Omega: Filler?

Seishin: Show-wise, even more so than the last chapter.

Faux: *raises brow* Show-wise?

Ohirume: Well, I am leading up to something … in the next chapter.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10

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Trix Double Feature!

Part 1: Poké-sy Ride

(Omega: *cringe*

Ohirume: *sigh* Yup.)

.

"Oh!" Misty squealed as she cuddled the little Dragon Pokémon, "You're just so cute!"

Dratini squealed happily and nuzzled up against Misty.

Soot smiled, "Aww. He likes you too."

Brock reached over and pet the Dragon-type, "His scales are so smooth. Dragonair's really done a good job."

Misty nuzzled Dratini, "I really wish I could catch you."

Soot sweat drooped, "Uh, Mist?" She glanced over at Ash, Dragonair, and Kaiser.

Misty blinked in surprise, followed her gaze, and flinched when she saw Dragonair and Kaiser glaring daggers at her. Ash rubbed the back of his head and chuckled nervously.

Misty waved a hand defensively, "I didn't mean it like that! It's just- A girl can dream, right?" She chuckled nervously.

"Well keep it that way." Kaiser warned before turning back around.

Dragonair nodded; still glaring. She turned back to Kaiser and said something.

Ash sighed in relief before translating.

Misty sighed in relief, "Oh, thank Arceus." She smiled sadly, "Still, I just wish there was some way we could get a-" She stopped, her eyes widened, and she smiled slyly before whispering something to Dratini.

The little Dragon-type nodded happily and slithered over to Ash. He snuck up behind him and headbutted the watch.

Ash looked over in confusion before smiling softly and petting them.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Wait. Why didn't the watch turn yellow?"

Soot snickered, "Dragonite, remember? He can't scan the same species twice."

Misty frowned, "Oh, right."

Dratini slithered back to Misty and looked at her excitedly, "Did I do it right?!"

Soot smirked, "He wants to know if he did it right."

Misty smiled sadly and petting the Dragon Pokémon, "Yeah. Good job."

"Yay!" Dratini cried out before nuzzling Misty again.

Misty pet the Dragon Pokémon; still with a sad smile.

Soot snickered, "Well, look at it this way. Now we know where to find a female Dragonair."

Misty perked up, "Oh yeah." She smiled and pet Dratini, "How'd you like a little half-brother or sister?"

Dratini blinked in surprise and cocked his head, "Huh?"

Brock sweat dropped, "Do you really think Ash would be okay with that?"

Soot smiled slyly, "Maybe not immediately. But give it some time and we might just break him."

Ash's eye twitched, 'Son of a glitch.'

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*Pikachu and Clefairy

The Electric and Fairy-types sat off to the side a few feet away from Soot, Misty, Brock, and Dratini. Albeit, begrudgingly. Well, for one of them mostly.

Clefairy pouted and crossed her arms, "I still don't get why I have to stay so far away."

Pikachu sweat dropped with a nervous smile, "Dratini did freak out and wrap around Soot's neck when you got too close. He almost looked afraid of you."

"But why?" Clefairy whined, "I'm not gonna hurt him."

Pikachu smiled sadly, "I'm not sure. Ash or Soot might know, though."

Clefairy groaned, "It's so unfair. I just wanted to say hi." She glanced at Pikachu with a frown, "Y'know you don't have to stay with me, right? Dratini didn't seem afraid of you."

Pikachu smiled and patted her back, "Well, someone has to keep you company. What kind of friend would I be to leave you all alone?"

Clefairy smiled and leaned against the Mouse, "Thanks, Pikachu."

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*Ash, Kaiser, and Dragonair

"A gyarados?" Kaiser asked in surprise.

Dragonair nodded, "That's right." She raised a brow, "What did you expect?"

Ash translated as he stood next to them.

Kaiser sweat dropped, "I kind of expected another dragonair or a dragonite." He back towards Dratini and the others, "I mean, look at him."

Dragonair giggled, "That'd be pretty difficult. Seeing as my hatchling and I are the only ones of our kind here."

Ash relayed the message.

Kaiser looked back at her in surprise, "Really? What about your parents?"

"Meemas." Ash corrected.

"Right, sorry." Kaiser said, "What about your meemas?"

Dragonair looked down sorrowfully, "I never knew them. I was brought here by accident with a shipment of rhyhorn and it was … rough." She reached her tail up to rub the scratch on her horn, "That's actually how I got this."

Ash frowned before relaying again.

Kaiser looked at Ash in shock before looking back at Dragonair worriedly, "Dragonair, I-I'm so sorry. I never knew." Her looked up at the scratch, "All this time, I thought it just came from a bad battle." He looked down sorrowfully, "I wish I could have done more to help."

Dragonair looked at the man in shock, "Done more? Kaiser. You're been there for me for most of life. Because of you, I was safe from those trainers all those years ago. I was able to live happily and peacefully." She looked past him towards her hatchling "And I was able to raise a beautiful hatchling." She looked back at Kaiser, "To do more, you'd have had to have been a Dragonite."

Ash smiled softly before translating again.

Kaiser smiled at the Dragon-type softly, "Thank you. Still, I sorry that that happened."

Dragonair looked at him kindly, "Well, it wasn't all bad." She reached forward and nuzzled him, "Afterall. I got to meet you."

Kaiser hugged her back; not needing the translation this time, "Thank you, Dragonair."

Ash smiled and took a step back; not wanting to interrupt.

After a few more minutes, they separated and Kaiser asked, "So, what else can you tell me about Gyarados? Like, how does that work for you? Do you get along or does he kind of live up to his Atrocious Pokémon species?"

Dragonair groaned, "Oh, don't even get me started with him. It's like this-"

Ash sweat dropped, 'Seriously?'

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**Time Skip**

Ash and friends continued on their journey towards Cinnabar Island. That is, if Ash and Soot didn't have another detour in mind.

"Matcha City?" Brock asked in confusion.

Ash smiled and nodded, "Yeah. I was hoping to visit an old friend there. He's a renowned professor who actually invented the Pokémon Transfer System."

Misty stared at Ash in shock, "Wait, seriously?! You mean-"

Soot nodded with a smirk, "Yup. Franz Kogami Schaffer. So, what do you guys say? Wanna meet him?"

Faux and Pike: Wait what?

Ohirume: *rolls eyes* Yeah yeah. I changed Akihabara's name. Can you seriously argue that the English Dub wouldn't have done this if the episode wasn't banned?

Mizuro: That, I cannot.

Faux: Why Franz Kogami Schaffer, though?

Ohirume: Code Lyoko and Yu-Gi-Oh! Vrains.

Seishin: Here we are!

Goin' far-

Ohirume: Yukiro, cut it out.

Seishin: :( But you love that song.

Ohirume: I do. Which is why we'll use it in the Porygon chapter like we did with Saffron.

Seishin: Woo Hoo! ֟\(˚ 0 ˚)/֟ *points toward emoticon and whispers* It's meant to be the Homer Simpson thing.

Brock sweat dropped, "Well, sure. But aren't you at all worried?"

Ash looked at him with a raised brow, "What do you mean?"

Brock pulled out his map, "Well, by the looks of it, going to Matcha City means that we have to cut through Sunny Town. And that puts us way off track from Cinnabar Island." He looked back at Ash, "If we keep up with these detours, you might end up missing the league."

Soot smiled, "I wouldn't worry. If he needs to get to a gym fast, dad can just zip there as Quick Attack."

Ash raised a finger, "Which, I will only do as a last resort if I really am low on time. Mainly because it'll involve leaving all of you behind for the battle."

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "Even us?"

Ash smiled sadly, "Only if you still don't want to go in your pokéballs." He shifted to a sly smirk, "Or if can handle moving at over five-hundred miles an hour."

Pikachu gulped, "Got it."

Brock looked back over the map, "Uh." He perked up, "Alright, then. Sunny Town it is."

Soot smiled, "Followed by Matcha City."

Misty raised a fist, "Let's go!"

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**Time Skip**

Ash and friends travelled through … City(?) on route to Sunny Town. Along the way, the just talked amongst themselves. By this point, it came around to Clefairy.

Soot smiled sadly, "I'm afraid it was the typing. Some young Dragon-types are naturally afraid of Fairy-types. And there's not always a reason for it. They usually grow out of it after a year."

"Oh. That's why." Pikachu said.

Clefairy frowned, "But I wouldn't have hurt him."

Ash smiled sadly and pet her, "Sorry, Clefairy. It's just instinct."

Clefairy slumped over, "Aww."

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

Misty chuckled before noticing something and sweat dropped, "Hey, Ash? Didn't you say we would have to go all the way around or sail across to get to Sunny Town?"

Ash looked at her in confusion, "Yeah. Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering," Misty said before pointing past him with a sly smirk, "is there any reason we can't use that bridge?"

Ash blinked in surprise, "Wait, what?" He, Soot, Brock, Pikachu, and Clefairy looked where she pointed to find a giant, zig-zagging suspension bridge spanning across the water.

Brock smiled, "Oh, wow. They already completed it." He pulled out a map and opened it, "The map says it's still under construction. I guess they must have finished pretty recently."

Soot blinked in surprise, "Huh. Neat."

Ash smiled, "Well, that definitely makes things easier. Especially with the huge storm rolling in."

Misty looked at Ash in surprise, "Wait, really?" She looked up to the clear sky and sweat dropped, "I'll take your word for it."

Brock looked at Ash, "How far away is it?"

Ash sniffed the air, "Um … one and" he sniffed again "a half hours."

Misty eyes widened, "Then, we'd better hurry."

Soot nodded, "Agreed." She ran ahead.

Everyone else followed.

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*Bridge

"Well, I'm sorry to say," The bridge attendant said, "but the bridge isn't completely finished. Besides, it's only for vehicles."

Ash raised a brow, "So we can't just walk across?"

The attendant smiled sadly, "Sorry. But the bridge is over ten miles long. It'd be dark by the time you got there."

Soot sweat dropped, 'Geez.'

"Though, there is another option." The attendant said, catching the group's attention.

Brock looked at him, "What is it?"

"It's-"

"Hey Norman!" A man said as he passed the entryway on a bike. A woman followed, also on a bike.

Norman waved as they passed, "Ride safely."

Misty blinked in surprise, "Wait, what? I thought the bridge wasn't finished."

Norman looked back at the group, "Actually, it's just the rode that needs work. But the bicycle path's done."

Ash deadpanned, "They finished the bike path before the road?"

Norman sweat dropped, "Trust me, kid. I've been questioning that for a while too."

Misty sighed and crossed her arms, "Great. We'd already be on our way if someone hadn't destroyed my bike."

Ash glared at her, "Misty, you handed it to me so I could escape from a spearow flock. I'm sorry it got fried, but it's not just my fault. Besides, it was only a one-seater. We'd still need at least two more bikes or a dual-seater."

Misty pouted, "Still doesn't change the fact that you owe me."

Ash sighed, "I still can't pay for it. I'm sorry. But, right now, we need to find a way to-" He stopped, blinked in surprise, and looked back at the man in the booth, "Uh, Norman, right?"

Norman blinked in surprise, "Yeah?"

"Is there any rule against using a flying Pokémon to get to Sunny Town?" Ash asked.

Norman blinked in surprise and put a hand to his chin, "Huh. Now that you mention it, no. Though it'd have to be a pretty big one to take all of you across."

Ash smiled, "I have something in mind. Could you point us to the nearest Pokémon Center?"

Norman pointed into the distance, "It's just that way. It'll be the only building on a big grassy hill."

Ash looked where he pointed before looking back at the man and nodding, "Thank you, Norman."

He turned and started walking into the city. Misty, Brock, and Soot followed soon after.

After a few more minutes, the Pokémon Center came into view.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Wait, we're actually going to the Pokémon Center? I kind of thought you were talking about your Dragonite form."

Ash nodded, "I was."

"Then why are we actually going there?" Brock asked in confusion, "You said that a really bad storm was rolling in."

"I actually wanted to call Professor Oak and check up on the tauros before we left." Ash waved a hand, "And don't worry. I can definitely get us across in less than fifteen minutes."

Misty sweat dropped, "Well, if you're sure."

.

*Pokémon Center

The group -minus Ash- sat on a pair of couches while as talked to the professor. Misty and Brock each sat on a couch, Soot laid next to Misty on the same couch, and Pikachu and Clefairy were lounging next to Brock.

Misty sighed, "How long is this supposed to take?"

Pikachu smiled and put his hands behind his head, "Eh. I don't mind."

Clefairy mimicked the Mouse, "Me neither. It feels nice to just sit back after a long time."

Soot glanced at the pair with a sly smirk, "Sure. Because riding on someone's shoulders is so exhausting."

Brock looked at Soot, "Do have any idea what Ash wanted to ask the professor?"

Soot yawned, "Eh. I've got a few ideas. Can't say for certain, though."

Nurse Joy walked into the room with a worried frown. She quickly noticed the group and walked over, "Excuse me. If you could spare some time, would you mind helping me out?"

The quintet looked over in confusion, "Huh?"

Brock immediately blushed, ran up to her, and took hold of her hands, "Please. Let me help. I just love caring for Pokémon. It's my life. Please. Ple-"

He was cut off by Misty hitting him over the head with Soot's leg.

Misty grabbed the back of his shirt and dragged him away, "Time and place, Brock." She said in an annoyed tone, "Time and place."

Brock pouted.

Soot looked over to the Water-type trainer, "Uh, Misty?" She nudged over to her right shoulder, "Forgetting something?"

Joy looked at Soot in surprise.

"Sorry." Misty called out before lobbing the leg over.

Soot caught and reattached it, "Thanks." She looked over to the Nurse, "Sorry about that. You said something about needing help?"

Nurse shook off the confusion before nodding, "Yes. There's a Pokémon in Sunny Town that's terribly sick. I need someone to deliver some medicine for it." She looked down shamefully, "Normally I'd do it, but I'm too busy over here."

Misty smiled and walked over, "Don't worry. We're planning on heading to Sunny Town anyway and would be happy to deliver the medicine."

Nurse smiled, "Oh, thank you. And, if you need bikes, I have some here that you can borrow."

Soot waved a paw, "Nah. We're good. My trainer's getting a big enough Flying-type to carry us across."

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*Ash and Oak; moments before

"Of course, Ash." Professor Oak said with a smirk, "I'll be happy to check."

Ash smiled, "Thank you, professor." He raised a finger, "Just, one more thing. Would you mind sending over my pokéball?"

Samuel blinked in surprise, "Well, that won't be a problem. But why do you need it?"

"My friends and I are heading to Sunny Town and we don't have any bikes. By the way, they finished the bike path on the bridge." Ash responded, "So, I'll be needing 'Dragonite' go to across the canal. I just thought having 'his' pokéball would help keep from arousing suspicion." He shrugged, "Y'know, comparatively speaking."

Oak consider that and shrugged, "I suppose that makes sense. Still, you will have to transfer one of your Pokémon over to me."

Ash frowned, "Crag. I didn't think of that."

Oak smirked, "Well. I could just-"

Ash glared at the man, "You're not increasing my party limit again."

Oak waved his hands defensively, "I wasn't going to suggest that."

Ash raised a brow.

Oak sweat dropped with a nervous smile, "Okay, I was." He frowned, "But you have to admit that it would make this a lot easier."

Ash crossed his arms, "It's an unfair advantage, professor. You know I don't like those. Besides, how would I actually show up on my Pokédex? A human, one of ten random Pokémon that I can't show someone, or -Arceus forbid- one of the six non-Pokémon showing up on my list is really not gonna look good. Having my pokéball temporarily is the only option."

Oak put a hand to his chin, "I suppose you're right." He perked up and looked back at Ash, "Why don't you just send me Soot's pokéball? She's never in it anyway."

Ash blinked in surprise, "Is that allowed?"

Oak shrugged, "I mean- it worked with Butterfree. She just won't be allowed to participate in a sanctioned event until you get her pokéball back."

Ash looked down thoughtfully, "Huh."

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*Back with the others; PKMN Center counter

"Here you go." Nurse Joy said as she placed a bag on the counter.

Misty smiled and took the bag, "Thank you Nurse Joy. We'll head out soon as our friends gets back."

Soot's ear twitched and she looked over before smiling, "Speak of the yveltal."

Everyone else looked over to see Ash walking back over to them.

Ash waved, "Hey, guys. You ready to-" He stopped and blinked in surprise upon seeing where they were, "Wait, what's going on? Is everything alright?"

Misty grabbed Ash's arm and started pulling him to the exit, "We'll tell you on the way. Come on. Let's hurry so we can beat the storm."

"Uh, okay?" Ash said in confusion as he was forced to follow.

Pikachu and Clefairy ran after them.

Brock ran over to the counter, "I'd be happy to stay and help if you need- WOAH!" Brock cried out as he fell through the desk.

"'Ice t'y 'Rock." Soot said while clapping down on his leg; inherent eyed. She started dragging him away; no slower than if she wasn't.

"Soot! Stop! This feels weird!" Brock cried out before Soot pulled him through the wall.

Joy just stared in shock after they disappeared. She shook it off and blinked in surprise, "Wait, storm?"

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**Time Skip**

"WOOO!" Misty cried out from Ash's back as they soared high above the bridge, "This is awesome!"

"SPEAK FOR YOURSELF!" Soot yelled from Ash's arms. She glared up at the Dragon/Flying-type, "Why couldn't I just ride on your back with them?!"

Ash smiled down at her, "And miss the opportunity to carry my little girl?! As if! I haven't been able to do it like this in public since you were a poochyena!"

Soot groaned.

Pikachu and Clefairy held onto Ash's antenna; preferring not to say anything and just take in the view.

Brock smiled, "At this rate we should be there in no time at all!"

Soot pouted, "Good! The sooner we land, the sooner this can be over wi-" She stopped, and her eyes widened at seeing something below them, "DAD! LOOK OUT!"

Ash followed her gaze and grimaced when he saw a multicolored beam firing towards him, "HANG ON!/DRAG ON!"

Pikachu and Clefairy flinched and held onto Ash's antenna tighter. Misty and Brock flinched as well and wrapped their arms around Ash's neck.

Ash grimaced but ignored it and held on to Soot tighter before rolling out of the way of the Aurora Beam.

Ash managed to settle in the air and hovered in place; still grimaced, "G-guys … choking."

Pikachu overheard and looked at Brock and Misty. They were still holding on to Ash with their eyes shut.

Pikachu tapped their arms, caught their attention, and put a paw to his throat while sticking out his tongue like he was gagging.

The pair caught and moved to hold on to Ash's shoulders instead and pulled themselves up to his level.

"Sorry, Ash." Brock said.

Ash coughed and rubbed his throat with a forced smile, "Don't worry. It was an emergency."

Soot looked up at them, "No hard feelings."

Misty sighed in relief before looking below, "What the Yvel?"

Everyone followed her gaze. Below them were fourteen trainers in various outfits -some leather- on an even wider arrangement of bicycles. All of the bikes were designed like some kind of Pokémon and one of the trainers were on the back of another bike with a large purple flag with yellow fringe and an image of a pair of bat wings over a wheel. All of them were looking up at the group with sly smirks. Standing in front was a girl with green hair standing next to a cloyster.

Brock frowned, "Looks like a bicycle gang."

Nuevo: That's a thing?

Soot sweat dropped, "That's a thing?"

Nuevo: Oh.

"Hey!" Misty shouted down to them; making Ash grimaced since she was right next to his earhole, "What's the big idea, attacking us like that?!"

The … bicycler with red and yellow standing hair removed his shades and looked up at the group with a smirk, "Name's Chopper! And this bridge is our turf! No one crosses without battling us first!"

Brock sweat dropped, "Well, I'm sorry! But we really don't have time for this!"

The girl with the cloyster crossed her arms, "Oh, yeah?! Why's that?!"

"We're trying to deliver some medicine for a sick Pokémon in Sunny Town!" Misty called out.

The gang's smirks all faded, and they all looked at each other worriedly.

Chopper blinked in surprise, "Wait, really?!"

Soot nodded, "Yeah! Nurse Joy can't deliver it due to work!"

One of the other bicyclers blinked in surprise and looked at another member while pointing at Soot, "Did that Pokémon just talk?"

The green-haired girl frowned and looked at the leader, "Chopper, we can't just keep from helping with something like that."

Chopper looked at her and nodded, "You're right, Tyra." He looked back up at the group, "Hey! Sorry about that! Of course, we'll let you guys pass! We'll even escort you!"

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Wait. Really?"

Nuevo: Yeah. I'm with the mouse. What?!

Ohirume: That actually happened in the anime. The gang really did come around like that when Ash mentioned that they were delivering medicine.

Omega: Wow. Must have been a bland episode.

Faux: Well, um, *chuckles nervously* not really.

Gem: *rubs back of head sheepishly* We didn't really bring that up until after the storm hit and had to battle them.

Omega: *sly smirk* Ah. Yet another way Trix and his friends prove their superiority over you two.

Faux and Gem: *groan*

Misty sweat dropped, "That's really not necessary! I think we'll be fine!"

"We insist!" Tyra called out as she returned Cloyster, "It's the least we can do for attacking you like that!"

Brock and Misty shared an unsure look. Pikachu and Clefairy did as well.

"Thank you!" Soot called out, "But we need to hurry! There's a storm rolling in!"

Chopper smiled and nodded, "Sounds good!" He looked back at his gang and pumped a fist, "Alright, guys! We're gonna get 'em their style!"

The gang all cheered.

Brock looked over the Dragon-type at the Dark-type, "Are sure, Soot? What about when Ash needs to change back?"

Soot looked back up at him, "I know. But I don't think we can rid of them peacefully. And don't worry, dad already planned for that before we left."

Ash glanced at Brock and nodded.

"If you're sure." Misty said, still feeling unsure.

Ash smiled, "Then, let's go!"

Soot smirked, "Hang on, guys!"

Everyone braced themselves as Ash took off again. The bicycle gang followed from way below them.

After everyone disappeared into the distance, Jessie, James, and Meowth all rolled in on unicycles. The humans wore biker outfits, shades included, while Meowth was dressed like a circus ringleader and held a whip.

"Prepare for trouble." Jessie started; not realizing the clearing was empty.

"And make it double." James followed; just as oblivious.

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our-" James stopped, pulled off his shades, and blinked in surprise, "Wait, where are all the people?"

"Huh?" Jessie said in surprise. She pulled off her shades and looked around in confusion, "What the- Where's our old bike gang?!"

Meowth sweat dropped, "You two sure dis is da right city?"

.

*Sunny Town Pokémon Center

Nurse Joy looked around with a worried frown. After a few more minutes, she noticed a dragonite carrying a mightyena and being ridden by two humans, a pikachu, and a clefairy. That and the large bike gang below them.

Joy stared in confusion as they approached.

Ash landed in front of the nurse and everyone climbed off.

Misty immediately jumped off and ran over to the nurse. She pulled out a bag and held it out, "Here you are, Nurse Joy."

Joy smiled brightly and took the bag, "Oh, thank you. I almost can't believe you got here so fast."

Brock patted Ash's side, "Well, we had a pretty fast flyer."

Ash stuck his tongue out playfully as his tail wagged.

Joy nodded again, "Thank you." She turned and ran into the Center.

Chopper smiled and pumped a fist, "Alright! We did it!"

The gang all cheered again.

Tyra walked up to Misty and held out a hand, "You're alright in my book. What're your names by the way?"

The Pewter Leader ran over to Tyra and shook her hand with a blush, "I'm Brock. But you can call me-"

Misty pulled at Brock's ear; smiling innocently, "Sorry about him." She let go and Brock rubbed his ear while pouting.

The Cerulean Leader shook Tyra's hand, "My name's Misty."

The canine walked up and smiled, "And, I'm Soot." She looked over to her teammates and father, "These guys are Pikachu, Clefairy, and-"

She was cut off when the watches symbol started beeping and flashing red. Because of course it did.

Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Clefairy grimaced. The gang looked over in confusion.

Chopper blinked in surprise, "What's going-"

"Dragonite, return." Soot called out with her paw on top of a pokéball.

The group stared in slack jawed shock as Ash disappeared into the pokéball. The gang just stared in regular confusion.

Tyra blinked in surprise, "What was that?"

Soot sighed, "That thing on his chest was a prototype tracking device. Unfortunately, that beeping was a sign that it was malfunctioning. So, if you'll excuse me," She picked up the pokéball in her mouth, "I nee' ta send Dagonite back ta Pofessa Oak." She walked into the Center.

Brock pointed towards the Center, "Uh, we should go with her."

Misty nodded, "Yeah. Nice to meet you all. Bye!"

Pikachu and Clefairy raised a paw, "Bye."

The quartet ran into the Center.

Chopper blinked in surprise and waved, "Uh, bye?"

.

*Professor Oak

The old professor was minding his own business as he looked through a microscope.

"Hm, No." Oak mumbled to himself before he removed the sample, placed a new one in its place, and adjusted the scope.

He put a hand to his chin, "Hm. Still, no." He smiled, "But starting to show signs. Ash might be on to something about that Poké-"

Oak jerked, straightened up, and blinked in surprise, "Wait, did Ash say ten Pokémon?" He jumped and held his head, "Wait! SIX Non-Pokémon?!"

.

.

Faux: Why did you change Akihabara's name but not Kaiser's?

Ohirume: Mostly because 'Kaiser' was a name that seems like it could have made it through translation without any problems.

Nuevo: So, they would have left it the same?

Seishin: Oh, Yvel no. The Eng Dub changed someone's name from James to Hobbes.

Illavera: Seriously?

Seishin: Yerp! XP Anyway, on to the second pseudo-chapter!

Omega: Wait, what?

.

.

Part 2: Ditto DNA And O.T.T. I.D.

(Omega: What does Oracle Think Tank Identification have to do with this chapter?

Ohirume: You try coming up with a palindrome sentence involving the word 'ditto'.

Nuevo: Why does it need to be a palindrome?

Ohirume: …)

.

Ash and friends continued on their journey towards Matcha City. They were currently walking down a forest trail on a bright and sunny day. Didn't help with Soot's mood, though.

"Whyyyy?" Soot whined as Ash cradled her in his arms.

The Parent Pokémon smiled down at his real hatchling, "Aww. Don't be like that, sweetie. I just had so much fun carrying you as Dragonite that I wanted to try it as Kangaskhan." He scratched under her chin, "You're just so cute when you're this little. It really is just like when you were a poochyena."

Soot's eye twitched and she batted the claw away, "Stop it! And is the Shadow Claw really necessary?!" She gestured to the purple outlined black energy surrounding Ash's claws.

Ash chuckled up from the pouch, "I just need to make sure you don't phase through me." He stopped and blinked in surprise, "Uh, him." He cocked his head, "Us?"

Ash looked down at the infant and shrugged.

Omega: See?! Even Trix can't figure it out!

Ohirume: Shut it!

Pikachu and Clefairy laughed from Brock's shoulders.

Soot groaned, "This is so embarrassing."

Misty smiled slyly "How about I even things out." She hurried up to them and lifted Ash out of the pouch.

"Wha- hey!" Ash shouted as he flailed in Misty's arms, "Cut it out!" He glared at himself, "Hey! Big me! Think you can make her stop?!"

Ash snickered, "Sorry, little me. But I can say for sure that you know I'm not."

Ash pouted and crossed his arms.

Soot smirked, "Thank you, Misty." She sweat dropped, "Although, for future reference, NEVER do that to a real kangaskhan that you just met. She will murder you without hesitation and then turn your corpse into mulch."

Misty flinched and chuckled nervous, "Uh, good to know."

Brock sweat dropped, "Did you really have to describe it so violently?"

Soot nodded, "Actually, yes. Because that really happened once. One time, dad and I found an ancient Pokémon Almanac recreation -professionally verified- in the library and that harshly detailed warning was part of the kangaskhan entry." She sweat dropped, "As well a few other entries that became the backbone for most Pokémon protection laws today: how to prepare farfetch'd, ways to melt down soul-steel, the best kinds of Pokémon hides … My species was on the list." She shivered, "We did not sleep well that night … or the following two."

Each Ash sighed and nodded.

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy stared at the trio in shock and gulped.

Rumbling rang out from above and everyone looked up to see dark storm clouds rolling in.

Pikachu's ears drooped, "Uh oh."

Soot glared at the sky, "Seriously?! It just rained yesterday!"

Misty glared at down at the Ash in her arms, "Aaaash."

Ash flinched and waved his hands defensively, "I didn't know! I thought the smell was just yesterday's storm passing!"

Misty sweat dropped, "Right."

She placed back Ash on Ash's shoulder. The Ash's caught on, the big one put Soot down, and the little hit the symbol on their stomach. They both became engulfed in the green flash.

Ash emerged, flinched, and held his head, "Ow. I really need to find a way to get used to that." He looked at Misty, "Anyway. I said that I didn't know. I thought the smell was just yesterday's storm passing."

The rain started pouring heavily.

Brock frowned and put his arms over his head, "Crag! We need to get out of here!"

Everyone started running down the trail.

"I don't like this!" Clefairy cried out as she tried to shield herself from the rain.

Ash grimaced, "We need to find some cover!"

"Where are we supposed to go?!" Misty called out, "We're in the middle of nowhere!"

Soot glanced around before noticing something and coming to a stop, "What about that place?!"

Everyone stopped and followed her gaze. Before them was a white mansion with dark pink roofing and yellow flag décor. There was also a faded sign above the entry way.

Brock stared in confusion, "What the Yvel?"

Misty blinked in confusion, "Why is there a mansion all the way out here?"

Ash frowned, "Whatever the reason, I don't think we have a lot of other options. Come on!" He ran towards the building. Everyone else followed suit.

The group burst through the door. Brock and Misty slumped over to catch their breath. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down from Brock's shoulders. Pikachu glanced at Ash.

Ash sighed in relief, "Thank Arceus. We made it." He felt something jump onto his shoulder and flinched about a second later. Brock, Misty, and Soot didn't notice.

Soot sighed, "No kidding." She shifted her eyes to their inherent state. All of the water fell through her in an instant.

Misty noticed, "Hey, can I get that too?"

"And me?" Brock followed.

Soot rolled her red eyes with a smirk, "Alright, fine. Anyone else?"

Pikachu jumped down as he and Clefairy each raised a paw.

Soot snickered and held out a paw, "Hands and paws in."

Brock and Misty each placed a hand on the outstretched paw. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down from Ash's shoulders, ran over to Soot, and reached up a paw to Soot's.

Soot looked at Ash, "You want in, dad?"

Ash's eye twitched with a crooked smile; stream coming off his entire body, "I'm … good. Pikachu took care of that when we came through the door."

The Electric-type snickered.

Soot snickered too, "Alrighty then."

The Bite Pokémon's eyes narrowed, and she stared at her paw intently. A second later, all of the water fell through everyone touching her and splashed onto the floor.

Soot sighed before smiling, "And done."

Brock shivered, 'Still feels weird.'

Misty blinked in surprise and ran a hand through her hair, "Woah." She looked down at Soot, "You're good."

Pikachu rubbed his arms, "It's completely dry."

Clefairy felt her arms too, "Wow."

Soot smirked, "I try my best."

Ash smiled and walked over, "Still, we should probably clean up the water." He removed a glove, crouched down, and placed his hand in the puddle. All of the water started evaporating from the floor.

Soot smiled, "Nice."

Ash stood back up and looked back into the room. On the opposite side of the dark room was a large stage with a red curtain. A sign above the stage read 'IMITÉHOUSE.'

Faux: Uh-

Ohirume: It works better with the pronunciation.

"Hello?!" Ash called out, "Is anyone home?!"

Misty followed suit, "We're sorry for barging in! We were just looking for cover from the storm!"

No answer.

Brock looked around, "It looks like some kind of theater."

Soot looked up at the sign and cocked her head, "Imité House?"

Soot looked up at the sign and cocked her head, "Imité House?/ Gragraena Gra?"

Omega: … Do I wanna know?

Seishin: *snickers* The English dub uses mightyena's Japanese dub for their language. A.K.A. Greana/Guraena.

Omega: Still doesn't explain the beginning of the line being doubled.

Ohirume: Patience, young walker.

Omega: *glares* Never call me that again.

Ohirume: *sweat drops* Sorry.

Brock and Misty flinched and looked over in shock. Ash, Clefairy, and Pikachu blinked in surprise and looked over as well. Soot blinked in surprise and looked to the side.

Standing next to the banette Inherent mightyena was another mightyena with a face that better resembled one with quagsire inheritance.

Soot blinked, "Oh. A ditto."

Ditto -still in mightyena form- flinched, "What?! How did you know?!"

Soot smirked, "Last I checked, my kind didn't have faces like that."

Brock nodded, "Also Soot doesn't talk like that. We've only ever heard her speak human."

Ditto sweat dropped, "Oh."

Ash looked over to a doorway, "I'm guessing Ditto here is yours?"

Everyone else looked over to see someone with light blue hair and clothes identical to Ash's looking down; eyes covered by the hat. Their outfit even included the watch. Although, the paint still seemed to be drying.

The figure sighed; mimicking Ash's voice, "Aw man." They looked up to reveal brown eyes and frowned; this time speaking in a more feminine voice, "How did you know I was here?"

Ash tapped his nose with a smile, "Unnaturally strong senses. I could smell you and heard your footsteps."

The girl sweat dropped, 'Note to self. Start using scent masking perfume when I have guests and learn to walk quieter.' She perked up and smiled, "Fair enough. Now, who are all of you?"

Ash gestured to himself, "Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town."

Misty waved, "Misty Waterflower from Cerulean City."

Brock smiled, "Brock Slate from Pewter City."

Soot grinned, "Soot Ketchum from Pallet Town."

Pikachu raised a paw with a smile, "Pikachu."

Clefairy followed suit, "Clefairy."

The girl smiled, "I'm Duplica from the Imité House." She gestured to the simple faced mightyena, "And this is my partner, Ditto."

The 'Dark-type' lit up white and changed in shape. The light faded and the Transform Pokémon laid in front of them in and waved, "Hi there."

Misty crouched down and pet the blob, "Aww. How cute."

Brock put a hand to his chin, "Although, I'm kind of confused. I thought a ditto should be able to transform completely. Why did their face stay the same?"

Duplica smiled sadly, "We've been trying to break that habit for a while now."

"Well, to be fair, it's not that rare." Soot stated, "Young ditto usually have some trouble with their transformations. Namely in terms of features, size, or weight." She sweat dropped, "Although I have heard rumors about some that can't even match the color or number of limbs."

Ash chuckled, "However, they can imitate what matters in a battle. To my knowledge, there's never been a ditto that's failed at copying attacks or abilities."

"Ahem." Soot coughed.

Ash sweat dropped, "Except for that one that Soot mentioned."

Duplica blinked in surprise, "You sure seem to know a lot about ditto."

Ash shrugged, "I just read a lot when I was younger." He smiled, "Anyway, there's no reason to worry about the face thing. It doesn't affect Ditto's battling abilities in the slightest."

Duplica smiled sadly, "Thank you. But, it's not just that." She turned and gestured for them to follow, "Come look."

The others followed. Ditto slithered ahead and jumped onto their trainer's shoulder.

.

* Imité House; Back Room

Everyone stared in shock and/or awe at the massive selection of outfits before them. Against the backwall, there were shelves loaded with various belt, hats, and items. Against one of the side walls, there was a small work bench.

"Wow." Misty said, "Look at all this stuff."

Brock nodded, "This is really impressive."

Duplica smiled; still dressed like Ash, "Thanks. I've got outfits to imitate pretty much anyone." She sweat dropped, "Or so I thought."

Ash looked at her in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Duplica looked at him and held her fake watch, "I mostly mean this thing. I've never seen anything like it and kind of rushed making a replica." She pointed at Ash's watch, "Where'd you get it anyway?"

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy flinched slightly.

Ash smiled and held up the device, "It's actually a prototype Pokédex that Professor Oak worked on around five years ago. Waterproof, heat resistant, electrically insulated, and nearly indestructible. It's literally one of a kind."

Duplica smiled brightly, "Woah! Really?! How does it work?!"

Ash sweat dropped with nervous smile, "It, uh, doesn't. When I was five, I explored where I shouldn't have and put it on out of curiosity. The main problem was that Professor Oak wasn't finished with it."

Soot sighed, "Specifically, he hadn't uploaded the coding that makes a Pokédex … a Pokédex. Also, the port for that is under a cover that can only be accessed from under the strap."

Duplica blinked in surprise, "Why are you still wearing it, then?"

Ash looked down shamefully, "I broke the latch. Professor Oak had to suspend the project because of my screwup."

Duplica frowned, "Oh. Sorry."

Ash waved a hand with a sad smile, "Don't worry, I've gotten used to it."

Soot looked up at Ash with a smirk, "I mean, you kind of had to. You single handedly ruined a revolutionary advancement in Pokédex technology. It's only right that you have to live with that piece of scrap stuck on your wrist."

Ash grumbled.

Brock and Misty stared at the pair in shock, 'How the Yvel do they do that?!'

Pikachu and Clefairy stared as well, 'They make it look so easy.'

"Anyway." Ash said; acting like he wanted to change the subject, "You haven't really told us why you have all this stuff."

Duplica chuckled nervously, "Right, sorry." She smiled, "The thing is, I'm not really that interested in battling. What I really want is to be is a performer."

Misty blinked in surprise, "A performer?"

Soot raised a brow, "Like Showcases?"

Duplica giggled, "Not exactly. I mean a stage show." She looked up with a dreamy smile, "I started this Imité House because I liked imitating. People stop by here a lot and want to be able to entertain them with Ditto as my assistant." She snapped out of her daydream and looked down sorrowfully, "The only problem is that people don't want to see imperfect transformations. We actually got booed off the stage once because of it."

Ditto frowned and flattened on the ground in shame.

Duplica noticed and crouched down to pet them with a sad smile, "Hey. Don't think that means I blame you, Ditto. I know you're trying your hardest. We'll work together to figure it out someday."

Ditto looked up at her with a sad smile and nuzzled up to her hand.

Pikachu frowned and his ears drooped, "Poor Ditto and Duplica."

Misty frowned and crossed her arms, "I wish there was some way we could help."

Brock put a hand to his chin, "I know what you mean. But who would know enough about transforming to-" He stopped and perked up.

Misty and the Pokémon caught on and the four of them looked at Ash.

Ash noticed and sighed. He looked at Duplica with sad smile, "Sorry, but my friends and I need to take care of something really quick."

Soot nodded, "We'll be back in a bit."

Duplica nodded with a sad smile; still petting Ditto, "Alright."

Ash walked back towards the doorway and motioned for the others to follow.

They hurried after him.

.

*Stage room

Ash sighed, "Guys, I can't help like that."

Misty frowned, "But why not? Who else but you would know about transforming firsthand?"

Soot shook her head, "It's not like that. Ditto's transforming abilities stem from their naturally unstable biology. No matter how easy one can make it look, they still to concentrate at least a little bit."

Ash held up the watch, "Whereas this thing is all technology. My transformations are always seamless and happen in an instant. If there was something wrong with one of my forms, I wouldn't immediately know how to fix it and I would probably need someone to point it out in the first place."

Brock crossed his arms, "hmm." He perked up upon realizing something, "Even if you can't give pointers from experience, the two of you did still seem to know a lot about the subject before. Maybe, there's something in all of that that can help."

Ash smiled and nodded, "Right. I know Duplica said she didn't want to focus on battling, but -seeing as none of us are ditto specialists- that's actually the best way we can help." He raised a finger, "Like Soot said, ditto need to concentrate to some degree to be able to transform. Ergo, the more experience a ditto has, the easier and more precise their transformation will become."

Clefairy tilted in confusion, "What about air going?"

Soot snickered, "E-r-g-o. It's another way of saying 'therefore'."

Clefairy sweat dropped, "Oh."

Misty smiled, "So, if we just have a few training rounds with Duplica, it'll help perfect Ditto's transforming."

Ash shrugged, "More or less." He smiled sadly, "Still, it won't be easy. We can tell her this and help get her started, but it'll still take some time to fix something so minute."

Pikachu smiled and clenched a fist, "Well then, let's get started right a-"

The Electric-type was cut off by a massive explosion shaking the area. Everyone fumbled.

Misty recovered and stared at the doorway in shock, "What the Yvel was that?!"

"We've got you now, Phantom!"

Ash grimaced, "Crag!" He ran towards the back and everyone else followed.

They all ran into the room and stared in shock. The side wall had a gaping hole blown into it; right where the work bench was. Meowth was slowly standing back up; turned away from the others.

Soot growled, "You!" She charged forward.

Meowth flinched and looked back right as Soot pinned him to the ground.

Soot glared at the pinned Scratch Cat Pokémon, "What have you done with-" She stopped and blinked in surprise, "Wait, what the?"

Ash ran up, "Soot, what's wrong?" He looked at 'Meowth' and blinked in surprise, "Ditto?"

Everyone else jerked and ran over. They stared in surprise when they saw the quagsire-like face on the Scratch Cat Pokémon.

Ditto gulped, "C-can I please get up now?"

Soot chuckled nervously, "Sorry." She got off him and stepped back.

Ditto stood back up, "Thank you." They lit up and returned to normal.

"Ditto, what happened?" Ash asked worriedly.

"Duplica's been kidnapped!" Ditto cried out.

.

*Team Rocket

"What do you want with me?!" Duplica shouted at the tRio; still dressed like Ash and tied to a chair.

Meowth laughed, "Give it up, twoip. We know it's you."

Jessie pointed at her, "We know that get up anywhere."

Duplica's eyes narrowed, "It's just an outfit! I'm not Ash! What do you want with him anyway?"

Meowth smirked, "As if ya don' know Phantom."

Duplica blinked in surprise, "Phantom?" She shook it off and glared, "Whatever you're talking about, you have the wrong person! Just look at me! My eyes and hair are even similar and I'm obviously a girl!"

Meowth rolled her eyes with a smirk, "Ya point? You coulda just changed ya human disguise to try and throw us off."

Duplica just stared at them in confusion, "Huh?"

James frowned and put a hand to his chin.

Jessie noticed and looked at him, "What is it?"

James gestured away from Duplica, "Huddle up for a second."

Jessie and Meowth blinked in confusion but complied.

"What's on ya mind?" Meowth asked.

"I was just thinking," James started with a frown, "what'll actually happen when we hand the twerp over to the boss?"

Jessie glared at him, "What do you think'll happen?! We'll give him to the boss and be rewarded! How is that so hard to understand?"

James shook his head, "Not that. What if twerp just plays dumb and convinces the boss he's really human? We'd be a laughingstock for kidnapping some kid."

Meowth blinked in surprise, "Oh." He looked down worriedly, "Ya might have a point."

Duplica sweat dropped, 'They do know I can hear them, right?'

Jessie smirked wickedly, "Well then, we'll just have to fix that, won't we?"

"Huh?" James and Meowth asked in confusion.

She whispered something to her Teammates. James and Meowth smirked wickedly.

The three of them looked back at Duplica; still smirking.

Duplica gulped.

.

*Ash and Ditto

The pair soared high in the air in braviary form in search of any sign of Team Rocket. Pidgeotto and Zubat were sent in another direction to widen the search.

Ditto looked at the ground worriedly.

Ash noticed and pulled back, "Don't worry, Ditto. I'm sure we'll find her."

Ditto smiled sadly, "Thanks." They raised a brow, "Hey, can I ask you something?"

Ash chuckled, "I can already guess what it is. Yes, I'm human. It's that weird watch that Duplica made a replica of that lets me do this."

Ditto blinked in surprise, "So, it's not a Pokédex?"

Ash shook his head, "No, it isn't. And I'm sorry for lying about that. I'm just warry about other humans finding out about it."

Ditto chuckled, "Trust me, I understand. I remember having to hide a lot before I met Duplica." He frowned, "But I don't get why they took her. Or what they meant about that Phantom thing."

Ash frowned and looked ahead again, "I'm afraid it's because of me. They heard about the cover story about my hatchling -the mightyena from before- that called her the Phantom Child. Meowth heard me talking in this form and they all came to the idea that I was the Phantom Pokémon. They're keeping it a secret for some reason, so we just let them believe that. Odds are, they took Duplica because they thought she was me."

Ditto sweat dropped, "Could they seriously have made that big of a mistake? You two don't look that much alike."

Ash chuckled, "I think it was mostly the clothing. Besides, I never said they were smart."

Ditto blinked in surprise, "Huh. Just, one more thing. The way you transform. I know you said it was that watch, but would you have any pointers for me?"

Ash frowned, "Sorry, but no. My watch is all technology; most of which I still don't fully understand. My transformations are always instant and take zero effort. Heck, I've accidently transformed in my sleep from rolling around too much." Ash glanced at the simple faced, beakless bird, "Your abilities are something your kind are naturally born with. You need to concentrate at least a little bit to pull off a transformation. It's a simple matter of focusing and reorganizing your DNA."

Ditto blinked in surprise and looked down thoughtfully, "Hmm." They noticed something and stared in surprise, "Who the Yvel builds a house like that?"

Ash looked at them in confusion, "What?"

He followed their gaze and his eyes widened in shock upon finding a simple yet colorful house on the ground. What really stuck out was the giant inflatable meowth head and paw on the roof.

Ash glared at the house, "That's Team Rocket's balloon!"

Ditto looked at Ash in shock before glaring at the balloon, "Let's go!" They dove towards the house.

Ash shot forward and got in front of Ditto, "Wait! We need to go back and get the others!"

Ditto frowned, "But Duplica could be hurt!"

Ash shook his head, "I'm sorry, but we need more than just the two of us. We can double up a Tailwind to get there faster."

Ditto back at the house worriedly before looking back at Ash and nodding, "Okay."

The pair turned and shot back towards the Imité House.

Ditto glanced back worriedly, 'Please be okay, Duplica.'

"TAILWIND!" Ash and Ditto shouted.

.

**Time Skip**

Everyone regrouped and hurried towards Team Rocket's terrible idea of a hideout.

Ash ran up and trotted to a stop, "There it is."

"This is it." Soot translated.

Brock sweat dropped, "Seriously?"

Misty sweat dropped too, "Just when I thought their plans couldn't get any worse."

Everyone dismounted from the ponyta and Ash hit the symbol to change back to human. Everyone ran up to the house and crouched down around a window.

Soot shifted her eyes, turned invisible, and propped herself up against the window. The only sign of this was the soft 'clack' from her claws and the fact that they came up with this on the ride there.

"… huh." Soot said with a slight echo in her voice; sounding confused.

"What do you see, Soot?" Ash whispered.

Ditto frowned, "They're not hurting her, right?"

Soot sweat dropped; unseen by everyone, "No. She's definitely not hurt. James looks like he's begging."

Pikachu and Misty blinked in surprise, "What?"

.

*Inside

"Please just change already!" James whined.

"I don't know what you're talking about!" Duplica shouted back.

Turns out the tRio's idea of getting proof was to set up a video camera and beg for 'Ash' to transform for them.

Omega: Okay, putting aside … that. If that actually was Trix, wouldn't he use that transformation to break free, destroy the camera, and bust out of the house?

Ohirume: It's the Team Rocket trio. They're plans always have holes. Or, in this case, meteor level craters.

Faux: True.

Pike: Very true.

Jessie scratched her head furiously, "Augh! This is taking too long!"

Meowth crossed his arms and grumbled, "The mutt and the othas could already be on dere way here." He looked up at Jessie, "I t'ink it's time we cut our losses."

Jessie nodded, "Right." She looked back at her teammate, "Load 'em up, James! We're leaving!"

.

*Outside

"Okay," Soot said; still invisible, "Now, they're loading her into the balloon basket and- Uh oh."

Ditto flinched, "What's wrong?!"

Soot became visible again and ran away from the house, "MOVE!"

Everyone shared a concerned look and ran after the Dark-type.

A split second later, the house broke apart and crashed onto the ground around the balloon. Team Rocket started hovering; not having noticed the group.

"Hey!" Brock shouted.

Ditto glared at the balloon, "Give back my trainer!"

Duplica's eyes widened in surprise, "Ditto?"

The Rocketrio flinched and looked over the edge of the basket.

James flinched, "The twerps?!"

"How did dey find us so fast?!" Meowth cried out.

Jessie smirked, "It doesn't matter. There's no way they'll shoot us down while we have-" She noticed Ash with the others and her eyes widened in shock. She lurched forward and gripped the basket, "THE PHANTOM?!"

James and Meowth flinched and followed her gaze. They both grimaced.

"What?!" James shouted.

Meowth followed in a shocked tone, "Den dat means."

The three of them turned around and stared at Duplica in shock.

Duplica glared at them, "Told ya."

James slumped forward, "We did all that begging for nothing."

Meowth gulped, "We really messed up."

Jessie glared back at the twerps, "We still have plan B!" She held up a wired detonator.

The bottom of the balloon opened, and a large cannon sprang out of it.

Everyone flinched.

Soot grimaced, "Oh crag!"

Misty looked at Ash, "Please tell me you have an idea for this!"

Ash sweat dropped, "G- gimme a minute."

Ditto's eyes narrowed, "I got it!" They lit up and started changing in shape.

Everyone looked over and their eyes widened in shock upon seeing Normal-type emerge as a large, wheeled cannon; face nowhere to be seen.

"Woah." Misty and Brock said in awe.

"You can turn into a cannon?!" Soot shouted in shock.

"Yeah?" Ditto said in human ... somehow.

"B-but how?!" Ash asked in shock, "Your kind transform by altering your DNA to match a target form! Cannons don't have DNA! They're artificial constructs!"

Omega: Thank you!

"It's like turning into a bronzong, alright?!" Ditto argued. Their hatch open, "Now, someone get in! I can't make ammo!"

Ash's eyes narrowed and he pointed at the 'cannon', "Fine! But we are not done with this conversation!" He looked at his Fairy-type, "Clefairy, how do feel about being a Dazzling Gleam cannonball?"

Clefairy stared at Ash in shock before smiling brightly and trembling with excitement. The Fairy Pokémon ran into the cannon without a word and hatch closed behind her.

"Be careful!" Pikachu called out.

Jessie pushed down on the trigger, "Fire!"

Ash held out a hand, "Ditto! Fire!"

The cannons fired off simultaneously. Clefairy flew towards the balloon; shining brightly in a sphere of Rainbow energy. Team Rocket's net sprung open and shot towards her.

Soot deadpanned, "A net cannon? Really?"

Clefairy smirked as she tore through the net and through the balloon and shot out the other side.

Team Rocket screamed as they flipped around aimlessly.

"Jessie, we lose everything!" James shouted in a daze.

"Even all our hot air!" Jessie followed suit.

"Ya heads are full a hot air!" Meowth shouted.

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

Around the second flip, Duplica -still tied to the chair- fell out of the balloon.

Brock stared in shock, "Duplica!"

Ash grimaced, "Crag!" He brought up the watch and started dialing. He found Braviary and raised his hand to hit the watch "I'll get-"

He was cut off by a large gust of wind blowing past him.

Everyone looked up in surprise at the braviary shooting towards Duplica. The cannon was nowhere to be seen.

.

*Duplica

The impressionist held her eyes shut as she fell.

Her eyes shot open when she heard something metallic and felt the ropes loosen. She slipped free from the chair and stared at the ground in shock, 'What was tha-'

She was cut off when something grabbed her by the shoulders.

Duplica looked up at her savior and her eyes widened in shock at the sight of the braviary carrying her, "D- Ditto?"

Ditto looked down at Duplica with their black, pupiled eyes and a smile on their beak.

Duplica stared tearing up with a soft smile, "Ditto, you did it."

Ditto nodded; still smiling.

They pair flew towards the ground and Ditto put their trainer down gently.

Ditto returned to normal and jumped into the human's arms, "Duplica!"

Duplica smiled and caught the Pokémon, "Ditto!" She pulled them into a hug, "You learned how to transform completely!" She nuzzled the Normal-type, "I'm so proud of you."

Ditto hugged the girl back, "I missed you, Duplica."

Ash, Misty, Brock, Pikachu, and Soot watched from the side; deciding to give the pair some space.

Brock smiled, "Good to know everything turned out okay."

Pikachu nodded, "Yeah." He flinched, "Wait! What about Clefair-"

He was cut off when Clefairy appeared in front of everyone in a mild flash. She stared ahead in shock with her fingers pointed upward. Everyone stared at her in shock.

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Clefairy?"

Soot stared in shock, "Did you just Metronome into a Teleport?"

Clefairy stared at her fingers in shock and blinked in surprise, "I'm gonna be honest. I didn't expect that to work so well."

.

**Time Skip**

Everyone moved back to the Imité House. Duplica got back into her usual attire -which consisted of blue jeans, a red shirt with a yellow star in the center, and her hair tied beck into pigtails- and decided to update the front sign. Ash and Soot offered to help.

Duplica finished hammering in the last nail and moved back a bit to admire her work, "There. The Imité House is reopened." She looked up at the Pokémon holding sign in place, "You can get down now, Soot!"

Soot's eyes shot open and she blinked rapidly, "Wha- huh? Sorry, I fell asleep."

Ash chuckled, "We're done, Soot!" He moved his fingers and Soot did a handstand dismount off the sign and -after a series of flips and spins- landed on the ground in a gymnast's pose.

Everyone else -except Ash- applauded.

Soot sweat dropped, "You all realize that I had no control over myself while doing that, right?"

Misty smirked and crossed her arms, "How do you we weren't applauding Ash?"

Soot snickered, "Touché"

Ash chuckled and brought Soot closer to close the zipper on her back.

Soot's body righted itself and she stood next to Ash.

Duplica waved at the group from the tip of the ladder, "Thanks for everything, guys! Come back and see us anytime, okay?!"

Brock waved back, "Well be sure too!"

Misty waved too, "Good luck!"

Ash waved last, "You two take care of yourselves!"

Soot smiled, "Watch after that trainer of your, Ditto!"

"Bye!" Pikachu and Clefairy called out from Ash's shoulders.

With that, Ash and friends left the Imité House and continued on their way towards Matcha City.

Duplica watched as they left; focused on Ash and mumbling, "Phantom Pokémon." She smiled softly, "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me."

Ditto sweat dropped upon hearing that.

.

.

Omega: Huh. That was … new.

Ohirume: Yeah, sorry. But I couldn't think of much for the Bike Gang chapter.

Mizuro: Yeah. That would've been pretty bland for a 'full' chapter.

Ohirume: Exactly!

…

One more thing: The next chapter is the Porygon one and I was actually able to find the original Porygon episode (Subbed obviously) to make writing that chapter easier.

So, for those of you who haven't seen the episode or can't, I've already typed up a clunky Omake of the unedited Porygon episode and I posted it on "Random-ish stuff on the side" yesterday.