Hello Fanfiction Readers! How have you guys been doing? Anyway, time for another chapter. ...You know, for someone who wants to be a writer, I sure have some trouble figuring out what to say in the Author's Notes. Oh well. On with the story!

Disclaimer: The Disclaimer is sulking in a corner.

Pokémon Black and White

Chapter Twenty-Four

Normal Point of View

"So, how long have we've been walking?" Ash inquired.

"Are you tired already?" Iris asked. "You're such a little kid."

"I am not!" Ash exclaimed.

"Sure you're not." Iris said sarcastically.

"Anyway, to answer your question Ash," Cilan interjected, seeking to diffuse the situation before it grew out of hand. "we've been walking for about a hour."

"A hour huh." Ash said

"All I know is I could walk for miles and miles." Misty said with an edge of haughtiness.

"Geez Mist, when did you become so boastful." Ash said, amused.

"I am not boastful." Misty said, linking her arm with Ash's. "I just happen to be quite athletic."

"So you say." Ash said, poking the arm Misty linked with his. "I will say this though, those days swimming have definitely had an impact."

Cilan sweat-dropped at the two of them before being caught off-guard by a sudden outburst.

"Hey!" Iris shouted, pointing over to an empty field as she snatched Ash away from Misty.

"What is it Iris?" Ash asked with a sweat-drop.

"That field just looks like an awesome place for Axew and Scraggy to battle!" Iris answered.

"Was it really necessary to shout and grab Ash's arm?" Cilan asked, a bit amused.

"Now who is acting like a little kid." Ash said, smirking.

"Still you Ash." Iris said.

Ash facefaulted at that before he and Iris stood on opposite sides of the open field.

"'Kay Scraggy, I choose you!" Ash exclaimed, releasing the aforementioned Shedding Pokémon.

"Come on out Axew." Iris said before the Tusk Pokémon did just that, leaping down from her hair.

"Good luck to you both." Cilan said.

"Ready Ash?" Iris asked.

"You bet!" Ash replied. "Bring it on!"

"All right, Axew, use Scratch!" Iris said.

"Scraggy, dodge it quick! Ash said as Axew came across the battlefield, holding his arms up as he got ready to attack.

Scraggy then jumped backwards to dodge the Scratch attack.

"Yes, Headbutt, go!" Ash said.

Scraggy then used Headbutt on Axew, causing him to clutch his head in pain.

"Axew, be strong!" Iris said. "Now, use Dragon Rage!"

Axew then jumped back up as he prepared the attack. A light-blue orb formed, however, before he could launch it from his mouth, he bit down on it, causing it to explode. The result was everyone covering their eyes from the light and a black plume of smoke appearing. Axew then found himself sitting dazed in a crater.

"That was some...wallop!" Ash said, on the ground from the result of the attack. Scraggy was on him while Pikachu was to his left.

"Oh, like you've never been on the receiving end of a Pokémon Attack before." Misty said, helping Ash to his feet as Pikachu jumped on his shoulder and Scraggy had recovered, pulling up his "pants".

"Powerful, yes." Cilan commented. "But your Dragon Sneeze can leave one with a bitter aftertaste."

"It's not Dragon Sneeze!" Iris exclaimed, having recovered herself from the attack. "It's Dra-gon Rage!" To emphasize her point, she punched the ground with her fist three times.

"I know Axew's trying hard." Ash said, readjusting his hat. "But it sure looks like a struggle for me."

"Pika." ("Yeah.")

"Maybe, but what am I gonna do?" Iris wondered. "Raising a Dragon-type takes time."

"All Pokémon take time to train." Misty said.

"That's enough for today." Iris said, picking up Axew. "You'll learn it sooner or later! Practice makes perfect!"

"Axew!" ("Yeah!")

Axew then started to snuggle against Iris.

"You too Scraggy." Ash said, getting his Poké Ball ready. "Enough training for you today."

"Huh?" Misty pondered, hearing a rustling behind her as Scraggy was returned. "What's that?"

"Whatever it is," Ash said, looking at the bush. "I wonder what's over there."

As if in some sort of answer, the being in the bushes unleash a Flamethrower on the teens.

Ash and Cilan had to crouch down to avoid the blast as Misty and Iris were fine where they were.

"What was that?" Iris asked.

"Looked like a Flamethrower to me." Misty said.

"It's a Druddigon!" Iris exclaimed as the Pokémon in question rose from the bush.

Druddigon then roared again before releasing air through her nostrils.

Ash then got his Pokédex out as Druddigon seemed to be looking about.

"Druddigon, the Cave Pokémon. With the skin on its face harder than rock, Druddigon warms its body by exposing its wings to the sun." The Pokédex uttered.

"Okay, so that's a Druddigon." Ash said.

"It's a Dragon-type!" Iris added. "Druddigon's so cool-looking and powerful too!"

Druddigon then roared before releasing air from her nostrils again. Druddigon then put her hands apart from each other as she prepared a blue sphere of energy.

"That's Focus Blast!" Cilan commented as then teens cringed away.

"Pikachu, Electro Ball!" Ash said.

"You too Marill!" Misty added. "Use Water Gun!"

Pikachu then jumped off Ash's shoulder before he released electricity off his body in arcs. He then siphoned the electricity to his tail, forming the Electro Ball. Marill also jumped out of Misty's arms and jumped next to Pikachu as she reared back her head before unleashing the torrent of water.

Druddigon then unleashed her Focus Blast like a bowling ball as Pikachu somersaulted backwards before firing the Electro Ball. The Fighting-, Water-, and Electric-type attacks then collided directly. The three attacks then imploded from the friction of each attack pressing on the other.

"Now it's mad." Ash commented as he saw Druddigon growling. "Pikachu, keep your guard up!"

"Same goes for you Marill." Misty added.

Pikachu then alternated waving his paws in front and behind him like a fan. Marill just looked on with a determined expression on her face.

"Druddigon!" A female voice exclaimed, running in front of the Cave Pokémon. "There you are! You're all right!"

Druddigon then pushed the woman to the side as she ran off into the woods behind her.

"Now what?" Iris pondered, noticing something on one of Druddigon's ankles.

"Where are you going?" The woman asked, running after Druddigon.

"Hang on Axew!" Iris said, steeling her resolve before giving chase.

"Iris, where are you going?" Cilan inquired.

"I think we'd better go too!" Ash said.

"Pika!" ("Yeah!") The Mouse Pokémon exclaimed, jumping onto Ash's shoulder as Marill jumped into Misty's arms.

"I agree." Misty said, following Ash as he ran off.

"Wait for me!" Cilan said before giving chase.

XXXXXXX

Iris then landed on a rock as she looked at an outcropping of caves in the rocks in front of her.

I wonder where that Druddigon went. Iris thought, carefully scrutinizing the caves.

"Iris!" Ash shouted, breaking her out of her thoughts.

"There you are!" Cilan exclaimed.

"Oh dear!" The woman who was looking for Druddigon said. As they were walking through the forest they met up with her and decided to look together for their objectives. "Where'd my Druddigon go?"

"Shh!" Iris said as she silenced them.

Iris then turned to Axew. "Tell it to come out, 'kay?"

"Axew!" ("I'll do my best!") The Tusk Pokémon said before jumping out of Iris' hair.

Axew then began to climb the rock as he was searching for the Druddigon. When he found a promising cave, he jumped into it.

The group of humans then hmm thoughtfully collectively.

After a moment's pause, Axew then jumped out of the cave, looking frightened. Axew then jumped down from the rock as the Druddigon burst from the cave, obviously enraged.

Axew then, panicking, jumped quickly into Iris' hair.

Cilan then cringed away from the sight of the Druddigon as she jumped down from where she was.

While I'm a bit intimidated by the Dragon-type. Ash thought. I've dealt with worse.

Not the most fearsome Pokémon I've seen. Misty thought. But I am a bit intimidated.

The Druddigon then roared again at the people present, unnerving them slightly.

"Druddigon..." The woman said, a touch of admonishment to her tone.

"It's angry and dangerous!" Cilan noted.

"You're fine..." Iris said, approaching Druddigon with her hands outstretched. "Right?"

"Iris, be careful!" Cilan said, a tint of concern to his voice.

Druddigon then eyed Iris before unleashing another bellow from herself. Druddigon then grimaced as she fell to one knee.

"Iris!" Ash said.

"Looks like Druddigon is in pain." Misty muttered under her breath.

"Now you just stay still." Iris said, placing a hand on Druddigon's face. She then crouched down to Druddigon's ankle. "Let me help you."

"There, that should do it." Iris said, removing the rope from around her ankle.

Druddigon then looked at the floor as if it had just become extremely fascinating.

"See this rope?" Iris inquired as she presented the item in question to the other humans. "It was wrapped around Druddigon's ankle cutting into the skin."

"When did that happen?" The woman wondered, taking the rope. "Maybe...It could've happened when it went to look for Belue Berries."

"Could someone have done this?" The woman added as she looked at the end of the rope.

"Someone purposefully tied a rope around Druddigon's ankle?" Misty pondered, envisioning the scenario. "Seems farfetched if you ask me."

"Farfetch'd?" Ash inquired, amused. "As in, the Pokémon?"

"Oh ha-ha Ash." Misty said. "How clever."

"Are you making fun of me?" Ash asked.

"No, not at all." Misty said sarcastically. "What would give you that idea."

"I do not appreciate the sarcasm." Ash said, but it was obvious from the smile tugging at the corners of his mouth that he wasn't as offended as he let on.

"Thank you so much!" The woman exclaimed suddenly, bowing to the other people present. She then brought her head back up. "Hello, my name's Emmy!"

"Well, first off, you're more than welcome." Iris said. "And I'm Iris!"

"Axew!" ("Hello!") The Tusk Pokémon said, coming out from Iris' hair.

"And this is Axew." Iris added.

"Hi there, I'm Ash!" Ash said before looking at Pikachu. "And this's my partner, Pikachu!"

"Pikachu!" ("Nice to meet you!") The Mouse Pokémon said, raising a paw as if to wave.

"I'm Cilan and I'm a Pokémon Connoisseur." Cilan said.

"And my name's Misty!" Misty added before looking down at Marill. "This is my friend, Marill."

"Marill!" ("Hello there!") The Aqua Mouse Pokémon greeted friendlily.

"Nice to meet you Iris, Ash, Cilan, and Misty." Emmy said. "I can't get over how you were able to figure out where Druddigon was."

"Easy!" Iris said as they looked up at the cave. "Druddigon can't move when its body temperature drops. See that cave way up there where the sunlight in shining on it? Well, I figured it'd be hiding in there."

"You really know a lot about Druddigon, don't you?" Ash asked Iris, a suspicious tone to his voice.

"Of course!" Iris exclaimed proudly, hands on her hips. "I did grow up in the Village of Dragons, after all."

"Village of Dragons?" Ash wondered.

"Duh! Iris answered, nodding her head once. "Obviously, you forgot."

"Well, nobody's perfect." Ash said, crossing his arms.

"Ash Ketchum, forgetting something?" Misty said in mock surprise. "Unbelievable."

"Well, it isn't like I have the intelligence of an Alakazam!" Ash said indignantly.

"Yeah, you definitely don't come even close to that amount of intelligence." Misty said.

"At least when I get mad I don't go on a anger-fueled rampage!" Ash shouted.

"Oh yeah?" Misty said, getting into Ash's face.

"Yeah!" Ash shot back as he got into her face.

"Oh yeah?" Misty asked. If one looked close enough, you could see the lightning going between their eyes.

"Is there something between those two?" Emmy asked, leaning over conspiratorially towards Cilan.

"Yeah." Cilan answered. "They're a couple."

"A couple!" Emmy responded, shocked. "Really?"

"I know." Cilan said. "You wouldn't know it by looking at them would you?"

Emmy nodded her head in agreement.

"I think though that it is one of the weird ways in which they show that they care for each other." Cilan added.

"That's...a bit weird." Emmy said.

"Don't worry." Cilan said, placating the girl. "They aren't always like this."

"If you say so." Emmy said, although there was an undercurrent in her voice that told him she was unconvinced.

Team Rocket's Point of View.

"Seems like the Twerps are at it again." Jessie mused, as they looked down at the scene.

"Always so belligerent." James added, as he saw the two Pokémon Trainers looked at each other with slight smile on their faces.

"Doesn't last long though." Meowth imputed as the two Pokémon Trainers then hugged each other, looking like they were laughing a bit at their actions.

"On another note." James interjected, getting back to business as he held a wire in one hand. "We almost had it...But for Druddigon to rip through this heavy wire, that's real power!"

"It's a good thing we followed through and kept tabs on Druddigon." Jessie said.

"Another great idea by you Jess." James said, removing the goggles from his eyes for a moment to look at her.

Meowth rolled his eyes.

"Because that follow through brought us right here to the Twerps." Jessie continued after flashing a smile at James.

"And now we can catch Axew, who's also a Dragon-type," Meowth said as he looked down at a machine that presented Pikachu, Axew, and Marill. "As well as the pick of the Pokémon, Pikachu! And that Marill looks promising too. All right then!"

"To the future!" Jessie, James, and Meowth exclaimed. "For Team Rocket! And, for the Boss!"

Normal Point of View

"I remember now!" Ash exclaimed as Pikachu, Axew, and Marill were jumping over Druddigon's tail as Emmy petted its head. "You said there are lots of different Dragon-type Pokémon where you come from and everybody there was really laid-back."

Iris was sitting on a tree branch while Ash, Misty and Cilan sat on the rock below her. Ash had his arm over Misty's shoulders while Misty had her arm around his waist and was resting her head on his shoulder.

"Yeah, the people and Pokémon there all get along really well." Iris said.

"I wonder if Team Plasma would disagree with that." Misty said absently.

"But you know who's amazing?" Iris continued before clenching her fist. "Dragon Masters, that's who!"

"Yeah, Dragon Masters?" Ash asked.

"I've heard of them." Cilan said. "They're people who get along very well with Dragon-types and know how to truly bring out their richest flavor." Cilan then looked to Iris for confirmation. "Isn't that right, Iris?"

"You've got it!" Iris declared, pointing in their direction. Iris then had a faint shade of crimson on her face as she scratched the back of her head. "I want to become a Dragon Master." Iris then swiped the hand she had scratching her head in front of her. "It's a lifelong dream!"

"That must the "secret" you spoke of in Striaton City." Ash said.

"My, our group has an interesting collection of flavors and spices." Cilan said.

"What do you mean Cilan?" Ash inquired.

"Well, what do you all want to become?" Cilan asked.

"I want to be a Pokémon Master!" Ash answered.

"And I want to be a Water-type Pokémon Master!" Misty added.

"Exactly!" Cilan exclaimed. "And Iris wants to become a Dragon Master."

"Interesting to say the least." Misty said.

"Of course!" Emmy interjected as Pikachu was hanging on Druddigon's left wing and Axew was hanging on the right wing. Marill was sitting on Druddigon's back, idly using Bubble Beam. "That's why you know so much about Dragon-types."

"Say, I wonder if I could ask you a favor." Emmy continued before getting up from her rock. "Could you teach me more?"

"Hmm?" Iris said, her interest piqued.

"About Druddigon?" Emmy clarified. "I've only been a trainer for a little while."

"So you're a beginner?" Cilan asked.

"Yeah, my dad traded his Druddigon with me." Emmy answered before turning to her Pokémon, Pikachu, Axew, and Marill sitting on her head. "It's the very first time I've raised a Dragon-type."

Druddigon then put her head in the hand Emmy outstretched.

"Once I get a little bit more comfortable, I'd like to go on a journey." Emmy continued, scratching Druddigon's chin as she showed her contentment. Emmy then stopped to look at her hand. "So far I haven't really gotten there."

"Oh, gotcha!" Ash said as Misty got up from where she was. Iris then jumped down from her perch on the tree.

"Sure!" Iris said, placing a hand over her heart. "I'll do whatever I can to help you with your dream!"

"Thanks, that's wonderful!" Emmy exclaimed.

"So you want to feel comfortable." Iris said, putting a finger to her chin thoughtfully. "Let's see...Having a battle would be a good start!"

"A battle?" Emmy asked.

"Right!" Iris answered. "What do you think?"

"I dunno." Emmy said, shaking her head. "I've never battled with Druddigon."

"Then I strongly suggest you do that." Cilan interjected. "You'll get much closer!"

"Yeah, Cilan's right." Ash added before pulling on his hat. "How about a battle with me?"

"That's it!" Iris said, standing next to Emmy. "Perfect! Give it all you've got! Right?"

Emmy nodded her head in agreement.

"This should be interesting." Misty commented.

XXXXXXX

"Tepig, I choose you!" Ash exclaimed as they were on the battlefield.

Tepig then emerged, blowing embers from his snout.

"All right, begin!" Cilan exclaimed, his right arm up in the air.

"Let's go!" Ash said. "Tepig, use Tackle!"

Tepig then ran directly into Druddigon, effectively tackling her.

"Druddigon, oh no!" Emmy said as Druddigon was sent reeling.

"Frist, remember to stay calm and then you need to stop Tepig!" Iris said.

"Right!" Emmy said before bringing her left arm in front of herself. "Druddigon, use Focus Blast!"

Druddigon did exactly that as she formed a light blue orb with a white center between her claws. Bringing her claws back, Druddigon then fired the blast like a bowling ball.

"Tepig, dodge it!" Ash said.

Tepig then dodged out of the way of the blast as it exploded a rock. Tepig just barely dodged it.

"All right!" Ash said. "Now use Flame Charge!"

Tepig then stomped his feet repeatedly into the ground before he caused a gray plume of smoke to appear. This was followed by fire breaking through the smoke as Tepig prepared Flame Charge.

"Druddigon can handle it!" Iris said. "Block Tepig's attack!"

"Right!" Emmy said. "Druddigon, block it now!"

Tepig then charged forward, engulfed in the flames of Flame Charge.

Druddigon then crossed her arms in front of herself as she blocked Tepig's attack. Tepig's attack exploded as a plume of gray smoke appeared. Tepig was sent reeling from it.

"Quick, Tepig, get up!" Ash said.

"Pika Pika!" ("You can do it!")

"Now, attack!" Iris exclaimed as Tepig slowly got to his hooves.

"Druddigon, use Dragon Claw!" Emmy said.

Druddigon's claws then glowed light blue as she thrust them forward threateningly.

"Tepig, Ember!" Ash said.

Tepig then reared back as he fired the Fire-type move.

The two waves of Embers caused Druddigon to lose her focus.

"Can't back down now, do it!" Iris exclaimed.

"Right!" Emmy said. "Druddigon, keep attacking with Dragon Claw!"

Druddigon the pushed forward, attacking with her claws as Tepig continued the Ember attack.

"Tepig!" Ash exclaimed as the Fire Pig Pokémon was sent reeling when Druddigon attacked.

The force of the attack caused him to faint, his tail drooping.

"Tepig's unable to battle!" Cilan announced, looking at Tepig. Cilan then looked back towards Druddigon as he thrust his right arm in their direction. "Druddigon wins!"

"We won?" Emmy wondered with a bit of disbelief as Iris and Axew cheered behind her.

Druddigon then let loose a roar of her name.

"We really won!" Emmy said before turning to Iris and Axew. "And it's all because of all your wonderful advice!" Emmy then bowed to her. "Thanks, Iris!"

"Getting in sync with a Dragon-type is not such an easy thing to do." Iris said, scratching the back of her head as Druddigon walked over and Axew hung off her right hand. Iris then rubbed Druddigon's head. "The most important thing you can do is trust each other. And also never, ever give up!"

"What do you say, Axew?" Iris asked, turning to the Tusk Pokémon.

"Ew Ew!" ("You're right!") Axew said, nodding his head.

"Tepig, are you okay?" Ash said as Tepig struggled to his hooves.

"Pikachu, pika?" ("Yeah, you okay?")

"Tepig, Tepig!" ("Yeah, I am!") Tepig said, getting up.

"You did a great job!" Ash said, holding Tepig's Poké Ball. "Now take a good rest!" Ash added as he returned Tepig.

"Tepig!" ("Okay!) The Fire Pig Pokémon said before entering the Poké Ball.

"Oh well." Misty said, placing her elbow on Ash's shoulder as he stood up. "You win some, you lose some."

"Yeah." Ash said as Pikachu was conversing with Marill on the ground. "As long as my Pokémon have fun as we forge friendships, it's a win regardless."

"That's true." Misty said.

Ash then felt his face heat up as he caught himself then staring into Misty's viridian eyes.

"Uh, Ash?" Misty said, waving a hand in front of Ash's face. "Hello?"

Pikachu, somewhat knowing what would occur next, led Marill quietly away from the two people.

Ash then, closing the slight distance between the two of them, pressed his lips against Misty's. Misty was taken off-guard by the sudden, but not unwanted, affection. Misty then deepened the kiss. After a few seconds, they broke the kiss.

"Sorry." Ash said sheepishly, a fierce blush on his face. "I'm not entirely sure what came over me."

"No need to apologize." Misty said, a smile on her face as she also had a bit of a blush on it. "It wasn't as if I didn't enjoy it."

Ash then had a smile on his face. "We should probably go over to where the others are, shouldn't we?"

"Yeah." Misty answered tersely as Ash wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her over to Iris, Cilan, Emmy, and their Pokémon.

"Wow, so your Druddigon is able to use Focus Blast, Dragon Claw, and - I assume - Flamethrower!" Cilan said.

"Does Druddigon know any other moves?" Iris asked curiously, looking for confirmation too.

Emmy shook her head in disagreement. "So far, just those three!"

"Okay, we've got Druddigon with three moves..." Iris said thoughtfully. "But learning one more move would be huge!"

"It'd be a whole new game!" Ash added, the blush still visible on his face.

"Great moves are important." Misty said, the blush also on her face.

"I see you two had some fun." Cilan said. This merely caused the blush to deepen as the two separated and their respective Pokémon got onto them. Pikachu on Ash's shoulder and Marill in Misty's arms.

"Pika Pika!" ("I agree!")

"Marill!" ("On both counts!")

"Hmm, learn another move." Emmy wondered before turning to her Druddigon with determination. "We'll do it!" Emmy then reach out to pet the side of her face. "Right, Druddigon?"

"Druddigon!" ("Right!")

Unbeknownst to the group, a nearby Ghost-type was about to fire a Shadow Ball at them. Yamask then fired the Shadow Ball directly at Druddigon, causing a black plume of smoke to appear.

Iris had fallen on the ground while Axew lied on his stomach. The other humans and Pokémon looked on in surprise as Yamask approached them.

"A Yamask!" Ash said as the smoke cleared.

"But why attack out of nowhere?" Cilan wondered.

"It must be Team Rocket's Yamask!" Misty said.

Yamask then prepared another Shadow Ball and fired it straight at Druddigon again. Yamask tossed it like a bowling ball.

"Look out!" Iris exclaimed.

Druddigon and Emmy then ducked as the attack flew over their heads.

"So you want to battle, huh?" Emmy said. "Druddigon, use Flamethrower!"

Druddigon then reared back as she gathered the flame in her mouth.

Before she could attack though, a Woobat flew behind them and started attacking with Gust.

"What's going on?" Emmy said as Druddigon and herself were being pushed by the wind currents.

"It's a Woobat!" Cilan said.

"What's with the Gust?" Ash wondered.

Axew was then pushed off of Iris's shoulder as he slammed into Pikachu, knocking him off as well. Ash tried reaching them, but to no avail.

As the Pokémon flew through the air, they were caught with the same wire that was around Druddigon's ankle.

A third and fourth wire were then fired: the former catching Druddigon and the later managing to catch Marill out of Misty's arms.

"Druddigon!" Emmy exclaimed.

Axew, Pikachu, and Marill then rolled along the ground, fighting for their freedom.

"Pikachu!" Ash exclaimed.

"Axew!" Iris shouted.

"Marill!" Misty added.

"All right, Druddigon, Dragon Claw!" Emmy shouted.

Druddigon then reached down to the squirming Mouse and Aqua Mouse Pokémon, freeing them.

"Pikachu, are you okay?" Ash asked.

"Marill, you feeling all right?" Misty inquired.

"Pikachu." ("I'm fine.")

"Marill." ("Me too.")

Axew and Druddigon were then pulled into the aircraft above them. Ash and Misty held their respective Pokémon in their arms as Axew and Druddigon were thrown into the aircraft.

"No!" Emmy exclaimed. "Now what?"

James and Jessie then appeared at the top of the aircraft.

Jessie: ""Now what?"" Now there's a twerpish question! Dumb, indeed!"

Jessie: "We bring...the white light of evil into the future!"

James: "Thrusting the hammer...onto the black darkness of the universe!"

Meowth: "And carving our names in the rock of eternity!"

Jessie: "The fiery destroyer! Jessie!"

James: "And with thunderous emotion, I am James!"

Meowth: "Wisest of the wise, Meowth!"

Team Rocket Trio: "Now gather! Under the name of Team Rocket!"

"Team Rocket?" Emmy inquired.

"Yeah!" Ash said. "They're really bad guys who show up and steal people's Pokémon!"

"I knew it was them!" Misty added.

"Bad guys?" James said. "I would reframe that as three geniuses working hard to capture Druddigon with a brilliant plan!"

"And grabbing Axew just shows that our awesome plan is working great!" Meowth added.

"And catching Pikachu and Marill will be the icing on the cake." Jessie said. "A cake that we'll bake for our dear boss, who will certainly savor every delicious bite!"

"Well, I don't think so!" Iris said angrily. "Axew is my partner!"

Iris then charged forward. "Look out!"

Iris then jumped up the rock in front of them and tried to leap to the aircraft, but just barely fell short.

"Iris!" Ash shouted as she fell.

Cilan then moved to catch her, holding her in his arms.

"I would've been fine on my own Cilan." Iris said, blushing faintly at the intimate contact as she got out of his arms.

"I know, I just reacted to the situation at hand." Cilan said, blushing faintly, although he wasn't entirely sure why.

"Seems like the twerp and his old friend aren't the only ones seeking romance." Jessie mused under her breath.

"We'll raise Axew right and have it evolve." James said, his arms crossed. "Then..."

"Team Rocket will take over the whole Unova region!" Jessie finished.

Take over Unova with a Haxorus and a Druddigon? Iris thought. I got to admit, these guys sure are ambitious.

"Now, Woobat, use Gust!" Jessie said.

Woobat then complied as she unleashed the gales from her wings.

"Yamask, Shadow Ball!" James said.

Yamask then followed through as he tossed the ball of shadow energy like a bowling ball.

The humans then jumped out of the way as a plume of black smoke appeared where they had been.

"Farewell!" Jessie and James said in unison.

Woobat and Yamask then followed their respective Pokémon Trainers.

Their aircraft then flew off into the distance.

"That's it." Emmy said, turning to Iris. "We gotta do something!"

Iris nodded her head in agreement. "You betcha!"

Team Rocket's Point of View

"There are several mesas up ahead." James said. "The perfect place to land."

Meowth then came down from where he was atop the glass bubble at the top of the aircraft. "And the perfect time to let the Boss know the great things we've done for him!"

"What was that?" Meowth said after they heard a vibration in the aircraft.

The vibration being caused by Druddigon using Dragon Claw on one of the walls and punching it.

"You're certain Druddigon won't be able to break out, aren't you?" Jessie asked.

"Have faith that our ship is one hundred percent safe and sound!" James answered.

Normal Point of View

"All right, everybody!" Cilan said as they were running in the direction Team Rocket went. Keep your eyes on Team Rocket!"

"I am going to get my precious Druddigon back from them if it's the last thing I ever do!" Emmy said determinedly.

Axew, my best friend and partner, means more to me than words can say! Iris thought to herself as she reminisced to herself the day the Village Elder talked to her about leaving on her journey. This is something that Axew and I have to overcome if I want to be a Dragon Master!

Iris then quickened her pace as she raced in front of them. The others behind her followed suit as they quickened their speed as well.

XXXXXXXX

Druddigon was casting waves through the airship as she slammed her fist into the wall again and again.

"Wait Druddigon." Axew said. "Let me help!"

"If you say so." Druddigon said, a bit winded from the constant attacking.

Axew then gathered up energy in his stomach. He then soon released it from his mouth, successfully using Dragon Rage.

The airship then lurched from the attack as black smoke billowed from it in three lines.

"What was that?" Jessie wondered as the controls were short-circuiting.

XXXXXXX

Iris and Emmy let out a gasp at the sight of the airship falling.

"They're going down!" Ash commented.

"I wonder if they'll be okay." Misty said.

XXXXXXX

"Man..." Meowth said after the Team Rocket Trio emerged from the holes on the top of the aircraft. "I never would've guessed that that pipsqueak Axew could use Dragon Rage."

"When it joins us, it'll be a plus!" James said.

The Trio's attention was then diverting as they heard Druddigon breaking down the wall of their containment.

"They are escaping." Jessie observed as Axew was on Druddigon's back. "But they won't get far, that's for sure!"

XXXXXXX

"We've gotta hurry!" Ash said.

"Pika Pika!" ("I agree!")

"Hold on!" Iris said before Ash could continue walking away.

Iris then jumped onto the branch of the tree in front of them.

Using some sort of connection with Axew, Iris saw where Axew and Druddigon were.

"Iris, what are you doing?" Emmy asked, cupping her hands like a megaphone. "We need to hurry and rescue Druddigon and Axew!"

"Got it." Iris said to herself before pointing off into a direction. "That way!"

Iris then jumped off the tree to go in the direction she had pointed at.

"Iris, where are you going?" Emmy inquired.

"Going this way is much faster!" Cilan said, pointing in the direction he was referring to.

"Iris must be able to sense where Axew and Druddigon are!" Ash said. "I'm gonna trust her. Let's go!"

"Pikachu!" ("Right!")

"Right behind you Ash!" Misty said, following him as the Pokémon Trainer ran off.

XXXXXXX

As Druddigon was running away, she lost her balance at an edge. She then fell off. Axew soon followed and landed on a moss-covered rock.

"Are you okay?" Druddigon asked, getting close to Axew.

"Yeah, I'm fine!" Axew answered, sitting up.

"Hate to burst your bubble..." Jessie said, Woobat and Yamask in front of the other Pokémon.

"But you can't escape the grip of Team Rocket!" James finished.

"So get a grip and join with us!" Meowth added.

In response, Druddigon gathered an orb of light blue and white and fired it like a bowling ball at the humans.

The Team Rocket Trio merely backed away a bit to the side to dodge the blast.

"You're a feisty Pokémon with an attitude." Jessie said. "I like it!"

"But we're finished playing kids' games." James said. "Now, Yamask, Shadow Ball!"

Yamask then formed the ghostly ball between his hands before he reared his right arm back and tossed it like a bowling ball.

Druddigon blocked it by crossing her arms in front of herself, causing the Shadow Ball to disappear harmlessly.

"Woobat, Gust!" Jessie said.

Woobat then flapped her wings, causing Druddigon to lose its balance and for Axew to be sent flying.

"If you give up while the giving's good, then you'll be on the front lines when we take over the Unova region!" Meowth said.

"Not going to happen!" Iris said.

"It's the Twerps!" Jessie noted.

"Axew, we'll save you!" Iris said.

"You'll be just fine, Druddigon!" Emmy said.

"You can count on us." Misty added.

"Axew!" ("Iris!")

"Druddigon!" ("Emmy!")

"Don't bet on it!" James said. "Yamask, Shadow Ball!"

Yamask formed the Ghost-type move between his hands, but before he could fire, Ash and Misty had other ideas.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt!" Ash said.

"Marill, use Water Gun!" Misty said.

Pikachu then gathered the electrical energy before unleashing it on Yamask and Woobat. Marill added damage to the move as she reared back and launched a her Water Gun.

The combined moves caused the Shadow Ball to explode in a small plume of gray smoke.

"Quick, now's your chance!" Cilan said, talking to the two Dragon-types.

Emmy was waiting with open arms for her Druddigon to return.

Druddigon obliged as she walked over to them, carrying Axew in her arms.

Axew then jumped happily into Iris's arms.

"We came as fast as we could!" Iris said.

"Yamask, use Night Shade!" James said.

Yamask then glowed a faint light purplish color as his eyes glowed red. He then unleashes red sound waves from his mouth.

Druddigon then put her arms protectively around Emmy as they were both outlined in a faint purple color.

The Night Shade attack caused them to be sent back a couple steps each second.

"Hang on, Druddigon!" Emmy said, her voice wavering from the attack.

"Yamask, let it rip!" James said as the Spirit Pokémon continued pressing the assault.

Druddigon and Emmy were then sent flying back a little from the attack, landing on the group while pushing up a cloud of dust.

Yamask then stopped the attack.

"You all right?" Ash inquired as he ran over to her with Cilan, Misty, Pikachu, and Marill around him.

"Pikachu?" ("Are you?")

"Yeah, I'm okay." Emmy answered.

"Drudd." ("So am I.")

"Thanks so much, Druddigon." Emmy said, looking down at her Pokémon. "You protected me!"

Druddigon then got up, determined to deal with Team Rocket.

Druddigon then placed her left arm over her right arm as she started to glow orange.

"What's that?" Emmy wondered as Team Rocket looked on in horror and Ash, Misty, and Cilan looked on in awe.

"Druddigon learned Draco Meteor!" Iris answered.

"Draco Meteor?" Emmy repeated.

"Yeah!" Iris said. "Now it needs to concentrate all its power and shoot it toward the sky!"

"Druddigon, concentrate all of your power!" Emmy said.

Druddigon did exactly that as an orange light emanated from her jaws.

"Do it!" Iris encouraged.

"Now release it, straight toward the sky!" Emmy said before pointing up at the sky.

Druddigon then moved its head up towards the sky, a ball of orange glowing in his mouth. Druddigon then fired the ball into the air.

It then exploded, releasing several trails of it down the sky, a majority of them hitting Team Rocket. One hit Yamask, causing him to faint.

I wonder how my Gible's doing at Professor Oak's. Ash thought absently.

"Wow, this is Draco Meteor?" Emmy said.

"You bet, way to go!" Iris said.

"Remarkable!" James said as Draco Meteor seemed to stop. "Druddigon learned Draco Meteor!"

"Which means, let's catch it!" Jessie said. "Now, Woobat, Gust!"

Pikachu, Electro Ball!" Ash said as the Bat Pokémon unleashed the winds upon them.

"Marill, Bubble Beam!" Misty said.

Pikachu then gathered the electricity in his tail, somersaulting a bit as he did so. He then fired the attack at Woobat. Marill then followed up by releasing a flurry of bubbles at Woobat. A cloud of gray smoke then appeared.

"Yes!" Iris said. "Axew, use Dragon Rage!"

"Axew!" ("Okay!") Axew said, jumping off her shoulder.

Axew then gathered the light blue and white orb in his stomach before it reached his mouth. Axew then, instead of biting down on it and causing an explosion, released the waves of black, blue, light blue, and white.

The attack then collided with Team Rocket, exploding into a plume of black and white smoke.

"Yeah!" Ash said, pumping his fist in the air.

"Pika Pika!" ("Look at that.")

"I guess it isn't Dragon Sneeze anymore." Cilan mused, a smile on his face.

As the smoke cleared though, they saw that Team Rocket was gone.

They then heard the sound of jets as Team Rocket escaped on their jet packs.

"I detest meddlesome Twerps!" James said. "They always appear to get in our way."

"It might look like we've lost this latest round, but our dream will definitely be realized." Jessie said.

"And that dream is taking over the entire Unova region for the Boss!" Meowth added.

"Still," James said. "those Twerps aren't nearly as annoying as Team Plasma."

"Now they are most certainly bothersome." Jessie agreed.

"I wonder when we will meet them next." Meowth added as they went to their destination on their jet packs.

XXXXXXX

"Axew, you were wonderful!" Iris said, holding Axew in her hands. "You did it! You finally learned how to use Dragon Rage!"

"Axew!" ("I sure did!")

"I know and I'm just as happy as you are!" Iris said, hugging Axew close. "We've worked so long and hard for this!"

"It was a long time coming," Cilan said. "but, like a fine meal, it was well worth the wait!" Cilan then put his hand on his chest. "A tasteful Dragon Rage!"

"And Druddigon's Draco Meteor was pretty awesome, too!" Ash said.

"Pika Pika!" ("Yeah it was!")

"Nothing quite like your Pokémon improving with every passing day." Misty added.

"Marill!" ("I agree!")

"You've all helped me decide what to do." Emmy said before leaning in conspiratorially towards Druddigon. "I'm going on a journey with Druddigon!"

Druddigon then rubbed her head lightly against Emmy as she laughed.

"Great!" Iris said, pumping a fist. "We'll work hard, too! And I'll become a Dragon Master!"

"Axew!" ("Count on it!")

"I'm working hard, too!" Ash said before looking up at the sky. "And someday, I'm gonna become a Pokémon Master!"

"Pika, Pikachu!" ("Yeah, someday!")

"But will you become a Pokémon Master before I become a Water-type Pokémon Master?" Misty asked, an eyebrow raised.

"You can bet I'll try my hardest!" Ash responded, pumping a fist determinedly in the air.

"Well, it looks like you'll be there to support each other." Emmy mused, a smile on her face.

"Yeah," Ash said, looking at Misty. "you're right about that."

"And someone has to keep you in line Ash." Misty said.

"Hey!" Ash said, crossing his arms indignantly. It was clear from the smile on his face that he wasn't annoyed.

Misty then kissed Ash on the cheek. This contact caused Ash to blush crimson.

Iris stuck out her tongue in disgust at the display. "Ack."

"Oh Iris," Cilan said, amused. If one listened closer though they could hear the undercurrent of disappointment in his voice. "don't act like that. I think it's rather cute." Cilan then, noticing her disgust, noticed what he had been feeling. It seems that I have developed feelings for Iris. Sounds like a secret ingredient in a rare recipe.

"Whatever Cilan." Iris said, crossing her arms and looking away.

Emmy merely chuckled at the display of the four teens.

Author's Notes: So, it seems that Cilan has developed feelings for Iris. I wonder how long it'll be until they end up together. If only I was better at writing romances that develop realistically. -Sigh- I cannot help but feel like the romances I write are...well...lackluster. What do you think? But I digress. I think my writing is significantly better during Pokémon Battles and normal dialogue. Man, I sound redundant.

Also, for those of you who are very observant and know the episodes of Pokémon like the back of your hand, you're probably wondering why Iris seems put off by romance when she gushed over those two Cottonee. The only explanation I can think of - besides some sort of arbitrary fact - is that Iris likes the relationship between Pokémon, but is put off by human relationships, at least for the moment. -Crickets- I know right? Stupid explanation. -Shrugs- Oh well, what can you do?