed, "And, don't worry, there a few days' worth of leftovers in the fridge!"

Soot chuckled, "Just remember to heat it up! See ya!"

"I'll be sure to come and visit again, Bill!" Ash said, "And remember; release buttons on the insides!"

Bill laughed, "Farewell!" He blinked, "Wait, Soot! You never told me what was going on with Ash earlier!"

Soot grimaced, "Uh. Call Professor Oak about it! He'll explain!"

.

*That night; Bill

Bill woke up with a start when the ground started shaking. He ran up to the top of the lighthouse and found Dragonite propping himself up against the peak and pawing at the spinning light.

Bill stared in shock, "Y-you came back!"

Dragonite stood back up and looked at the man. The Dragon-type blinked before licking him.

Bill laughed, despite the saliva, and put a hand on Dragonite's snout, "I can't wait to get to know you." Bill jerked, "Wait here!" He ran back into the lighthouse.

The light shined in Dragonite's eyes and he ducked down again. He watched the light with an apprehensive glare.

Bill reemerged and found Dragonite again. He sighed in relief, "Oh, thank goodness. He's still here."

He walked over to the railing, "Dragonite!" he called out, "Come here for a moment!"

The oversized Pokémon crouched down to be at eye level with Bill.

Bill turned around and held a disposable camera in front of him, "Say cheese!" The camera flashed.

Dragonite blinked and backed up while rubbing his eyes.

Bill chuckled, "I'm sorry about that! I'll wait until morning for more pictures!"

Dragonite shook his head and looked at Bill. He licked the man again.

Bill chuckled some more, "I may need to invest in waterproof clothing."

Dragonite yawned and went over to his to spot on the beach. He curled up and went to sleep.

Bill smiled softly, "Sweet dreams, Dragonite. Maybe in the morning, we can come up with a name for you."

.

.

Faux: Zacian!

Omega: Zamazenta!

Gem: Zachariah! *laughing* I'm sorry, I have no idea what you guys are talking about.

Ohirume: *sigh* They're arguing over which new legendary is better.

Omega: It's obviously Zamazenta! Zacian is just some blue hound with a big sword!

Faux: Do not diss the sword! You agree with me, right Rob?

Ohirume: Don't drag me into this!

Seishin: Didn't you say you liked the attacc doggo?

Ohirume: Only because it reminds me of Sleygal! … and Sacred Wingal.

Faux: Ha!

Omega: What?! Are you kidding me?!

Ohirume: I told you I didn't want to get involved! And Yukiro, stop saying 'attacc' like it's a word.

Seishin: It's a funny meme!

Ohirume: IT IS NOT! I've seen it on YouTube so many times and I'm sick of it! Honestly, I feel nothing but shame for writing that!