**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**

Omega: *flips page and raises a brow* Kids day?

Faux: *smiles* Oh yeah. It's a day that celebrates kids.

Gem: *smiles and nods* We helped out at a preschool when the trainers who promised to let the students play with their Pokémon didn't show up.

Mizuro: *frowns and crosses arms* Canceling on a bunch of kids? Sheesh. Talk about selfi- *tenses up before groaning and pinching bridge of nose* Gary Oak was one of them, wasn't he?

Pike: *crosses forepaws and glances upward with a raised brow* Actually, I'm not sure we ever found out if he did.

Nuevo: *looks down thoughtfully* Celebrates children… *perks up* Oh. *looks at Omega* It might be their version of Kodomo no Hi. Kinda like the Princess Festival and Hinamatsuri thing.

Omega: *looks up thoughtfully before shrugging* Yeah, I can see that.

Gem: Kodo … huh?

…

Ohirume: And, yes, this episode does take place next. It's the second (and thankfully last) episode that got hit by the Porygon crisis.

Seishin: *sad sigh* But, unfortunately, we don't have any in-episode ways of proving that this is the exact timing ... I mean, unless you count Togepi.

I don't own Pokémon or Ben 10.

.

.

Meowth's A Hero?! Are You Kidding Me?!

.

Bulbasaur blinked in surprise, "Update my battle strategy?"

The infant kangaskhan frowned with his arms crossed, "Yeah, 'fraid so. It's because you dropped Razor Leaf for Solar Beam."

Squirtle raised a brow, "Wait, seriously? Just because he learned one move?"

Clefairy looked at the Water-type, "Well I had to do the same thing, remember? When I dropped Disarming Voice for Dazzling Gleam, I had to practice fighting closer more often than usual."

Ash looked at her with a smile and nodded, "Right. Because your Dazzling Gleam is impact style." He looked at Bulbasaur, "The difference, in this case, is Solar Beam's unavoidable charge time. An opponent won't just sit around and wait for you to finish charging it."

"Hm." Muk said as he looked down thoughtfully, "Good point. Without something like Sunny Day, Drought, or an oversupply of Power Herbs you can't get around that."

Bulbasaur glanced away thoughtfully for a moment before looking back at his trainer, "Do you have a suggestion?"

Ash smiled, "A few." He raised a claw, "I'm thinking we should condition you to be more reliant on Hidden Power. Solar Beam should be held off until the battle conditions are desirable."

Bulbasaur pointed a vine at Ash, "Like when I manage to knock them unconscious with Sleep Powder."

Ash pointed back, "Or when they're stuck in a recharge from a move like Hyper Beam."

The Seed Pokémon smiled, "So essentially any scenario where the opponent won't be able to attack me during the charge time."

The infant nodded; still smiling, "And if we build up your stamina, you might be able to use it as a last resort. If you're on your last legs, you might be able to charge up the attack and fire just before fainting."

Bulbasaur perked up and looked down thoughtfully, "You're right. I didn't even think of that. Since referees decide a potential draw by who's unable to battle first, it wouldn't work in a one-on-one. But it could make a huge difference in a multi battle."

Ash smiled, "Including a double or triple battle. Your teammate would be able to cover you."

Clefairy just watched the pair blankly.

Squirtle sweat dropped, 'So this is what it's like to be bored to death by lecture.'

Ash looked at Muk, "Anyway, do you mind helping him practice with a battle or two?"

Muk smiled, "Sure. I was kind of expecting that anyway."

The quintet flinched when a loud explosion rang out in the clearing. They all looked over at the other Ash and group.

Aerodactyl shot downward with Iron Head at the ready. Ash activated Shadow Claw and held it out to hold back the Steel-type attack.

The Fossil Pokémon smirked and quickly shot Wing Attack at him. The Parent Pokémon's eyes widened before he hopped back and spun rapidly with his arms out. Wing Attack collided with Dizzy Punch and ground against it.

Aerodactyl gritted his teeth as his attack was deflected. Ash slowed down and spun once more with his right fist engulfed in a green orb. Drain Punch struck Aerodactyl in the cheek and threw him back.

Ash became shrouded in green energy for about a second before smirking at his opponent. Aerodactyl shook his head rapidly before looking at his trainer in surprise. He smirked as well before they both moved back into their fighting stances.

On the sidelines, Charizard and Primeape were cheering on Aerodactyl, and Pidgeotto and Pikachu cheered on Ash.

Brock -in pikachu form-, Misty -in vaporeon form-, and their respective teams sat off to the side and either watched the battle or trained in pairs. Togepi was cuddled up to the Bubble Jet Pokémon while Misty had her tail wrapped around the Spike Ball Pokémon.

"Hey, uh," Squirtle said, "that's actually something I wanted to ask about." He looked back at his trainer with a raised brow, "How come the other you's been battling nonstop since you changed?"

Ash smiled at him, "It's a new kind of multi-tasking I thought of overnight. I'm using this form's … 'unique feature' to do a few things at the same time." The infant kangaskhan pointed at the parent, "He'll be focusing on hands-on training and battles." He put the outstretched paw to his chest, "Whereas I'll be handling strategy and concepts. Normally, I'd have to choose one or the other, or work out a plan to go between them."

Bulbasaur perked up and looked at Ash in surprise, "Wait, overnight? When did you have time to sleep?"

Ash chuckled, "No, sorry. I thought of that while I was sleeping." He put a claw to his temple, "Lucid dreaming."

Bulbasaur perked up and stared at Ash in surprise.

Clefairy and Squirtle looked at Ash in confusion, 'Luci- what?'

Muk crossed his arms, "I see. It definitely sounds efficient."

"You understood all that?!" Squirtle blurted out.

The Poison-type looked down at the Normal-type, "But wouldn't splitting your focus that heavily cause a lot more discomfort than normal when you time out? I'm no expert, but it sounds like the difference in your memories would be a lot more than usual."

Ash shrugged, "Well, that's what I'm gonna find out. This is mostly a trial run." He perked up in realization, "Oh, hold on a sec." He looked back at the battlers, found that they were done for the moment and took a deep breath before calling out, "Hey!"

The other group perked up and looked over towards them.

"Half-time warning!" The infant Normal-type called out.

The adult Normal-type smiled and waved, "Thanks!"

Ash smiled at his larger self before looking at the Fairy Pokémon, "By the way, Clefairy, I want you to practice Metronome."

Clefairy blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Squirtle deadpanned, 'Sudden much?'

.

*Battle training group

Ash held up a claw, "Alright. That's enough."

Aerodactyl let out a relieved sigh and landed in front of Ash. He smiled, "I admit, liking this form. Really strong." He tensed up and shook his head, "Sorry. Meant it really good battler."

Ash chuckled softly and waved a claw, "Hey, it's fine. You don't have to stop saying stuff like 'strong' or 'powerful' because of what we said before." He smiled and put a paw on his hip, "Really, we were just trying to get you to see the value of focusing on stuff other than raw power. As long as you keep that in mind, I'll be fine with however you say it."

The Fossil Pokémon looked at him in surprise before smiling and nodding, "Thanks." He shifted to a determined glare, "By the way, been thinking about Fire Blast. Want replace Hyper Beam." He looked down over himself, "Been practicing and think Giga Impact is stronger when I use it." He looked Ash in the eye, "Know that power not most important, but also know that recharge is not stoppable. So, think more damage would be better choice. That and think Giga Impact can block other attacks while I use it."

The Parent Pokémon smiled proudly, 'Well what do ya know?' "Sounds good. We'll make it the next training session."

Aerodactyl smiled, "Alri-"

"Hey!"

Everyone perked up and looked over towards Ash and the other group.

"Half-time warning!" The infant Normal-type called out.

The adult Normal-type smiled and waved, "Thanks!"

Ash smiled at his larger self before looking at Clefairy and saying something. She blinked in surprise in response.

Pikachu's ears twitched before he raised a brow, 'What? How do you…'

"Pikachu."

The Mouse Pokémon perked up and looked at Ash, "Yeah?"

Ash smiled and pointed a thumb to the side, "Come on. You're up next."

Primeape glared at Ash, "What?! When do I get a turn?!"

Ash scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Sorry, Primeape."

Primeape groaned and crossed his arms. He looked at the other group to find Bulbasaur duking it out with Muk. The Pig Monkey Pokémon sweat dropped, "And it looks like he's busy."

Charizard sighed and looked down at him, "Would you feel better if I battled you?"

Primeape perked up and glanced back at him, "Hm." He glanced at Ash, "Any problem with that?"

Ash smiled and shrugged, "Hey, if you wanna train on your own, go for it. Just be sure to tell me if you learn a new move or something crazy happens."

Pidgeotto raised a brow, "Crazy how?"

Ash was about to respond when a massive crash followed by an explosion sounded out from the other group. Everyone looked over in shock to find a massive crater sitting near the spot the other group was in. Stones could be seen littered all around it.

Bulbasaur and Muk were still off to the side and staring at it as well. Squirtle and Ash were getting back to their feet and stared at the hole in shock. Brock, Misty, and their Pokémon stopped what they were doing and stared in shock as well.

Clefairy stared at the crater in pure shock as she pointed at it with both hands, "Wh- what was that?"

The infant kangaskhan stared in shock, "By the look of it, Rock Wrecker." 'After a freaking Nasty Plot, no less.'

The adult kangaskhan sweat dropped, "Uh, crazy like that … I guess."

Soot burst through a bush, "Dad, what happened?! I heard a-" She finally noticed the crater and stared blankly.

Electra ran through the bush soon after and panted heavily. She slowly looked at the crater as well and her eyes widened in shock.

.

*Dinner

Regarding the result of the Rock Wrecker ruckus-

Omega: *glances at Ohirume in disappointment*

Ohirume: *sweat drops* Yeah, fair.

After what happened, the group decided to call off training and relax for the rest of the day. Except Primeape who was practicing Brick Break on the leftover boulders that came from Onix filling in the crater with Rock Slide.

Everyone except the Fighting-type moved over to the picnic table or sat beside it for dinner.

Ash timed out a while ago and resigned to laying his head on the table as the headache settled down. Pikachu was patting his trainer's head sympathetically.

Soot smirked, "So the kangaskhan form was a bust, huh?"

Ash groaned and glanced at her sourly, "I never said that. The memories are just a lot to take in. I'll just have to take it a little slower, I guess." He went back to laying on the table.

Soot snickered before looking at the Fairy-type, "Hey, so what actually happened earlier? I mean, I get it was a Metronomed Rock Wrecker, but you weren't in the battle training group."

Clefairy swallowed before looking at her, "Ash said he wanted me to do some Metronome training."

Electra blinked in surprise, "Wait, Metronome training? I thought the move you got was always random."

Pikachu frowned, "Yeah, I don't really get it either."

Clefairy looked back and forth between them, "Well Ash said something about pre- predi- uh…"

"Prediction." Ash jumped in; catching the others attention. He sat back up and put a hand on his head, "It's like Electra said, Metronome is always random. So, you can't decide what kind of move you get." He smiled, "But with the right training and knowledge, you should be able to predict it."

Misty blinked in surprise, "Predict the move?"

Ash nodded, "Right." He took his hand off his head and raised a finger, "If you can get a feel for Metronome's build-up process, you can narrow down what kind of attack you're about to use. Typing energy. Physical, Special, or Status category. Whether its defensive, affliction based, or status altering. How powerful it feels. And maybe even the style." He put his hand back down, "Right now, I at least want Clefairy to see if she can narrow down whether it'll be a physical attack, special attack, or a status move. We can move on to Type later."

Brock stared in surprise, "Huh…" He smiled, "Alright then. Sounds like it could really help out."

Clefairy frowned, "But wait. I don't really know a whole lot about other moves."

Ash smiled at her, "Well, this training is mostly to make it so you can tell me what the move feels like before you use it. I should be able to narrow it down to the point that we can work out a way to use it."

Clefairy stared at Ash in mild awe before smiling happily. She perked up and looked down thoughtfully before looking at Ash again, "But what if it's a move that doesn't do anything? Like Splash?"

Ash put his hands behind his head, "Then we'd be unlucky. Can't change that."

Charizard glanced upward thoughtfully, "Yeah, I guess you have a point."

Pidgeotto glanced to the side with a smirk, 'Like that'll happen.'

Brock looked at Electra, "By the way, what were you and Soot doing earlier?"

Electra tensed up.

Misty perked up and looked at Soot, "Oh yeah. You said something about training, right?"

Soot smirked slyly, "Well, in a sense. Tutoring might be the better word for it." She raised a claw to her muzzle, "But, sorry to say, I've been sworn to secrecy. Electra wants it to be a surprise."

Electra nodded before smiling sheepishly, "Y- yeah. Sorry."

Brock looked at his Electric-type curiously. Ash glanced at Soot curiously before perking up in realization.

Ash looked at Electra in surprise before smirking, 'So that's it.'

Soot noticed and shot Ash a glance. Ash noticed her noticing before he chuckled and nodded.

Misty watched the entire exchange before deadpanning, 'Freaking Yvel.'

.

*The next day

The sun rose over the-

"WAH!"

Everyone flinched and jerked awake before looking around in shock.

Pikachu looked at Ash and his eyes widened before he nudged Clefairy. Clefairy looked at him before following his gaze.

The Fairy-type blinked in surprise, "Oh."

Everyone else looked as well before perking up in surprise. Except Soot whose eyes widen in pure shock.

Electra stared blankly, "Uh…"

Togepi blinked in surprise before looking up at Misty while pointing at Ash, "Meema, why does Ash have a tail?"

.

**Short Skip**

Ash glanced at the vaporeon head fins that replaced his ears in shock as he felt them.

Misty, Brock, Electra, and Soot sat across from Ash. Pikachu and Clefairy sat on either side of him. Togepi was watching the tail curiously as he sat in front of Misty. Soot stared at her father in absolute shock.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Huh. So, you're getting another new non-Pokémon form." She smiled, "Sweet."

"Uh, y- yeah..." Ash said aimlessly as he continued feeling the fins, "That's one word for it."

Misty blinked in surprise before sweat dropping, "Right. Forgot about that part."

Brock smiled softly and held out a hand, "Look, I know you're worried about the new personality glitch, but I'm sure it won't be that bad. We'll handle it."

Clefairy smiled determinedly and nodded, "Yeah! I'm sure it'll all work out!"

Pikachu smirked, "And we do still have the back up if things really do get out of hand."

Electra perked up and looked at Pikachu in confusion, 'Back up plan?'

Soot frowned and walked up to stand between Ash and the others, "No. Guys, that isn't the problem this time. This has never happened this frequently."

Brock stared in confusion, "What do you mean?"

Ash looked at the Gym Leaders worriedly, "The last time this happened before Hammer Arm was over a year ago." He looked down as the fins drooped, "A- and before that was a little over another year." He put a hand on his head, "I- I thought the last one seemed a little earlier than usual, but it hasn't even been six months since then." He gritted his teeth, "Did something change? Is it because of all the new Pokémon forms I've been getting? Is it the watch itself? Is-"

"FAI RY!"

"Vay!" Ash cried out as the Wake-Up Slap struck. He rubbed his cheek, "Ow."

Clefairy landed on the ground and looked up at Ash with a frown, "Sorry. But you looked like you were about to freak out."

Misty frowned, "This can't really be that bad, can it?"

Brock frowned as well, "Why is this bothering you so much?"

Ash took a deep breath, "Sorry. It's just-" He brought up the watch to look at it, "there's still a lot we don't know about this thing. Where it came from. The non-Pokémon. Why someone or something even made it." He put his arm back down, "But it's been mostly consistent for a long time now." The tail moved to lie next to him as he put a hand on it, "If this could change so drastically, what else could?"

Pikachu, Electra, Clefairy, and Togepi looked at Ash sadly; the two former with their ears drooping. Soot frowned and nudged her head up against Ash. The Gym Leaders shared a glance before smiling.

Ash perked up when his friends moved over, sat on either side of him, and each slung an arm across his back.

Ash blinked in surprise, "Guys?"

Misty chuckled, "Well, this worked the last two times." She smiled kindly, "It's like we said before, Ash, we're not gonna just run off because something crazy happens. If that were the case, I would've run like Yvel when I first heard Soot talk." She smirked, "So please stop assuming you'll be alone on this, Ketchum." She flicked his head fin.

Ash tensed up and grabbed the fin; still looking at her in surprise.

Brock smiled, "You know that whatever happens, we'll be there to help you through it, Ash. Just like we promised you. And just like you promised us."

Soot smiled, moved closer, and laid down in Ash's lap, "That probably should have been obvious by this point." She sweat dropped, 'Probably should've been what I said earlier.'

Ash looked around at the three of them in mild surprise before he chuckled softly. He put his arms across the human's backs, "Of course. How stupid of me."

The Mouse, Fairy, and Spike Ball Pokémon all smiled and crowded around the trio of trainers.

And then Ash sweat dropped as the head fins drooped, "Though, I still can't help but worry about what the new guy's glitch could be."

Misty took her arm back and pointed a thumb to herself, "Well, if it makes you feel any better, Brock and I can try some of your tougher forms for defense. I gotta admit Dragonite would be pretty cool to try out."

Brock moved back as well and smiled, "And a nidoking could probably even take a hit from Hammer Arm and get back up."

Soot sat back up and smirked, "Yeah. With a few broken ribs, maybe."

Brock tensed up slightly. Everyone else chuckled.

Ash smiled and nodded, "But I think you're right." He looked down thoughtfully and put a hand to his chin, "It would be a good idea for you guys to get used to some of the more powerful and larger forms. It could really help in the long run. Maybe we could even incorporate it into a training session."

Soot snickered before smiling at him, 'At least he's back to normal.'

.

**Time Skip**

Continuing towards Cinnabar Island, the group continued down a trail towards a town where they planned to restock.

Pikachu, Clefairy, and Electra were in their usual spots on their trainer's and Togepi was sleeping in Misty's backpack with the drawstring slightly loosened. He said it was comfy. Though that also made Misty decide to hold her backpack in her arms instead of wearing it normally.

"Oh." Misty said suddenly; catching the others' attention. She looked at Ash, "I just realized, what do we say if someone asks about this thing this time? The costume party thing, again?"

Ash shrugged, "Nah. We'll just say I lost a bet."

Brock raised a brow, "That's it?"

Soot smirked, "Sometimes, a simple lie can be pretty believable. Remember Melanie's place?" She shrugged, "He didn't say. Just said 'bye' and left."

Misty and Brock perked up before looking down at the Bite Pokémon in surprise. They shared a look and sweat dropped.

"I see your point." Misty said.

Electra sweat dropped, 'I don't get it.' She looked ahead and her eyes widened. She pointed ahead, "Hey, look! What are those?!"

Everyone looked where she was pointing.

Around the town, a handful of flag poles were decorated with a trio of windsocks designed after various fish Pokémon. The pole Electra was pointing at included a magikarp, goldeen, and gyarados.

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "Uh…"

Misty smiled, "Oh, Pokémon Banners."

Brock smiled as well, "I didn't realize it was Kids Day, already."

Clefairy blinked in confusion, "Kids Day?"

Ash looked at her with a smile, "It's kind of like the children's version of the Princess Festival. Except, it's not in just one place." He looked around at all of the Mouse and Fairy Pokémon, "Kids essentially get the day off to play or take part in events or something. It depends on the town."

Pikachu smiled, "Oh, cool."

Misty's bag started shifting. She immediately noticed and opened the drawstring.

Togepi poked his head out of the bag and looked around tiredly, "What's goin' on?" He noticed the banners, perked up in surprise, and smiled.

Misty smiled before removing her hatchling from the backpack and slinging the bag back on.

The Cerulean trainer looked at the watch user, "Hey, what if we looked around for a bit?"

Electra perked up and looked at her. She smiled excitedly as her tail wagged.

Ash looked around before chuckling, "Yeah, it couldn't hurt. We can stay the night at the Pokémon Center."

Electra, Clefairy, and Togepi raised an arm excitedly, "Yay!"

.

**Short Skip**

The group continued their way through the festively decorated town as they took in the sights. Pretty much everything caught Pikachu, Clefairy, Togepi, and Electra's attention.

Ash's 'lost a bet' excuse didn't come up as often as he expected. Most people thought he was an entertainer. And nearly every kid accompanied by a parent asked Ash if they could pet Soot. She gave the okay and got a lot of surprised looks.

By this point, the group was walking along a random pathway.

Togepi perked up and pointed ahead, "Hey, what's that?"

Ash looked ahead. He found a large, two story building surrounded by a stone wall.

"It looks like a preschool." The trainer said.

Pikachu and Clefairy tensed up from hearing the word 'school'; immediately reminded of Pokétech. They both perked up in surprise after a second, 'pre?'

Electra looked at the building curiously, "Preschool?"

Soot smiled up at her, "Remember what I said about humans being slow? This is part of it." Brock and Misty sweat dropped as she continued, "Humans don't really have any instincts to help them learn about … anything. Schools are to teach humans what they need to know. Preschools are basically the same, but only for humans that are younger than I am."

The female Electric-type cocked her head, "So it's a little like the hatchling care area from my tribe?"

Soot and Ash blinked in surprise before Ash translated.

Brock shook it off before smiling and nodding, "Actually, yeah. That's a pretty good comparison." He looked at the building, "And since this school's open today, they might be doing some kind of special-" He paused more a moment and perked up in surprise, "event…"

Everyone looked at him in surprise before following his gaze. Standing at the school's entrance was a brown-haired woman wearing a yellow dress and dark pink apron. She seemed to be looking around anxiously.

The group shared a look before approaching.

"Excuse me." Misty said, "Is everything alright, miss?"

The woman looked at them. She stared at Ash in confusion before perking up in realization, "Oh!" She smiled happily, "You must be them." She gestured inside, "Please come in, the children have been waiting all day."

Ash blinked in surprise, "I- what?"

Misty smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, but I think you have us confused with-"

Brock ran forward, took hold of the woman's hands, and smiled; nearly making Electra lose her balance in the process, "I didn't mean to keep you waiting. Please forgive me, my name's Brock."

The woman blinked in surprise, "Um, hello."

Everyone else deadpanned.

Brock blushed, "It's a pleasure to meet an educator as enchanting as-"

He was cut off when the woman's phone rang. She took out a chansey-themed phone and answered, "Hello. Little Kiddle preschool."

Omega, Mizuro, Nuevo and Illavera: *group cringe*

Electra stared curiously, "What's that thing?"

"Cellphone." Misty answered; having guessed the question. She then glanced down at Soot who nodded with a smirk.

Electra looked down curiously, "Cellph-" She immediately jerked and stared in shock, "That's a pho-"

"What?!" The teacher said worriedly; cutting Electra off, "What do you mean you can't make it?" She looked at the group, "But there are three-" She paused as the caller continued, "I see. Yes. Thank you." She hung up and sighed sadly.

Soot frowned, "Is everything alright?"

The teacher looked at the Dark-type in surprise before shaking it off. She looked around the group sadly, "I'm afraid not. A few trainers were supposed to visit and let the children play with their Pokémon. But they just cancelled." She looked down sadly, "And the students were all so excited too."

Brock smiled, put a hand to his chest, and stepped forward, "They could play with our Pokémon! " He took the teacher's hand again, "And maybe even later today, we-"

"Okay!" Misty said before grabbing Brock's ear, "That's enough out of you, lover boy!"

"Ah!" Brock cried out as Misty pulled him away, "Misty! Hey, come on! That hurts!"

Ash, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy watched it happened; deadpanned. Electra just watched in annoyance from Brock's backpack. Togepi started laughing from Misty's arm.

Ash looked at the teacher, "In all seriousness, we don't mind helping out for the day. We were planning to stay in town for the day anyway, Miss …"

The teacher smiled, "Reiko." She bowed respectfully, "And thank you so much for this. I'm sure the children will have so much fun, …"

The boy with the vaporeon 'costume' chuckled, "Ash." He gestured to his shoulders, "These two are Pikachu and Clefairy."

The pair smiled and waved, "Pika." "Fairy."

The mightyena smiled, "Name's Soot."

The orange hair girl looked over and waved, "I'm Misty." She held up the Fairy-type in her arms, "And this is Togepi."

"Toge togepriiiiii!" Togepi cried out happily.

Brock rubbed his ear while frowning, "Brock…" He gestured back, "This is Electra."

Electra smiled, "Ka chu."

Miss Reiko smiled, "It's a pleasure to meet you all." She perked up upon realizing something and looked at Ash in confusion, "Wait a second. If you didn't come to entertain the students, why are you wearing that costume?"

Ash sighed in annoyance, "I lost a bet and have to wear this until tomorrow."

Soot snickered, "I tried to tell him that he couldn't bench press that much. He just would not listen."

Ash crossed his arms and groaned.

Brock and Misty glanced at them and sweat dropped, 'They make it look too easy…'

The teacher blinked in surprise, "huh…" She looked around at the appendage, "But how is the tail moving?"

Ash looked at her, "Oh, it's an advanced robotic prosthetic. Emphasis on the advanced." The tail moved up next to him with a slight glow around it. He knocked on it with a clanging sounding out, "It can even light up a bit to simulate Iron Tail."

The teacher raised a brow, "Why?"

Ash shrugged as the glow faded and the tail moved back down to hang behind him, "I don't know either. My friend who's really into robotics built it." He sweat dropped and deadpanned, "He also really likes embarrassing me."

Soot snickered.

Ash sighed and held up a hand, "Can we please stop talking about it? It's embarrassing enough as is."

The teacher chuckled sheepishly, "Sorry. Though, I don't think the students will do the same."

Ash shrugged, "Well I can just go with what you were thinking, at first. Tell them it's a costume for the occasion."

Miss Reiko put a hand to her chin, "Yeah, that could work."

.

*Playground

"Ehhh." Soot groaned as one of the children pulled at the sides of her mouth, 'Great. They're the grabby kind.'

Immediately after the group walked through the entrance, the students ran up to them in a stampede; extremely eager to play with the Pokémon. Since Soot was the only one on the ground, they went after her. They'd been grabbing and pulling at her fur and poking her ever since.

Reiko frowned worriedly, "Children, you really shouldn't be messing with it like that! Mightyena are called Bite Pokémon for a reason!"

Soot shot her a deadpanned glance, "Hey, I know better that to bite any waaa-" She was cut off when one of the kids pulled her muzzle open. She sweat dropped, 'Okay, done with this.' Her eyes shifted to their inherent state.

The kids all stared in confusion when they all lost their grips and their hands started going through the Dark-type. Soot sighed in relief.

"Hey," One of the kids complained while moving his hands through Soot's shoulder; feeling nothing, "what's goin' on?"

The teacher stared in shock before kneeling down and attempting to pet the canine. Her hand went straight through the Pokémon's head, "What the- I thought mightyena were pure Dark-types."

Soot looked at Reiko, "Banette inheritance." She turned invisible.

The kids all flinched and started looking around.

The teacher blinked in surprise and glanced away thoughtfully, "Inheri-" She perked up and gasped before looking at Ash in shock.

Ash noticed and deadpanned, "Yes, my full name is Ashton Satoshi Ketchum. I'll answer whatever questions you have in a little while."

One of the students looked at Ash and pointed at him, "Hey, why do your ears look funny?"

Another ran behind the trainer, "And why do you have a tail?"

One of the girl's eyes lit up, "Are you part Pokémon?!"

A boy raised a brow, "Maybe he's just weird."

Reiko glared and was about to say something.

Before she did, Ash chuckled and knelt down, "Actually, it's a special costume my friend made. And I mean really special. Watch this." The trainer glanced at Pikachu.

The Electric-type raised a brow, "Why are you looking at me like- WOAH!"

Pikachu was interrupted by the vaporeon tail wrapping around him and lifting him off Ash's shoulder.

The student's eyes all widen in shock and awe. Togepi smiled brightly at the sight.

Reiko watched in surprise, "Woah. He wasn't kidding when he said that thing was advanced."

Brock sweat dropped, "Y- yeah…"

"Cool!" One of the children cried out happily. He looked at Ash while pointing at the tail, "How's it do that?!"

Ash smiled sadly, "Sorry, but my friend didn't really tell me how it works. All I know is that it's an advanced robotic fake."

"Awww." Some of the students said sadly.

Pikachu glanced at his trainer while sweat dropping, "Um, Ash? Can you let me down now?"

Ash moved Pikachu back to his shoulder and petted him, "Sorry, bud."

Clefairy giggled.

A student pointed at the shoulder riders, "Hey! What about those Pokémon?!"

"Yeah! We wanna play with them!" Another called out.

Ash chuckled softly and waved his hands, "Alright. Alright." He raised a finger and put on a more stoic expression, "But don't all crowd around them or pull on anything. My Pokémon are nice enough to not wanna hurt anyone, but any Pokémon will still let out some kind of attack if they feel like they're in trouble."

A girl student frowned, "But that doggy Pokémon-"

"Soot's a special case." Ash interrupted, "I raised her myself and I know that she would rather run and hide than even consider hurting someone your age. She acts a lot more like a human than your normal Pokémon."

"No argument!" Soot called out from what sounded like a distance. Some of the kids started looking around for her again.

Ash smiled kindly, "You need to be gentle with Pokémon. Especially ones that are smaller than you. And not just for their safety." He glanced at either of his shoulder riders.

The pair smiled and nodded before jumping down from their trainer. They ran over to the kids and each stopped in front of a different girl. The two kids looked down at the Electric and Fairy-types before frowning and sharing a look. None of the other students approached.

Reiko's eyes widened in shock.

Ash stood back up and raised a finger, "Maybe this'll help. Pikachu really likes head and chin scratches and Clefairy loves hugs. Just remember what I said about being gentle and you'll be fine."

The girls looked up at him before looking at the Pokémon again. Pikachu smiled kindly and Clefairy held up her arms.

The one in front of Pikachu knelt down in front of him, placed a hand on his head, and started scratching.

Pikachu smiled happily as a response and pushed his head closer into her hand, "Chaaa!"

The girl smiled happily and continued petting him, "It likes it!"

The one in front of Clefairy looked at the other girl in surprise before kneeling down and holding her arms out too. Clefairy's smile brightened before she jumped into her arms.

The girl smiled and cuddled the Fairy Pokémon happily, "Oh, it's so soft!"

Clefairy nuzzled her back, "Fair fairy!"

All of the other students watched in awe.

Reiko stared in pure shock before looking at Ash, 'He actually got them to be gentle?!'

One of the boys in the group looked at Ash with an angry pout, "Hey, no fair! How come only Emily and June get to play with the Pokémon?!"

Ash smirked, "I never said that. I mean, I do have more than three Pokémon." He gestured to the Gym Leaders on either side of him, "In fact, between my friends and I, we have a total of twenty-one Pokémon for you all to play with." He stopped and reconsidered, "Well, twenty if Soot stays out of it."

"We'll see how it goes!" Soot called out again.

The Water trainer and Breeder each smiled with a thumbs up.

The kids' eyes all lit up.

Reiko glanced at the trio of trainers in confusion, 'Twenty-one?'

.

**Short Skip**

After Ash, Brock, and Misty brought their teams out, filled them in about what was going on, instructed them to behave, and subsequently showed them that the 'new non-Pokémon' glitch was happening again, the horde of Pokémon spread out around the playground. Much to the student's excitement.

Onix was lying around with his tail just above the ground as the kids climbed all over him. Geodude stood by in case any of the kids fell off. Living with Brock's siblings for most of their lives gave them a lot of experience in this field.

Starmie and Goldeen swam in the fountain as the kids petted them. Bulbasaur was sunbathing next to the fountain for the same reason and because it was more convenient for them to be in the same general area. Zubat was on a low hanging branch on a shaded tree next to the fountain; also being petted.

Muk laid with them as well and was repeatedly poked and pulled at by the more hyperactive students. Ash told everyone that Muk was the only Pokémon that they didn't need to be gentle with; due to his Impact Repulsion. Soot demonstrated this by jumping at him from nowhere and shooting a Sucker Punch at the Sludge Pokémon. Muk chuckled when she was thrown back and caught by Ash.

Squirtle, Pikachu, Staryu, and Clefairy ran around and played tag with the kids. Psyduck also joined them but it seemed like he was actually just running around in general. One of the Pokémon made sure to get 'tagged' by the Duck Pokémon whenever he was it. Which was … surprisingly not as often as you may think. His aimless running made him near impossible to predict.

Charizard, Aerodactyl, Seadra, and Soot gave the kids rides around the playground. The Flame and Fossil Pokémon made sure to fly low as the students rode on their backs. Pidgeotto flew alongside Aerodactyl just in case. The Dragon and Bite Pokémon hovered/ran around the area with one of the students on their backs.

Vulpix and Electra were having a pretend tea party with a few of the students. Vulpix played along easily -having repeatedly done this with Suzie's cousins- and Electra kept looking into the cup in confusion when one of the girls 'poured' anything.

The trainers and Reiko sat around a table and supervised the playground. Though, every so often, Reiko would ask Ash about his 'encounter with the Phantom'. Most of his answers were along the lines of 'I can't remember completely. It was over five years ago.'

Misty kept the sleeping Togepi in her arms. Still, she let the kids come around to pet him.

And finally, Primeape-

"Hey, Ash!"

Ash perked up and looked over to find two kids looking at Primeape excitedly. The Fighting-type, himself, looked nervous.

The trainer raised a brow before standing up, walking over, and kneeling down, "Hey. Is everything alright?"

"Well…" Primeape started in an unsure tone.

One of the students smiled excitedly, "I remember that my big brother said that these pimeape Pokémon are super strong!"

His friend nodded, "We wanna see it attack something!"

Primeape glanced at Ash warily, "Y- yeah … that."

Ash glanced at Primeape as he thought back to what the problem was with that.

.

**Flashback**

"And Primeape." Ash said.

Primeape looked at Ash in boredom, "Yeah?"

Ash smiled kindly with his eyes closed, "If you try to pick a fight or end up hurting any of the children, you don't get to train, battle, or even exercise for an entire month. I won't let you do anything but relax."

The Pig Monkey Pokémon flinched, and his eyes widened fearfully. He gulped, "G- got it."

Soot, Charizard, and Muk snorted.

.

**End flashback**

Ash looked down thoughtfully before looking at the kids with a smile, "I think that'll be okay. My friend's onix can set up a few rocks and Primeape can use Brick Break on them." He raised a finger again, "Just make sure to stand far enough away. We can't have any of you getting hurt by a stray rock."

The kids smiled, "Okay!"

Primeape sighed in relief.

"Primeape." Ash stated.

The Fighting-type tensed up and looked at his trainer, "Y- yeah?"

Ash raised a finger while looking at him, "If you wanna treat this like training, make it a precision exercise for your Brick Break and a reflex test. Your goal will be to make your cuts as clean as possible so hardly anything flies off the target. If anything does fly too far, your goal will be to catch or deflect it so that it doesn't hit anyone. Pursuit will be allowed in this situation."

The two students just stared in confusion.

Primeape blinked in surprise before giving a thumbs up and took on a determined expression, "Deal!"

Ash smiled, "Good." He stood up, looked over at the Rock/Ground-type acting as a jungle gym, and called out, "Hey Onix!"

The Rock Snake perked up and looked at them, "Yeah?!" Brock perked up and looked over as well.

Ash pointed a thumb back, "Do you think you could set up a few boulders over here with Rock Slide?! These students wanna see Primeape attack stuff!"

Onix blinked in surprise before looking at his trainer. Brock noticed and shrugged while smiling.

Onix smiled at Ash, "No problem!" He looked at the empty space near Ash, Primeape, and the kids intently as his horn lit up light blue.

Eight large boulders materialized around Onix's head before he pointed his horn forward. The massive rocks shot across the field and crashed down in the empty spot. The two boys and everyone climbing on Onix stared in awe as the glow faded from his horn.

Reiko watched in surprise before looking at Brock, "So you're okay with your friend bossing around your Pokémon like that?"

Brock looked at her in confusion, "Huh? Bossing him around? Ash just asked if he could do something for him."

Reiko blinked in surprise.

Ash smiled and waved at the Rock Snake Pokémon, "Thanks Onix!" He looked back at Primeape and the kids; still smiling, "Have fun." He started walking back to the others.

Primeape glared at the boulders determinedly and cracked his knuckles, "Oh, I intend to." He held out his hand to the side as it lit up white.

The two students hurried away from Primeape and looked back in excitement.

On his way back to the table, Ash noticed something out of the corner of his eye and looked over.

.

*Table

Misty smiled while looking around at the playground as Togepi slept comfortably in her arms, "It's nice to see everyone having so much fun."

Brock smiled and nodded, "Yeah. They even seem pretty relaxed too."

Reiko smiled happily, "And to think they're being so gentle. It's unbelievable."

Brock looked at her, "Well we put a lot of work into training our Poké-"

"Oh, no." The teacher said while waving a hand; still smiling, "I mean the students."

Misty raised a brow, "Huh?"

Reiko looked at the Water trainer, "Usually all of them are too rambunctious and impatient for me to even get a word in." She smiled brightly, "And to think Mr. Ketchum got them all to behave immediately. He didn't even have to shout."

The Gym Leaders perked up and looked at her.

Misty blinked in surprise, "Um … shout?"

Ash made it back over to the table; focus very obviously elsewhere, "Hey, uh, Reiko?"

The teacher looked at him excitedly, "Yes?!"

Ash pointed out into the playground, "Who's that student?"

The three humans perked up and looked where he was pointing. They found a young boy with brown hair and gray eyes sitting against a dome playground climber.

Reiko frowned sadly, "Oh, that's Timmy."

Brock frowned, "How come he's not playing with anyone?"

Reiko frowned and put a hand to her cheek, "I'm not too sure. I didn't think he had a fear of Pokémon. Though, he has been acting a little shier lately."

Ash frowned; head fins drooping slightly. He shook it off and looked back at the teacher, "Mind if I try talking to him?"

.

*Timmy

"You're name's Timmy, right?"

The kid perked up and looked over to see the trainer in the vaporeon costume looking down at him.

Timmy blinked in surprise, "Yeah?"

Ash frowned and crouched down, "I noticed you weren't playing with anyone else. Is everything alright?"

Timmy looked down somberly, "Um-"

Ash smiled softly, "Look, if you're scared of any of the Pokémon, I promise they won't-"

Timmy tensed up and glared at him, "I'm not scared! It's just that I don't wanna play with any of those Pokémon! The only Pokémon I wanna meet is Meowth!"

Ash blinked in surprise, "Really? Why just a meowth?"

Timmy frowned, "Well, ya see, one day I was playing in the woods. All of a sudden, I got attacked by a beedrill." He smiled brightly, "And then a meowth jumped out of a tree and fought off that beedrill! It scratched at it super-fast and even jumped way up and did an awesome spinning kick! It was the coolest! That meowth is my hero!"

"Stop lyin' already!"

Ash and Timmy perked up and looked over to see another boy glaring at them and two girls behind him. The boy had black hair and black eyes, one of the girls had gray eyes and red hair braided into pigtails, and the other girl had brown eyes and brown hair with pigtails tied by yellow bows.

The boy pointed at Timmy; still glaring, "You're just makin' up that dumb story!"

The brunette nodded, "There's no way a meowth could do any of that."

Timmy glared back, "It's true!"

"Oh yeah?! Prove it!" The boy said back.

Timmy frowned, "W- well-"

The boy smirked, "Hah, thought so. No one believes you."

Timmy glared again and was about to say something when-

"I believe him." Ash said with a kind smile, "Afterall, a meowth can be powerful like that."

The three kids looked at Ash in shock. Timmy perked up and looked back at Ash in surprise.

The boy glared at Ash, "Yeah right! Meowth's just a weak Normal-type! There's no way it could be strong!"

Ash shook his head; still smiling, "No, it's true. Normal-type Pokémon may not have an advantage against any other type, but they make up for it in a lot of ways." He raised a finger, "They can learn moves from almost any other type, they can't be hurt by Ghost-type moves, and they only take extra damage from the Fighting-type. There are even some Gym Leaders who only use pure Normal-types with a lot of different typed moves."

The boy's eyes widened in surprise. Timmy continued looking at the trainer in surprise.

"But then, what about the kick?!" The red-haired girl argued, "Timmy made it up, for sure!"

Ash looked upward thoughtfully and put a hand to his chin; still smiling, "Well, that meowth could've been using a kick style Fake Out, Feint, Feint Attack, Assurance, or maybe even Foul Play. Any of them could be possible."

The brown-haired girl frowned, "B- but it's still just a meowth, right? They're just weak and scared and stuff."

Ash looked at them again; smile still present, "Well, you can't tell how any Pokémon will battle or act by just their species." He looked over at his Flying-types, "I mean, look at Charizard. You'd never know that he used to be a charmander who was so scared of disappointing his trainer that he'd start crying."

The four students flinched at looked at the huge Fire/Flying-type in shock. Charizard noticed and looked over at them curiously. Ash smiled and waved at him. Charizard smirked and waved back.

"Sometimes the things you hear about are true." Ash continued while still looking at his Pokémon; catching the kids' attention, "That meowth are too scared to battle. That gyarados are vicious and angry. That metapod can't attack." He looked at the kids with a cheerful grin, "But there's always going to be a few Pokémon that break those rules. You can't be completely sure what a Pokémon will do unless you learn about them as an individual."

The three kids stared in shock before glancing away.

Timmy looked at Ash hopefully, "S- so, you really believe me about Meowth?"

Ash looked at Timmy with a smile, "Well, yeah. I don't really have any reason to think you're lying." He smiled sheepishly, "Still, I admit that meowth isn't my favorite Pokémon. I know one who isn't the nicest." His smile turned kind again, "But I still know their species has the potential to be powerful and brave. Just like every other Pokémon. So, if you say a meowth saved you, then I believe it completely."

Timmy smiled brightly. The black-haired boy's eyes narrowed before he started walking away. The girls perked up and followed him.

"Hey, so," Timmy asked; catching Ash's attention, "do you think you could find a meowth for me?"

Ash blinked in surprise before rubbing the back of his head sheepishly, "Sorry. It's not really that easy." He smiled and looked over at his team, "Still, our Pokémon are all really nice. Even if none of them are your favorite species, I think it'd be nice if you got to know some of them."

Timmy blinked before looking back around the playground. He smiled, looked back at Ash, and nodded.

.

*Bushes across the street from the school

"Hm." Jessie muttered while leaning against a tree and looking down thoughtfully, "Okay. What do we do?"

Meowth sighed while sitting against the same tree, "Beats me. Da whole magic act thing sure as Yvel ain't gonna work. Da twoip 'll just see through da disguises like usual."

James frowned while lying on the ground with his hands behind his head and Growlie lying down next to him, "And we can't just barge in and attack them. All of those kids might get caught in the crossfire." He deadpanned, "That and all of their Pokémon are already out."

"Yeah." Jessie agreed somberly, "Team Rocket's supposed to be the bad guys who steal Pokémon. Attacking a preschool would draw an even bigger target on the whole organization's back."

Meowth groaned, "Gettin' demoted would be da least of our worries."

The tRio let out a collective sigh.

Growlie frowned, "I mean, do we really have to do anything today? You said that you guys left them alone before. We could just ambush them tomorrow when they leave town or something."

Meowth glanced to the side and mumbled, "Yeah. Like da title'ld make any sense if we-" He stopped, perked up, and blinked in surprise, "Uh, guys?"

Jessie and James looked at him, "Hm?"

Meowth pointed into the tree line, "Correct me, but dat ain't normal for young humans, right?"

Jessie, James, and Growlie perked up and looked where he was pointing. They found three children -one boy and two girls- walking through the forest trail. The boy was glaring ahead, one of the girls was following close behind him, and the other was looking around worriedly.

Growlie blinked in surprise, "No, that is not normal."

.

*Preschool

"Lunch time, everyone!" Reiko called out, "Time to come inside!"

"Awww." The students all whined.

Ash smiled and called out, "Don't worry! Most of the Pokémon are small enough to come inside! They can have lunch with you!"

"Yay!" The students and about half the Pokémon cheered.

Everyone started walking towards the building. Some of the students were either carrying or being carried by a Pokémon. Reiko took a moment to take attendance and make sure none of the students were hiding in any of the playground equipment again. The students begrudgingly let go of/got off the Pokémon as they crowded around in front of their teacher. The Pokémon all walked back to their trainers.

"Rachel." Reiko called out.

"Here!" One of the girls called out.

Pikachu and Clefairy jumped up onto Ash's shoulders and nuzzled him.

Ash chuckled and petted them before looking around at everyone, "I take it you guys had fun."

Aerodactyl smiled, "Lot of fun."

Soot grinned, "It was a lot like babysitting again. Except with less math."

"June."

"Here!" The girl who cuddled Clefairy earlier announced.

Ash chuckled, "Needless to say, I'm proud of you all for behaving so well with the students."

Squirtle grinned and put his hands behind his head, "Was there ever any doubt?"

Charizard snickered and placed a claw on the Tiny Turtle Pokémon's head, "I'm sure some of us caused a little concern."

"Michael."

"Here!" A boy said.

Primeape sighed and raised a hand, "And I'm a big enough guy to say that's probably because of me." He perked up, "I'm just happy those kids wanted to see me hit stuff."

The trainer and Pokémon all chuckled.

"Timmy."

"Here!" Timmy called out with a raised hand.

Brock was petting Onix's side, "Good work, partner. I'm sure you made today all the better for everyone."

Onix smiled down at him.

The Pewter Gym Leader smiled around at the rest of his team, "That goes for all of you too. Nice job."

"Thomas." Reiko said.

Misty nodded, kneeled down, and petted Goldeen and Seadra, "Yeah. Way to go."

The pair nuzzled up to their trainer happily.

"Thomas?"

"Hiya!"

The Cerulean trainer perked up and looked over to see Staryu and Starmie looking up at her. She chuckled and petted their topmost spikes, "Oh please, like I'd forget about either of you."

"Thomas!" Reiko called out worriedly.

The trainers and Pokémon perked up and looked at her.

"Reiko, what's wrong?" Misty asked.

The teacher looked at them worriedly, "I can't find one of the students. A little boy with black hair."

Seadra raised a brow, "Wait. Does she mean one of those kids who left a while ago?"

Ash and Soot perked up and the Dark-type looked back at him, "Come again?"

The Water-type looked at her, "The boy and two girls who left earlier. I saw them walk out the entrance."

"What?!" Soot blurted out; startling everyone, "Why didn't you say something?!"

Seadra blinked in surprise, "I- I didn't know I was supposed to."

Soot stared blankly before groaning, "Right … you grew up in the ocean." She looked at the humans and translated what Seadra said.

Reiko gasped, "Three students?!" She looked around at the kids hurriedly. She tensed up and grimaced, "I don't see Rebecca or April, either."

Timmy's eyes widened before he looked at Ash, "They're the ones who said I was lying about Meowth earlier."

Pikachu looked at the boy in confusion, "Meowth?"

Ash looked back at the boy in shock. He looked down before gritting his teeth. "crag" He muttered under his breath.

The students all started looking around worriedly.

Soot frowned before looking at Seadra, "You said they left through the front entrance, right?"

Seadra nodded, "Yeah."

Soot smiled, "Good." She ran over to the gate and started sniffing the ground. After a few seconds, she perked up and looked back, "I've got their scent!"

Reiko smiled happily.

Ash smiled and called out to her, "Way to go, Soot!" He looked back and forth at his shoulder riders, "Pikachu, Clefairy, I'll need you to come along, just in case."

The pair glared determinedly and nodded, "Right!"

Ash smiled before looking around at his team, "Everyone else, stay here with the kids!"

His team nodded.

Reiko walked up to Ash, "I'm coming too! These kids are my responsibility!"

Ash nodded, "Fine by me."

Brock looked at Reiko, "In that case, we'll stay behind with the students."

Misty smiled and gave a thumbs up, "You can count on us."

Reiko smiled and nodded, "Thank you."

"Come on, already!" Soot called out; catching Ash and Reiko's attention, "Before we lose the trail!"

Ash nodded before looking back at the Gym Leaders, "We'll be back soon."

Soot turned and ran through the entrance. Ash and Reiko hurried after her.

The students all watched worriedly.

Brock noticed and smiled softly, "It'll be alright. Ash and Miss Reiko will be back with your friends in no time."

Misty nodded while smiling, "Yeah. Now, let's go inside. Reiko said it was time for lunch, right?"

"Okay!" The students called out; seemingly cheered up instantly.

Misty blinked and smiled awkwardly, 'Easier than expected…'

Everyone started walking inside. Exceptions being Aerodactyl, Onix, and Charizard. The half Rock-types had to wait outside due to not being able to fit through the door. Didn't stop the Fossil Pokémon from trying at least once, though.

Timmy was looking back at the front entrance worriedly. Charizard noticed, walked over, and growled softly. Timmy perked up and looked back at him. Charizard smiled softly and nodded before nudging his head back. Timmy smiled and nodded before following him inside.

Illavera: W- wait … so the teacher just left all of those kids alone with two strangers?

Pike: *sweat drops* Well, when you put it like that…

Faux: *smiles* But it's Brock and Misty we're talking about. They can be trusted.

Ohirume: *shrugs* I thought it seemed more appropriate -in comparison- than her allowing the entire class to go deep into the forest to follow Team Rocket's meowth.

Nuevo: … *looks at Omega* Tell me that is on that sins thing.

Omega: *flips page and smirks* Yup. Minun number 109 and 113 ... and 105, kinda. *looks closer* Huh. And apparently the animation quality took more than a few hits in this one.

Gem: *raises brow and mutters* Animation?

Seishin: *puts arms behind head* Yeah. The Porygon crisis did a lot of damage.

.

*Forest

The small group of Ash, Soot, and Reiko hurried through the thick forest with the canine among them leading the way. Pikachu and Clefairy were still on their trainers' shoulders. After a moment, Ash and Soot's eyes widened upon noticing something.

Ash stopped in his tracks and held out an arm, "Wait." Pikachu and Clefairy looked at him in confusion.

The teacher stopped and looked at him in surprise, "What's wrong?"

Soot opened her mouth, formed a Shadow Ball, and shot it ahead. The Ghost-type attack struck, and a massive cloud of smoke erupted from the ground and covered the path before them.

Reiko jerked and blinked in surprise. She sweat dropped, "W-well, I admit that was a strong Shadow Ball. But this really isn't a time to show off."

Soot glared ahead, "That wasn't from my attack."

"Intuitive as ever, I see!" The feminine voice called out.

Another voice grumbled, "Guess we can cross smoke mines off da list too."

Pikachu and Clefairy jerked upon recognizing it. Ash and Soot gritted their teeth.

Reiko started looking around worriedly, "What?! Who's there?!"

A shadow jumped into the smoke from the bushes. "Prepare for trouble!" The figure from before said.

Two more shadows jumped in; one human and one canine, "And make it double!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To unite all peoples within our nation!"

"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"

"To extend our reach to the stars above!"

The smoke cleared to reveal a red-haired woman smirking, "Jessie!"

A man with blue hair appeared next to her with a growlithe standing next to him, "James!"

"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light!"

"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"

A meowth jumped down from a tree and landed in front of the humans; forelegs crossed, "Meowth! Dat's right!"

Pikachu and Clefairy glared at the quaRtet angrily.

Ash pinched the bridge of his nose, "Of course, they find us out here. Especially now."

Soot huffed, "Typical."

Reiko perked up and looked at Ash and Soot in surprise, "You know them?"

Soot looked up at her, "Yes, but not in a good way." She pointed a paw at them, "They're Pokémon thieves who we run into ridiculously often. I'll give you one guess why."

Reiko tensed up and looked at Team Rocket in shock, "Thieves?!" She instantly shifted to a furious glare and shouted, "WHAT DID YOU DO WITH MY STUDENTS?!"

The four of them flinched and looked at her in surprise. Ash, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy did as well.

Jessie shook it off and smirked, "Oh please, like we'd stoop that low. Especially on Kids Day."

James shrugged; also smiling, "We just saw them wander off and decided to role with it to lure you out, twerp. They're just up ahead."

Meowth pointed at Ash with a determined smirk, "Our business is with you. You otha's wanna get ta dose kids, den start movin'. We ain't stoppin' ya."

"Of course, if you try to stay behind and help him," Growlie said as he moved into a fighting stance, "then we may have to resist." He smirked wickedly, "And I can only assume you're in a hurry."

Ash gritted his teeth while glaring at the Rockets. He glanced back at the others, "Go after them."

Soot, Reiko, Pikachu, and Clefairy looked at him in surprise.

Soot frowned, "But dad-"

"I'll be fine, Soot." Ash said, "Just go find the students. Their safety matters more."

Pikachu frowned and his ears drooped before he nodded, "Okay." He jumped down onto Soot's back. Reiko looked at the Pokémon in surprise as he did.

Clefairy jumped down to her as well and looked back at Ash worriedly, "Just be careful, okay?"

Ash smiled softly, "I'll be okay. Promise." He glared ahead, "Now hurry."

Soot nodded and hurried through the forest again. Reiko looked at Ash worriedly before turning to follow the Dark-type. They all ran right past Team Rocket and shot them a harsh glare as they did.

The teacher managed to catch up and looked at Soot worriedly, "Are you sure he'll be okay? Mr. Ketchum doesn't have any Pokémon with him."

Soot glanced at her; deadpanned, 'Still with the "Mr. Ketchum" crag?' She glared ahead again, "Dad'll be fine. Besides, they wouldn't have let us pass so easily if any of us stayed behind to help him. He knew that."

Reiko's eyes widened again before she glanced back the way they came. She frowned and looked ahead again.

The three girls and Pikachu disappeared into the woods a moment later.

James looked at Ash with a raised brow, "Hey, so, quick question before we start. What's with the ears and tail?"

"I had a bad headache yesterday." Ash stated.

Jessie raised a brow, "And … that causes this?"

Ash shrugged, "If it's bad enough." He crossed his arms and raised a brow, "I mean, when was the last time you saw a psychic who can transform get a headache?"

Meowth raised a digit on his paw and was about to say something. He stopped, considered that, and sweat dropped, "I, uh- I guess dat makes sense." 'Kind of.'

Ash smiled, "Alright. Now that that's cleared up-" He quickly inhaled and shot a Water Gun at them.

Jessie, James, Meowth, and Growlie flinched and just barely managed to dodge. They recovered and looked at the 'Phantom' in shock.

Ash wiped his mouth and smirked, "Yeah. There's also that."

The humans present perked up and blinked in confusion.

The tail moved around and lit up white from Iron Tail, "I never said this was a bad thing."

James stared in confusion, "W- why are you talking like that?"

Ash perked up and groaned, "Right. Forgot about that again." He cleared his throat and looked at them, "I said 'I never said this was a bad thing.' The random language switch is part of this."

Jessie sweat dropped and deadpanned, "Of course, it is." She shook it off, pulled out a pokéball, and threw it, "Come out, Lickitung!"

James pointed ahead, "Growlie! Go!"

"Right!" Growlie called out as he jumped forward.

Lickitung materialized next to him, "Licki!" He looked at Ash and cocked his head in confusion, "tung?"

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Are they not using Arbok or Weezing?' His eyes widened, 'Unless-'

A bush started rustling next to him.

Ash glared at the plant, 'Nice try!' He quickly inhaled and fired a Water Gun at the bush.

"WEE!" The weedle he shot out of the bush cried out as they tumbled back. They quickly got back to their feet and climbed up a tree frightenedly.

Ash blinked in surprise while staring at the tree. Team Rocket stared blankly. Growlie snapped out of it first and looked at Ash.

The trainer sweat dropped as his 'ears' drooped, 'Okay … so Arbok and Weezing probably aren't hiding somewhere to ambush me. I may have overestimated their planning abili-' He looked back ahead and found the growlithe shooting towards him; open muzzle about an inch away from him and aiming for his shoulder.

Acting on reflex, Ash leaned back in an attempt to dodge. Which ended with him in a full backbend.

Growlie Bit down on the empty space and shot past. He pivoted with a forepaw and skidded to a halt before looking at Ash in shock.

James blinked in surprise, "Woah."

Ash blinked in surprise as he looked back at Growlie; still in the back bend, 'Okay, this is new.'

Jessie stared blankly before shaking it off and glaring, "Lickitung! Paralyze him with Lick! Now!"

The Licking Pokémon shot his tongue outward and swung it to Ash's side. The trainer responded by kicking off to transition into a handstand and fired another Water Gun. He launched into a brief backflip before landing back on his feet and skidding to a halt; something he only practiced doing as a Pokémon. Lickitung's attack swept by and missed.

Ash looked down at himself in surprise, 'I wasn't this flexible before, was I?'

Jessie glared furiously, "Okay what the Yvel?"

Meowth glared as well, "Since when could ya move like dat as a human?!"

'I don't freaking know!' Ash screamed internally. He looked at Team Rocket with a smirk, "Isn't it obvious?" He grabbed at his head fin, "Vaporeon can melt into water at will. All I have to do is liquify the right joints for a second."

"Are you kidding me?!" Jessie blurted out, "That has to be against the rules!"

Ash deadpanned, "This is a two v. one … and you're trying to kidnap me."

James put a hand to his chin, "He's got us there, Jess."

The female Rocket agent glared at him; making him flinch.

James pointed at Ash, "Growlie! Flame Wheel!"

"Use Slam!" Jessie followed.

Growlie jumped, spun into a wheel of flame, and shot forward. Lickitung extended his tongue towards the trainer at an alarming speed.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'Okay, good. They bought the liquify thing.' He jumped to the side, lit up his tail, and spun around to Iron Tail the tongue, 'Still, what changed?'

"Tung!" Lickitung cried out as he reeled his tongue back in.

Ash glanced at the fast-approaching Puppy Pokémon and lurched to the side again. The trainer inhaled before firing a Water Gun into the Fire-type's side; canceling his attack.

"Grow!" Growlie cried out as the attack washed him away. James grimaced.

Ash skidded to a halt and wiped his mouth again, 'When I checked earlier, I found that I could only use Water Gun and Iron Tail.'

Growlie got back to his feet and shook himself dry.

Jessie gritted her teeth, "Stomp him!"

James held out a hand, "Growlie, Dig!"

Growlie jumped and dove into the ground. Lickitung started running at Ash.

Ash glared at the Normal-type as he stood his ground, 'I didn't have any other abilities from my vaporeon form.'

When Lickitung got close enough, he jumped high above the trainer. At the same time, Ash glanced downward before jumping back.

The tRio's eyes widened when Growlie burst out of the ground right under Lickitung. The battler's eyes widened in shock before Lickitung accidently Stomped down on Growlie.

"Growlie!" James cried out in alarm.

Jessie tensed up and smiled nervously, "Uh, whoops."

Lickitung grimaced before getting off Growlie and shot his tongue at Ash in another attempt at Slam. Ash was still moving back from the jump.

The boy backflipped with another Water Gun and dodge the muscle. He skidded back to a halt again.

'Actually, now that I think about it,' Ash continued thinking as he stared down Team Rocket calmly, 'everything feels a little looser. Like I'm suddenly more limber. But what could cause-' His tail twitched, 'The new non-Pokémon! Their Power Integration must've kicked in! So, they might have some kind of malleability! But, if that's really the case,' He groaned internally, 'It could really be trouble depending on the personality gli-'

"THOMAS!" Reiko cried out.

Ash flinched and looked in the direction the others went in shock. Team Rocket all jerked and looked back.

"Okay, then!" Ash said; catching the Team's attention. They looked back to find Ash in the middle of slipping on one of his red gloves.

"Time to wrap this up!" Ash said before holding out the gloved hand to them.

Jessie, James, Meowth, Growlie, and Lickitung's eyes widened when the trainer's outstretched hand became engulfed in flames. James pointed a pokéball to his Fire-type and returned him.

.

*Soot, Reiko, Pikachu, Clefairy, and the three students; moments earlier

"CHU!" Pikachu cried out as he unleashed a Thunderbolt.

The beedrill dodged to the side, lit up their right arm purple, and shot forward with Poison Sting at the ready. Pikachu lit up his tail, moved into a one-paw handstand, and swung around to intercept the attack with Iron Tail.

A second beedrill capitalized and shot towards the Mouse Pokémon with a Fell Stinger. Pikachu noticed and lit up his paw on the ground with rainbow energy before discharging a Thunderbolt. Both Poison Bee Pokémon flinched when an explosion erupted from the Electric-type. The smoke cleared and both of the beedrill jerked and started looking around for the Electric-type.

"PIKAA"

They both tensed up and looked into the air.

"CHUUUU!" Pikachu cried out as he unleashed a Thunderbolt down on them.

The first beedrill shoved the other to the side as the attack struck them, "DRILL!" They landed and slumped forward slightly as electricity ran across them.

Soot fired another Shadow Ball at another of the Bug/Poison-types. A fourth beedrill zipped over and sliced the Ghost-type attack with a Poison Jab. The one she targeted moved upward, pointed all three stingers at Soot, and unleashed a swarm of purple needles from all three points.

The Bite Pokémon jumped back and detonated a pair of Shadow Balls from her forepaws to shoot back and dodge the Poison Sting. Soot skidded back to stand next to the students, teacher, and Clefairy and started looking around cautiously.

The students were huddled around Reiko and looking around worriedly as their teacher tried to comfort them. Clefairy stood guard in front of the four of them; flashing Dazzling Gleam when one of the beedrill looked their way.

The red-haired girl -Rebecca- looked at Soot worriedly, "W- why are they attacking us?!"

"We're in their territory." Soot answered; still looking around at the four beedrill, "This is one of those groups that won't let us leave without a scratch." She glanced back at them, "Just stay together and let us handle this. They'll target you if you try to run." She ran toward one of the beedrill again and pounced at them with Fire Fang. Beedrill cried out as the Fire-type attack clamped down on their abdomen.

The three kids started trembling and moved closer to their teacher. Reiko kneeled down and pulled them closer, "It'll be okay, kids." None of them noticed a stinger pointing out of a nearby bush.

Clefairy glanced back at them worriedly. Her eyes widened when a purple ring appeared below April.

"Look out!" The Fairy Pokémon shouted before running up and shoving the girl back.

A surge of purple lightning shot up and washed over Clefairy.

"Clefairy!" Rebecca cried out worriedly. Thomas, April, and Reiko just stared in shock.

Clefairy held her arms over her face as Toxic continued attacking her. When it stopped, she sighed and moved her arms away; revealing the purple tint on her face. She looked at the teacher and students, "Are you guys o-" She stopped and stared in surprise when she saw the four of them looking at her fearfully.

The Fairy-type blinked in confusion, 'What the?' She perked up, "Oh wait, right." She smiled softly and waved her hands, "Don't worry. My ability is Magi-"

"Cle- clefairy…" April stuttered frightenedly.

"It's-" Rebecca followed, "it's poisoned!"

Thomas started trembling, "We have to get out of here!" He turned and ran away from the battlefield.

Reiko held out a hand, "Thomas, wait!"

A fifth beedrill shot up out of the bush and flew towards the escaping boy immediately. Thomas looked back and his eyes widened in shock.

"Ah!" He cried out as he tripped and crashed to the ground.

"THOMAS!" Reiko cried out frightenedly.

Soot turned and ran towards him as fast as she could. But not fast enough. Thomas just stared in horror as the Bug/Poison-type approached.

Suddenly, a massive explosion erupted from the forest; causing everyone to stop what they were doing and look in that direction in shock. Pikachu and a beedrill noticed four objects shoot into the air and out of sight.

"W- what was-" The beedrill in front of Thomas muttered. They flinched when something burst from a nearby bush and looked over right as a hind paw struck them in the face.

The Poison Bee Pokémon shot to the side and crashed against the ground. Another beedrill snapped out of it and zipped over to them.

Thomas stared at his savior in pure shock, "N- no way…"

The meowth landed on all fours in front of the boy and started growling at the beedrill. He tensed up and started coughing.

Meowth stuck his tongue out, "Freaking Yvel. How does meema do that?"

Soot looked at him in surprise, 'His meema?' She shook it off, ran over, and hoisted Thomas onto her back before running over to the teacher.

Thomas quickly got off her and ran over to his teacher, "Miss Reiko!"

Reiko pulled him into a hug, "Thomas! Thank Arceus you're okay!"

Pikachu ran over and looked at Clefairy, "You alright?"

Clefairy smiled and gave a thumbs up, "Yup. Just poisoned."

The Electric-type sighed in relief.

Meowth ran over to them and smiled, "Glad to see you're not hurt."

Pikachu looked at the Normal-type and tensed up. Clefairy looked at him curiously.

The Scratch Cat Pokémon noticed Pikachu's reaction, turned around, and looked around worriedly, "What is it?!"

Pikachu smiled sheepishly and waved his forepaws, "Nothing nothing. Sorry." 'Freaking Yvel, Meowth has me on alert.'

Soot smiled at the Normal-type, "Thanks for the save."

Clefairy smiled and nodded, "Yeah. It's lucky you were out here."

Meowth smiled up at them sheepishly, "Actually, I've been tailing you all for a little while. This isn't the first time someone's wandered into this area."

Soot blinked in surprise before shaking it off. She looked around at the beedrill. The one Meowth hit with Feint Attack had already recovered and flew back with the assisting beedrill alongside them. The horde regrouped and stared the group down. Though, one was still sparking from paralysis.

The Dark-types eyes narrowed, "So you've dealt with these guys before?"

Meowth looked at the opponents, "Not these five, specifically. But I know they're colony. They're organized and dangerous, but also cautious." He glanced at the paralyzed beedrill, "If we can just knockout three of them, they'll gather up those who can't battle and retreat to get backup. We can escape then."

Soot smirked, "Sounds good to me. Think you can split them up? We should each be able to take one down."

Pikachu and Clefairy nodded, "Yeah."

Meowth smirked as he moved into his fighting stance, "On it." His eyes narrowed as his whiskers lit up white. A wide pulse of energy spread out from him and all around the clearing.

Soot looked at him in surprise as he did so, 'What the-'

Next, the Scratch Cat Pokémon held his head up as the charm on his forehead glowed white. A swarm of white spheres appeared around Meowth and shot at the Bug/Poison-types.

The beedrill all dispersed in order to dodge. However, the projectiles swerved slightly in mid-air and managed to graze two of them in the shoulder and hit the paralyzed one right in the chest. The two who dodge stared in shock as it happened.

Soot's eyes widened, 'What the Yvel?! Pay Day isn't supposed to move like that! Unless-' She jerked and glanced at the Normal-type in shock, 'was that Odor Sleuth?!'

Meowth smirked and fired again as they attempted to regroup. Reiko, the students, and Ash's Pokémon just watched in surprise.

The barrage continued for another few seconds. All of the beedrill were now spread out all around the clearing.

"Now!" Meowth called out.

Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy snapped out of it and each charged one of the beedrill.

Soot jumped and propelled herself towards Beedrill with Shadow Ball. Beedrill had no time to react as the Bite Pokémon clamped down on their abdomen with Fire Fang. Beedrill cried out in response. Soot let go, jumped off their hip, and unleashed a swarm of Shadow Balls.

Pikachu lit up with Quick Attack and shot towards Beedrill. Beedrill noticed, their stinger arms lit up light blue, and they shot Twineedle towards the approaching Electric-type. Pikachu jumped right before the spears hit the ground, ran up one of the arms, and spun on a forepaw to nail Beedrill in the side of the head with Iron Tail. He quickly jumped off their shoulder and unleashed a Thunderbolt.

Clefairy ran towards the paralyzed beedrill and started waving her fingers as they lit up white. Her eyes narrowed, 'feels like…' She perked up, 'Special!' She stopped in her tracks and held out her hand right before Energy Ball materialized and fired.

Beedrill glared cockily, 'That's it?' They crossed their stingers in front of their face and took the attack. Beedrill moved their stingers away, looked ahead slyly, and called out, "Don't you know Grass attacks barely do-" They stopped and stared in shock when they found Clefairy's hand approaching their face; Pound at the ready.

"DRIIIILL!" All three beedrill cried out as the attacks struck all at once. They all fell back to lay on the ground with their eyes swirling.

One of the remaining beedrill glared, "tch." They looked at the other still-conscious Poison Bee Pokémon, "Retreat!"

The beedrill nodded before shooting out String Shot from the tip of their face and latching onto the fallen beedrill. The horde of beedrill escaped into the bushes and disappeared from view.

Meowth sighed in relief and sat down.

Rebecca and April smiled brightly and ran up to hug the Normal-type, "Yay!"

Meowth tensed up as the girls both pulled him into a group hug. He looked back and smiled softly before licking one of them on the cheek.

Thomas just stared at the Pokémon blankly, "B- but- but I thought meowth were just scaredy cats."

Meowth looked back at the boy in confusion, "Huh?"

Reiko looked down at the boy in disappointment, "Thomas, don't be rude."

"He means the 'meowth are easily frightened' stereotype." Soot answered while walking back over; catching all of their attention. Pikachu and Clefairy ran up to stand beside her.

Soot smiled, "I'll be honest, it took me a second to figure it out, myself." She looked at the Scratch Cat Pokémon, "Trying to growl like your parent. Odor Sleuth egg move. Courageous and caring enough to turn the stereotype on its head and then some." She grinned, "You're male meema's an arcanine, isn't he?"

Meowth perked up and blinked in surprise, "Uh, yeah … how'd you figure all of that out so fast?"

Soot shrugged, "I'm smarter than I look."

"Ar- arcanine?" Rebecca asked in surprise. Meowth perked up and looked at her in surprise.

April looked at Soot in awe, "You mean like that Pokémon that Officer Jenny has?!"

Soot smiled at them, "Yup. Turns out this guy's dad is one."

The girls perked up and stared at the Normal-type in awe. Reiko looked at him in surprise.

Thomas stared at the meowth in pure shock before frowning and looking down shamefully, 'Timmy really was telling the truth.'

Meowth looked around at the humans in shock before looking at Soot, "Wait, you speak human?! That's possible?!"

Soot tried to hold back a laugh, 'Oh, the irony.' "Yes, it's possible. Takes a lot of practice, though."

Meowth blinked in surprise, "Huh…"

Soot, Pikachu, and Meowth's ears twitched as they started hearing someone panting and looked towards a nearby path. Everyone else noticed and looked as well.

Ash jogged into the clearing and slumped forward with his hands on his knees; panting heavily and slightly pale. He looked around at the others tiredly; still panting, "H- hey … d- did someone … scream?"

Soot raised a brow, "Uh, yeah. But we took care of it. Why are you out of-" Her eyes widened in realization before she glared at her father angrily, "You used the red gloves, didn't you?"

Ash tensed up slightly.

Clefairy perked up before looking at him in shock, "Wait, that explosion was you?!"

Meowth flinched and looked at her in shock, "I'm sorry, what?"

Pikachu looked at him, "We'll explain on the way back."

.

*Schoolyard

After lunch, the students all went right back to playing with the Pokémon. Though, every so often, some would look towards the entrance to see if their teacher was back; Timmy more often than the others.

Brock currently stood at the entrance and kept a look out.

Misty walked up with Togepi in her arms and looked around, "Any sign of them?"

Brock frowned, "Not yet. I'm starting to get worried."

Togepi frowned and looked up at Misty, "They're okay, right meema?"

Misty looked down at him, smiled sadly, and petted him, "I'm sure they're on their way back now, sweetie."

"Pika-Chu! Pikachu-Pi!" Pikachu called out happily.

The breeder and Water trainer jerked before looking towards the woods. Togepi looked and smiled happily when he saw the others on their way back.

Rebecca and April had Pikachu and Clefairy in their arms. The Mouse and Fairy Pokémon were waving at them happily and Meowth walked alongside the teacher. Thomas stayed close to Reiko while looking down shamefully.

Ash had an arm full of various berries and fruits and was currently eating a sitrus berry with a tired look on his face. Soot was glaring at him sourly.

Brock stared blankly before looking at Misty.

The Cerulean trainer looked at him and raised a hand defensively, "I swear I had no clue they were that close when I said that."

One of the kids inside looked at the entrance and perked up. They smiled brightly, "They're back!"

Everyone else looked over and smiled brightly. The students ran over to their teacher immediately.

Ash and Soot walked back over to the Gym Leaders. Rebecca and April let go of Pikachu and Clefairy and the shoulder riders ran over to stand next to Ash.

Ash swallowed and looked at his friends with a tired smile, "Hey guys."

Misty raised a brow, "Uh, hey … glad you're back. What's with the fruit?"

Ash sighed sadly, "We ran into Team Rocket, I had to battle them solo, and I burned off a lot of blood with the red gloves. Soot's been forcing me to stuff my face ever since."

"That's what you get for doing something stupid." Soot stated before glaring at Ash again, "Also when did I say you could stop?"

Ash groaned and bit into the yellow berry again. "Thought I was supposed to be the parent, here." He mumbled under his breath.

Pikachu and Clefairy patted his legs sympathetically.

Brock sweat dropped and smiled nervously, "I see…"

"A meowth!" Timmy called out excitedly upon seeing the Normal-type.

Meowth flinched slightly and looked at him. He perked up, blinked in surprise, and tilted his head curiously, "Wait a second." He walked closer and his whiskers blipped white for about a second. The Scratch Cat Pokémon smiled at him, "I thought you looked familiar."

Ash, Soot, Pikachu, and Clefairy perked up and looked back at him.

Reiko smiled and petted the feline, "We ran into a few beedrill and this little guy jumped in to help Mr. Ketchum's Pokémon. He was very brave."

All of the students -aside from three- perked up and looked at the Pokémon in shock.

Timmy's eyes widened before he looked at Meowth in shock, "W- wait. Are you the same meowth from back then? The one who saved me from that beedrill?"

Meowth smiled at him and nodded.

Timmy smiled brightly before pulling him into a hug, "Meowth! I can't believe it!"

The Normal-type smiled and rubbed his head against him, "I'm happy to see you're still okay."

"W- wait, seriously?" One of the other students asked.

"Timmy was really telling the truth?" Another asked.

April nodded happily before smiling, "Yeah! The talking mighty-eyena" Soot tensed up and her eyes shaded over on the spot, "said that the meowth's daddy is an arcanine! Just like Officer Jenny's Pokémon!"

Another student's eyes lit up, "WOAH!"

Timmy looked at her in surprise before smiling brightly and pulling Meowth closer, "Alright! I knew you were a hero, Meowth!"

Meowth chuckled softly.

Reiko smiled and put her hands together, "Alright, everyone. A lot has happened today, but let's not let that ruin the rest of Kids Day." She gestured through the gate, "Everyone back inside."

"Kay!" Most of the students called out before walking back inside.

"Hey, Timmy?"

The boy and meowth perked up and looked back to find Thomas looking at them sadly.

Thomas frowned worriedly before sighing, "I'm sorry about calling you a liar before."

Timmy perked up and blinked in surprise.

"It was my fault for dragging April and Becca into the forest." Thomas continued somberly, "I wanted to find a meowth and prove that you and that trainer guy were wrong." He looked at the Scratch Cat Pokémon, "But I just proved that I was wrong and got everyone in trouble." He looked down sadly, "So, I'm sorry for being a big mean dummy."

Timmy frowned, "Thomas…"

Meowth watched curiously, 'That's how this happened, huh?' He smiled softly before walking up and rubbing his back against the kid.

Thomas looked at the feline in surprise, "Meowth?"

Meowth smiled at him, "Yeah, I'd say that was pretty dumb of you. Especially for something as petty as proving a point." He shifted to a smirk, "But it takes a big man to admit he's wrong. I'm just happy you and your friends are safe. And that you learned your lesson."

Thomas blinked before smiling sadly and scratching his head, "Aw, you wanted to make me feel better, huh? Thanks."

Meowth blinked in surprise before deadpanning, "Right. I guess I got used to that mightyena translating for me."

Timmy smiled before walking up, "Well, if Meowth isn't mad, then neither am I." He grinned, "I'm just happy you know how cool Meowth is now, right?"

Thomas chuckled softly before smiling, "Yeah. I guess he is pretty cool."

.

*Later that evening

With Kids Day nearing its end, Ash, Brock, and Misty returned their Pokémon and prepared to head towards the local Pokémon Center.

Reiko, the students, and Meowth all stood at the entrance to see them off.

Reiko bowed respectfully, "Thank you all so much for your help today. I really couldn't have asked for better volunteers."

Misty smiled, "We were happy to help. It was a lot of fun."

Brock smiled, took a step forward, and put a hand to his chest, "Plus, if you ever need more help, just call me anyti-i-i-" He was cut off when someone started pulling on his cheek, "M- Missy! Cu' i' ou'! P'ease!"

Misty tried to hold back a laugh, "Yeah … Not me, this time."

Brock perked up and looked over to see Electra pulling at his cheek. She noticed, let go, and glared with a sour pout.

Brock frowned and rubbed his cheek, "You too, Electra?"

The female Electric-type nodded; still glaring, "Yeah! It's insanely annoying!"

Everyone else in the group chuckled. Reiko just stared in confusion.

Soot calmed down and looked at Meowth, "So what about you?"

Reiko smiled and petted the Normal-type, "I'm thinking of catching him to help with the school. Afterall, the students already like him."

Meowth smiled, "I'm fine with it."

Timmy smiled happily before pulling the Normal-type into a hug again, "Yeah! We're gonna have lots of fun, Meowth!"

Meowth smiled sheepishly and sweat dropped, 'This may take some getting used to.'

Ash smiled, "Good to hear."

The group turned to leave and started waving back.

"Take care!" Ash called out.

"See ya!" Misty followed.

"By everybody!" Brock said.

"Pi pika!" "Fair fairy!" "Chu pi!" "Togepriiii!"

All of the students and Reiko waved back happily.

After a few minutes, the school and all of the students were out of view.

"Y'know" Misty said happily "despite what happened, today was a lot of fun."

Soot sweat dropped, "Says the one who got to relax while the rest of us got attacked by Team Rocket and a horde of beedrill."

Misty laughed nervously, "Right, sorry…"

Brock smiled sadly, "Well, at least all the students seemed to have fun."

Clefairy pouted sadly, "I just wish things could've gone a little smoother."

Pikachu sighed, "No kidding."

Ash smiled softly and petted them.

Electra smiled sheepishly, "Yeah." She looked up thoughtfully, "Still, I was kind of hoping I'd get to see some human eggs at that place."

Ash and Soot perked up and looked at her in confusion, "Huh?"

Brock and Misty looked at the pair in confusion.

Electra blinked in surprise, "Well, yeah. You guys said that that preschool place was like a hatchling care area, and those take care of hatchlings and eggs sometimes. I've never seen a human egg before, so I was hoping-"

Soot shook her head, "No, Electra. Not that." She looked at the Mouse Pokémon; sweat dropping, "I almost hate to break it to you, but … humans don't lay eggs."

The Gym Leaders caught on and sweat dropped. Pikachu and Clefairy blinked in surprise and shared a look. Togepi tilted in confusion.

Electra's eyes widened in shock, "What?! But then where do little humans come from?!"

Ash blushed before clearing his throat, "That, uh- now might not be the best time to answer that."

Misty glanced at Ash warily, "What did she just ask?"

Soot sweat dropped, "Basically, Electra just asked where babies come from."

Brock and Misty tensed up slightly.

"O- oh…" Brock stuttered.

Misty quickly raised a hand, "Not it on telling her!"

Soot raised a paw, "What she said."

Brock tensed up and looked at either of the girls in shock. He looked at Ash and found that he already had his hand up as well.

Ash frowned with his ears drooping, "Sorry Brock."

Brock stared in shock before slumping forward and groaning, "Crag."

Electra looked around in confusion, 'It can't be that big of a deal … right?'

.

*The next day

With the new-form thing finally over with, Ash and co. set up camp in a large enough clearing to figure out the new guy. Pikachu, Clefairy, and Soot stood around Ash as he continued looking for the new non-Pokémon. Brock and Misty watched from a distance and had Electra and Togepi standing next to them; respectively. Both were in some of Ash's more resilient forms like they thought of before. It was going, uh …

"Hmm." Misty muttered with a frown while poking at her gut, "I'm not sure I ever realized how chubby dragonite were."

"Or how heavy nidoking are." Brock said while lifting his foot, "It feels like I'm wearing weights for shoes." His foot fell back to the earth with a forced stomp. Everyone tensed up from feeling it.

Togepi smiled and nuzzled Misty's leg, "Well, I like orange meema." He looked up at the Dragon/Flying-type with a hair tie on her antenna; still smiling, "But I still think yellow meema's softer and blue meema's really fun."

Misty sweat dropped and smiled nervously, "Togepi, I'm still me no matter what, remember?"

Togepi tilted in confusion, "Yeah. But what does that have to do with anything?"

"I found it!" Ash called out. He held up the device, "You guys wanna see the silhouette before I hit it?"

Brock waved a claw, "Nah. Just go ahead and try it."

Ash gave a thumbs up, "Alright!"

Soot took a few steps back and shifted her eyes. Pikachu and Clefairy ran over to stand on either side of her. Ash looked around for a moment and nodded. He raised his hand and slapped down the dial. He lit up green and emerged in the new form. Everyone's eyes widened in surprise.

"Huh…" Pikachu said in mild surprise.

.

.

Seishin: And that's all for now, folks! Check back next month to see what the new alien-

Ohirume: *whaps Seishin with a paper fan* Cut it out, Yukiro. We're not doing the same thing as last time.

Seishin: *pouts* But the suspense…

Ohirume: To **** with the suspense! The readers have been waiting since December for this chapter!

Omega: *looks at readers* Yes, this is a false chapter end. Blame Yukiro.

Mizuro: Continuing now!

Soot blinked in surprise, "Huh." She looked up at the Dragon Pokémon, "Well, Mist, I apologize for what I said about the water monster."

"Uh … no problem." Misty said while looking at Ash in confusion, "I just … didn't expect it to be green."

The squinting nidoking scratched his cheek, "Yeah. It almost reminds me of a brighter shiny muk. Or, I mean … if you don't count the legs."

The creature resembled a humanoid-ish figure comprised entirely of light green slime. He had solid yellow eyes, a small metal top-like device floating above and pointing down at him, and the watch's symbol was on his chest. There were no other features to be seen; physical or facial.

"Huh." Ash said in a high-pitched and lightly gargled voice, "This explains the flexibility."

Soot walked up and looked up at him with a raised brow, "So, uh, dad … still you?"

Ash looked down at her before scratching his 'cheek', "Well, I think I still feel like me." He sweat dropped, "Granted, that's coming from the guy who never realizes what Frenzy Plant is saying while using him."

Soot snickered, "Okay okay. I think we're good." 'We might've finally found an easy one.'

Ash looked at her happily before waving at the Gym Leaders, "We think we're good, guys!"

Brock and Misty smiled before slapping the Lenses on their chest. They lit up green, reemerged as themselves, and caught the falling Change Lenses. Misty picked up Togepi and Electra jumped back onto Brock's shoulder before they ran over to Ash. Pikachu and Clefairy walked back up and looked over their trainer curiously.

"So, this is the new form." Misty said curiously.

Clefairy poked at one of Ash's legs curiously, "squishy…"

Pikachu looked at her before looking up at Ash, "Does that feel weird at-" He stopped, perked up, and deadpanned, "Right … these things can't understand us."

Electra sweat dropped, "Oh yeah…"

Brock smiled, "So what are you gonna call this one? Sludge Bomb?"

The slime creature brought up a hand to look at it, "Well, that's one option. Though, Acid Armor might also work."

Brock sweat dropped, "You think this form might be corrosive?"

Clefairy tensed up slightly and pulled her hand back.

Ash looked down at the ground and lifted a 'foot'; finding the grass slightly flattened but not damaged, "Hm." He put his 'foot' back down and stared down at it for a moment.

Everyone's eyes widened when they heard sizzling from under his foot. The slime being lifted his foot again to find a small patch of dirt with no visible grass.

Ash nodded, "Okay, it looks like corrosion is a voluntary ability. I think I can control the level of acidity, too." He looked at the others happily, "Acid Armor, it is."

Misty sweat dropped while smiling nervously, "I- I see…" She shook it off and looked up at the device in confusion, "But, what's that thing?"

Acid Armor perked up and his eyes shifted on his body to look up at it, "Uh … good question." He reached up and poked at it. The device rocked slightly before righting itself, "Huh."

Brock reached up at the machine, "Mind if I see it?"

Ash looked at him, "Yeah, go for it."

Brock grabbed the hovering top and pulled it closer.

Acid Armor's eyes widened as his body started drooping, "Stop! Stop! Stop!" He shrieked in a panic, "Let go of it!"

Brock flinched, let go of the device, and held up his hands defensively, "Sorry!"

Ash regained his form and put a 'hand' to his 'head'. Everyone else looked at him in surprise.

Soot looked up at him worriedly, "You alright, dad?"

Ash looked at her, "Yeah. I'm feeling better, now." He looked at Brock, "Hey, sorry about that. "

Brock smiled nervously and waved a hand, "It's fine." He raised a brow, "But what was happening, just then? You looked kind of … less stable for a second."

The slime creature put a 'hand' to his 'chin', "Well, when you pulled the device away, everything started feeling a lot heavier." He looked up at the device over him, "If I had to guess, this thing might be the only reason this form can do … anything, by the looks of it."

Soot frowned, "Yeesh. Talk about a weakness."

Misty smiled at the others, "But, if he's really that fluid, maybe this form has some decent recoverability or defense like Muk does."

Ash perked up as she said that.

Brock looked down thoughtfully with a hand to his chin, "Maybe. If his entire body really does move around freely because of that device, he might be able to take more than a few hits without too much trouble." He smiled, "Yvel, for all we know, physical attacks might not even hurt him."

Soot smirked, "He might even be able to tank an Explosion." She shrugged, "Or pull himself back together pretty qui-"

She was cut off when Ash laughed heartily with a 'hand' over his eyes. His friends all looked at him in confusion.

"Ash?" Misty asked.

Acid Armor looked at the group slyly, "Sorry. But it's cute that you think you can hurt me. I mean, an Explosion?! You actually think that could stand a chance of hurting me?!" He laughed again before pointing at them, "Just go ahead and try it. I'm sure whatever you try will end up as a good laugh." He shrugged, "Who knows. It might even tickle."

Everyone deadpanned.

.

**Short Skip**

"Well, I think it's safe to say we found out what the glitch is." Misty said casually while petting Togepi.

"Yup." Soot agreed as she toyed with the gravity device … and held it in place, "Obnoxiously overconfident about his defense. Level: Gary."

Mizuro: *grumbles*

"GIVE IT BAAACK!" The polymorph whined; his body in puddle form, "PLEEEAAASE!" It was due to this whining that they found out Ash's voice was actually coming from the device.

Brock looked at the machine under Soot's claw, "Well, when he has that thing, at least."

Pikachu grumbled as he laid against the Dark-type and pulled his ears down, "Too noisy…"

Clefairy yawned before shifting in place; also laying on Soot.

Electra was staring at Acid Armor's Anti-Gravity Projector curiously, "Hey, where do you think that thing came from, anyway?"

Soot perked up and blinked in surprise, "Uh…" She looked closer at the top, "The nanomachines, maybe?"

.

.

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

From Guest (Trix chapter 57):

Next chapter please

Ohirume: *annoyed groan* Okay, can you please stop with this? This is the fifth time I've gotten one of these.

I have established time and again approximately how often I post, and I can't change that. No amount of demands will ever change that.

.

From Guest (Trix chapter 57):

Can't wait to read the next chapter.

Ohirume: ... *sighs* Okay, I'll let this one slide. But only because you're saying you're excited for new chapters to show up instead of telling me to post new ones.

.

From Guest (Trix chapter 57):

Me:*sweatdropped*I thought you would have written a new chap...

Ohirume: *sweat drops* Seriously, please stop.

If this keeps happening, I will start deleting guest reviews that exclusively ask me to post, tell me to post, or complain about the chapter not being posted yet.

Not only are these nearing the point of spam, but they contribute nothing to comment responses aside from giving something to get annoyed about.

Omega: *crosses arms* If you want something to complain about regarding this story, post a hate comment.

So long as it's not a complaint about how long it takes for Rob to post, it won't be deleted.