**To switch to Reader View and (possibly) get rid of the google ads– go to the URL and replace the 'www' with an 'm'

It's less detailed, so navigation is more annoying. But that's the fault of the website for letting the ads start appearing**

Seishin: *pops up with a mic while grinning* Wow, guilt tripping really does work.

Ohirume: *sweat drops*

Seishin: Within just a day of Part 1's post, someone already reached out to us with a complete set of the numbers. *leans closer with hand to mouth* Though, we never got a chance to ask permission to reveal them, so we're not sure if we should.

Anyway, *holds hand to the side* let's help everyone else catch up.

*the numbers 2, 3, 5, 12, 13, 23, 40, 42, and 65 appear in midair next to Seishin*

Omega: *stares blankly and points* Wait, what the ****?! That's not the correct order!

Seishin: *points at Omega* Yes! It's all nine numbers in numerical order!

It gives people a checklist for while they're searching the chapter so they can find the correct order!

Omega: *opens mouth and raises finger. Stops, puts finger down, and glares* I hate that that made sense.

.

.

The Storm

.

The day of the group's departure had arrived. Everyone got packed and were on their way to the lab to get their teams; including Electra. Delia saw them off.

After everyone entered the building, Ash and his Pokémon went out to the ranch to get everyone else. Brock, Misty, and Togepi waited inside with the Professor and Electra. The latter of which was wearing her purple and gray jacket and white belt, and had her hair tied back for safety reasons.

Also, Gary was lying on the couch, for some reason.

However-

"Wait, what?" Brock asked in surprise, "You don't wanna come with us?"

Misty stared in surprise and Togepi frowned.

Electra chuckled sheepishly; ears drooping, "Um, well…" She rubbed the back of her head, "the professor said that some new trainers were coming over to get their starter Pokémon tomorrow… and I was hoping I could be here to watch or maybe…" She shrugged and smiled nervously, "help them get to know the Pokémon first?"

Oak frowned apologetically, "And I'm afraid the timing couldn't be more inconvenient. They're supposed to be here around noon." He sighed, "I'm sorry. I didn't think mentioning it would make a difference."

Electra frowned worriedly, "So, um … you're not mad, ri-"

"Wha- no. No, of course I'm not mad." Brock cut her off quickly. He kneeled down in front of her and smiled kindly, "It just caught me a little off guard, is all. If you really want to stay behind, I'm okay with it."

The female Electric-type smiled as her ears popped back up, "Really?"

The breeder started petting her, "Really. I'm sure these trainers would be really grateful to have you translate. That isn't something that just happens to people."

"Well, it isn't ever since Ash and Soot left." Oak added out of the blue.

Everyone looked at him.

The professor sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly, "Sorry, not the time."

Brock smiled at Electra again, "I promise I'm okay with it, Electra. Really. Besides we'll only be gone for a few days."

Electra smiled brightly and jumped up to her trainer's shoulder to hug his head, "Pika Pika-chu!" She flinched and cleared her throat, "I mean, thank you, Brock."

Brock just smiled and scratched her head. Gary was glancing over curiously.

Misty walked up to the old man and raised a brow, "So, these trainers know they won't have enough time to qualify for a League or Grand Festival this year, right?"

Oak smiled, "Oh, I've already made sure to tell them. One said they already knew and that they're fine with it, and another said 'we'll see about that'."

Soot snorted.

Everyone perked up and looked over to see her standing next to Ash who had Pikachu and Clefairy on his shoulders, Nincada in his arms, and Brock and Misty's pokéball belts slung over his arm.

Electra blinked in surprise, "How long have you been there?"

Ash smiled, "About since the moment Brock said, 'we'll only be gone for a few days'." His smile saddened, "Which I'm guessing means you wanna stay behind."

Electra jumped down and smiled sheepishly, "Yeah. Sorry it's so short nov- net-" She grumbled, "sorry I didn't say so sooner."

Soot chuckled, "Hey don't sweat it. I hope you have fun."

Ash walked up to the Gym Leaders, put Nincada down, and handed them their belts, "Here you go."

Brock took his, "Thank you."

Misty glanced at Nincada while sweat dropping before taking hers too, "thanks…"

Nincada tilted his head while looking at her in confusion.

Gary got up from the couch and started walking up to them; catching everyone else's attention, "Took you long enough." He looked at the Trainee Pokémon with a smirk, "Hello again, Nincada." He put a hand to his chin, "I don't suppose you've had second thoughts about-"

Before he could finish, Nincada wrapped his claws around Ash's leg and angrily shouted, "NIN!"

Gary flinched and waved a hand, "Alright, alright! Sheesh!" He glanced away and muttered, "can't blame a guy for trying."

Soot smirked, "We can and will, Gare-bear."

The younger Oak flinched and glared at her. The Dark-type just grinned.

Gary sighed, "Whatever." He walked past them towards the entrance, "Come on. Let's go already."

The group flinched and looked at him blankly. Oak glanced away.

"Excuse me?" Misty asked.

Gary stopped and looked back at them with a raised brow, "What? Did you think I wasn't going with you?"

"Well, yes, actually." Brock said while sweat dropping, "The invite said three trainers." He perked up in realization, "Or, wait, did Dragonite show up again to give you one?"

"…" Gary turned back towards the door and held his arms out to shrug, "Obviously this guy just doesn't know talent when he sees it." He glanced back with a grin, "And I'll be happy to fix that."

"So that's a no." Soot said; deadpanned, "Though, wouldn't you rather go with your cheerleaders … in your car?"

Gary faced the door again and grumbled, "Can't. I gave my chauffeur some time off because I didn't think I'd be leaving town for a while and the girls are still too upset about Viridian."

Ash sweat dropped, "Okay, but I know for a fact that you have flying Pokémon. Are you sure you don't wanna go ahead of us?"

Gary glanced back with a smirk, "And let you sneak by when I'm not looking? Yeah right. You're the one with the invite." He shoved the door open, "Now come on, slowpokes. We're wasting daylight." He walked through and the door closed behind him.

Everyone just stared at the closed door.

"so…" Pikachu started, "Gary just invited himself to come along with us."

"Yep." Ash said before translating for Pikachu.

Nincada looked up at his trainer, "Ash, I change my mind. I wanna go back in my pokéball."

Clefairy translated.

Ash grabbed a ball from his belt and pointed it at the Bug/Ground-type, "You don't have to tell me twice." The beam shot out and absorbed Nincada.

Misty looked at the ball harshly, "Lucky."

Oak sighed, "I'm sorry. I know my grandson can be difficult-"

"understatement."

"Soot." Oak said while glancing at her. He sighed again, "Please just bear with it, would you?"

"Fine…" Most of them grumbled.

"What's taking you so long?!" Gary called out from outside.

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi tensed up and Ash and Soot sighed.

Electra smiled happily, "Welp, I made the right choice." She waved, "Have fun guys!"

Everyone groaned quietly before walking towards the door.

Ash glanced at his friends, "Oh, by the way, Nincada's doing a lot better. Apparently Arbok told him something that helped."

"Well at least there's some good news." Brock said.

.

**Time Skip**

After leaving town, Ash and co. made their way to Old Shore Wharf … without Electra … and with Gary…

It was … it could've been worse.

For most of the walk, Gary just followed from a few feet behind; not talking that much. At one point, he got tired of walking and brought out his arcanine to ride on. He then fell asleep on his Fire-type.

Eventually, the sun started setting and the extended group found a spot to set up camp on a small grassy field overlooking the ocean.

Ash brought out the pool for Basculin before he, Brock, and Misty let out their teams. After a moment of staring in surprise, Gary followed suit. His Pokémon were a little confused when Gary said it wasn't a training session, but the other Pokémon helped them adjust.

Though, when Ash brought out his team, the Gym Leaders perked up and stared in shock.

Misty looked at Ash blankly while pointing at the group; not saying a word.

Ash noticed, shrugged, and said, "It surprised me too."

Later, after Brock finished preparing a large pot of stew and after Ash and Misty put out bowls, everyone sat around the table for dinner. Brock, and Misty sat on one side with Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi sitting on the table in front of them and Ash and Gary sat on the other side with Soot between them. All of their other Pokémon were nearby on the ground.

"Woah." Gary exclaimed happily; looking at his bowl, "This is actually really good." He looked at Brock, "Hey, any chance I could hire you to cook for me on the road?"

Pikachu and Clefairy flinched and glared at him.

Brock sweat dropped, "I'm gonna have to pass." After a second, he perked up, smiled, and blushed, "But I wouldn't be against helping out every so often back in Pallet."

Gary blinked in surprise, "Huh?"

Soot snickered, "It's because of your cheerleaders. Brock does this a lot. Like, a lot a lot."

Brock snapped out of it and looked at her sourly, "Hey, I'm not that bad."

Misty smirked, "Yeah. Thanks to Electra's shock therapy, you've mellowed out a little."

Soot smirked, "Though, hard to forget that time you pressed your face against the window at the Celadon Gym Leader's perfume store because of the girls inside."

Brock tensed and sweat dropped. Pikachu and Misty snorted, Clefairy giggled, and Togepi blinked in confusion. Ash smirked as he held back a laugh.

Gary stared blankly before perking up and looking at Brock, "Wait, that was you?! I heard some girls at the Gym talking about that! I think they even said they reported you to Officer Jenny!"

The Pewter Leader flinched and looked at him in shock, "Wait, what?!" After a second, he perked up and sweat dropped, "Hold on, I thought you left Celadon before we even got there."

Gary just stared blankly before cracking a sly grin. Everyone else struggled to hold back a laugh. Except Soot.

The Bite Pokémon burst out into laughter, "O- oh, man!" She glanced at the brown-haired trainer and wiped away a tear, "Okay, not bad, Oak. Not bad."

Gary crossed his arms and smiled cockily, "I know."

Brock glared sourly and grumbled.

Ash chuckled softly and smiled at the breeder, "So anyway, Brock, any idea on which Nurse Joy they hired for this thing?" He said in an attempt to change the subject. Gary perked up and looked at Ash blankly as he continued, "If we know her, maybe she can help explain things."

"One, thank you." Brock said, "Two-" He stopped and looked up thoughtfully, "hm…" He looked at Ash and held out a hand, "Can I see it again?"

Ash pulled out the card and handed it to him.

The hologram of the nurse reappeared, Please forgive this surprise-

Brock stared the nurse in the eye as the message continued and raised a brow, "Well … I know we haven't met her in person, at least." He looked at everyone else, "Beyond that, I can't really narrow it down. It might be the video quality."

Misty shrugged, "Eh, worth a shot."

Gary stared in shock and then deadpanned, "Hold it. You cannot tell the Nurse Joys apart."

Soot smirked at him, "Oh, he can. Same with Officer Jenny." She perked up and looked at Brock, "Hey, now that I think of it, can you tell apart the members of the Don George or Porter families?"

Brock looked at the Dark-type with a raised brow, "What? No, of course not. They're all identical."

Everyone stared at him blankly.

Soot looked around, "Alright, two-thousand says one of his sisters can tell the Georges apart. Who wants Porter?"

Misty raised a hand, "I'll bite."

"Toge." Togepi added in response to Misty.

Pikachu raised a paw, "Pi."

Brock glared, "Hey."

"I'll bet his oldest sister knows them both." Ash added on before looking at Brock, "What's her name again? Cindy?"

"Yolanda and please stop talking about this." Brock said in annoyance.

Ash, Misty, Soot, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi started chuckling. Brock just grumbled again.

Gary just glanced around at them before looking down at the bowl. He let out a brief chuckle and put on a small smile.

.

*Two days prior

Pidgeotto dodged the beam that shot from the pokéball and squawked something.

"I can keep going." Sabrina said.

Ash stared in surprise before frowning, "Pidgeotto, I'm sorry but you're in no condition to continue."

"Maybe, but-" Sabrina tensed up slightly before clearing her throat, "Pikachu, whisper the translation for me. Soot, try to make it believable."

Everyone's eyes widened.

Pikachu's eyes narrowed as he seemed to whisper something.

Soot frowned, "Pidgeotto wants you to listen for a bit."

Ash's eyes narrowed slightly. He perked up and blinked in surprise before nodding, "Uh … sure."

Giovanni raised a brow curiously, "Seismitoad, stand down for a moment." He glanced at the camera before Pidgeotto continued.

"Ash," Sabrina said, "you remember what you told us before, right? How sometimes we'll have to fight hopeless battles for the team to win."

"You remember all that work we put in for today, right?" Soot lied, "We all trained like Yvel so we could be prepared for this."

They saw Pikachu's mouth move before Ash frowned and gave a small nod, "I remember…"

"My signal was 'Enter the fray'." Sabrina said, "Not 'your move'. You knew it wouldn't be easy or that I couldn't actually win. So, isn't my goal here just to weaken him? Even if I can't fly?"

The Vermillion, Celadon, Fuchsia, Cinnabar, and Viridian Gym Leaders perked up in realization.

'Pikachu, it's your move!'

'Charmander, it's your move!' 'Pidgeotto, enter the fr-'

'Pidgeotto, take the field!' 'Muk, it's your move!'

'Arbok, your move!' 'Aerodactyl! Take the field!' 'Charizard! Enter the fray!'

Erika stared in mild awe, 'He was…'

Giovanni stared in shock, 'He'd been signaling them before the battle even started?!'

Surge frowned, 'So he didn't even consider my battle a tough one… maybe I should've done a three-on-three…'

Koga stared curiously, 'What is "take the field" meant for?'

"I'm frustrated after that round with Steelix." Soot said, "I got thrown out like nothing. And it might as well be the same with this guy. Am I really supposed to be okay with getting done in by a little Ice? Just like that?"

Ash frowned sympathetically, "Pidgeotto…"

Pidgeotto glanced back at Ash determinedly.

Sabrina said, "If I'm already this weak, there might not be much I can do against another opponent. So let me do what I can and go down the right way."

Soot frowned sympathetically, "I want to help more than that. Let me prove that I'm stronger than I was when we met. I promise I can do this, da-" She tensed up and smiled sheepishly, "uh, Ash." She snorted, "Oh, dear Arc. I'm so sorry. I completely ruined the moment."

"Pause." Giovanni said.

Joy just stared blankly before pausing the video. Everyone just stared in shock.

"Woah." Surge said before smirking, "Now that's resolve. Not bad, bird."

Flint looked at him and sweat dropped, "I think you're missing the point."

"Soot was lying through that entire portion of the match." Koga said in mild awe, "She made it seem as though the pidgeotto was desperate to prove itself. But it was actually a drive to just damage Seismitoad; not caring if it won."

"Okay?" Daisy said with a raised brow, "But, like, why do that?"

"To spread false information." Giovanni said as a small smirk crept onto his face, "Hiding information can lead to a decent surprise but making an opponent believe false information can decide the round or, potentially, the entire match. In this instance, it could make a less-than-honorable opponent waste effort by trying to demoralize the Pokémon through insults." He closed his eyes; still smirking "Or, in this case, make an opponent expect a desperate attack that would leave an opening."

Flint flinched and looked at the Viridian Leader in surprise, "Woah, seriously? He even fooled you with that?"

Giovanni looked at him; still smirking, "To an extent. Something felt odd but, before now, I honestly believed this was the Pokémon Erika seemed so uneasy about."

Koga nodded, "And I was just confused. Pidgeotto made a mistake during my challenge, but it didn't seem like it was dealing with issues to the same extent as the charmander."

Giovanni perked up and looked at him in surprise, "Ketchum has a charmander as well?"

Erika looked at him in surprise before looking down worriedly, 'Does that mean he didn't participate?'

Blaine looked at Giovanni, "Well, a charizard now."

Erika looked at the Fire-type user in surprise, "He evolved?"

Blaine nodded, "Yeah. It- He beat Magmortar in the final round of my challenge." He smiled, "I was actually gonna ask which Pokémon you meant, too. But I guess he got better."

Erika's eyes widened, "S- so, he didn't seem scared at all? Uneasy?"

Blaine shook his head, "No, not really. In fact, I think he fought through most of the battle with a grin on his snout." He sweat dropped, "Seemed kinda smug, now that I think about it…"

Erika's eyes widened in awe. She looked down and smiled softly, "good…"

"Well, that's good and all." Surge said with a raised brow, "But I still don't get why Ash lying strategically is so important. I mean, it's just more 'information warfare', right?"

Giovanni composed himself and looked at him, "It's the fact that neither Koga nor I could tell they were lying. Hiding information and spreading false information are very different. To do so that well, you would need to practice relentlessly or be able to trick yourself into believing your own lies." He looked at the still image, "Ash Ketchum and his Pokémon are not only willing but fully capable of lying seamlessly for a good reason."

His eyes narrowed, "Meaning we can no longer fully-believe anything they say."

Everyone's eyes widened in shock.

Flint frowned worriedly, "You mean … we can't trust him?" 'Brock…'

Daisy's eyes widened fearfully. Giovanni glanced at them before looking down thoughtfully.

Sabrina looked at Slate and Waterflower in surprise before quickly standing up, "That-"

"I don't believe that's the case." Joy said; cutting the psychic off.

Everyone looked at her in surprise.

The Inspector looked at the Viridian Leader, "Giovanni, you claimed they would lie like this for a 'good reason', right? Would it just be optimism to say the 'good reason' in this case was not disappointing a Pokémon Ashton knew almost nothing about?"

Giovanni stared at her calmly before letting out a brief chuckle, "You called my bluff." He looked around, "She's right. Despite being able to lie like this, he has never come across as untrustworthy. Even now, it doesn't feel right for me to claim that he's been deceiving anyone out of selfishness or for underhanded reasons."

Joy smiled, "I'm glad we agree."

Daisy and Flint sighed in relief.

"However," Giovanni continued, "the possibility of them being involved with the Overheat has increased. Even if it is in the 'benevolent but secretive' way."

Surge looked at him in surprise, "Really?"

Giovanni nodded, "Even if Ashton can lie like that, it doesn't seem as though Brock or Misty can. At the most, I'd assume they're capable of believable half-truths or leaving out more crucial information." Flint and Daisy perked up as he looked down thoughtfully, "But, I never felt a sense of fearful unease from them or their Pokémon. Not in a way that wasn't related to the match, at least."

He looked around, "The probability of them hiding the creatures against their will has been decreased. But we still can't rule it out, yet."

Flint smiled tiredly, "Still, that's a little more reassuring." He looked down warily, 'Half-truths?'

Daisy smiled happily, "Yeah, big time. I almost wasn't sure what to think when you said that. Especially after he and Misty, like, saved our water ballet from those same people who drove a giant vacuum through our wall."

Everyone slowly turned to look at her.

Giovanni stared blankly, 'They- that was them?!'

Joy deadpanned, "…I expect a full report."

Daisy frowned and her eyes widened. She glanced at the paused video and looked at Joy again, "We installed security cameras on the pool."

"Deal."

Haunter snickered.

Sabrina did the same before smiling at Giovanni, "I guess now I get why you wanted the translation for all of that. We learned something pretty important."

Giovanni glanced at her before looking at the screen, "Yes. I suppose we did. Let's continue."

The video continued and Pidgeotto evolved.

Blaine blinked in surprise, "Woah. Did not see that coming."

"I don't believe Ash did either." Koga said.

.

*Three days later

"WHAT THE YVEL?!" Gary shouted angrily.

The next day, Ash and co. and Gary continued towards Old Shore Wharf. Along the way, a massive storm appeared.

Everyone was sprinting down the walkway towards the wharf's ferry terminal building as fast as they could while the sudden storm hammered away at them. The ocean was crashing against the walls as the group ran; almost reaching them a few times.

Ash had Pikachu and Clefairy in his arms and held his hat with his mouth. The storm had him annoyed enough that the rain evaporated off him instantly. The Electric and Fairy-types both huddled close to him.

Misty held her bag in her arms with Togepi inside. Brock and Gary each just shielded themselves with their own backpacks and Soot was running through the storm intangibly.

It didn't take long for them to barge through the terminal's -thankfully automatic- doors. Inside was a large crowd of trainers scattered all around; most with a Pokémon accompanying them. Some glanced at the group as they charged in but didn't pay them any mind. Though some were staring at the completely dry canine in confusion.

Clefairy opened one eye and glanced back, "Are we there?"

Pikachu looked around and sighed in relief, "Seems like it."

Ash put them on the ground and looked out a window in surprise; still letting off literal steam.

"Jeez." Misty said in frustration as she got Togepi out of her bag, "That came out of nowhere."

Togepi frowned sadly at looked up at Misty, "It was really loud."

Misty looked at him, smiled softly, and petted him.

Brock was already pulling out a towel, "Well, seaside weather can change in an instant."

Soot returned her eyes to normal and muttered, "Yeah, but this is ridiculous." She looked up at Ash, "You really didn't smell it coming either?" Some nearby trainers perked up and looked at her in surprise.

"Yeah." Ash said cautiously, "I don't get it."

Gary was drying himself off with a towel and groaned, "Perfect. Your freakish sense of smell fails the one time it isn't a problem."

Misty perked up and looked at Gary in surprise, "What?"

Gary looked at her, "He used to use it to cheat at hide and seek during recess."

Ash tensed up and looked at him sourly, "For the last time, no I wasn't. I was-"

"smelling us out." Gary finished for him in annoyance, "Yeah, I know you were. Still wasn't fair."

Ash deadpanned, "Well would you rather I put a clothespin on my nose?"

"Kinda." Gary said.

"Wha- what?!" Someone blurted out.

The eight of them perked up and looked over at a large crowd of trainers standing in front of Officer Jenny and a blue-haired, blue-eyed woman. The latter wore a blue collared top and skirt with a white undershirt and wore golden hoop earrings.

"The ferry's grounded?!" A black-haired trainer wearing a red vest continued in annoyance.

The group tensed up and Gary's jaw dropped.

"So, we can't go to New Island?" A brown-haired girl wearing a light and dark purple sleeveless tunic followed.

The rest of the crowd started mumbling in annoyance or frustration.

Soot's eye twitched and she grumbled, "Freaking Yvel. Really?!"

Jenny frowned and waved her hands, "Everyone please settle down!" She gestured to the woman next to her, "We have the harbor manager right here."

The blue haired woman stepped up and looked around, "I am Miranda. If you want to hear the will of the sea, listen to the harbor wingull."

"This is Kanto! Wingull are from Hoenn!" Someone in the back called out. Surprisingly, it wasn't Gary.

Miranda tensed up and looked in the direction of the voice; deadpanned, "That is not the point." She looked back through a window with an ocean view and gestured outside, "What I mean is that their cries could never be heard over … this." She looked at the crowd sternly and put a hand to her chest, "I grew up near this harbor and I have never seen a hurricane like this in my life."

Jenny looked at her in surprise. The group perked up and shared an anxious look. Gary, much like most of the crowd, glared in annoyance.

"Even worse," Miranda continued, "this … 'New Island' is directly in the eye of the storm; far out at sea. I cannot in good conscience allow any of you to wander into such obvious danger."

Ash and Soot perked up in surprise.

Jenny nodded and looked at the trainers, "You heard her. The ferry for today is canceled."

"Well, I'm going anyway!" A larger trainer in a blue tank top declared as he stepped forward; catching the crowd's attention. He grinned determinedly, "I've got a team full of Water-types that'll get me to that palace, no problem!"

Jenny blinked in surprise, 'Palace?'

Miranda grimaced and stepped forward, "No, please! I know the sea! I'm telling you this is too dangerous! You'll never make it!"

Jenny frowned, "She's right! And, even worse, your Pokémon can't be healed at the local Pokémon Center if it gets wounded." Some of the trainers' eyes widened as the cop looked down worriedly, "Nurse Joy has been missing for almost four days now." She looked towards a wall, "We've already put-up missing person's posters, but we haven't found any leads yet."

Most followed her gaze to find the poster.

Ash and Soot stared in surprise, 'Four days?'

"We've already called for a substitute, but they were supposed to arrive today." Jenny continued, "They can't make it here through this storm."

Some trainers and Pokémon in the crowd started sharing unsure looks. Others kept glaring in frustration and were looking at the rain outside.

Brock looked at the others, "If you'll excuse me." He smiled and walked over to the poster.

Gary sweat dropped, "Wow. It's worse than you said."

Soot sweat dropped too, "Actually he's being pretty tame. He didn't run up to Jenny."

"hm." Gary mumbled. He shook it off, grinned, and clenched a fist, "Whatever. That Water trainer's got the right idea. Blastoise can get me there, no problem." He looked at Misty, "And we've got one of the Cerulean Gym Leaders and her Water-types to boot."

Misty deadpanned. Brock tensed up.

Soot deadpanned, "Yeah, no."

Gary flinched and looked at her in shock, "What?!" He glared, "You want to pass this up just because of a little rain?!"

"Actually, yes." Ash stated bluntly, "Going to a remote island in the middle of the ocean was one thing. Doing so while it's in the eye of a violent storm is a very different thing. Even if some prize was involved, it wouldn't be enough of a reason."

"Agreed." Misty stated.

"Cowards!" Gary shouted angrily. He started stomping towards the door, "I'll just go myself!"

"Okay, but we're the ones that were hand delivered the invite." Soot said; making Gary flinch and stop in his tracks, "Do you really wanna go through all that just to be told to go home?"

Gary stood frozen in place. He groaned loudly and turned to glare at her, "Fine." He walked back over and pointed at the ground while glaring at Ash, "But we are staying right here until this passes! I don't care how long it takes!"

"Fine." Ash told him calmly. He looked over at the breeder and called out, "Brock!"

Brock didn't react. Ash, Misty, Soot, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi perked up in surprise.

Gary noticed and looked at Brock too. He sweat dropped and glanced down at Soot, "Tame, huh?"

Pikachu frowned, "Wait, something doesn't seem right."

"Yeah." Ash muttered quietly in agreement. He looked back and gestured for everyone to follow. The group walked up to the breeder and Gary stared in surprise before following.

"Brock?" Misty asked; not getting a response either. She frowned, "Um … change of plans. We're staying here until the storm-"

"No." Brock cut her off, "We have to get to the island, asap."

Everyone else looked at him in surprise.

Gary smirked and crossed his arms, "Glad you agree with me." After a moment, he deadpanned and sweat dropped, "Why are you agreeing with me?"

Ash looked at the poster and frowned, "Oh." He smiled sympathetically, "Brock, if you're worried about the Nurse Joy working on the island, I'm sure she's fine. For a landmass, the eye of the storm is the safest spot and I'm sure they're being caref-"

"No. No, you really don't understand." Brock said shakily before turning to look at them fearfully and pointing a trembling finger at the picture, "This is the same Nurse Joy from the invite."

Everyone else's eyes widened in shock.

"Wha-" Misty stuttered, "are- are you-"

"I'm sure of it." Brock said.

"Okay, woah. Hold it." Gary said quickly. He smiled nervously, "Th- this has to be some kind of misunderstanding! Maybe Nurse Joy really just got hired to do this?!"

"And leave her post without telling anyone?" Ash asked.

Gary looked at him worriedly before looking down, "M- maybe she just … didn't have time to call someone? Or forgot?"

Brock shook his head, "Not a chance. I've never heard of Nurse Joy being that irresponsi-" He perked up again in fearful realization. He gulped and held out a hand, "Ash. Invite."

Ash complied quickly and Brock looked at the image only once before looking at the poster. He grimaced fearfully, "Dear Arceus…" He looked at the others again, "I thought it was just the video quality, but … her eyes. I- I think she's hypnotized."

Everyone just stared in pure shock.

Soot clicked her tongue, "Welp, so much for this being a normal thing."

Everyone just gave her a look.

The Dark-type sighed; ears flat on her head, "Yeah. Regretted it the moment I said it." She looked up at everyone else, "Alright, what do we do?"

"Wha-" Gary stuttered blankly, "What do you mean 'what do we do'?! What the Yvel can we do?! This- this is- it's insane!"

Misty smacked him in the back of the head, "Oh, calm down already." Gary glared at her as she continued, "Freaking out isn't gonna help anyone. Trust me, I know."

Togepi nodded with his arms … as close to being crossed as the Fairy-type could manage, "Pri."

Gary stared at her in shock as Brock looked at Ash, "What's the game plan?"

Ash looked to the side, "Well, I think our first step is pretty obvious." Everyone followed his gaze.

.

*Dock Entrance

"Officer Jenny!" Brock nearly shouted. The cop and harbor manager flinched and looked over as the group hurried over to them.

Gary looked at her frantically, "We need to talk to you right now. It's serious."

Jenny stared in surprise and looked around at them before looking at Gary, "Is someone hurt?"

Gary frowned, "W- well, no." He shook it off, "But, it's really important. We need to talk to you now." He glanced back, "Preferably in private."

Jenny frowned, "Look, I'm sorry. But with everything going on right now, I don't have time to-"

"K-9 training academy." Ash blurted out.

The cop perked up and looked at him in surprise. Ash just looked her in the eye with a serious expression. Jenny's eyes widened before she looked down at Soot. The Dark-type nodded and shifted her eyes to their inherent state.

Gary just looked back and forth between them in confusion, "Huh?"

The harbor manager looked at Jenny in surprise, "Officer?"

Jenny snapped out of it and looked at her. She glanced at the group for a moment before looking at the woman again, "Keep all of the other trainers here. I'll try to make this quick."

Miranda blinked in surprise, "I, uh … o-of course." She glanced at Ash in surprise.

Jenny walked past Ash and gestured for everyone else to follow, "Come with me."

Ash and Soot followed her.

Gary stared in shock, "Wha-" He stuttered aimlessly, "What did- how-" He looked at the Gym Leaders.

Misty just walked past him, "What are you waiting for?" Brock followed her without a word.

Gary just continued staring before hurrying after them.

Miranda just stared blankly as they left, 'What the actual-'

.

*Around a corner

Jenny crossed her arms and glared sternly, "Alright, this had better be important."

Ash nodded, "I promise it is." He reached into his pocket and pulled out the invite with his thumb over the bead, "Also, just to clarify, we got this three days ago." He held it out and moved his thumb off the bead.

The hologram of the nurse appeared again, Please for-

Jenny just stared curiously as the message continued. After it ended, she raised a brow and mumbled, "Huh. So that's what he meant by 'palace'." She looked at Ash, "Well, thanks for showing me I guess, but the manager already said we can't let-"

"That isn't the issue." Brock said abruptly. Ash pocketed the invite, pulled in back out for a replay, and handed it to him. Brock held up the invite to Jenny and pointed at the appearing figure, "Look closely. Can you honestly say you've never seen that face before?"

Jenny stared at him in surprise before looking again. After a moment she perked up in surprise, "Wait, is that Nurse-" She froze and stared in shock before looking back towards the poster. Her eyes widened fearfully before turning back to the group.

"Are you-" Jenny nearly shouted before cutting herself off and glancing around cautiously. She leaned in closer and whispered harshly, "Are you telling me this is a kidnapping?!"

Ash frowned, "That's what it's starting to seem like. Brock's known for a few days that she was Nurse Joy, but we didn't think it was anything bad until he saw the poster and recognized her as the Joy who's missing."

Jenny perked up in surprise before glancing at Brock and looked at Ash with a raised brow.

Soot sweat dropped, "We don't know how he does it either."

Brock looked at Soot in confusion. He shook it off and looked at Jenny again, "The point is, Nurse Joy is on New Island. Even worse, I think she's been hypnotized." Jenny's eyes widened as he continued, "There has to be something you can do, right?"

Jenny frowned and looked down worriedly, "That's … easier said than done. Until the storm passes, there's no safe way to actually make it there or back. I'd only be putting myself and her in danger."

Brock grimaced, "But-"

"I'm not sure this storm is going to stop." Ash said abruptly. Everyone looked at him in surprise. "Not until this event is over."

Jenny stared in surprise before perking up in fearful realization, "Y- you're not saying this hurricane was created, are you?" Everyone else's eyes widened. Except Soot, who frowned nervously.

Ash frowned, "I can't actually prove it…" He shook it off and looked at her sternly, "But there's too much lining up to just be a coincidence."

He looked towards a window, "This storm appeared on the exact day this event was scheduled to happen -non-forecasted, at that- and the destination is directly in the eye of it. But the real give away was that Soot didn't even smell it coming. Fabricated storms hardly give off any geosmin, ozone, or petrichor, so detecting them by scent is near impossible."

Clefairy stared in confusion and looked at Pikachu, "Petri-what?"

The Mouse Pokémon shrugged.

"Creating this massive of a hurricane that quickly with enough precision to put their island in the dead center of it shouldn't be possible for any individual short of Kyogre or Tornadus. They likely spent months training a massive group of Pokémon in order to coordinate this." Ash continued before looking at Jenny again.

"Then there's the timing of the message. We got it three days ago from a dragonite, and Joy's been missing for four. Whoever did this has the ability to kidnap Nurse Joy of all people without leaving a trace, move her to a previously unknown island, and even hypnotize her. Seemingly all within the span of a day. Odds are they mass produced most of the invites."

"Th- that's-" Jenny stuttered before flinching and staring in shock, "A … dragonite delivered this?"

Soot frowned, "Yeah. This guy's using one of them, of all Pokémon, as a delivery boy."

"That's not it." Jenny said quickly before reaching into her pocket, "Pokémon can tell each other apart at a glance, right?"

Soot raised a brow, "More often than not."

"Then," Jenny said as she pulled out a picture that made everyone in the group flinch. It depicted Nurse Joy in uniform with a blissey and dragonite on either side of her; all smiling with both Pokémon wearing the same hat as the nurse.

Jenny gulped, "is this the same dragonite?"

Everyone stared in shock.

"No! Wait!" Miranda shouted.

Jenny flinched as she and everyone else looked over to find trainers charging through the backdoor and towards the dock. Miranda kept shouting at them in a useless attempt to make them stop.

The red vested trainer brought out a pidgeot and jumped on as they took off into the sky. The guy in the tank top released a gyarados before they dove into the water. The girl in the purple tunic jumped onto her dewgong and dove.

A few more trainers took off into the storm with the help of various Pokémon, including a fearow, kingler, and even a scyther. Miranda stood at the dock with her shouts drowned out by the storm. A handful of other trainers just watched from inside; most either in shock or watching curiously.

Jenny stared in shock, "Why the Yvel would someone do all of this?"

"I don't know." Ash admitted, "But I can only assume this storm is a test." Jenny tensed up as Ash continued, "Those trainers might be doing exactly what this person wants by fighting their way to the island."

Jenny just stared ahead in silence; eyes shaded over. She took a deep breath, "Do you have Pokémon that can get you there?"

Everyone flinched and looked at her in shock.

"What?" Brock asked, "But, Jenny, you said-"

"Do you?" She asked again forcefully.

Ash stared in surprise before taking a calm expression and nodding, "Squirtle's my strongest swimmer. I also have Arbok and Aerodactyl, just in case." He pointed a thumb at Gary; making him perk up, "Gary has Blastoise and Scizor." He then pointed a Misty, "And Misty has Staryu, Goldeen, Seadra, and Basculin."

Misty stepped up, "And I have enough rebreathers for the four of us. If you have one or know where to get one, then-"

"I can't go." Jenny said, "I left my post for only a moment, and this happened. Things will only get worse if I leave the building." She turned to face them with a somber frown, "I don't like it either and I wish I had a better option. But all I can do now is stay and try to keep everyone else here."

She looked at Ash, "If what my family says is true, you might be my only hope in stopping this as quickly as possible." She held out a hand to him, "Can I count on you?"

Gary slowly turned to look at his rival blankly.

Ash glared determinedly and took her hand, "Of course."

Brock, Misty, Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi smiled determinedly. Gary just looked around at them all in shock.

Soot smirked, "Well, Gary, seems like we just found a reason."

Gary looked at her blankly before looking at Ash, 'What. Just. Happened?'

.

*Three days prior

Flint, Daisy, Surge, Erika, Blaine, and the recording of Giovanni jumped as Ash shot out onto the field to catch his falling pidgeot.

Sabrina just smiled, 'He's gotten faster.'

Ash nudged the Normal/Flying-type gently, "Pidgeot. Are you okay?"

Pidgeot smiled at him tiredly, "Pi, pidgo." She looked down and perked up in surprise, "Ot."

"Eh, I'll live. Woah." Sabrina said after getting the glance from Giovanni.

Ash blinked in surprise, "You alright?" He looked and saw the Pokémon clenching and unclenching her talons repeatedly.

Pidgeot stared curiously and started saying something.

"Yeah." Sabrina paused for a second, "Just … getting used to the extra talon."

Ash chuckled and pulled out his Bird Pokémon's pokéball, "Get some rest."

Pidgeot smiled as she disappeared into the beam. Ash stood back up and walked back to the trainer box.

The ref blinked in surprise before raising an arm, "Uh … Pidgeot is unable to battle…"

After a few seconds, Flint looked around, "So, are we gonna talk about the fact that Ash just ran faster than a rapidash?"

"That seems like an exaggeration." Koga said, "I'd say he was closer to a scyther."

"I was thinking young blitzle." Giovanni added.

"That's not better!" Flint blurted out.

Joy paused the video as Primeape appeared and looked back, "I believe I can explain that one … somewhat. Does everyone remember when I said Ash, Brock, and Misty helped save a kangaskhan herd?" Everyone except Daisy nodded. "Well, the Officer Jenny who was stationed there at the time was actually in rotation from a K-9-unit training facility. One which the three of them coincidentally visited after she had returned to her normal post."

She sweat dropped, "And accidently ruined a training exercise in the woods by apprehending the officer acting as an armed robber."

Surge's eyes widened in surprise, "Seriously?"

Joy nodded, "It surprised them as well. Thankfully, Jenny vouched for them." She shook it off, "Anyway, during their visit, Jenny suggested that Ketchum and his mightyena race her and her personal growlithe on the obstacle course. To summarize, Ketchum won." Everyone's eyes widened as she continued, "This was recorded and has slowly been spread throughout Jenny's family to help out in case they get mixed up in police business by mistake … again."

Giovanni sweat dropped, "It's rather unnerving how much that makes sense…"

Koga stared in surprise before glancing at the paused recording and then looking at Joy again, "Was Ash's running speed recorded?"

The League Inspector shook her head, "No, but he claimed his top speed is approximately forty-five miles an hour." Almost everyone present stared in shock.

"Y- your serious?" Koga stuttered.

Joy frowned, "I'm not sure how accurate it is." She pointed a thumb back at the paused video, "But I'm feeling more inclined to believe it, now."

Erika gulped.

Giovanni looked down thoughtfully for a moment, "hm…" He looked at the screen, "Let's continue."

Joy nodded, turned to the front again, and hit play.

The match continued with Primeape charging Marowak unannounced. Marowak used Earthquake only for Primeape to dodge by clapping a pair of Fire Punch.

Blaine cracked a small smirk, 'Still independent, I see.'

Marowak tried the same thing again; this time firing a Stone Edge after his opponent was airborne. Primeape used Fire Punch to shoot back and braced as the last few stones hit. Blaine perked up and frowned.

The Fighting-type and Ground-type then clashed once with Ice Punch and Brutal Swing and then repeatedly with Fire Punch and Brick Break. Primeape then sidestepped Marowak's attack and dealt a double Brick Break into their back; knocking them out and tossing away their bone.

"Marowak is unable to battle!" The ref announced.

"Woah." Flint said in surprise, "Just one hit?"

"Yes, and I believe I already know why." Giovanni said as Primeape handed Marowak's weapon back to them, "Sabrina."

Haunter groaned lightly and started rambling.

The psychic sighed before starting, "Primeape: You gotta remember to stay calm when things get tense. Get too angry and it might cost you the battle."

Soot snorted as she held back a laugh.

"Marowak: That's rich coming from one of your kind." Sabrina continued, "Primeape: Yeah, well my case is mostly about the ability. Marowak: Abili-" She paused to match the stutter, "Your ability is Anger Point… That's why-"

"Primeape: Yup. But don't worry, you're not the first to use Stone Edge on me. That would be the volcano guy's rhydon."

Blaine tensed up.

Marowak stared ahead in shock before chuckling again and shaking his head, "Maro maro./Freaking Yvel." Sabrina said.

The Ground-type turned to look at his trainer, glared furiously, and pointed a thumb back.

Everyone watching perked up in surprise when recording-Giovanni simply nodded and said, "Well fought, Marowak. Return." He then returned his Pokémon.

"Well," Giovanni said with a nod, "happy to see I interpreted that message correctly."

Surge smiled, "Huh. Not often you see a primeape being a good sport."

Flint frowned and propped his head up with a fist, "don't I know it…"

Next, Clay's Golurk appeared on the field. The battle began similarly to the one against Marowak with Primeape using Fire Punch to dodge Earthquake. Then Golurk caught Primeape's Brick Break with one Hammer Arm and hit Primeape with the other.

After Primeape escaped Golurk's literal grasp with Assurance, he glanced back at Ash in annoyance.

Ash shrugged, "Well it worked, didn't it?"

Primeape glared.

Ash deadpanned, "Hey, you know I can't control whether it's kick-style. Besides, you know I'm still working on Throat Chop. This stuff takes time."

Primeape sighed, "Prime." He looked back ahead at Golurk and moved back into his fighting stance.

Giovanni-on-screen raised a brow.

Ash noticed, "He prefers punching over kicking. We didn't have time to teach him a different Dark-type attack … that we have access to."

"And how does that relate to Throat Chop?"

"My training methods. I prefer to keep the details secret, but I will say that they're similar to a Move Tutor's."

Blaine perked up and looked around with a raised finger, "I can actually vouch for that. He helped Arcanine learn Iron Tail in exchange for getting info on Zen Headbutt from one of my darmanitan."

Everyone looked at him in surprise.

Koga blinked in surprise, "Huh." 'I suppose he did that for his squirtle.' He looked at the Saffron Leader, "Sabrina, after this could you talk to Blaine's arcanine to get a little more insight on these methods?" He then looked at the Cinnabar Leader, "Blaine, you're okay with that, right?"

Blaine smiled, "Yeah. It sounds like a good idea."

Sabrina smiled nervously and gave a thumbs up, "Uh … sure." 'ASH, YOU ARE KILLING ME!'

Koga and Giovanni glanced at Sabrina.

"Oh crag." Ash said; catching everyone's attention.

Giovanni cracked a smirk, "Hammer Arm!"

Golurk's right arm lit up white before they shot it down directly onto Primeape; kicking up a cloud of dust. Golurk tensed up slightly and the Gym Leaders shied away from the hit.

Ash's eyes widened, "Primeape…"

Giovanni perked up slightly and cracked a small smirk, 'He was serious.'

Ash smiled sadly and returned his Pokémon, "Nice work, Primeape. Return." The beam shot out and absorbed the Pig Monkey Pokémon. He put the pokéball back on his belt, pulled out another, enlarged it, and threw, "Squirtle! Enter the Fray!"

"Sabrina." Giovanni said without looking at the psychic who frowned in annoyance.

Squirtle emerged and looked over at his opponent with a determined smirk. His smirk faded and his eyes widened as he looked up to find the Ground/Ghost-type looking down at him.

"Uh…" Sabrina translated for Squirtle, "you want me to battle him?"

"Them." Soot called out, "Golurk are genderless."

"That is not the point." Sabrina said.

Ash sighed, "Yeah, sorry Squirtle. Primeape couldn't beat them."

Squirtle perked up and his eyes widened. He looked back at Golurk and looked over them intently. After a second, he smirked and moved into his fighting stance.

"Read ya loud and clear, Ash." Sabrina said.

Koga's eyes widened in surprise and Giovanni's in realization.

Ash cracked a small smirk and put a hand on his hip, "You wanna show him up that bad, huh? Sounds good."

Erika blinked in surprise, "Oh. I guess Squirtle and Primeape are competitive with each other."

"No." Giovanni muttered, "He was giving it a hint."

Erika looked at him in surprise before looking at the video again.

"Stone Edge!" Giovanni shouted.

Golurk pointed their right arm ahead. Their hand twitched a bit but refused to disappear into their arm. They jerked and kept trying to retract their hand.

Nearly everyone perked up in surprise when they noticed a patch of ice on the edge of Golurk's right hand. Those who already knew -except Giovanni- or saw it earlier smirked.

"What?!" Giovanni cried out.

Ash smirked, "Yeah, that'd be from Primeape. He really doesn't like going down without leaving something behind."

Giovanni looked at Ash in shock, "But when did it do that? It never hit Golurk with Ice Punch."

"The hit that finished him." Ash answered, "Primeape likely countered with Ice Punch when Golurk got that last hit in with Hammer Arm. He knew he was done for, so he banked it all on one status affliction."

"HAHA!" Surge laughed, "Aw man, that's good!"

Squirtle hit Golurk with Hydro Pump and walked away as the massive Pokémon fell. Then Giovanni ordered a last-ditch Shadow Punch; activating Squirtle's Torrent.

Daisy smiled at recognizing the ability, "Wow. That, like, really backfired, huh?"

Giovanni sighed.

Next, Claydol came out and opened with Bulldoze. Squirtle dodged with an Aqua Tail propulsion, Claydol responded with Psybeam, and Squirtle responded to the response with Ice Beam. Squirtle then dove towards Claydol with Zen Headbutt, only for Claydol to dodge by moving towards Ash.

Squirtle smirked, cut off Zen Headbutt, and flipped once to land on his feet. He then readied Ice Beam and turned to face Claydol but tensed up, canceled the attack, and frowned while deadpanning.

"Right…" Sabrina said for Squirtle, "you have eyes on the back of your head…"

"The what of my head?" She then said for Claydol before continuing with Squirtle, "… the back?"

"I still don't foll-" Sabrina said, "Oh. Oh, right. Sorry, I haven't been referred to like that since I was a baltoy."

The Tiny Turtle Pokémon blinked in surprise as Sabrina said, "What now?"

Soot put a paw to her muzzle and called out, "Squirtle, a claydol body loses the concept of front, back, and side when they evolve from baltoy. They just keep top and bottom. Their entire horizontal physiology is omnidirectional."

Squirtle looked at her -deadpanned- as Sabrina said, "You lost me after 'entire'."

Squirtle perked up and looked at Claydol curiously before his eyes narrowed, "squirt…"

Giovanni glanced at her with a raised brow, "I didn't ask you to translate that part."

Sabrina tensed up and groaned. A few seconds later, Squirtle got on top of Claydol and formed Aqua tail.

"Squirtle!" Ash shouted in alarm, "Get off them! Now!"

Squirtle looked at Ash in surprise, "Squirt? Squirtle squirt-" He perked up when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye and looked over. His eyes widened when he saw one of Claydol's cannons suspended in midair and aiming right at him. He perked up in realization before chuckling nervously, "Squirtle."

Giovanni snapped, "Psybeam!"

Squirtle got blasted off the Clay Doll Pokémon before being surrounded by Stone Edge and finished off with Bulldoze. But not without landing one last Ice Beam.

The ref raised an arm, "Squirtle is unable to battle!"

Ash grimaced and ran out onto the field to get his Water-type. Claydol stared in surprise and moved away to give Ash room.

Ash made it to the Tiny Turtle Pokémon, scooped him up, and started walking back to the trainer area. Squirtle let out a tired sigh.

Ash seemed to glance down at him; face hidden from the cameras. Everyone except Koga and Giovanni perked up in surprise.

Squirtle muttered something before glancing back at Claydol and then looked at Ash in surprise. After a moment, Squirtle blinked in surprise before chuckling and smiling sadly.

Ash petted him before Squirtle snickered and smiled up at him slyly. He looked down and frowned. His eyes narrowed and he clenched a fist.

Ash glanced down at him for a moment before looking ahead as he seemed to say something. Squirtle sighed in relief and smiled. He then perked up and glanced up at Ash curiously.

Erika blinked in surprise, "So… Ash can understand the squirtle line, too?"

"It appears so…" Joy muttered in a mild daze.

Ash got back to the trainer box, returned Squirtle, and threw another pokéball, "Kingler! Enter the Fray!"

Kingler emerged in a flash and stared down Claydol determinedly, "King!" He opened his claws with a *shing* sounding out.

Erika perked up upon realizing something, "Wait. His Kingler can't use propulsion too, right?"

"Thankfully, no." Giovanni said.

"Though I wouldn't be surprised if it could if it were still a krabby." Koga commented, "It didn't when he used it against me, but still."

"Bulldoze!" Giovanni shouted to start the round.

"Charge and Crab Hammer!" Ash shouted in response.

Claydol unleased their quake move only for Kingler to tough through it and nail them with his larger claw; sending the Ground/Psychic-type back. After straightening up, they responded with Rock Tomb and Kingler countered with Brick Break.

"Psybeam!" "Hidden Power!"

The beam attacks crashed and exploded center field -clouding the area between them in smoke- before a second Hidden Power parted the cloud and struck Claydol directly in the head. Kingler then charged through the dust and bashed the Clay Doll Pokémon with another Crab Hammer. Claydol grunted and started falling over.

"Explosion!" Giovanni shouted.

Kingler's eyes widened and Ash grimaced as Claydol lit up pure white. A massive explosion erupted from the pair and shrouded them in smoke.

The ref raised an arm, "Self-knockout attack! Claydol is unable to battle!"

Everyone else in the area stared intently as the dust began settling. It faded to reveal Claydol and Kingler lying on the ground; both with eyes swirling.

"Kingler is also unable to battle!"

Clefairy pouted sourly. Pikachu sighed and patted her on the back.

Soot glanced at her, "Hey, in your defense, they used Explosion. From the size of the blast, if looked like you rolled a Self-Destruct."

Clefairy perked up and looked at her, "Clef clefairy?"

Sabrina glanced at Giovani before smiling and looking at the video again.

"Self-Destruct is twenty percent weaker." Soot said.

The Fairy Pokémon blinked, "Fair-"

"Self-Destruct is like getting hit by Cut four times and Explosion is like five." The canine clarified.

"Clef." Clefairy said with a nod before grumbling something. The Electric-type patted her back again.

Ash smiled sadly and seemed to whisper something before holding out a pokéball, "Nice work, Kingler. Return."

Giovanni held out a pokéball to Claydol, "Return."

Surge blinked in surprise and looked at Koga, "Wait, that's how you knew Clefairy used Self-Destruct instead of Explosion?"

"Partially." Koga admitted.

"Now! Rhyperior!"

Everyone looked as an Ultra Ball burst open and the fully-evolved Drill Pokémon materialized on the battlefield. Rhyperior glared ahead and let out a battle cry.

"Soot?" Ash asked without looking. Everyone watching this for the first time perked up.

Soot took a deep breath before opening her eyes to glare ahead determinedly, "I'm ready."

Ash smiled proudly, "Good."

Soot started walking out onto the field.

.

*Three days later

Ash smiled sadly and pulled his shoulder riders into a hug, "Thank you. I'm just sorry it's come to-"

"Nu-uh." Pikachu interrupted him as he smiled and nuzzled his trainer's chest, "None of that. Just let us back out once we're there."

Clefairy looked up at him, "Promise, okay?"

Ash gave a small nod and whispered, "I promise. We'll get there in no time." He hugged them tighter, "Thank you for understanding."

After a moment, Ash put his Pokémon back down and pulled out two pokéballs; one of which had a small lightning bolt sticker on it. He took a deep breath, held the capsules out to them and said, "return."

The beams shot out from the pokéballs and hit the Mouse and Fairy Pokémon. The pair smiled at him as they disappeared.

Ash looked down at the balls for moment before standing back up, putting them into stasis, and putting them into his backpack with seven other pokéballs and his Gym Badges. He looked at Misty who was holding a shrunken pokéball to her chest.

"Just sit tight, sweetie." Misty whispered, "I promise it won't be that long." She placed it in her backpack and slung it back on. The Water trainer looked at the watch user and both nodded before walking over to join Brock and Gary by the exit to the dock.

The breeder and professor's grandson noticed and all four grouped up.

Misty reached into her bag, pulled out three rebreathers, and held them out "Here. I only have three, so Ash will have to go without one."

Ash nodded and Brock took one, "Got it."

Gary glanced around at them before taking the third, "Sure…" He pocketed it, "Let's go."

The group nodded and all four made their way outside. Some of the remaining trainers noticed and looked over in surprise.

The harbor manager frowned and looked at the cop, "You're sure about this?"

Jenny frowned, "Not even a little. They're just kids." She let out a grim chuckle, "Just goes to show how desperate I am, huh?"

Miranda frowned sympathetically. She looked at the group again as they walked towards the edge of the dock, "Then let us pray for their safety."

The four humans reached the edge.

Ash removed the only pokéball on his belt and enlarged it. "Last chance to back out!" He shouted over the storm, "Any takers?! You know I won't hold it against you!"

Gary brought a pokéball out and enlarged it too, "You need to work on your sense of humor, Ashy-boy!"

Misty smirked, pulled out four pokéballs, and enlarged them, "For once, I agree with Gary!"

Gary glanced at her in annoyance for a moment.

Brock smiled determinedly, "You already know my answer!"

Ash cracked a small smile, "Alright, then!" He reeled back with Gary and Misty following suit.

"Squirtle!" "Blastoise!" "Staryu! Goldeen! Basculin! Seadra!" Ash, Gary, and Misty called out, "Enter the-/Come on-/I need-"

"TWEEERPS!"

Everyone jumped and looked over to find none other than Jessie, James, and Growlie heading their way in a lapras themed paddle boat with Meowth at the wheel. James waved at them with a grin on his face while he and Jessie each had on their civilian jacket/hoodie. Jessie had her arms crossed and an annoyed look on her face.

Gary's jaw dropped, 'What in the-'

Misty stared in pure shock as they pulled up to the dock before glaring, "What the Yvel are you doing?!"

James grinned, "Just thought you could use a lift!"

"In a paddle boat?!" Misty shouted, "This storm is too dangerous for a ship! Why the Yvel would we get in a paddle boat?!"

Meowth leaned back out of the cockpit and glared, "Hey! It was eitha dis or a vikin' rowboat! Which da ya think is worse?!" He glanced away and mumbled, "Plus I didn't wanna get tied to da mast…"

Growlie perked up and looked at him blankly.

Gary's eyes widened and he pointed, "Did that Meowth just talk?!"

Misty pointed at him without looking, "Not the issue here!"

Ash looked at the boat and glanced out at the storm before sighing. He looked at James, "You're serious about helping?!"

Everyone -even Team Rocket- jerked and looked at him in shock.

"Ash, are you actually considering this?!" Brock asked.

Ash looked at him, "Not a chance! But we were planning to have our Water-types swim us to the island in the ocean, during a storm! At the very least, it'd be nice to have some spotters and/or a moving breakpoint!"

Brock and Misty perked up before glancing away thoughtfully.

James frowned, "Wha- breakpoint?!" He whined, "We spent hours putting this thing together!"

Ash, Brock, and Misty froze and slowly turned to look at him in shock.

"Well, now we're definitely not getting in!" Ash said.

James tensed up before slumping forward sadly.

Misty rolled her eyes and then looked at Ash, "And you're sure this isn't a trap?!"

"They offered to take us into that!" Ash said as he pointed at the typhoon. He glanced at the boat as his clairvoyance took effect, "In that. Plus, the most advanced thing about this boat is the backup motor!" Jessie, James, Meowth, and Growlie's eyes widened as he looked at his friends again, "Odds are, they just got this because they spied on someone getting an invite, got the idea to crash the event, and noticed us!" He looked at Meowth, "Sound about right?!"

Meowth glared, "… maybe!"

James was now sitting in a fetal position with his head down, Jessie glanced at Ash in annoyance before perking up and looking around in confusion, and Growlie glanced away awkwardly.

Brock and Misty sweat dropped, "True!"

Gary perked up, looked at the others, and pointed at the Rockets, "Wait, you know these people?!"

Misty looked at him blankly, "You just realized that?!"

"Hey, um!" Jessie said in confusion, "Where's the mutt and your other Pokémon?!"

Ash looked at her, "Pokéballs!" The quaRtet's eyes widened. "Yeah, that's how dangerous this is!" The four of them shared an unsure look as Ash turned to the others and shrugged, "So?"

The Gym Leaders glanced at the Rockets and sighed in defeat, "Fine!"

Gary stared blankly before looking at the quaRtet.

Jessie moved closer to Meowth and whispered, "Is it too late to back out?"

Meowth whispered back, "Dis thing's non-refundable, rememba? Besides, we don' got Wata-types."

James looked at Growlie and pulled out a pokéball, "Do you-"

"Yes please!" The Fire-type blurted out.

Back inside, Miranda stared at the boat in pure shock as the group brought out their Pokémon, 'Who in their right mind…'

Blastoise flopped onto the water and Gary jumped onto his back. Seadra hovered over to Brock as Misty handed him Basculin and he grabbed one of Seadra's fins before being dragged under by the Dragon Pokémon. Ash and Misty jumped straight into the water with Squirtle in his arms and Goldeen and Staryu on either side of her; respectively.

The blue haired guy returned the growlithe before he, the other woman, and the meowth set off in the paddle boat.

Jenny glared at the boat as it set off into the storm, "Good luck." She and Miranda snapped out of it when they heard a wet splat and a groan before looking back.

Their eyes widened.

.

*Fifteen minutes later

Gary burst out of the water on Blastoise's back and was shivering terribly. He removed the rebreather and panted; teeth clattering.

"Wow!"

Gary flinched and looked over to find the blue haired man holding out a hand to him, "Twice in…" He looked over at the clock on the dashboard and looked at him again, "fourteen minutes, huh?!"

The red haired one smirked, "Even with a rebreather!"

Gary glared sourly and took the man's hand, "Sh-shut it! I-I-It's cold, alright?!" James pulled him into the boat. He took one of the seats and returned Blastoise; still shivering. After a moment, he perked up and looked around, "Where's everyone else?!"

"Haven't seen 'em!" Meowth called back; keeping his eyes on the sea, "Though I saw da ph- da twoip soiface once to take a breath! He didn't seem worried or nothin' so the otha two are probably good!"

Gary flinched, "Seriously?!" He grabbed his head and groaned, "Son of a glitch! At this rate they're gonna get there before me and leave me at the gate!"

The other two humans perked up in surprise before sharing a look and smirking.

"In that case," Jessie said, "isn't it about time, Meowth?!"

Meowth grinned excitedly, "Thought ya'd neva ask!" He raised a paw, "Hold onta somethin'!" He slammed down on a red button and a pair of thrusters lit up on the back and shot them into the storm.

The man and woman laughed maniacally as the boat shot off through the briny rapids. Gary stared ahead in shock before grinning excitedly as the waves passed by despite the boat being tossed into the air and submerging constantly.

But then his smile faded, and everyone's eyes widened when a massive wave shadowed the boat.

.

**Short Skip**

The professor's grandson groaned as Blastoise swam up to the landmass in the -finally- still water.

"I see him!" Came a girls voice. An annoyingly familiar one.

Gary tensed up and looked ahead tiredly to find Ash, Soot, the other two, and the pikachu, clefairy, and togepi on an ornate bronze platform leading to a flight of stairs in the distance. Also, Soot was pointing at him.

Gary grumbled as Blastoise continued onward. The pair reached the platform and Blastoise hoisted his trainer up to lay on the platform.

"Thanks, Blastoise." Gary said without looking before returning the Water-type.

Soot smiled, "Wow, you look terrible. What took you so-"

"SHUT UP!" Gary shouted as he quickly sat up and pointed a trembling finger at her; making everyone flinch.

The Dark-type blinked in surprise, "Woah … sorry."

Ash frowned worriedly, "Are you okay?"

Gary stood up, stomped up to Ash, and pointed a finger dangerously close to his face; still glaring, "I almost drowned because of those idiots. Next time you see your friends, tell them to never help me out again."

Ash sweat dropped, "Sure. Though, technically, they're not-"

"Welcome." Came a familiar voice.

Everyone flinched and looked over to find Nurse Joy standing behind all of them with a lantern in hand. Her dress was various shades of red -mostly dark- and the headwear was pure white.

Ash and Soot stared in shock, 'When did she get here?!'

"Congratulations on your arrival." Joy said monotonously, "Present your invitation now, please."

"Nurse Joy!" Brock blurted out before hurrying up to her and smiling, "Thank Arceus, you're okay!"

Joy blinked, "Pardon? I believe you have me mistaken for someone else. I am a servant at this palace and always have been."

Brock stared fearfully before grabbing her shoulders and shaking her, "Nurse Joy, snap out of it! You're being controlled!"

"Please stop doing that." Joy said in the same, emotionless tone. Brock flinched, let go, and took a step back. "Thank you." Joy said before turning to look at Ash, "Present your invitation now, please."

Brock looked at Ash worriedly.

The boy glanced at her before walking up to Brock and whispering, "This psychic seems like a strong one. We might not be able to undo this unless we can find them."

Brock tensed up before frowning worriedly and taking a step back.

Ash smiled at the 'servant', "Sorry about my friend. We're all a little tired from the trip." He reached back and pulled out the invite.

The hologram of Joy appeared, "These three are the recipients of this invitation." The hologram disappeared.

Soot glanced up at the invite with a raised brow, 'Wait, that's it?'

Joy stared at the inactive invite for a moment before looking at Gary. The Oak boy tensed up and glanced away.

She looked at Ash again, "Thank you." She looked around, "Now, please follow me." She turned and started walking, "The other invited guests are waiting."

Everyone frowned and followed her.

Gary glanced at Ash with a raised brow, "Hey, uh, aren't you at all concerned about those guys?"

"Not really." Ash said without looking. Gary jerked and stared blankly as Ash glanced back at him, "Don't get me wrong, we don't want something bad to happen to them. It's just that they might be indestructible."

Gary's eyes widened in shock, "Excuse me?"

Soot looked up at him, "We've seen them shoot into the stratosphere repeatedly, get blown up, and plunge into an abyss once. They showed up again the next day or as soon as a week later without a scratch. How they do it, we still don't know."

Brock put his hands behind his head, "Honestly, I think the only time we've seen them in even remotely bad shape was after we all escaped the Saint Anne."

Misty shrugged, "I'd be more shocked if they did drown out there."

Gary looked around at the others in pure shock before slowly turning to look ahead again. Nurse Joy paid the group no mind.

As they made their way off the pier, they failed to notice the tRio looking up at them from underneath while hanging onto their 'Team Rocket Emergency Flotation Device'.

After they left, James blinked while staring blankly, "Y'know … I'm not sure if I should be insulted that they're not worried or weirdly flattered about the indestructible part."

Jessie and Meowth just stared blankly as well, "Yeah…"

.

*Ash and Co.

Everyone continued following Joy to the area where the other guests were while glancing around at the scenery every so often. It was a dark cavern dimly lit by the blue-bulbed lamps running alongside the stairs and Joy's lantern. A series of waterfalls poured down next to them.

Though, Brock kept his eyes on Joy for the most part.

Pikachu frowned, "Man. This place is eerie."

Clefairy looked around curiously, "Really? It reminds me a little of Mount Moon." She looked at one of the waterfalls, "Except, not as dry. And a lot louder."

Misty glanced at Ash and whispered, "So there's really nothing we can do to snap her out of it?"

Ash glanced back at her, "Just for now." He looked at the Nurse again, "Given her reaction earlier, or lack thereof, it seems like the psychic is directly controlling her as we speak."

Brock clenched a fist.

Ash glanced at him before looking at Joy, "Still, physically, it seems like she's okay. Whoever's doing this seems to at least have some morals. Regardless, we just have to find this psychic and have them undo it." He cracked a knuckle on his middle finger, "Even if it means 'convincing' them."

Soot glared as her eyes shifted to their inherent state, "Glad we're on the same page."

Everyone glanced at them before looking ahead again. Except Togepi who blinked in confusion.

After about another minute, they all came up to an arched exit way to find a massive building resembling a castle with a massive metal door. The shoulder riders all looked up at it in awe.

Soot's nose twitched and she flinched, "Dad, you smell that?"

Ash sniffed and flinched as well. He frowned worriedly, "Crag."

Everyone else looked at them and Brock asked, "What is it?"

Soot gulped, "Seal polish. A whole lot of it."

Misty's eyes widened and she looked around, "Wait, what? Are you saying this whole place is covered in it?"

Soot sniffed the air again before sniffing the ground, "It actually seems a little distant." Her eyes narrowed, "But there's enough that I couldn't tell how far, at first."

Everyone looked at her in shock before continuing towards the giant door. As they approached, the door suddenly began to break apart and fold away to reveal a massive lit up room.

Brock couldn't help but crack a small smile, 'I bet Electra would've loved this…' He perked up and shook it off before following everyone else inside.

The room was mostly light brown with dirt pillars that had holes revealing metal infrastructure. It was lit up by the surrounding lamps and a chandelier hanging high above a jagged marble dining table with seven chairs; three on each side and one at the far end. Just before the door were two flights of stairs spiraling around each other in the form of a helix and extending to the ceiling.

At the table, the black-haired trainer in the red vest and the brown-haired girl in the purple tunic sat on one side, and the trainer in the blue tank top on the other. On the far side of the room was a massive, mosaic stain glass window with metal grilles dividing every color.

On one side of the room sat a giant water fountain with a gyarados, kingdra, and tentacruel in it and a vaporeon, golduck, and nidoqueen standing in front of it.

On the other side stood a vileplume, rapidash, sandslash, rhyhorn, hitmonlee, venusaur, blastoise, and scyther. Also, there was a dewgong in a much smaller fountain.

The girl had a wigglytuff standing next to her and red vest had a pidgeot standing behind him.

"Woah." Soot muttered in shock, "The rich-glitch thing is starting to seem more plausible."

Gary blinked in surprise, "sure, whatever that means…"

Ash's eyes narrowed as he looked at the table, 'Only three?' He reached into his pocket and looked at Joy, "Nurs- Miss, is this everyone? I could have sworn a lot more than three trainers left the wharf before us."

Brock, Misty, and Gary perked up and glanced at him warily before looking at the 'servant'. Pikachu, Clefairy, and Togepi's eyes widened in fearful realization. Soot's eyes narrowed warily.

Joy glanced back at him, "If a trainer could not have made it here through the storm, then they had no right to be invited."

Everyone grimaced.

Brock gulped, "So the storm really was a test?"

Joy stopped and turned to face the group. "Please release all of your Pokémon from their pokéballs and take a seat." She said; ignoring the question.

The trainers at the table glanced over curiously.

Ash glared and nodded, "Fine." Pikachu and Clefairy jumped down as he reached back and pulled out three pokéballs.

Everyone glanced at him before reaching back also. Gary pulled out six, Misty put Togepi down and pulled out five, and Brock pulled out four before all of them tossed the capsules into the air.

Ash brought out Charizard, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur.

Brock released Onix, Vulpix, Geodude, and Zubat.

Misty sent out Staryu, Goldeen, Seadra, Basculin -who Misty had to pick up almost immediately-, and Psyduck.

Gary's pokéballs burst open to reveal Blastoise, Nidoking, Arcanine, Alakazam, Golem, and Dodrio.

All of the brought-out Pokémon looked around curiously and/or in awe at their surroundings. Except the Water-types -except Psyduck- who looked around cautiously.

Goldeen set up Aqua Ring and jumped out of it before Misty placed Basculin in it. They figured that out at the ranch.

The tank top trainer smirked, 'Hah. Almost nothing but weaklings from those three. Least the girl has good taste.' He glanced at Gary, 'Still, looks like there's actually a little competition.'

The vest one stared in surprise, 'He has one of every starter Pokémon? I thought just having a clefairy and mightyena was impressive.' He looked at Gary cautiously, 'Still, that trainer sure as Yvel doesn't seem like a pushover…'

The girl smiled, 'Oh, cool, he has a blastoise, too. And she has a cute little togepi. I wonder if she'd be willing to trade.'

Joy looked around at the Pokémon, "I believe I said all of your Pokémon."

Everyone else perked up. Ash glanced at Brock.

The breeder noticed and perked up in realization. He smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head, "Oh, sorry, but I really do only have four Pokémon on me at the moment. I do have a pikachu but she wanted to stay back in Pallet-"

"Not you." Joy said before looking at Ash.

The three other trainers looked at Ash in surprise.

Ash's eyes narrowed, 'So we really weren't just chosen at random.' He smiled sheepishly, "Oh, right. Sorry." He pulled out four more pokéballs and tossed them into the air. They opened to reveal Nincada, Arbok, Aerodactyl, and one of the Tauros.

The two former looked around curiously and the two latter smiled excitedly due to still thinking this was a battle-related event.

The seated trainers' eyes widened in shock, 'What the Yvel?!'

Misty sweat dropped, "Still can't believe Primeape backed out last minute."

Ash shrugged, "Like I said, Arbok's been helping out Nincada. Primeape puts the team first." He formed a small smile, "Kinda proud of him, really."

Tank top stared in shock, 'T- ten Pokémon? How on earth?'

'Is that even allowed?!' The girl thought. She perked up and squinted, 'Wait a sec…'

Joy looked around again before nodding, "Thank you. Now please take your seats. My master will arrive shortly." She turned and started walking towards a hallway.

Brock looked at her and was about to follow before Ash grabbed his wrist.

"I'm sorry, but not yet." The boy whispered, "With what's at stake, we can't afford to draw the wrong kind of attention right now." He let go, "Just play along for now."

Brock groaned in annoyance, "fine…"

Misty glanced at him sympathetically.

Everyone flinched when they heard metal creaking and looked back as the giant door's pieces reappeared and put themselves back together. A loud clang sounded out once it was back to its original state.

Ash glared at the sealed exit before putting on a small smile and looking at his team, "You guys, go mingle and have fun. And Squirtle," His eyes narrowed slightly, "I think I forgot to tell everyone why we're here. Could you fill them in?"

Bulbasaur, Charizard, Arbok, Nincada, Tauros, and Aerodactyl perked up and looked at him in surprise. As did five of Gary's Pokémon, Brock's team, and Psyduck.

Squirtle glared determinedly and nodded, "On it." He gestured for everyone to follow and started walking.

Nearly everyone else stared in surprise before following him. Pikachu and Clefairy jumped back to Ash's shoulders as he, Brock, Gary, and Soot went up to the table.

Psyduck stared in surprise before glancing at his trainer, 'Misty?'

Misty looked down at him and smiled softly, "It's okay." She glanced at the leaving Nurse, "There's just a lot going on, right now." She picked up Togepi and started walking towards the dining table.

"Basc!" Basculin cried out from the immovable Aqua Ring.

"Sorry!" Misty said as she rushed back to her. She put Togepi down again, picked up her Hostile Pokémon, and followed her other Pokémon to the larger fountain. Togepi followed close behind and the guy in the tank top looked at her as she approached the fountain.

The boy in red stared in surprise, 'The privilege to have ten Pokémon at once and a team made almost entirely of rare Pokémon and ones from another region. He could be a young-looking foreigner or someone with connections.'

He stood up and walked up to meet them; catching the group's, the other two trainers', and his pidgeot's attention, 'Whatever the case,' He stopped, smiled kindly, and held out a hand, 'it might be smart to get on his good side.' "Hello, there. My name is Corey Soaren. It's nice to meet you."

Ash smiled and reached out to shake his hand, "I'm-"

But then Gary stepped in and shook it instead; making the rest of the group sweat drop, "Name's Gary Oak. Always happy to meet a fan."

Corey's eyes widened slightly, 'Oak?!' He composed himself and smiled, 'No. This shouldn't be a surprise. Of course, someone related to Professor Oak would be invited.' "The pleasure is mine." He looked at everyone else, "And who are your friends?"

The Pewter Gym Leader sweat dropped and smiled sheepishly, "'Acquaintances' might be more appropriate." Corey perked up in surprise as Brock looked at Gary, "No offence."

Gary shrugged, "Eh. If you didn't say it, I would've."

Brock looked at Corey again, smiled, and put a hand to his chest, "Anyway, I'm Brock Slate."

Corey perked up in surprise, 'Slate?!' He shot a side-glance at Ash, 'Someone from a Main Eight Gym Leader family and someone related to Professor Oak… So, who the Yvel is this guy?!' He smiled at him, "And you?"

The boy with the watch smiled, "Ash Ketchum. Nice to meet you." He gestured to his shoulder riders, "And these two are Pikachu and Clefairy."

"Pika!" "Fairy!"

The mightyena smiled, "And I'm Soot Ketchum."

Corey and the other two jerked and looked at her in shock, 'Did it just talk?!'

Soot grinned, "Yeah, I get that look a lot."

The girl stared in mild awe, "Cool." She smiled and waved, "Well, I'm Neesha Sweets." She petted the wigglytuff; making them smile, "I'm here with this one." She then gestured back to the blastoise, dewgong, vileplume, ninetales, and rapidash, "And those over there."

Her Pokémon all greeted the group. Dewgong was the only one who actually waved. Neesha looked at Ash's team curiously.

Corey perked up, went back to his pidgeot, and gestured to the venusaur, hitmonlee, scyther, sandslash, and rhyhorn while smiling, "And these are my Pokémon." He looked at his other five, "Everyone, say hello."

"Pidgo!" "Saur!" "Lee!" "Scyther!" "Rhy!" "Sandslash!"

Ash looked at the team -mainly rhyhorn- before glancing at Corey, 'Black-hair and blue-eyes … hm.' He looked at Rhyhorn again and whispered, "Pikachu?"

Pikachu looked at him before following his gaze. "Male rhyhorn." He said.

'Yeah, I thought that'd be too easy.' Ash looked at the last guy, "And you are?"

The last guy snapped out of it and looked at him, "Oh, uh, Fergus." He looked back at the fountain with the gyarados, vaporeon, kingdra, golduck, tentacruel, and nidoqueen to find Misty kneeling down in front of his golduck with her psyduck and togepi by her.

Basculin, Goldeen, Staryu, and Seadra were already in the fountain.

"Hey, what are you doing over there?" Fergus called out to her. Everyone else looked over too.

Misty perked up and looked over in surprise, "Huh?" After a second, she stood back up, "Oh, sorry. Originally, I was asking your Pokémon if they'd be okay with sharing the fountain with my team. And, before you ask, Psyduck can use telepathy."

Psyduck looked at them, 'Case and point.' Corey, Neesha, Fergus, and Gary jerked slightly from hearing the voice.

Soot glanced at Gary, 'Oh yeah, we forgot to show him that.'

Misty smiled at the fully evolved Duck Pokémon, "But then Golduck asked if Psyduck could teach him to use telepathy too and-" She shrugged.

Golduck smiled at his trainer and gave a thumbs up, "Golduck!"

Fergus blinked in surprise, "Oh … okay then."

Misty smiled at the two Duck Pokémon, "Alright, I'll leave you guys to it. And Golduck, if Psyduck looks like he dazes out at-"

Psyduck's eyes lost focus and he held his head, "Psy." Golduck looked at him in surprise.

"…" Misty sighed and muttered, "the timing with that…" She looked at Golduck, "Whenever he does that, just get my attention and I'll call out" She looked at her Water-type, "Psyduck."

Psyduck's eyes blipped blue before he shook his head rapidly and blinked a few times. He looked up at Misty, 'Thank you.'

Misty smiled and started walking to the table with Togepi next to her.

Golduck looked at her blankly before looking at Psyduck, "What the Yvel was that?"

"Calm Mind." Psyduck said casually.

The Cerulean Gym Leader walked up to the table, "Did we already do introductions?"

"Yeah, but we thought you'd wanna do yourself." Soot said with a smile, "Last names included, by the way."

"Ah." Misty smiled at everyone at the table, "Well then, I'm Misty Waterflower." She picked up the hatchling again, "And this is Togepi."

"Togepriii!" The Fairy-type trilled.

Corey's eyes widened, 'A Waterflower too?!' He shook it off and smiled; albeit while sweat dropping, "Um, hello."

Neesha stared intently before perking up in realization, "Oh!" Everyone looked at her in surprise as she stood and pointed at Ash's Fossil Pokémon, "That's where I've seen your aerodactyl! It's that same one from the Pokémon Times!"

Gary tensed up slightly, Corey and Fergus looked at her in shock, and everyone else looked at her in surprise.

Ash blinked in surprise, "That's … right." He smiled, "Wow. I'm impressed. Not a lot of people would recognize a Pokémon so easily."

Neesha looked at him in surprise, "Really?" She looked at Aerodactyl curiously, "I don't get why people keep saying that. I thought it was kinda obvious."

Wigglytuff giggled, "Neesha's got a bit of a talent for this thing."

Soot snickered and translated. Neesha looked at Soot in surprise.

The Bite Pokémon noticed and looked at her, "I was translating for Wigglytuff."

Neesha looked at her Balloon Pokémon in surprise. She smiled and pulled her Fairy-type into a hug, "Aw. Thanks, Wigglytuff."

Fergus jumped out of his seat; catching everyone's' attention, "Wait! Why was your aerodactyl in the-"

He was cut off when, without warning, the lights all went out. Everyone jerked and looked up in surprise.

Fergus looked around in confusion, "What the Yvel?"

Ash perked up in realization and started looking around quickly. He stopped when he spotted Nurse Joy suddenly standing in front of the helix-stairs.

His eyes widened, 'Crag! Already?!'

Soot noticed, followed his gaze, and tensed up.

Ash's eyes narrowed, "Guys, it's starting now. Staircase."

All of the other trainers and shoulder riders looked at him -Corey, Fergus, and Neesha in surprise- before looking towards the entrance.

A light shined down from the ceiling in the center of the helix; revealing Joy standing next to it to everyone without night vision.

Ash, Brock, Misty, and Gary's Pokémon all looked up at the opening anxiously or glared. Corey, Neesha, and Fergus's all looked up determinedly, curiously, or noticed the other Pokémons' reactions and looked at them in confusion.

"Thank you all for your patience." Joy said; still monotone. She gestured to the helix, "I would now like to present the world's strongest Pokémon trainer, who will now join you."

A figure dropped down through the structure and slowly descended from the opening in the ceiling with a dim light blue outline surrounding them. They definitely weren't human.

The Pokémon appeared bipedal with a humanoid stature with some feline features. It had a long thick tail that thinned out before ending in a bulb, a pair of short, blunt horns on its head, and a tube extending from the back of its head to the top of its spine; going over its neck.

They had a defined chest and shoulders that somewhat resembled a breastplate. Their hands had three digits with spherical tips -none solely seeming like a thumb while still seeming fully dexterous- and it had long feet with two bulbous toes and a third toe at the heel similar to a carpal pad except protruding inward.

As they got closer, everyone could see the Pokémon's body was almost entirely gray with the exception of their purple tail and eyes.

"What the-" Corey muttered in pure shock.

Misty stared in shock, "Ash … is that the hitmonchan/mew thing from Bill's door?"

Ash just stared at the Pokémon blankly, "yeah…"

"Okay good." Brock said in a daze, "You see them too."

Gary looked at them in shock while pointing at the Pokémon, "You've seen that thing before?"

Soot glanced up at him, "Well, a picture. Although, we thought Bill just made it up." She deadpanned, "But now we're going to have to talk to him about this the next time we see him."

Everyone jumped as the lights turned back on. The Pokémon moved forward through one of the spaces in the helix and landed on a platform behind Joy; standing only of the balls of its feet. Pun not intended.

"My master is not only the strongest Pokémon trainer," Joy continued, "but the strongest Pokémon in existence. Mewtwo."

Gary stared in confusion, "Mew…two?" He jerked and his eyes widened in shock.

'is that the hitmonchan/mew thing from Bill's door?'

'MEW?!' Gary looked down at Soot before looking at the apparent Psychic-type.

Aerodactyl perked up before smirking, "Strongest?" He flinched and looked over in surprise when Charizard shoved a claw in front of his face.

Charizard gulped while staring ahead, "Don't."

Aerodactyl stared in confusion before following his gaze. His eyes widened at the expression of pure shock on Ash and Soot.

"Mewtwo…" Ash muttered in a daze.

"That, uh…" Soot muttered the same as Ash, "explains the resemblance … kinda."

"You expect me to buy that?!" Fergus shouted; catching everyone else's attention, "A Pokémon can't be a trainer! No way!"

"Is that so?' Joy's voice overlapped with another, deeper voice.

Neesha flinched and started looking around in shock, "Woah! Where'd that voice come from?!" Ash and looked at her in surprise.

Misty noticed and glanced at Psyduck, "Telepathy." She looked at the Pokémon, "Mewtwo can use telepathy, too."

Ash perked up and looked at Misty in surprise. Soot groaned.

Gary noticed Soot's reaction, "You didn't miss anything. Their voices overlapped."

"Thanks." Soot said.

Mewtwo glanced at Gary.

Brock stared intently and mumbled, "Levitation, telepathy, mew…" He glared.

Fergus stared in surprise before shaking it off and glaring, "Cut the crag! I came here to battle the world's greatest trainer!" He looked around and shouted, "You hear that?! I'm no falling for it! Stop hiding behind this thing and show yourself!"

"That isn't it." Brock said as he started walking forward. Everyone looked at him as he stopped and glared at the Psychic-type, "There isn't someone else, is there? It's all you." He pointed at Mewtwo accusingly, "You're the one who kidnapped and is controlling Nurse Joy!"

Fergus's glare faded into an expression of pure shock before he slowly turned to look at Mewtwo again, "W- wait … what?"

Corey stared in shock and muttered, "Nurse … Joy?"

Neesha, her Pokémon, as well as Fergus's and Corey's just stared in shock. No one else was really surprised at the accusation and watched anxiously.

Mewtwo stared calmly for a moment before cracking a small smirk. 'And here I thought you might need more convincing." They and Joy said, "I assumed not many humans would believe a Pokémon could be capable of masterminding something like this.'

Brock just glared, "You meet the right Pokémon, and you get used to it. Now, let her go." He demanded.

Gary grimaced and held out a hand, "Hey, maybe we shouldn't anger the-"

'Very well." Mewtwo and Joy said. Everyone flinched and stared in shock.

"I only needed her for her expertise in Pokémon physiology, anyway.' Mewtwo's eyes lit up and Joy flinched and gasped. She put a hand on her head and stumbled forward.

Brock flinched and ran up to catch her when she fell over. As she fell into his arms, the headwear fell off to reveal her normal, pink hair. The three trainers mostly out of the loop stared in shock.

Brock smiled down at her, "Nurse Joy."

Joy gasped and started looking around in confusion, "Wha- where am I? What am I doing here?"

'I brought you here to look after me.' Mewtwo answered. Joy looked over and flinched at the sight of the Psychic-type. 'It only feels right to say you're expertise was appreciated. Even though you remember nothing.'

Joy stared fearfully, "What?"

Gary frowned, "They just admitted to kidnapping her. Even said they wiped her memory."

Ash and Soot glared.

Brock glared at Mewtwo angrily with teeth clenched. He shook it off, 'Priorities.' He stood back up and held out a hand to the nurse, "Come on. Let's get you to safety."

Joy looked at him and glanced at Mewtwo. She nodded and took his hand to pull herself back up, "R- right."

The pair started heading over to everyone else. Though Joy kept looking back at Mewtwo warily. Mewtwo did nothing as they walked away.

Ash watched as they approached and looked at Mewtwo, 'Okay. At least they're not unreasonable.' "Pikachu." He whispered.

His Electric-type looked at him and nodded, "On it."

Ash glanced at his Fairy-type, "Down for a moment. Just in case."

Clefairy frowned and nodded, "Okay." She jumped down to stand next to Soot.

Gary noticed the Fairy Pokémon's action and looked ahead again, 'Makes it easier for me.'

"Alright, so what now?" Ash asked Mewtwo as he put a hand in his pocket and walked up to them. Fergus, Corey, and Neesha looked at Ash in surprise. "Why do all of this?"

Mewtwo looked at him stoically for a moment, 'you…' 'I believe I've already explained why I took her.'

Pikachu whispered the translation to Ash, and Clefairy said it for Soot.

Ash stopped a few meters in front of Mewtwo and his eyes narrowed, "Yeah, that I can at least understand. I don't agree with it, but I know you had a reason." He pointed a thumb back to the rest of the trainers, "But that doesn't explain why you invited us to your island."

Everyone -except Soot- perked up.

Soot's eyes narrowed, "Right." She walked up to stand next to Ash. Clefairy stayed behind. "If you needed Nurse Joy to take care of you for the long run, you wouldn't have risked her being rescued by inviting us. Meaning you only needed her temporarily." She glared, "Add in the fact that you let her go so easily and it's obvious that you already got what you wanted just by gathering us here."

Mewtwo stared calmly as a small smirk appeared on their face, 'We were right about you.' They closed their eyes, 'Very well. This is the true reason I brought you here.' Their eyes shot open and lit up light blue.

Ash perked up and looked down.

Pikachu blinked in surprise, "What?" He shook it off, "Um, they said-"

"Soot! Back!" Ash shouted before grabbing Pikachu from his shoulder and jumping back. Soot followed suit without hesitation. Mewtwo perked up in surprise.

Soot glanced around frantically, "What is it?!" Pikachu looked around worriedly.

"Trapdoors and, I think, platform elevators." Ash whispered. Soot and Pikachu looked at him in surprise and Mewtwo's eyes widened slightly. His eyes narrowed with Technopathic Clairvoyance in effect, "I think they just called something. Two- no three-" He stopped and perked up, "They're coming."

The Bite and Mouse Pokémon tensed up and looked ahead.

Mewtwo stared in surprise, 'How did-' They returned to their stoic expression as three circular sections on the floor split open, 'Humans aspiring to be trainers first choose from three Pokémon. Bulbasaur, squirtle, and charmander.' Pikachu translated as three Pokémon rose up from the hatches.

On Mewtwo's left was a venusaur with large light blue splotches in the shapes of gashes wildly placed along their limbs and around their eyes. They also had ring-patterned spots on their flower instead of solid spots.

In the middle was a blastoise with darker brown markings inwardly lining every scute of their shell, two dark blue lines stretching from the back of their head to their forehead, and three barbs spaced evenly around their cannons. They also had dark blue eye markings similar to Venusaur's in shape.

What came up on the right was a charizard with thinner, brown gash-markings stretched more evenly along their back; from the back of their head to the tip of their tail. The same markings were on their thighs and their eye markings were much more pronounced and resembled a ragged mask.

Ash, Gary, Soot, and Corey stared in surprise, 'What the Yvel?'

'These before you are their evolved forms.' Mewtwo continued, 'Or rather, enhanced copies.'

Everyone who heard that flinched.

"What?!" Misty blurted out, "What the Yvel does that mean?!" The Ketchums flinched and looked at her in surprise.

Everyone then flinched when the lights dimmed again and they heard something shifting. They looked back as the stained-glass wall split and folded away like the door did earlier. Four massive floodlights turned on to reveal a colosseum with stands. On the far end was a metal door resembling the entrance and another was behind each of the trainer areas; all with a pointed overhang. A standard battlefield sat in the center of it all.

Soot stared in surprise before looking at Mewtwo, "You … brought us here to challenge us to a battle?" Her nose twitched and she frowned, 'The smell got stronger.'

'Precisely.' Mewtwo said before their eyes lit up light blue again. The marking covered fully evolved starters vanished in a flash and reappeared on one side of the battlefield. Mewtwo lifted off their feet and levitated over to join them; making everyone in their path flinch and move out of the way, 'I have gathered trainers who had these specific Pokémon for a … 'mirror match', if you would.' They landed in the trainer box and looked at the trainers, 'A test of strength between your natural born Pokémon and my clones. We will see which is superior.'

Pikachu collected himself and quickly filled in his trainer and teammate.

Ash and Soot looked at him in shock and looked at Mewtwo again, 'Clones?!'

Corey stepped forward and glared, "Fine by me!" He pointed at his venusaur, "I'll choose Bruteroot!"

"Venusaur!" Bruteroot called out as he stepped forward.

Neesha smirked, "I like the sound of that." She held a hand to her own blastoise, "My partner will be Shellshocker!"

"Blast!" Shellshocker announced.

Gary glared at her, "Hey! You're not the only one with a blastoise, y'know!" He stomped forward, "My blastoise will-"

"Hold on, Gare-bare!" Soot called out.

Gary gritted his teeth and glared at her, "Stop calling me tha-" He flinched and stared in surprise when he saw her glaring at him. And not in the 'stop being annoying and shut the Yvel up already' way like usual.

"Let her do it." The Dark-type said before looking at Mewtwo, "I've got a weird feeling."

Gary stared in surprise before groaning in annoyance, "Fine." He glanced at Neesha, "It's all yours."

Neesha smiled and gave a thumbs up to Soot, "Thank you, talking Pokémon."

The talking Pokémon sweat dropped, "My name's Soot."

Ash's Charizard glared and glanced at his trainer, "Ash?"

The watch user glanced back at him before looking at Mewtwo again. He glared and walked back to stand next to Charizard, "Fine. We accept."

A small smirk crept onto Mewtwo's face.

Fergus glared and stepped up, "Hey! What about me?! My first Pokémon was my nidoran!"

Soot looked at Fergus's nidoqueen and muttered, "Oh, that's why."

Mewtwo looked at him, 'Ah, right. I gave that dragonite some spares and said to also find decent looking trainers to pad out the crowd.'

Joy's eyes widened and she muttered, "What?"

'I suppose you'll just have to spectate.' Mewtwo said; still looking at Fergus.

Fergus stared blankly before glaring furiously, "LIKE YVEL!" He looked at the fountain and pointed at Mewtwo, "Gyarados! Teach it a lesson!"

The Atrocious Pokémon slithered out of the fountain and roared at Mewtwo. Mewtwo's eyes narrowed and Gyarados tensed up slightly. Soot noticed and looked at Gyarados before looking back across at Mewtwo.

Mewtwo glanced to their sides. The marked Pokémon nodded and moved to the side to give Mewtwo space.

Ash looked at the guy in the tank top in alarm, "Fergus, wait!"

Fergus just smirked and pointed, "Gyarados! Hyper Beam!"

A ball of orange energy formed before Gyarados's mouth before they reeled back and fired a matching beam at Mewtwo. Mewtwo held out a hand and spread their fingers. The Normal-type attack stopped dead in its tracks as a light blue outline shrouded it; barely noticeable due to the attack's natural glow.

Fergus, Gyarados, Ash and Soot's eyes widened in shock. Mewtwo swept their arm out and Hyper Beam curved upward and flew back to its source. Gyarados cried out in pain as their own attack struck them in the face and they crashed to the ground.

"Gyarados!" Fergus shouted in alarm.

Corey's eyes narrowed, "So it knows Mirror Coat, huh?"

"No." Soot muttered in shock, "Non-contact Mirror Coat styles involve a barrier. And contact ones use a protective layer or can be mistaken for basic-style Bide. I think that was just Psychic."

Corey, Brock, Misty, and Gary flinched and looked at her in shock.

Ash gulped, 'Catching a Hyper Beam with Psychic like it's nothing and even redirecting it … Arceus, what the Yvel are we up against?' He composed himself and stared intently, 'Okay, hold on. They're definitely a powerful psychic, but' He glanced down at Soot.

Soot noticed and smirked as she shook her head slightly.

Ash's eyes narrowed as a small smile formed, 'it's possible they don't know Miracle Eye. If we're lucky, they might rely too much on their psychic abilities.'

'Trivial.' Mewtwo said before looking at the actual challengers, 'Now, let's-' They stopped and perked up before looking to the side to telekinetically catch a mail bag shooting at their head. They moved it aside just before three Dragon Pulse in the form of light green, dragon-shaped flame streams and a pair of Thunderbolts crashed into them all at once. The attacks exploded violently and shrouded Mewtwo in a thick cloud of smoke.

Everyone stared in shock before looking over to find a dragonite glaring down at Mewtwo. Most of those present recognized him. The marked charizard, venusaur, and blastoise all stared in surprise before glaring up at the Dragon/Flying-type.

Joy smiled brightly, "Dragonite, you're okay!"

Dragonite jerked and looked at his trainer. He smiled brightly, rushed down to her, and pulled her into a hug, "Joy!"

The Nurse hugged her Pokémon back. Corey, Neesha, and Fergus stared in surprise.

Neesha pointed, "W-wait, isn't that the dragonite that-"

'Ah, that's right.' Almost everyone flinched from hearing Mewtwo's voice and looked at the cloud of dust. Ash and Soot noticed and looked too. The dust settled to reveal Mewtwo standing right where they were throughout the barrage. The only changes were the very light scuff mark on their chest, the mailbag burned to a crisp on the ground, and a few pieces of the invites lying around their feet.

Ash and Soot's eyes widened, 'He landed a hit?!'

'I put the two of you under a joined influence.' Mewtwo continued before they put a hand on the scuff mark, 'I suppose this is what I get for taking shortcuts.'

Corey and Neesha's eyes widened.

Fergus stared in surprise, 'It got hit…'

Dragonite stared in pure shock and put a claw in front of his trainer, "Joy, I'm getting you out of here! Now!"

Mewtwo looked at him, 'I'm afraid that is not an option. Everyone is to remain here until this event is over.'

Dragonite gritted his teeth and moved into a fighting stance, "Like. Yvel. I am taking my trainer and leaving now. I don't care who or what says otherwise."

'… I see.' The Psychic-types eyes narrowed, 'And that is your final answer?'

Still glaring, Dragonite gulped and nodded.

'Very well.' Mewtwo said before their eyes lit up light blue.

Before anyone could blink, Dragonite found himself high above the ground.

Dragonite's eyes widened in shock before he glanced down to see his trainer still looking ahead, "Wha- DRA!" He cried out as he shot down at high speed and slammed into the ground outside of the battlefield; kicking up a thick cloud of smoke. Everyone stared in shock.

"What just-" Joy muttered in a daze.

"Ash …" Brock asked, "did you see…" he trailed off.

"Barely." Ash muttered; the same as Joy.

The dust settled to reveal Dragonite lying on his back in the crater and panting heavily. Mewtwo lifted up and hovered over to him. Everybody just watched.

They landed, knelt down, and placed a hand on the Dragon Pokémon's chest. Their arm became covered in green light and Ash and Soot's eyes widened in shock.

Dragonite stared in tired confusion before tensing up and gritting his teeth, "Wha-what are you … d-doing?!"

Mewtwo just stared calmly as their body lit up light green, 'Calm down. I'm only taking what you owe me.'

"What's it doing to Dragonite?!" Joy blurted out worriedly.

Soot stared in shock, "That's … green glow, full basic-style Drain Punch…"

Gary tensed up and looked at her in shock, "Wh-what?"

Fergus looked at Gary in confusion before looking around, "And? It can't be that tough if it's called 'basic', right?"

Ash glanced at him, "It's 'basic' because of its execution." He brought up and clenched a fist, "Most Drain Punch styles require the user to make a fist or completely cover the user's hand in energy. And some even require the user to throw a punch."

He put his hand down and looked at Mewtwo, "But a full basic-style doesn't have any of those restrictions. The user can hold onto the opponent or pin them down to sap away their energy. The only drawbacks are that it has a low duration time that can be extended through training and the fact that draining without punching is less efficient, healing-wise." He gulped, "But it's the rarest and most powerful style of Drain Punch. Period."

Corey, Neesha, Joy, Brock, Misty, and most of the Pokémon looked at Ash in shock. Fergus stared in surprise before looking at Mewtwo.

Mewtwo glanced at Ash for a brief moment before focusing on the writhing Dragonite. After a moment, they removed their hand and stood back up; revealing that the scuff mark had faded. They turned and started hovering back towards their trainer box.

Joy noticed, flinched, and took a step forward, "Drag-"

"H- hold … it…"

Mewtwo perked up and looked back to find Dragonite struggling to push himself back up and glaring. Though, he was panting terribly with a distant look in his eyes.

"I'm n-not" He panted shakily as he just barely got back to his feet, "d-done ye…yet…"

Mewtwo stared curiously, 'Hm.' Their expression returned to stoic, 'I see.' They held out a hand to the Dragon Pokémon as their eyes lit up solid blue and their entire body became shrouded in light blue energy that resembled a blazing inferno.

Neesha stared in shock, "What move is that?"

Ash stared in total shock, "I have no idea…"

The group and Gary turned to look at Ash in pure shock. Except Soot who stared ahead in shock as well.

'Allow me to answer.' Everyone flinched and looked over again as Mewtwo's eyes narrowed and they clenched a fist, 'Psystrike!' The energy exploded forward into an unstable looking stream and shot towards Dragonite at an alarming rate.

Dragonite did nothing but stare in shock as the attack approached, 'Psy … what?'

Right before the attack could connect, Mewtwo moved their arm to their left and up slightly. As a result, the attack changed course and just barely missed Dragonite. A bright explosion erupted from behind, and a light shower of pebbles fell on him.

Dragonite panted rapidly and shakily turned to glance back. His eyes widened when he found a trench carved out of a section of the seating area ending in a crater. There was nothing but rubble sitting in it. He turned to look at Mewtwo in shock.

Mewtwo glared; eyes solid blue, 'You are in no condition to battle further. Whereas I, very well, am.' They aimed their hand at Dragonite again and flared up from their attack, 'Yield.'

Dragonite just stared in pure shock while trembling and panting shakily. He gasped, fell forward, and crashed to the ground.

"Dragonite!" Joy cried out as she ran over to her Pokémon.

Everyone else just stared in stunned silence.

'A wise decision.' Mewtwo put their hand back down and dispelled the energy around them, 'Now, if that's all for interruptions,' They looked at the trainers as their eyes returned to normal, 'shall we begin?'

.

*Three days prior

Daisy smiled excitedly, "Woah! We're, like, actually gonna see Soot in a real battle!" She tensed up and looked at the Viridian Leader apologetically, "Oh, uh, no offense to your nidoking."

"None taken." Giovanni said casually without looking at her, "It was weak enough that that outcome wasn't a surprise."

Blaine looked at the Psychic-type user, "Hey, Sabrina. You said Soot battled you, right? Anything we should keep an eye out for?"

Sabrina grinned happily and put a finger in front of her mouth in a shushing manner, "Sorry. No spoilers."

Giovanni and Koga glanced at her.

"Shh!" Surge said, "It's starting!"

.

*Three days later

"Bruteroot!" Corey shouted as he pointed ahead, "Razor Leaf!"

"Saur!" Bruteroot cried out as a swarm of glowing leaves flew from his flower and shot towards Venusaur.

'Vine Whip.' Mewtwo announced.

Two thick vines sprouted from the base of Venusaur's flower and rapidly batted away at the oncoming Grass-type attack; destroying all of them in the process. The vines then shot forward to grab Bruteroot and lifted him high into the air; much to everyone's shock. Venusaur then slammed their opponent back down to the ground.

Corey stared in shock, 'Seriously?!'

Bruteroot grunted in pain but shook it off and stood back up to glare at his opponent.

The trainer smiled determinedly and waved an arm out, "Use Energy Ball!"

Bruteroot opened his mouth as a ball of green energy took form. Venusaur glanced back at Mewtwo for a moment before glaring ahead. Bruteroot unleashed his attack and struck Venusaur head-on; kicking up a cloud of dust around the opposing Grass/Poison-type.

"Yes!" Corey shouted with a grin.

Neesha smiled happily, Fergus smirked slyly, and everyone else watched anxiously. Smiles faded as the dust cleared to reveal Venusaur standing in place with hardly a scratch on them.

Mewtwo's eyes narrowed, 'Use Leaf Storm!'

"Venusaur!" The Seed Pokémon cried out as two green energy spheres appeared on either side of them. A swarm of leaves shot out from both and spiraled together into a cyclone that tore away at Bruteroot and threw him back against a wall.

Bruteroot fell forward and lied in a heap.

"Bruteroot!" Corey called out as he ran up to his fallen Pokémon. He kneeled down and looked over him worriedly, "Are you okay?"

Joy looked at him worriedly. Dragonite noticed and started trying to push himself up only to flinch.

Joy flinched and pushed him back down, "Hey, no you don't. You're still recovering."

Dragonite frowned and let out a low whine. Brock noticed before hurrying over to the venusaur and looking over him. The nurse and her Dragon Pokémon looked at him in surprise.

Brock smiled and looked at Corey, "Looks like he'll be okay." He removed and reached into his backpack to pull out a spray bottle. He stopped and perked up before looking back at the nurse, "Just a Super Potion, right? So long as he's not battling anymore, it doesn't seem bad enough for a Hyper Potion."

Joy blinked in surprise before looking at Venusaur. After a moment she smiled and nodded, "Yes, I believe so."

Dragonite blinked in surprise, "Huh, could I get one of those, too?"

Soot looked over and translated.

The breeder frowned and glanced back at him, "Are you planning to try and escape again after getting your strength back up?"

Dragonite tensed up slightly. Joy looked at her Pokémon in alarm.

Brock sighed, pulled out an Oran Berry, and handed it to him, "Here. Just to get your strength back up a little." He frowned sympathetically, "We shouldn't act recklessly, right now."

Dragonite frowned and took the berry, "Right…"

Joy smiled at Brock softly, "Thank you."

Mewtwo glanced at them.

Neesha looked back at them as Brock started spraying and Bruteroot tensed up in response. 'Well, that's a little more comforting, at least.' She glared ahead, "My turn, now!" She pointed, "Go Shellshocker! Use Skull Bash!"

'Skull Bash, as well.' Mewtwo responded.

Both blastoise broke into a sprint and jumped to shoot towards their opponent with a light blue shroud of energy around them. They connected mid-field and pushed against one another. But Blastoise overpowered Shellshocker.

"Blast!" Shellshocker cried out as he was thrown back. He managed to land on his feet and skidded to a halt.

Neesha glared and held out a hand, "Shellshocker! Use Hydro Pump!"

Mewtwo's eyes narrowed, 'Rapid Spin.'

Shellshocker faced his opponent as a powerful stream of water shot from both of his cannons. They connected and formed into a twisting torrent.

Blastoise charged their opponent, jumped up, and retracted into their shell before spinning towards the oncoming attack. They tore through Hydro Pump effortlessly and rammed Shellshocker head on; launching him past his trainer and into the wall. He fell forward and laid next to Bruteroot.

"Shellshocker!" Neesha shouted as she ran up to him.

Joy looked at the Shellfish Pokémon in alarm. Dragonite noticed, looked at Brock, and frowned.

Brock noticed and stood back up, "I've got him. You handle Bruteroot."

Joy sighed in relief and smiled at him softly, "Thank you."

Brock handed her the spray bottle and hurried over to Neesha and her Water-type. Joy and Dragonite got up and went over to Bruteroot.

Misty looked at Brock before looking at Ash and frowning, "Good luck."

Ash smiled at her softly, "Thanks." He glared ahead and walked up to the trainer box with Pikachu still on his shoulder. Charizard followed his trainer.

Both stood in the trainer box and glared across at Mewtwo. The marking covered Charizard walked into the field and roared.

Ash glared, "Before we start, there's something I want to ask you."

Mewtwo just looked at him, 'Very well.'

Pikachu translated. Mewtwo's charizard eased out of their fighting stance immediately.

"You created the storm as a test, didn't you?" Ash asked. The trio of trainers, Joy, and Dragonite's eyes widened.

Mewtwo nodded, 'Correct.'

Ash gritted his teeth before taking a breath, "Okay. How? Is there some group of Pokémon hidden around here maintaining it?"

'No.' Mewtwo answered abruptly, 'I had no help in creating this.'

Pikachu's eyes widened before he relayed the message. Everyone else stared in shock.

Ash tensed up slightly and gulped. His eyes narrowed, "And what about everyone else who tried to make it here?"

This time, Mewtwo perked up in surprise, 'What do you mean?'

Ash gritted his teeth as Intimidate flickered; making the out-of-the-loop trainers flinch and everyone else tense up, "Are you that oblivious?! Out of everyone that went out into the storm, only these three, my friends, and I made it! Do you even care if anyone got hurt?!"

'They're safe.'

Nearly everyone in the area perked up and looked at Mewtwo in surprise. Pikachu quickly snapped out of it and translated.

Ash jerked and stared in shock, "W- what?"

'They're safe.' Mewtwo repeated; returning to their stoic expression, 'I am the one who made and controls the storm surrounding my island. Monitoring it was no less difficult. Those too weak or cowardly to be here are back at the wharf with no memory of receiving an invitation' Their eyes flashed light blue.

Everyone flinched as a handful of invites appeared out of nowhere and hit the floor. Some were soaked in seawater.

'nor anything to prompt them into trying again.'

Ash stared in surprise before perking up and glancing back at Gary.

'I almost drowned because of those idiots.'

His eyes narrowed and he glared at Mewtwo, "So you're saying you've saved everyone who was in danger?"

'No.' Mewtwo said; making Ash perk up in surprise after Pikachu relayed it, 'I only helped those that would not be saved otherwise. Though I admit, I almost stepped in for some that I was unsure about.' They glanced at Gary, 'The brown-haired one, for example.'

Gary flinched and glared, "HEY!"

Mewtwo ignored him and looked at Ash, 'If that's all, may we begin?'

Ash just stared in surprise again as his Electric-type relayed that, 'I guess now we know what happened to Team Rocket.' His eyes narrowed, "One last thing."

Mewtwo deadpanned.

"It's a simple one." Ash said, "When we got our invite, Soot said Dragonite mentioned a fearow with a camera." Dragonite blinked in confusion as he continued, "Where's the fearow?"

'Back in Viridian forest.' Mewtwo said casually, 'I just grabbed a wild one and made it wear a camera to scout trainers. They don't remember a thing. Anything else?'

Pikachu glared and translated. Ash frowned, "No." He held out a hand, "Charizard! Enter the fray!"

Charizard smirked and kicked off to glide onto the field before skidding to a halt. The marking-covered Charizard stomped and let out a roar again.

'Finally.' 'I will allow you the first move.' Mewtwo said.

"We're first." Pikachu whispered.

"Charizard, Flame Charge!" Ash shouted almost immediately.

Charizard kicked off and flew towards his opponent with a shroud of flames covering him.

'Catch it with Dragon Claw!' Mewtwo responded.

"Dragon Claw catch." Pikachu whispered quickly.

Charizard crossed their arms briefly before swinging them out as they became engulfed in a green mass of energy in the shape of large claws. They quickly crossed them as Ash's Charizard crashed into them.

Mewtwo's Charizard grimaced as they held Ash's Charizard back and threw their arms out to cancel Flame Charge. Ash and Charizard's eyes widened.

The marked Fire starter smirked and slashed at Ash's Fire/Flying-type. But Charizard reacted quickly by firing a point-blank Dragon Rage at the attack; engulfing the pair in smoke.

Mewtwo's eyes narrowed, 'So it is true.'

Ash's Charizard shot back out of the smoke and skidded back to a halt. His wings then lit up light blue as he flapped them ahead and unleashed a swarm of light blue saw blades.

Mewtwo's Charizard swept the smoke away with a wing. They didn't even have time to flinch when Air Slash struck them. They let out a roar as they were tossed back and crashed to the ground.

Blastoise and Venusaur flinched and stared in shock. Gary and some of his Pokémon smirked triumphantly. Brock, Misty, Neesha and a lot of the other Pokémon smiled.

Corey stared in surprise, 'He actually got a hit in?!'

"Ha!" Fergus shouted cockily, "Serves ya right!"

Mewtwo's eyes lit up and they gestured towards the trainer without looking. As a result, Fergus shouted and fell back.

Mewtwo's Charizard growled and stood back up. There was hardly a scratch on them. Ash and Charizard's eyes narrowed.

The Psychic-type glared at Ash and held out a hand, 'Flamethrower!'

Charizard's eyes narrowed. Both Charizard inhaled and unleashed a powerful stream of flame. The attacks connected but the marked one's attack slowly but surely began pushing back against Ash's Charizard's attack.

Ash's eyes widened before he glared, "Flame Charge!"

Without a second thought, Charizard cut off his attack and shot upward with a shroud of flame around him. Mewtwo's Charizard's attack shot through and hit nothing.

Charizard glared down at the other of his kind before perking up and glancing back at Ash. After a second, he glared, looked back across at his opponent, and shouted, "Ash, mind sitting this one out?!"

Most of the Pokémon perked up in surprise; including Mewtwo.

Pikachu smirked and translated.

Ash smiled determinedly, "You've got this Charizard!"

Charizard smirked and ignited another Flame Charge to soar up higher.

'Follow it!' Mewtwo commanded. Their Charizard shot after their opponent.

Pikachu frowned as he watched the pair of Flame Pokémon fly up high, "You think this is the right call?"

Ash watched as well and whispered, "Comparatively speaking, yeah." He looked across at Mewtwo, "As far as I can tell, Mewtwo only seems to be able to use broadcast telepathy. Since I need someone to translate, switching to free-style makes it easier for Charizard to react."

He looked back up into the sky and his eyes narrowed, "But I'm worried it won't make this battle any easier."

.

*High above New Island

Charizard glanced back for a moment to find his opponent still chasing him. Acting fast, he stopped and swung a wing to fire Air Slash.

'Dodge and use Thunder Punch!' Mewtwo's voice sounded out.

Mewtwo's Charizard swerved around the attack and shot towards him again. They clenched their fists as an electric shroud covered them.

'That's three.' Charizard thought as he narrowly dodged the sparking fist. He burst into Flame Charge again and shot away from his opponent.

Mewtwo's Charizard turned to glare at Ash's only to get hit in the face by Dragon Rage. They roared in pain but shook it off and glared ahead only for Charizard to rammed them in the back with Flame Charge.

Mewtwo's Charizard roared again as they tumbled forward. They quickly managed to recover and looked around before spotting Charizard flying in place in the distance with his arms crossed.

'Flamethrower!'

Ash's Fire/Flying-type perked up and glanced down in confusion, 'At this range?' He looked ahead and flinched when he saw the stream of flame already inches away from him, 'Woah!' He burst into Flame Charge yet again and shot out of the way.

'Don't stop! After it!'

Mewtwo's Flame Pokémon shot after Ash's as they continued with Flamethrower. Charizard flew away in an attempt to avoid the attack.

Charizard glanced at his opponent warily, 'Okay! Might've underestimated him a bit!' Flame Charge ended but he continued soaring with the Flamethrower chasing him. His eyes narrowed, 'Still, I've already got the speed advantage and it's starting to seem like Flamethrower's his only ranged attack.' His wings lit up light blue, 'I should be okay so long as I keep my distance.' He lurched to the side to avoid Flamethrower and swung back a wing for another Air Slash.

Mewtwo's Charizard glared and fired at the oncoming attack; detonating it on the spot and forming a cloud of smoke. Charizard hurriedly shot out of the cloud.

But right as he did, he was grabbed from behind and had his wings pinned.

Charizard's eyes widened in shock, 'What?' He glanced back to find the opposing charizard, 'When did he-'

'Seismic Toss!'

Mewtwo's Charizard shot up higher with Ash's Charizard still in their grip, summersaulted, and dove towards the arena at an alarming rate.

Charizard looked ahead towards the island far below and grimaced, 'Crag!' He repeatedly ignited into Flame Charge in an attempt to escape. Mewtwo's Charizard grimaced but glared ahead as they continued downward.

The marked charizard let go of Charizard to slam him into the ground -kicking up a cloud of dust- and pulled up last second to avoid the same happening to them.

Ash just stared in shock as the dust settled to reveal Charizard lying on his side with his eyes closed. He grimaced and shouted, "Charizard!" Before rushing over to him and kneeling down next to his Fire/Flying-type, "Charizard. Are you okay?"

Charizard coughed and moaned, "Yeah, fine. Just … pain."

Pikachu whispered the translation and Ash sighed in relief.

He smiled kindly and petted his Fire/Flying-type, "Hey, it's alright. You did great."

Meanwhile the other Charizard landed next to Mewtwo, just outside the field. He panted heavily before falling to his knees. Blastoise flinched and hurried over to help him up. Venusaur just stared in shock.

Mewtwo glanced at them before looking at Ash, 'Impressive. You've trained that one well.' They slowly raised their arms, 'But it seems your Pokémon were too weak to defeat mine.'

Mewtwo spread their arm and their eyes blipped light blue as three odd-looking Pokéballs appeared above them. They were black with an eye that had yellow sclera and a red pupil replacing the button, and the indented black band around the ball was replaced with a purple protruding one. They also had the purple bands stretching diagonally around the upper half of the ball in the same manner as a Great Ball.

The Psychic-type gestured forward, and the balls shot ahead towards the defeated Pokémon. Everyone just stared in either confusion or apprehension; the latter expecting more opponents.

Ash stared at one of the black pokéballs in confusion as it began to break away visually. After a second, his eyes widened in shock. A second later, every human in the area froze and their eyes widened fearfully.

Before the odd pokéballs could make contact with Bruteroot and Shellshocker, something small and bluish-green flew across the field and through them; shattering both in an instant.

Mewtwo's eyes widened, 'What?!'

"You…" Ash growled.

Mewtwo jerked and looked over to find Ash glaring furiously with the third pokéball in his right hand and Intimidate in full effect. His claws were out on his left hand with the ones on his pinky and ring finger missing.

Behind him, Brock, Misty, and Gary were covering their eyes and Corey, Neesha, Fergus, and Joy were trembling and staring at Ash in horror.

"You designed these things to ignore the ID restraints!" Ash shouted as his grip tightened and the ball became covered in cracks.

The group and most of the Pokémon jerked. Soot grimaced.

Mewtwo's eyes widened in surprise, 'How does he know that?!'

Clefairy looked at Soot worriedly, "What are ID restraints?"

Soot just stared ahead in shock, "They're what tie Pokémon to their trainer's account and prevent us from being caught while our pokéballs work. Ignoring them … it means those pokéballs can catch us anyway."

"What?!" Clefairy shouted fearfully, "So they're trying to steal us?!"

Pikachu's eyes widened fearfully as he looked over at Soot. The rest of the Pokémon looked at Soot, Clefairy, or Mewtwo in shock.

Ash looked at his Fairy-type and perked up when he saw all of the humans' expressions. He frowned, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath as his hair fell back down. Everyone out of the loop jerked and gasped. Those in the loop and Gary perked up and moved their hands away.

Ash looked at them somberly before looking down at the cracked ball and calling out, "Not exactly! They don't overwrite the restraints! Just ignore them! Ownership of the Pokémon won't change!"

A large handful of the Pokémon eased up a little bit. Others and their trainers were looking at Ash in surprise and/or confusion.

Mewtwo's eyes narrowed slightly before they glanced at Clefairy, 'Hm.' They looked at Pikachu before looking at Ash again, 'I suppose that's why he's been able to hear me.' Their eyes narrowed, 'But, still, how is he-'

Ash looked at Mewtwo harshly; making the Psychic-type perk up, "But, honestly, that just makes less sense! You don't want to separate us from our Pokémon for good, so this isn't some shortsighted 'liberation'! That paired with the fact that you went out of your way to save the other trainers and stop them from endangering themselves again means you don't have something against humans! And, if you do, it's not to the point that you want to hurt us!"

"But I do have a better idea of why you really lured us here!" He held up the pokéball, "You do want our Pokémon for something!" His grip tightened as his voice rose, "Care to say what?!" The pokéball shattered in his hand.

Mewtwo stared in surprise before a smirk appeared again, 'So that really wouldn't have worked.' 'I suppose I could. But you've figured everything else out, so far.' They gestured to their side, 'Go ahead and guess. I'll wait.'

Pikachu frowned and translated.

Ash glared in annoyance, 'They're toying with us.' He shook it off, 'Whatever.' He started glancing around the area, 'Okay … they invited promising trainers- no, wait.' He glanced at Fergus.

'He got mad because Mewtwo essentially said he only got an invite because Dragonite thought his Pokémon looked decent.'

'They invited us because of our Pokémon.' Ash looked across the field at Mewtwo again, 'But not all of us were chosen at random. My invite was customized to include Brock and Misty and they knew about my party limit.' He frowned, 'No, that's not the important part.'

'They set up a dire test with a hidden safety net. Meaning they exclusively wanted strong Pokémon from strong-willed or overconfident trainers to be here.' He frowned and looked at Gary, 'Which … actually doesn't explain why Gary didn't get an invite.' He tensed up and shook his head, 'FOCUS!'

He looked ahead again, 'Okay. Their Pokémon. Weird markings, starters, fully evolved, abnormally powerful, Clo-'

Ash's eyes widened in shock; still looking at Mewtwo and the marked Pokémon. "Clones…" He muttered.

Pikachu perked up and looked at his trainer in surprise. Charizard looked at Ash in confusion.

Ash just continued staring ahead, 'No. No, hold on! Think rationally! Tha- that's too insane to be true! It had to just be some sort of bluff by Mewtwo to-' His eyes widened further, 'Mewtwo. Mew…two.'

'Mew … two … point "O".'

Ash stared at Mewtwo blankly and muttered, "You…" He started speaking loud enough for everyone to hear, "It's not just a name, is it? You're not just a new or branching species similar to the Phantom … o-or something like a phione. You were created. You're a … an altered clone of … of Mew."

Everyone in the area stared in pure shock. Mewtwo's smirk grew.

"W-" Corey stuttered, "Wait … what?"

Ash shakily turned to look at the marked starter evos, "That's why they're so powerful. Why they look like that. Charizard, Venusaur, and Blastoise are … buffed up clones."

'Charizardtwo, Venusaurtwo, and Blastoisetwo, you mean.' Mewtwo corrected. They looked at Venusaurtwo, 'The first batch turned out quite well, don't you agree?' They then looked over at Charizardtwo, 'In terms of their stage and move sets, they're perfect copies.' They then looked at Blastoisetwo; namely the barbs on their cannons, 'Or rather, improved versions.'

Pikachu's eyes widened before he muttered the message.

"First batch…" Ash muttered. He grimaced and shouted, "You did all of this to clone our Pokémon!"

Everyone else flinched and looked at Mewtwo in shock.

Mewtwo glared at him with their smirk remaining, 'And what fine clones they'll produce!' They swung out their arms as their eyes lit up again. A massive swarm of the black pokéballs appeared above them.

.

.

Seishin: And one more hint because *shrugs* When-

Gem: Hey, Yukiro?

Seishin: *looks at Gem* What's up?

Gem: *frowns unsurely* About the Viridian Gym Battle. What's a Zenmasu?

Seishin: *raises brow* A what? *perks up* Oh! Oh, that. *smiles* It's meant to be a reference to the anime "Bofuri: I don't Wanna Get Hurt So I'll Max Out My Defense."

Gem: *blinks while staring blankly*

Seishin: … *nods* fair enough. "Bofuri" comes from the Japanese sentence *whispers to readers* example here written in Romaji *talks normally* "Itai no wa iyananode bōgyo-ryoku ni gokufuri shitai to omoimasu" which (Google) translates to "I don't want to get hurt, so I'd like to maximize my defensive power".

The "bōgyo-ryoku" and "gokufuri" were used to make Bofuri.

Gem: *nods* Oh.

Seishin: Rob made "Zenmasu" using the sentence "Kono tatakai ni makeru wake ni wa ikanaidakara zenryoku de ganbarimasu" or "I can't afford to lose this battle, so I'll go all out and do my best." "Zenryoku" and "ganbarimasu" made "Zenmasu." Rob just replaced "and do my best" with "on my attempt" for the chapter.

He had other options in every regard, but this is what he needed.

Gem: Ooooooh. *smiles* Huh, cool. *turns, walks away, and waves* Thanks, Yukiro.

Seishin: *waves as Gem leaves* No prob, Rocky.

*looks up curiously* What was I doing again? *shrugs* Eh, probably nothing important. *walks off screen*

…

Mewtwo (Trix continuity): Next time on Pokémon Trix-

(Attack)
The Deal