Pike: *sniffle* Butterfree…

Faux: *sad smile* I'm sure he's fine. Wherever he is.

Gem: I still miss him.

Omega: I don't get it.

…

Omega: … You ran out of ideas and let Yukiro write the title, didn't you?

Ohirume: *sigh* yep.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Aporia Crataegi No Longer Standing Upon Your Right-Most Clavicle (Omega: Seriously?! Seishin: MAH HAH!)

.

After leaving Maiden's Peak, Ash and his friends continued on their way to Saffron City for Ash's next gym badge. They broke for lunch and Ash was training with his team again. Though, there was one significant difference.

Brock, Misty, and the rest of Ash's Pokémon watched with interest as Ash helped Charmander perfect Dragon Rage.

"Huh," Brock said as he looked over from his cooking station, "That's why kept his methods a secret."

Clefairy stood in front of the dragonite and charmander and spread her arms out wide, "Ready!"

Ash took a knee and looked at Charmander, "Alright buddy, just like we practiced."

Charmander nodded with a determined smile, "Okay!"

Charmander closed his eyes and focused as the energy built up. His tail flame grew larger and his eyes shot open.

He puffed up his chest and fired, "Dragon Rage!"

The ball of orange flames fired towards Clefairy. Everyone smiled brightly as the Dragon-type attack shot towards the Fairy-type. That faded when the attack did; barely half an inch from Clefairy.

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "What happened?"

Charmander sat down and pouted, "I failed again."

"No, you didn't."

Charmander looked over to see Ash looking back with a soft smile.

"Charmander, you formed, aimed, and fired the attack amazingly. All that's left to work on is range and that just takes stamina training." Ash put a paw on his head and pet him softly, "You've made so much progress in such a short amount of time. I'm proud of you."

Charmander started to tear up at the words. He wiped them away and jumped into Ash's arms, "Thank you, Mast- I mean, thank you, Ash."

Ash smiled softly and hugged him back, "Anytime."

"AWWW." Everyone said as they watched.

Ash chuckled and put Charmander back down, "We can pick up again later. For now, go relax with the others." He pointed at the Fire-type and scowled in a way that looked more like a weird pout, "That's an order." He, then, emphasized his point by sticking his tongue out.

Charmander laughed and saluted, "Yes sir!"

He ran over to the group with a smile on his face. Clefairy joined soon after.

Ash hit the symbol on his chest and landed on the ground in banette form. He looked over at the group and called out, "Pidgeotto, Butterfree, you're next! We're gonna get you started on Ominous Wind!"

The Flying-types flew over to him immediately. Ash started rambling on about the mechanics of the move.

Misty blinked and looked at Soot, "What's going on?"

Soot laughed for a bit before responding, "Sorry. It's just- rare that I have to translate what dad's saying. He's getting them started on Ominous Wind."

Brock put a hand to his chin, "That's a tricky move to learn for a lot of Pokémon. It's become near impossible ever since move tutors discontinued teaching-" He was cut off by Ash firing a cyclone of purple wind at Pidgeotto.

The bird stood there, unfazed, and nodded. She turned to face a tree and flapped forcefully. A small puff of the same wind appeared and disappeared within the same second. Ash cheered and looked over at Butterfree.

The butterfly nodded with a determined glare and mimicked Pidgeotto's actions. Butterfree's puff of wind was a little larger and held out long enough nudge a leaf. Ash jumped for joy and congratulated the Bug-type.

Pidgeotto glared and started practicing the attack on her tree. Butterfree noticed and followed soon after. Ash watched closely and gave them pointers every now and then.

Brock stared at the scene in shock.

Soot snickered, "I think we're good. Human level intelligence paired with the ability to demonstrate the move goes a long way."

Misty thought for a bit and looked at the larger of Ash's Water-types, "Hey Squirtle, Ash taught you how to use Ice Beam, right?"

The turtle gave a wide grin, "Heck yeah! It was awesome! And he's even teaching me Aqua Tail! I can already cover half my tail in water and-" He paused when he noticed Misty's confused look and sweat dropped, "and you can't understand me."

Squirtle sighed, "Right." He nodded.

"Cool." Misty responded, "So, do you think he could help my team learn it, too?"

Soot looked over at her, "You're free to ask dad when training's over."

Brock looked over, "When is that, by the way?"

"Usually when he times out." Soot said, "After fifteen minutes, the watch forces him back into human form and he has to wait five minutes for it to recharge."

Ash nodded with a smirk, "Nice work, Pidgeotto. Now, try repositioning your wings-" He was cut off when he heard beeping. He looked down to the see the symbol on his stomach flashing red.

Misty's eyes widened, "Uh oh."

Soot raised a brow, "What is it?"

"That's the same thing that happened before Ash was locked into Quick Attack!" Misty responded in a worried tone, "There's a way to stop it, right?!"

"Oh, right. Dad said he was timing out back then." Soot said before looking over at Misty, "The red beeping actually means he's about to change back. Lockdown mode is activated though some complex motions similar to a locker combination."

A red light overtook Ash and faded to reveal his human self.

Misty blinked, "Oh."

.

*Lunch

The group sat around the collapsible table and ate. They brought out all of their Pokémon earlier and Ash got the pool for the Water-types.

Misty smiled brightly at Ash, "You mean it?!"

Ash smiled back, "Of course. They can join in the next training session." He raised a finger, "And since I'll be using Vaporeon, I can help Goldeen with Aqua Ring."

Misty's eyes widened, "You know Aqua Ring?!"

Brock leaned in closer, "Do you have a form that knows Iron Tail?"

"For Onix, I assume?" Ash asked.

Brock nodded. Onix looked over at the mention of his name.

"Well, you're in luck." Ash responded while pointing at Pikachu, "I actually taught Pikachu how to use Iron Tail for my gym battle against you. Also, Vaporeon again."

Pikachu looked over and gave a thumbs up, "Pika!"

Brock smiled brightly, "Ash, thank you so much!"

Goldeen overheard and blinked in surprise, "Vaporeon?" She looked at Squirtle, "What is your trainer talking about?"

Soot looked over at them in surprise before realizing, "Oh, right."

Ash looked at her, "What is it, Soot?"

Soot chuckled, "Something we probably should have done earlier. We haven't told the rest of Brock and Misty's Pokémon about the watch yet."

Geodude raised a brow, "Watch?"

Ash blinked in surprise, "Oh, yeah."

He brought up his wrist and pressed down on the button. The center sprang up.

Brock looked at him in surprise, "You're doing that now?"

Ash shrugged, "Might as well get it over with." He found the silhouette he had in mind and smiled.

Pikachu grinned wickedly and snickered, "I wonder who the fainter will be this time."

Ash slammed down on the device. The green light overtook him and faded to reveal Ash in mightyena form.

Brock and Misty's Pokémon stared at him in shock. Or, in Staryu and Starmie's cases, faced him, motionless. Everyone jumped when they heard and felt a massive tremor shake the area.

Turns out the fainter was Zubat … and Onix. The unconscious rock snake laid in the splintered remains on the tree he annihilated.

Ash's ears drooped and eyes widened, "Woah."

Pikachu started laughing like a maniac, "O-oh, dear Arceus!" He fell back and stared rolling.

Goldeen stared at Ash and gaped like a … well, duh, "What in the- How did you-"

Horsea's eyes lit up, "Wow! You can turn into that, too?!"

Goldeen snapped out of it and looked at Horsea, "You knew about this?!"

Horsea nodded, "Yeah. Clefairy told me on a boat."

Squirtle grinned, "It's awesome, right?!"

Geodude looked back and forth between Soot and Ash. He turned to face Soot, "That thing you said at the beach." He pointed back at Ash; still looking at Soot, "You mean … your trainer is your meema?"

Soot chuckled, walked over to Ash, and nudged up against him, "Yup. To everyone still conscious, allow to me introduce Ashton Satoshi Ketchum. My trainer and biological meema."

Ash chuckled nervously, "Aw, come on, Soot."

The Pokémon continued staring.

Staryu hopped out of the pool and stood in front of Ash, "What were you and our trainer talking about earlier? That stuff about Ice Beam and Aqua Ring."

Geodude hopped over, "And Iron Tail."

Ash responded by hitting the symbol on his chest. The Pokémon had to turn away due to the light. They looked again and flinched as they saw a vaporeon in Ash's place.

Misty pouted and mumbled, "Lucky."

Ash's ear twitched. He frowned slightly and glanced over at his backpack.

He shook it off and smiled at the Pokémon, "This is what we meant. My move set in this form is Ice Beam, Aqua Ring, Water Gun, and Iron Tail. Misty and Brock asked if I could teach most of you how to use some of those moves."

Starmie jumped onto the rim of the pool to face him, "Are you serious?!"

Pikachu looked over and nodded, "Yup, he taught me Iron Tail."

Squirtle grinned and gave a V-sign, "Taught me Ice Beam! Learnin' Aqua Tail from Dragonite!"

Charmander raised a paw and cheered, "Dragon Rage!"

Butterfree fluttered happily, "He's teaching me Ominous Wind as a banette!"

Pidgeotto nodded, "Same. Plus, he taught me Steel Wing as, uh," She blushed and cleared her throat, "Braviary."

Clefairy blinked and scratched the side of her head, "Huh. Ash actually hasn't taught me anything."

Krabby sighed, "Me neither."

Bulbasaur shrugged, "Eh."

Geodude looked around in shock. He back at Ash, "Do you know anything I can learn?"

Ash blinked and thought for a moment, "Hm." He perked up, "Oh! My mightyena form knows Hidden Power."

Geodude blinked in surprise, "Alright, then."

Brock and Misty shared a confused look.

Brock looked at the Dark-type, "Um, Soot?"

Soot looked at him and sweat dropped upon seeing his and Misty's expressions, "Right." She sighed before starting, "So, Goldeen said-"

.

**Time Skip**

Everyone continued towards Saffron. Ash mostly remained silent along the way. They came up to a large cliff overlooking some rough waters.

Clefairy looked over the edge and gulped, "Wow. Those are some big rocks."

Soot put a paw in front of her, "Yeah, maybe don't stand so close."

Misty sweat dropped, "Fall from here and ball game's over."

Ash didn't comment.

Brock pulled out his map and looked to the side, "The map says that this ridge should lead straight to Saffron City."

Soot looked over and sighed in relief, "Yeah and it actually looks stable. I'd almost forgotten what that looks like."

Misty looked over and noticed something, "Huh? Are those butterfree?"

Ash took a deep breath; catching everyone's attention, "Yeah, it's mating season. They're here for the migration."

Soot's eyes widened, "You mean-"

Ash pulled out a pokéball and smiled sadly, "Yeah. It's time for Butterfree to find a mate." He put the pokéball away and started walking, "Come on. We don't want to be late."

Everyone else followed.

.

**Time Skip**

"I'm surprised there's a place to rent hot air balloons all the way out here." Misty stated as she looked up at the large selection of balloons.

"It's, actually, pretty normal for aerial migrations." Ash responded monotonously, "Odds are we'll see a lot more trainers."

Brock looked over, "Is everything okay, Ash? You seem kind of down."

Ash blinked and smiled sadly, "It's nothing. I'm fine." He pulled out a pokéball again and perked up, "Do you guys mind getting the balloon without me? There's something I want to do before we go."

"Um, sure Ash." Misty said; a little confused.

Ash smiled sadly, "Thanks." He looked at the Pokémon on his shoulders, "Do you guys mind staying here with Brock, Misty, and Soot?"

Soot blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Pikachu and Clefairy blinked in surprise.

"Okay, I guess." Pikachu said as he jumped down.

Clefairy jumped down too and look up at her trainer, "You'll be back soon, right?"

Ash nodded, "Yeah. It'll just be a minute." He walked off towards the forest and disappeared into the tree line.

Misty frowned and looked down at Soot, "Is Ash okay?"

Soot's ears drooped, "More or less. I think dad's upset that Butterfree might be leaving."

Everyone's eyes widened in realization.

"That's right." Brock said as he put a hand to his chin, "The migration goes across the sea."

Pikachu and Clefairy looked at where Ash went. They felt sorry for their trainer.

Soot took a deep breath, "I'll get the balloon." She walked over to the stand. Pikachu and Clefairy perked up and followed her.

Misty frowned, "Poor Ash."

Brock frowned too, "Having to release a Pokémon you've formed a bond with, it must feel terrible. I couldn't even imagine having to let one of my Pokémon go."

Misty nodded, "I know what you mean. I wish we could help him."

Soot walked back over, "Got it."

"Thanks, Soo-" Misty stopped and her eyes widened when she saw Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy.

Put simply, tons of multicolored bows. Pikachu had two unevenly tied to each of his ears and around five all over his tail. Clefairy, weirdly enough, only had one red one at the center of the curl on her head. Soot had them … everywhere. Just, everywhere.

The stand's attendant stood next to them carrying a red, blue, and green hot air balloon at the end of a line. I kid you not, that was actually the design in the anime.

Brock stared in confusion, "What happened to you three?"

Soot's eye twitched, "Bring your kid to work day. In this case, three daughters. Ages 4, 6, and 7." She sighed and gestured to the attendant, "On the bright side, he let us rent the balloon for free."

The attendant rubbed the back of his head, "I am sorry about that. My girls just love Pokémon."

Soot shrugged, "Eh. Small price to pay for free rental."

The attendant chuckled before tying the balloon down and walking away. He waved back, "Enjoy the migration."

"Thank you, Sir!" Misty called out.

Pikachu grumbled as he tried to remove the ribbons tied to his ears, "How do you get these off?!"

Soot snickered, "I got it." She walked over to Pikachu, put a paw on his head, and shifted her eyes. After a second, all of the bows fell through her and Pikachu and landed on the ground, "There we go."

Pikachu shivered and smiled awkwardly, "Uh, thanks."

Soot snickered again and looked over at the Fairy-type, "Do you want some help, too?"

Clefairy blinked and adjusted the bow. She smiled, "Nah. I kinda like it."

After a minute, Ash walked back out of the forest with Butterfree on his shoulder. Both of them seemed a little down.

Brock noticed, "Is everything alright?"

Ash smiled sadly and nodded, "Yeah." He climbed into the balloon, "Let's go."

"Okay." Brock said; feeling unsure. Everyone else climbed in and Brock pulled the switch, "Hang on, guys."

The balloon lifted off the ground and soared over the water.

Clefairy looked over the edge and smiled brightly, "Wow! Look at the view!"

Pikachu looked to the side and called out, "Look! There they are!"

Everyone looked over and found the butterfree flock …

Ohirume: Swarm? Cluster? Gimme a sec … Okay, I looked it up; a group is butterflies is called a swarm. Makes sense.

Seishin: Although, other sources say "flutter" and "kaleidoscope." I mean- kaleidoscope … really?

Everyone looked over and found the butterfree swarm flying next to them.

"Look! There they are!" Misty said with a smile.

Ash and the Pokémon all sweat dropped.

Ash looked at the butterfly on his right shoulder, "You ready?"

Butterfree nodded with a somber expression, "Yeah." He took a deep breath and lifted off to join the swarm.

The group watched as Butterfree flew around the swarm and met the others of his species. Everyone he flew to just turned away without a word. After a few minutes, he flew out of the swarm and back towards the balloon.

Soot frowned, "No luck."

Clefairy frowned, "Aw."

"Maybe none of those butterfree is its type." Brock commented.

Misty looked over at Brock, "What do you mean, Brock? They all look the same to me."

"He means features or characteristics." Ash responded, "Flight patterns, wing design, even antennae length and eye size."

Misty raised a brow, "Eye size?"

Ash shrugged, "It's what Butterfree said." He blinked when he heard pokéballs opening and turned around, "Oh, there they are."

"Huh?" Everyone else turned to see a large number of trainers in balloons releasing their butterfree into the swarm.

"Oh, right." Misty said.

Brock looked around the balloons and found a girl with purple hair in one of them.

"You just go find yourself a nice mate, Butterfree. Go!" The girl tossed the pokéball and let out her butterfree. It joined the swarm with the others.

Brock blushed heavily as he stared at the girl.

Misty smiled slyly, "Oh boy, this again."

Butterfree landed on the edge of the basket.

Ash frowned, "No luck, huh?"

Brock ran up and got in Butterfree's face; startling the bug, "Listen up, Butterfree! See the Butterfree that girl just released?!" He pointed at the butterfree in the distance, "That one! That one right there! Pick that one!"

Butterfree looked where he pointed and sweat dropped, "Uuuh."

"Don't you get it?!" Brock said frantically, "If two butterfree fall in love their trainers will meet and they can fall in love, too!"

Misty moved over and pulled on his ear, "Don't butt in!"

Soot sweat dropped, "And, putting aside the trainer thing- Brock, that butterfree is a male."

Brock pouted, "Just my luck."

Ash chuckled and looked back at Butterfree, "Give it another go. You might more luck with a bigger crowd."

Butterfree nodded, "Alright. Wish me luck." He flew back towards the butterfly Pokémon.

Ash smiled sadly, "Good luck."

Soot blinked in surprise and glanced at Ash.

After Butterfree looked around for a bit, he fluttered excitedly towards a-

Misty leaned forward, "Whoa! A pink butterfree?!"

Brock stared in surprise, "But, how?! I thought shiny butterfree only had pink hands and feet."

Soot looked up at Ash, "You think she might be a pinkan?"

Ash put a hand to his chin, "Could be. If so, she either came a long way for this or had one of the most thoughtful trainers imaginable."

Brock looked at them in surprise, "Pinkan?"

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "I'm not really supposed to say."

Soot jumped in, "And it's not because of the watch, this time. We promised Professor Oak we wouldn't tell anyone the details. All we can really say is that it's being researched by a colleague."

Ash nodded, "Yeah, sorry. Just know that if you see an unnaturally pink Pokémon, there's a justified reason."

Misty sweat dropped, "Great." She smiled when she looked back at Ash's butterfree, "At least Butterfree found someone it likes."

Butterfree floated next to the pink one and started fluttering around rhythmically and spinning.

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "What's Butterfree doing?"

"It's called a courtship dance." Ash responded, "It's how the butterfree species asks others to be their mate."

Misty smiled, "Aw. That's so romantic."

Clefairy titled, "Why don't they just ask normally?"

Soot shrugged, "Instinct."

Brock followed, "If it works, the other butterfree should dance too."

Soot raised a brow, "She's doing something."

The pink butterfree turned away and started flying above the swarm. Butterfree followed.

Misty blinked, "Is this normal?"

Ash frowned, "No, it's not."

Butterfree continued his dance in front of the probable pinkan. *SLAP* She didn't feel the same.

Soot shied away, "Ohhh. That can't feel good."

The pink butterfree flew away; leaving the sobbing Butterfree behind.

Brock frowned, "Butterfree got shot down."

Misty glared, "What?! That isn't fair!"

Clefairy pouted, "So mean."

Pikachu frowned, "Poor Butterfree."

Butterfree sobbed from the rejection and started flying down, past the swarm, and into the forest below.

Ash frowned, "Butterfree."

Soot looked up at Brock, "We should make sure he's okay."

Ash started messing with his watch, "I'll go ahead." He found the braviary silhouette and ducked down to hide in the basket. The green light flared up and faded before Ash shot out of the basket and soared towards the forest, "Butterfree, wait up!"

Misty sweat dropped, "Still getting used that."

.

*Forest*

"Dad! Butterfree!" Soot called out.

"Where did you go?!" Pikachu shouted.

Misty followed, "Butterfree! Come out!"

"Guys! Over here!"

Everyone looked over to see Ash waving at them. Butterfree stood against a tree next to Ash; facing away from them. The group hurried over to the pair.

"How is he?" Brock asked Ash.

Ash frowned and looked at the butterfly, "Not good."

Butterfree sniffled, "I can't believe it. Why didn't she like me?"

Ash put a hand on the butterfly's head, "I'm sure it'll be alright, Butterfree."

Brock crossed his arms, "Being rejected by someone you love. It's a terrible shock, believe me." He perked up and called out, "I promise to do everything in my power to help!"

Misty deadpanned, "Maybe it'd be better to get advice from the only one of us with actual experience." She looked over at Ash.

Ash frowned and waved his hands, "Trust me, Misty. You're asking the wrong guy."

Misty blinked in surprise. She raised a brow and pointed over at Soot, "Really?"

Ash scratched the back of his head, "It's not what you think. Soot was an accident from training."

Brock flinched, "S-surely you don't mean that, Ash!" He said through his teeth as he forcefully gestured towards Soot.

Soot noticed and deadpanned, "Oh, please. It's not big of a deal for Pokémon. How do you think daycares work?" She sighed, "Dad may know more than your average rookie, but he's as dense as a brick when it comes to romance. A member of his own team could have a crush on him, and he wouldn't know it."

Ash glared, "Hey, I'm not that bad."

Soot rolled her eyes with a smirk, "Of course you're not."

Ash raised a brow but shrugged it off. He put a hand to his chin, "Still, there has to be some way we can help."

Clefairy jumped in, "I know! We just have to show her how great Butterfree is!" She ran up to Butterfree and smiled brightly, "You show off your moves! Tackle! Sleep Powder!"

Ash's eyes widened, "Ominous Wind!"

Misty blinked in surprise, "What?"

Ash smiled, "That pinkan butterfree might be looking for someone special or unique; like herself. And what's more special than a move that's near impossible to learn?"

Clefairy tilted, "I don't know. What?"

Pikachu sweat dropped, "I think that was a rhetorical question."

Brock put a hand to his chin, "You make a good point. A rare move could make the suitor seem more desirable."

Ash nodded, "Exactly." He brought up his watch and started twisting the dial, "The migration doesn't leave until sundown, so that gives us time for some last-minute move training." He found Banette and quickly hit the device.

Banette-Ash looked over at Butterfree with a determined smirk, "We've got around thirteen minutes before I need to recharge. So, let's get to work."

Butterfree became determined, "Alright!" He looked down slightly and looked somber, "But, will that be enough time?"

Ash put a hand to his chin, "That depends. At the very least, we should try and get to the point where you can fire on command."

Butterfree nodded, "Sounds good."

Ash lifted off the ground and levitated towards the center of the clearing. Butterfree followed.

"We'll start like before." Ash held out his hands and quickly fired the purple wind at a tree.

Butterfree nodded with a determined glare and started flapping.

Misty sweat dropped, "Were we supposed to understand any of that?"

"Dad's helping Butterfree with Ominous Wind again." Soot responded, "He'll time out in about thirteen minutes."

Pikachu looked up at her, "So, we just wait?"

Soot shrugged, "Yeah, I guess. It shouldn't that long, though"

Brock looked down at Soot, "Hey. You weren't serious about the crush thing, were you?"

Soot smirked, "Oh, I definitely was. For starters, you ever notice how often Pidgeotto blushes?"

Misty's eyes widened, "You're kidding."

Soot smiled slyly.

.

*Thirteen minutes and, uh … twenty-eight seconds later

The symbol on Ash's stomach started beeping and flashing red; catching the others attention.

Ash sighed, "Well, looks we're out-" A red light overtook him and faded, "of time." He looked at Butterfree and smiled, "Nice work. By now, it's just a matter of stamina and aiming."

Butterfree fluttered happily, "Yes! Do you think it'll be enough to impress her?"

Ash crouched down to pet him, "That's what we're gonna find out."

Soot blinked in surprise, 'What the- when did he-' Her eyes widened in realization before she deadpanned, 'Of course.'

Ash looked over at his friends, "Alright, I think we're ready. Let's give this another try."

"Hold on a moment." Brock said with a raised hand. He ran over to Butterfree and crouched down, "A new look might help, too." He stepped back to reveal Butterfree with a yellow sash around his neck.

Ash smiled softly, "Good thinking, Brock."

Misty smiled, "Yeah, that looks great."

Butterfree fluttered happily and lifted off the ground, "Let's go!"

.

*High in the air; hot-air balloon

Ash had a hand over his eyes as he looked around, "Now, where did she go?"

Misty smiled sadly, "It's really kind of you to do all of this for Butterfree. And a little surprising."

Ash blinked in surprise and looked back, "Why wouldn't I help him?"

Brock rubbed the back of his head, "Well, you seemed pretty upset about Butterfree leaving."

Ash looked down with a sad smile, "I want what's best for him. Even if it means going away."

Misty smiled softly and walked up to put a hand on Ash's shoulder. Brock moved up and did the same. Ash smiled softly and went back to looking.

"Found her!" Ash called out after a few seconds. He smiled, "And it looks like she still hasn't found a mate, yet." He looked over at Butterfree, "Give it all you've got, Butterfree!"

Soot jumped in, "Save your new move for last, just in case."

Butterfree nodded and soared into the swarm again. He fluttered over to the pinkan. She acted as if she didn't notice.

"Start with Whirlwind!" Soot called out.

Butterfree moved away and flapped heavily; firing the large gust of wind at the empty space. Pink turned away.

Ash frowned before calling out, "Try zipping around with Tackle!"

Butterfree did as suggested. She just turned away again. Butterfree whimpered from the rejection and looked down in shame.

Clefairy glared, "Come on! That was super impressive!"

Ash smirked, "Luckily, we still have an ace up our sleeve. Butterfree! Ominous W-" He was cut off by the sound of helicopter blades in the distance.

Everyone looked towards the source and stared in shock when they saw a large black helicopter with a large red 'R' on the front.

Prepare for trouble! Jessie said through a loudspeaker.

And make it double! James followed. You know how it goes from here.

To protect the world from devastation!

To unite all peoples within our nation!

To denounce the evils of truth and love!

To extend our reach to the stars above!

Jessie!

James!

Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!

Surrender now, or prepare to fight!

"Meowth! Dat's right!" The Scratch Cat finished as he appeared on a massive, discolored Master Ball rip-off with a red R on it.

Jessie laughed, Look at all the Butterfree.

All ours for the taking. James followed.

The fakéball burst into a giant net and tRio flew through butterfree swarm; catching the Bug-types.

Brock grimaced, "You've got to be kidding me!"

Misty clenched her fist, "How could they do this?! And during their mating season, no less!"

Soot growled, "We can't let this happen!"

Ash smirked, "Right!" He held out his right hand and sprouted his claws. He aimed towards the chopper, "I'll get the net! Soot, on my mark, take out the back rotor! Pikachu and Clefairy, blast them off Thunderbolt and Disarming Voice after the butterfree are out of range! We're stopping them here and now!"

Pikachu looked ahead and stared in shock, "Um. We may not get the chance too."

Ash, Clefairy, and Soot looked at him in confusion and followed his gaze. They grimaced when they saw what he meant. Brock and Misty looked too and reacted the same.

"Brace yourselves!" Ash shouted as Team Rocket's missile struck the balloon.

.

*Team Rocket

James looked through the side window as the twerps' balloon basket plummeted with the shredded balloon blowing upward.

James looked at Jessie with a worried expression, "Do you think we went too far with that?"

Jessie's eyes narrowed as she looked ahead, "Or course not! The twerps and their Pokémon would shoot us down in an instant! We just acted first!"

Meowth's voice came up over the radio, 'Sides, da Phantom ain't gonna go down dat easily. He'll find a way out a dis.

James pouted, "Still, he's going to be pretty mad."

Jessie pushed the cyclic forward; increasing their speed, "Then, we shouldn't be here when they recover!"

Seishin: Yes, it's called a cyclic. Look it up.

Ohirume: I did.

.

*Butterfree

"NO!" Butterfree shouted as his trainer's balloon dropped out of the sky. He was about to chase after them, when-

"HELP!"

He stopped and turned to see the pink butterfree trapped in Team Rocket's net. The helicopter was already flying away through the sea of balloons.

Jessie's voice came from it again, Our thanks to all of you who came to see Team Rocket's latest triumph. We hope to see you again.

James's voice came up next, Next time we steal the show.

Butterfree stared in shock as they left. He glanced back at the crash site and grimaced, "Please be okay, Ash." He turned towards the helicopter and flew as fast as he could.

.

*Ash and others; plummeting

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy screamed as the basket fell to the ground. The missile was only aimed at the balloon.

Ash and Soot gritted their teeth.

"DAD, DO SOMETHING!" Soot shouted at the top of her lungs.

Ash looked over edge and looked around the rapidly approaching terrain.

After a second, Ash shouted, "GOT IT!" He held out a hand to Soot, "Soot, get me down there!"

Soot's eyes widened in realization and she smirked, "Consider this payback for the waterfall!" She quickly yanked off her right foreleg and held it in her mouth as her eyes shifted.

Ash grabbed the leg and Soot forced it downward. Ash was phased through the basket to the ground below.

Pikachu grimaced, "What are you doing?!"

Soot spat out her leg; not bothering to reattached it yet, "Trust him! And hold on to the basket!"

Everyone grabbed the rim and closed their eyes. The flinched when they felt the basket land. But not on the ground.

Everyone's eyes shot open when the basket started sliding at an angle. Misty looked back and saw a giant ramp made of green crystal guiding them towards a giant half-pipe. They shot across the center, up the other side, etc., and settled down in the vertex after a minute.

A trembling hand grabbed onto the rim of the basket and Misty pulled herself up. She slumped over the edge; her face green from motion sickness, "I hate those three. So much!"

Pikachu and Clefairy held the rim of the basket in a vice grip; shaking like crazy.

Brock held his head and looked around at the crystalline structure in confusion, "Where did this come from?"

Brock heard heavy breathing and looked over to see-

Brock jumped, "Whoa!" Everyone, except Soot, followed his gaze and flinched.

Standing there was a large figure made entirely of the same green crystal. Its body was humanoid in stature but was far more prismatic and jagged. Two long crystals could be seen jutting from its back; pointing upwards in a slanted fashion. A third spike pointed from the back of its head. They had pupil-less, yellow eyes and a familiar symbol in the middle of its chest.

It was breathing heavily in a deep voice and held its four-fingered hands towards them. It fell to its knees and sighed in relief, "Oh, thank Arceus that worked!"

Misty blinked and looked closer; finally noticing the hourglass-looking symbol, "Ash?"

Soot flopped out of the basket, "Yep. Everyone, meet Stone Edge. The reason for dad's claws and him being able to shrug off getting hit by a balcony."

Clefairy's eyes widened, "Wait, what?"

Stone Edge raised a hand, "Hey." He hit the symbol of his chest.

A second later, Ash stood there; still slumped over. He got his second wind and ran over, "We need to catch up with Team Rocket!"

Misty shook off her confusion and nodded, "Agreed. But how? The balloon's toast."

Brock looked in the direction of the hot-air balloon stand, "Maybe we can rent a new one?"

Misty frowned, "Do you think he'll be okay with that? He might be upset about this one blowing up."

"I already thought of that." Ash said as he held up three necklaces made of Stone Edge's crystal. Each one was shaped like a star and was just over the size of a golf ball, "Do you think his daughters like jewelry?"

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy just stared; wide eyed and speechless.

"I'd be surprised if they didn't." Soot said casually.

.

**Time Skip**

The attendant was upset about the first balloon but completely forgot about that when Ash presented him with the gems. He accepted the necklaces without hesitation when he saw his daughters' eyes light up at the sight of them.

Ash and the others were high in the sky in the new balloon. This one was gold and silver with a thin yellow stripe dividing the colors. And, yes, that design is completely intentional.

The attendant gave them a stern warning not to pop this one.

Ash scrutinized the surrounding sky for Team Rocket. He grimaced and held his head, "Crag! There's no trace of them!"

Brock put a hand on his shoulder, "We just have to keep looking."

Misty nodded, "They couldn't have gone that far."

Ash looked back at the with a somber expression, "We still need to act fast. If it takes until sundown, the whole migration could get messed up." He looked down with a thoughtful expression, "I just wish we had a way to track them."

Soot deadpanned, "Like the natural hivemind-esque signals the species gives off to help them find this place?"

Misty blinked in surprise, "Is that how that works?"

Soot nodded, "It helps that the species can learn a handful of Psychic-type moves."

Brock scratched the back of his head, "That might work, but we would need a butterfree."

Soot looked at Ash, "That's your queue, dad."

Everyone else, including Ash, blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Soot deadpanned again, "Seriously? Dad, you've been responding to Butterfree a bit to accurately since leaving the forest. Just admit that you scanned him so we can track them."

Ash chuckled nervously, "I guess the cat's out of the bag, then." He quickly started messing with the watch and hit it. A butterfree stood in Ash's place; the symbol directly between his hands.

Pikachu gaped, "Wha- When did this happen?!"

Brock stared in confusion, "I don't remember butterfree being on the list of forms you mentioned."

Misty raised a brow, "Do you just get new forms every so often?"

Soot spoke up, "We'll explain later. But for now," She looked at Ash, "get to tracking."

Ash nodded, "Right." He stared off into the distance and spaced out. His antenna twitched a bit before he lifted off the ground and flew away; seemingly in a trance.

Soot pointed, "Follow him!"

Brock nodded and pulled the switch. The group flew after the butterfly-trainer as fast as they could.

Misty frowned slightly and looked at Soot, "Is it safe for Ash to do this? He looks like he's in a trance or something."

Soot nodded, "He is, but don't worry too much. Worst case scenario, he has a small headache after changing back."

The continued following Ash. Eventually, they floated into a large canyon. Ash began to descend.

.

*Butterfree

"Ominous Wind!"

Butterfree fired the shaky attack at the entrance to Team Rocket's warehouse. The metal doors held strong.

Butterfree breathed heavily; having been trying to break in for the last twenty, or so, minutes. Team Rocket lost interest after the first three minutes and just ignored the constant banging.

The tRio could be heard inside, "Seventy-three Meowth, seventy-four Meowth, seventy-"

"Do you really have to count them?" Jessie interrupted in a bored tone.

"Of course, I do!" Meowth shouted back, "We've gotta take stock for da boss!"

"But this is wasting time." James followed in a worried tone, "The twerps could already be back in the air."

"Jus' let me have dis! We'll ship em off when I'm done! Now stop interruptin' so I can finish! Seventy-five Meowth."

Butterfree glared, 'There has to be some way in.'

His antenna twitched and he became confused when he felt something strange. Yet, kind of familiar.

The Bug/Flying-type looked back and saw a gold and silver balloon following another butterfree.

Butterfree's eyes lit up, 'Trainers! Please be on our side!'

He flew towards them as fast as he could and immediately got in the other butterfree's way, "You have to help! These bad guys have kidnapped a bunch of our kind! We need to save-" He stopped and stared when he noticed something on the butterfree's chest.

Ash flew past him without a word; en route to the warehouse.

Butterfree stared in confusion, "Ash?"

"Butterfree!"

The butterfly jerked around to see Soot and everyone else in the balloon. He flew towards them and started rambling wildly.

Soot smiled brightly, "He found them!"

"Alright!" Misty cheered.

"Let's hurry!" Brock said as he pulled the switch again.

They followed Butterfree to the warehouse and immediately found Ash … aimlessly trying to fly into the locked door.

Soot snickered, "Aw man. I wish I had time enjoy this." She looked at the Fairy-type, "Mind Wake-Up Slapping him?"

Clefairy quickly ran in front of Ash and slapped him hard enough to force him onto his back and into the ground.

Clefairy grimaced, "Sorry Ash."

Ash sat up and shook his head, "I'm good." He slapped the symbol and switched back to normal.

Ash stood back and instantly regretted it, "Woah." He said as he held his head and fumbled.

"Are you alright?" Brock asked.

Ash blinked rapidly and shook his head, "Yeah. I just- haven't done something like that in a while."

"Ninety-eight Meowth, ninety-nine Meowth, one-hundred Meowth." Meowth laughed from inside the warehouse.

"Finally." Jessie groaned.

Ash looked at the door and glared, "Let's finish this!"

.

*Team Rocket; inside

"Ninety-eight Meowth, ninety-nine Meowth, one-hundred Meowth." Meowth laughed 'wickedly'.

"Finally." Jessie groaned with an annoyed look. She perked up, "A very nice catch."

James frowned and looked around nervously.

Jessie looked at him with a raised brow, "James, it's your line. Remember? Something like, 'It's nice to have to have one our schemes work, for once.'"

"Sorry, Jess." James said, "But, this is around the time the twerps show up."

Jessie grumbled and got in his face, "James, in the original series, they followed us here and found the twerp's butterfree. This time, we shot them down, they didn't see which direction we went, and that bug is still out there banging on the door."

Meowth nodded with a cocky smirk, "Yeah. How are they supposed to find us this time?"

James kept frowning and raised a finger, "Well, couldn't the twerp turn into something that's good at tracking?"

Jessie and Meowth's eyes widened in realization. A window shattered; catching the tRio's attention.

Meowth gulped, "Uh oh."

Ash stood there with Pikachu on his shoulder. The duo smirked with their arms crossed and eyes shaded, "Prepare for trouble!"

Misty stood opposite to the pair with Clefairy on her shoulder. Also, smirking, arms crossed, and eyes shaded, "And you can make that triple!"

Brock came up with a flashlight point at his face and Butterfree in his head, "To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!" Ash, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy followed.

Soot sat to the side; deadpanned, "Remind me why we're doing this again."

Team Rocket sweat dropped, "This was just-" "too good-" "ta last." 'Why did the author have to keep that part?'

Ash glared, "Ya got that right."

Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down and glared, "That's right!"

"We're defending the beauty of truth and love." Misty followed with her hands on her hips.

Jessie groaned and mumbled, "It's times like this that I wish copyright infringement was a thing in this world."

Ash overheard and raised a brow, "Copyright?"

Meowth shouted without warning, "We gotta stop dem!"

"Go, Ekans!" "And Koffing!" Jessie and James said as they released their Poison-types.

Jessie quickly brought out a metal sledgehammer, "Today's the one day-"

James followed with a metal clamp and smiled wickedly, "You won't win!"

Ash glared and pointed, "Butterfree, go for the net!"

Butterfree shot past him.

James raised an arm, "Koffing, stop that bug!"

"You too, Ekans!" Jessie followed.

The snake and gas ball jumped into Butterfree's flight path. They were immediately knocked back by a sudden Thunderbolt and Disarming Voice to the face.

Soot smirked, "Nice shot!"

Misty threw a pokéball, "Go, Starmie!"

"Go, Geodude!" Brock called out.

The Mysterious and Rock Pokémon emerged in midair.

"Starmie! Spinning Tackle!"

"Geodude! Use Tackle too!"

The pair shot through the air and chased Team Rocket. The trio just ran and screamed.

Soot snickered as Brock and Misty's Pokémon chased them. Pikachu and Clefairy kept the Poison-types at bay. Ash looked towards the net and saw Butterfree Tackling it repeatedly. Pink was watching at him in awe.

Ash smiled sadly before frowning, 'He's still too worn out for Tackle to do that much.' He shifted to a smirk and held out a hand, "Butterfree, the tip of the net looks pretty empty. Hit it with Ominous Wind!"

Butterfree glared and fired the purple gust. It broke through the net like it was nothing. The butterfree all started pouring out of it.

The trio was still running as Meowth called out, "Da butterfree are gettin' away! Do somethin'!"

Jessie stopped in her tracks and swung her hammer at Starmie, "Take th-"

She stopped and stared when Geodude caught the sledgehammer.

"Nice try." Geodude said before punching the hammer; breaking it in half.

Jessie glared, "Hey! That was a rental!"

"Hurry up, fly away!"

Jessie, James, and Meowth turned to see Brock at the now opened entrance and the butterfree escaping.

James grimaced and held his head, "Oh no!"

Ash ignored them, ran over to the panting Butterfree, and crouched down with a worried expression, "Butterfree, how are you?"

"I'll- I'll live." Butterfree panted.

"You saved me. You saved all of us." The pinkan said happily as she looked at Butterfree brightly.

James shot over to her with a butterfly net, "You're mine!"

Ash was about to pounce, but Butterfree beat him to it with another Ominous Wind, "GET AWAY FROM HER!"

"Ahhhh!" James screamed as he flew back into a crate.

The pink butterfree blushed at the act and started tapping her fingers together.

"Butterfree!"

She flinched and looked down to see Ash propping up Butterfree, "You need to rest. Ominous Wind takes a lot of stamina."

Butterfree laughed weakly, "I-I'm okay, Ash. Don't worry." He looked at the pink butterfree, "Are you okay?"

She stared in shock and landed in front of him. She jumped forward and pulled him into a hug immediately. Butterfree's eyes lit up as he hugged her back. Ash smiled softly. They all flinched when they heard the helicopter again.

"Stop!" Brock called out.

"Wait!" Misty shouted.

Soot growled as they flew after the swarm again.

Ash hurried over, "Come on. We need to follow them."

Everyone loaded into the balloon and chased Team Rocket. They found the helicopter with its net already out again.

Misty grimaced, "They're doing it again!"

Butterfree looked over at Pikachu, "Get on my back! I can get you close."

"Hold it!" Ash declared as he put a hand on Butterfree's head, "Butterfree, stay here. You can't push yourself like this!"

The pinkan butterfree looked at Ash in confusion.

Butterfree glared, "But we can't let them do this again!"

Ash brought up his watch and hit the button on the side; causing the center to spring up, "I know." He twisted the dial, slammed it down, and emerged in braviary form.

Pink flinched, "Whoa! What the Yvel?!"

Ash looked at Pikachu, "We're going with Butterfree's plan. Hop on."

Pikachu nodded and jumped on. Ash lifted off and soared towards the chopper. Pink just stared in shock.

Soot noticed, "Yeah. My meema can do that."

.

*Team Rocket

James noticed something through the side window and blinked, "Huh?"

Meowth looked at him, "What now?"

"I think I just saw Pikachu."

Jessie glared at him, "Don't be stupid, James! That's not possi-" She stopped when she looked ahead again, "Wait, what's that?"

James and Meowth followed her gaze to see Ash and Pikachu ahead towards them. Pikachu jumped off his trainer's back and landed on the helicopter windshield.

Pikachu smirked as his cheeks started sparking, "See ya." Pikachu used Thunderbolt. Ash swooped in to grab him right before the vehicle blew up and only sustained a minor shock.

The trio screamed as they were thrown to the abyssal canyon below. Again, not kidding. I don't know how to explain it.

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

Soot looked over the edge; wide eyed, "Um, wow."

Misty blinked in surprise, "Do you think they'll be okay?"

Brock scratched the back of his head, "I mean- they had to have survived worse, by now. Right?"

.

*Migration Cliff; Sunset

Ash tossed five pokéballs into the air, "Come on out!"

Squirtle, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Pidgeotto, and Krabby materialized.

Squirtle quickly noticed the pink butterfree and smiled slyly. He ran up and nudged Butterfree, "You sly bug! Found yourself a cute one, huh?"

"You're more right than you think, Squirtle." Ash said in a somber tone. Everyone looked and found him in butterfree form.

Bulbasaur blinked in surprise, "How long have you had that form?"

Ash looked at him, "Most of the day." He took a deep breath, "Guys, there's something you need to know. Butterfree's going away for a while."

"What?!" Pidgeotto cried out.

Charmander looked at Butterfree and frowned, "Where are you going?"

"Across the sea to start a family." Soot said somberly.

Butterfree nodded sadly, "Yeah." He moved over to the Pinkan and held her hand, "Everyone, this is my mate."

She fluttered happily, "Hello."

Bulbasaur frowned, "So, this is goodbye?"

Butterfree nodded with a somber expression, "Yeah."

Ash looked around, "It seemed right to let you all give him a proper goodbye. Instead just saying he's on a trip or something."

Gem and Faux: *groans*

Seishin: Hah! Anime slam!

Pidgeotto walked up; making the pinkan butterfree a little nervous. "It's been nice knowing you, bug." Pidgeotto said with a glare.

Butterfree glared back, "Same to you, feathers."

The pair cracked a smirk and chuckled.

"I guess we can't finish our training together, then." Pidgeotto said with a sad smile.

Butterfree stood proud, "No need! 'Cause I already learned Ominous Wind without you!"

Pidgeotto stared in surprise before chuckling, "Well then, I guess I have some catching up to do." She smiled sadly, "Take care."

Butterfree nodded.

Charmander ran up and hugged the Bug-type, "Thank you for helping back at the Pokémon Center. I'll miss you."

Butterfree hugged him back, "I'll miss you, too."

Bulbasaur held out a vine, "It's been nice knowing ya."

Butterfree took the vine and shook it, "You too."

Bulbasaur looked at the Pinkan, "Take care of him." He shifted to a harsh glare, "Break his heart and I break you."

She flinched slightly and nodded, "O-of course."

Butterfree chuckled, "Don't worry. I'm sure he's probably joking."

Pink chuckled nervously.

Krabby scuttled over. He put a claw behind his head sheepishly, "I, uh, haven't really known ya that long. But," He held out a claw "I'm happy we got a chance to share the world's most confusing trainer."

Butterfree chuckled and shook hands/claws with the crab, "Don't worry, you'll get used to it."

Ash sweat dropped at the comment.

Butterfree looked at Squirtle.

Squirtle crossed his arms and pouted, "I guess I'll miss ya." He sighed and walked over to with a sad smile, "Take care out there."

Butterfree nodded, "Thanks."

Squirtle grinned, "Hey, and maybe you can even name one of your hatchlings after the coolest Water-type you know."

"Hmm." Butterfree tilted his head, "Do you really think that'd be okay with Goldeen?"

Squirtle's eyes widened, "What?!"

Butterfree laughed, "See? I can joke, too."

Squirtle blinked before busting into laughter. Butterfree followed soon after.

Squirtle calmed down and held out a fist, "Stay safe, bug."

Butterfree mimicked the motion and they bumped fists.

Clefairy walked up to him with tears in her eyes. She sniffled and pulled him into a hug, "I'll miss you a lot."

Butterfree hugged her back, "I'll miss you too, Clefairy."

After a few more seconds, Clefairy let go, nodded with a sad smile, and walked back to the crowd.

Pikachu walked up and held out a paw, "I'll never forget you, buddy."

Butterfree shook the paw, "Same."

Soot walked up and put a paw on his head, "I'll miss ya, Butterfree. I'll still never understand how you managed to evolve twice in less than three days."

Pink jerked and stared at Butterfree in shock.

Butterfree blushed, "Aw, come on, Soot. I'm sure it's not that rare."

Soot snickered, "Keep tellin' yourself that, Aporia Crataegi."

Both butterfree tilted their heads, "Aporia what?"

Soot shrugged, "Something a freak called you." She paused and raised a brow, "I think."

Seishin: Yeah! I'm a reference!

Omega: She called you a freak.

Ash fluttered over and hugged him, "Take care of yourself."

Butterfree hugged him back, "You too, Ash."

Ash let go and hit the symbol on his chest. He reverted back to human and brought out Butterfree's pokéball, "Normally, for these migrations, a trainer would release there Pokémon for good. Voiding the connection to their pokéball and trainer."

Butterfree looked at the ball sadly.

Ash smiled softly, "But when have I ever been normal?" He put the ball away and crouched down, "I'll keep it as is and send it to Professor Oak for safe keeping. That way, you'll never have to worry about being caught by another trainer."

Soot nodded, "And if you guys ever decide to find a new home, the ranch will be open. We'll even be able to see each other again."

Butterfree looked at them in awe before tearing up and flying into Ash's arms. Ash hugged him back, "Thank you for everything, Butterfree."

The pink Butterfree watched with a sad smile.

After a minute, they separated. Ash smiled sadly, "Goodbye Butterfree."

Butterfree sniffled, "Goodbye Ash." He and his mate lifted off the ground and took to the air.

Misty waved, "Bye-bye, Butterfree."

"Good luck to both of you." Brock called out.

The butterfly's started flying into the distance as they followed the migration.

Brock put a hand on Ash's shoulder, "You raised him well, Ash. You should be proud."

Ash smiled softly, "Thanks."

Misty smiled as she took in the view, "Isn't that beautiful?"

Soot smiled sadly, "It sure is."

.

.

Omega: Oh, now I get it.

Faux: Wait … We could have kept his Pokéball?!

…

Seishin: I'm wondering, now. How many other fanfictions actually have Butterfree leave?

Ohirume: If it's a rewrite story like this one, I haven't found one yet.