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Omega: *flips page* Alright. Next on the list … Dark City.

Nuevo: *sweat drops* And I thought Gringey City and Stone Town had strange names.

Ohirume: *looks at Omega in confusion* What's on that clipboard?

Omega: *focused on clipboard* PokéSins list. Seishin gave it to me.

Faux: Why?

Seishin: *shrugs* 😐

Omega: *snickers* Seriously? This episode got a negative 95?

Ohirume: Well most of the sins are because of animation errors, anime nonsense, obvious inconsistencies, and overly realistic ethic codes. Still, they're freaking hilarious and usually make a lot of good points.

Yugo: Though, he might be a bit rightfully biased about any shot that includes a Pokémon (namely Pikachu) being cute.

Pike and Gem's Pikachu: Huh?

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Gangs of Dark City

.

Continuing on their journey, the group found themselves walking through the empty streets of Dark City.

Electra looked around in surprise, "This is a city?" She frowned as her ears drooped, "But where are the skyscrapers?"

Soot sweat dropped, "I think that's the least of our worries."

"What's going on around here?" Brock asked, "It's the middle of the day and nobody's around."

Misty frowned, "Yeah. It's kinda creepy." She glanced at Ash, "You wouldn't happen to know, would you?"

Ash frowned and shook his head, "Not this time. I've never looked into this place for a Gym and didn't see any kind of plaque or statue."

Pikachu sweat dropped, "No surprise there."

Clefairy perked up in surprise and pointed ahead, "Hey look!"

Everyone followed her gaze and saw a kid running around and playing in the road. His mother immediately ran out of a building.

"Get back inside this house right now!" The mother demanded in a worried tone. She picked up the kid and ran back into the house, "What if there are Pokémon trainers nearby?!"

The group stopped in their tracks and stared in surprise.

"Wait, what?" Brock asked in shock, "They're afraid of trainers?"

Clefairy frowned, "But why?"

Soot frowned as well, "I'd like the answer to that too."

Ash perked up in surprise when he heard something creak. He looked up at a roof.

Misty frowned, "This is really getting frea-"

She was cut off when Ash got in front of her and Brock and caught something. Ash glared up at the roof and opened his hands. Three small rocks hit the ground.

Everyone's eyes widened in realization and they looked up at the roof as well. Three figures disappeared over the ledge.

"Soot!" Ash said while still glaring up at the roof.

Soot glared as well, "On it!"

The Bite Pokémon jumped up and started forming and detonating a series of Shadow Balls on her paws. She shot up to the top of the building and disappeared over the edge. The group could hear her growling for a moment. She stopped almost instantly.

Ash frowned, "Soot. What's wrong?"

"Dad…" Soot called out, "They're little kids."

Everyone perked up and blinked in surprise.

"What?" Pikachu asked.

Soot peaked over the ledge with a confused frown, "They're kids. As in, 'too young for a trainer license' kids." She looked to her left, "Look. We don't mean any harm and we're not here to cause trouble. We just wanna know what's going on around here."

Misty stepped forward and called up to the roof, "Yeah! Please come down!"

Brock followed suit, "I'm sure we can talk this out!"

Everyone on the ground waited for a moment. They heard creaking again. They looked over as three kids walked out from an alleyway.

One had blue hair, a light blue shirt with a yellow stripe, blue shorts, and red, yellow and black shoes. Another had brown hair, a red shirt with an orange stripe, dark blue shorts, and blue and white shoes. The last kid had black hair, a yellow shirt with a blue stripe, red shorts, and black and white shoes.

All three glared at the group. The kid with the yellow shirt seemed to be holding something behind his back. Soot jumped down from the roof and landed next to Ash.

"You three are Pokémon trainers, right?" The blue haired boy asked.

Ash frowned somberly and glanced back and forth between Pikachu and Clefairy. The pair jumped down from Ash's shoulders before he kneeled down in front of the kids, "That's right."

The boys' eyes narrowed. The yellow shirted one handed something to the kid with the light blue shirt.

Soot noticed and frowned. Ash's frown saddened even more, "We're really not here to cause trou-"

The boy pulled out a large stick and swung it at Ash's head. The boys' eyes all widened fearfully when Ash caught it and yanked it out of his hand effortlessly. Brock, Misty, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy frowned somberly. Electra stared at Ash in surprise.

Ash sighed, "We're not here to cause trouble." He tossed the stick to the side, "I mean it."

Brock nodded and walked up, "We just want to know what's going on around here. Why do you all have such a problem with trainers?"

The boy glared at them, "Because trainers aren't welcome here! If you work with Pokémon, just leave already!"

The other boys nodded, "Yeah!"

Misty frowned and put a hand to her chest, "Look. Whatever the issue is, I'm sure we can work it out."

The red shirted boy glared at her, "No we-"

"Stop it, boys!"

The group perked up and looked over as a man in an apron ran over to them.

He looked at the group somberly, "I'm sorry. These children don't mean to cause you any trouble." He smiled sadly, "Come to my restaurant. I'll explain everything."

Ash nodded, "Alright."

Pikachu and Clefairy jumped back onto Ash's shoulders as everyone followed the man.

.

*Dark City Restaurant

Ash, Brock, Misty, and Soot sat at a table across from the owner. Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra sat on the table. The three kids sat at the bar with their backs to the trainers. A figure in a trench coat, shades, face mask, and gray fedora sat at a nearby table.

The owner placed on omelet on the table in front of Ash, "In Dark City, there are two Pokémon Gyms. The Yas Gym and Kaz Gym."

Ash and Soot's eyes widened in surprise, 'What?!'

Misty and Brock stared in surprise.

Ash popped up the lid on a bottle of ketchup. Pikachu's nose twitched and he perked up in surprise.

The restaurant owner continued, "The two Gyms are in the middle of a gang war and will try to hire any wandering Pokémon trainers as soldiers. They claim whoever wins will become an official Pokémon Gym."

Misty frowned, "That doesn't make any sense. You can't just become an official Gym like that."

Brock nodded, "Yeah. There are all kinds of rules and paperwork to go through to become official. What they're doing is just making it harder for a League Inspector to accept either of them."

The figure perked up slightly and glanced at them. Ash and Soot noticed.

The owner blinked in surprise, "League Inspector?"

Soot nodded, "Someone with the authority to legalize a Gym. They can also get one shutdown if necessary."

Pikachu sniffed the air as he approached Ash; seemingly in a trance. Clefairy and Electra watched in confusion.

The three kids jerked in surprise and looked back, "What?!"

The blue shirted kid looked at them hopefully, "You mean, we just have to call one of these Inspectors and they can stop all of this?!"

The figure in the trench coat tensed up.

Ash glanced at the figure warily, "That's easier said than done." He looked back at the kids, "Inspectors only answer to the League itself, so as to avoid any attempt at bribery. Even if we got one's number, they wouldn't take the call. Still, if word gets out about these gang Gyms, one should show up eventually." He perked up in surprise when he noticed his Electric-type sniffing the bottle in his hands, "Pikachu?"

The kids looked down sadly.

Brock frowned, "But I don't get why they're fighting like that. If they're trying to compete for a Gym title, a private tournament or low-scale rivalry would be a lot more effective."

The owner frowned, "I'm afraid I don't know all the details. I've only heard them claim that the winner will become an official Gym."

Soot groaned, "In other words, they're delusional."

"CHAAA!" Pikachu cried out in pure joy.

Everyone perked up and looked over in surprise. Pikachu was holding the ketchup bottle in his forepaws and licking the top. Soot, Brock and Misty looked at him in confusion. Clefairy and Electra stared at him curiously.

Misty glanced at Ash, "Why is he doing that?"

Ash sweat dropped, "I actually have no idea. He just really … really wanted the ketchup."

Pikachu smiled blissfully, "It's pure heaven!"

Nuevo: *glances at Pike and Gem's Pikachu in confusion* Ketchup?

Pike: Don't judge me!

Gem's Pikachu: Yeah!

Clefairy walked up to Pikachu, "Can I try some?"

Electra followed suit, "Me too?"

Pikachu flinched slightly. He glanced at the bottle and his ears drooped, "Uh…" He looked back at them with a nervous smile, "S- sure." He held out the bottle, "Just a little, though."

Electra and Clefairy poked at the small blob on the nozzle and licked their paws.

Pikachu smiled brightly, "So?!"

The girls blinked in surprise, shared a look, and shrugged.

"I mean," Clefairy said while looking back at Pikachu, "I guess it's kinda sweet. Still not better than cotton candy, though."

Pikachu's eyes widened in surprise, "Huh?"

Electra raised a brow, "I've never really had anything like it before." She looked at the bottle curiously, "Though, I'm a little more curious about the plastic thing around it." She pointed at it, "Can I see it?"

Pikachu frowned and held the bottle closer, "I, uh-"

A distant crash rang from outside and caught everyone's attention.

One of the boys glared, "It's them!"

Misty perked up in surprise, "Wait. You mean-"

The owner gulped, "The Yas and Kaz Gyms are fighting again." He looked at the group, "If you don't want to get dragged into this, you'd better go upstairs and hide."

The group shared a look and nodded. Clefairy and Electra jumped back on their respective trainers' shoulders and Ash grabbed Pikachu. Everyone ran over to and up the staircase. The three kids followed.

Soot noticed a window and propped herself up against the rim. Her eyes widened in shock as her ears drooped, "Woah."

Ash, Brock, and Misty looked at her in surprise and ran over to the window. Everyone appropriately grimaced.

Two large groups of trainers could be seen running towards each other.

One side wore blue jumpsuits with a red 'K' on top of a downward pointing green triangle. The man leading the charge had spiked, dark blue hair, wore a … red cape and black gloves. Everyone behind him had red gloves and no cape.

The other side wore green overalls with a yellow 'Y' on top of an upward pointing red triangle. The man leading the charge had a buzz cut, wore a black undershirt, an orange scarf, and gray gloves. Everyone behind him had orange undershirts and no gloves.

Illavera: … what?

Omega: *snickers* Yup. *flips page* The outfits and cape-guy's hair racked up three- *squints* min-un?

Gem: Minun. They're an Electric-type Pokémon and the opposite to plusle.

Omega: *deadpanned* Of course they are.

.

*Dark City Street

"Get ready!" Kaz called out, "Today the Kaz Gym's gonna crush you!"

"Guess Again!" Yas shouted back with a smirk, "The Yas Gym will wipe you out!"

Kaz held out a hand, "Go Electabuzz! Thunderbolt now!"

"Electa BUZZ!" The Electric Pokémon cried out as they unleashed the electric attack from their horns.

Omega: *flips page and flinches* Wha- Hey! *glares at Ohirume* That was one of the most overwhelming minun counts of the episode.

Ohirume: *sweat drops* Yeah. But can you really blame me? Electabuzz's … voice in the anime sounded like Donnie from The Wild Thornberrys went through puberty and his vocal pattern became even more nonsensical. The only difference is that Electabuzz's version made no sense.

Seishin: YAGABOO DIBIITY BA YA DO DE AHAAHWA AWHIIIIBIBIBIBIBI

Mizuro: HA! I love that video!

Ohirume: GUYS! Can we put a pause on the PokéSins commentary before it gets old?

Seishin: *sigh* Fine.

A handful of the Yas trainers cried out as the Electric-type attack swept over them. A few stray bolts veered to the sides and exploded against the nearby buildings.

Yas glared ahead, "We can't let them win!" He held out a hand, "Attack, Scyther!"

"Scyther!" The Mantis Pokémon cried out as they shot forward and disappeared in a blur.

They reappeared with their back to a few of the Kaz trainers. The trainers stared in confusion. They heard something creaking, looked back, and grimaced at the sight of a building's awning falling towards them. They barely had enough time to jump out of the way.

A group of civilians ran from the fight in fear.

.

*Back upstairs

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra just stared through the window; speechless.

Brock grimaced, "D- dear Arc."

Misty stared in shock, "This isn't a battle. It's a freaking street fight."

Soot gulped, "Yeah. I kind of hoped he was exaggerating when he called it a gang war."

Ash clenched a fist while glaring at the fight below, "Is it always like this?"

The kids looked down sorrowfully, "Yeah."

Ash gritted his teeth.

Everyone flinched and looked at the stairs when they heard a crash. They ran over and saw the restaurant owner sitting on the ground and looking up fearfully.

Two large guys in Kaz Gym uniforms stood over him with cocky smirks.

Faux and Gem: Wait, what?

Omega: *glances at pair in confusion before looking at clipboard* … Oh.

"Thirty of the lunch special." One of them said.

"Yeah!" The other followed, "And make it fast. We have to be back at Kaz Gym in less than an hour."

The owner gulped, "I- I can't."

The first guy's eyes narrowed and he stomped, "What was that?!"

The man flinched, "Th-the Kaz Gym hasn't paid its bill and the tab is too high. I'll go out of business if this keeps-"

The second grunt grabbed him by the shirt, "Does it look like we care?!" He pulled out a pokéball, "Get to work or else!"

The owner grimaced, "P- please! I beg y-"

Something landed next to the staircase; catching the grunts' and man's attention. Ash stood back up and walked over to the men with his eyes shaded over.

The three kids and Electra all grimaced. Everyone else in the group smirked.

Ash stopped in his tracks, "Let go of him and leave now."

The grunts perked up in surprise before bursting out into laughter. The figure in the trench coat looked at them.

The restaurant owner stared at Ash fearfully, 'Please. Please stay out of this. For your own good, just stay out of this.'

The guy not holding the man slowly stopped laughing and looked at Ash with a cocky smirk, "I'm sorry kid, but I don't think I heard you right."

"No, I think you did." Ash said before looking at the men with a harsh glare, "Get out of here before you make me do something I'll regret."

The owner grimaced, 'What the Yvel are you doing?!'

The second grunt dropped the man and glared at Ash, "Listen here, kid! The two of us are Kaz Gym bodyguards! So, you'd better show us some respect!"

Ash clenched a fist, "Respect?" His glared deepened, "Sorry. But I don't think I can bring myself to respect a pair of meat headed sons of glitches who'd make a garbodor vomit."

Mizuro: Ohhhhh!

Gem's Pikachu and Pike: *surprised Pika- Oh, right … surprised face*

Gem, Mewtwo, Faux, Luke, Laura, Illavera: *wide eyed shock*

Omega: … ****, Trix.

Nuevo: The ****'s a garbodor?

Soot almost broke out into laughter. Brock, Misty, Pikachu, and Clefairy stared at Ash in mild surprise. The kids, Electra, and the owner looked at Ash like he had lost his freaking mind.

The grunts glared at Ash furiously.

One of them reeled back and threw a punch, "YOU BR-" He stopped and stared in shock as Ash caught his arm by the wrist.

Ash continued glaring, "I warned you." He squeezed the man's arm.

The grunt grimaced, fell to his knees, and cried out, "Uncle! Uncle!"

The second grunt flinched, picked up a chair, and held it up. He flinched and stared in shock as a Shadow Ball destroyed the chair. Ash quickly let go of the first grunt's wrist and threw a jab into the second's gut.

"KAH!" The man cried out before clutching his abdomen and falling to his knees.

The first grunt was still on his knees and trembled violently as he held his wrist.

Everyone out of the loop stared at Ash in pure shock. The rest of the group stared in mild awe. Except Soot who was smirking slyly.

Ash stomped and glared; making the grunts flinch, "Leave." He quickly flashed Intimidate, "NOW!"

The two men flinched with terrified looks. They both scrambled to their feet and ran as if their lives depended on it. Which, in their eyes, it did.

Ash took a deep breath to calm down. He looked back to see the three kids already helping the restaurant owner back to his feet.

Brock, Misty, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy walked down the staircase and over to Ash. Electra just stared at Ash in awe. She snapped out of it, followed her friends, and jumped onto Brock's backpack.

"Well," Misty said in surprise, "that was … frightening." She smiled, "Yet, impressive."

Brock raised a brow with a smirk, "I almost didn't think you had that in you."

Ash chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Yeah. Sorry about that. I guess I lost myself a little."

Soot snickered, "You say that as if they didn't deserve it."

Clefairy raised a paw with a smile, "Yeah! Those bullies had it coming."

Pikachu held up the ketchup bottle triumphantly, "To victory!" He started licking at the nozzle happily.

Electra looked at Pikachu while sweat dropping, "I still don't get it."

Clefairy giggled before jumping back onto Ash's shoulder.

Pikachu perked up, looked up at Ash, and back at the bottle. His ears drooped as he looked up at Ash, "Um … Ash?"

Ash chuckled, "Fine." He picked up the Mouse Pokémon and put him on his shoulder.

Pikachu smiled, "Thanks." He immediately went back to his ketchup licking.

The group couldn't help but chuckle.

The restaurant owner and the kids just stared at the trainers in awe.

The owner walked up to them and smiled happily, "Thank-"

"That was incredible!"

Everyone perked up and looked over to see a blue haired girl with purple eyes in the doorway. She wore Yas Gym overalls, a teal undershirt, dark blue gloves, a dark pink scarf, and a red and white hat.

The restaurant owner and kids flinched and backed up. Ash, Misty, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy's eyes narrowed. Electra hid behind Brock's head as the Pewter Gym Leader started blushing with a dumb smile.

The girl looked at Ash with a bright smile, "I saw everything that happened! Those were some of the strongest bodyguards from Kaz Gym and you scared them off like it was nothing! You must be a very gifted, very famous Pokémon trainer."

Ash's eye twitched.

She took a step closer as her smile brightened, "Please! You must tell me your names."

Misty frowned and whispered to Ash, "We should probably come up with cover names. Our reputations as trainers could be at stake otherwise"

Ash nodded, "Got it." He looked at the Yas Gym girl and gestured to himself, "My name is Duston Snatcher." He gestured to Brock, "These are my allies Richter Shale" He gestured to Misty, "and Hazel Lilium."

Brock snapped out of it as he, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra all looked at Ash in surprise. Soot flinched slightly and her eye twitched.

The blue haired girl smiled happily, "Oh Duston, Richter, and Hazel, would you consider joining our cause at the Yas Gym? Unlike those animals at the Kaz Gym, we at Yas are truly worthy of becoming a Pokémon Gym. And with your strength, I'm sure we'll win."

Misty's eye twitched, 'That isn't how it works!' She shook it off and crossed her arms, "Well, we can't." She looked at Brock, "Right, Br- Richter?"

Brock went back to his love-trance smile, "We'll do anything we can to help."

Electra jerked and looked at her trainer in shock, "Wait, what?"

Misty sweat dropped, 'Right … that.'

The Yas Gym girl smiled brightly, "That's great!" She turned towards the entryway and looked back at them, "I'll take you their right now."

She left the building and Brock followed in a trance-like state. Electra just kept looking at Brock like he was nuts.

Misty looked at Ash warily, "When the Yvel did you come up with those cover names?"

Ash shrugged, "I've had Duston Snatcher ready for a little over a month. I thought up Richter and Hazel a few nights ago during a lucid dream session."

Soot looked up at Ash in surprise, "Wait, really? Since when can you do that?"

Ash smiled and held up the watch, "Pretty sure it was Porygon's doing." He turned towards the door and ran after Brock, "Come on."

Everyone else followed.

The trench coated figure watched as they left, 'Porygon?' They looked back at the table and perked up in surprise when they saw a folded-up napkin that wasn't there before. They glanced around warily before picking it up and unfolding it.

They immediately perked up in surprise.

"If you're not who I think you are, come talk to me when we return.

If you are, then ignore me completely.

I'll record what I can as evidence."

At the bottom of the sheet was a series of shapes that resembled hastily drawn badges from non-main eight Kanto Gyms. The figure looked at the door in shock.

.

*Celadon City

Meowth ran down the city streets with Jessie and James following from a few feet back. James was in the middle of zipping up his blue, long sleeved, jacket over his uniform. Jessie already had the red, short sleeved hoodie on and was removing her gloves.

"Meowth! Wait up!" Jessie called out as she ran after the Scratch Cat Pokémon, "Why are you in such a hurry?!"

"And why are we here again?!" James whined as he ran too, "We're supposed to be at Dark City, remember?! We're missing out on the main story again!"

Jessie glared at James, "What did I say about-"

"Quit it!" Meowth shouted; startling the humans. He glared back at them, "Jess, save the anti-fourth wall crag for some otha time! James, we have important business here, so suck it up!"

The pair blinked in surprise, shared a look, and looked back at Meowth.

"What kind of business?" James asked as he removed his gloves.

"Da twoip's been lyin' to us." Meowth said angrily, "All dat crag about him bein' da Phantom Pokémon has been total nonsense. He's jus' been stringin' us along dis whole time."

Jessie blinked in surprise, "What? But you're the one who thought of it."

"Yeah! I know!" Meowth shouted in frustration. He sighed, "But what he said in da Snorlax chapta ain't addin' up."

He raised a digit on his paw, "The Phantom Pokémon's supposed to 've been around for freakin' millennia. If he was da Phantom, dere's no way da twoip coulda just lost touch with all of his Psychic powers over a few years. Especially not to da point you guys said."

He raised a second digit, "And dat thing about not bein' able to turn in ta every Pokémon doesn't make any sense. A ditto can't just decide it can't turn inta' something like dat."

He raised a third digit, "And dat thing about not bein' able to understand all Pokémon is total malarkey. Pokémon language is universal between species. If he can understand at least one, he should be able to understand all a dem."

Jessie and James shared an unsure look.

"Well," James said, "aside from the language thing, that all sounds a bit iffy. How can we be sure the twerp really didn't just do all of that to himself?"

Jessie nodded, "Yeah. I mean, the Phantom isn't a ditto." She perked up, blinked in surprise, and glanced at James with a raised brow, "Right?"

James shrugged.

"Dat's why we're here." Meowth said before looking back at the Celadon Library, "For answas."

.

*Yas Gym

"Here we are." The blue haired girl said cheerfully as she slid open the door to the gang Gym.

They were met with glares from a group of men in the standard Yas Gym uniform. All of them were lifting weights or exercising with bungee cords; trying to look intimidating.

Brock, Misty, and most of the Pokémon gulped. Soot glared, crouched down, and growled at them. Some of the men flinched.

Ash put a hand on her head, "Stand down, Mightyena."

Soot glanced back at him before easing out of her fighting stance.

The Yas girl smiled, 'Such control.' She gestured down a hallway, "Right this way."

Everyone made their way down the Gym hallway and came up to another door. The girl opened it to reveal the buzz-cut man from before and his scyther. The man was lifting weights with his back to the door. Scyther just sat on the ground with their blades crossed.

Misty flinched a bit at the sight of the Bug-type. Brock frowned and glanced at the zipper on Soot's back.

The girl kneeled down respectfully, "Yas leader. Let me introduce you to a great trainer." She gestured to Ash, "This is Duston Snatcher. He's brought his two disciples to help us."

Brock slumped forward and muttered, "Disciples?"

Misty elbowed him and spoke through clenched teeth, "Suck it up."

Ash and Soot's eyes narrowed, 'So, he is the leader.'

The girl continued, "I saw him scare off a pair of Kaz Gym bodyguards like they were nothing. He's very strong."

Yas stood back up, "I'll decide just how strong they are." He glared back at them, "Scyther, go!"

"Mightyena!" Ash called out with a glare.

Soot and Scyther shot forward instantly.

Scyther's arm came down towards the Dark-type immediately. Soot jumped to the side and detonated some Shadow Balls in her left paws to shoot to the side and dodge the attack. Yas, the blue haired girl, and Scyther's eyes widened in shock at what came next.

Without taking a second to land, Soot formed and exploded a series of Shadow Balls and shot towards Scyther again. The Bite Pokémon opened her mouth to reveal a fiery inferno and clamped down on the Bug-type's abdomen.

Scyther cried out as the Fire-type attack burned away at him.

Yas grimaced, "Scyther! Get it off you!"

Ash's eye twitched at the 'it' comment.

Scyther raised a blade and swung at Soot again. Soot retaliated by raising a paw and Sucker Punching the arm away. She used her other paw to shoot another Sucker Punch into Scyther's jaw.

Scyther tensed up and stared off into space in shock.

Ash smirked, "That's enough."

Soot let go and jumped back over to stand in front of Ash. About a second later, Scyther fell forward and crashed into the ground.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Woah."

Brock stared in surprise, "You can say that again."

"Woah." Clefairy and Electra said.

Pikachu chuckled, "I don't think he meant it literally."

Yas and the blue haired girl just stared at the downed Pokémon in shock. Yas pulled out a pokéball and held it towards his Bug-type.

He stared down at the ball, "My scyther has never been beaten so easily before. Especially with so little command." Yas looked at Ash with a smirk, "The way you can control that Pokémon is incredible."

Soot sweat dropped. Ash clenched a fist. Everyone else -minus Yas and the girl- noticed Ash's reaction and frowned worriedly.

Yas put the ball away, "You truly are a powerful trainer. You must work for me."

Ash took a deep breath before looking Yas in the eye, "Something I need to ask you, first. Why exactly are you trying to become an official Gym?"

The blue haired girl giggled.

Yas smirked, "You're kidding, right? It's obvious." He held out a hand and clenched a fist, "Money, of course. What faster way to make a profit in today's world than by becoming an official Pokémon Gym?"

Brock, Misty, and all of the Pokémon glared furiously, 'Are you kidding me?!'

Ash stared in shock, "That? That's what this entire thing is about?" His eyes narrowed, "All of this is about making a quick buck?! Don't you get that you're destroying Dark City with all of this pointless fighting?! You're messing with the lives of people who have nothing to do with this?!"

Yas smirked, "A small price to pay for-" He was cut off when Ash triggered Intimidate.

The blue haired girl flinched and fell back in shock. She looked at Ash in horror. Yas stared in shock and started trembling. The sound of various weights could be heard falling to the ground outside the room.

Brock and Misty already had a hand over their eyes. Their furious expressions never left their faces.

"Don't you dare." Ash said in a quiet fury, "You and your idiotic followers have no right to call what you're doing 'a small price'." He cut off the ability, turned around, and started walking, "We're leaving."

Misty and Brock moved their hands and shot Yas another glare before following.

Yas let out a held breath and stared at the group in shock. He glared and stomped, "Yas Gym, attack!"

The group jerked when a handful of Yas trainers ran up and blocked the doorway. The walls on either side of the room slid open as more trainers ran in; all holding pokéballs.

Yas glared at Ash, "If you won't join us, we'll make sure you don't help anybody else."

Ash gulped, 'Okay. May have gone a bit overboard.' He grabbed the ketchup bottle in Pikachu's paws, "I'll keep it safe."

Pikachu nodded before he and Clefairy jumped down and got into their fighting stances with Soot. Ash, Brock, and Misty each pulled out a pair of pokéballs.

Electra's ears drooped, "Oh, crag."

.

*tRio

"Hello again, madam. Could we trouble you for a moment?"

The elderly librarian perked up and looked back. She smiled at the sight of the blue haired Phantom Child researcher from a while back. The red-haired woman and the meowth stood a few feet back.

"Oh, hello again." She said happily, "It's been quite some time."

James smiled, "Indeed it has. It's a pleasure to see you again."

The woman chuckled, "Likewise."

Jessie sweat dropped, 'I will never get used to hearing James talk like that.'

"Now, how can I help you today?" The librarian asked; still smiling, "Perhaps another peek at the Phantom Child shelf?"

James shook his head while smiling somberly, "I am afraid not. We were hoping there might be a selection of articles about the Phantom Pokémon itself."

The woman blinked in surprise, "The Phantom Pokémon, you say? I admit, that's a new one." She smiled sadly, "Although, I'm sorry to say, there isn't a lot. It's mostly newspaper articles about claimed sightings. They might not all be of much use."

James glanced back at his teammates. Meowth gave a small nod.

James looked back at the woman with a kind smile, "I believe that will suffice. Might you please show us the way?"

The woman nodded, "Of course." She walked out from behind the desk and gestured for them to follow, "Right this way."

.

*Restaurant

Ash sat at one of the tables and looked through a window. Brock and Misty sat on the other side of the table with somber expressions. Soot laid down in front of Ash. Clefairy and Electra were still trying to comfort Pikachu as he sat on the table and held the destroyed ketchup bottle. It was apparently destroyed in their escape.

The three kids and owner looked at the group worriedly from the bar.

The figure in the trench coat was at another nearby table and looking at the group. When Ash glanced at them, they flinched slightly and looked down.

Ash looked back out the window, 'At least, that's one less thing to worry about.'

Misty groaned and laid her head on the table, "We barely made it out of there."

Brock had a hand to his head, "I knew they played tough, but attacking a trainer like that breaks all kinds of rules."

Soot sighed, "Yeah. And it's probably a safe bet that the Kaz Gym's no different."

"Still," Ash said, "once a League Inspector comes, it'll be obvious that neither Gym will become official."

The kid in the red shirt grimaced, "But we can't wait that long! You said it yourself that we can't just call one! Who knows how long it'll take for one to show up?!"

The blue shirted kid nodded, "Kaz and Yas keep getting stronger Pokémon and they keep wrecking our city with their fighting. There has to be a way to stop them until an Inspector gets here, right?"

Ash looked at them. He nodded with a sad smile, "I'm sure there is. I'll think of something."

Brock, Misty, Electra, and Clefairy chuckled softly, 'Should have guessed.'

Pikachu was still pouting over the bottle. Soot glanced at Ash with a frown.

The kids smiled brightly, "Thank you!"

Ash smiled at them before looking at the owner, "Would you mind if we went upstairs to plan?"

"Not at all." The man said with a smile, "I'll make sure nobody disturbs you."

Ash nodded back, "Thank you."

The group made their way back up the staircase. Clefairy and Electra jumped down from the table and started running after them. Pikachu slid off the table and trudged after them in a slump.

Misty crossed her arms and smirked, "Alright Ash, shoot. You already have a plan ready, so tell us."

Ash sighed, "Well, that's the thing." He looked at them with a nervous smile, "I've got nothing."

Everyone -except Soot- stared at Ash in pure shock, "Huh?"

Soot sighed, 'I was afraid of this.'

Brock stared in shock, "Wait, seriously?! Ash, how can you not have a plan?!"

Ash deadpanned, "Guys, I'm not some mastermind who thinks ten steps ahead on everything."

Misty raised a brow and gave him an incredulous look.

Ash sweat dropped, "Okay, point taken." He sighed and looked at them somberly, "But, I'm serious. With all of the Pokémon and trainers both the Gyms have and the way these people fight, I'm at a loss. The only plan of action I can think of is to just fight them off."

Gem: What? But what about-

Ohirume: No. The seeing red thing was anime only and was just plain stupid for those two species.

Seishin: *nods* Would have been more believable if they were tauros.

Omega: *flips page* And it apparently didn't work the way that it logically should of.

Misty smiled and clenched a fist, "Well then, that's what we'll do."

Soot glanced at the pair and deadpanned, "Yeah. Let's fight off about twenty meatheads who don't think twice about attacking a trainer in cold blood."

Brock smiled, "Actually, I think Misty has a point. We might be able to fend them off. Hopefully, long enough for an Inspector to arrive."

Ash sweat dropped, 'Well, you're right about that.'

Misty smirked, "Also, they won't be able to single out the trainers," She pointed at the watch, "if the 'trainers' are all fighting alongside their Pokémon."

Ash's eyes widened in realization.

Soot jerked and ran in front to face them, "Woah. Guys, wait. Bad idea."

Misty frowned, "Why's that? We battle all the time with our Pokémon."

"That's different." Ash said, "Coming up with a battle plan and making the call is a lot different from battling face-to-face."

Brock shrugged with a smile, "Well, sure. But we went through a lot of training back at Electra's tribe and helped with Team Rocket."

Misty smiled and clenched a fist, "Yeah. We can do it." She put a hand on her hip, "I mean, isn't that part of why you made the Lenses? So, we can help too."

Ash perked up and glanced down at the watch with a frown.

Soot sighed, "You guys don't under-"

"Fine." Ash said in defeat. Soot jerked and looked at Ash in surprise. Ash looked back at the pair with a sad smile, "I'll give each of you three Lenses to help out."

Misty smiled and threw up a fist, "Alright!" She smirked, "I think you already know my choice."

Ash raised a hand, "Hold on a second. It's not gonna be that simple this time."

Brock perked up in surprise, "What do you mean?"

Ash frowned and crossed his arms, "Okay, honestly speaking, I don't like the idea of you guys diving into battle headfirst."

Misty frowned and her eyes narrowed, "But, you just said-"

"I know." Ash interrupted before raising a finger, "So, how about this? We pull a repeat of when we were at the tribe. You guys stay on the sidelines -namely a roof- in pikachu form and give support with Thunderbolt and Hidden Power. After this is all over with, we can start training so you can battle for real."

Brock shrugged with a smile, "Works for me."

Misty sighed, "Alright, alright. We'll stay out of trouble." She pointed at Ash accusingly, "But, you'd better keep that promise about the training thing. I don't wanna just be on the sidelines all the time."

Ash smiled softly and nodded, "I promise." He took on a determined smirk and pointed at the staircase, "But, for now, we need intel on the Kaz Gym. I can't go because those two grunts probably already told Kaz about me. And, if not, they'd recognize me."

Brock smiled determinedly and nodded, "Alright, then. You can count on us, Ash."

Soot smiled and took a step forward, "And, I'll tag along in case they need to pull a disappearing act."

Clefairy raised a paw and smiled brightly, "Me too!" She ran over to Misty and jumped onto her shoulder.

Electra frowned and her ears drooped, "um…"

Brock noticed and smiled softly, "It's alright, Electra. You stay behind and help Ash plan."

The female Electric-type sighed in relief, "Oh, thank Arceus." She jumped down from Brock's backpack and ran over to stand next to Ash.

Soot looked at her teammate, "And you, Pikachu?"

The male Electric-type was lying on his side and groaning.

Misty sweat dropped, "I guess he's staying, then." She turned towards the stairs, looked back at Ash, and waved, "We'll be back soon."

Brock turned and followed her.

Soot frowned and glanced up at Ash, "Dad. You know they aren't ready for this."

Ash frowned, "Yeah. But neither was I. We all have to start somewhere."

Soot groaned, "Fine. I just hope you know what you're doing."

"Me too." Ash muttered. He reached around, pulled out his Pokédex, and handed it to Soot, "By the way, take this with you to the Gym."

Soot raised a brow, "Why?"

.

*Celadon Library

The tRio had been flipping through articles for the last hour. Like the librarian said, they were mostly random sightings in magazines. All from five or more years ago.

"Dere's nothin." Meowth muttered sorrowfully as he sat down against a shelf, "All of 'em are from too long ago." He frowned and looked up sadly, "Could da twoip 've actually done all dat to himself? Could da Phantom actually be that messed up now?"

Jessie sat down next to him and propped her head up, "I guess he's a lot less valuable than we thought."

James glanced at his teammates sadly before flipping another page. He perked up and blinked in surprise, "Hey, uh, Meowth?"

Meowth looked at him; downtrodden, "What?"

James kept his eyes on the book, "That article about the Phantom Child. Did it happen to say the date she hatched?"

Meowth blinked in surprise, "Uh, yeah. I think it was early in June."

James moved closer and held out the opened book, "Look at this."

Meowth and Jessie looked at the page.

Jessie sweat dropped, "A meteor crash?"

James nodded, "But there's more. Read it."

Meowth looked closer and skimmed over the page, "May twenty-fifth… Pallet Town woods… Meteor never fo-" He stopped and his eyes widened in surprise, "Wait, what?" He stood up and took the magazine, "They never found the meteor?"

Jessie blinked in surprise, "What?" She looked at the picture on the page and frowned, "How could something make a crater that big and just disappear?"

"See?" James said, "And the date and location. That isn't too long before the twerp's dog was supposed to have hatched. And they're from Pallet Town, right?"

Meowth looked at James in surprise before focusing on the page again, "Yeah…"

Jessie looked at James with a raised brow, "So, what? You're saying that that mightyena's actually an alien?"

James shrugged, "Well, maybe? You saw all of that stuff about Inheritance. Maybe no one can recreate it because it's not of this world."

Meowth frowned and muttered, "Not of dis world…"

Jessie deadpanned, "And how exactly does that explain the twerp being able to transform into Pokémon?"

James rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "I was hoping you might have an idea."

Jessie sighed and crossed her arms, "I guess were back to our 'the twerp's really the Phantom' theory."

"For now." Meowth said as he put a paw to his chin, "But dere's definitely somethin' we're mis-"

"Oh, miss Erika." The librarian said happily from back at the front desk, "It's a pleasure to see you again."

"Likewise." A cheerful, female voice said.

The tRio tensed up upon recognizing the voice. They peaked around a shelf towards the front and flinched at the sight of a familiar green-eyed, blue haired woman.

They hid back behind the shelf and whispered harshly in unison, "It's that Gym Leader we stole the perfume ingredient from!"

Meowth held his head with a freaked-out expression, "Crag. I thought dis City seemed more familia dis time."

"W- well," James said with a forced smile, "maybe she won't remember us. Afterall, stealing a small bottle isn't that bad."

Jessie perked up and smiled, "Oh, yeah. Maybe we're in the clear."

"How are the Gym repairs going?" The librarian asked.

Team Rocket frowned and their eyes widened.

"Well, the building's open for Gym Battles again." Erika said sadly, "But it'll still be some time until the plants are back to the way they were. That fire really did a lot of damage."

'FIRE?!' Jessie, James, and Meowth screamed internally while grimacing.

.

*Front Desk

The librarian frowned sympathetically, "I'm so sorry that that happened."

Erika smiled sadly, "Thank you. I knew about the risks of having a Grass-type Gym double as a greenhouse, but it's still tough."

The old woman smiled, "Well, don't worry. I'm sure the people responsible will be brought to justice soon en-"

She stopped as she and Erika flinched slightly when something zipped past the counter. Erika looked back and the librarian looked around the Gym Leader to see the front door swing shut.

Erika blinked in surprise, "I guess someone was in a hurry."

The librarian blinked in surprise as well, "I suppose so." She looked at Erika again, "Anyway, what can I help you with today?" She raised a hand and smiled sadly, "Though, I should mention now that there's still nothing about that Overheat creature you saw."

Erika frowned, "Oh." She shook it off and smiled sadly, "That's alright. Can I see some of the newer botany textbooks?"

The old woman nodded, "Of course."

.

*Ash

"Come on out." The trainer boy said as he tossed two pokéballs forward.

Charmander and Squirtle appeared in a white flash. A green flash shone in the room and the pair turned to find Ash in banette form. Pikachu and Electra were standing on either side of him.

Charmander looked at them warily, "What's going on?"

Ash frowned, "Put simply, delusional leaders of unofficial Gyms are in the middle of a gang war. We need to fight them off and keep them from destroying this city."

Squirtle's eyes widened in shock, "I'm sorry, what?"

Pikachu sighed, "Yeah. Crazy, isn't it?"

Electra frowned, "Brock, Misty, Soot, and Clefairy are checking out one of the Gyms right now for information. They'll be back soon."

"Okay." Squirtle said before raising a brow, "But, if that's the case, shouldn't you be telling everyone about this?"

Ash nodded, "I will in a little bit. But, there's something I need to tell you two first." His expression became somber, "Brock and Misty are going to be helping out personally as pikachus."

Charmander tilted his head in confusion, "So? You battle like that too, sometimes."

Ash shook his head, "That's different." He put a hand over the watch's symbol, "I've had this thing for most of my life and I've gotten used to battling firsthand. Brock and Misty aren't ready yet."

Squirtle crossed his arms; brow still raised, "I still don't get what that has to do with the two of us."

"It has to do with you, because I need you guys to protect them." Ash said to the pair, "They'll be on the roofs of the surrounding buildings and covering the rest of us from a distance."

He looked at his Water-type, "Squirtle. I need you to stay with Misty and keep her safe. Use Water Gun and Ice Beam to help Misty cover us. If anyone comes after either of you, fight them off with Aqua Tail and Bite."

He looked at his Fire-type, "Charmander. I need you to protect Brock in the same way. Flamethrower and Dragon Rage for cover. Flame Charge and Skull Bash if they come after you."

Squirtle jerked and glared at Ash, "Wait a sec! Why do I have to miss out on all the-"

"Squirtle." Ash said sternly.

The Tiny Turtle Pokémon jerked slightly and his glared faded into a surprised look.

Ash walked closer and looked the Water-type in the eye, "This is important." He pointed at him; a trace of sadness in his glare, "Stay on the roof and keep Misty safe. This is a strict order from your trainer. You are not allowed to argue."

Charmander, Electra, and Pikachu mimicked Squirtle's expression as they stared at Ash.

Squirtle nodded slowly, "Y- yeah. You got it, Ash."

Ash smiled sadly and looked at the Lizard Pokémon, "Charmander?"

Charmander stood up straight, "Y- yes Ash! I promise to keep Brock safe. I won't let you down."

Ash smiled sadly and pulled his two Starter Pokémon into a group hug, "I know you won't. I'm sorry to do that, but- I'm just worried for them."

Squirtle hugged him back, "It's alright."

Charmander hugged him too, "We get it."

After a minute, Ash let go, hit the symbol on his stomach, returned to human, and looked around the group with a sad smile, "Come on." He removed the rest of the pokéballs from his belt, "We still need to tell everyone else." He turned and started walking over to a larger part of the room.

"I, uh…" Electra mumbled, "Wow."

Charmander stared at Ash in surprise, "I- I've never seen Ash that serious before."

Squirtle stared as well, "Yeah. I mean- 'Order from your trainer?' 'Not allowed to argue?' I almost didn't know he knew how to say that stuff."

Pikachu frowned, "Just goes to show what we're up against." He and Electra followed Ash.

Squirtle and Charmander shared a look before running after them.

.

**Time Skip**

The next day rolled around in Dark City. Today was the day of the Yas and Kaz Gyms final showdown. The two gangs approached each other from opposite ends of the street with their leaders at the front. The groups stopped and stared each other down.

"I'm only gonna say this once to yous guys." Kaz said with a glare, "Kaz Gym's gonna be the official Gym of Dark City. Save yourself some trouble and just clear out now."

Yas glared back, "I'm afraid you have things all mixed up. You're the ones who'd better clear out and fast. Leave now or we'll crush you wimps into paste."

Kaz clenched a fist and stomped, "That's it! Now you're gonna be sorry you ever heard the name of Kaz Gym!"

Yas's glare intensified, "Today's the day we finally destroy you once and for all!"

Kaz's eye twitched, "Why you! I've heard enough!" He pulled out a pokéball and threw it immediately, "Electabuzz! GO!"

Yas followed suit, "Get them, Scyther!"

The Electric and Bug-types appeared in a white flash and stared each other down.

The Yas trainers began releasing their Pokémon as well, "Machoke!" "Hitmonchan!" "Hitmonlee!" "Mankey!"

The Kaz trainers started tossing pokéballs as well, "Rhydon!" "Golem!" "Kingler!" "Raticate!"

"Pidgo!" "Viary!"

Everyone stopped and looked at one of the surrounding roofs. A pidgeotto stood on one roof and a braviary stood on one on the opposite side of the street. Both were glaring at the groups below.

The birds lifted off and soared over the battlefield. The Yas and Kaz trainers stared up at the Flying-types in confusion.

"MANKEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!" Came a scream of excitement and fury.

The gang trainers and their Pokémon all flinched and looked up at a roof again.

Mankey glared back at the horde excitedly. Ash's words came to mind, 'Mankey, do whatever you want, but don't attack the trainers.'

The Fighting-type started trembling excitedly, "Best! Day! EVEEEEEEEER!" As he started screaming again, the Pig Monkey Pokémon lit up white.

Everyone stared in shock as the glow faded and Primeape glared down from the building.

Soot blinked in surprise, 'Okay … did not see that coming.'

Ash stared down at Primeape in surprise, "Woah."

Pidgeotto stared as well, "I- I seriously didn't think he was that close to evolving.

The newly evolved Pig Monkey jumped off the roof and fell to the street. Yas, Kaz, and their trainers all grimaced when a pikachu, clefairy, vulpix, starmie, krabby, and muk appeared and jumped as well.

Primeape landed and shot forward to tackle the hitmonlee and hitmonchan simultaneously.

Starmie landed in front of Rhydon and shot a Hydro Pump into their chest. The Drill Pokémon cried out as they flew back and skidded along the ground.

Clefairy and Vulpix touched down and immediately became shrouded in Dazzling Gleam and Flame Charge, respectively, and shot towards either side of the field. Clefairy charged into the mankey and Vulpix into Raticate.

Krabby's claw lit up white as they fell towards Golem. The Megaton Pokémon cried out as the River Crab's Metal Claw slashed them. Krabby turned to face his target and unleashed a large Bubble Beam.

Pikachu landed and glared at Kingler, "For my KETCHUP!" He cried out as he unleashed a massive Thunderbolt on the Pincer Pokémon.

Nuevo and Omega: *glance at Pike and Gem's Pikachu; deadpanned*

Pike and Gem's Pikachu: *glare back* "WHAT?!"

Muk landed in front of Machoke; making them flinch.

The Poison-type did a 'come at me' taunt, "Come on. What are you waiting for?"

Machoke blinked in surprise before grinning wickedly and raising a fist, "You fool!" Their fist lit up orange, "Have a taste of my Superpower!" They shot forward and their fist sank into Muk's chest.

Muk chuckled; startling the Fighting-type, "Same to you."

Machoke could only stare in shock as their own fist shot out of the Sludge Pokémon and nailed them in the face. Machoke lurched back and fell to the ground.

Muk chuckled again and patted his chest, "Not bad. I actually felt that."

The Gym trainers glared and attempted to call out an order. They were cut off by Ash and Pidgeotto blowing them away with Tailwind and Gust.

The Normal/Flying-types kept all of the Gym trainers from getting a word in edgewise. All of the Gym Pokémon were left floundering without any orders to follow.

The street fight had officially devolved into six one-on-one battles and a two-on-one. One side had the obvious advantage.

Yas stared in shock, "W- what the Yvel's going on? Where'd all these Pokémon come from?"

Kaz stared as well, "Why're they attackin' both Gyms? Whose side are they on?"

"I'd say we're on Dark City's side."

The Leaders and their Pokémon flinched and turned around to see Soot sitting on a porch with a happy smile. Electabuzz and Scyther flinched slightly.

Yas glared at her, "It's that mightyena that beat my scyther!"

Kaz glared as well, "It's that mightyena that thrashed my electabuzz!"

They both jerked and looked at each other in shock, "It what?!"

Soot gasped; catching their attention, "It's that mightyena that knows how to talk!" She smirked slyly, "Surprised?"

Yas blinked in surprise before shaking it off and glaring again, "So, what?! We still have you outnumbered!"

Kaz glanced at Yas before pointing at Soot with a smirk, "That's right! Electabuzz and Scyther are gonna destroy you this time!"

Electabuzz and Scyther shared a look, nodded, turned to face Soot, and got into their fighting stance.

Soot blinked in surprise before cocking her head with a confused pout, "What? But I'm not here to battle." She straightened up and grinned wickedly, "I'm just here to watch."

Kaz blinked in surprise, "Watch wha-"

A round of explosions went off behind the Leaders. "SCY!" "BUZZ!"

Yas and Kaz looked back in shock as their strongest Pokémon flew back and crashed against the ground.

Soot snickered, "That."

.

*Misty

"Hidden Power!" Misty cried out before firing the pseudo-Water-type attack at Scyther.

She glanced over as Squirtle and Staryu each shot an Ice Beam. One at Electabuzz and one at Scyther. She looked across to the building on the other side of the street.

She could see Brock and Geodude shoot Hidden Power and Rock Throw at Electabuzz. Charmander formed a Dragon Rage and shot it at Scyther as well.

The Viridian-eyed pikachu grinned, 'Hah. We'll be done in no time.' She looked back at the street and her eyes widened in surprise. Golem managed to break away from their fight with Krabby and was charging Starmie. The Mysterious Pokémon was still focused on Rhydon.

Misty grinned, "Nice try." The Electric-type lit up with Agility and shot down the side of the building.

Squirtle noticed and grimaced, "Misty, wait!"

.

*Street

Starmie jumped back to avoid Rhydon's Smack Down and fired another Water Gun at their face. Rhydon cried out and fell to their knees.

"Get away from them!"

Starmie perked up in surprise and looked back as their trainer slashed Golem with Brick Break.

Misty looked at her Water/Psychic-type with a smirk, "Don't worry, Starmie. I've got your bac-"

"Watch out!" Starmie shouted.

Misty's smile faded and she looked back. Golem had already recovered from her attack and was coming at her with their own glowing fist.

Starmie could do nothing but stare in shock as their trainer took a Brick Break to the chest and was flung into the air.

Ash shot down and plucked the Mouse Pokémon out of the air before diving into an alleyway.

Everyone on the roofs jumped down. Charmander and Geodude charged Rhydon immediately. Brock, Squirtle, Staryu, and Starmie ran towards the alleyway.

Soot shot into the air and fired a swarm of Shadow Balls all over the ground. A large cloud of dust covered the field.

.

*Alleyway

Soot, Brock, Squirtle, Staryu, and Starmie ran into the clearing and flinched.

Ash held the human girl in the larger of his kangaskhan forms. The smaller one was walking around and looking over her. She laid in his arms with her eyes closed.

Staryu stared stiffly, "Is-"

"She's okay." The younger kangaskhan interrupted, "Just unconscious."

The adult looked at Brock, "Change back and get her to safety." He focused on Staryu and Starmie, "I doubt I actually need to tell you this, but make sure they get there."

The younger form looked at the Dark-type, "You too, Soot. Keep Misty and Brock safe."

The quartet nodded; two of which with determined glares, "Right."

Brock hit the Lens on his stomach, changed back, and ran over before lifting Misty into his arms. Staryu and Starmie looked up at their trainer sadly.

Soot glanced at them before glaring out of the alleyway, "Let's go!"

The Rock Gym Leader and Water-types nodded before following Soot out of the alley.

Squirtle watched in shock as they disappeared into the bank of dust. He frowned and looked down shamefully, "Ash, I'm sorry. I should've-"

"Don't." The larger Ash stated, "I'm not mad or disappointed. It's not your fault that this happened."

Squirtle looked at him in shock, "B- but it was my job to keep her safe!"

He flinched when the infant put a paw on his shoulder and looked at him.

Ash smiled sadly and shook his head, "Our orders were for you to stay with her on the roof and fend off anyone who approached you all. We never accounted for Misty jumping down on her own."

Squirtle frowned, "But-"

"Although, if you feel like you deserve a punishment," The Parent Pokémon said before looking back at him with a smirk, "I think some mandatory sparing sessions with Soot and I will more than suffice."

Squirtle's eyes widened in surprise before he chuckled softly, "That serious, huh?" He looked at Ash and nodded with a small smile, "Fine." He looked out at the shrouded street, "So, what now? We just lost five fighters."

Ash both smirked and spoke in unison, "I think it's about time to wrap this up."

The small Normal-type ran over to the large one and placed a paw on his thigh. Ash hit the symbol on his chest and flashed green.

.

*Street

Pidgeotto fired another Gust and cleared away the dust. Yas and Kaz were forced to shield their eyes. When the wind stopped, they looked around the street and grimaced.

Every Gym Pokémon was lying on the ground with their eyes in swirls. All but Electabuzz and Scyther, who were on their knees and panting.

Their trainers laid on the ground while snoring. A bulbasaur sat in the center of all of them and smirked.

The charmander, geodude, muk, and primeape turned to face the Electric and Bug-types. The krabby, pikachu, clefairy, and vulpix remained where they were while panting, but still glared at the pairs.

"That's enough, everyone!"

Everyone who was still conscious perked up and looked over as Ash walked out of an alleyway.

The boy smirked at the gang leaders slyly, "I think it's safe to say that they're done."

Kaz and Yas glared at Ash, "It's you!" They jerked and looked at each other in shock, "You know him too?!"

Ash chuckled; catching their attention, "Of course you both know me. Afterall, you have me to thank for a good portion of this little ambush."

Yas flinched and glared at Ash, "You mean, you're the one responsible for all of this?!"

Ash raised a finger, "Hey, I said 'a good portion', not all." He put a hand on his hip, "My friends and teammates deserve a lot more of the glory. I just came up with the plan."

Kaz's eyes narrowed, "You brat!" He reached down and picked up a large two-by-four.

Yas picked one up as well, "We'll teach you to mess with us!"

"Hold it right there!" Shouted a female voice. The trench-coated figure ran up and stood next to Ash.

Ash perked up slightly and glanced at them. He smirked, 'Well, what do you know?'

"What?" Yas asked while glaring.

"And who are you?" Kaz asked accusingly.

Ash snickered and raised a brow, "Wait, seriously?" He gestured to the figure, "You don't recognize her voice?"

Kaz and Yas blinked in surprise, "Her voice?"

"Maybe this will clear things up." She said before removing her hat, mask, and shades.

The Gym Leaders' eyes widened in shock, "Nurse Joy?!"

Joy's eyes narrowed and she pulled out and held a decorated pokéball towards them, "That's League Inspector Joy to you two."

The pair grimaced and took a step back in shock, "What?!"

Joy nodded while glaring, "That's right. After everything I've seen, I can guarantee that neither of you will ever be allowed to open an official Gym. You two would be lucky if you made your way out of this without any jail time."

Kaz glared, "Oh, yeah?! And where's ya proof?!"

Joy deadpanned, "I've been here, undercover, for the last three days."

The pair flinched.

Ash smirked and pulled out his Pokédex, "Also, she has this."

He hit a button on the device.

Why exactly are you trying to become an official Gym?

You're kidding, right? It's obvious. Yas's eyes widened upon hearing his own voice, Money, of course. What faster way to make a profit in today's world than by becoming an official Pokémon Gym?

That? That's what this entire thing is about? All of this is about making a quick buck?! Don't you get that you're destroying Dark City with all of this pointless fighting?! You're messing with the lives of people who have nothing to do with this?!

A small price to pay The recording stopped.

Yas dropped to his knees and stared in shock.

Kaz smirked, 'Heh! And they've got nothin' on-'

Why are you trying to become a real Gym?

Kaz's eyes widened upon recognizing that girl's voice and he looked at the device in shock.

Why do ya think?! Moola! Loot! Money, baby! Once we go official, I'll be swimmin' in cold hard cash!

But what about Dark City?! Brock's voice followed, Don't you care that you're hurting innocent people with all this fighting?!

Kaz's laugh came from the device, Why the Yvel would I care about those chumps?!

Kaz just stared in horror as the recording stopped. "Y- you can't be serious." He muttered.

The League Inspector looked at Ash and blinked in surprise, "You can record audio on a Pokédex?"

Ash smiled, "You can on mine." 'Thank you, Porygon … and Franz.'

.

**Time Skip**

Misty laid on her sleeping bag in the upstairs of the restaurant. She looked up at the ceiling sadly.

"How do you feel?"

The Cerulean trainer perked up and looked over to see Ash, Brock, and Soot walking up the staircase.

Misty smiled sadly, "Better, I think." She sat up before immediately grimacing and grabbing her chest.

Ash frowned, sat down on the sleeping bag, and put a hand on her back, "Take it easy. It'll take a while for the phantom pains to stop."

Misty groaned, "Fine." She looked down somberly; hand still on her chest, "I just- I didn't expect it to hurt that much."

Soot frowned, "Hence, why we didn't want you getting involved like that."

Ash smiled sadly, "It takes a while to get used to. Trust me."

Misty smiled sadly and nodded, "Okay."

Brock smiled softly and sat down too, "Still, it looks like you were lucky. There isn't any kind of bruising."

Soot looked at him, "That's actually normal. Pokémon may feel pain in about the same way that humans do, but we don't physically injure that easily."

Ash nodded, "One hit like the one Misty got wouldn't've result in anything noticeable."

Misty's eyes widened frightenedly and she glanced back and forth between the pair in shock, 'the same way…' She looked down with the shocked look still on her face.

Soot noticed and blinked in surprise, "You alright, Mist?"

The Water trainer jerked and looked at her with a nervous smile, "Y- yeah. Just sore." She looked back and forth between the guys, "Do you think I could get an ice pack and a cold drink?"

Ash smiled softly and nodded, "Sure."

He, Brock, and Soot made their way back down the staircase.

After they left, Misty smiled faded and she clutched her chest, 'I've been putting my Pokémon through this? All this time?'

She looked down the staircase at the restaurant below. Her Pokémon were celebrating their victory with Ash and Brock's Pokémon. The three kids, the owner, and a few of the City's citizens could be seen thanking everyone vigorously.

The Cerulean girl smiled sadly.

.

*Downstairs

Pikachu stared at the small pile of ketchup packets in pure awe.

He glared at Ash accusingly, "And, I'm only just learning about this, WHY?!"

Ash shrugged, "How was I supposed to know you'd like ketchup that much?"

.

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Illavera: *raised brow* So, about that PokéSins thing. What score did that episode with the Tarzan rip-off get?

Omega: *flips pages* It was- *Eyes widen before bursting out into laughter* HOLY ####! It got a negative 163!

Nuevo: *sweat drops* No surprise there. Child abuse has no justification.

…

*****Pseudo-Comment Response*****

(Stuff I don't want to wait three chapters to answer)

From Just Some Guy (Trix chapter 48):

(Given the length of this comment, I split it up as follows)

(Full response will be posted in next regular comment response)

This post is just made to clarify some things regarding my original post.

.

So, in my reply to your reply, I had mentioned at the end of the post of Soot's origin. Now, do I think I may have gone overboard with my response? Yes. Do I think I was potentially being a little over dramatic with my comment? Absolutely. I wish to apologize for my behavior, and that no bad sparks are created from my post.

Ohirume: *sad smile* It's okay. I'm not mad.

*glances down sorrowfully* Still, I admit that it hurt to see that last part of the comment.

I believed that I could handle criticism. But I guess that mainly applies to the constructive kind, something Yukiro can pass off as a joke, or something Omega can jovially use to mock me.

Seishin: *glances at Ohirume sadly*

Omega: *sighs*

Ohirume: *perks up with a smile* You're 'cons' section in the in-depth review was a lot easier for me because it was all justified and reasonable. I really enjoy seeing it.

I was anxiously waiting for this follow up.

.

However, that doesn't mean that my opinion has changed. I still find Soot being Ash's biological daughter just a weird decision. I just don't see the reason for why you decided on this concept in the first place…

Ohirume: *soft chuckle* Yeah. I hear ya. It's not a choice that's easy to justify.

Still, I have my reasons. Albeit, heavily opinionated and biased ones.

.

1. I think the "Ash randomly finds a rare as all **** egg or Pokémon" concept has been played out like crazy.

It always just seemed too convenient to me. I still enjoy the stories that do this and a good number of them are really well executed.

But I didn't want to be a part of what's become a cliché.

Yes, I understand that the multiverse concept makes it so anything is possible and nothing is really unjustified. But I wanted something more original for this story.

I added the 'Phantom Child' cover-story as a means of referencing the concept. That and it's more believable in the eyes of the public.

.

2. This world's idea of Inheritance.

This world because Faux.

Faux: *smiles with a raised paw* I have Ancestral Inheritance!

Ohirume: The concept behind Inheritance as a whole is a sort of toned-down fusion or hybrid Pokémon. They still look mostly normal but have a handful of unnatural powers.

It doesn't occur naturally in Trix's world and only exists there because of the Omnitrix.

I thought up Inheritance long before Trix or Soot existed in my mind. Heck, Faux's the real reason the idea exists. But I still chose to give it to Soot as well. Though, under different circumstances.

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3. Not going overboard.

The idea of an Ash Ketchum truly fathering a Pokémon has actually been done before.

But most of those other stories are centered around harems and/or … PokémonXHuman stuff. It makes me cringe.

Although, I don't completely hate the idea. I just wanted to see the concept played out without making it too cringeworthy. At least, in my eyes.

And I'm not even the first to do this in a reasonable way. If you want to know what I mean, it's a five chapter, T rated, Pokéshipping(AshXMisty) story that finished back in 2006.

"The Honeymoon's Over" by Antithesis.

.

Ohirume: I don't expect everyone to agree with me on this. But Pokémon Trix is my story.

I'll still take opinions and ideas into consideration and I won't argue with anyone's personal opinions.

But there are just somethings I'll decide on that I can't completely justify.

*bows apologetically* I'm sorry to anyone that this upsets.

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From Guest (Trix chapter 48):

Just to let you know some annoying adds are appearing on your story can you find away to get rid of them

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Klipper

Ohirume: *eye twitch* I am well aware of these stupid, ******* eyesores invading mine and countless other stories all over the website and have been aware of it since the day it started happening. It started at around midnight of April 28th, 2020!

I'd stop it if I could!

Yugo: As you can see, Rob is well past annoyed about these ads.

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From Just Some Guy (Trix chapter 48):

HAPPY 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

.

Just popped in to say that I hope you're doing good and that you're working hard.

Ohirume: *wide eyed* Wait, what?! *looks up Trix publish date before smiling brightly* HAH! Holy ****, I didn't even notice. *looks up happily* Wow. To think Trix's story is already a whole year old.

Omega: *looks at readers* I am so sorry, everyone.

Ohirume: *glares at Omega* Yukiro.

Seishin: *pops into the area … literally* Yeh?

Ohirume: You have my permission to get a Butter Sock.

Seishin: 😊 Oh, okay th- 😳 WAIT WAT?! 😲

Omega: … welp. I'm ******.