Seishin: Monkeh!

Gem: You mean 'mankey'.

Faux: No, we caught him as a primeape. Remember?

Omega: Monkeys evolving into Apes. *sigh* Well, at least it makes theoretical sense.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Dog Days, But In A Good Way … oh and, uh, Mankey

.

Everyone continued on their journey; en route to Celadon for Ash's next badge. The sun started setting, so they set up camp for the night.

They set up the table next to the main road and released all of their Pokémon. They didn't have access to Ash's pool, so Onix Dug a large hole for Misty's Pokémon to fill up. Brock and his Pokémon sat at and around the table; watching Ash train with his Pokémon. Speaking of them-

"Freestyle training?" Bulbasaur asked.

Ash nodded, "Right. Essentially, you're going to be battling without command."

Pikachu raised a brow, "Isn't that just battling as if we were wild?"

Soot shook her head and smiled, "Not exactly. The point of this is to help you think for yourself, instead of just going off instinct or orders. As such, you'll be battling a creative opponent with the goal of figuring out what they're doing."

Clefairy's eyes widened, "We're battling you?"

Soot smirked, "Oh, you wish. I'll be the referee for the battles."

Charmander tilted his head, "Then, who-" He stopped and looked at Ash in shock, "We're battling our trainer?!"

Ash grinned, "Yup. With this thing still going," He pawed at the symbol on his chest, Lockdown Mode in-effect. Approximate time until release: fifteen hours. "We have all the time we could want. Any questions?"

Krabby raised a claw, "Yeah. Why are we doing this?"

Ash shrugged, "I thought it'd be fun. By the way, this training is completely optional. If you don't want to join in, no problem."

Squirtle raised a brow, "Do we get anything if we win?"

Soot smirked, "I already talked to Brock: extra dessert for anyone that passes."

Charmander frowned, "What happens if we lose?"

Ash blinked in surprise, "Well … nothing. This is a training exercise."

Squirtle smirked, "So, everything to win and nothing to lose."

"Nothing to lose but the battle." Soot said with a smirk.

Krabby glared determinedly, "I'm in."

Squirtle followed, "Oh, Yvel, yeah!"

Pidgeotto nodded, "Sounds like fun."

Bulbasaur smirked, "Deal. Besides, you owe me a rematch."

Pikachu crossed his arms and grinned, "As if I'll pass up extra dessert."

Ash smiled at his team. He looked at his last two Pokémon, "Clefairy, Charmander, you in?"

Clefairy frowned and started tapping her fingers together, "Um- I don't know."

Charmander rubbed his arm with a nervous expression.

Ash smirked, "What if I said, you could team up against me?"

Everyone, except Soot, looked at him in surprise, "HUH?!"

Ash chuckled, "You heard me. You can partner up into teams of two or battle me one-on-one. The reward is the same either way and only one of your needs to pass for your team to take the prize."

Clefairy smiled with a determined glared, "Okay!"

Ash nodded and looked over at the fire Lizard, "Charmander?"

Charmander frowned, "Are you sure it's okay?"

Ash nodded and smiled softly, "Positive. Nothing you do will make me mad."

Charmander smiled and nodded, "Okay."

Ash walked over to nudge up against him, "Good to hear."

Charmander smiled and hugged Ash's head.

Ash chuckled and looked around at his Pokémon, "Alright. So how should we divide up the teams?"

Squirtle ran over and put an arm behind Clefairy's back; surprising her, "I call Clefairy as a partner!"

Krabby glared and scuttled over, "What?! Why do you get her?!"

Bulbasaur sighed, "He just wants her because of the type advantage."

Squirtle glared at the plant, "Not true! I really think we'd make a good team!"

Bulbasaur rolled his eyes, "Yeah, right. Do you even know her move set?"

Squirtle nodded, "Of course. There's, uh- Disarming Voice and- and-" he trailed off.

Bulbasaur smirked, "See?"

Squirtle grumbled, "Well I'm sure Clefairy wants to team up with me, too. Right, Clefairy?"

No response.

Squirtle blinked, "Clefairy?" He looked at where she was and found nothing.

Pidgeotto walked over and nudged the turtle with a wing, "Uh, Squirtle-" She looked over to Pikachu.

Squirtle followed her gaze and found Clefairy hiding behind the Electric-type. Pikachu chuckled nervously.

Soot snickered, "Looks like we have our first team."

Squirtle slumped forward, "Ah man."

.

*skip to freestyle training

The teams ended up being comprised of Pikachu and Clefairy, Squirtle and Krabby, and Charmander and Pidgeotto. Bulbasaur decided to be the odd one out for his rematch.

The Water-type duo was up first.

Ash, Squirtle, and Krabby stood on either side of a clearing with Soot sitting to the side.

Squirtle smirked and cracked his knuckles, "This'll be cake."

Krabby glared mockingly at their trainer, "Don't worry, Ash. We'll make it fast."

Ash smiled happily, "Alright. Good luck."

Soot smirked, 'Oh, the poor fools.' "Alright! This'll be a one-on-two battle between Dad and team Water-boys!"

"We never agreed to that name!" Squirtle shouted.

Soot stuck her tongue out at them before continuing, "The battle will be over when one side is unable to continue or forfeits! The Water-types get the first move! Are both sides ready?!"

The trio nodded and took up their fighting stances.

Soot raised a paw and brought it down forcefully, "Then, START!"

"Take this!" Squirtle called out as he shot a Water Gun towards Ash.

Krabby followed by firing a cluster of Bubble from his mouth.

Ash smirked and jumped out of the way two attacks. He quickly fired Hidden Power towards Krabby.

Krabby grimaced and quickly used Harden. It did nothing against the barraged special attack.

Krabby was thrown back and landed on the ground; eyes in swirls.

Soot pointed a paw at the River Crab, "Krabby is unable to battle!"

Squirtle stared in shock at his downed teammate.

"Grass-type. Convenient isn't it?" Ash whispered.

Squirtle flinched and turned back right as Ash clamped down with Ice Fang.

"SQUIRTLE!" Cried out the Water-type as he was frozen solid.

The Pokémon, except Ash, laughed hysterically.

Soot calm down enough to say, "Squirtle is unable to battle. Dad takes the win."

Ash sweat dropped, "Sorry. I got a little carried away."

Squirtle glared at him from inside the ice.

Ash chuckled nervously and looked at Charmander, "Can you come thaw him out?"

Charmander calmed down some and ran over to them.

.

*Brock, Misty and their Pokémon

Misty snickered, "That was fast."

Brock smiled, "Ash sure seems to be enjoying himself."

Misty smiled sadly, "Yeah. Must be nice."

Brock looked at her, "Is everything okay?"

Misty frowned, "Yeah. I guess I'm just a little- well-"

Brock smiled sadly, "Jealous?"

Misty chuckled, "I guess. I mean, who doesn't imagine being able to turn into some kind of Pokémon at least once in their life?"

Brock chuckled, "Yeah. I know what you mean. But at least Ash doesn't rub it in or anything."

"Yeah." Misty said before frowning with a thoughtful expression, "Where do you think he got that watch anyway?"

Brock looked at Misty in surprise, "Hold on. Have we seriously not asked him that yet?"

.

*Ash vs. Pikachu and Clefairy

Soot smiled, "This battle will be between dad and Team Dazzling Bolt!"

Squirtle glared, "What?! Why do they get a cool name?!"

Soot glared back, "Stop interrupting!" She looked back at the field and smiled, "The battle will be over when one side is unable to continue or forfeits! Like before, the challengers get the first move! Are both sides ready?!"

Pikachu looked at Clefairy and smirked, "You know the plan?"

Clefairy nodded with a determined smile, "Yup."

Ash overheard and couldn't help but smile proudly.

Bulbasaur, Charmander and Pidgeotto watched intently from the sidelines. Squirtle and Krabby sat next to them in a slump.

Pikachu nodded back and looked over at Soot, "We're set!"

Ash glanced at Soot and nodded.

Soot smirked, raised a paw, and brought it down, "START!"

Pikachu shot forward with Agility. Clefairy stayed back and shouted a Disarming Voice.

Ash's grinned, 'Clever.' He formed and fired Hidden Power at the oncoming attack.

One sphere cancelled out the Fairy-type attack and the rest shot towards Clefairy. The Fairy Pokémon grimaced and jumped out of the way as the attack passed.

Ash's ear twitched before he detonated a Hidden Power sphere in each paw. He shot into the air; avoiding Pikachu's Iron Tail leg sweep.

The mouse's eyes narrowed as he got back on his feet and fired a Thunderbolt at the Dark-type.

Ash smirked and detonated another handful of Hidden Power to maneuver through the air and dodge. He changed course and shot down towards Clefairy with an icy mist coming from his mouth.

Pikachu shot back towards Clefairy and tackled her out of the way as Ash Ice Fanged the air. He skidded to a halt and started rapid firing Hidden Powers.

Pikachu grimaced, grabbed Clefairy by the arm, and used Agility to drag her behind a large rock. Ash shifted his focus to the rock and watched closely.

Pikachu breathed heavily, "Well, that didn't work."

Clefairy sat down and stared adjusting her bow, "So, what now?"

Pikachu looked around the rock and flinched as he ducked back and dodged Hidden Power again, "Let's try slowing him down. I can try paralyzing him, but I need a clean hit."

Clefairy looked up at him and nodded, "Okay. But how are we supposed to do that? He's been dodging everything we've thrown at him."

Pikachu looked down with a thoughtful expression. After a second, his eyes widened and he looked back at Clefairy with a smirk, "Okay. I think I have something. On my mark, I need you to fire a Disarming Voice at me."

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

.

*Ash

The canine glared at the rock apprehensively, 'What are they up to?'

His eyes widened when Clefairy jumped out from behind the rock and fired another Disarming Voice. At the same time, Pikachu ran from behind it with Agility.

Ash frowned, 'They aren't trying the same thing twice, are they?' He countered the Disarming Voice like before.

Clefairy ran back behind the rock to avoid the rest of the spheres.

Ash's ear twitched and his eyes widened before propelling himself over Pikachu's Thunderbolt.

Pikachu got closer and jumped up at him with Quick Attack.

Ash smiled, 'Not bad.' He used Hidden Power again and dodged in midair.

Pikachu glanced back at the rock, "NOW!"

Ash's eyes widened as Clefairy jumped from her hiding sport again and fired another Disarming Voice … towards Pikachu?

The attack flew behind the Electric-type and Pikachu shot it with Thunderbolt. The resulting explosion shot Pikachu straight at Ash; nailing their trainer in the side with Quick Attack.

"Augh!" Ash yelped as he was thrown to the ground.

Pikachu jumped back and unleashed another Thunderbolt. Ash shouted as the electricity overtook him. Pikachu lit up with Agility again and shot back to Clefairy.

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

Ash shakily got back to his feet but flinched as electricity traveled across his body.

Clefairy smiled brightly, "It worked!"

Pikachu grinned, "Yeah! Now let's finish this!"

Clefairy used Disarming Voice and Pikachu used Thunderbolt.

Ash stared wide eyed as the attacks approached. He shifted to a soft smile, 'Nice work.' He grinned, 'But I'm not going down that easily.'

He took a deep breath and shouted a Hyper Voice at the oncoming attacks. It overpowered the moves and shot towards the opposing team.

Pikachu and Clefairy grimaced and covered their ears as the attack washed over them. Ash kept up his shouting and unleashed a massive swarm of Hidden Power at them. The Mouse and Fairy shouted as they were hit; kicking up a large cloud of dust.

Ash cut off his attacks and panted heavily.

The dust settled to reveal the duo on the ground; swirl eyed.

Soot raised a paw, "Team Dazzling Bolt is unable to battle!" She gestured to Ash, "This battle goes to Dad!"

Pikachu sat back up and held his head, "Geez."

Clefairy pouted, "We almost had him."

Ash walked up and smiled, "Still, that was impressive. That thing with Disarming Voice really caught me off guard."

Pikachu rubbed the back of his head, "I guess. But, I mostly got the idea from the way you and Soot use Hidden Power and Shadow Ball. Really, I was just trying to paralyze you."

Ash smiled proudly, "Well, it worked. I'm proud of you two."

"But we didn't win." Clefairy said; still pouting.

Soot walked up, "Oh, you were never going to win. Mightyena is the form dad has the most experience with. You were outclassed from the start."

"What?!" Squirtle shouted, "Then what was the point of the prize?!"

Ash smiled brightly, "Oh, they still get the prize."

Pikachu and Clefairy looked at him; wide eyed, "Huh?!"

Soot grinned, "You passed. I'll tell Brock the good news."

Krabby blinked in surprise, "But you said we only get it if we win!"

Soot smiled, "No. Squirtle said that."

Ash snickered, "You win the prize under one of two conditions. One, you beat me in the battle."

Soot smirked, "Which isn't happening."

"And two, you impress either of us enough that we say so." Ash smiled Pikachu and Clefairy, "That combination of yours was impressive and your teamwork was on point. Against most wild Pokémon, you would've won without a doubt."

Pikachu and Clefairy shared a shocked look and smiled brightly. They ran up and high-pawed, "Alright!"

Squirtle and Krabby grimaced and fell over.

Soot snickered and looked at the last team, "So Team Phoenix, you ready?"

"Oh, come on!" Squirtle shouted.

Charmander and Pidgeotto shared a look.

The Lizard Pokémon rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously, "I think we'll pass."

The Bird Pokémon nodded, "Yeah. I can live without extra dessert."

Ash sighed, "Right." He glared at Soot, "This is why didn't want to tell them that part."

Soot stuck her tongue out.

Bulbasaur walked up, "I'll still battle."

Ash looked at him in surprise, "Really?"

Bulbasaur nodded, "You still owe me a rematch." He smirked, "And I don't intend to lose this time."

Soot snickered, "Yeah, sure."

.

*Ash vs. Bulbasaur

Everyone watched the battle unfolding before them in awe.

"Wow." Soot said.

Misty blinked, "Should I be concerned that this doesn't surprise me?"

Brock scratched his cheek, "I mean- we know a talking mightyena who can walk through walls."

"Yeah, but I'm pretty sure she can't fl-" Misty blinked and deadpanned, "Never mind."

Ash shot all through the air avoiding Bulbasaur's Razor Leaves. Detonating Hidden Powers left, right, up, down, and however else.

Ash smirked down at the Grass-type, "Nice work. This is actually pretty tough."

Bulbasaur smiled up at the Dark-type, "I learned from the best, didn't I?"

Ash smiled softly, "Aw, thanks."

Soot smirked and called out, "But it'll take more than kind words to win the prize."

"I know." Bulbasaur smirked, "But it helped with this."

Ash's eyes widened. He looked around to see a swarm of Razor Leaves coming at him from all directions; except below. Ash glanced down to see Bulbasaur charging Sleep Powder where he would have to land.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Judging by the speed of the Razor Leaf, I'll need to propel myself down at a speed that I can't maneuver away at. He's only giving me one option that leads to a trap.' He smirked, 'Impressive.'

Ash detonated a handful of Hidden Power to flip himself over and exploded a few more to blast himself towards the ground. The Razor Leaves shot through the empty space.

Bulbasaur's eyes narrowed, 'He's coming in headfirst?'

The Seed Pokémon unleased his Sleep Powder in Ash's path. His eyes widened when he saw Ash inhaling.

Bulbasaur grimaced, "Crag!" He brought out his vines and pushed off the ground as Ash screamed Hyper Voice at the ground.

The sound waves tore through the blue cloud of powder and dispersed it out throughout the battlefield.

Soot's eyes widened before she looked over at her teammates, "Pikachu, Charmander, burn the spores with Thunderbolt and Flamethrower!"

The pair complied and burned the Grass status move out of existence.

Soot sighed in relief, "That was close."

Ash cut off Hyper Voice, landed, and shot backwards with Hidden Power. He landed back on the ground in a crouch right as Bulbasaur landed on his own side. The combatants panted before smirking and retaking their fighting stances.

Brock put a hand to his chin, "He used Hyper Voice to simultaneously negate Sleep Powder and soften his landing. Ash really knows what he's doing."

Misty stared; wide eyed, "No kidding."

Bulbasaur fired another Razor Leaf at the Dark-type.

This time, Ash countered with Hidden Power; hitting every leaf with pinpoint accuracy. He, then, ran forward with Ice Fang and lunged.

Bulbasaur shot out a Vine Whip. Intent on wrapping it around the canine's snout and muzzling him.

Ash's eyes narrowed as he shouted another Hyper Voice at point blank.

Bulbasaur grimaced and brought his vines back to wrap around his own ears. He dug his claws into the ground in an attempt to remain steadfast.

Ash landed on the ground and continued shouting. After a minute, he cut off his attack and smirked.

Misty's eyes widened, "What the Yvel?!"

Squirtle's jaw dropped, "Wha- but- I though Hyper Voice was a Normal-type move!"

Soot smirked, "It is."

Charmander looked at Soot in surprise, "Then, how did he do that?!"

Pikachu squinted, "I think he combined it with Ice Fang."

Soot smiled, "Look who's catching on."

Pidgeotto stared in shock, "That's possible?"

Soot shrugged, "It's easier than you may think."

Bulbasaur heard none of them talking as he was still covering his ears. He stopped feeling the sound attack and attempted to unwrap his vines. But it failed.

Bulbasaur's eyes shot open to find himself encased in ice.

Ash walked up casually and smirked, "Well played, Bulbasaur. But it looks like I win again."

Ash's smirk faded when he saw Bulbasaur smirking from inside the ice.

A blue orb materialized on Bulbasaur's forehead.

Ash's eyes widened as the sphere exploded violently and destroyed Bulbasaur's ice prison. Ash detonated Hidden Power to flip backwards and land on his side of the field. He looked back up in shock to see Bulbasaur smiling slyly and panting heavily.

"Surprised?" Bulbasaur asked.

Soot's eyes widened, "What the?!"

Brock stared in shock, "Since when did Bulbasaur know Hidden Power?!"

Misty and the rest of the Pokémon were speechless.

Ash stared in shock, "Where did that come from?!"

Bulbasaur smirked; still panting, "I listened in when you were tutoring Krabby and Geodude. I thought it would make a good surprise."

Ash smiled brightly, "Well, you thought right! That was awesome!"

"Thanks." Bulbasaur caught his breath and smiled slyly, "But what do you think about the second one?" He looked at Ash's right side.

Ash frowned and his eyes widened as he looked too. He found a Razor Leaf tangled in is fur; puncturing a massive Hidden Power. The sphere exploded violently and kicked up a massive could of dust around the trainer.

Bulbasaur chuckled and fell to his stomach, "I put everything I had left into that. There's no way he could still be conscious."

Everyone, except Bulbasaur, stared in shock at the cloud of dust.

"Di-did Ash just lose?" Krabby asked.

Clefairy blinked, "I thought Soot said that was impossible."

Soot continued staring in shock and blinked in surprise when the dust started clearing.

Ash stood their shying away from the blast; eyes closed, and teeth clenched. Ash opened an eye and looked over himself in confusion.

Bulbasaur stared in shock, "H-how?"

Ash looked back and blinked in surprise, "What just happened?"

Soot eyes widened in realization and she broke into laughter, "H-holy Arceus! Bulbasaur's Hidden power is Psychic-type!" She fell to her side and continued laughing like a maniac.

Bulbasaur grimaced, "What?!"

Ash stared in shock and looked over at Bulbasaur, "You wanna call this one a draw?"

Bulbasaur huffed, "Fine."

Soot composed herself -barely- and said, "Y-you heard it folks! This match is a draw!"

The Pokémon all ran over to Bulbasaur and cheered.

Charmander smiled brightly, "Bulbasaur, that was awesome!"

Clefairy smiled brightly too, "You almost won!"

Bulbasaur sighed and pouted, "Yeah, almost."

Ash chuckled and smiled extatically, "Are you kidding me, right now?! Bulbasaur that was one of the most impressive displays I've ever witnessed! You should be proud! I know I am!"

Soot nodded and smiled brightly, "Yeah! I mean- you turned Hidden Power into a freaking sticky bomb!"

Ash raised a brow; still smiling, "Yeah. How did you do that, by the way? I dodged all of your Razor Leaves."

Bulbasaur chuckled, "Honestly, I don't know either. I just saw one of the leaves poking out of your fur when I was trapped in the ice. I formed that last Hidden Power right before the explosion."

Soot's eyes widened, "You formed the attack on him?"

Ash mimicked her expression, "And you came up with it that on the spot?"

Bulbasaur chuckled nervously, "Yeah. I got off lucky when you didn't notice." He blinked and looked at the meema/hatchling duo, "Oh, right. Does this mean I get extra desert?"

Ash and Soot looked at each other in shock.

.

*Dinner

Brock and Misty sat at the table with the Pokémon all next to them. Ash decided to join the other Pokémon for dinner. In full.

Misty smiled brightly, "Ash, that battle was amazing! How did you do that Ice-type Hyper Voice?!"

Soot snickered, "He never canceled his Ice Fang before firing. It acted sort of like the Refrigerate ability. I can do the same thing with Fire Fang to turn my Shadow Balls into a more dangerous Will-O-Wisp."

Brock had his notebook out again and quickly wrote down everything.

Squirtle perked up and looked over at Ash, "Could we do that too?"

The canine looked up from his bowl and nodded with a smile, "Of course. We could probably do that for training next time."

Pikachu pumped a fist, "Alright!"

Bulbasaur looked up thoughtfully as he was chewing, 'Combing moves … Maybe I can put Sleep Powder in a Hidden Power.'

Misty looked at Ash, "Hey, Ash, I've been wanting to ask where you got your watch from."

Soot looked back, "Some meteor. Dad found it randomly when he was five."

"A meteor?" Brock asked in surprise.

Ash nodded, "Yup."

Misty looked at Ash, "So, you don't know where it really came from?"

Ash frowned and shook his head, "Sorry."

Brock raised a brow, "But you said that professor Oak knows about the watch. Wouldn't he have analyzed the meteor to figure out where it came from, or something?"

Ash's ears drooped, "He never got the chance. We went back to the crash site the next day and- nothing. The meteor was completely gone. All we found was the crater."

Soot relayed the message.

Misty's eyes widened, "Seriously?! How could something like that just disappear overnight?!"

Soot shrugged, "Couldn't tell ya. I wasn't born yet."

Ash nodded, "To make it weirder, the non-Pokémon actually come directly from the watch. I only had Calm Mind, Frenzy Plant, and Stone Edge at first. Quick Attack and Overheat came later."

Again, Soot relayed the message.

"Just the non-Pokémon?" Brock asked with a raised brow, "Then where do the Pokémon forms come from?"

Soot smiled, "Anywhere, really. A Pokémon just has to touch the watch's dial and it catalogues their DNA to add to dad's list of forms."

Misty's eyes widened, "So, you can turn into any Pokémon you want just by having them touch that thing?"

Soot tilted her head, "Sort of. He can't scan the same species twice. And, unfortunately, that includes evolutions."

Ash nodded, "Right. We found that out after I evolved Eevee."

"We found out after Eevee evolved." Soot said.

"Still," Misty said in surprise, "that's a lot of Pokémon."

Brock raised a brow, "If that's true, then why do you have so few Pokémon forms?"

Soot sighed, "Dad's sensitive about Pokémon touching it."

Misty blinked, "Really? Wouldn't you want every Pokémon you've met to touch it?"

Ash was about to respond when Soot jumped in with a grin, "It's because he's too stubborn."

Ash glared, "I am not! I just don't think it's fair to have that kind of power!"

Soot smirked, "Like I said, stubborn."

Ash's Pokémon all nodded.

Ash grumbled and went back to eating.

.

*The next day

Lockdown mode wore off earlier, so Ash finally got to tell his side of the story. It went about as well as you'd expect.

Misty smiled slyly, "Soot was right. You are stubborn."

Ash glared, "I am not! I just don't think it's fair to have that kind of power at my disposal!"

Brock raised a brow and smirked, "Ash, we've seen you in action. You already have 'that kind of power'."

Ash pouted and crossed arms, "Can you please just respect my wishes?!"

Soot smirked, "Sure. After you admit you're stubborn."

Ash groaned.

Pikachu snickered and patted his trainers head.

.

*Phone Call … and the start of the Mankey story, I guess

"Good Morning Professor." Ash said as the old man appeared on the screen.

Soot propped herself up against the phone, "Hey Oak."

Samuel Oak smiled, "Ah, Ash, Soot, I was wondering when I might hear from you two again. How are things going?"

Ash smiled, "Pretty well." He pulled open his jacket; revealing his badges, "We got our fourth badge, for one."

Oak smiled, "Good to hear." He looked closer before his eyes widened, "Wait, is that a Marsh Badge?! You beat Sabrina?!"

Soot sweat dropped, "Not exactly. This crazy haunter showed up near the end of the battle and caused Sabrina to laugh herself into submission."

Ash rubbed the back of his head, "Yeah. It was weird. Her personality completely changed after that." He smiled and raised a finger, "On the upside, the Saffron Gym's reputation should start going up."

Samuel sweat dropped, "Sounds like quite the experience." He smiled, "You might like to know that Gary has already earned his fifth badge in Celadon and captured around thirty Pokémon."

Soot's eyes narrowed and she mumbled under her breath, "Probably all the pushover, side Gyms."

Ash chuckled, "Good to hear. It sounds like he's making progress."

The professor chuckled nervously, "Well, yes. But, it's quite a handful taking care of all these new Pokémon. Speaking of which, it's been a while since you've caught something new. My computer says you only have eight Pokémon on your team."

Ash rolled his eyes and smirked, "Sure 'only' eight. Anyway, I'm focusing more on training my team, for now. A lot of my Pokémon have made some serious progress on their new moves. Pikachu and Pidgeotto perfected Iron Tail and Steel Wing about two months ago. Squirtle learned Ice Beam and is making progress on Aqua Tail. Pidgeotto's learning and Butterfree learned Ominous Wind. Krabby's doing well with Hidden Power and Bulbasaur eavesdropped on his training and surprised us all with the move. And Charmander even perfected Dragon Rage a while ago."

Samuel blinked in surprise, "Wait a second. How did you manage to teach Ominous Wind to a-" His eyes widened in realization, "Wait a second, Ash! Have you been teaching your Pokémon these moves personally?!"

"Bingo." Soot said with a smile, "Turns out dad isn't that bad of a tutor."

Ash waved a hand, "And don't worry, we're keeping it on the down low."

The professor sighed in relief before smiling, "Glad to hear. It sounds like you're making great strides as a trainer. Anyway, I have to go. The tea's getting cold." He hung up.

Soot looked at Ash with a smirk, "Any reason we didn't tell him that Brock and Misty know about the watch?"

Ash smiled slyly, "I thought it might make a fun surprise for when we go home."

.

*Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy

Everyone else sat around and waited for Ash and Soot to get back from their call with the professor. They all sat around a massive rock formation.

Misty sat on one of the rocks with a bored expression, "How long is this supposed to take?"

Clefairy laid down on the ground, "So bored."

Pikachu looked at Clefairy, "We could do some target practice."

Clefairy huffed and pouted, "Don't wanna."

Brock reached into his bag and pulled out a container, "How about some jelly filled donuts to pass the time?" He opened up the container to the group.

Misty looked over excitedly before sweat dropping, "Uh, Brock."

Brock frowned before looking at what he pulled out.

Brock sweat dropped upon seeing a container full of rice balls, "Oh." He chuckled nervously, "I must have mixed up the labels." He paused, frowned, and pinched the bridge of his nose, "That also means, that I mailed the donuts back home."

Misty walked up and took one, "No worries. Rice balls are pretty good too."

Pikachu and Clefairy ran up and looked up; bright eyed.

Brock grabbed a pair of rice balls and handed them to the Electric and Fairy-types, "Here you go."

"Pika!"

"Fairy!"

They ran over to a rock, jumped onto it, and dug in happily. Misty joined them soon after.

After a minute, Ash and Soot walked down the path and back towards the rest of the group. Soot was still scowling.

Misty noticed, "Is everything alright, Soot?"

Ash smiled softly and pet the canine, "It's nothing, really. We just found out that Gary has earned his fifth badge."

Pikachu and Clefairy glared at the mention of the brown-haired trainer.

Soot grumbled, "He probably got them all from those nobody gyms."

Brock sweat dropped, "Soot, he challenged me a few days before you guys did."

Misty deadpanned, "And my sisters said that three Pallet Town trainers defeated them before Ash."

Ash raised a brow, "And the professor said that Gary got his fifth badge in Celadon."

Soot sweat dropped, "I meant the ones outside the main eight." She looked at the Pewter Gym leader, "Brock, Gary's starter was a squirtle. He had the type advantage." She turned to the Cerulean leader, "And, Misty," Soot deadpanned, "we're talking about your sisters, here."

Misty sweat dropped, "Yeah, you've got me there."

Brock chuckled and held out a rice ball, "Here, maybe a rice ball will cheer you up."

Pikachu smiled and nodded, "Yeah! They're great!"

Ash smiled and took one, "Thanks Brock."

Soot sighed before smiling, "Yeah, thanks." She took one and sat down by the rock.

Ash sat down next to her and ate.

Clefairy looked down at Ash, "Hey, what's the main eight?"

Ash looked up at her, "Kanto actually has over twenty official gyms where you can get badges for the league. But, terms of reputation, only eight of them are considered genuine. That's actually the route I have planned."

Pikachu looked over, "Speaking of which, where are we headed next?"

Ash pouted down the road, "Celadon City. It'll be a Grass-type Gym. If we keep a steady pace, we should be there by tomorrow."

A bush next to a rock startled rustling; catching Ash and the Pokémon attention. A mankey poked its head out of the bush with its eyes apparently closed.

"Hey, a mankey." Ash said with a softly smile.

The Pig Monkey Pokémon hopped out of the bush and over to Brock. It started bouncing around him excitedly and chattering.

Misty smiled, "Aw, how cute." She looked at Soot, "What are they saying?"

Soot shrugged, "Nothing much. I think he's just really excited."

Brock smiled, "Maybe he wants a rice ball." He held out the snack to the Fighting-type.

Mankey sniffed it curiously. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down and walked over; catching Mankey's attention.

"Go ahead." Pikachu said with a smile, "They're really good."

Clefairy nodded; still chewing, "mm hm."

Mankey sniffed again before taking it and jumping back to the rock by the bush. He started eating happily.

Ash smiled, "Looks like he likes it."

Brock smiled too, "It's my own special recipe."

Soot looked at Ash, "Come to think of it, we could use a Fighting-type on our team."

Misty nodded, "Yeah. You should catch him."

Mankey stopped eating and looked at Ash apprehensively; eyes still closed.

Ash looked back and smiled softly, "Maybe. We can ask after he's done eating."

Mankey's eyes shot open and he blinked in surprise, "Huh?!"

Misty sweat dropped, "You know most trainers would rather battle a Pokémon than ask them to join their team."

Ash smirked with a raised brow, "Hey, I caught Krabby without asking and battled Bulbasaur"

Brock looked at Ash, "Didn't they challenge you?"

Ash chuckled, "Okay, fair enough. Still, it wouldn't be fair to attack while he's enjoying himself."

"Agreed." Soot said as she went back to eating.

Misty sighed and smiled softly, "Alright, fine. Just don't say I didn't warn you if he says 'no'."

Ash chuckled and continued eating too.

Mankey stared at Ash; wide eyed, 'What the Yvel kind of trainer is this?' His eyes narrowed slightly, 'No. This doesn't make sense. He's probably just waiting for me to lower my guard.'

The Pig Monkey went back to eating, 'Just play along, for now. He'll show his true colors.' He kept an eye on Ash most of the time. Ash noticed every so often and waved with a kind smile.

Ash finished his rice ball, got back up, and reached around to stretch.

Mankey's eyes narrowed, 'I knew it! He's reaching for one those balls!' He quickly threw his rice ball at Ash. His eyes widened when Ash instantly caught it.

Ash looked at the ball and blinked in surprise. He looked up at Mankey, "Don't you want the rest?"

Soot looked at the treat excitedly, "If he doesn't, I'll take it."

Mankey blinked in surprise, "Uhhh."

Ash chuckled and rolled his eyes, "Very funny, Soot." He looked back at Mankey, "Heads up!" He lobbed the rice ball back over to the Fighting-type.

Mankey caught it and blinked in surprise, 'Seriously?' He looked back at Ash in shock, 'What kind of trainer is this?' After a few more seconds, he went back to eating on the rock.

Ash smiled softly, sat back down, and waited.

Soot pouted and mumbled, "I wasn't joking."

Brock held out another rice ball to her, "We have enough for seconds."

Soot smiled and bit into the ball. "Tanks rock." She said while still chewing.

.

*Team Rocket

The tRio watched Ash and the others from the other side of a far-off rock. Presently, Mankey, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Soot were running around playing. The humans all sat to the side and chuckled at the Pokémons' antics.

Jessie smirked, "Perfect. With the twerp's Pokémon all busy, we have the perfect opportunity to get the Phantom."

"I couldn't agree more." James said with a smile.

Meowth grinned, "Once we pull dis off, we'll be da boss's top operatives."

"Top operatives? Please." Jessie stood up triumphantly, "He'll put us on the board of directors!"

James followed suit, "Team Rocket will rule the world!"

The three of them laughed maniacally.

.

*Ash and others

Mankey finished eating a while ago. When Ash offered Mankey a spot on his team, the Pig Monkey became hesitant. And then Soot, Pikachu and Clefairy dogpiled him. The four had been running around playing ever since.

Brock chuckled, "They look like they're having fun."

Ash smiled, "Yeah."

Misty looked at Ash, "You're not upset about Mankey not wanting to join you?"

Ash shrugged; still smiling, "A bit, I guess. But I don't want to force him to join if he doesn't want to." He smiled sadly, "It's not fun, trust me."

Misty and Brock frowned and shared a concerned look.

Brock looked back at Ash, "What do you mean?"

"It happened a few times during training. Back when I was still getting used to new Pokémon forms." Ash said with sad smile, "Sometimes, a trainer would come by and try to catch me or Soot. A lot of them almost did."

Misty frowned and rubbed the back of her head, "Sorry."

Ash chuckled lightly, "Misty, it's fine. Besides, you couldn't have caught me anyway. We took care of that a long time ago."

Brock and Misty raised a brow, "Huh?"

Ash smiled, "After a few too many scares, the professor, Mom, and I agreed to register Soot and I under mom's ownership." He chuckled, "Legally, I'm registered as a house pet."

The Gym Leaders stared at the boy in surprise.

Brock shock it off enough to ask, "So, you've been inside a pokéball before?"

"A few times." Ash said nonchalantly, "Mostly to save on long trips. All I can say is," He grimaced, "I understand why some Pokémon don't like them." He shivered.

"Great. There goes that plan." A familiar voice mumbled quietly.

Ash glared, picked up a pebble, and threw it a bush on the other side of the road.

"YEOW!" Meowth cried out as he popped out the bush and held his head. Jessie and James popped out right after.

Everyone else looked over and glared at the trio. Except for Mankey who looked at them in confusion.

Misty jumped down from the rock, "You again!"

"What are you doing here?!" Brock asked angrily.

Ash stood up, "Isn't it obvious?" He glared at the trio, "They're here for me."

Everyone looked at him in surprise.

Soot looked over nervously, "Dad, what are you talking about?"

Ash smirked, "Don't bother, Soot. They already know the truth."

Meowth pointed at Ash and smirked, "So, you admit it!"

"Yup." Ash said, making his friends all flinch, "And you heard right," He pointed a thumb at himself; still smirking, "The Phantom Pokémon's off limits."

Mankey stared at Ash in shock, "What?! Phantom Pokémon?!"

Soot's eyes widened in realization, 'Oooooh.' She smirked at the trio, "That's right. You couldn't catch dad even if you wanted to."

Misty and Brock flinched. Pikachu and Clefairy blinked in surprise and shared a confused look.

Brock ran over to Ash and grabbed his shoulder. "Ash, can we talk to you for a bit?!" Brock said through his clenched teeth.

Before Ash could respond, Brock pulled him to the side to join Misty in a huddle.

"Ash, what the Yvel are you doing?!" Misty said in a harsh whisper.

Ash blinked in surprise and whispered, "What? I thought Soot filled you guys in about the Team Rocket's theory."

"Sure, but-" Brock responded with a frown, "Why are you letting them think they're right?"

Team Rocket all shared a confused look and shrugged.

"Guys, think about it." Ash raised a finger, "What's more believable? A human with a super advanced watch that turns him into Pokémon and creatures that shouldn't exist, or a Mythical, transforming Pokémon hiding itself by pretending to be a human?"

Misty was about to argue but stopped and thought about it. She and Brock shared a look.

Brock looked back at Ash, "Okay, fair enough."

Misty looked back too, "So, just play along?"

Ash nodded with a smile, "Yeah. If I need to transform, just give me a window to hide away so they don't see my 'process'."

The three humans nodded and broke the huddle to look back at the tRio.

Misty pointed at Team Rocket and glared, "Right! You're not getting Ash!"

Jessie blinked in surprise, 'Guess they know, too.'

James grinned, "That's what you think!"

He took up a pose, "Prepare for trouble! We're playing in reverse!"

Jessie followed suit, "And make it double! No need to rehearse!"

"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!"

"There's Jessie!" James said while gesturing to Jessie.

"And there's James!" Jessie followed; gesturing to James.

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now or prepare to-" Jessie was cut off by Mankey jumping over and latching onto her head.

Jessie shrieked and ran around frantically; voice muffled by the Fighting-type, "Get it off! Get it off! Get it off! Get it off!"

"WOO!" Soot cheered, "Go Mankey!"

James managed to pry the Fighting-type off Jessie's face.

James held him by the tail and glared, "Buzz off hairball!" He then proceeded to dropkicked Mankey over the rock formation.

Ash's eyes widened, "Mankey!" He ran around the rock to Mankey.

Brock glared at the trio, "Hey! That was uncalled for!"

The massive rock covered a large green flash.

Pikachu's ear twitched and he grinned, "Nice timing."

"Aw, come on, buddy." Everyone looked over to see Banette smirking at Team Rocket from the top of the rock; arms crossed, "I just lost the element of surprise."

Mankey (Ohirume: Yes, Mankey. Not Primeape) glared at Team Rocket from around the rock.

James blinked in surprise, "Is that the banette from Mount Moon?"

Soot smirked, "Hey, dad."

Misty flinched before realizing, "Oh right, we don't need to hide that around them."

Meowth's eyes widened and stared at the Marionette Pokémon in shock, "What?! The twoip?!"

James flinched, "That banette was the twerp?!"

Jessie clenched a fist, "You're gonna pay for messing with my hair, brat!"

Ash jumped down and stood between Team Rocket and his friends. He did a 'come at me' taunt, "What are you waiting for, then?"

Meowth glared and pointed at Ash, "Get dat Phantom!"

Jessie and James threw a pokéball; releasing their Pokémon, "Go, Ekans!" "Go, Koffing!"

The snake and gas ball appeared and glared at Ash.

Ash smirked and moved to crack the knuckles his body didn't have. He took up a fighting stance.

Soot sat down and smirked, "This should be fun."

The others took this a sign that Ash had this handled. Misty and Brock pulled put a pokéball, just in case.

Jessie pointed ahead, "Ekans, use Poison Sting!"

James followed, "Koffing, Sludge!"

The Poison-types fired their corresponding attacks at Ash.

The trainer snickered, 'Too easy.'

Ash shot the Sludge with a Shadow Ball, lifted off the ground, and started spinning like a top as he whipped up an Ominous Wind around himself. The poisonous needles got caught up in the purple cyclone and spun around in it.

Meowth gulped, "Dat can't be good."

The Poison Sting escaped the counterattack and shot back towards the source. The Rockets flinched and jumped around frantically to dodge the needles.

Ash stopped spinning and stood there with a smirk.

James recovered and glared, "Let's see you do that to this!" He pointed forward, "Koffing, use Smog!"

Koffing started pouring out the dark green fog.

Ash frowned, "I almost feel bad about doing this." He raised a finger and a blue flame appeared at the end of it.

The banette flicked the Will-O-Wisp flame at the attack. And, if you remember the Viridian Center incident, Kaboom.

"AHHH!" The quintet cried out as they were cover by a cloud of dust. It faded to reveal them laying on the ground in a pile.

Jessie raised a trembling hand, "W-we'll take our blast off, now."

Ash nodded, "Good to hear."

He held out his arms and he lit up with a sparkling light. Clefairy's eyes widened upon recognizing the move.

Ash smirked and held out his hands, "Dazzling Gleam!"

The light shot forward and overtook the tRio. Ash shot a pair of Shadow Balls at the ground around them. The resulting upward explosion launched the Team Rocket high into the sky.

.

*Blast-off scene

Jessie groaned in pain, "We're skipping the Ashley thing, right?"

James had his book out, "More than that. The author's cutting the whole concept form the Celadon chapter."

Meowth sighed in relief, "Good. We could use some time off."

"Looks like we're blasting off again." The trio said tiredly as they flew off into the distance.

.

*Heroes

The group watched as the quintet disappeared with a ding.

Misty snickered, "They never learn, do they?"

"Nope." Soot said with a smirk.

Clefairy looked at Ash with a bright smile and trembled with excitement.

Ash noticed and chuckled, "Alright. I promise to teach you Dazzling Gleam during training next time."

"Yes!" Clefairy cheered before running over to Ash and tackling him with a hug.

Mankey walked out from around the rock and stared at Ash in shock, "You're the Phantom Pokémon?"

Ash looked at him with a smirk, "Not really. That's just a cover story."

Pikachu walked over, "The thing on his wrist is what turned him into a banette."

Clefairy got off Ash and nodded, "Yeah! And a bunch of other stuff, too!"

Mankey blinked in surprise, "So, you really are a human?" Soot, Ash, Pikachu, and Clefairy nodded.

"But," Soot started, "he is one of the few trainers who can understand us. In more ways than one." She smirked.

Mankey looked at Ash again, "So, you really were serious about asking me to join your team?"

Ash nodded, "Well, yeah. I know what it's like for some trainer to try and catch you against your will." He smiled softly; which wasn't easy with the zipper mouth, "I'd rather not force someone to battle with me."

Clefairy smiled and held out a hand, "You can still join our team if you want."

Ash nodded again, "I'd understand if you didn't want to. It's your call."

Mankey raised a brow, "One thing, first. You said something about teaching her," He pointed to Clefairy, "that big shiny move, right?"

Soot snickered, "It's a Fairy-type move called Dazzling Gleam."

Pikachu nodded, "He taught a lot of us how to use the moves he knows in other forms." The mouse smirked, "Like Iron Tail, for one."

Mankey raised a brow at Ash, "Do you know something I can learn?"

Ash blinked in surprise and nodded, "Um, yeah. My Dragonite form knows Fire Pun-"

"Deal!" Mankey shouted excitedly with a clenched paw.

Ash blinked again, "Just like that?"

Mankey nodded with a determined glare, "Heck, yeah! As if I'll pass up having a trainer this awesome!"

Soot snickered, "He's got a point, dad."

Misty sweat dropped and mumbled, "Left out of the conversation again."

Brock smiled sadly and put a hand on her shoulder.

Ash chuckled nervously and hit the symbol on his chest. He reverted back to human; making Mankey flinch slightly.

Ash brought out a pokéball and held it out. Before he could say anything, Mankey hit the button in the center and was caught with no resistance whatsoever.

Ash released the Fighting-type, crouched down, and held out a hand to him, "Welcome to the team, Mankey."

Mankey glared determinedly and shook hands with the boy, "Happy to be here."

Ash frowned before realizing, "Oh, right." He chuckled nervously, "I probably should have mentioned that I can't understand very many Pokémon when I'm human."

Mankey blinked in surprise and deadpanned, "You couldn't have mentioned that earlier?"

.

*Midnight

Ash and friends all slept soundly next to the road to Celadon. All but one.

Ash laid in his sleeping bag next to a sleeping Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy. He looked up at the stars with a frown.

The trainer glanced over at Misty and Brock and his eyes narrowed.

Moving carefully, he got out of his sleeping bag and ran behind a large rock. Soot and the others didn't seem to notice.

He brought up the dial on his watch, spun it, and slammed down.

The light faded and Quick Attack sped off. Heading South-West.

.

*ten minutes later

Professor Oak trudged over to the front door; rubbing his eyes, "I'm coming. I'm coming." 'Who on earth could be here at this hour, anyway?'

He opened the door to the lab and came face-to-face with-

"Quick Attack?!" Samuel shouted in alarm, "Wha- why are you-" His eyes widened, and he looked around. He grabbed Ash's arm, "Get in here before someone sees you!" He pulled Ash inside and slammed the door shut.

He glared at the lizard, "Ash, why didn't you change back before coming to the door?! Someone could have seen you!"

Quick Attack tilted his head, "But someone could have seen me transform back into a human."

Oak's eye twitched, "Not if you hid behind a-" He took a deep breath to calm himself, "Can you please just change back, already?"

Ash shrugged and hit the symbol on his chest. The green light filled the room and faded to reveal Ash as himself again.

The trainer shook his head and blinked rapidly. He chuckled nervously, "Okay, I see your point. Sorry about that."

Oak sighed and smiled softly, "It's alright. We all know how Quick Attack can be." He raised a brow, "What brings you all the way back here, anyway? Especially at this hour?"

Ash smiled sadly, "I wanted to come back and pick up some supplies."

Oak blinked in surprise, "Really? But, wouldn't a Pokemart have been the better choice?"

Ash shook his head, "Not those kinds of supplies. The thing is," He took a deep breath before continuing, "I want to try working on the change lenses, again."

Professor Oak's eyes widened.

.

.

Omega: Oh right, those things.

Gem: *raises brow* I thought we renamed them to-

Ohirume: Woah, woah, woah! Spoilers!

Omega: And for the record, Gem, we decided to change it because the name "Change Lens" sucks.

…

Omega: I thought the monkey pig was supposed to evolve during this chapter.

Seishin: Yeah, and Ash was supposed to introduce Haunter to Sabrina.

Ohirume: Yeah, yeah, whatever. But can you really blame me? I think Trix knows better than to provoke a Mankey.

Faux: *sighs and deadpans* Thanks for that.

Gem: *pouts* So mean.