Gem: I'm ready, Rumey!

Ohirume: … Okay. First, when did you start using that nickname? Second, what are you talking about?

Gem: It's my turn for a cameo … Right?

Ohirume: … no.

Gem: Oh. When are we doing mine, then?

Ohirume: I've … gotta go. I promised Yukiro I would help him and Faux fix Omega's room.

Gem: Oh, um, okay. *sighs* I'm sure it'll happen soon.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Beauty and The Glitch (Omega: Seriously! Why 'glitch'?! It doesn't even work here!)

.

After the nightmare that was the Saint Anne and Pokémon Land, Ash and his friends decided to take a break from their journey. They traveled to Porta Vista for a vacation. They group had most of their Pokémon out and everyone was enjoying themselves in one way or another.

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, Goldeen, Staryu, Starmie, and Squirtle were swimming. Pidgeotto, Butterfree, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Geodude, Ash, and Soot were laying on -or next to- lounge chairs with Onix was curled up around them. Krabby scuttled around the beach until he pinched someone and was returned. Zubat freaked out from the intense sunlight and was immediately returned.

Soot smiled and stretched, "This is the life."

Ash looked off into the distance, "Yeah." Something was on his mind.

Soot noticed and frowned, "You alright, dad?"

Ash snapped out of it. He looked at Soot and smiled sadly, "Yeah. Sorry." He looked towards the ocean, "It's just- something from the island."

Soot blinked and raised a brow, "Did Brock or Misty find out about the watch?"

Ash shook his head, "No."

Soot frowned, "Did you meet someone and then lose them?"

"No. And, if we did, you know I wouldn't have let us leave until we found them."

Soot chuckled and thought for a bit. She glanced over at Pidgeotto and her eyes widened, "Did, uh-" She looked back at Ash, "Am I expecting a little half brother or sister in near future?"

Pidgeotto overheard and blushed. Geodude looked over and raised a brow.

Ash raised a brow, "What? No. Why would think that?"

"No reason." Soot said; glancing to the side. She shook it off and raised a brow, "What it is then?"

Ash rubbed his temples, "I'm really not sure how to explain it. When we were in that minecart, I saw some … things destroy one of the robots."

Soot blinked, "What were they?"

"I have no idea." Ash responded with a frown, "They were too far away to really see. One of them flew around and cut the thing to ribbons while the other shot green lightning. And to make it weirder, they finished the robot off by shoving a metal tree into the its chest."

The Pokémon present all stared at him; wide eyed.

Soot blinked, "You sure you didn't get dehydrated on the island?"

Ash rolled his eyes and smirked, "Haha, very funny. No, we had water and found some berries." He flopped onto the chair, "I don't know what to think. I mean- I considered the hallucination thing, too, but- I can't find a reason."

Soot jumped down from her chair and nuzzled up to Ash, "Sounds like we all had it rough."

Ash frowned, "What happened to you guys?"

Soot shook her head, "Not all of us. Meowth, he-"

Ash sat up quickly, "What did he do to you?!" He demanded with a worried look.

Soot waved paw, "Nothing! He didn't do anything to me. We just talked."

Ash calmed down some but still frowned, "What, about?"

Soot frowned, "He told me about how-" She glanced to the side and noticed something. She turned her head and her eyes widened, "Squirtle stole a boat."

Ash raised a brow, "What? The Squirtle Squad didn't use a boat when-"

Soot pointed, "No! Right now! Look!"

Ash and the Pokémon looked at where she was pointing and grimaced. A grinning Squirtle, a cheering Clefairy and a screaming Pikachu were driving a giant speedboat.

"Stop this thing, you psychopath!" Pikachu shouted.

"Don't worry!" Squirtle called out, "I've got it under control!"

They hit something in the water, lost whatever control Squirtle thought they had, and slammed into a dock.

"Again! Again!" Clefairy cheered.

Ash stared in shock, "Oh, crag."

Brock and Misty ran up.

Misty looked at the trainer, "Ash, did you see that?!"

Brock looked at the wreck, "I hope whoever was driving that boat is okay."

Soot's eye twitched, "Oh, trust me, Squirtle will not be fine after I'm done."

Their friends stared at them in shock, "SQUIRTLE DID THAT?!"

"What the Yvel happened to my boat?!"

Everyone turned to see an old man on the dock; staring at the boat in shock.

Ash pinched the bridge of his nose, "Welp, there goes our vacation."

.

*Destroyed Dock

Ash, Brock, and Misty returned their Pokémon, except Soot of course. All of them frowned or pouted at their down time being ruined. Ash's response to this was, "Blame Squirtle." The group hurried over to the dock. The old man was currently standing over the trio of small Pokémon with his teeth clenched.

Squirtle was chuckling nervously and Pikachu was trembling.

Clefairy frowned, "Did we do something wrong?"

Ash walked over and glared, "What were you three thinking?!"

Pikachu waved his paws in front of him, "Don't blame me or Clefairy for this!" The mouse pointed at Squirtle, "This guy told us he just wanted to turn on the radio and needed my electricity to do it! I didn't know he was gonna take it on a joyride!"

Ash glared at Squirtle. The turtle flinched and rubbed the back of his head while laughing nervously again.

The old man looked at Ash surprise, "These are your Pokémon?"

Ash looked at him and frowned, "Yes and I'm sorry for the damage. It's my fault for not watching them better."

Squirtle frowned guilty. Pikachu glared at the turtle. Clefairy noticed Pikachu glaring and joined in.

The old man's frown softened, "Well, you can make it up by paying off the damage. Name's Moe, by the way."

"I'm Ash Ketchum." The boy responded, still frowning, "And, I'm sorry, but I don't have the money to pay for this. Maybe there's another way?"

Moe sighed, "Fine, then. You can pay off your debt by working at my restaurant."

Soot blinked, "Huh. That's actually pretty reasonable."

Moe stared at her. He looked at Ash, "Is that your Pokémon, too?"

Ash nodded, "Yeah. Her name is Soot."

Moe put a hand to his chin, "Ya think can it help draw in a crowd?"

Soot sweat dropped, "I can talk. For some reason, that draws attention." She shrugged, "And I might as well help. Squirtle is one of my teammates."

Misty walked up and raised a hand, "We can help too. I can wait tables."

Brock nodded, "And I can help with the cooking."

Ash smiled softly, "Thanks guys."

Moe smiled, "Sounds great! Follow me. My restaurant isn't far." He turned around and started walking.

Ash returned Squirtle and the group followed the old man.

.

*Moe's restaurant

The group had been working at 'Beach House Moe' for well over an hour and things were going … poorly. Ash, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy stood out front; trying to bring in customers.

Soot noticed a couple walking over and approached them. She smiled, "Hello and welcome to Beach House Moe. Table for two?"

The male teen looked at her in awe, "Wow! It talks!" He looked at his girlfriend, "This place seems pretty interesting. Wanna eat here?"

The girl looked up at the restaurant and turned away in disgust, "Looks like a dive. Plus, the Pokémon's probably just some animatronic anyway."

Soot blinked, 'That's a new one.'

"Hey, that restaurant, over there, looks good." The couple walked past them.

Pikachu's ears drooped, "Aw man."

Soot watched as they left for the other place and noticed something. Her eyes widened, "You cannot be serious."

Ash overheard, followed her gaze, and sweat dropped, "Of course."

"Welcome to Brutella's Ocean Chateau." Jessie said as she gestured to the stairs next to her, "Come up to our terrace. Enjoy our seafood and sea-views." She looked over at Ash and stuck her tongue out.

Brock and Misty walked out.

"Is that Jessie?" Brock asked.

"What's she doing here?!" Misty followed with a glare.

"A top-quality restaurant attracts top quality people." Jessie called over to them.

James laughed from the terrace, "And a no-quality dive attracts the bottom feeders."

"Yeah, ya loosas!" Meowth said; next to James.

Misty glared, "We'll show them!"

Ash smirked, "And I know just the way." He pulled out his pokéballs and tossed them into the air, "Let's go!"

Ash's team appeared and looked up at him. The trainer smirked, "Alright guys! We've got some work to do!"

.

*Pikachu, Clefairy, and Squirtle

The trio was assigned to hand out flyers. Or, in Squirtle's case, forced.

Squirtle pouted, "Why are we out here again?"

Pikachu glared at the Water-type, "Because a certain someone crashed an old man's boat into the same old man's dock!"

Squirtle flinched, "Okay, fair point. But-" he pointed to Clefairy, "she, kind of, has this covered on her own."

Pikachu looked over at the Fairy-type. The crowd of tourists were mostly around her.

Clefairy held up a flyer to a little girl and smiled, "Hi there! Do you want a piece of paper?"

The girl looked at her and squealed, "Daddy, look at this Pokémon! It's so cute!"

The girl's father chuckled, "Aw." He pulled out a camera, "Say cheese."

Clefairy smiled as the girl crouched down next to her. "Cheese!" the camera flashed.

Clefairy held out the flyer to the father, "Here you go."

"Huh?" The father said as he took the flyer, "Beach House Moe?" The man smiled and looked at his daughter, "Sweetie, how about we go here for lunch?"

"Okay!" The girl and her father left. The girl turned back and waved, "By pink Pokémon!"

Clefairy waved back, "Bye little human!" She looked to her side and held out another flyer to a woman, "Hi, there! Do you want a piece of paper?"

"See?!" Squirtle called out, "She's drawing in the crowd just by being here and hardly knows what we're doing!"

Pikachu glared at the turtle, "It still doesn't change the fact that Ash asked us to help."

Squirtle sighed, "Fine." He held out a flyer to a nearby tourist, "Hey. You want this?"

Pikachu nudged him, "Show some enthusiasm." Pikachu smiled brightly and held out a flyer, "Pika!"

"Aw, how sweet." The elderly woman took the flyer.

.

*Charmander, Brock, Moe, and Pidgeotto

Charmander and Pidgeotto were assigned to help Brock and Moe in the kitchen.

"Nice work, Charmander!" Brock said as the Fire-type shot Flamethrower into the flame broiler grill.

Charmander smiled through his attack.

Moe looked over to the side to see Pidgeotto manning the charcoal and doing a pretty good job of it.

The old man smiled, "This is great! I should have gotten Pokémon to work here years ago!"

.

*Misty, Bulbasaur, Krabby, and Butterfree

Bulbasaur, Butterfree, and Krabby were assigned to help wait tables with Misty. With a little help, Bulbasaur managed to weave his vines into a flatter version of the basket from Pokémon Land. Butterfree and Krabby carried drinks.

Misty placed a plate in front of a customer and smiled, "Here you are, sir." She looked back, "Over here, Butterfree."

The Butterfly Pokémon flew over; carrying a drink in his hands. Butterfree landed on the table and placed the drink in front of the man at the table.

"Wow!" The man proclaimed while petting Butterfree, "Thanks, little guy."

Butterfree fluttered happily, "Freeeeeee!"

"Bulba!"

A woman looked over to see a large green disk next to the table, with her order on top. She looked down to see a bulbasaur smiling up at her.

She smiled as she moved the food to the table. She reached down to pet the Grass/Poison-type, "Thank you, dear."

"Bulbasaur." The Seed Pokémon responded before walking away.

She looked around the table and frowned, "Oh, it forgot the-"

"Koh!"

She looked down again and saw a krabby holding her drink.

She blinked in surprise, "Huh, never mind."

.

*Soot and Ash

Soot was out front drawing in a crowd and entertaining the customers who were eating outside. Ash sat on the roof and pulled the strings. Literally.

The canine was currently break dancing while sign spinning. She was wearing Ash's jacket to cover up the opening on her back. Surprisingly, no one asked about the translucent strings coming from her.

She stopped in a handstand, held the sign in her hind paws, and smiled up at a woman and her seven-year-old daughter, "Welcome to Beach House Moe. An attendant will be with you shortly. In the meantime, please enjoy."

Soot backflipped repeatedly until she was directly in front of the restaurant, kicking the sign into the air on the first flip, and sprang high into the air. While in the air, she spun and shot a barrage of Shadow Balls around her. She formed another Shadow Ball in her mouth and detonated it with Fire Fang. The Shadow Ball exploded violently and started a chain reaction that caused all of the other Shadow Balls to go off.

The crowd gasped as Soot was engulfed in the smoke cause by her attacks. Soot emerged as she dropped out of the sky; limp and eyes closed. The crowd watched in horror as she plummeted.

Soot smirked and opened her eyes. She spun in the air and landed on the ground in a crouch. She stood back up as purple sparkles fell from the sky. She bowed with an arm out and caught the sign.

The crowd erupted in cheers.

The little girl watched; eyes filled with wonder, "Mom, did you see that?! It was amazing!"

The mother blinked in surprise, "It really was."

Soot stood back up and looked around, giving a small, sly smile, "Alright everyone, we have a special offer! Three free pictures with yours truly with the purchase of any entrée! Otherwise it's 400₽ per picture or two for 700! And don't worry about getting up! Just raise your hand and I'll come to you!"

Hands shot up immediately.

Soot glanced back at the roof and smirked.

Ash chuckled, "Clever girl." He moved his fingers.

Soot started walking towards one of the tables and crouched down to get in the frame and smiled.

The little girl eyes lit up and she looked up at her mother, "Can we please get a picture with the Pokémon, mom?!"

The mother smiled, "Of course, Dawn."

"Yay!" Dawn cheered as she raised a hand.

.

*Team Rocket

Jessie, James, and Meowth glared at Soot as she went around posing for pictures.

"Everyone's eating at the twerpateria." James said.

Jessie followed, "If all of the customers go to their place, instead of here, we won't make any more money."

Meowth grinned, "Dis calls for some old fashion sabotage-in."

Meowth started with the group handing out flyers. He propped up a large fan and blew the flyers off into the distance. Pikachu and Squirtle flinched and chased after the sheets. Clefairy was busy taking a picture with another tourist.

Meowth made his way to the rival restaurant and flinched. Soot was still out front, 'Might need to think this one over.'

He hurried back to Brutella's restaurant.

Jessie noticed, "You're done already?"

Meowth sighed, "Nuh uh. I got da ones handin' out flyas but da othas are inside and da mutt is still out front doin' dat puppet ting. If she sees me, I'm toast."

James frowned and put a hand to his chin, "Good point."

Jessie crossed her arms and groaned. A few seconds later, she perked up and smirked, "Then we'll just have to split up and attack all at once." She pointed at the others, "James, you stop the Phantom's brat. Meowth, you stop the twerpette." She pointed to herself, "I'll take care of the kitchen."

James flinched, "What?! How I'm supposed to stop her?!"

"Just think of something!" Jessie said as she and Meowth ran off.

James frowned as he looked at the canine. She was doing bunny ears to two kids while all three stuck their tongues out. The parents laughed as they took the picture.

James put a hand to his chin and started thinking. He remembered when Soot removed her arm back at A.J.'s and perked up. He looked around and saw a couple walk by.

James jumped out in front of them, "Hey! Wanna help me out with something? I'll give you 2000₽."

"Uuuuum." They became uneasy.

.

*Beach House Moe

Dawn and her mother, Johanna, waved to Soot as they left the restaurant.

"Bye Soot!" Dawn called out, "It was nice meeting you!"

Soot smiled and waved as they left, "Nice to meet you too!"

"Excuse me."

Soot turned to see a teenage couple. The boy was holding a camera.

"How much is it for a picture?" the boy asked.

Soot smiled, "One for 400, two for 700, and three for free with the purchase of an entrée."

The woman waved, "Oh, sorry, but we just ate." She held out four bills, "400, right?"

Soot nodded as she took the cash, "Yup." She pocketed the money and looked up at the pair, "So, did you want a certain pose or something special?"

The girl walked over and slung Soot's right arm around her, "This'll be fine."

Soot smiled, "Alright." She looked at the camera, "Say 'chee-"

*ziiip*

Soot frowned and her eyes widened. She looked at the girl to see her holding her detached right arm and staring at Soot; wide eyed.

Soot sweat dropped, "Um, I can expl-"

"AAAHHH!" the girl screamed as she tossed the limb behind her. It landed on a table; directly in front of a child. Things went to Yvel fast.

Soot stared in shock as the crowd ran off. She walked over to a table to pick up her leg. It was covered condiments.

Soot grimaced, "Ew."

Ash jumped down from the roof. He looked around and frowned, "Oh boy."

Soot sighed, "Could things get any-"

A series of crashes, followed by shouting, came from inside. Customers covered in food and soda poured out of the restaurant. Some grimaced when they saw Soot holding her own severed arm and picked up their pace.

Ash and Soot looked at each other before running inside. Misty, Bulbasaur, and Krabby were on the floor in a daze and Butterfree was flying around frantically with a banana peel on his face.

Ash blinked, "What hap-" *BOOM*

An explosion came from the kitchen. Moe, Brock, Charmander, and Pidgeotto trudged out of the kitchen; covered in scorch marks.

Moe looked at Soot and flinched, "What happened to your arm?!"

Pikachu, Squirtle, and Clefairy walked in through the entrance.

"Hey, Ash, something went-" Pikachu paused when he looked around, "What happened here?"

Ash groaned and sat down at a table, "Son of a glitch."

.

*one long clean up later

The group of humans and Pokémon sat at -or next to- the tables and sulked. Soot deactivated Marionetter and was still cleaning her leg. Someone cut off the water, so she resorted to licking it. She was starting to like it but refused to admit it.

Ash rubbed his temple, "How did this happen?"

Brock sighed, "I don't know. I've never had that happen at a stove before."

Charmander pouted, "It's probably my fault."

Soot frowned, "I don't think so, Charmander. Everyone had something, suddenly, go wrong in such a short amount of time. It can't be a coincidence."

"Right!" Misty declared, "There's no way those were all just accidents!"

"Well. Well."

Everyone turned to see Team Rocket and a short, red-haired woman(?) standing at the entrance.

Moe stood up in surprise, "Brutella!"

The hag looked around with a smirk, "Don't need a reservation ta get in here anymore. If things keep up like this, you might 'ave to go out of business, Moe."

Ash glared, "Why do you care?"

Brutella walked up, "I could care less if this dump goes under. But ya better figure out some way to pay me back the dough ya owe me. And fast!"

Moe glared, "You'll get your money!"

"Yeah? Well I want it tomorrow! And if ya don't, I'll just take that boat a yours instead!" Brutella said as she walked away.

Moe grimaced, "No, please! Take anything you want, but not that boat."

Brutella waved as she left, "See ya tomorrow!" She chuckled.

The tRio stuck tongues out and followed the woman.

Soot groaned, "Perfect." She said sarcastically.

Moe sulked, "The deadline's tomorrow and there's no way I can earn that money in time. I'll have to turn my boat over to Brutella."

Everyone frowned; feeling sorry for the man.

Moe continued, "I've dreamed about taking that boat on a cruise around the world for so long. See it all before it's too late."

Soot growled and slammed her still attached foreleg on the table, "We can't just let this happen!"

Ash nodded, "Right! There has to be something we can do to get the money!"

Misty clenched and raised a fist, "We'll work together to make it happen!"

Brock nodded too, "We'll find a way!"

Moe smiled sadly, "Thank you all. But how are we supposed to do it in only one day?"

"Mind if I make a suggestion?"

Everyone turned to see Professor Oak and Delia at the entrance.

Delia smiled, "Hi Ash. Hi Soot. Surprised to see us?"

Ash blinked, "Wha- Mom?!"

"Grandma?!" Soot followed; wide eyed.

"Phone lady?" Clefairy joined in.

Delia immediately ran over and scooped up the Fairy Pokémon, "Aw, look at you!" She hugged her tight, "You're just so cute!"

Clefairy smiled and hugged her back.

Ash chuckled and raised a brow, "What are you guys doing here?"

"I'll explain later." Oak responded as he held out a magazine, "Look at this. The annual Porta Vista Beach Beauty and Pokémon costume contest is today. The contest draws thousands of people each year and they could use a place to eat. You can advertise."

Soot's eyes lit up, "That's perfect! We'll get the money we need by the end of the day!"

Misty smiled, "And I can enter the beauty contest!"

Oak nodded, "You should … um-"

"Misty." The girl responded.

"Yes, Misty." The professor continued, "The Beauty and Costume contests have cash prizes."

Ash smiled and looked over at Pidgeotto, "You mind passing out flyers."

Pidgeotto nodded, "On it!"

Soot smiled, "Pidgeotto's in."

Moe stared in shock, "You'd really do all of this? Just for me?"

Ash smiled at the man, "It's the least we can do. We still owe you for what Squirtle did."

Squirtle's eye twitched, "You're never gonna let me live that down, are you?"

Pikachu grinned, "Probably not."

Moe smiled softly, "Thank you. Thank you all."

.

* Porta Vista Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we're happy to announce that the Porta Vista Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest will soon begin!" Brock said from the loudspeaker, "There's a 100,000₽ prize for the winner of each category! It's not too late to sign up, so hurry and enter."

Moe, Professor Oak, Delia, Ash, and Soot sat at the stands; in that order. Pikachu was in Ash's lap and Clefairy was in Delia's.

Soot sweat dropped, "How did Brock get this job again?" She reattached her leg a while ago.

Ash chuckled, "No idea. But he sure seems to be enjoying it." He looked over to his mother, "So, what are you and the professor doing here?"

Delia smiled as she petted Clefairy, "Samuel and I are here with our tour group. The Pallet Town Volunteer Patrol."

Ash smiled, "That's nice to hear. I'm happy you guys showed up."

Oak looked over at Ash, "Your mother's been anxious to see the two of you. Especially after that scare with the St. Anne."

Soot blinked, "You heard about that?"

Delia pouted and crossed her arms, "Officer Jenny called me about the wreck and tried to make me think that the two of had passed away on the ship. The nerve of some people! I think I know my son and granddaughter well enough to know that some shipwreck isn't going to put them down."

Ash chuckled before his eyes widened, "Oh. If that's the case, then Brock and Misty might need to call their families."

"Welcome everybody!" Brock started again; reading from a script, "The Porta Vista Beach Beauty and Pokémon Costume Contest is about to begin! Now here's our first contestant!"

The curtains parted as Misty walked out wearing a red bikini and waved, 'This is completely embarrassing, but we need the money.'

The crowd cheered.

"This is Misty Waterflower!" Brock continued, "A lovely and talented Water-type specialist, who's sure making a big splash today!"

Soot flinched, "Oh Brock, why the puns?"

"Now let's take a look at the costume she and her Pokémon have created."

Starmie floated down from above, face-down, with a metal dome on their back. Squirtle stood on top of the dome wearing a helmet with an antenna.

"Well, this is a very imaginative costume! It's Starmie and Squirtle as extraterrestrials and a flying saucer!"

Squirtle shot a light Water Gun into the air. The water sprinkled down over Misty.

"Great job, Misty!" Brock said.

The crowd erupted in cheer again. A few whispers were drowned out. Mostly.

Ash frowned, "Geez."

Delia noticed, "Is everything alright, sweetie?"

Ash sighed, "More or less. Just know that I envy you guys right now. You can't here the audience whispering."

Clefairy blinked, "What are they saying?"

"Trust me Clefairy." Ash responded, "It's best you don't know."

Delia blushed.

Misty was shoved to the side as Jessie and James came onto the stage. Jessie was wearing a black bikini and James … ugh. Yeah, they cut this part out of the English dub for a reason.

"We'll be taking this win, twerpette!" Jessie said with a smirk.

Misty stood back up and glared, "James?! What are you doing?! You're a man!"

James smiled, "Perhaps. But my beauty doesn't exist in men." He then proceeded to-

Okay, not happening! We're cutting to Poison-types' costume like in the Dub! Just know that Misty deadpanned, the crowd cheered, Ash became even more uncomfortable, Delia covered Clefairy's eyes, and Soot almost threw up.

Brock shivered before looking at the sheet, "And next, we have two Pokémon calling themselves the Rocket Boosters; dressed as a Legendary Pokémon."

Soot groaned, "Here we go."

The curtain parted and Koffing floated out with a seaweed beard and a coiled up Ekans on his head.

"Uhh, this is a very interesting costume." Brock continued, "I believe it's supposed to be Omastar and the Pokémon are Ekans and Koffing."

Soot snickered, "Legendary my tail."

The pair floated out to the stage. They neared the end and immediately got kicked off it.

"Get lost!" Gary Oak stood on the stage with six girls behind him.

Ash blinked, "Gary?"

Pikachu hissed, "Him again!"

"Wait! Gary?!" Clefairy called out, "That meanie who wrote on that sign and said Ash was a loser?!"

Soot grumbled, "The one and the same."

"And now we a have a surprise guest appearance by Gary Oak!" Brock paused and read again, 'That guy Ash was talking about?' he shook it off and continued, "The up and coming Pokémon Trainer! Accompanied by a squad of his adoring and adorable fans!"

The professor chuckled nervously, "I may have forgotten to mention that Gary came along with us."

Ash shrugged, "It's fine. I just hope he doesn't make a scene."

"Ash, I know you're out there in the crowd somewhere!" Gary said through a microphone.

Ash sweat dropped, "Like that."

"But I didn't come here to make you jealous of me, Ashy-boy." Gary said in a mocking tone, "I came here so some of my beautiful fan members could make you jealous of me."

His fans started cheering, "Gary! Gary! He's our man! He'll trash Ash we know he can!"

Gary turned to his fans, "Thank you fans! Great cheer!" he looked back to the crowd, "I wrote that one myself Ashy!"

Soot's eye twitched, "Typical."

Pikachu was livid, "What did they say?!" He jumped forward but was caught by Ash, "Let me at 'em!"

"Calm down, buddy." Ash said as he restrained and petted the furious mouse.

Brock began again, "Not one, not two, but six beautiful girls all on stage at once! Choosing the most beautiful is gonna be tough! But a good kind of tough!"

Misty sighed from backstage, "Great, their goes any chance I have of winning."

Jessie and James watched from around a corner.

"This is bad." Jessie said with a glare, "The crowd is eating this up."

"I'm prettier than them!" James followed.

They were pulled back by Brutella.

Gary's 'performance'/taunt lasted another ten minutes. His fans were posing behind him.

"Come on Ashy-boy! Ya scared to come up a face me?!" Gary called out with a smirk.

Ash deadpanned, "Isn't there supposed to be a time limit to these things?"

Soot sighed, "Pretty sure it lasts as long as they want. At least until the crowd loses interest or starts booing."

Screams started filling up the beach, "Run!" "It's a gyarados!"

A mechanical Gyarados on treads ran around the beach. The crowd ran in terror.

Ash looked over and grimaced, "Crag! Its Team Rocket again!" He ran up to the stage.

Gary noticed Ash approaching and smirked, "So, finally come to face-"

Ash snatched the mic away, "Not the time, Gary." He held up the microphone, "Everyone listen! That's not a real Gyarados! It's just some people in a submarine trying to scare us off!"

Most of tourists stopped and looked back, "What?" "A fake?" "Huh?"

The grounded submarine shot a missile towards the stage.

Brock grimaced and took up the microphone, "Ash lookout! That looks like a heat seeking missile!"

Ash frowned, "Crag!"

Gary smirked, "Now what are ya gonna do Ashy? Freak out?"

Ash shoved the microphone into Gary's hands, "Something you'd never think to do."

Ash jumped down from the stage and ran. The missile followed him.

Gary stared; wide eyed, "What the?!"

Delia grimaced, "Ash! What are you doing?!"

Ash smirked and ran behind the stage. The missile exploded out of sight.

Delia dropped Clefairy in shock before she started running towards the stage, "ASH!" Professor Oak followed.

Pikachu and Clefairy were about to follow until Soot stopped them.

Pikachu looked at Soot in shock, "What are you doing?! Ash could be-"

Soot shook her head, "He's not. Dad's smarter than this. He ran back there to take out the missile and hide away to transform." She turned towards the sub, "In the meantime, we need to worry about them."

Pikachu and Clefairy looked at each other with worried expressions before nodding.

Clefairy looked at Soot, "What do we do?"

Soot smirked, "Follow my lead." She looked over to her friends and the professor's grandson, "Brock! Misty! Gary! Snap out of it and get over here!"

.

*Ash

"Ash!" Delia called out as she ran behind the stage with Oak. Ash was already messing with the watch about two feet away from the pair of craters left by the missile; one in the sand and one in the wall.

Ash looked over to them, "Oh, hey mom."

Delia's eye twitched, "Are you kidding me, Ash?! What was that?!"

Ash chuckled nervously, "Sorry mom. But I needed to hide." He held up the watch, "I got a new form recently that should help with this."

Oak blinked, "A new form?" He smiled brightly, "Like a new non-Pokémon?!"

Ash chuckled, "Sorry professor, but no. It was another unintentional scan." He twisted the dial again and found the silhouette, "Got it."

Ash smirked and raised an arm to hit it. He stopped and looked at his mother and the professor, "You might want to take a step back."

They pair did so, and Ash slammed down on the device; engulfing him in green light. Delia and Sam covered their eyes for a moment. They opened them to see a dragonite smiling at them; the watch's symbol on its chest.

The professor stared in shock, "A-ash?"

The dragon stuck his tongue out playfully. He spread his wings and took off; kicking up sand.

Delia watched as he flew over the stage and roared. She smiled softly, feeling a sense of pride in her son, "My boy."

.

*P.V.B.B. & P.C. Contest

Gary held out an arm, "Wartortle, Water Gun!"

Brock followed, "Geodude, Rock Throw!"

Misty joined in, "Staryu, Water Gun!"

Soot glared, "Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Clefairy, Disarming Voice!" She formed a Shadow Ball.

The six Pokémon fired at the sub. The attacks exploded on impact.

"Alright!" Gary cheered with a smirk. His smirked disappeared when the Gyarados appeared, unscathed.

Soot grimaced, "Crag! We didn't do anything!"

"Course ya didn't, mutt!" Meowth's voice sounded from the machine.

James's voice followed, "We made it stronger enough to withstand any of your attacks!"

"DRAAAAH!" A loud roar coming from the stage caught everyone's attention. They turned to see a dragonite, with a green symbol on its chest, glaring at the sub.

Brock flinched, "A dragonite?!"

Misty stared in awe, "Woah!"

Gary and most of the crowd were speechless. The crowd, also, started taking pictures.

Soot smirked and faced the sub, "Is it strong enough his withstand his attacks?"

The trio didn't respond. The sub fired three more missiles.

Ash smirked and lit his paws with Fire Punch. He flew higher; guiding the missiles towards him. He stopped in midair, dispelled Fire Punch, let the missiles fly past him, and shot them with Dragon Rage. They exploded violently high above the crowd.

Ash looked down at the sub with a smirk before diving at it.

Jessie grimaced from inside the sub, "Retreat!" The trio got to work pedaling away. Unfortunately for them, Ash was faster … and stronger.

Ash landed in front of them and held the sub in place as they tried to drive forward.

"Reverse!" James shouted.

Ash overheard, dug his claws into the machine, and held them in place. After a solid minute, one of the treads broke.

Ash looked into the sub through one of the eyes and grinned. The tRio flinched.

The dragon snickered, "Time to end this."

Delia and the professor looked around the corner right as Ash raised a paw into the air; his antennas and horn glowed blue. Winds started whipping around violently. Ash's Hurricane lifted the gyarados into the air. Jessie, James, and Meowth screamed from inside.

"James, do something!" Jessie cried out.

James panicked and fired their last missile. It spun around in the storm and hit them. The explosion set them free from the attack and on a collision course with Brutella's Ocean Chateau.

Brutella and the Rockets screamed as the restaurant blew up and they were sent flying into the distance.

Ash blinked, "Huh. Did not expect that."

"Wartortle, Ice Beam!"

Ash turned to see blue bolts flying towards him. He held out paw to the attack and ignited it with Fire Punch; negating the attack.

He turned to see Gary looking at him with a smirk.

Misty glared, "What are you doing?! They just helped us!"

Gary looked at her, "Are you insane?! That's a freaking dragonite!" he looked back at Ash, still smirking, "I am not passing this up!"

Professor Oak grimaced and ran over, "Gary wait! That's-"

"Drah!" Ash interrupted, catching the professor's attention.

Ash held out a paw and shook his head. He looked at Gary with a smirk as he raised a paw and did a 'come at me' taunt.

Soot smirked, "Stand back, guys. Dragonite wants to battle."

Everyone, except Gary and Ash, looked at her in surprise.

Gary smirked, "You're mine, Dragonite! Wartortle use Ice Beam again!"

Wartortle fired. Ash held his paws out in front of him as the attack hit. His paws were frozen solid.

"Gotcha!" Gary called out, "Now, Skull Bash!"

Wartortle charged forward. When he jumped, Ash ducked and uppercut the turtle in the chest with his frozen paw. The ice shattered on impact and Wartortle was flung into the air.

Gary grimaced, "What?!"

Ash flew over Wartortle and threw another makeshift Ice Punch at the turtle; sending him to the ground. Wartortle landed in the sand. After a few seconds, he stood back up; albeit shakily.

Gary frowned, "Wartortle, don't give up! We've almost got it!"

Soot snickered, "You sure about that Gare-bear?"

Gary glared at her, "I told you not to call me-"

*CRASH*

Gary jerked back around to see Wartortle unconscious and Ash standing next to him with spiral of water around his tail. Ash looked at Gary and stuck his tongue out before flying away towards the stage and on off into the distance. Or, at least, that's what it looked like.

Gary returned Wartortle and ran towards the stage, "You're not getting away that easily!"

Soot sighed, "And to think, he and dad used to be frie-" Her eyes widened, "DAD!" She followed the brown-haired boy.

Brock and Misty flinched before following her. Pikachu and Clefairy followed too.

Professor Oak sweat dropped, "I sure hope Ash knows what he's doing."

Gary ran around and found Delia sobbing while holding a 'nearly unconscious' Ash. The boy was covered in sand.

Gary glared, "Where did Dragonite-"

Soot ran over and headbutted him, "What is wrong with you?! Dad's hurt and you're still more worried about Dragonite?!"

She ran over and looked over him with a worried expression.

"Nice work, Grandma." Soot whispered, "Very believable."

Delia gave a quick thumbs up between sobs, "My baby!"

"ASH!" Brock and Misty ran over and crouched down.

"Ash, are you okay?!" Misty asked; worried.

Ash chuckled 'weakly', "I'm fine, guys. Just a little dirty." He glanced up at Delia, "Mom's just being a little dramatic."

Delia hugged him tighter and whispered, "Oh, so I can't have a little fun?"

Ash chuckled lightly as Pikachu and Clefairy ran over and hugged him.

.

**Time Skip**

Professor Oak's plan worked like a charm. The advertising brought in more than enough business for Moe to pay off Brutella. Starmie and Squirtle took first place in costume contest and group decided that Moe should take most of the prize money.

Ash, Brock, Misty, Delia, Professor Oak, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Soot stood at the dock to see Moe off. Gary was still looking for 'Dragonite.' Ash had his right arm in a sling while his mother and daughter refused to leave his sides. Pikachu and Clefairy were on Delia's shoulders.

Everyone waved as the old man sailed off.

"Good luck, Moe!" Ash called out.

"Goodbye!" Misty called too.

"Take care!" Brock followed.

"Don't get into any more trouble!" Soot finished.

Moe waved back, "Farewell everyone! Thank you for everything! Get well soon, Ash!"

Ash chuckled as the man disappeared into the distance.

Ash looked into the sky, "It's getting late." He looked at his friends, "We should probably find a Pokémon Center and rent a few rooms."

"Don't be ridiculous!" Delia exclaimed, "All of you are staying at the hotel with the Pallet Town Volunteer Patrol!"

The trainers and Pokémon looked at her in surprise.

"Wait, what?" Ash asked, "Mom, you rented rooms for us?"

Delia giggled, "Not exactly. Some of our group became a little too frightened after Team Rocket trashed the contest and went home. So, we have a few empty rooms up for grabs. I already checked with the hotel and: Ash, you can stay with me in my suite, Gary's staying with Sam in another, and Brock and Misty each get their own room."

Misty's eyes lit up, "Mrs. Ketchum, thank you so much!"

Brock smiled, "This is really kind of you."

Soot smiled brightly, "Grandma, you're the best!"

Ash smiled softly, "Thanks, mom."

Delia smiled and led everyone to the hotel.

.

*Ketchum family hotel suite

Ash, Delia, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy made their way into the hotel room. Pikachu and Clefairy looked around the room in awe. The pair jumped down and started exploring the place.

Soot walked in and jumped on one of the two beds and laid down, "Gotta hand it to ya grandma, this is nice."

Delia smiled, "Oh, I'm so glad you like it."

Ash tore off the sling and slung his backpack onto a chair, "Thanks for doing this, mom. We really appreciate it." He moved over to the same bed as Soot and laid down next to her, "Should we go ahead and hit the hay?"

Delia walked over and sat on the other bed, "Well, there is one thing I wanted to do, first."

Ash looked over at her, curiously, "What is it?"

"It involves something you told me the last time you called." Delia smiled slyly as she looked over at Clefairy, "Involving a certain new feature from Power Integration."

Ash followed her gaze and sweat dropped. He sighed, "Right. Should have known this was coming."

Ash removed the pokéballs from his belt and placed them on the chair with his backpack. He pressed a button on the side of the watch and the center sprung up.

Pikachu heard and turned to look at Ash, "What are you doing?"

Soot smirked, "Remember what happened back home when grandma saw dad in pikachu form?"

Pikachu raised a brow before perking up, "Ooooh."

Clefairy looked back and forth at Pikachu and Soot, and blinked, "Wait, what?"

Ash found the silhouette and sighed, "Yup." He slammed down on the watch and sat of the bed in clefairy form.

Delia's eyes lit up as she scooped Ash into a hug, "Oh Ashy, look at you! You're so cute!" She started toying with his tail.

Ash's eye twitched as his mother cuddled him, "It's only for fifteen minutes. It's only for fifteen minutes. It's only for fifteen minutes."

Delia giggled, "Yes, 'clefairy clefairy fairy' to you too, sweetie."

Pikachu and Soot laughed. Clefairy smiled and ran over to Delia.

The female Fairy-type jumped up to the bed looked up at the woman, "I wanna turn!"

Delia squealed and scooped her up too, "Oh, two for the price of one! What more could a mother ask for?"

Soot looked at the pokéballs and grinned. She jumped down and made her way to them.

Ash noticed, "Soot, what are you doing?"

Soot grinned, "I just thought the others would like to see this."

Ash grimaced as Soot opened all of the pokéballs. Pidgeotto, Butterfree, Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Krabby emerged and started looking around the room.

Delia smiled, "Great idea, Soot." She held Ash and Clefairy tighter.

Squirtle looked at Ash and started cracking up, "Pfft. Hahahaha!"

Ash rolled his eyes, "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up." He smiled slyly, "Just wait until it's your turn."

Squirtle stopped laughing and flinched, "Y-you're kidding, right?"

"Call it punishment for stealing Moe's boat and starting this whole thing." Ash blinked and looked at Soot, "Come to think, wasn't there something you were about to tell me before that? Something about Meowth."

Soot blinked before frowning, "Oh, right."

Delia blinked, "What's going on?"

Soot chuckled, "You'll know in a bit." She jumped back up to the bed and sat down, "During the night we were on the island, Meowth woke me up and said he wanted to talk."

Delia blinked, "Meowth? You mean the one with those Team Rocket people?"

Ash nudged her arm, catching her attention, and nodded.

Bulbasaur blinked, "When did this happen?"

Soot chuckled, "Right, sorry. You guys were all asleep. Even Koffing and Ekans." She looked back at Ash, "I let it slip that I'm creative and Meowth was having trouble believing it."

"He didn't seem that weird about it." Squirtle commented.

Soot sighed, "Just- listen. He wasn't having trouble believing that I was creative, he was denying my reason. That I was raised by humans." She frowned, "He didn't believe me because-" She looked at Ash with a worried expression, "Dad, Team Rocket thinks you're the Phantom Pokémon."

Everyone gasped or stared at Soot; wide eyed.

"What?!" Ash shouted, "Why would they think that?!"

Soot continued, "Meowth said it was because of when we beat them at Melanie's place. He heard you talking in braviary form and recognized your voice. It's also the reason they had those grunts target you on the St. Anne."

Ash grimaced and held his head, "Oh crag!"

Delia frowned and hugged her son tighter, "I'm sure it'll be okay, Ash." She looked at Soot, "What else did he say?"

Soot smiled sadly, "That's actually the good news. He said that only him, Jessie, and James know about their theory. They decided to keep it a secret."

"But, why?" Pikachu asked, "Don't get me wrong, I'm happy they are, but- What do they have to gain?"

Soot frowned, "I don't know. He just said that they haven't told anyone."

Ash calmed down some but was still sulking.

Delia frowned and started petting her son's head, "Oh Ash."

The Pokémon all frowned at their distraught trainer and crowded around him and Delia. Clefairy jumped out of Delia's arms and joined them.

Ash looked up in surprise, "Guys?"

"Whatever they're planning, we're not letting them get you, Ash." Pikachu stated with a determined glared.

Clefairy nodded, "Yeah! We're your friends!"

Squirtle grinned, "They'll regret ever meeting us if they try again."

Charmander glared, "I'm not letting them take away the only good trainer I've had!"

Bulbasaur nodded with a smirk.

Pidgeotto smiled, "We'll always be here for you Ash."

Butterfree nodded, "Yeah!"

Krabby blinked, "How do you keep changing like this?"

Soot chuckled at the crab and smiled sadly at Ash, "You heard 'em, dad."

Ash started tearing up and wiped them away before smirking, "Yeah! Who cares if those idiots know?! It's not gonna change the fact that we'll just beat 'em down every time!"

The Pokémon all cheered.

Delia had no idea what all but one of them said but smiled softly at seeing her son cheering up. She hugged Ash tighter again. Ash smiled softly and hugged her arm.

.

.

Omega: *sniffle*

Seishin: HA! Omega's crying again!

Omega: Go to **** you ******* idiot!

…

Illavera: O-oh my- why does Brutella look like that?!

Nuevo: I think she's supposed to resemble an imp.

Pike: Would you believe me if I said she has an identical cousin?

Illavera: … uh sorry, but are you Pike or the one dating Gem?

Pike: … I can talk.