Faux: *groans* Great. This again.

Laura: What's wrong?

Seishin: *snickers* He's just upset because it's the Celadon chapter.

Pike: *grins* Yeah. This is the first time he had to dress up like a girl.

Illavera: Wait, what? *looks at Omega* Does that mean, you-

Omega: No.

Nuevo: Wait a second. First time?!

Gem: *sigh* It's so embarrassing. *smiles slyly* At least now Trix will have to do it.

Ohirume: Well…

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Erika's and the Scent-sational Perfumery

.

Ash closed the case and placed it in his pants pocket.

Professor Oak frowned, "Are you sure about this, Ash? You haven't had much luck with the Change Lenses in the past. I'm still not even sure if what your trying is possible."

Ash looked back at him and nodded, "I'm sure, professor. I know I can do it this time."

"Even so, don't go pushing yourself too far." Samuel raised a brow, "What brought this on so suddenly?"

Ash frowned, "It's just been nagging me, I guess. I'm hoping for some kind of breakthrough."

Oak sighed before smiling sadly, "Fine. I know I can't talk you out of it, anyway."

Ash smiled softly and nodded, "Thanks." He brought up his watch and pressed the button on the side, "I should go ahead and head back before sunrise." He slammed down on the device and became shrouded in green light. The light faded and Quick Attack stood in the human's place.

Quick Attack raised a claw, "See ya, professor." He sped out of the building while shouting, "Wish me luck!" He kicked up a large gust of wind and blew around a stack of papers.

The professor's eye twitched, "Freaking Yvel, Quick Attack."

.

*Celadon City

Ash and the others walked through the large city; en route to the Grass-type Gym and Ash's fifth Gym battle. Ash looked ahead blankly. He was still thinking about his little project.

"Uh, Ash?"

Ash snapped out of it looked at Misty, "Yeah?"

The Cerulean Leader sweat dropped, "What's with the mask?"

Ash chuckled through the doctor's mask he was wearing, "Right, sorry. It's because of all the perfume in the air. It overloads my senses."

"Really?" Brock asked before sniffing the air, "It doesn't seem that bad."

Soot looked up; her eyes in their inherent state, "For you guys, it isn't. Remember that's dad's sense of smell is about as strong as mine."

Ash nodded, "I could smell this place from over a half-mile away."

Misty blinked in surprise and looked at Soot, "If that's true, then why aren't you wearing something?"

"Selective intangibility." Soot answered, "I just have to knock out the right nerves and it voids my sense of smell." She frowned slightly, "It makes tasting a little weird, though."

Brock smiled; still sniffing, "Well, you're missing out. Something smells heavenly."

Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy all sniffed too.

"Perfume." Misty said, 'It's kind of familiar.'

Pikachu smiled happily "It smells like a garden."

Clefairy smiled too, "So sweet."

Ash smiled under the mask, "Do you wanna check it-"

"Yes." Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy said.

Soot snickered, "Alright, fine."

Ash pulled mask down a bit, flinched, and pulled it back up.

Misty looked at him in concern, "Are you okay?"

Ash held his head, "I will be in a bit." He pointed down the road, "Anyway, there's a pretty large concentration of perfume coming from that direction. I think it might be a store."

"A perfume store?" Brock asked. He grinned brightly and started jogging towards where Ash pointed, "Let's get a move on, then!"

Soot sweat dropped, "Should have guessed."

Misty sighed, "We should hurry."

The group ran after their friend.

.

**Time Skip**

Ash and the others found Brock pressing his face up against a window to the perfume shop. Some passerby's shot him a wary glance or chuckled at him.

Misty walked over and pulled on the Rock trainer's ear, "Give it rest, Brock! You're being creepier than normal."

Brock frowned and rubbed his ear, "Can you really blame me?" He pointed into the shop.

They all looked inside and saw three girls in matching pink and yellow outfits talking around a counter.

Soot sweat dropped, "For checking out hot girls? Not terribly." She deadpanned, "But, for pressing your face up against a window to do so? Yes. Yvel, yes."

Brock pouted and slumped forward.

Ash chuckled and looked at the Pokémon on his shoulders, "Do you two wanna check the place out?"

Clefairy nodded excitedly, "Yes, please!"

Misty smiled and opened the door, "Well, what are we waiting for?"

Misty, Ash, Brock, and Soot walked inside. They all looked around the shop in awe.

The three girls noticed them and walked over. The smiled brightly, "Welcome to Erika's Scent-sational Perfumery."

Ash blinked in surprise, "Erika?"

The girls all turned their attention to him. Their eyes narrowed at the sight of the mask.

Soot perked up, "Oh! This perfume store belongs to the Celadon Gym Leader."

The girls all looked at Soot in surprise.

Misty smiled brightly, "I knew something smelled familiar. My sister's get perfume from here all the time."

The purple-haired girl snapped out of it and grabbed her arm, "Then, let me show you a few of our more popular perfumes."

"Okay." Misty said as she followed the girl to a bench.

Pikachu and Clefairy looked at Ash hopefully.

Ash snickered, "Go ahead."

"Yay!" Clefairy cheered as she jumped down and ran over to Misty.

Pikachu jumped down too and looked up at Ash, "Aren't you coming?"

Ash shook his head, "Sorry bud, I'm gonna have to pass. But go enjoy yourself."

Pikachu nodded happily and bound over to the girls.

The green-haired girl moved over to Brock, "How about you something for that special someone in your life?"

Brock blushed with a dumb smile, "Sure. Whatever you say." He followed her; seemingly in a trance.

Soot sweat dropped, "I'll keep him out of trouble." She ran after the pair.

Ash chuckled and looked back at where the girls were. He found nothing.

He blinked in surprise, 'Weren't there three of them?'

"Excuse me." Said a feminine voice in an accusing tone.

Ash looked over to see a green-eyed woman in a blue, floral kimono. She was glaring at him.

Ash smiled; hidden by the mask, "You must be Erika."

Erika's eyes narrowed, "And you must be the boy wearing a doctor's mask in my perfumery."

Ash became somber and rubbed the back of his head, "I really am sorry about that, but I can't take it off. My sense of smell is so strong that I'd suffer from sensory overload if I did."

Erika blinked in surprise, "Are you serious?"

Ash nodded, "I know that mask is kind of … off putting. But I thought it seemed more polite than putting a clip on my nose." He looked down solemnly, "I really don't mean to mean to offend you and I'm sorry if I did."

Erika smiled softly, 'At least he's being polite.' "Apology accepted." She raised a brow, "But, if that's true, why did you come to the most perfume filled city in Kanto?"

Ash looked back up, "I actually came here to challenge you for a Rainbow Badge. I'm trying to enter the Pokémon League and am aiming to collect a badge from each of the main eight."

Erika smiled and nodded, "Very well. I accept your challenge." She smiled sadly, "However, I'm afraid you'll have to wait. I'm teaching a class soon and it does take priority."

Ash waved a hand, "No worries. I'm not in any rush. What time works for you?"

Erika smiled, "The class starts in about a half hour and we should be done after another two, or so."

Ash looked over at a clock on the wall; it read 4:32. He looked back at Erika, "So, around 7:00, then?"

Erika nodded, "Yes, that works just fine."

Ash smiled under the mask, "Thank you, Erika. That even gives me time to head to the Pokémon Center, first. And, if it's any consolation, I was able to safely smell your perfume outside the city limits. It really is nice."

Erika smiled, "Thank you. We actually use gloom essence for our perfumes."

Ash blinked in surprise, "Really? Wow, I never would have guessed." He looked around the store, "To actually use one of the world's most foul stenches to make something so sweet. Talk about impressive." He looked back at Erika, "You must have a real talent for this."

Erika sweat dropped at the 'foul stench' remark but perked up when Ash continued, "Thank you … um, I still don't know your name."

The trainer chuckled, "I'm Ash Ketchum."

.

*In the back of the perfumery

"You can't be serious!"

"Oh, I'm serious, alright! Some punk is actually wearing a surgical mask in the store!"

"I can't believe it! How dare he insult our perfume like that!"

"Not to mention, he came up with some lame excuse that his nose was too sensitive. When his mightyena seemed fine. And I swear I heard him say 'foul stench'!"

The girl on the other end growled, "That little- we can't let him get away with this!"

"Well, I heard him tell Erika that he's in the city to have a Gym battle with her. He'll be there around 7:00."

"Don't worry. We won't let him anywhere near here." She hung up.

The blond hung up too and smirked, "This'll show that brat."

.

**Time Skip**

The group of Ash, Misty, Brock, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy made their way to the Pokémon Center.

Misty smiled at Ash, "Sounds like it went pretty well."

Ash nodded, "Yeah. Erika was really nice. She agreed to have a battle with me around 7:00. So, we have a good hour before we need to head over there."

Brock nodded, "Sounds good. That'll give us some time to restock."

Soot smiled blissfully, "And rest."

"And get everyone healed up." Ash finished with a raised finger.

Pikachu looked over at Ash, "So, who's gonna battle?"

Ash put a hand to his chin, "It's a Grass-type Gym, so Charmander and Pidgeotto for sure."

Soot looked up at him, "Also, it's a fifth badge battle. So, it might be three-on-three or even four-on-four."

Pikachu smirked and clenched a fist, "I can battle, then!"

Clefairy pouted, "But, what about me? I've never been part of a Gym battle before."

Ash looked at the mouse on his shoulder, "She has a point, Pikachu. Besides, Grass-types are resistant to your Electric-type moves."

Soot smirked, "Plus, you've already been in two Gym battles."

Pikachu chuckled nervously and rubbed the back on his head, "Right. Sorry." He perked up and looked at Clefairy with a determined smile, "Give it all you've got, Clefairy. I'll be cheering for you the whole time."

Clefairy smiled brightly and ran across Ash's back to hug the mouse, "Thanks, Pikachu."

Brock and Misty shared a look and shrugged with a sad smile.

Ash noticed and frowned under his mask.

He shook it off and glared ahead, 'I'll figure them out. I promise.'

.

*Later; Celadon Gym

Erika's class wrapped up and she made her way to the battlefield. That was twenty minutes ago.

The Grass trainer frowned as she stood on her side of the field. She looked over at a clock; it read 7:15, 'He couldn't have backed out, could he?'

"I DON'T CARE!"

Erika flinched upon hearing the shouting. It took her a second to realize that it came from one of her students.

She hurried towards the Gym's entrance and found Ash's orange haired friend and his Pokémon glaring at a large group of girls. They were glaring back.

The spikey-haired one stood between them and tried to ease the tension. Ash, himself, just stood there with a worried expression.

Erika ran over and stomped, "What's going on here?!"

.

*Earlier; Ash and others

After their visit to the Center, everyone made their way to the Celadon Gym.

Soot snickered, "Very funny, dad."

"I'm serious." Ash responded, "Erika really said that they use gloom essence to make their perfumes."

Misty held up her bottle of 'Daffodil Dreams' and blinked in surprise, "Wow. I never would have guessed." She looked at Ash with a slight frown, "Are you sure you'll be okay with me using this?"

Ash nodded, "Positive. I'm only having trouble right now because of the huge amount in the air around here."

Soot nodded too, "A spritz or two shouldn't hurt on the road." She grinned, "Besides, it'll make it easier to track you if we get separated."

The group chuckled.

The Gym appeared in the distance. A large crowd of girls wearing matching uniforms stood at the entrance.

Misty blinked in surprise, "What's going on?"

Soot tilted her head, "Maybe they're here to welcome us?"

Brock got in Ash's face and glared, "Ash, why didn't you say anything about this?! I didn't have any time to prepare!"

Misty and Soot deadpanned at the Rock-type trainer and sweat dropped.

Ash flinched and waved his hands, "I didn't know! Erika didn't mention anything about this. And the Gym's records said nothing about a welcoming committee."

Clefairy looked at the Gym and smiled, "Maybe they want to be friends?"

Pikachu frowned upon noticing the look on the girls' faces, "They don't look very friendly."

Ash and Soot heard him and followed his gaze. Brock and Misty followed suit.

Pikachu was right, the girls had already noticed the group and were glaring at them. Most of them had their arms crossed or hands on their hips.

Everyone shared a worriedly look before approaching the Gym.

Ash walked up, "Um, hello. My name is Ash Ketchum. I have a battle scheduled with Erika."

A girl with blue hair glared at him, "Not happening."

Ash blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

"You're battle with Erika has been canceled." Her glared deepened, "I wouldn't let you in if you were the last trainer on Earth."

Misty stepped forward and glared, "Now, hold on a second! What right do you have to say who battles the Gym Leader?!"

Ash put a hand on Misty's shoulder, "It's okay, Misty." He looked back at the Gym Trainer, "Can I ask 'why?'"

A brunette pointed at him accusingly, "Don't act like you don't know! You insulted our perfume!"

Ash waved his hands defensively, "What? I never said anything like that." He brought up a hand to touch his face, "If it's because the mask, I've already explained it all to Erika. My sense of smell is-"

"Liar!" The bluenette called out, "There's no way anyone's nose could be that sensitive."

A bright red-head pointed at Soot, "And what about your dog! If it's that bad, then why is it okay?!"

Soot glared, "Look at my eyes! I have a banette inheritance! I had to void my sense of smell to come anywhere near this place!"

A lot of the girls' eyes widened as they looked at Soot.

Soot sighed, "Now get out of our way so we can have our battle. You have no right to deny our challenge."

"I DON'T CARE!" The blue haired girl shouted, "I'm not letting some brat who called our perfume a 'foul stench' enter the Gym!"

Pikachu, Soot, and Clefairy glared, "Don't insult him!"

Misty glared too, "Ash didn't do anything wrong!"

Brock grimaced, ran in between the two groups, and held out his arms, "Wait! I'm sure we talk this-"

"What's going on here?!"

Everyone turned to see Erika glaring at them all.

The blue-haired girl flinched, "Miss Erika!"

The Gym Leader glared at her, "Again with this?! For the last time, we are not allowed to exclude challengers without a legitimate reason!"

The brown-haired girl gulped, "B-but he insulted our perfume."

The blond from the perfumery nodded vigorously, "He called it a foul stench!"

Erika glared at her, "He was referring to the gloom essence. He even acknowledged how impressive it was that we use it in our perfume."

Soot blinked in surprise and looked up at Ash, "Wait, you were serious about that?"

Ash chuckled, "Told ya."

Erika continued glaring, "And even if he did, that isn't a reason to deny him a battle!"

Erika walked over to Ash and smiled sadly, "I'm sorry about my students." She glared back at said students, "They have a bad habit of this."

The girls slumped over in shame.

Ash sighed in relief, "I'm just happy you showed up when you did. I was really starting to get worried."

Erika smiled, "Well, no need to worry anymore. Let's go ahead and start our battle."

Ash nodded, "Thank you, Erika."

Erika started walking back towards the battlefield. Ash and the others followed. Misty and the Pokémon stuck their tongues out at the girls as they passed.

.

*Gym Battle

Ash and Erika stood on either side of the battlefield. Brock, Misty, Soot, and a few of Erika's students sat at the bleachers. Clefairy stood by Ash's side with a determined smile and Pikachu stood next to her.

Erika smiled, "First things first, how many badges do you currently have?"

"Four." Ash responded.

Erika nodded, "Very well." She looked at the referee, "You know the drill."

The referee nodded, "This gym battle will be between the Celadon City gym leader, Erika, and the challenger, Ash Ketchum. Both sides may use up to three Pokémon, but only the challenger may substitute. The battle will be decided when one sides Pokémon are unable to continue. Should the challenger be victorious, they shall be awarded the Rainbow Badge. Are the rules clear?"

Ash and Erika nodded.

The ref raised her arm, "Then, let the battle BEGIN!" She brought it down.

Ash held out an arm, "Clefairy, take the field!"

Erika pulled out and threw a pokéball, "Go, Tangela!"

Clefairy jumped onto the field as the Vine Pokémon emerged.

"Go Clefairy!" Pikachu cheered.

"Give 'em Yvel!" Soot followed.

The humans at the bleachers sweat dropped at the canine's words.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Tangela. Pure Grass-type. High Physical Defense and Special Attack.' He smirked; hidden by the mask, 'But low Special Defense.'

'Fairy-type, huh?' Erika smirked, 'Extra weak to Poison.'

The referee gestured to Ash, "The challenger gets the first move. Start!"

Ash held out a hand, "Clefairy, Disarming Voice!"

Clefairy complied and shouted the attack at Tangela.

Erika smirked, "Dodge! Then Constrict!"

Tangela jumped over the sound move as a pair of vines unwrapped from its body and shot towards Clefairy.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Given the trajectory-' He smirked, "Clefairy, Metronome!"

Clefairy pointed upwards and started waving her fingers right as Tangela ensnared her. The Grass-type reeled itself over to Clefairy and held her tightly. The Fairy-type grimaced but continued her move.

Erika smiled and held out her hands, "Now Tangela, hit it with Poison Powder!"

Tangela started emitting the purple powder and shrouded Clefairy in it.

"Clefairy!" Pikachu cried out it alarm.

Brock grimaced, "This is bad. Fairy-types are especially weak to Poison-type moves."

Soot smirked, "True. But I wouldn't worry about this one."

Clefairy's hands shot out of the cloud; claws glowing red. They swiped at Tangela ferociously. The Grass-type flinched, let go, and stumbled backwards.

Erika frowned, "Oh no! Tangela!"

Ash clenched a fist, 'Alright! Crush Claw!' "Nice work Clefairy!" He held out a hand again, "Disarming Voice!"

Clefairy's attack tore through the cloud and fired straight at Tangela. The Grass-type shouted as the attack struck.

"Pound!"

Clefairy ran forward and slapped Tangela. The Grass-type flew back and landed on the ground; eyes in swirls.

The referee held an arm towards Ash, "Tangela is unable to battle! Clefairy wins!"

"Alright!" Clefairy cheered. She smiled brightly, despite the purple tint on her face, "Ash, I did it! I won!"

Ash chuckled lightly, "Nice work, Clefairy."

"What's going on?" The blue-haired girl asked in surprise, "How is Clefairy okay? It's poisoned."

Ash raised a finger, "It's because her ability is Magic Guard. Clefairy can still be poisoned but she won't take any damage from it."

Clefairy smiled and shrugged, "I don't get it either."

Erika blinked in surprise before smiled softly, "Very impressive." She brought out and pointed a pokéball at her Pokémon, "Return, Tangela."

"Come on back, Clefairy." Ash said while gesturing for her to come, "Let's give someone else a turn."

Clefairy ran over and looked up at him brightly, "How'd I do?!"

Ash crouched down to pet her, "You were great, Clefairy. I'm proud of you."

Clefairy's eyes lit up and she jumped for joy. Ash smiled at the Fairy-type. Though, it was still hidden under the mask.

"You can go ahead and cure her poison, if you want." Erika called out.

Ash looked at her in surprise, "Really? She can still battle."

Erika smiled and nodded, "I'm sure. Magic Guard may prevent her from being hurt, but it must still be uncomfortable."

Ash smiled softly, "Thank you, Erika." He took off and reached into his backpack. He pulled out a Pecha Berry and handed it to Clefairy, "Here. You've earned it."

Clefairy took the fruit and bit into it with a smile. The purple tint on her face was already starting to fade.

Ash pet the Fairy Pokémon again, "Go relax for now."

Clefairy nodded and sat down next to Pikachu. Pikachu sat down too and glanced at the Pecha in her hands. Clefairy noticed and looked at him. Pikachu flinched and looked back at the battlefield.

"Here."

Pikachu looked back to see Clefairy smiling and handing half of the berry to him.

Pikachu waved his paws and sweat dropped, "It's okay. You need it more, anyway."

Clefairy pushed it closer to him, "No I don't. Besides, I know they're your favorite."

Pikachu smiled softly as he accepted it, "Thanks."

The pair bit into the sweet berries and smiled blissfully.

Ash couldn't help but smile.

"Weepinbell, go!"

Ash snapped out of it and threw his pokéball, "Charmander, it's you move!"

The combatants appeared on the battlefield.

Charmander took a deep breath to calm himself, 'Stay calm and stay focused. You've been preparing for this.' He glared at Weepinbell and took up his fighting stance, 'Don't let Ash down!'

The ref held up an arm, "Second round!" She brought it down, "Start!"

"Weepinbell, use Razor Leaf!"

The Grass-type spun as it fired the swarm of leaves at Charmander.

"Charmander, counter with Flamethrower!"

Charmander's eyes narrowed as he fired a stream of at the Razor Leaves. The leaves burned to a crisp and started raining down around Weepinbell.

The Flycatcher Pokémon flinched and dodged frantically as the flames rained down.

Erika grimaced, "Oh no!"

Ash brought up a fist, "Nice work, Charmander." He gestured forward, "Now, Skull Bash!"

Charmander charged forward and rammed into Weepinbell. The Grass-type flew back and landed on the ground.

"Finish it with Dragon Rage!"

Charmander smirked as his tail flame grew larger. He puffed up his chest and fired the ball of orange flames. It struck Weepinbell and kicked up a cloud of dust.

"Weepinbell!" Erika cried out in alarm.

The dust settled to reveal the unconscious weepinbell.

The ref raised an arm, "Weepinbell is unable to battle!" She gestured to Ash's side again, "Charmander wins this round!"

Charmander's eyes widened, "I- won?"

"Good job, Charmander!" Ash called out.

Charmander looked back at him and smiled brightly.

"Alright, Ash!" Misty cheered.

"You've got this!" Brock called out.

Erika smiled sadly and held out a pokéball, "Good job, Weepinbell. Return."

The Grass-type disappeared in the red beam.

Erika put away Weepinbell's pokéball and smiled softly, "I have to admit, Ash, you've battle skills are impressive. You even have a level of empathy with your Pokémon that I haven't seen in long time."

Ash smiled softly; hidden by the mask, "Thank you, Erika. I put a lot of work into training with them."

"Plus, it helps that I can translate for them!" Soot called out.

Ash chuckled, "Yeah. Good point."

Erika chuckled lightly and pulled out a pokéball, "Now then, it's time for my partner." She spun and threw the ball, "Go, Gloom!"

Gloom emerged on the battlefield. Charmander glared apprehensively.

Ash looked down at the lizard, "You good to continue, Charmander?"

Charmander glanced back, smirked, and nodded, "I won't let you down, Ash!"

Pikachu and Clefairy blinked in surprise and shared a look.

Ash nodded, "Alright." He looked at the ref, "We're ready."

The ref nodded, "Then, let the battle BEGIN!"

Erika gesture forward, "Gloom, do what you do best!"

Gloom pointed her head forward and started spraying noxious fumes at the Fire-type.

Ash grimaced, 'Crag!' "Charmander, Smokescreen!"

Charmander complied and shot a large cloud of black smoke from his mouth. The smoke formed a pseudo-wall in front of him and stopped the stench from reaching Fire-type.

Erika blinked in surprise, 'I didn't even know you could do that.' She shook it off and pointed ahead, "Gloom, use Energy Ball!"

The green sphere formed and fired towards the Smokescreen.

"Dragon Rage!" Ash called out.

An explosion cleared the smoke and the Energy Ball shot into the empty space. Ash could be seen pointing downward.

Erika grimaced, "Gloom! Charmander must have used Dig! Be on guard!"

Ash smirked, 'Not a bad guess.' He looked up, "Charmander, Flamethrower!"

Erika's eyes widened and she looked up. Charmander could be seen in the air in a freefall.

The Lizard Pokémon smirked and fired the stream of flames at Gloom.

"AHH!" The Weed Pokémon cried out as the flames engulfed it.

Charmander cut off the attack and landed on the ground. He breath heavily and slumped forward slightly.

Gloom emerged from the Flamethrower; trembling.

One of the girls at the bleachers looked at Charmander in shock, "How did it do that?! A charmander shouldn't be able to fly!"

Soot chuckled, "Propulsion. He shot and detonated Dragon Rage at his feet to shoot himself into the air. You can do this with pretty much any move that has a Projectile Style and/or causes an explosion."

Erika glared, "Gloom, Giga Drain!"

"Dodge it!" Ash shouted in alarm.

Gloom's orange leaves started glowing green. A set off energy beams shot from the leaves towards Charmander.

Charmander took a step to the side and grimaced before falling on a knee. He flinched as the beams wrapped around him and sapped his energy.

Erika smirked, "Energy Ball!"

Charmander's eyes widened as the ball approached him. It exploded on impact. Charmander was thrown back and crashed on the ground.

The ref raised an arm to Erika, "Charmander is unable to battle! Gloom wins the round!"

"Charmander!" Ash called out as he ran over. Pikachu and Clefairy followed.

Charmander clenched his paws into fists and closed his eyes, 'I failed. I failed my trainer again.' He clenched his teeth, 'And against another Grass-type! N-now he'll-'

Ash put a hand on the lizard's head, "Are you okay?" He asked with worry in his voice.

Charmander's eyes shot open and stared he stared into Ash's eyes.

The trainer looked back softly and smiled under the mask, "Good to see you awake." He petted the Fire-type, "You did great, Charmander."

Charmander's eyes widened, "I- I- But … I lost."

The mouse and fairy frowned. Pikachu muttered the message quietly.

Ash's look saddened and he picked up the starter, "I know. That just means we practice more and get stronger." He pulled him into a hug, "You gave it your all and that's what matters. So long as you do that, I'll never be disappointed in you for losing a battle."

Charmander stared tearing up and hugged him back with a sad smile, "Thank you, Ash."

Erika and her students on the bleachers watched the scene in confusion. Misty and Brock smiled sadly.

The purple haired girl looked at Brock, "Is everything alright?"

Brock frowned, "Sort of. Charmander was abandoned by his trainer before Ash saved him."

Soot glared at the ground, "His old son of a glitch trainer abused him terribly and tried to-" She stopped sighed, "Officer Jenny hauled him off to prison."

The girl's eyes all widened in shock.

Misty smiled sadly, "Ash has been doing a lot to try and help him."

Erika overheard and smiled sadly. She couldn't bring herself to interrupt.

After another minute, Ash pulled the lizard back and pulled out his pokéball, "We'll get you healed up at the Center. Get some rest, for now. You've earned it."

Charmander smiled and nodded before disappearing into the red beam. Ash put the ball away and walked back towards his side of the field.

Ash brought out a pokéball and looked back at Erika, "Ready, Erika?"

Erika smiled and nodded, "I'm ready."

The trainer reeled back, "Pidgeotto, enter the fr-"

A round of annoyingly familiar laughter sounds throughout the room.

Everyone looked up to Team Rocket smirking on top of a light fixture.

Soot growled, "Seriously?! Again?!"

Misty glared, "What are you doing here?!"

Jessie laughed, "What we always do, of course."

James smirked and pointed, "Just because the Ashley act got cut doesn't mean we're out of the chapter."

Ash blinked in surprise, "What?"

The green-haired girl looked over to the blond, "Ashley, what's he talking about?"

The blond -apparently named Ashley- shrugged, "Beats me."

Jessie glared and smacked James over the head, "Stop that! We can't throw in a fourth wall- I mean, one of those jokes every chap- every time we show up!"

James pouted and rubbed the back of his head, "Sorry, Jess."

Jessie sighed before smirking again, "Prepare for trouble!"

James recovered and smirked too, "And make it double!"

Jessie jumped down to the ground, "To protect the world from devastation!"

James followed suit, "To unite all peoples within our nation!"

The pair landed in a crouch and stood back up.

Soot blinked in surprise, "Woah."

Brock stared in surprise, "Say what you want, but they do have skills."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!" Jessie continued.

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

Meowth jumped down from the light; holding a plunger detonator, "And last, but not least, to blast this dump sky-high!"

Erika's eyes widened, "WHAT?!"

Meowth pressed down on the plunger. A large flash and cloud of smoke came up from under the tRio.

"Jessie!" "James!" The pair cried out in terror before being blasted through the roof of the gym.

.

*Self-induced blast off scene

Jessie glared at the Scratch Cat furiously, "Where did you put the bomb?!"

Meowth flinched, "N-near us so I wouldn't lose it."

James held up a glass bottle, "At least we got their perfume's secret ingredient."

"Team Rocket's blasting off again!"

.

*Celadon Gym

Soot stared into the night sky in shock, "I- I don't even- How could they manage to-"

Everyone else stared in shock as a massive fire engulfed the area.

Erika put a hand over her mouth, "N-no. My gym." She failed to notice a ceiling tile crumbling over her.

Ash ran in and tackled her out of the way as the tile crashed down.

Erika looked up at Ash in awe, "Th-thank you."

Ash helped her back up, "Don't mention it." He looked back over at the bleachers and glared, "Guys, snap out of it! We need to evacuate! NOW!"

The purple-haired girl nodded, "Right!" She stood up and looked around the area, "Quick, girls, we need to get all the Pokémon out of here!"

The girls ran around the room with pokéballs in hand.

"Hurry! Now!"

"There's some over here!"

"We've got to get them all!"

"Keep looking!"

.

*Outside the gym

Everyone evacuated the gym and worked frantically to put out the inferno. Erika's students all used either a hose or water buckets against the flames.

Ash, Brock, and Misty already had out their Pokémon.

"Squirtle! Water Gun!" Ash called out.

"Staryu, Starmie, and Horsea! Use Water Gun!" Misty followed.

"Geodude!" Brock shouted with an outstretched arm, "Throw as much sand as you can!"

The five Pokémon complied and started firing away at the blaze.

Soot ran over with a water bucket and threw in on to the fire. Pikachu and Clefairy ran over with another one and followed suit.

Erika ran around with a worried expression.

Misty noticed, "Erika, what's wrong?"

Erika frowned, "I can't find Gloom anywhere."

Ash grimaced, "What?!" He looked at the flames and his eyes narrowed, "Crag! She might still be in there!"

Erika's eyes widened and stepped towards the blaze.

Misty grabbed her, "Erika, you can't!"

Erika looked at her with in worry, "But Gloom might be trapped!"

Ash put a hand on her shoulder, "I'll handle it."

Erika looked at him in shock.

Ash looked back at his Water-type, "Squirtle, listen to Misty for now!"

Squirtle gave him a thumbs up, "Got it!"

Ash ran towards the inferno and disappeared into the blaze.

Erika held out an arm, "No, wait!"

"Don't worry, Erika." Misty said, "Ash will be fine." 'I hope.'

.

*Ash

"Gloom!" Ash called out as he ran back to the battlefield, "Say something!"

"Gloom!"

Ash looked over to a bush to see Gloom shaking in fear.

Ash smiled under his mask, "There you are!" He charged into the blaze, dodged a flaming tile, and scooped up Gloom, "Don't worry, Gloom. I'll get you out of-"

Ash's eyes widened and jumped to the side to dodge another ceiling tile. Gloom shivered in fear as Ash held her.

Ash looked around the room warily, 'Crag! This is too much! Even for Vaporeon!' He looked down at the trembling Grass/Poison-type and his eyes narrowed, 'First things first, I need to get Gloom out of here!'

He put Gloom back down. The Weed Pokémon flinched and grabbed his left arm.

Ash put a hand on Gloom's head, "It's okay, Gloom. Please trust me. I promise to keep you safe."

Gloom looked around at the blaze warily. She looked back up at Ash and nodded before letting go.

Ash nodded and brought up his watch, "Try not to freak out." He popped up the dial, spun it, and slammed down.

Gloom flinched and shied away as Ash was engulfed in a green light. It faded and she looked back at Ash.

Gloom's eyes shot open in shock at what she saw, "AHHHHHH!"

.

*Outside

"GLOOOOOOOM!"

Erika's eyes widened, "GLOOM!" She glared into the fire, "Don't worry! I'm coming!"

Misty grabbed her arm, "Erika, stop! It's too dangerous!"

Erika glared at her, "I don't care! Gloom needs my help!"

"AHH!" One of the girls screamed, "What is that?!"

Everyone looked back at the entrance and their eyes widened.

A tall creature stood at the entrance with its arms outstretched and the Gym's flames connecting to its hands.

It appeared to be made entirely out of hardened, red magma with glowing, yellow magma veins traveling all across its body. It's hands and feet were made of the same yellow magma and its head resembled a less detailed skull engulfed in flames.

Misty's eyes widened upon noticing the symbol on its chest, "Is that-"

Soot smirked, "Overheat."

Squirtle's jaw dropped, "What?! Ash can turn into that?!"

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "His name suddenly makes sense."

Clefairy tilted; not getting the joke, "I thought humans got names when they were born."

Erika stared at Ash in shock before noticing something. Her eyes widened, "Gloom!"

Gloom peeked out from around Overheat's leg and smiled brightly before running towards Erika. Erika crouched down as Gloom jumped into her arm.

"Thank Arceus, you're okay!" Erika said with a softly smile.

"Gloom!" The Weed Pokémon cried happily.

One of the girls glared at Ash, "We need to stop that thing!" She pointed the hose at him and put her hand on the switch.

Brock ran in front of the hose and spread his arms, "You can't! You could hurt him!"

The girl blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Soot ran over, "Brock's right! Look closer!"

Erika blinked in surprise before looking again. Her eyes widened, "The flames are weakening!"

Soot smirked, "Right! He's not shooting the fire, he's absorbing it!"

Misty clenched a fist, "Well let's help him, then!" She held out an arm, "Everyone, Water Gun! Aim away from A- I mean, the creature!"

Erika looked around at the trainers, "You heard her, girls!"

.

*Another non-climactic firefighting scene later

Ohirume: I'm sorry but I barely know how to write a firefighting scene aside from using a hose. This isn't a Fire Force Fanfiction.

Seishin: Which is ironic because pyronites look a lot like infernals.

Omega: How is that ironic?

Seishin: … Shut up.

Overheat walked down the staircase and towards the group. The Celadon Native's -presumably- all looked at him warily.

Erika gulped, "Um. Th-thank you for helping us. And for saving Gloom."

Ash smiled softly and nodded.

The purple-haired girl walked over; somewhat trembling, "Do you … have a name?"

"Overheat." He said in a deep, rough voice. They expected him to continue. He did not.

Brock and Misty looked at Soot with confused expressions.

Soot looked back, "Strong and silent type. Emphasis on the silent."

Overheat jumped back as a small, but powerful, jet of flames burst from his feet. He shot into the air and spun as he gained altitude. Once he made it above the gym, he cut off the jets on his feet, flipped and twisted, and fired from his hands to shoot over the gym and out of sight.

Erika and her students all watched in awe and shock.

Soot sweat dropped, "Yet, surprisingly flashy."

Brock scratched his head, "You'd kind of expected something like that to have a short temper or something."

Soot shrugged, "That's fair."

Misty smirked, "He is a hothead."

Misty's Pokémon, Pikachu, Soot, and Squirtle all groaned. Clefairy giggled.

Ash ran out of the gym; mask still on. He slumped forward and breathed heavily, "Erika *huff* I'm sorry *huff* but I couldn't find Gloom any-" He looked back up and blinked in surprise, "Oh, there she is."

He ran down the stairs, towards the group.

Ash looked around happily, "It looks like everyone made it out. I didn't see anyone else inside."

One of the girls stared at him; wide eyed, "Speaking of which, how were you okay in there?"

Ash tugged on his jacket, "Fireproof clothing." He put a hand on his mask, "And this thing helped filter out the smoke."

Another girl ran over, "What about that Overheat thing?!"

Ash blinked in surprise, "You mean that big red thing?" He pointed back to the gym, "I saw it flying off into the distance through a window. I have no idea where it went."

The girls all looked at each other in confusion and/or worry.

Misty crouched down next to Soot and whispered, "Are they really gonna buy that?"

Soot smirked, "It worked on you guys at Melanie's place."

Brock and Misty stared in surprise and shared a look.

Brock rubbed the back of his head, "Good point."

Ash looked back at the gym with a somber expression, "I'm sorry about all of this." He looked back at Erika, "Also, for Team Rocket taking your secret ingredient."

Erika smiled and raised finger, "I wouldn't worry. That bottle only had one ingredient." She smirked and narrowed her eyes, "Concentrated gloom essence."

Gloom chuckled, "It smells worse than normal."

Soot laughed maniacally, "Oh man! I wish could see the look on their faces when they open it!"

Erika chuckled before continuing, "As for the gym, we should be able to fix it. Insurance should help with the actual building and the ashes from our plants can be repurposed as soil."

Ash smiled softly; again, blocked by mask, "Good to hear. So, um, should we reschedule the Gym Battle, then?" He glanced at the structure, "And relocate?"

Erika chuckled lightly and reached behind her back, "I don't think that will be necessary." She held out a Rainbow Badge to Ash, "I think you've earned it."

Ash sighed before taking the badge, "Thank you, Erika."

Erika blinked in surprise, "I thought you'd be happy. Not a lot of trainers can say they've earned a badge as a 'thank you.'"

Misty smirked and slung an arm around Ash's shoulder, "Yeah. And even less can have it happen three times."

Ash sweat dropped, "Come on, Misty."

Erika stared in shock, "What?"

Brock walked over and smiled, "I gave Ash a Boulder Badge as thanks for saving my siblings."

Misty pointed to herself, "My sisters gave him a Cascade Badge after he saved most of our Gym from Team Rocket."

Soot walked over and smiled slyly, "And if not that it's something else. A haunter made Sabrina's kadabra laugh itself into submission."

Ash groaned, "Thanks for that."

Pikachu jumped on to his shoulder and smirked, "Hey. At least I actually beat Surge."

Ash chuckled lightly and pet the mouse, "Yeah. I guess."

Erika just stared at the group in complete shock.

.

*That night; Pokémon Center

Soot stirred awake and looked around the bedroom; eyes still in their inherent state. Pikachu and Clefairy slept peacefully on the bed and Ash was nowhere to be seen.

Soot looked over to the bathroom door. It was closed with the lights off.

The Dark-type frowned and rolled out of the bed. She walked through the wall to the Pokémon Center's hallway.

She sniffed around before realizing something.

Soot groaned, 'Right. Can't smell.' She sighed, 'Here goes nothing.'

The canine cut off the intangibility and flinched as all of the scents hit at once. She voided her sense of smell again, shook her head, crouched down until the pain went away.

After recovering, she ran silently down one of the halls. She came up to a broom closet. Under the door, she could see a strange, flickering flash and what sounded like scrapping metal.

Soot's eyes narrowed before she poked her head through the door.

Inside, there was a small, grey, amphibious creature crouching down over a set of tools. It stood at approximately four inches tall and had its back turned to Soot. It had gills on the sides of its head; near its cheeks. On its back, there was a familiar green symbol.

Soot blinked in surprise, "Calm Mind?"

Ash flinched and looked back; revealing his green, bulbous eyes with rectangular pupils.

He saw Soot and sighed in relief, "Greetings, Soot. I request that you not startle me in such a fashion in the future." He said in a high pinched voice

Soot sweat dropped, "Right…" She walked into the closet, "Dad, what's going on? Why are you-" She stopped and stared upon seeing what he was working on.

Soot groaned and gave Ash a disappointed look, "Really, dad? The Change Lenses again?"

Calm Mind's eyes narrowed; showing horizontal eye lids, "Do not lecture me about this, offspring. I have legitimate reasons for taking these actions."

Soot sighed and sat down, "Fine. Then, tell me."

Ash sighed, "It has come to my attention in these recent few solar cycles that our companions-"

"Dad." Soot interrupted with an annoyed glare, "Change into something normal first."

The amphibian frowned before reaching around and hitting the symbol on his back. The green light flared up and faded to reveal Ash in banette form.

Soot sighed and looked Ash in his matching eyes, "Dad, what's going on? I thought we left all your tools at the lab."

"I ran back last night." Ash frowned, "It's Brock and Misty. I know you've been hearing it too."

Soot frowned, "All that jealousy stuff? Dad, you know they don't hold it against you, right?"

Ash sat down and shook his head, "That's not the point, Soot. They feel left out and I don't blame them." He looked back at Calm Mind's supplies, "I thought if I could just finish them, then-" He stopped and sighed.

"Dad, you've been trying to get these things to work for almost two years now." Soot said; still frowning, "What makes you think you can get them to work this time?"

Ash's eyes narrowed slightly, "I have a reason, now. I'm going to figure them out, Soot."

Soot sighed, "Fine." She walked over and nudged up against Ash, "Just promise to get some sleep."

Ash smiled sadly and hugged her head, "Promise."

Soot pulled back and glared mockingly, "And don't lockdown."

Ash snickered, "Alright. Alright."

Soot snickered and looked at Clam Mind's little set up, "Should we tell Brock and Misty?"

Ash frowned and shook his head, "No. At least, not until I finish them. I don't want to get their hopes up on a false promise."

Soot smiled softly, "Alright."

Ash smiled and hit the symbol on his stomach. The light appeared and faded to reveal Calm Mind again.

Ash looked up at Soot and smiled, "I wish you joyous mental perception over the course of this lunar cycle, Soot."

Soot sweat dropped, "Sweat dreams to you too, dad." She turned around and walked back to the door. She stopped and looked back with a sad smile, "Good luck." She jumped through the closed door.

Calm Mind smiled softly and got back to work.

.

.

Omega: And, once again, Trix avoids embarrassment and one-ups the two of you at the same time.

Faux: Aw, come on! I had to literally take the form of a girl to do that!

Mizuro: *sly smirk* So, not only did you cross-dress, you-

Faux: I was still male! … On the inside.

Luke: *sweat drops* You're really not helping your case here.