Seishin: Scap scap scapa dap

doop dap doop dap

scap do dap

scapa dapa doopa dap

scapa do dap

Ohirume: It's Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving for everybody!

Except for Europeans.

Seishin: Kaka pow.

Ohirume: It's Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving for everybody!

Except for Europeans.

Omega: It's not Thanksgiving today. ****, this isn't even a Thanksgiving themed chapter.

Seishin: *shrug* We know, but we're doing the next comment response on Halloween and this year's Thanksgiving isn't on a Sunday.

Ohirume: Also, I could it resist doing this song. "Bob's Burgers" by the way. It's an Adult-ish show that's entering its tenth season and has never used a curse word worse than the real version of 'HFIL.' In other words, no "bleeps"

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Fashion Nightmare, Rockét.

.

Ash looked at Brock with a raised brow, "Scissor Street?"

Brock nodded with a smile and handed him the map, "Yeah. It's also known as Breeder's Lane. I was hoping we could take a quick detour through there."

Ash looked over the map, "It doesn't seem that far away. Going there shouldn't put us too far off course."

Clefairy looked too, "Is there a forest on the way?"

Ash shook head his head, "Doesn't look like it."

Brock frowned, "What?! But Ash, you just said it wasn't that far away!"

"Huh?" Ash said in surprise before realizing, "Oh, no, sorry. That isn't what I meant."

Soot snickered, "He was answering Clefairy's question about whether there was forest on the way."

Clefairy slumped forward, "Aww."

Pikachu walked across Ash's back and patted Clefairy's back.

"Oh." Brock said in relief, "So, we can head there?"

Ash smiled and shrugged, "I don't see why not."

.

*Scissor Street

Misty looked around the buildings, "So, this is Scissor Street, huh? There sure are a lot of Pokémon beauty parlors."

Brock nodded, "Yeah. Some of the best breeders have shops here. There are lots of terrific makeup places and fashion salons, too. Just for Pokémon."

Ash looked at Brock, "So, we're here to check out some of these breeders and their methods?"

"Something like that." Brock said as he started looking around.

Soot looked up at the breeder, "Any place in particular?"

Brock kept looking, "You'll see."

"Hey!" Misty called out as she ran ahead. She stopped in front of a large poster depicting a koffing and ekans wearing … yeah, I'm not even sure where to start in describing that, "Oh, look! This must be the newest fashion!" She smiled brightly, "How cute!"

Pikachu stared in shock, "Seriously?"

Soot sweat dropped, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."

Clefairy stared in shock before looking at Ash, "Aren't those guys?"

Ash sweat dropped, "Yeah."

Misty looked closer, "Hey, there's an address." She grabbed Ash's arm, "Come on. We've got to check it out." She dragged him along towards the salon.

Brock looked at the poster and frowned, "Is it me, or do those Pokémon look kind of familiar?"

Soot sighed, "No, you're definitely right." She ran after Ash and Misty, "We should hurry."

Brock followed.

.

*Team Rocket's Salon

Illavera: Isn't that a bit of a spoiler?

Seishin: It's not a spoiler if it's obvious.

You won't believe how beautiful a Pokémon can be. Came James's voice over a loudspeaker, Step in and see for yourself. Let us dazzle you with the latest fashions by the expert artists of Salon Rockét.

Ash sweat dropped, "Salon Rockét?"

"Why does that name sound so familiar?" Misty asked.

Soot looked at her; deadpanned, "You're joking right?"

"Huh?" Misty said in surprise.

Brock looked into the salon's window and appropriately grimaced, "W-whoa. Is that supposed to be a Pokémon or a Christmas tree?"

Soot noticed something exit the salon and turned to see-

The canine's eyes widened in shock, "Holy freaking Arceus."

Everyone looked over and -expect Misty- stared, slack jawed, at the dodrio and raichu accompanying a woman in a blue gown.

Dodrio had two of their three heads shaved to depict a mohawk and a … wider mohawk. (?) The third head's face was covered in white powder with its feather braided into curls … somehow. All three heads had dark pink blush on their cheeks. The body itself had yellow bows unevenly placed all over the front.

Raichu was wearing red lipstick, pink star stickers, a pearl necklace, dangling earrings, pink blush covering its electric sacks, and some kind of pink stripes below its arms.

Neither of them looked happy about it.

"Who the Yvel shaves a dodrio?" Soot asked in shock.

Clefairy frowned, "That doesn't look very fun."

Pikachu laughed like a maniac at the sight of Raichu, "Oh- oh, dear Arceus! This is the best day of my life!"

Raichu glared, "Hey! I didn't choose to be dressed up like this!"

Ash's eyes widened before he noticed Raichu's tail, "Holy Yvel, it's a guy."

Brock looked at Ash in shock, "Seriously?!"

Raichu grimaced and slumped over.

Pikachu laughed harder.

The woman didn't seem to hear them as she continued walking. Her Pokémon followed; still in a slump.

Misty smiled, "I think I should get in line."

Ash, Soot, Pikachu, and even Clefairy looked at her in shock, "Huh?!"

"There it is!" Brock called out excitedly as he pointed across the street.

Everyone looked over to see another Salon with a vulpix on the door.

Brock ran over immediately and looked up in awe. "I found it!" He called out in triumph, "I've been looking all over for this place!"

Misty walked up and asked, "This is the store you've been looking for?"

Brock didn't respond and walked over to the door. He moved to open it but stopped short and started trembling. He flinched when he felt Ash put a hand on his shoulder.

Ash blinked in surprise, "Are you okay, Brock?"

Brock nodded, "Y-yeah." He looked back at the door and took a deep breath to calm himself. He opened the door -causing a bell to ring- before walking in. Everyone else followed.

"Welcome. I'll be with you in a moment." Called out a teal-haired woman as she massaged a chansey, "Just relax. Release all your tension."

Brock watched in awe.

Misty noticed and sweat dropped with a deadpanned expression, "Ah. That explains it."

Soot looked over at Brock and raised a brow, 'It seems a little different, this time.'

The woman stood back up and smiled, "All done. You should be feeling much more energized."

Chansey jumped over to mirror and looked over herself with a bright smile, "Oh, wow!"

A ma- wo- uh … Chansey's trainer walked into the salon. Ash and the others looked at them in surprise … and slight discomfort.

Omega: Won't some people take offense to that?

Seishin: If they're offended by this, they're offended by the same scene in the anime.

Ohirume: *nods* That character is canon. As were Ash and Misty's reaction to them.

Nuevo: Wow. So, people were accepting enough in 1997 and 1998 for a character like that to show up in a children's anime.

Seishin: *snickers* Or it's because Pokémon worlds have a legitimate third gender.

Omega, Mizuro, Illavera and Nuevo: Wait, what?

Gem: *raises brow* Well, yeah. Genderless. This is a pretty basic fact.

Faux: *nods* There are like … 20 species of Pokémon that don't have genders.

Ohirume: Legendaries.

Faux: Okay, 63.

Gem: Mythical.

Faux: *groans* 83.

Seishin: Ultra Beasts.

Faux: Alright! 93! Happy?!

Ohirume: For the record, he didn't count evolutions. Feel free to correct me if I miscounted.

Mizuro: Wha- But- How does that even work?!

Illavera: Wouldn't they be long extinct by now?!

Mewtwo: Well, most of us are immortal.

Nuevo: What?! I thought you were a guy!

Mewtwo: Mentally, yes. But-

Seishin: Guys, I think we've been talking for too long. Back to the story.

"Chansey! I've come for you, darling!" Their eyes lit up, "Ah! Don't you look precious! Suzie, you're a miracle worker!"

Suzie nodded with a kind smile, "Thank you for bringing Chansey to my salon."

"See you soon, Suzie." The trainer said as they and Chansey left.

Suzie looked over to Ash and the others, "May I help the next customer?"

Ash chuckled nervously, "Uh, good question."

Suzie blinked in surprise, "Hm?"

Brock walked up; blushing and sweating, "W-well- you see- it's- uh-"

Misty pushed him aside, "Look! Isn't that vulpix the cutest thing?!"

Ash and his Pokémon looked over to see the Fox Pokémon sleeping peacefully on a chair.

Misty walked over and smiled brightly, "Oh, don't you just want to hug it?" She reached out to pick up the Fire-type.

"Don't touch it!" Suzie called out in alarm.

Ash looked at Suzie in surprise.

Misty didn't listen and picked up the fox, "You're just about the cutest little Pokémon I've ever-"

She was cut off when Ash held out a towel in between her and Vulpix. She was about to say something when she heard Vulpix call out something.

Ash moved the towel away. Misty looked over and grimaced when she saw it smoking. Suzie watched the scene in surprise.

Misty quickly put Vulpix back on the chair and waved defensively, "Sorry, it won't happen again."

Vulpix laid down and yawned before going back to sleep.

Misty sweat dropped, "Guess I shouldn't have woken them up." She looked at Ash and smiled, "Thanks for the save. I didn't know you had a towel like that."

Ash pointed back, "Actually, I grabbed it off that shelf."

Suzie blinked, "But how did you know it was fireproof?"

Ash started folding the towel back up, "Fireproof fabrics give off an extremely faint, but unique, scent." Ash pulled on his jacket, "I know that because all my clothes are all fireproof, too." He walked back over to the shelf.

Misty looked over and her eyes widened upon seeing a massive display of towels, lotions, and tools, "Woah, look at all this stuff!" She looked around curiously, "You must have supplies for every kind of-" She stopped and stared in confusion, "Why is there a mallet?"

Ash placed the folded towel back where he got it, "It's most likely for Pokémon with metallic bodies. Like the magnemite and beldum lines." Suzie looked at him in surprise as he continued, "While it doesn't happen often, their bodies can become tense and a rubber mallet is the safest way to give them a massage." He looked over at Suzie, "That's also why you have the hedge trimmers, sandpaper grinder, and liquid nitrogen, right? For Grass, Rock, and Ice-types?"

Suzie blinked in surprise, "That's right." She shifted to a soft smile, "You sure seem to know a lot about Pokémon."

Ash shrugged, "I just read a lot as a kid."

Brock walked over nervously, "Uh, Suzie?"

Suzie looked back at him, "Yes?"

Misty sweat dropped, 'Oh, boy.'

Brock stood up straight; blushing heavily, "Uh, my name's Brock! Nice to meet you, Suzie! Uh, I want to breed like y- I-I mean, I want to be a breeder like you!"

Suzie smiled, "It's very nice to meet you, Brock. I'm flattered you want to make me your model."

"Yes, I want to model you. I mean, I-I'm flattered that you're flattered! I mean, your vulpix is nice."

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Um … wow."

Clefairy raised a brow, "Is Brock okay?"

Brock gulped before starting again, "What I'm trying to say is-" He perked up and looked at the teal-haired breeder determinedly, "Suzie, I'm begging you to accept me as your pupil!"

"Huh?!" Pikachu and Clefairy called out in surprise.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Wait, so this isn't just another crush?"

Ash chuckled "Yeah. I guess, he's actually been star-struck this whole time."

Soot smiled, "I thought it seemed kind of odd. Brock's usually a lot more forward and confident."

Clefairy looked at Ash in worry, "Wait! Does that mean Brock's leaving?!"

Ash and Soot frowned. Pikachu's eyes widened.

Suzie frowned, "I'm sorry, Brock. But I don't have pupils. Breeding takes up all of my time."

Pikachu sighed in relief, "Thank Arceus. I don't know what I'd do without his cooking."

Soot looked up at him; deadpanned, "Really?"

Brock frowned and looked down somberly, "Oh, I see."

Suzie smiled softly, "But I wouldn't mind if we shared a few of our techniques."

Brock looked back up and smiled brightly, "Thank you, Suzie!"

.

**Time Skip**

Everyone decided to sit down for tea and chat. Pikachu and Clefairy sat on a bench next to the table and ate. Soot sat next to Ash. Brock had just finished listing Suzie accomplishments. And, just, wow.

Misty looked at Suzie in surprise, "Now that's what I call a great breeder."

Suzie smiled, "Thank you, Misty." She looked over at Pikachu and Clefairy, "Your pikachu and clefairy have beautiful, shiny coats, Ash. You must take very good care of them."

Ash smiled and waved a hand, "Thanks, but I can't really take the credit." He gestured to the Rock-type trainer, "It's Brock's cooking that really does it."

Suzie looked over at Brock; still smiling, "I have to admit, Brock, I'm impressed."

Brock stood at attention, "Th-thank you, Suzie!"

Vulpix jumped onto bench and sniffed the bowl of food. Everyone looked in surprise.

Pikachu noticed and held out a piece to the Fire-type, "You want some?"

Clefairy swallowed and smiled, "Try it. It's great!"

Vulpix sniffed again before biting into the piece.

Suzie's eyes widened at the sight. Brock watched intently.

Vulpix swallowed and her eyes lit up, "Woah!" She started eating immediately.

Soot smiled, "I guess she likes it."

Suzie stared in shock, "I don't believe it."

Brock rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "I mean- I'm sure my recipe can't even compare to yours."

Suzie shook her head and smiled brightly, "It's not that." She looked back at the fox as she ate, "Vulpix is extremely picky when it comes to food. Before now, she's only ever eaten my personal recipe and has even refused gourmet foods in place of it." She looked at Brock with a bright smile, "Your recipe is even more amazing than I thought, Brock."

Brock stared in shock before blushing with an overjoyed smile, "Thank you, Suzie!" He bowed too rapidly and slammed his head on the table, "I'm not worthy." The pain finally caught up to him and he held his head, "Ow."

Suzie giggled before noticing something on the floor. She reached down and picked up a notebook, "What's this?"

Brock looked up, "Oh, my notebook. It must have fallen out."

Suzie looked at him, "Would you mind if I took a look?"

Brock smiled brightly, "Of course not! It'd be an honor!"

Suzie smiled before opening the book. She nodded and turned a page, "I see. You really put a lot of thought into your recipes." She turned the page again and her eyes widened in surprise.

Ash and Soot's eyes widened. Ash looked at Brock anxiously, "Uh, Brock. You didn't write anything … 'personal' in there, right?"

Brock looked at him in confusion, "Huh?" He grimaced upon realizing what he meant and waved his hands defensively, "No! Nothing like that! It's just the stuff that you and Soot have been telling us."

Suzie looked at Brock in surprise, "Wait, what?!" She looked at Ash; wide eyed, "Where did you find out about all of this?!"

Soot snickered, "Mostly me." She looked at Brock with a raised brow, "I'm assuming?"

Brock nodded, "Right. Stuff like the family terms, how to teach a Pokémon to speak Human," Suzie's eyes widened, and she flipped to the next page. "and a few things about different move applications and combinations."

Ash raised a brow, "Like the propulsion thing?"

Suzie turned another page and blinked in surprise, "Um, yeah." She flipped back to the third page and looked at Soot, "So, these terms are actually part of a Pokémon's instincts?"

.

*Over an hour of on-topic conversation later

"Hey, Suzie." Misty said; catching Suzie's attention, "We saw some super-fancy-looking Pokémon when we were walking down the street."

Pikachu sweat dropped, "What about that was fancy?"

Misty continued, "Is that really the latest trend?"

Suzie frowned, "By any chance, do you mean Salon Rockét?"

Ash nodded, "Yeah. That's the place."

Suzie sighed, "Ever since it opened, some trainers have been trying to make their Pokémon as flashy as possible."

Brock frowned sourly, "So that Salon started the trend."

Suzie continued, "A good breeder's goal is to try and bring out a Pokémon's inner strength and personality. But this new fad is about standing out. Not what's inside."

Ash frowned, "I know what you mean." He looked at the tRio's salon through the window, "Owners aside, their methods add on tons of useless accessories that would actually hinder a Pokémon's ability to battle. Not even Coordinators or Performers take outfits that far."

Soot nodded, "Not to mention some of the makeovers could borderline abuse." She sweat dropped, "A dodrio is not meant to be shaved."

"Well maybe." Misty responded, "But sometimes even Pokémon like to get dressed up and show off a little." She smiled at the Fairy-type, "Right, Clefairy?"

Clefairy looked over and tilted, "What?"

"She asked 'what'." Soot translated.

Misty pointed to Clefairy's bow, "You know, like your bow. You like to wear it to show off a little, right?"

Clefairy blinked, "Show off? I just like it."

Soot translated again.

"Oh." Misty said before looking back at Ash, "Well, it still proves my point. Some Pokémon do like to dress up."

Ash frowned, "I'm not denying that. I'm saying just that their methods seem over the top. Plus, they don't really seem to care whether a Pokémon wants to be dressed up like that. That raichu hated their get up."

Pikachu snickered.

Misty raised a brow, "How would they know for sure that a Pokémon doesn't like it? Wouldn't they need someone who can translate?"

Ash and Soot sweat dropped, 'Really?'

Misty perked up, "Anyway, I still like their style. In fact," She pulled out a pokéball and released her newest Water-type, "I think Psyduck and I are gonna head over their right now." She walked towards the exit, "Come on, Psyduck."

Psyduck ran after her.

Soot leaned over to Ash and whispered, "We really need to teach her how to see past Team Rocket's schemes."

Ash nodded, "Yeah."

Clefairy and Pikachu overheard and looked at the pair in shock, "What?!"

Vulpix raised a brow, "What about a rocket?"

Suzie looked down with a sad smile, "I'm starting to wonder if it's what's on the outside or inside that really counts. Ever since that salon opened, I've been wondering about my methods."

Brock frowned and stood up, "Don't say things like that!"

Suzie looked at him in surprise.

"Suzie." Brock continued; hand clenched, "You've got to keep following the path you believe in."

Soot nodded with a determined glared, "Yeah! We'll show everyone just how bad those so-called makeovers really are for Pokémon!"

Pikachu nodded, "Yeah!"

Ash smiled, "We'd be happy to help in any way we can."

Suzie smiled sadly, "That's very kind." She frowned again, "But, how can we?"

Brock smiled determinedly, "If they want to put style over substance, we'll give customers substance with style."

Soot nodded, "Yeah. And we can help draw in a crowd." She smirked, "With the help of a few exotic Pokémon." She shot Ash a sideways glance. Ash's eyes widened in realization

Suzie looked at her in surprise, "What do you mean 'exotic'?"

Ash smiled, "Well, I know Professor Samuel Oak pretty well and he might be willing to send over a Pokémon that isn't native to Kanto. Specifically, banette or braviary." He shifted to a sly smirk, "Or maybe even a rare one like dragonite or vaporeon."

Brock sweat dropped, "A-ash, are you sure about-"

Suzie's eyes lit up, "You can get a dragonite?!"

.

**Time Skip**

Brock stood at the front of the crowd and spoke through a microphone, "Uh, there are still a few seats left in the back of the room for our lecture on Pokémon care."

Charmander looked up at Ash from his lap, "So, we just sit here?"

The dragon smiled as he held the smaller reptile, "More or less. We're mostly trying to draw in a crowd. Just don't be too surprised if people wanna take pictures."

A handful of cameras flashed; startling Charmander.

Ash chuckled, "Like that." He held Charmander tighter, "Don't worry. They'll have to get through me if they wanna try anything."

Charmander smiled and cuddled him, "Thanks Ash."

"Aww! It's so cute!" One trainer squealed.

"It's like the Charmander is their baby." Another said.

Someone's treecko pouted, "I wish my meema could've been a dragonite."

Charmander chuckled nervously, "He's not actually-"

A squirtle interrupted, "Hey, what egg move did you get from him?"

A poliwag's eyes lit up, "I bet it's something super strong like Outrage!"

Another charmander glared at Poliwag, "No way! It's gotta be Flare Bitz!"

Ash sweat dropped, "Dragonite can't learn-"

Treecko titled his head, "What about Hyper Beam?"

Ash's eye twitched, "That attack can't be an egg mo-"

"Do you think Dragonite might be wild?" Another trainer thought out loud; unknowingly cutting off Ash.

Their rattata gulped, "Please don't be wild."

Soot walked over and sat down next to Ash, "I can assure you all that neither he, Charmander, nor I, are wild. We all have trainers who I know would not be willing to trade."

A few trainers pouted. The rest looked at Soot in surprise and started taking more pictures.

One of them ran around and held out a camera, "Say cheese."

Soot grinned, Charmander waved with a smile, and Ash stuck his tongue out before the camera flashed.

Suzie looked over at Brock, "Shouldn't Ash be here? We're about to start the demonstration."

Brock grimaced, "W-well, you see-"

Soot looked over and frowned, "It's actually best that he isn't. Dad and dragonite aren't on the best of terms."

Ash pouted and spoke in an angry tone, "Random words to sound angry."

Charmander and Pikachu snickered. Clefairy giggled. Every other Pokémon looked at Ash in confusion.

Soot held back her laughter enough to say, "Case and point."

Vulpix looked up at Ash in surprise from her table, "Why do you sound like that trainer?"

"Attention everyone." Brock said through the microphone again.

No one listened. Their attention on Ash and the other Pokémon.

Brock sweat dropped, "Excuse me."

Again, no response.

Soot noticed and sweat dropped, "Right." She walked over to Brock, "Let me try."

Brock frowned, "Good luck." He crouched down and held the microphone in front of her.

Soot cleared her throat, "Excuse me, everyone. This is Soot Ketchum, the mightyena, talking."

Everyone looked over immediately.

Brock stared in confusion and looked down at Soot, "How did you do that?"

Soot put her paw on the microphone, "When a Pokémon talks, people tend to listen." She moved her paw and continued, "If you'll please turn your attention towards the front, we're about to begin the lecture on Pokémon care."

Ash and Charmander looked over. As did every other trainer.

Brock stared in shock, "Whoa."

Suzie smiled, "Thank you, Soot." She looked over to the electric mouse, "You're first, Pikachu"

Pikachu nodded, jumped onto the table, and laid down.

Suzie started massaging the Mouse, "Each Pokémon needs your special care and attention. Whenever a Pokémon's been injured in battle, it'll help to give it a therapeutic massage."

"Ash!" Pikachu called out in pure joy, "You have to bring us back here sometime! This woman has the hands of a goddess!"

Ash chuckled, "Noted."

Vulpix jerked and looked back and forth between Ash and Pikachu, "Huh?"

"It's also important to know that every Pokémon has different needs." Suzie continued before moving to massage Pikachu's cheeks, "As you may already know, a pikachu's electric sacks are located in its cheeks and may became very tense after a difficult battle."

Pikachu smiled blissfully, "Chaaa!"

Everyone watched in awe.

"Good communication between Pokémon and trainer is essential. These techniques build trust and bring out a Pokémon's personality."

Brock stepped forward, "I think Suzie will agree with me that any technique is only as good as the trainer or breeder who uses it."

A few trainers -whose Pokémon had gone through the Salon Rockét treatment- looked down at their Pokémon sorrowfully. They sighed.

Clefairy jumped up to the table, "Can I get a turn now?"

"Just, ten more- twen- Chaaa!" Pikachu smiled blissfully.

Ash chuckled, "Come on, Pikachu. Let Clefairy have a turn. Besides, it'll help with the demonstration."

Pikachu pouted and sat up; surprising Suzie, "Fine." He jumped down.

Clefairy ran over and fell back in front of Suzie, "Ready!"

Suzie blinked in surprise, "Um." She shook it off and smiled again, "Next, we'll be working with Clefairy here." 'apparently.' She started massaging the Fairy.

Clefairy smiled blissfully, "Ash, Pikachu's right! We need to come here again!"

Ash chuckled again.

After a moment, Suzie rolled over Clefairy and started rubbing her wings, "Even though a clefairy isn't actually capable of flight, their wings can become tense or even swollen after absorbing large amounts of moonlight. Massaging them regularly can also help increase their absorption rate and capacity, allowing for Clefairy to float for longer periods."

Clefairy looked up and blinked, "Wait, I can do what?" She looked at Ash, "Did you know I could do that?!"

Ash blinked in surprise, "Well, yeah."

Clefairy pouted, "Why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

Ash sweat dropped, "I thought you already knew. You've been a clefairy for most of your life." He cocked his head, "I'm assuming."

Clefairy frowned, "I can't believe I could've tried floating around this whole ti-" She stopped and smiled happily as Suzie struck a nerve, "Fairyyy."

After another minute, Psyduck charged into the salon and started rambling like mad. Everyone looked at him in surprise.

Ash deadpanned, "Of course."

Charmander looked up at him in surprise, "Huh?"

Soot sighed, "Apparently, it's time to save Misty."

Brock looked at her in alarm, "What?! What do you mean 'save her'?! From what?!"

Soot and Ash shared an annoyed glance.

Soot sighed again, "Just- come on."

Soot ran out the door and Ash flew after her as he held Charmander. Brock, Suzie, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Psyduck followed soon after.

.

*Salon Rockét*

Brock, Soot, Suzie holding Vulpix, Pikachu, and Clefairy ran in through the front door. Ash stood just outside the entrance with Charmander on his shoulder. He couldn't fit through the door.

"Misty!" Soot called out. She stopped and stared in shock upon seeing her tied to a chair and her face covered in makeup, "What?"

Brock glared, "It's Team Rocket again!" He looked at Misty too and stared; dumbfound, "Uhh."

Ohirume: Sorry, but I can't even begin to describe the ******** that the Rockets put on her. You wanna know what she looks like? Find the episode or some screen shots online.

Actually, the screenshot thing will be a lot easier.

Pikachu, Clefairy, Charmander, and Ash stared in shock.

"Why does Misty look like a clown?" Pikachu asked.

The tRio looked back at the group and flinched upon seeing Ash.

"The Porta Vista Dragonite?!" James called out in alarm.

Ash sweat dropped, "Sort of."

Meowth's eyes widened, "D-da twoip."

Jessie and James looked at him in shock before looking back at Ash.

Jessie sweat dropped, "Of course."

Soot shook off the confusion and glared, "Let Misty go right now!"

Jessie smirked, "Sorry, you'll have to wait your turn. We won't be finished with her makeover until she looks like a grimer."

James smiled in a weird way, "We're conducting some important beauty research."

Suzie frowned, "Beauty research? Can't you understand it's the beauty inside that counts? Every Pokémon is beautiful. We just have to help them discover it."

Jessie raised a brow, "What's she talking about?"

James smirked, "What does she know about breeding anyway? Who cares about the inside? Outside counts."

Meowth jumped up and Fury Swiped the two of them, "What do you two numbskulls know about breedin'?! Dis whole Salon Rockét idea's supposed to be a scam rememba?!"

Brock sweat dropped, "Should we-"

Soot smirked, "No. Let him finish."

Meowth jumped down and grinned, "It was a brilliant plan." He raised digit on his paw, "Part one, think up some stupid Pokémon fashions and take piles of money from da trainas." He raised a second digit, "And part two, whenever a traina brings in a rare Pokémon, get da traina distracted den steal da Pokémon on da spot. Genius isn't it?"

Soot smirked, "It could have been. If you hadn't blurted it all out in front of all of your previous and potential clients." She looked back.

The three of them followed her gaze and flinched upon seeing a massive crowd of trainers glaring at them.

Jessie gulped before smirking again, "Well, it still doesn't change the fact that we have your water clown hostage."

"What did you just call me?!" Misty yelled.

Meowth smirked and pointed, "So, how 'bout a trade? Da girl for da tw- uh, 'Dragonite'."

Pikachu and Soot glared, "Forget it!"

Brock pulled out a pokéball, "If you won't give her back peacefully, we'll just have to beat you in a battle!"

James laughed, "Salon Rockét is ready with our own fashion-battle platform!" He pulled out a microphone and pressed a button on it. The salon started shaking before a massive cloud of smoke covered it.

Jessie's voice came up over a loudspeaker, And now Salon Rockét presents a fashion extravaganza and Pokémon battlethon.

The smoke cleared to reveal a massive, heavily floral-patterned area with a huge staircase leading to a second, smaller staircase with Misty at the top.

Jessie and James stood at the top of the larger staircase; both cross dressing.

Jessie started the motto; sort of, "To protect the world from boring fashion."

"To dress all people with flash and passion."

"To give all Pokémon pretty faces."

"To extend our art to outer spaces."

"Jessie."

"James."

"Salon Rockét. When it comes to chic, we know what's right."

"Surrender your taste or prepare to fight."

Soot stared in shock, "What the Yvel is their budget?"

Jessie raised an arm, "Dazzle them, Ekans!"

James followed suit, "Knock 'em dead Koffing!"

Ekans and Koffing jumped out; dressed up in the same outfits from the posters.

Pikachu's eye twitched, "You're males! Why did you let them dress you up like that?!"

Ekans frowned, "I kinda like it…"

Soot sweat dropped and looked up at Ash, "You wanna take care of this?"

Ash smirked and cracked his knuckles, "With pleasure."

Team Rocket flinched.

Ash took Charmander off his shoulder, set him on the ground, and pet him, "Sit tight. This'll be over fast."

Charmander smiled, "Alright."

Ash took a step forward right before the symbol of his chest started beeping and flashing red.

Charmander's eyes widened, "Uh oh."

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

Misty deadpanned, "Seriously? Now?"

Jessie looked at her in surprise, "What are you talking about?" She looked at Ash, "What's she talking about?"

Ash raised a claw and opened his mouth. Instead of saying something he flapped his wings forcefully, shot into the air, and flew past Suzie's salon. A.K.A behind it.

Suzie watched as he left and blinked in surprise, "What just happened?"

Soot sighed, "Dragonite has to go back to the lab. That thing on his chest was an alert signaling that his trainer wanted to pick him up."

Suzie frowned, "Talk about poor timing."

James blinked, ran up to Misty, and whispered, "So, what was that, really?"

Misty glared before smiling slyly, "Come closer and I'll tell you."

The idiot leaned in closer and fell for it hook, line and sinker.

After a second, James shrieked, stepped back, and rubbed his ear, "Who does that?!"

Meowth and Jessie flinched and looked at him in alarm.

"James, what's wrong?!" Meowth asked.

"She spit in my ear!"

"Go Geodude!"

"Pikachu, Clefairy, Charmander, enter the fray!"

Team Rocket looked back to see the five Pokémon and trainer glaring at them.

Jessie blinked, "Oh, right."

Brock held out an arm, "Geodude, give them a Seismic Toss!"

Geodude charged Ekans, grabbed him, and pulled him into the air. He turned around and threw the snake towards the ground.

Jessie smirked and snapped, "Ekans, recover with style!"

Ekans curled, grabbed the end of his dress, and spun like wheel.

Soot grimaced, "Pikachu, Agility! Charmander and Clefairy, propulsion shot!"

Pikachu lit up and ran to the side.

Charmander jumped, shot a Dragon Rage at the ground, and flew up high from the resulting explosion.

Clefairy smirked, "I've got a better idea! I'll just float out of the way!"

Soot grimaced, "Wait, Clefairy! That's not how it-"

Clefairy jumped up and spread her arms. She flopped on the floor immediately.

Ekans finally hit the ground and rolled right into Clefairy.

"Ahh!" She flew back and landed on her back; in front of Soot.

Soot looked down at her and sweat dropped, "Your kind levitate by absorbing and storing moonlight. To my knowledge, you've never done that."

Clefairy pouted and grumbled, "Seriously?"

"Take this!" Pikachu shouted as he fired a Thunderbolt at the Poison-types.

"Spin it off!" James shouted.

Koffing and Ekans spun in place. The electric attack had no effect.

Pikachu flinched, "What the?"

Soot blinked before her eyes widened in realization, "Oh, insulation."

"Koffing, cutie." James said with a smirk, "Sludge makeover!" He finished by throwing rose petals into the air.

Pikachu and Soot's eyes widened as Koffing fired a barrage of Sludge. Pikachu batted at the attack with Iron Tail. Soot shifted her eyes and let the Sludge pass through her.

Pikachu glared, "We're not falling for that twice!"

Clefairy sat up, "What's going- AH!" She got a face full of Sludge. As did Geodude and Charmander.

"Ah! My eyes!" Charmander cried out in alarm.

Geodude groaned and tried to rub the gunk out.

"Oh no, Geodude!" Brock called out in alarm.

Jessie frowned slightly but perked up and pointed, "Now the finale. Go!"

Koffing and Ekans charged forward … only for Ekans to trip and tear his and Koffing's outfits.

"Oh, no!" James cried out, "It's a fashion disaster!"

Soot laughed, "Hah! Serves you right for dressing them up like that!"

Meowth glared, "Get up, already! We're not done here!"

Meowth, Koffing, Ekans charged the blinded Pokémon. Pikachu stood in front of them defensively.

The trio skid to a halt when Vulpix appeared in between them and their targets.

Brock looked to his side in surprise, "Suzie?"

Suzie walked forward; glaring, "Vulpix and I will take care of them."

Soot frowned but nodded, "Alright." She looked ahead again, "Pikachu, Charmander, fall back!"

Charmander looked around in confusion, "What good would falling do?"

Pikachu sweat dropped and grabbed his paw, "Come on." He escorted the Fire-type back towards Soot.

Suzie smiled before glaring at Team Rocket, "Time to give you a lesson in breeding! If all you worry about is your Pokémon's outer beauty, its inner beauty will be lost!"

Vulpix nodded, "That's right!"

Jessie smirked, "Oh, please. A Pokémon is like a fashion model. All that counts is a pretty face."

"Charge!" Meowth called out as he, Ekans, and Koffing charged Vulpix.

Suzie's eyes narrowed, "Vulpix, wrap them up with Fire Spin!"

Vulpix's eyes lit up red as she fired the attack. The tornado tore through the arena, up the staircase, and picked up Jessie and James.

The scorched Team Rocket flew into the distance, "We're blasting off again!"

Everyone, except Suzie, stared in shock as the attack faded.

"That was a Fire Spin?!" Soot said; wide eyed, "Freaking Yvel."

Brock gulped, "It looked more like a Fire Cyclone."

Charmander looked up at Soot, "Do any of Ash's forms know that?"

Vulpix flinched and looked at Charmander in surprise, "Huh?!"

Brock looked back at the crowd with a smile, "Did you see that?! An overdone exterior hides inner strength! That's the Pokémon's true personality."

Soot spoke up, "And, if you're still not convinced, keep in mind that the people who did those 'makeovers' were scammers and thieves."

"Guys!"

Everyone looked back and flinched upon seeing Misty covered in soot and glaring at them.

Misty's eye twitched, "You couldn't have untied me before firing?!" She coughed up smoke.

.

*Just outside Suzie's Salon

Brock, Misty, Suzie, and all of the Pokémon made their way back towards the salon. Misty was still wearing the makeup for some reason.

Brock looked down at Soot, "So, Team Rocket already tried blinding you guys with Sludge?"

Misty nodded, "Yeah. Back in Viridian Forest."

Soot sighed, "Difference is, they succeeded. Pikachu and I were put out of commission."

Suzie raised a brow, "Really? Why didn't you just turn intangible to get the Sludge off?"

Soot stopped walking and her eyes widened. She groaned before removing her foreleg, making Suzie flinched in the process, and tossed it into the air. The limb flipped in the air, fell back down, and slapped Soot in the forehead.

Everyone stared at her in confusion.

Misty blinked, "What was that?"

Soot reattached her leg, "One of the few ways I can facepalm without Marionetter. Or even with, because dad wouldn't actually let me."

The group laughed before walking back through the store. They blinked in surprise upon seeing Ash sitting on one of the couches.

Ash looked back, "Hey guys. Dragonite had to-"

"Don't worry, dad." Soot interrupted, "I already told Suzie."

Ash blinked in surprise, "Really?" he looked out the window, at Suzie, and sighed, "Alright, then." He brought up his watch and had the dial spring up, "I guess you'll want a demonstration, then."

Suzie blinked in confusion, "Demonstration?"

Brock flinched upon realizing what he meant, "Wait, Ash! That's not what-"

Ash hit the dial. Suzie shied away as green light overtook Ash and looked again. Her eyes widened and jaw dropped upon seeing Dragonite in Ash's place.

Vulpix stared in shock and looked back at the other Pokémon. Pikachu and Charmander chuckled nervously. Psyduck stared in absolute shock.

Clefairy tilted, "Wait, when did we tell them about the watch?"

Ash's eyes widened, "What?"

Soot's eyes twitched, "I told her that Dragonite went back to his trainer. Not that you were him."

Suzie and Psyduck fainted.

Vulpix flinched and looked at the girl in alarm, "Suzie!"

Ash blinked, "Oh. Well, crag."

.

**Time Skip**

Suzie eventually recovered and sat down across from Ash and the others as they explained what the actual Yvel happened a minute ago. Pikachu, Clefairy and Vulpix sat on the bench again and Soot sat next to Ash. Charmander and Psyduck were returned earlier.

Suzie and Vulpix sat and listened intently as Ash explained everything. From the watch to him being unable to understand certain Pokémon.

When he got around to Soot, Suzie's eyes widened in shock.

Vulpix blinked in surprise, "That actually explains a lot."

"I-I-" Suzie stuttered before looking at Soot, "You're actually-" She stopped and put a hand on her forehead, "Never in my career as a breeder could I have even imagined something so- so-"

"Insane?" Soot said with a sad smile.

Suzie smiled softly at her, "I was actually going to say incredible. To meet a Pokémon that's not only raised by a human, but actually the offspring of one. It's amazing and … unbelievable."

Brock smiled sadly, "It was surprising for us too."

Misty chuckled, "Well, sort of. We'd been hanging around Ash for so long that we got a little used to all the crazy."

Suzie smiled before blinking in surprise and looking at Ash, "Wait, if you were Dragonite, then what was that beeping earlier?"

Ash smiled and brought up the watch, "That was actually a timer alert. My transformations have a fifteen-minute time limit and I need to wait another five minutes to be able to change again. I can extend the limit through a function called Lockdown mode, but that can last for one to three and a half days." He sweat dropped, "And I can't change again until time runs out."

Suzie frowned, "I can see why you left when you did."

Soot spoke up, "Hey, Suzie. We can trust you to keep this a secret, right?"

Suzie smiled softly and nodded, "Of course. I promise not tell a soul."

Ash smiled softly, "Thank you, Suzie. We appreciate it."

Suzie smiled back, "I should be the one thanking all of you. You helped me so much today. You've even helped me regain confidence in my beliefs."

Soot smiled, "We were happy to help."

Suzie looked at the Rock-type trainer, "And, Brock."

Brock straightened up, "Uh, yes?"

Suzie smiled sadly, "I'm thinking of heading out on a journey of my own and I would really appreciate it if you would let Vulpix join your team."

"What?!" Brock and Vulpix called out in surprise. Everyone else just stared; wide eyed.

Suzie looked down at her fox, "I know this is surprising, Vulpix, but I think this will be good for you. From what I've seen, Brock's the only other trainer you've taken a liking too."

Vulpix looked at her sadly, "W-well, I guess. But, are you sure?"

Soot frowned and relayed the message.

Suzie smiled sadly and pet her, "I am. I really think this'll be good for you." She looked up at Brock, "I truly believe you'd do a better job of raising Vulpix than I could."

Brock glanced at Ash before looking back at the Fire-type, "What do think, Vulpix?"

Vulpix looked at him in surprise, "Huh?"

Brock frowned and looked at Ash, "Did I not do it right?"

Ash snickered, "No, no, it's fine. It's just not something a Pokémon expects to hear." He looked at Vulpix, "He asked you because of something I said a while ago." He smiled sadly, "About how it can feel to be forced to join a trainer."

Brock smiled and nodded, "Yeah. I wanted to try getting your opinion." He rubbed the back of his head, "I'm kind of new at it."

Soot snickered and looked at the fox, "So, what do you say?"

Vulpix blinked in surprise and looked back and forth between Brock and Suzie. She looked back at Brock and nodded, "Alright."

Brock smiled softly, "Thank you Vulpix. I promise I'll take good care of you."

Suzie brought out Vulpix's pokéball and handed it to Brock, "Here you go."

Brock nodded and accepted to ball, "Thank you." He pointed the ball to Vulpix, "Return."

Vulpix disappeared into the sphere.

Suzie smiled softly.

Ash and Misty smiled and shared a look.

Ash blinked in surprise, "What happened to your makeup?"

Misty's eyes widened, "Huh?!" She ran to a mirror and her eyes widened upon seeing her regular face, "What the Yvel?! Where did it go?!"

Soot tilted her head, "Maybe it got burned off in the Fire Spin?"

Ash looked at Soot with a raised brow, "But wasn't Misty still-"

Soot nudged him and shot a glance at the floor while quickly shifting her eyes back and forth. Ash glanced too and saw Misty's braids on the ground, next to a few specks of various colored powder.

"Oh." Ash said before looking at Misty, "Yeah, sorry, Misty. I guess the makeup wasn't fire resistant."

Misty pouted and crossed her arms, "I could have sworn I still had it on when I walked in. And I really liked it too."

Pikachu sweat dropped, "Remind me to never let Misty give me a makeover."

"Noted." Ash said.

.

.

Ohirume: Pass, the cranberry sauce.

We're havin' mashed potatoes!

Oh, the turkey looks great.

Thank you for lovin' me.

Seishin: Rob…

Ohirume: Thank you bein' there.

Seishin: Please…

Ohirume: Thank you for lovin' me.

Seishin: Oh, Arc.

Ohirume: Everyone's thankin'

The-

Seishin: Rob.

Ohirume: -whole world's thankin' you

Seishin: Stop.

Ohirume: Thankin'-

Seishin: Rob, stop.

Ohirume: -us for thankin' you

Seishin: Rob.

Ohirume: Kill the turkey.

Gem: WHAT?!

Seishin: Hey! It was my line!

Gem: I don't care! Why would you kill something for Thanksgiving?!

Nuevo: W-what? Why do you even need to ask that?

Luke: *sigh* It's because none of our Pokémon worlds need to kill for meat.

Gem: That's where meat comes from in other worlds?!

Faux: Unfortunately, yes.

Gem: Please, don't tell you tried it.

Faux: We didn't really have a choice. It tastes the same but *shivers* I couldn't get the residual aura out of my head. It was haunting.

Gem: Oh Arceus, I think I'm gonna be sick.

…

One more thing that is completely unrelated to the story. Yu-Gi-Oh's new TCG ban list takes effect tomorrow and, as someone who's extremely annoyed at the fact that Orcust is everywhere and plays near effortlessly off most two summon combos, here's what I have to say:

SO LONG KNIGHTMARE MERMAID!

YOU -and to a lesser extent Orcust Knightmare- WERE THE ONLY REASON ORCUST WAS CONSISTENTLY SPLASHABLE AND NOW YOU'RE GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONE!

YOU WILL NOT BE MISSED, YOU ************!

I do realize, however, that Orcust is not at all dead. But they can no longer be carelessly thrown into a tier 4 deck and make it tier 2.

That's all. See ya next chapter