**If you're being harassed by these ******** google ads, turn on Reader View. Activating it and results vary by device.

I am so sorry that I cannot offer any help beyond saying that**

Faux: *claw to chin* Okay, so after the Princess Festival was- *eyes widen before narrowing* That farfetch'd guy.

Mizuro: *smirks* Wow. He sounds unbelievable.

Pike: *sweat drops* Not really the word I'd use.

Omega: *flips page before sweat dropping* Uh, Mizuro? *turns clipboard towards Mizuro*

Mizuro: *looks at sheet and eyes widen. Deadpans* Oh … the Pokémon's name is farfetched.

Seishin: Yes, but it's not spelled like that.

Nuevo: *looks at Seishin with a raised brow* What? How are we supposed to know if what we're saying is spelled-

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Farfetch'd Fables

(Ohirume: A quick thanks to RT89 for helping me brainstorm the title. I had a small case of writer's block.)

.

With the Princess Festival behind them, Ash and co. continued on their journey towards Cinnabar island. But first, another camping/training scene.

They already had the table set up as Brock -in pikachu form- and Electra -in her raichu tee- lounged on it, and Soot laid across one of the seats. It was still a bit early to start on dinner.

Misty had surprisingly chosen the ponyta form to help incubate the egg. She couldn't so much as stand on her hoofs but didn't really need to in this case. She was currently laying down next to the table with the egg sitting near her. Although, no one really understood how her hair was able to remain tied. Y'know, after transforming into fire.

Everyone else was training.

Charizard and Aerodactyl were brawling in the air. Primeape was wailing away at Muk as usual with Geodude joining in this time. Pikachu and Vulpix, and Bulbasaur and Onix were sparring; respectively. Squirtle and Clefairy had gotten into a 2v2 with Staryu and Starmie. Seadra was trying to help Goldeen with levitation. Pidgeotto was helping Zubat practice aerial maneuvers.

And Ash had started Calm Mind training with Psyduck.

"FAIRY!"

Everyone in the clearing stopped what they were doing, flinched, and looked over as the male clefairy walked over to the table. Ash jumped up onto it and laid down. Psyduck looked at Ash blankly before he started wandering around; holding his head the whole time.

Soot moved to sit down and sweat dropped while smiling sadly, "Tough time training him?"

Ash groaned, "Yeah. It's like trying to teach a golett to use Fly."

Brock raised a brow, "Wait, isn't that possible after they evolve into a golurk?"

Ash looked at him, "Yeah. But have you ever tried explaining that to one who didn't know that?"

Misty blinked in surprise, "Can't say I have." She frowned, "So does that mean you're done with this?"

Ash sat up and started rubbing his temples, "No no. I'm not giving up. I just need a break to get rid of my headache."

Electra perked up and pointed at him, "Wait, isn't that why you're trying to teach Psyduck Calm Mind in the first place? Couldn't you use it on yourself?"

Ash looked at her, "I-" He stopped and blinked in surprise. He looked down thoughtfully, "Huh."

The male Fairy-type closed his eyes, put his hands together, and took a deep breath. Everyone perked up in mild surprise as Ash's body took on a glowing blue outline.

The glow faded after a few seconds and Ash opened his eyes. He started stretching with a smile on his face, "Oh Arc, that feels so much better." He looked at Electra, "Nice thinking. I was so tired that I didn't even consider that."

Electra smiled.

Soot noticed all of the training Pokémon looking at them and waved a paw, "Everything's fine. Just Psyduck training."

Everyone else nodded, sweat dropped, sighed, and/or groaned before getting back to work.

Brock looked over to Misty, "So, how's the egg doing?"

Misty smiled and looked down at the egg, "Well, I think. I'm trying not to be too close to them, like you guys said."

Soot smiled, "Y'know, I'm honestly still surprised you chose that form." She shifted to a smirk, "Any chance of this becoming a regular thing?"

Misty smiled and rolled her eyes, "Very funny. You know vaporeon is still my main choice." She looked back down, smiled softly, and nuzzled the egg with her muzzle, "But this is for a good cause."

Everyone at the table smiled softly. They flinched and stared in surprise when the egg twitched.

Misty noticed as well and jerked back, "Woah!" Her eyes widened before she looked at the others, "Wait. Doesn't that mean…"

Ash blinked in surprise before smiling, "Yeah. They're close to hatching."

Soot smiled happily as her tail wagged. Brock and Electra smiled. Misty looked at the egg in surprise before smiling.

.

*The next day

After a few more hours on the road, the group stopped in a large meadow for a break. The trainers and Soot all sat around on the large rocks littered all around.

Misty was polishing the egg, Brock was looking over his map, and Soot was laying across Ash's lap. Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra were napping on a soft patch of grass next to the rock Brock sat on. Ash was messing with one of the inactive Change Lenses. Every so often, he'd hold it up and stare intently before getting back to work.

Brock continued looking over the map before smiling and standing up, "Alright."

Ash, Misty and Soot looked at him curiously.

"What is it, Brock?" Misty asked.

Brock looked at them; still smiling, "Well, we were running low on water, so I thought I'd see if there was a good source nearby. Turns out we're pretty close to a spring."

Soot smiled, moved off Ash, and stood up, "Sweet."

Ash put the Lens and then the case away, stood up as well, and smiled, "We'll tag along."

Brock nodded, "Alright." He looked at the Cerulean Gym Leader, "You wanna come too, Misty?"

Misty smiled sheepishly, "Actually, I'm still tired from walking." She reached into her bag, brought out an orange thermos, stood up, and handed it to Brock, "But would you mind getting some for me, too?"

Brock took the container; still smiling, "Sure thing."

Soot smiled, "We'll be back soon."

Ash, Brock, and Soot left the clearing.

Misty moved back over to the rock she was sitting at and started stretching. She looked at the egg and smiled softly before picking it up, "Let's put you somewhere safe." She placed the egg back in its case and placed that in her bag before closing it.

"Far-far fe-fe-fe-fe-fetch'd." Came a distant voice.

Misty perked up and started looking around in confusion, "Huh?"

"Far-far Fe-fe-fe-fetch'd!" They said; sounding closer.

Misty blinked in surprise, 'A farfetch'd?'

"Farfetch'd farfetch'd farfetch'd." The voice continued rhythmically.

Misty looked again and found the Wild Duck Pokémon heading her way while waving their leek around.

The Water trainer blinked in surprise again, "Woah." 'Didn't think I'd actually find a rare Pokémon out here.'

Farfetch'd gave a small smirk from seeing that he had her attention. He started going through a marching band-like routine by twirling his leek around like a baton. After tossing it up and catching it, he held a V-sign with his feathers to Misty, "Fetch."

Misty smiled and started clapping, "Nice. That was really cool." She scratched her cheek while smiling sheepishly, "Though, sorry, but I don't really have anything I can give you."

Farfetch'd blinked in confusion, "Huh?"

Misty looked back at where the others went, "But my friends will be back soon and one of them has a recipe for Pokémon food that's really-" She flinched and looked back at him while smiling nervously, "I- I mean a recipe that all of our Pokémon really seem to like." She looked back again, "Anyway, I'm sure he won't mind letting you have some."

The Normal/Flying-type stared at the girl in confusion before frowning in annoyance and glancing back, 'Crag. Usually they try to catch me by this point. How am I supposed to-' He perked up before looking at the human again.

"FAR!"

Misty looked over and her eyes widened as a splash of sand shot towards her. She brought up her arms as a reflex as the Ground-type move struck. Though it didn't help completely.

"Gah!" Misty cried out before she stood up, shook her head, and started spitting. She glared at Farfetch'd, "What the Yvel was that for?!"

Farfetch'd smirked before sweeping his leek against the ground and firing another Sand Attack.

Misty managed to dodge this time and glared at the Wild Duck Pokémon, "You little jerk!"

"Far far far far!" Farfetch'd laughed before running back into the bushes.

Misty gritted her teeth before slinging on her backpack and running after them, "Get back here!"

A moment after Misty left, Electra stirred awake and sat up before looking around tiredly.

"Chaaaa." Pikachu yawned before shifting on the grass.

Clefairy was still sleeping soundly.

Electra looked at them in tired confusion before yawning and back down.

.

*Misty

The Gym Leader continued chasing after the farfetch'd. She wasn't having any luck catching up.

After a moment, Farfetch'd ran around a tree and out of sight.

Misty glared and continued running, "You're not getting away!" She rounded the tree as well when-

"AH!"

Misty fell back and put a hand on her head.

"Ow, that hurt."

Misty looked over to see another trainer sitting on the ground uncomfortably. He had brown hair and brown eyes, a dark red shirt with a lighter red stripe, green shorts, and blue shoes.

The boy noticed Misty before jumping to his feet and holding out a hand, "Hey, sorry about that. Are you okay?"

"Yeah." Misty said as she took his hand and pulled herself back up. She smiled sheepishly, "Sorry about that."

The boy shook his head, "No, it was my fault. I wasn't looking where I was going."

Misty scratched her cheek sheepishly, "That makes two of us. I was chasing some rude farfetch'd."

The boy's eyes widened slightly, 'rude?' He shook it off and looked at a tree. He rushed over and pulled Misty's bag out from next to it, "This is yours, right?"

Misty blinked in surprise before glancing back, 'When did-' She shook it off, smiled, and took her bag back, "Yeah, thanks. I guess it fell-" She stopped, and her eyes widened fearfully as she looked at the bag.

The boy didn't notice her reaction as he turned around and started walking, "See ya late-" He stopped, and his eyes widened when he heard a drawstring. He looked back to find Misty looking into the open bag with her eyes shaded over.

Misty reached in and pulled out one of the newspaper-wrapped rocks, "Where are they?" She asked in a cold tone.

The boy grimaced and tried to run. Misty dropped the decoy bag and broke into a sprint to get in front of him; glare never leaving her face.

The boy flinched before holding up his hands defensively, "H- hey. Just calm down for a-"

The Cerulean girl grabbed him by the collar, pulled him closer, and glared furiously, "Where the Yvel are they?! TELL ME!"

He started trembling before pointing to the side and blurting out, "Your bag's in the bush!"

Misty looked at the bush before dropping the boy and hurrying over. She reached around before smiling, pulling her bag out, and opening it.

She dropped to her knees while sighing in relief and then hugged the bag, "Oh thank Arceus. You're not hurt." She glared ahead before looking back, "Now-" She stopped and perked up in surprise upon seeing that the boy had vanished.

Misty glared before turning and walking back to the campsite.

.

*Campsite

"That actually happened?!" Brock asked in alarm.

Misty nodded with a somber frown on her face. She sat on one of the rocks with the egg in its case in her arms and her team all around her; Goldeen doing so via Aqua Ring. Even Psyduck sat near her; albeit while holding his head and with his usual, blank expression plastered on his face.

Ash, Brock, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra sat on a pair of rocks across from her. Soot sat on the ground next to Ash.

"Yeah." Misty said, "He tried using a decoy bag full of rocks." She adjusted her hold on the egg, "If I didn't check to see if the egg was okay, everyone might've been stolen."

Seadra and Goldeen's eyes widened before they and the siblings all shared a worried look. Psyduck tilted his head in confusion.

Soot raised a brow, "So you seriously couldn't tell it was full of rocks just by feeling it?"

Misty shot her a glare.

Soot tensed up and waved a paw, "Okay, sorry. Not the time." She frowned, "But, seriously, are you alright? You seem kinda freaked out."

Misty looked down sadly, "Yeah, I guess. I mean … it makes sense to get mad at someone for trying to steal from you. But this felt …" She adjusted her hold again, "different. Like some angry feeling just took over."

Ash perked up before smiling sadly, "I actually know what you're talking about. Mom calls it 'overprotective parent mode'. You're gonna wanna get used to it."

Soot smirked, "Though, I have seen that it mellows out over time. Until I turned one, dad gave death glares to anyone who wanted to battle me."

Ash shot her a glare, "Hey. You could've gotten hurt."

Soot gave him a deadpanned glare, "I'm a Pokémon. Violence instinct."

Misty looked at the pair in surprise before looking at the egg, "So I felt like that because I wanted to protect the egg?" She smiled sadly, "I guess that's a little more comforting." She frowned, "Still, it was kind of…"

Ash looked at her while smiling sadly, "Unsettling to feel that much anger so suddenly?"

Misty nodded; still looking at the egg, "yeah…"

Seadra looked at his trainer sadly before moving closer to nuzzle her. Goldeen followed suit, and Staryu and Starmie each put a spike on her back.

Misty looked around at her team before smiling softly, "Thanks. I'll be okay." She deadpanned, "But right now, I just wanna forget about that guy."

Ash smiled, "I might be able to help with that." Everyone looked at him curiously as he removed his bag, opened it, and pulled out the Change Lens case, "I finally finished the new Lockdown Mode."

Brock stood up and looked at Ash in surprise, "Wait, really?!"

Everyone else looked at Ash in surprise. Ash smirked happily and chuckled.

.

*Thief

The boy leaned back against a tree while panting, 'Freaking Yvel, that went poorly.' He looked back at where he came, 'I just hope she didn't follow me.'

"Keith?/Far?"

Keith flinched and looked over to find the farfetch'd from before looking at him. He sighed in relief before smiling sadly, "Oh, it's just you, Farfetch'd. Sorry. That girl just has me on edge."

Farfetch'd frowned and looked back down the path, 'No kidding. I've never seen a human get that angry before.' He looked back at his trainer sadly.

Keith noticed and smiled, "Hey, don't worry about it. Not everyone's gonna be an easy hit." He looked back at where he came, "But, I have to admit, that was a lot freakier than usual."

Farfetch'd nodded.

Keith started walking, "Lets head back to the tent."

Farfetch'd nodded again before following the boy. After a few minutes, the Normal/Flying-type noticed something ahead and pointed with his leek, "Far Far, fetch'd./Hey Keith, look."

Keith looked at his Pokémon in confusion, "Huh?" He looked where he was pointing before smiling, "What do ya know? Looks like we've got a second chance."

.

*Team Rocket

The tRio walked down one of the forest trails; having just recovered from their most recent blast-off … more or less. Growlie was lying on James's back with his tongue out and a sickly expression on his face.

Growlie gulped before looking at James with a frown, "So that 'blast-off' thing really happens that often?"

Meowth translated.

Jessie sighed, "Yup. Almost every time we lose to the twerps."

James glanced at his Fire-type while frowning, "Sorry. I guess I should've told you about that beforehand."

Meowth looked off into the distance, "Though, ya get used to it."

Growlie frowned, "Geez." He looked at James, "Can I go back in my pokéball for now? I think I need some time to recover from … that."

Meowth translated again.

James smiled softly and nodded, "Sure." He pulled out and held a Pokéball to the Puppy Pokémon, "Get some rest, Growlie."

Growlie smiled as he disappeared into the red beam. James looked at the ball happily before putting it away.

Jessie smiled before stretching, "Alright, back to business." She perked up and blinked in surprise before looking up in confusion, "What was it again?"

Meowth looked back at her, "You were talkin' about findin' some farfetch'd out here."

Jessie smiled and put a fist in her palm, "Oh right. I heard that people have been spotting farfetch'd all over this forest."

James grinned, "A rare Pokémon like that is sure to help keep us on the boss's good side."

"Farfetch'd. Farfetch'd. Far-far-farfetch'd."

The tRio perked up before looking down the path, "Huh?"

"Farfetch'd. Farfetch'd. Far-far-farfetch'd." Farfetch'd continued as he marched down the path while waving his leek. He flashed a V-sign while smiling, "Farfetch'd!"

Jessie smiled excitedly, "Talk about luck! We come to look for it and it comes to us."

James smiled as well, "And it looks like it's even got some talent."

Meowth grinned, "Poifect! Dis farfetch'd is as good as ours!"

"Hi." Someone said; startling the three of them. They looked to see a brown-haired kid walking their way and smiling, "Sounds like you guys really like my farfetch'd."

Meowth flinched, "Wait, your farfetch'd?!"

James frowned, "So this one already has a trainer."

Jessie grumbled, "Great…"

"But this is just perfect." The boy responded

The tRio looked at him in surprise, "Huh?"

The trainer held out a hand, "I was just planning on getting rid of my farfetch'd, anyway. Maybe we can make a deal."

Meowth blinked in surprise, "Wait, ya serious?"

The kid nodded, "Yeah." He pointed back to his backpack, "I have a poliwhirl and fearow in here, too." He shrugged, "I guess I'm sort of getting tired of raising Pokémon. I've been looking for somebody to take care of them for me."

Jessie, James, and Meowth stared in shock before sharing a look and grinning excitedly.

Jessie looked at the boy with a determined smirk, "We'd be happy to take them off your hands for you."

The trainer smiled, "Really? Thanks." He turned and gestured for them to follow, "Come on, I know a good spot where we can show off our Pokémon and work out a deal."

James nodded, "Lead the way."

.

**Short Skip**

The tRio, Keith, and Farfetch'd continued walking alongside a large flowing river.

Upon reaching a small dock with a motorized boat, Keith stopped and perked up, "Oh!" He placed his bag on the ground and looked at the Rockets apologetically, "Sorry, but I forgot something back in the forest. Would you mind watching my bag and Farfetch'd while I run and get it?"

The tRio stared in surprise again before grinning excitedly.

Jessie smiled, "Sure, we'd be glad to."

James gave a thumbs up, "Leave it to us."

Meowth nodded, "We'll take care of 'em."

Keith smiled back, "Thank you so much. I'll be right back." He started running towards a set of trees.

James held up a hand, "Be careful."

Jessie waved, "Take your time."

"Thanks!" Keith called out as he disappeared into a bush.

Jessie, James, and Meowth smirked slyly before breaking into a round of chuckles.

"I can't believe it." Meowth said, "Dat sucka just lost a farfetch'd, poliwhirl, and fearow."

Jessie smiled and held out a hand, "And we didn't even have to try cheating him out of that deal."

James laughed, "I can't believe how dumb he is." He looked at the boat, "And we even have our getaway."

Jessie smiled excitedly, "This might be our easiest heist yet."

Meowth looked up at his teammates, "Lets hurry before he gets back."

The humans nodded, "Right."

Farfetch'd cracked a small smirk as James picked him up and Jessie grabbed the bag. They all rushed to the boat, jumped in, and sped off.

"Haha!" Meowth laughed, "Dis has ta be da simplest captcha in Team Rocket history."

Jessie smirked while holding the backpack, "Maybe that's the key to success. We should just let good things happen to bad people."

James smiled and clenched a fist, "We found our winning formula."

The trio broke out into laughter. Farfetch'd just watched them and smirked slyly before glancing downward.

Suddenly, a cork on the bottom of the boat came lose and popped out. Water began spewing in immediately.

"Ah!" Team Rocket shouted in alarm.

Meowth pointed, "Quick! Plug it!"

Jessie slung the backpack on as she and James jumped towards the leak and tried to cover it up with their hands. Not well, for that matter.

Jessie glared at the hole, "That kid must've rigged the boat!"

Farfetch'd laughed, "You're just figuring that out?! Man you guys are dumb!"

Meowth glared at him before looking at his teammates, "Plug it up tighta! Da water's still gettin'-"

He was cut off as Farfetch'd jumped down from his perch and ran past the Normal-type. Meowth looked back in confusion as the Normal/Flying-type grabbed something and jumped into the water.

"Jessie!" James cried out as the boat sank; causing Meowth to look his way again, "Deploy the Team Rocket Emergency Flotation Device!"

"I told you to stop calling it that!" Jessie shouted at him.

The boat continued sinking and, soon enough, became fully submerged. A few seconds later, a massive, inflatable, red 'R' burst out of the water with Jessie clinging to it. James and Meowth surfaced soon after and grabbed it as well.

James sighed in relief and smiled tiredly, "Dear Arc, I'm happy we decided to get this after the Saint Anne."

Meowth slumped over the giant pool toy, "You an' me, both."

"AH!" Jessie cried out while looking to the side.

James followed her gaze and grimaced when he saw four Pokéballs floating away from the T.R.E.F.D.

Omega: *sweat drops* Wow. And I thought OWCA had a bad acronym.

Seishin: HA!

Nuevo: The **** does that stand for?

Mizuro: Organization Without a Cool Acronym.

Nuevo: … No, really. What does it stand for?

Jessie held out a hand to the spheres, "Arbok and Lickitung are floating away!"

James stared fearfully, "Growlie! Weezing!" He looked at Jessie, "We have to get them back!"

Jessie looked at him worriedly, "Yeah, but how?!"

Meowth perked up and looked at Jessie, "Wait, da poliwhirl and fearow! Use 'em ta get 'em back."

Jessie nodded, "Right. Good idea." She pulled the backpack around, opened it, and grimaced, "What the Yvel?!"

James moved closer and looked into the bag before grimacing as well, "Oh crag! It's full of rocks!"

Meowth's eyes widened, "Say what?!"

"Farfetch'd. Farfetch'd."

They all looked over as Farfetch'd swam over to their pokéballs with a basket tied to his back. He started using his leek to lob the balls into the basket. He looked at the three of them and laughed before swimming towards shore.

Jessie glared at the Normal/Flying-type, "Hey! What do you think you're doing, birdbrain?!"

James glared as well, "Those are our Pokémon! Give them back!"

Farfetch'd ignored them and continued swimming towards shore. At the same time, Keith ran up and crouched down to gather the pokéballs before petting the Wild Duck Pokémon.

Keith looked at the tRio and waved with a happy smile.

Jessie glared furiously, "That son of a glitch!"

James glared too, "When we get out of here, you're toast!"

Meowth's ear twitched before he looked back. He flinched and stared in shock, "Jessie! James!"

The pair looked at him before following his gaze. They both flinched upon seeing the edge of a waterfall up ahead.

Jessie gulped, "Oh crag."

The tRio screamed as they went over the edge.

.

*Base of waterfall

"GRAH!" Jessie shrieked furiously while sitting on the ground and holding her head, "I can't believe that just freaking happened! All of our Pokémon just stolen like that!" She glared up at the waterfall, "That's supposed to be our job! When I get my hands on him, I'll-"

"Hey, Jess?" Meowth said.

Jessie glared at him, "What?!"

Meowth pointed ahead with a worried expression on his face. Jessie looked over and perked up in surprise when she saw James on his hands and knees. The woman and Scratch Cat Pokémon shared a looked before walking over to their teammate.

"You alright, James?" Meowth asked.

"I just got him back…" James muttered.

Jessie raised a brow, "What?"

James clenched a fist, "I just got Growlie back from my insane family and now…" He hit the ground.

Jessie and Meowth jerked before frowning sympathetically.

Jessie kneeled down and put a hand on James's shoulder, "Hey, come on. We'll get him and all of our other Pokémon back."

James looked at Jessie, "And how are we supposed to do that? Even if we find that kid again, we don't have any Pokémon that can battle. We'd be no match for that farfetch'd or anything else he has."

Jessie frowned and looked down sadly, "well…"

After a few seconds, Meowth groaned and muttered, "I can't believe I'm about ta say dis." He took a deep breath before swallowing his pride to say, "We could … ask da twoips for help."

James perked up and looked at Meowth in surprise.

Jessie looked at him in shock, "What?!" She jumped to her feet and glared, "Why the Yvel would you even suggest that?! We're the bad guys here, remember?!"

Meowth glared back at her, "Don't ya think I know dat?!" He sighed and looked at the humans sadly, "Look, I don' like it eitha. But da Phantom has helped us outa some real tough spots before. He might be willin' ta help with dis, too."

James's eyes narrowed before he stood back up, "I'm in."

Jessie looked at him in shock, "Seriously?! You too?!"

James glared at her, "Well what do you suggest?! If you have a better idea, I'd sure as Yvel like to hear it!"

Jessie's eyes widened in surprise before she glanced away. She sighed, crossed her arms, and groaned, "Fine. Twerps, it is."

James smiled and nodded, "Good."

He turned and started running back towards where they parked the balloon. Jessie and Meowth shared a look and groaned before following him.

.

**Another Short Skip**

"Any sign of them?" James asked while looking at the ground.

Jessie glanced at him harshly, "For the twentieth time, no. And asking that every other minute isn't going to help us find them any fast-"

Meowth perked up and pointed at the ground, "Down dere!"

Jessie and James perked up and looked where he was pointing. They found the giant group of twerp Pokémon sitting all around next to a spring. Including a vaporeon, an extra pikachu, and a kangaskhan pair with the adult carrying the twerpette's goldeen.

Jessie's eyes widened, 'Dear Arc. That aerodactyl really did join the twerp.'

James smiled happily, "Perfect!" His smile saddened, "I just hope the Phantom will help us."

Jessie blinked in surprise before raising a brow, "Wait, do either of you actually see him? Or the other twerps for that matter?"

The guys looked at her in confusion before looking at the ground again.

Meowth blinked in surprise, "Ya right. I don't see any of da twoips." He raised a brow, "Though, maybe one of dose Pokémon is da Phantom?"

James's eyes narrowed before he gripped the cord to the flame, "Whichever one he is, we can find out on the ground."

The balloon began descending towards a small clearing next to the one with the spring.

.

*Spring; Moments earlier

Misty laid back on the bottom of the body of water as she looked up at the surface. She took a deep breath before smiling happily, "This is the life."

"You said it." Goldeen said as she and Staryu laid on either side of her.

After the little run-in with the backpack thief, everyone moved over to the spring to more or less relax.

Back on the surface, Brock was locked into the pikachu form with a 4-hour time limit. Last they heard, he was sparring with Pikachu. Soot, Vulpix, and Starmie were egg sitting for Misty.

Ash remain unlocked for the sake of convenience. Also, because Primeape and Aerodactyl wouldn't stop bugging him about Thunder Punch and Fire Blast. Also, Zubat said he wanted to learn Shadow Ball.

Everyone else just did whatever.

Misty looked down at the blue disk on her chest before tapping it with a paw, Lockdown Mode in-effect. Approximate time until release: three hours and four minutes.

The Bubble Jet Pokémon smiled blissfully, "And to think it's not even half over."

The girl's and Staryu perked up when they heard a splash and looked up to find a brown-eyed vaporeon swimming down towards them.

Ash landed on the ground in front of them, sat down, and smiled, "You three look comfy."

Misty smiled and moved to sit down too, "That's one word for it." She took another deep breath before smiling happily again, "I don't think I'll ever get tired of breathing water."

Goldeen smirked, "Just don't get too used to it. We don't want you trying to breathe down here as a human."

Misty glanced at her with a smirk and a raised brow, "Oh please, you know I'd never do that." She glanced to the side and mumbled, "again…"

Staryu made a snickering sound before facing Ash, "So, did you just come down here to check on us?"

Ash pointed his tail upwards, "Actually we're nearly done setting up lunch."

Misty smiled happily and jumped to all fours, "Sweet!" She jumped up and started swimming towards the surface rapidly.

The remaining Water-types chuckled before following her.

Misty burst out of the water and landed on the ground. Her forepaws wobbled for a moment before she adjusted. Misty sighed before smiling. She heard a pair of splashes and looked back as Ash and Staryu appeared from the spring.

All three looked back as Goldeen jumped out of the water and high into the air. She fell back to the ground and managed to stop herself in midair for a moment. But, after a few seconds, she let out a breath and fell to the ground.

"Crag…" Goldeen groaned. She jumped up and formed Aqua Ring.

Misty smiled, walked closer, and patted her with a paw, "Hey, come on. You were really close that time."

Ash smiled and nodded, "Yeah. It looks like Seadra's help is really paying off."

Goldeen grumbled, "I just wish it'd go a little quicker." She looked at Ash, "Mind helping me to the others?"

Ash nodded, "Sure." He pawed at the symbol on his chest, became engulfed in green light, and reemerged in the kangaskhan forms.

Ash jumped out of the pouch and looked at Misty with a smirk, "Race ya there!"

Misty smirked back, "You're on!"

The smaller Normal-type and Bubble Jet Pokémon broke into a sprint towards everyone else.

Staryu tensed up before hurrying after them, "Hey! Wait for me!"

Ash chuckled and shook his head, "Kids…"

Goldeen sweat dropped, "Aren't you and him still the same being?"

Ash reached down to pick up Goldeen before walking after Ash, Misty, and Staryu.

They all failed to notice a hot air balloon landing on the other side of some trees.

Everyone else had gathered in an open spot in the clearing. Charizard, Geodude, and Clefairy were helping Brock set out the filled food bowls. Pikachu, Electra, and Squirtle were passing out the fruit from Bulbasaur's Vine Whip-woven basket. Seadra was filling up the pool. And Soot, Vulpix, and Starmie were still keeping the egg guarded.

Onix looked towards the spring and smiled, "Hey, they're back."

Everyone looked over as Ash and Misty skidded to a halt in front of them.

Staryu stopped just behind them and slumped forward while panting, 'Arceus, I hate running.'

Ash threw up a fist triumphantly, "Yes! I won!"

Misty glared at him, "What?! I definitely got here first!"

Ash chuckled as he stopped behind them, "Actually it was a tie." He moved closer to the pool and placed Goldeen in it.

"Thanks." Goldeen said while smiling up at him.

Ash and Misty sweat dropped while deadpanning, "oh…"

Soot smirked, "Yeah, but congrats, Mist. You're as fast as a baby kangaskhan now."

Misty shot Soot a harsh glance before sighing, "Whatever." She walked over to the egg and looked at it with a soft smile. She looked around at Soot, Vulpix, and Starmie, "I trust you all took care of them."

Starmie nodded, "Yup." They moved to one of the food bowls.

Vulpix watched as they left and sweat dropped. She shook it off and looked at Misty, "We made sure nothing happened." She smiled as her tails started wagging, "But that's not all."

Soot grinned, "They've been glowing a lot more frequently. At this rate, they should hatch in just a few days. "

Misty looked at Soot in surprise before looking at the egg again. She smiled, "Woah."

Ash each smiled softly before the infant moved closer and placed a paw on the adult. The larger Ash hit the symbol on his stomach before becoming engulfed in green light. The non-inherent mightyena tensed up as the light faded and shook his head.

"Still getting used to that." He mumbled.

Everyone else chuckled. Except Psyduck who fainted from Ash's switch.

Brock smiled, "Alright, lets-"

"HEY!"

Everyone flinched from recognizing the voice and looked over in shock.

James looked around at them while panting, "Phantom! I don't know which one you are, but we need you and your friends! Asap!"

Jessie and Meowth ran out of a bush and got in front of their teammate. Brock and Misty flinched and looked away in an attempt to keep their eyes hidden.

Jessie glared at her teammate, "James! What the Yvel are you doing?!"

Meowth glared as well, "We can't just rush out like dat!"

James glared back, "And what the Yvel should I have done?! Growlie and all of our Pokémon have been stolen! We can't just sit around and do nothing when help is this close!"

Misty's eyes widened as she looked at them, "Wait, what?!" She immediately grimaced and put a paw over her mouth.

Meowth perked up and looked back in confusion.

Jessie noticed and looked at the Normal-type, "Meowth?"

Meowth blinked in confusion, "I just hoid da twoipette."

James blinked in surprise, "What? But I didn't hear her."

Jessie started looking around, "And I don't see her anywhere."

Everyone tensed up and started looking at each other warily; unsure of what to do. All but one.

"What humans talking about?" Aerodactyl asked; causing everyone in the group to look at him in shock. The Fossil Pokémon pointed at the Bubble Jet Pokémon, "Misty right there. Just talk right in front of them."

Meowth looked at Aerodactyl in shock before looking where he was pointing. Misty grimaced before chuckling nervously with her ears drooping.

Meowth's eyes widened in further shock, "Wh- what da Yvel?"

Jessie looked at Meowth; deadpanned, "What is it, now?"

Meowth pointed at Misty; still staring in shock, "D- Da twoipette…"

James perked up and looked where he was pointing. He deadpanned and sweat dropped, "Meowth, that's a vaporeon." He perked up and blinked in surprise, "With a … hair tie on its ear and" His eyes widened, "the same … eyes … as…" he trailed off.

Jessie looked at her teammates in confusion before looking around at the Pokémon, "What are you two talking about?" She perked up and pointed at Brock, "Wait, since when do pikachu have eyes like that?"

Vulpix sweat dropped, "She still hasn't figured it out, has she?"

Brock sweat dropped as well, "Doesn't seem like it."

Meowth flinched and looked at Brock in shock.

Soot groaned and muttered, "This feels like Porta Vista all over again."

Ash sighed before rolling back and becoming engulfed in green light. He emerged human and stood up, "Alright, get comfy."

.

*One lie riddled explanation later

Meowth stared at Ash in shock as he and his teammates sat across from the group, "Y- you can turn humans inta Pokémon?"

Ash sighed, "Temporarily, yes. Normally it only lasts for a few minutes, but I'm trying a new method. They'll be back to normal in a few hours."

Jessie and James just stared -speechless- at the Gym Leaders in question.

Geodude glared at them as he held an arm in front of the squinting pikachu defensively. Onix glared down as well. Staryu and Starmie stood on either side of the viridian-eyed vaporeon who had her tail wrapped around the egg.

Charizard was a few feet back teaching Aerodactyl about what the Yvel it meant to keep a secret.

Everyone else was watching the tRio warily from less than a foot away.

Jessie looked at Ash in shock, "B- but … how?"

"It's a special power of mine." Ash said before grinning, "You didn't really think you knew everything about the Phantom, did you?"

Soot and Pikachu snickered. Clefairy and Electra chuckled. Most of the other Pokémon smirked.

Meowth blinked in surprise, "I, uh … I'm honestly not sure what we were thinkin', anymore."

Jessie frowned worriedly, "This isn't contagious, right?" She perked up, glanced away thoughtfully, and mumbled, "Or would that be a good thing?"

Seishin: And we have Wizzer96 to thank for the contagious joke.

Soot smiled slyly before shrugging, "Well just a little bit. After all, how did you think I became a Pokémon?"

The tRio jumped and looked at Soot in shock. Everyone else sweat dropped.

After a moment, Soot burst out into laughter, "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I couldn't help it!"

Ash sighed and looked at the tRio, "No, it's not contagious at all. I have total control over it."

Meowth and James sighed in relief.

Jessie glared at Soot, "That was not funny!"

Soot stuck her tongue out at the female Rocket.

Pikachu sighed before looking at James, "Didn't you say something about your teams being stolen?"

Ash translated.

James jerked before jumping to his feet, "That's right!" He glared, "Some brown-haired brat and his farfetch'd stole every Pokémon we have!"

Misty's eyes widened before she jumped to all fours, "Seriously?!" She glared as well, "He tried to do the same thing to me earlier!"

Goldeen smirked, "Though, she obviously didn't fall for it."

Soot snickered.

Meowth glared at her before-

"This isn't a time to joke."

The tRio perked up before looking at Ash in surprise.

Ash glanced back at his friends and daughter, "How do you think any of us would feel if we were in their shoes?"

Clefairy raised a hand and was about to say something. Pikachu put a paw on her hand and pushed it back down, "Expression."

Misty frowned as her ears drooped, "Right…"

Goldeen frowned as well, "Sorry."

Soot sighed, "Yeah, sorry."

Jessie and James shared a confused look and shrugged.

James looked at Ash, "So you'll help us?"

Ash smiled at him and nodded, "I know how much Growlie and everyone else mean to you. Besides, this wouldn't really be the first time."

Soot smirked, "But don't think this means we'll go any easier on you in battle."

Meowth glared at her, "Same ta you."

James smiled softly and sat back down, "Thanks."

Jessie waved a hand, "Alright alright, enough of the sappy crag." She looked at Ash, "How are we getting our Pokémon back?"

Ash propped his head up with a fist, "I think our first step should be to inform Officer Jenny. There's a police station near here."

Meowth grimaced, "What?! But-" He stopped and blinked in surprise, "but, uh-" He glanced to the side thoughtfully, "huh…"

James looked at Jessie, "Why didn't we think of that earlier?"

Jessie looked back and shrugged, "Life of crime?" She reached back.

Everyone jerked as she and James pulled out a red, short sleeve hoodie and blue, long sleeve jacket, respectively. They ignored everyone's reactions and started slipping them on.

"What-" Brock muttered before standing up and running over to look behind the pair. He looked at Meowth, "Where were they hiding those?"

Meowth looked at him; deadpanned, "Oh, like it ain't obvious."

Vulpix sweat dropped, "It really isn't."

Soot sweat dropped, 'Adding that to the "How the Yvel did they do that?!" list.' She shook it off and looked at the human Rockets with a raised brow, "Y'know, I hate to admit it, but those might be the least suspicious disguises I've seen you two in. You look like you could just fit into a crowd."

Jessie finished removing her gloves and blinked in surprise before looking down at her hoodie, "Really?"

Meowth looked at Ash with a raised brow, "So you woulda actually fallen for dese get-ups?"

Ash shrugged, "Well it might've worked before we all met. But definitely not now."

James sweat dropped, "Yeah, I didn't think so." He shook it off before pointing into the foliage while glaring determinedly, "Now, let's get that brat!"

The tRio tensed up as a round of growling sounded out. They all slumped forward with a hand/paw on their stomachs.

Ash grabbed a Pecha berry and held it out, "You want some lunch, first? We gathered enough fruit to spare."

Jessie looked at Ash while smiling sheepishly, "Yes, please."

And with that, everyone sat around for lunch again. Albeit an awkward lunch, now. A lot of harsh/apprehensive glaring was going around.

Meowth looked at the bowl of Pokémon food in front of him and sweat dropped.

Electra noticed and swallowed, "Have you not had Pokémon food before?"

"Well, once." Meowth said, "But it was … really weird tastin'. I've jus' stuck ta human food and berries since den."

Brock looked at him, "You might've gotten a batch that wasn't meant for your kind. A lot of store-bought brands are like that." He smiled and put a paw to his chest, "You won't have to worry about that, here. I may mess with the seasonings if someone prefers it a certain way, but the base mix is more or less universal."

Ash nodded, "He's right. I mean," He gestured to everyone else as they tore into the bowls, "look around."

Meowth glanced at them warily before sighing, "Fine." He picked up a piece and bit down on it. The Scratch Cat flinched and his eyes widened in shock. He looked at the bowl again before tearing into the food ravenously.

Soot snickered.

Jessie and James watched Meowth curiously before looking at Ash.

Ash noticed and deadpanned, "I'm not turning either of you into Pokémon."

.

*Police Station

"A- and, uh," Jessie said nervously, "that's what happened … officer." 'Freaking Yvel, this feels weird!'

James and Meowth stood on either side of her. Both were sweating nervously.

Ash stood next to the tRio with Pikachu and Clefairy on his shoulders, Soot next to him with Electra and Brock on her back, and Misty next to her. Brock was also looking up at Jenny with his usual blush and dumb smile. Brock and Misty's bags were placed into Soot for safe keeping.

Jenny blinked in surprise, "Huh … so he offered to give you his farfetch'd and a booby-trapped boat, and used that to have his farfetch'd steal your Pokémon." She frowned and crossed her arms, "I've had a lot of trainers tell me about their backpacks getting switched, but I think that takes the cake."

Ash frowned, "So this has happened before?"

Jenny looked at him and nodded, "Your friends here are the fifth victims this week."

Jessie flinched before glaring at her, "We aren't his friends!"

Jenny looked at her in surprise, "Huh?"

Jessie tensed up, "Uh- w-well, you see-"

"We're more like bitter rivals." Soot jumped in. Jenny looked at the banette-eyed mightyena in surprise as she continued, "But we're not above helping them out of a tough spot."

Jessie pointed at Soot immediately, "Yeah! What the mutt said."

Ash tensed up as his eye twitched. The Fairy, Bubble Jet, and three Mouse Pokémon all glanced at the trainer apprehensively.

Soot sweat dropped, "Yup … can't forget about the nicknames we never agreed to."

James stepped towards Jenny while frowning worriedly, "So can you help us get our Pokémon back?"

Jenny snapped out of it and looked at him while frowning, "Trust me, I'd like to. But I've been trying to track down that kid and his farfetch'd for a while. It's a big forest and he never stays in one place for long."

James slumped forward and groaned sadly. Everyone else looked at him sympathetically.

Jenny frowned before smiling sadly, "What if you took me to the spot where you met him? We might find some clues there."

Jessie nodded, "Alright."

.

*Forest trail

James stopped in his tracks, looked around for a moment, and nodded, "Yeah." He looked back at everyone else, "This is the spot."

Clefairy looked around before frowning, "I don't see anything."

Brock put a paw to his chin, "Maybe he could have his camp set up nearby?"

Soot translated.

Ash looked around as well, "maybe…" He looked at everyone else, "Let's look around for clues."

Everyone nodded and split up to check the area. Electra, Pikachu, and Brock ran up the trees to look around from the tops. Granted, Pikachu had to help Brock get up to them. James, Jenny, Clefairy, and Soot moved to a nearby clearing. Ash, Misty, Jessie, and Meowth stayed on the trail.

That was a while ago.

Misty sniffed the ground before deadpanning, 'And I still have no idea what I'm doing.' She sighed before looking up at the tree the Electric-types went up, "Any luck up there?!"

Pikachu popped out of the leaves and shook his head, "Nothing yet!"

"We're still looking!" Brock's voice followed.

Meowth glanced at the Water-type and sweat dropped, 'That'll be tough to get used to.' He looked at Ash, "So dis transformin' humans thing … dis is somethin' you could always do?"

Ash shrugged, "Not exactly." He glanced at him, "I came up with it a long time ago but gave up when I couldn't figure it out. After Brock and Misty learned the truth about me, I started trying again. I didn't like making them feel jealous. I finally found out how to do it just after we saved you three from the transfer network."

Meowth looked down thoughtfully and mumbled, "Just afta-" He perked up and his eyes widened. He pointed at Ash and Misty, "So you really were at dat pikachu tribe! Dat's why all dose Hidden Powa's were different!"

Jessie looked at Meowth in surprise before looking at the 'Phantom' and transformed Gym Leader.

Misty looked at the Scratch Cat Pokémon and smirked, "You caught us. We were all helping out from the bushes."

Ash smiled and translated before saying, "That thing with the tribe was a trial run for the power. I'd say it went pretty well."

Electra dropped down from the leaves, onto a branch, and called out, "Agreed!"

Meowth looked at her curiously before blinking, 'That's where she came from.'

"Hey, dad!" Soot called out, "We found something!"

Everyone else looked towards the clearing in surprise. Pikachu jumped out of the tree and onto Ash's shoulder. Brock and Electra watched as he did so, sweat dropped, and started climbing down carefully.

After they did so, everyone ran into the clearing.

"What'd you find?" Jessie asked.

"This." Jenny said as she held up a light brown feather.

Ash's eyes widened, "A farfetch'd feather."

Soot smirked and nodded, "Right." She looked back at a small circle of rocks with a pile of ash in the center, "And that campfire was put out recently. He was definitely camping here."

Jessie sweat dropped, "And that helps us find the kid, how?"

Ash looked at her and sweat dropped, "I kind of thought you'd know more about tracking." He looked at the Dark-type, "You know what to do, Soot."

Soot smiled and nodded. She sniffed the feather before she bent down and started sniffing the ground. The Bite Pokémon started walking around the clearing as she continued. The tRio watched curiously as she did so.

After a moment, the Bite Pokémon stopped and smirked, "Got it." She looked back and pointed a claw ahead, "He went this way."

Jenny smiled determinedly and clenched a fist, 'Finally, a lead!' "Lead the way."

Soot nodded and ran off into the bushes. Everyone else followed.

.

**Time Skip**

Soot led everyone to yet another clearing. One where Keith and Farfetch'd could be seen gathering up pokéballs into a pair of bags. Jessie, James, and Meowth glared at the boy angrily.

Misty glared, "That's him, alright."

Ash smiled and pet the mightyena, "Nice work, sweetie."

Soot jerked and shot him a sideways glare, "Don't call me sweetie."

Clefairy looked at Ash, "What's the plan?"

"Hold it!" James shouted as he ran into the clearing. Everyone stared in shock as he did so.

"You're not getting away this time!" Jessie shouted as she and Meowth followed him.

Keith and Farfetch'd flinched and looked back at them.

"They just ran right in…" Misty muttered while staring in shock.

Pikachu sweat dropped, "Why am I not surprised?"

Ash sighed before following them, "Come on."

Everyone else followed Ash. Keith looked at them and grimaced when he saw Officer Jenny with them. He turned to run. Ash was faster.

"Ah!" Keith cried out as Ash practically appeared in front of him. He fell back, dropped the bag in his hand, and started looking back and forth between the trainer and where he was, "W- what the Yvel?!"

Jenny and the tRio stared in shock.

Jessie snapped out of it and glared at Keith, "You didn't really think you'd get away with this, did you?!"

James glared as well and held out a hand, "Give us back our Pokémon, or else!"

Keith looked at the pair before sighing, "Fine." He kneeled down, opened one of the bags, and started digging around in it. After a second, he pulled out four pokéballs and held them out, "Here. The arbok, lickitung, weezing, and growlithe. All safe and sound."

James immediately took the balls and started looking over them. He handed two of them to Jessie before tossing one of his two into the air. He smiled as it burst open.

The Puppy Pokémon emerged and started stretching with a content smile, "Man, I needed-"

"Growlie!" James cried out as he pulled his Pokémon into a hug.

Growlie looked at his trainer in surprise before looking around to find Jessie, Meowth, the Phantom, his usual Pokémon, and two others he hadn't seen yet.

He blinked in surprise, "What happened while I was asleep?"

Misty smiled, "A lot."

Growlie jerked and looked at her in shock. Farfetch'd perked up and looked at the vaporeon in confusion.

Ash smiled and clapped once; catching the tRio's attention, "Alright. Nice to see you guys reunited." His eyes narrowed as his smile remained, "But don't worry. We can take care of things from here."

Soot smiled happily, "We insist. You've had a rough day." She shot a quick glance at Officer Jenny.

Jessie's eye twitched before she waved with a forced smile, "S- sure. We'll see you later, then."

James stood back up, looked at them with a soft smile, and nodded, "Thanks for the help." He started walking, "Come on, Growlie."

The Fire-type jerked before running after his trainer. Jessie and Meowth shot Ash and Soot an annoyed glance before following.

"So why exactly did that vaporeon sound like the orange haired girl?" Growlie asked.

Meowth sighed, "Latuh."

Team Rocket disappeared into the foliage.

Jenny glanced at where they went curiously, 'That meowth can talk too?' She glared at the thief, "So, anything you'd like to say before I arrest you for grand theft Pokémon?"

Keith frowned and looked at the officer worriedly, "L- look. I'm really not a bad person." He put a hand to his chest, "I don't like stealing either, but Farfetch'd and I don't have any other way to get by."

Ash looked at him harshly, "And how exactly does stealing a trainer's Pokémon help with that?"

Keith looked at Ash in surprise, "Huh?"

Ash glared, "You heard me. How does stealing a Pokémon help you in any way? Are you planning to sell them like a poacher or hunter?" His eyes narrowed even further, "Or something worse?"

Keith flinched and stared in shock. He waved his hands, "Hey, wait a second! You've got the wrong idea! I'd never do something like that!" He put a hand to his chest, "Look, Farfetch'd is just too weak to battle. We could never hope to win and can't catch any new Pokémon that can."

Everyone except Ash just stared at him blankly.

Ash took a deep breath ending in a groaned, "And here I thought you were some lowlife crook." He glared, "It turns out you're just lazy and pathetic."

Keith frowned, "B- but I can't-"

"Train?" Ash interrupted, "Put in the work to get stronger? Actually take a freaking loss and learn from it?!" He glared and shifted to Intimidate; startling Keith and Jenny, "Because I can bet that's what nearly every trainer you've stolen from has done!"

Jenny perked up upon realizing something and moved a hand over her eyes. Brock and Misty noticed her reaction, looked up at Ash, and flinched. They perked up and shared a confused look.

Ash continued glaring, "You're weak because you won't put in the effort to try!" His glare intensified; causing Keith to trip back, "What makes you think the Pokémon you stole would even listen to you?!"

"Uh, dad?"

Ash looked back at Soot. She pointed to the side. He looked over and frowned when he saw Jenny with a hand over her eyes.

Ash cut off the ability, let out a breath, and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, "Sorry. I'm guessing your relative in HopHopHop town said something about that."

Jenny moved her hand away, looked at Ash in surprise, and stuttered, "Y- yeah…" She sweat dropped, "Though, I didn't realize you were the trainer she was talking about." 'I kinda thought he'd be bigger.'

Soot looked at the thief before smirking, "Maybe we should start off by showing you just how difficult a battle can be."

Keith snapped out of it and looked at her in shock, "Huh?!"

Jenny smiled and crossed her arms, "I like the sound of that. Maybe that way you can see how a real battle is supposed to work."

Keith flinched and looked at the cop worriedly, "Wait a minute! I just told you that Farfetch'd can't battle! He's too-"

"Sounds good." Farfetch'd jumped in before stepping forward.

"Huh?" Keith said before looking at his Normal/Flying-type in surprise, "Farfetch'd? You wanna battle?"

Farfetch'd looked at the boy and nodded.

Keith frowned, "But Farfetch'd-"

"Alright." Jenny said with a smirk, "Looks like we have a match."

Ash pulled out a pokéball and enlarged it, "Squirtle should be a fair enough oppo-"

"Wait."

Ash, Soot, Brock, Pikachu, Clefairy, Electra, and Farfetch'd perked up and looked at Misty in surprise. Jenny looked at the vaporeon in confusion.

Misty looked up at Ash with a determined glare, "Let me battle him."

Soot blinked in surprise, "What?"

The Bubble Jet Pokémon looked at her, "He tried to steal from me earlier, remember? If anyone should get to battle him, it's me."

Farfetch'd blinked in confusion.

Electra frowned, "Are you sure, Misty? You know that means you'd be battling personally."

Clefairy frowned too, "You remember what happened last time, right?"

Misty tensed up slightly before taking a breath, "Yeah. I do." She looked at them with a smirk, "Which is why I wanna see how far I've come since then. Without someone holding back for my sake." She looked up at Ash determinedly, "Let me do this."

Ash blinked in surprise before smiling. He put the pokéball back into stasis mode, put it away, and looked at Keith with a smirk, "Small change of plans. Looks like Vaporeon wants to battle you."

Misty smirked before running forward and crouching down into a fighting stance.

Soot smiled upon recognizing the stance, 'She really has been practicing.' She walked over to stand next to the 'battlefield' and sat down, "Hope you don't mind if I play ref."

Farfetch'd walked up and held his leek to the side while taking on his own stance, "Fine by me."

Keith held out a hand worriedly, "Wait, Farfetch'd-"

"This battle will be a one-on-one with no time limit." Soot called out, "It'll be decided when one of you can't continue. Understood?"

Misty and Farfetch'd nodded while glaring at each other.

Soot held up a forepaw and brought it down, "Then start!"

Misty wasted no time as she inhaled and shot out a stream of water at her opponent. Farfetch'd glared determinedly before jumping out of the way of the Water Gun.

Misty glared and shot another Water Gun. This time, Farfetch'd jumped up to dodge.

Keith looked at his Pokémon worriedly, "Farfetch'd, stop!"

Misty kept an eye on Farfetch'd as he fell back to the ground and smirked. She shot forward as her tail lit up white, pivoted on a forepaw, and swung Iron Tail. Farfetch'd grimaced and braced himself with his wings as the move struck and shot him to the side.

"FAR!" Farfetch'd cried out.

Keith watched fearfully, "No! Farfetch'd!"

The Wild Duck Pokémon skidded to a halt and panted as he held his struck wing.

Keith grimaced, "Please, Farfetch'd! You can't win this!"

Misty glanced at the trainer before frowning. She looked at Farfetch'd again, "My friends and I always stock up on potions when we can." Her frown turned sympathetic, "I'll finish this quickly and get you healed up right after."

Farfetch'd's eyes widened as she said that. Misty inhaled and unleashed another Water Gun. Farfetch'd stared in shock as the attack approached. He glared before disappearing in a blur.

Everyone jerked as the Normal/Flying-type reappeared right in front of Misty with a dome of wind covering his leek. He shot the leek forward and struck the Water-type in the chest.

"VAY!" Misty cried out as the attack threw her back. She tumbled along the ground and laid there uncomfortably.

Brock, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra looked at the Cerulean trainer worriedly.

Keith stared in shock, "What the Yvel?!"

Ash stared in surprise, "That was Agility and Aerial Ace!"

Soot smirked, "Looks like Farfetch'd really does have some fight in him."

Keith looked at Ash and then Soot in surprise before looking at Farfetch'd, "I never knew Farfetch'd actually had attacks like that."

Ash perked up in surprise and looked at him, "Wait, what? You don't know his move set?"

Keith looked at him, "No. I thought he only knew Sand Attack. If I had known Farfetch'd really could battle, I never would've resorted to stealing."

Ash stared in shock before facepalming.

Brock deadpanned, "Starting to think he's more 'ignorant' than 'lazy'."

Pikachu sweat dropped, "Might wanna chalk that up to 'hopelessly ignorant'."

Clefairy nodded, "Yeah…"

Electra frowned, 'I don't even battle and I know what I can do.'

Soot snickered.

Jenny's eye twitched, 'This is the thief I've been after?'

Misty got back to her feet and shook her head rapidly before looking at where she was hit. She smiled, "I guess training really has been paying off." She took a deep breath as her ears/fins fluttered a bit. Three rings made of water droplets appeared and surrounded the Water-type. She looked at Farfetch'd and smirked.

Farfetch'd glared, 'Crag. She knows a healing move.' He shook it off and glared with a determined smirk, 'Guess that means I'll have to hit faster.'

The Wild Duck Pokémon swept his leek around before charging forward. Misty smirked and powered up another Iron Tail. Once Farfetch'd got close, she swung around to parry the attack.

Farfetch'd smirked, recovered immediately, and shot his leek forward again. Misty's eyes widened before she brought up her forepaws in an attempt to defend. Farfetch'd continued unleashing a flurry of hits.

Ash gritted his teeth, "Fury Attack, this time."

Keith just watched in awe.

Farfetch'd struck once more and shot Misty back. She skidded to a halt and started panting. She relaxed a bit as she felt Aqua Ring's effect again. But it wouldn't be enough to heal her completely.

Misty glared at her opponent, 'Okay. Fury Attack, Aerial Ace, Agility, and Sand Attack. That's all four.' She smirked, 'Whereas I've been saving one.'

The Bubble Jet Pokémon inhaled and shot another Water Gun. Farfetch'd smirked before jumping over it again.

He looked back down to find Misty glaring up at him with a light blue ball of energy in front of her mouth.

Farfetch'd grimaced, 'Ice Beam?! How am I supposed to-' His eyes widened before he glanced at his leek.

The ball broke off and a series of light blue bolts shot forward. Farfetch'd tightened his grip, charged another Aerial Ace, and thrust his leek towards the ground.

Everyone's eyes widened as Farfetch'd shot downward and avoided the attack.

Soot stared in shock, "He used Aerial Ace to propel himself?!"

Farfetch'd landed and disappeared immediately. Misty tensed up and looked around warily.

"Hey!"

Misty flinched and looked over right as Sand Attack struck her in the face.

"Gah!" Misty cried out before covering her eyes with a forepaw, "Not again!"

Farfetch'd stared in confusion, 'Again?' He shook it off and unleashed another Fury Attack.

Misty could do nothing as the Bug-type attack hit her repeatedly.

"And one more!" Farfetch'd shouted before unleashing another Aerial Ace upwards.

"POR!" Misty cried out again as she was flung back and into the air. She crashed against the ground and kicked up a large cloud of dust.

Electra and Clefairy stared in shock, "Misty!"

The dust cleared to reveal the Water-type lying on her side with her tongue out and her eyes swirling. Aqua Ring faded completely.

"And that's the game!" Soot called out before pointing a paw at the Wild Duck Pokémon, "Farfetch'd takes the win!"

Farfetch'd smiled excitedly before holding his leek up triumphantly, "Farfetch'd!" He fell back and laid on the ground.

Keith grimaced, "Farfetch'd!" He ran closer and picked up the Wild Duck Pokémon, "Farfetch'd, are you okay?! Say something!"

Farfetch'd smiled up at his trainer tiredly, "I'm good. Haven't battled like that in a long time."

Soot smiled softly and muttered, "Make that 'overprotectively ignorant'."

Ash smiled softly before looking back at the others. Pikachu and Brock were currently propping up the exhausted Water-type.

"You alright, Misty?" Brock asked.

Misty put a forepaw to her head, "I'll live."

"Here." Clefairy said while handing her a Sitrus berry, "It'll help."

Misty smiled tiredly before taking it, "Thanks." She bit into the fruit and started chewing. She noticed Ash looking back at them and shrugged with a sad smile.

Ash gave a thumbs up; still smiling, "Nice work out there. You've definitely earned a break, Vaporeon."

Misty chuckled lightly before biting into the fruit again. Ash walked over to Keith. Soot followed.

The Omnitrix user reached back into his bag, brought out a potion, and handed it to the Farfetch'd trainer, "Here. Use this to heal him."

Keith blinked in surprise before taking the bottle, "Um, thanks…" He started spraying his Pokémon immediately.

Farfetch'd flinched and grimaced, "Far!"

Keith frowned, "Sorry." He continued spraying. After a few minutes, he finished and put the bottle down, "Feeling better?"

Farfetch'd smiled and held up a V-sign.

Keith smiled softly and stood back up, "that's good."

Ash smiled, "I have to admit, that was a good battle." He raised a brow, "Farfetch'd seriously hasn't been through any training?"

Keith looked at Ash, "Well, I didn't think so, before now." He looked down at the Pokémon in his arms, "I found Farfetch'd injured on the side of the road a while back. After I helped him get back to full strength, we-" He frowned and looked back at the bags full of pokéballs, "well … y'know."

Soot smiled softly, "So you didn't wanna see him get hurt like when you found him."

Keith nodded, "yeah … I guess so." He frowned, "I never really gave him a chance."

Farfetch'd frowned, "Keith…"

Ash smiled sadly, "You were worried for his well-being. That isn't something to be ashamed of." He sweat dropped, "Can't say the same about the stealing."

Keith chuckled sheepishly before smiling, "Well one thing's for sure, now. Our days of stealing are over." He smiled down at Farfetch'd, "We're starting fresh and training the right way."

Farfetch'd smiled and nodded, "Yeah."

Ash and all of the Pokémon smiled.

"Even so," Jenny said while walking up to them; catching their attention. She looked at Keith, "I can't simply overlook what you've been doing. Stealing this many Pokémon will often lead to a full trainer license suspension, revoking of all of your personal Pokémon, and possibly jail time if you've done anything worse."

Keith flinched and looked at her fearfully, "But-"

"However," Jenny interrupted with a raised hand, "if you cooperate, return every Pokémon you've stolen, and apologize to the trainers, I can help knock the punishment down to a temporary license suspension and community service. A suspension where you'll be allowed to keep your farfetch'd and train it legitimately under my supervision."

Keith and Farfetch'd looked at her in surprise and shared a look before looking again. "Y- you mean it?"

Jenny nodded, "I do." Her eyes narrowed, "But if you go back to stealing like this, there won't be a third chance."

Keith flinched. He took a deep breath and nodded, "I understand." He gave a small smile, "And thanks."

Jenny smiled, "Just doing my job." She pointed back the way everyone came, "Still, I'll need you to come with me back to the police station for the report. That'll also be where you'll give all the Pokémon back."

Keith smiled sheepishly and sweat dropped, "Yeah. That's fair." He picked up the bags again before handing them to Jenny, "Here. I doubt you'd want me to be the one in charge of carrying these."

Jenny smiled before taking the bags, "Thanks." She looked at Ash, "Are you gonna come back to the station, too?"

Ash smiled and shook his head, "Sorry, but I have to get back on the road. I'm heading to Cinnabar Island for a Gym Battle. I mostly helped because those three were desperate."

Jenny smiled and nodded, "Alright. It was nice meeting you."

Misty smiled and raised a paw, "Take care."

Soot translated before smiling at Keith, "I hope no one decides to press charges against you."

Keith chuckled nervously, "me too…"

With that, Keith, Farfetch'd, and Officer Jenny exited the clearing and disappeared into the foliage.

Brock smiled, "All in all, I'd say that went-" He was cut off as a beeping rang out.

Everyone looked at Brock to find the Lens on his stomach flashing red. A red flash burst out and faded to reveal the Pewter trainer back in human form. The inactive Change Lens hit the ground.

Brock looked down at himself curiously, "Woah … I didn't realize I was that close to timing out."

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Yeah. That was a little close for comfort."

Misty sweat dropped, "No kidding."

Soot reached around, phased her muzzle into her hip, and pulled out Brock's backpack. She placed it on the ground and looked up at the breeder, "I believe this is yours."

Brock smiled and slung his bag on, "Thanks, Soot."

Electra jumped up onto Brock's backpack a moment later.

Ash smiled, "So, back to the spring?"

Everyone else nodded, "Yeah."

They started walking.

"Hey, did we ever get that guy's name?" Ash asked.

"I think I heard Farfetch'd call him 'Keith'." Brock responded.

"Same." Misty said.

.

*Team Rocket; hot air balloon

Growlie blinked in surprise, "Woah. I can't believe that actually happened." He sweat dropped, "Or that the Phantom can really do that."

Meowth sighed, "Yeah. Caught us off guard, too." He looked up thoughtfully, "I'm still havin' trouble wrappin' my head around it." He translated for his teammates.

"Yeah." Jessie said before smirking wickedly, "But one thing's for sure, now. The Phantom's even more valuable than we could've imagined." She clenched a fist, "Just imagine the kind of rewards we'd get for bringing him to the boss!"

James smiled excitedly, "We'll get promoted right to the top!"

Meowth grinned determinedly, "Ya got dat right! We'll be unstoppable!" He sweat dropped, "Just as soon as we get da twoip."

Jessie and James tensed up before slumping forward, "Right…"

Growlie patted James's leg sympathetically.

.

*Ash and Co.; spring

With the day nearing its end, everyone laid around the clearing and just relaxed. They were also waiting for Misty to time out.

Misty was lounging back as she floated on the water. Brock was cooking and Electra helped pass utensils. Soot finally got to take Misty's bag out of herself and curled up next to Ash with Clefairy lying back against her. And Pikachu was curled up in Ash's lap.

All of their other Pokémon were still in their pokéballs.

After a second, Misty righted herself and looked at Ash, "Hey Ash? There's something I'm still kind of confused about."

Ash looked at her curiously, "What is it?"

Brock looked at Ash in confusion.

Misty pointed a paw at him, "Well, your intimidate ability. You said before that it locks onto human brainwaves, right?"

Ash raised a brow, "Yeah?"

"So how come it didn't affect me or Brock when you used it earlier? I mean, you said our minds were still human when we're like this."

Ash smiled, "Oh that. I may have exaggerated, a bit." He raised a finger, "When I said our minds are still 'one-hundred percent human', I only meant it in terms of mentality and memory. Physically, our brains still change to match the species we're changing into. And it ends up changing our brainwaves in the same way. So in Pokémon form, you'd only be affected by a Pokémon's Intimidate. Not mine." He sweat dropped, "Though, I should warn that the eye-covering thing doesn't help against the Pokémon version." He looked at Brock and translated Misty's question.

Soot smirked, "For example." She glanced at Misty as her eyes narrowed slightly.

Pikachu, Clefairy and Electra frowned uncomfortably.

Misty flinched and looked at her fearfully, "Y- yep. That's definitely the same feeling."

Brock looked at Misty curiously, "Huh…" He raised a brow, "So does that mean a psychic wouldn't be able to tell we're human?"

Soot turned off the ability -causing Misty to let out a relieved sigh- and looked at him, "Not entirely. The signal would mark you as a Pokémon, but your memories would say otherwise."

A familiar beeping rang out again; catching everyone's attention.

Misty looked down at the symbol before swimming back to shore and jumping out of the water. She flashed red and appeared as herself again.

Misty stood up and stretched with a content smile, "That was-" She flinched as she lost her balance and started falling back, "Woah!"

Ash ran over, grabbed Misty's arm, and pulled her back to her feet, "Okay, you're taking a break from vaporeon."

Misty chuckled nervously, "Yeah. That might be for the best."

Brock smiled, "And nice timing. Dinner's almost ready."

Pikachu raised a fist happily, "Alright!" He hopped down from Ash's lap.

Clefairy smiled happily before noticing something out of the corner of her eye and looking over. She tilted in confusion, "Hey, why's Misty's bag glowing?"

Ash looked at Clefairy in confusion, "Misty's bag?" He looked at the Cerulean girl's bag and his eyes widened.

Brock, Pikachu, Soot, and Electra looked as well and perked up as they stared in shock. Misty blinked in surprise before looking over. Something in Misty's bag was glowing vibrantly.

"THE EGG!" Everyone -except Clefairy- blurted out.

"Oh, right." Clefairy said, "…" She flinched and stared in shock, "Wait, what?! It's hatching now?!"

Misty rushed over to her bag, opened it, and pulled out the egg case. The egg could be seen glowing radiantly inside.

Misty stared in awe, "woah…" She flinched and looked at Soot, "Wait! I thought you said it'd still be a few days?!"

Soot pouted sourly, "Accurately predicting this kind of crag isn't easy."

Ash raised a hand while smiling, "Don't worry, Misty. Everything will be fine." He looked at Brock, "We need to move further back. Misty has to be the first being the hatchling sees."

Brock nodded, "Got it." He put out the fire he was using to cook before moving further away from Misty. The Bite, Fairy, and pair of Mouse Pokémon followed.

Ash moved closer to Misty and helped her set the egg case on the ground, "Here." He removed the lid and looked at her, "Right now, all you have to do is make sure you're in front of them when they open their eyes."

Misty moved to sit down, looked at Ash, and nodded, "Okay." She perked up when she heard something and looked at the egg again.

A handful of cracks started to form at the tip of the egg and kept growing.

Misty tensed up frightenedly, "Wait, what's going on?! Pokémon eggs aren't supposed to crack, right?!" She flinched when Ash placed a hand on her shoulder and looked at him.

Ash smiled softly, "Everything's alright. I promise." He looked at the egg, "This kind of egg has a reason for doing this."

Misty blinked before looking at the egg again. Ash stood back up and hurried over to the others.

The cracks kept growing as the glow became brighter and brighter. The glow faded in an instant as the pieces of shell fell to the ground.

Two small arms came out of either side of the shell with a pair of feet coming out of the bottom. The top unfolded into five thick spikes with a small face on the front.

"Priii!" The newly hatched Fairy-type yawned while stretching their arms. Togepi looked up at the being in front of them curiously, "Toge?"

Misty looked down at them with a bright smile.

Togepi blinked curiously before smiling and running up to Misty, "Priii!"

Misty smiled happily and picked them up, "Oh! Aren't you just the cutest little-" She stopped and blinked in surprise, "Uh … girl? Boy?" She raised a brow, "Genderless?"

"It's a boy." Soot said with a smile as she and the others walked closer. She looked at the Spike Ball Pokémon, "So it really was a togepi egg."

Misty smiled and looked at the hatchling, "So that's your name. Togepi."

Togepi looked back at everyone else before frowning worriedly.

Misty noticed and put him back down, "It's okay, Togepi. They're friends."

Togepi looked at Misty before looking back at the others curiously, "Toge?"

Misty perked up and looked at Ash, "Can I borrow another-"

"Way ahead of you." Ash said before flipping an active Lens over to Misty.

She caught it and looked over the device to see a pikachu silhouette in the center. She sweat dropped, 'right…' She placed the Lens on her stomach before tapping it.

Togepi perked up as a flash shone from behind and he looked back at Misty. In her place, he found a pikachu with a ponytail and viridian eyes.

Togepi blinked in confusion before he started looking around the clearing. After a few seconds, he frowned worriedly and started tearing up.

"Priiii!" Togepi whined as tears erupted from his eyes.

Misty flinched and ran up to the Spike Ball Pokémon, "Togepi! Togepi! It's okay!" She put her paws to her chest, "I'm right here."

Togepi's crying slowly stopped as he looked at Misty sadly; tears still in his eyes. He sniffled, "M- meema?"

Misty jerked slightly and her eyes widened in surprise. She smiled softly and nodded.

Togepi smiled happily and ran closer to hug her, "Meema!"

Misty stared ahead in surprise. She started tearing up and smiled softly before hugging the Spike Ball Pokémon back, "That's right, sweetie. Meema's right here. Everything's okay."

Everyone else smiled softly at the scene.

Togepi perked up and blinked in surprise. He stepped back and tilted curiously, "Why does meema look different?"

Misty tensed up and blinked in surprise, 'Dear Arc, he's already talking!' She looked up at Ash, "You really weren't exaggerating about the talking thing?"

Ash chuckled, "Nope."

Togepi blinked in confusion.

.

.

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

From A Guest (Trix chapter 55):

Huh, I understand the limit thing... but there's still the option to use a 5th, typeless, weak default move that all pokémon know but don't normally use, right?

Ohirume: If you mean Struggle, then yes. That will be a thing.

The type-less attack Struggle is something all Pokémon are capable of using yet is never in a move set. It can never be forgotten, yet does not take up a 'move slot' and cannot be used freely.

Struggle will be an instinctual, fail-safe, last resort move that a Pokémon cannot use unless they've exhausted themselves that much.

'Exhausted', in this case, being the equivalent of 'PP', not 'HP'.

But this story is based on the anime, so don't expect that to come up regularly.

.

From Guest (Trix chapter 55):

(This comment has been split up as follows. Not for length, but for convenience)

Thank you for answering my question. I honestly thought you would just skip over it,

Ohirume: *raises brow* Wait, really?

Omega: Anyone who reads the actual Comment Responses knows that Rob responds to every review.

Ohirume: *nods* Right. The closest I've ever come to even considering ignoring or deleting a review was when those spammers were trying to rush me to "finish the story." And not in an encouraging way.

I'd like to see any of them type up a 10,000 to 15,000+ word chapter in the span of a month.

Nuevo: Thankfully, JustSomeGuy777 shut them up before Rob did anything drastic.

but there is something else that I am curious about. Why/how did Ash and Co fall for James faking amnesia in the previous chapter when they were able to see through his cross dressing act? It doesn't make much sense to me.

Faux: In their eyes, he seemed really freaked out. They've never seen him act that scared before.

Pike: Or pull off that good of a performance, really. Fear can be one Yvel of a motivator.

Ohirume: And if that's not a good enough reason. Plot.

Also on an unrelated note, and if you already answered this in a previous chapter sorry for asking, do you take suggestions for any of the aliens that Ash gets in the omnitrix, if you do can the next one be a Appoplexian (rath) who gets naked outrage. It would be hilarious. Anyway thanks for answering my question.

Ohirume: We have partially answered both of those questions.

Omega: It's already been verified that if Trix gets an appoplexian form, it'll still be named 'Rath'.

Seishin: Because Rath named himself in every continuity of the Ben 10 series. All 2.

Faux: And the "personality glitch" will be Rath's natural personality.

Ohirume: As for having Rath next, I like hearing ideas and take them into consideration. And I've been getting a lot of Rath requests. So, I'll say this.

Will Rath show up in the story? Very likely at this point.

Will he be the next alien to pop up in Trix's watch? Not sure yet, but it's not off the table.

P.s if a Pikachu I had knew Volt Tackle, there would be no way in heck I would replace it with Electro Ball. (try to change my mind, I dare you!)

Seishin: *smirks* Pokémon Black and White/Best Wishes episode 20. "Dancing With the Ducklett Trio!"/"Pikachu VS Meguroco VS Koaruhie!" Depending on if you prefer Sub or Dub.

Ohirume: Just another reason to hate the Black and White/Best Wishes anime.