Pokemonfan2331: I've got most of the gang's non canon Pokémon planned out so I can tell you that someone is going to catch a Growlithe. It's not May but that's all I'm going to say on the matter.
RHatch89: Well, I've had it planned out; Feebas has come a long way since her capture so she's warming up to the idea of evolution, mostly because she wants to help her friends better. The time back with Latios and Team Magma where she couldn't fight much on land really stuck with her. But there's a certain event that's going to take place soon which is going to push her further down that road.
Advance shipper: I'm confused. I've read loads of complaints about Ash and how people thought he should've been taken off the show ages ago and now that he's gone, it's like they just switched tracks to wanting him back.
It does feel different without Ash and Pikachu but I don't think it's a bad thing. They basically made him the world champion, that's a pretty awesome way to send him off. Although I got to admit, I'm hoping Ash or any of the older characters show up in horizons, even if once. I've actually been reading up on the Paldea games story and it's fascinating-I really want to know what happens in the Teal Mask story. Sadly, I don't think I'll get to play the games anytime soon but I'll be glad to take what I can get. Also, thank you; hope you had a good Halloween.
1971kr: Oh, thanks! That's some praise, glad you're enjoying it. You actually have a point. It's something I've realized recently now that I'm going over my stories and editing bit by bit. See, the thing is, I prepared a whole bunch of those chapters over long periods of time so faults like that didn't seem as poignant to me. I didn't even see it as focusing on Ash being impulsive because the whole thing with Whiscash felt more like he panicked and reacted on the spot. The whole thing just came out of nowhere. I think the anime makes it clear that the badges are super important to him so I just pictured that being his natural response. Anyway, you'll see more of the characters soon.
May's eyes twitched as Max sighed for the fifth time in a row over the last ten minutes or so. ''That was your fault! What did you think was going to happen?''
''I was curious...come on, curiosity is what leads to new discoveries. Anyone can tell you that, loads of people would do the same.''
She was completely unimpressed with the weak deflection. ''Those same people would know better than to charge right in a nest of Wurmple and risk ticking their parents off.''
Brock muffled a laugh as Max sulked ''Let it go, buddy. You're not winning this one.''
Ash was also in a sour mood but for a different reason ''Okay, the Beautifly and Dustox I can understand-where'd the Beedrill come from? And why'd they chase us so far too?''
''Good point, we really have the worst luck with Beedrill, don't we?'' His old friend commiserated, thinking of all the times they'd encountered the species.
''Well, at least no one's hurt...thanks for helping out, Torchic.'' Wally added, Torchic beaming at him. A well-timed Flame Burst had been what caught the bug type horde off guard, allowing the gang to deal with the trouble for good.
Suddenly, a Spoink jumped out of the bushes, looking around the area. May quirked a brow and took out her dex ''Spoink, the Bounce Pokemon. Spoink keeps a pearl on top of its head, the pearl functions to amplify this Pokémon's psychokinetic powers. It is therefore on a constant search for a bigger pearl.''
The explanation left her more curious ''This one doesn't have a pearl at all though.''
''Yeah, if they're that important...'' Ash looked back at the Pokémon in time to see a strangely big sphere being levitated with psychic powers before settling over Spoink's head.
Max blinked at the suddenly happy Pokémon, sure that they were missing something ''Why's it picking a random ball...?'' He noticed Ash recoiling ''...Ash?''
''That's...not a ball...!''
The reason for his alarm became clear once the 'ball' turned around, revealing it was actually an Electrode. The Pokémon scowled before glowing threateningly, Brock immediately realizing it was about to use Self-destruct before stopping any trouble by getting Mudkip out and using Protect.
As the green shield shimmered around them, they saw a shadow suddenly grab Spoink just before Electrode went off. The smoke cleared in moments, Mudkip finally dropping the barrier once he saw it was safe.
''Where's...?'' May trailed off upon finding Spoink. It was face to face with a Sableye, who seemed to be scolding it if the annoyed tone and Spoink repeatedly bowing was anything to go by.
''Oh, Sableye must have used Shadow Sneak to get Spoink away-that's good...'' Max concluded, relieved. He felt bad that they couldn't really help Spoink but everything had happened so fast that they barely caught up.
The Pokémon seemed to notice them, a noise of surprise escaping it before it approached. Recognition flickered across Pikachu's features before he called out a greeting, likewise, Torchic and Mudkip approaching with clear familiarity.
''Hold on, do we know this Sableye?'' Ash blinked.
The answer came when a voice called out to Spoink and Sableye before a boy emerged from the bushes, panting a bit ''There you are, everything okay? I heard some really loud noise...''
Sableye nodded, before pointing to the gang. The boy's face lit up ''Whoa-hey, guys!''
''Brendan!''
''We ran into Spoink this morning. Poor little guy was panicking over the pearl so we've been trying to help, emphasis on trying.'' The clear exasperation on Brendan's face was proof of the kind of day he and his team had.
''Do you know what happened then?'' Brock wondered.
''Well, according to what Spoink could tell us, it rolled away when he was sleeping. We've been able to narrow a general area of its location but that's about it.'' Brendan didn't miss Sableye sighing ''It doesn't help that Spoink goes off on the slightest hint that could lead to his pearl, and I mean anything.''
''The Electrode was definitely pushing it...'' Max trailed off, Spoink slumping in embarrassment. ''...anyway, how about we help?''
''Yeah, it'd be faster if we all put our heads in this.'' Ash smiled as Spoink looked up at them hopefully ''No reason we can't do something about this now...'' A pause ''...hey, actually, Mudkip, you're good at finding stuff. Any chance your radar trick works now?''
Mudkip considered it before shaking his head. Brock providing an explanation ''Mudkip's actually really observant; the fin just helps in the water and air. He might be able to pick up on something if the pearl's being moved but that's that.''
The breeder was about to ask the same about Kirlia, only to find Wally had been thinking along the same lines, having sent his starter out.
May clapped her hands together, remembering how fast they found Bagon and Petilil with his help ''Kirlia, we're trying to find Spoink's pearl. Do you think maybe you can try tracking it down or maybe pick up on it if we're nearby?''
Kirlia shrugged, this was a first after all; he had no idea if his powers could pick up on any inanimate objects. Wally caught on ''I don't think he can tell if he never tried before.''
''Hey, it's a start. You guys work fast.'' Brendan marvelled ''Looks like we're on the case.''
Brendan was digging through his bag as they continued walking, following Manectric who was trying to find the pearl by tracking Spoink's scent. He'd tried a similar approach with his Aron earlier but Manectric's sense of smell seemed more well-defined so hopefully that could make a difference.
He took out a box and tossed one of the rocks inside to Sableye, who leapt up and grabbed it. May looked on as he took a huge bite of the rock with a wide grin. She supposed it was no surprise that he could eat it so easily with those sharp teeth but she had to ask ''Is it that good?''
Sableye gave a thumbs up. Ash happened to notice something gleaming among Brendan's items, something rather familiar. ''Wait, is that...?''
''Mm? Oh, yeah...'' Now sheepish, Brendan took out what they realized was an armband with a Keystone in the middle ''...I got it from Dad just a few days ago. I'm basically his unofficial assistant even on the road and Dad decided to get this through his connections to repay me. Even though I keep telling him there was no need...''
Brock chuckled ''Well, it's really good of you to go the extra mile to help so I'm sure Professor Birch wanted to show some appreciation.''
''You've sure got a lot of pokeballs though.'' Max noted.
''Oh, some of those were from back before I even set out. Besides, I like to be prepared.'' Brendan kept organizing his things. ''It's just as well I'm the more careful type. Mom likes to joke that it saves her grey hairs.''
The younger boy couldn't help sniggering in understanding. Given it was Professor Birch they were talking about...yeah, that was valid.
Both noticed Spoink's attention on the Mega Armband. ''Wondering about Mega Evolution? It's this special power that some Pokémon have and they bring it out with their trainers' help.'' Putting the item away, Brendan tapped at his pokedex ''Like take Sableye for instance-when we find the Sablenite, this is what he becomes.''
Spoink's eyes went wide at the picture of Mega Sableye, looking from the currently amused Darkness Pokémon and back to the screen.
''Pretty cool, right?'' Max chuckled at the quick nodding that followed. ''You know, Ash and Wally got Key stones too.''
''Cool! Knowing you guys though, I bet there's one big story around it, huh?'' Brendan smiled.
''That obvious, huh?'' Laughing, Ash briefly told him about their encounter with Bulbasaur and all that followed.
His clear awe left an amused May putting in her piece ''And if you think that's amazing, wait till you hear what happened with Wally.''
''Okay, you cannot just leave me hanging like that...''
They were cut off by a sudden cry before Spoink hid behind Brock, avoiding the mini-jack in the box he'd opened.
''...What was...?''
Brendan gave Sableye a look, the Pokémon grinning unabashedly back. He knew his trainer was far too used to his tricks to even blink at this point.
Brock didn't miss the interaction ''You did say something about Sableye liking pranks.''
''Yeah, a little too much for my peace of mind...I thought I got rid of this thing...'' Brendan sighed, concluding that Sabelye must have put it in his bag when he wasn't looking and it fell out earlier. ''...sorry, Spoink, Sableye just likes messing around but he doesn't mean any harm.''
Luckily the psychic type didn't mind, clearly enough of a good sport to laugh it off now that the scare was over.
A few minutes later, Spoink surprised them by veering off to their far right, prompting a startled Manectric to follow him.
Wally caught up with the pair to find his Pokémon sighing and shaking his head. ''What's wrong? Did...oh.''
Watching Spoink levitate and play around with his find, what looked like a pink sphere, Wally was beginning to understand just what Brendan and his Pokémon had been dealing with all morning.
Spoink let out a dismayed cry when he took the 'sphere', which was actually a wild Igglybuff, blinking up at him in confusion ''Sorry, it's just a misunderstanding. You can go on your way now.''
Nodding, the Pokémon hopped down, sparing Spoink an odd look before retreating.
The newly arrived Brock shook his head ''I know you really want your pearl back but this isn't the way.''
''Hey, actually I was wondering, Dad had some research about Spoink and Grumpig. It's been a while since I read the notes so I don't really remember-but I think there was something about how important the pearl is to you guys...and it being linked to your health somehow...?'' Brendan's brow furrowed as he tried to think.
May looked at the Pokémon in question, startled ''Wait, so is Spoink's life in danger without the pearl? The dex didn't say anything about that!''
''The pokedex is handy but it doesn't tell you everything about a Pokémon either.'' Ash countered. ''Just checking though, Spoink, you feeling okay?''
Touched by the concern, the psychic type nodded quickly. Brendan's information wasn't quite accurate so he figured he might as well explain. It took some effort but with help from Pikachu and Manectric, they were able to understand that there was no cause for alarm. Ash's use of his dex to scan Spoink revealed that the pearl was actually a focus for Spoink's psychic powers but lacking one wasn't detrimental to his health, much to their collective relief.
They soon went back on track, Manectric leading them down a long road. Spoink's random spurts at the sight of anything spherical continued, to their growing exasperation.
Their search soon led to a small town, one of the first things they spotted upon entering was a juggler entertaining some kids. Spoink, to no one's surprise, immediately took one of the balls and placed it on his head. A piece of his equipment flying off suddenly like that startled the poor man into dropping the others, a few hitting his head while his audience was simply bewildered.
Brendan immediately returned the ball to its owner, making sure Spoink would apologize along for all the trouble. Manectric simply opted to give Spoink a flat glare, asking if he would like to continue this search on his own. Not that they would abandon the little guy all together, but still...couldn't Spoink at least stop to think for a moment?
''Oh, look!'' May stopped at the sight of a fortune-teller stand. ''I wondered what it'd be to meet a real fortune-teller. Can we check it out?''
Brock spared her an amused glance ''Why not?''
Max, ever the studious academic and science enthusiast, made his opinion known ''Come on, why should we bother? Not like those guys actually have any real power. They can't do it so that's a waste of time.''
''That's a bit close-minded, don't you think?'' Brendan tilted his head ''I don't know what kind of power they'd have but it's not like we don't have actual psychics out there who know their stuff. Sure, there might be scammers but it doesn't mean they're all the same.''
But the boy's expression remained unchanged. Ash just chuckled ''I don't see why not. What would you even ask the fortune teller, May?''
The girl realized she hadn't really thought about it ''...I'm not all that sure, actually.''
''Well, I know I'd love some advice for my love-life! Even just a hint on how I can find the perfect girl for me would be wonderful!'' Brock chirped.
''Yeah, I think that one might be beneath her.'' Even as she said it, May could see that Brock wasn't even listening, clearly lost in his daydreams. As much as she hoped he could find this partner he wanted so badly, she didn't see it happening if he didn't at least consider changing his ways.
Although, asking for such advice wasn't such a bad idea...
Spotting the fortune teller's ball, Wally had a bad feeling he knew where this was going. As expected, Spoink was staring at the crystal sphere in clear fascination, almost jumping when Wally picked him up ''You can't, remember?''
Pikachu and the other Pokémon had also been keeping an eye on Spoink, the Pokémon slumping before trying to gesture to the crystal. Pikachu and Manectric immediately shook their heads while Torchic gave him a glare in warning.
''...I think we might have to put that on hold. Sorry, May.'' Ash offered, the girl nodding in understanding.
Spoink soon proved their suspicions accurate when Sableye had to stop the bounce Pokémon from taking a pecha berry in a marble statue from a nearby building, immediately putting it back with his own Psychic.
''Come on, Spoink, you can't keep going like that-that's thievery!'' Brock chided.
Max really wanted to know how Brendan put up with this for hours ''The sooner we find the pearl, the better-for everyone, that is.''
Ash also didn't think that Spoink was going to really listen to them anytime soon either. ''He's way beyond hell bent to get the pearl back...wonder if all Spoink get like this without a pearl?''
''Could be,'' Brendan thought it over ''I mean you rarely ever see them without one and a lot of them like to look for bigger ones because it helps them grow stronger.''
''Maybe they're just so used to that Spoink can't help himself, like some kind of instinct.'' Wally suggested.
Ash could definitely see it ''Oh, yeah-like Pikachu shocking people who touch his cheeks for too long and Swablu always trying to make sure her wings are clean and-wait, what's going on?''
Pikachu titled his head curiously, spotting a teen with messy reddish hair and dark eyes talking to a pair of upset children. One of them seemed to be near tears, oblivious to the small yellow Pokémon at their feet looking on sadly.
''Excuse me, is everything all right?'' Brock prompted.
The three turned to the group before the teen sighed ''Have any of you seen a man trying to sell Pokémon going about?''
''Well, we just got here so no-why?''
''He tricked those kids into buying that Chingling by disguising it as a Hoppip. They've been saving all the money they could for weeks and since Hoppip are so rare around here, it seemed like they finally got their chance but...''
''He was a total phony!'' The little boy snapped. ''Hoppip is one of our grandma's favourite Pokémon so we thought we could get her one for her birthday.''
His sister nodded sadly ''We wanted to cheer her up so we came when we heard about someone bringing Hoppip here-but we really messed up...''
Chingling let out a low trill, seeming like it wanted to comfort the kids but refraining, clearly guilty for its part in the deception. If it were any other time, May would've cooed at its cuteness but now she could only feel sorry for them.
Curious, Pikachu approached the little psychic type. The electric type's ire with the scumbag rose exponentially upon learning that Chingling actually just went along with the salesman because she wanted to make some friends. Chingling knew other Pokémon who'd been happier once they befriended trainers and she wanted that experience. The salesman apparently convinced Chingling that people would like her much more if he could disguise her as a Hoppip.
Pikachu and the other Pokémon were eventually able to bring their human friends up to speed; leaving even the kids looked outraged on Chingling's behalf.
''You're fine the way you are! Saying you have to pretend to be another Pokémon just for people to like you isn't only mean, it's super dumb!'' The little girl put in hotly, her brother nodding at once.
Chingling's mouth fell a little. They...really felt that way? Even after she wound up helping cause this mess...?
''This guy really is a lowlife scumbag...'' Brendan muttered darkly.
''I'll say!'' May fumed ''Chingling, ignore that piece of work. You're not a bad Pokémon for trusting the wrong person. He was definitely wrong on all accounts-we'll make sure he can't get away with this again!''
The words had slipped without her really thinking it. She was half-sure someone would remind her that they were still looking for Spoink's pearl. But even the aforementioned Pokémon appeared so upset that he was more than likely to help them now.
Both were distracted when a Meowth arrived, this one wearing a big blue hat and brown boots. Its nonchalant eyes roamed the area, pausing over the group for a few moments before stopping in front of the teen.
''Hey, you're back. Did you guys find anything?''
Meowth nodded, pointing to the street just beyond the clock tower up ahead. Ash perked up ''Great, let's get this jerk!''
The kids looked surprised ''You're coming too?''
''Of course, we can't let someone like that get away with this. The more of us are there, the less chance he gets to run away.''
The logic certainly appealed to them. Brock had a thought ''Say, Meowth, you wouldn't have happened to see a pearl by any chance, would you?'' The Pokémon blinked ''Spoink lost his pearl and we were wondering if it could be anywhere around here.''
''It looks like this.'' Brendan showed him Spoink's picture on his dex.
The teen quirked a brow ''I wondered about that...it's odd seeing a Spoink without one.''
Both turned as Meowth pointed to a tree not too far away, waving a paw at the others. ''Wait, you saw it in one of the trees?'' The feline nodded at Brock's guess ''That settles it then.''
It wasn't long before both groups that they'd been so immersed in their talk that they completely forgot to introduce each other. The teen's name was Tyson, another trainer collecting badges to compete in the Evergrande conference while the kids were Rory and Sam.
This also led to Tyson revealing that he'd known about Ash plenty before he set foot in Hoenn due to having watched the Johto league. The main reason for that being...
''You're Harrison's friend?''
''Small world, huh?'' Tyson gave Ash an amused look ''We happened to battle early on when were both starting out and hit it off ever since. I actually tried to make it to watch in person but it didn't work out. Glad I did get around to watching though, those battles were amazing. Harrison says he learned a bunch from the trainers even when he lost and he was hoping to battle you again. He thought the battle might have gone differently if you hadn't faced Gary Oak before. A bunch of your Pokémon were still wiped, weren't they?''
''Yeah, but it's okay-we did our best and he earned that win...'' Ash shrugged. ''...but now that you mention it, where is he?''
''Last I checked, over in Sinnoh helping his dad with the family business. I think he's going to see if he can try for the league there, depending on how that goes.'' Tyson mused.
''Harrison's the second trainer you battled in the victory tournament, right? The one you said motivated you to come here?'' Wally checked.
Ash confirmed ''I knew I probably wouldn't stay home for long even after the league but I didn't know where I'd go. Seeing Harrison's Pokémon got me really curious about Hoenn and I figured I might as well see it for myself.''
''Now that you mention it, you really are too much of a rolling stone to stick around for long.'' Brock thought aloud, realizing he had a bit of a hard time imagining Ash staying in Pallet.
May privately agreed, finding that she especially glad he'd chosen to come to Hoenn after all. She didn't want to think what her life would've been like if she hadn't met Ash.
Max couldn't help glancing Meowth in Boots every now and then, struck by the differences in even how he held himself ''...Maybe it's because we've had to deal with those idiots for that long but I can't help remembering Team Rocket's Meowth now. This one's a hundred times cooler.''
''Normally I'd say that's a low standard but I know what you mean.'' His sister agreed, Tyson giving the pair a curious look. ''It's a long story...''
The older trainer seemed like he was about to ask, only for something in the trees to catch his attention. Meowth in Boots seemed to be looking in the same direction before nodding at Tyson ''This way, right?''
Rory and Sam scampered to follow the pair, leaving the others to catch up. It wasn't long before they spotted a crowd gathering near the lake.
''Guys?'' Brendan spoke up suddenly ''I hate to say it but I think we've got a new problem.''
A startled May followed his line of sight to find a certain trio amongst the crowd gathering not too far away. ''...Team Rocket again, that's just great...''
''You know those guys?'' Sam blinked ''I saw that loud lady gloating about getting a Feebas and how she's finally going to a Pokémon that could match her beauty or something...''
''I'm not even surprised...'' Ash sighed, Pikachu nodding next to him. ''...let's just say they're about the same as the guy who tricked you three.''
Chingling suddenly let out a cry, hopping up and down as she pointed ahead. Rory scowled as he saw what or rather, who she was looking at ''That's him!''
Before the crowd was none other than the salesman, now busy trying to sell two Feebas. He was crowing about how special his finds were and how they were sure to become wonderful Milotic, clearly intending to milk the Pokémon's reputation for all it was worth.
''...Are they really buying this?'' Whether he'd known it or not, Max wound up voicing the group's scepticism. Most of them were familiar with Wally's Feebas and thus able to immediately discern the differences between the two. Whoever those Pokémon were, the size was too different to be a Feebas. He supposed you could let that one slide but the color was really off and it looked like they had whiskers or something stuck to their sides, not to mention the fins were too different.
Sam muffled an indignant cry ''He's doing it again!''
''You cheat!'' Rory added.
The man blanched for a moment, clearly recognizing them but he tried to cover it up ''What're you talking about? I'm an honest, hard working man trying to do these good folks a favour!''
A couple in the crowd voiced their agreement, cleary interested in the chance to get a rare Pokémon like Milotic. Manectric growled lowly while Wally's expression darkened, they completely dismissed the Pokémon before them just to get what they want. Both didn't doubt that this was the kind of thinking that gave Feebas her issues with evolution.
''Something obviously isn't right here...'' May tried to argue in the kids' defense.
''Well, well, if it isn't the twerps.'' Jessie's taunting voice cut her off, the smug woman revealing herself with the 'Feebas' in her arms ''Feeling bad about missing such a good chance? Too bad! You know, you're a real idiot for not evolving your Feebas, twerp.''
Wally barely gave the insult any thought as Max scoffed loudly ''This coming from the ones who had a perfect chance to get a Feebas the other day but not only did you mess that up big time, he toyed around with you all. So who's really the idiot here?''
Jessie growled while James looked away, whistling. The memory of that Feebas trolling them so easily was one they all wanted to forget.
It wasn't long before an argument grew over the matter. Brendan groaned while Sableye palmed his face, even Spoink appeared exasperated ''Seeing as they're clearly not going to listen to common sense, Wally, you mind?''
The boy promptly called Feebas out, holding her securely in his arms before giving the salesman a look that dared him to argue. And indeed, it wasn't long before everyone could see the differences between the fakes and the genuine article, the crowd immediately demanding answers.
Cringing, the salesman tried to think fast ''Oh, what a fine specimen you have there! How much would you want for...?''
Wally's immediate response left no room for doubt ''She's not for sale.''
Feebas quickly caught on, spraying the Pokémon in Jessie's arms with water. In moments, the beige color faded away, revealing vivid red scales that actually belonged to...
''A Magikarp?!''
And it was indeed, the Pokémon only flapped in Jessie's hold; they could see the whiskers pushed back with duct tape. There was also some object stuck to its head and tail to mimic a Feebas' fins and tail.
''Oh, well...how'd that get there...?!'' The salesman's last attempt to save face was stopped off by a fed up Sableye, who'd snuck over to cut the sides of the other Pokémon he was holding. This revealed the long whiskers, confirming that it was another Magikarp.
''You...you little...!''
''He really was a cheat!''
''Get him!''
The salesman let out a fearful squeaking sound before swiftly grabbing his things and running away, the crowd giving chase at once.
''Shouldn't we go after him too, Tyson?'' Sam asked at once.
''It's fine.'' The boy's smile made no sense until they heard him splutter a moment later, a green figure dropping out of the trees in his path. Everyone looked on as the newly arrived Grovyle threw the man down with ease, tossing the two Magikarp over to the lake.
''Oh, that's what you meant before...'' Ash had wondered who he was referring to when he mentioned 'guys', Meowth in Boots being the only Pokémon they'd seen. That explained how the two lead them here.
''I figured with all the trees, Grovyle could get by faster than us. We were just waiting to see what would and look at that, he really is predictable.'' Tyson declared with satisfaction, trusting his Pokémon not to let the crook escape.
''Nice one.'' He grinned appreciatively.
A glint from one of the trees caught Manectric's eye, looking around before picking up on a faint scent like Spoink's nearby. Come to think of it, Meowth had said the pearl had been on a tree...
Following the scent brought his attention to the sunlight reflecting off the gem on a high branch. How did it even get all the way there?
Shaking the thought, he called out to Pikachu, who smiled and nodded to him before climbing up. Rory squinted ''Hey, is that...?''
''You found it. Good job, Manectric.'' The electric type let out a pleased grunt as his trainer patted his head, Pikachu coming back down in moment and handing the item they'd looked for to a delighted Spoink, who happily thanked him, bouncing around in joy. Pikachu couldn't help laughing while Manectric cracked a smile, even the normally stoic Meowth in Boots appeared amused.
''I can't believe he got us again...'' James sighed.
Max had almost forgotten they were still there ''...You guys are just proving me right about your idiocy.''
''Well, let's see you run that mouth when we nab all your Pokémon, bratty twerp!'' Meowth's suggestion seemed to galvanize his teammates, who were naturally all for it.
''Did that Meowth...?'' Tyson started, even Meowth in Boots couldn't keep the shock off his face at this.
Max could understand the sentiment but ''Yeah, talking's about the only thing he's good for.''
Brendan was just about done with this day ''They really think they can pull it off, huh?''
Brock sighed ''If this were a talking contest, they'd be invincible.''
''Shut up!'' Jessie held up her poke balls. ''I'll get that Feebas and finally get the contest wins I deserve with my beautiful Milotic!''
But it was Feebas who had really had it. The whole thing with the salesman was aggravating enough but those crooks think they can just insult her trainer and take her and her friends? As if.
With one burst of Ice Beam, Jessie and James were frozen where they stood. Meowth recoiled, all semblance of bravado gone. Scrambling to save face, he was about to attack only to be met by Meowth in Boots. The Pokémon remembered May and Max's comments earlier.
No wonder they were that impressed just by seeing him if this was the example they had to go on.
Meowth didn't fail to pick up on the disdain ''Look at you, thinking you're something special in that hat and boots. I'll show you who the top cat here is!''
The feline Pokémon extended their claws, Meowth in Boots proved to be much faster and one strike proved who would actually come out on top. Not even looking back as his fellow Meowth fell, he calmly kicked him back towards his frozen teammates.
''Wow, Meowth really is cool!'' Rory enthused, eyes bright.
''And fast...'' Ash looked on in awe. On top of that, if the bored expression was anything to go by, Meowth in Boots hadn't taken the confrontation seriously. So he had more than likely held back too...
Now that his powers were restored with the pearl's return, Spoink decided to help his new friends by sending Team Rocket flying away with Psychic.
''Look at them go...'' May let out a whistle as their distant cries could be heard ''...good one, Spoink.''
''Wow, you can really see the difference the pearl makes, way to go.'' Brendan added.
Spoink beamed, Chingling leading a few of the other Pokémon in their praise, the blushing Pokémon bouncing in joy.
Proving his trainer's faith well-founded, Grovyle had made sure the salesman was bound and gagged. May and Tyson wasted no time in demanding the kids' money back, only to be rather irked to find that he'd already spent it. Max had already considered that, guiding Officer Jenny to the scene. After another round of Brock's flirting and the usual result, Jenny promised to handle this and ensure that he would reimburse Sam and Rory in full.
No one could deny that watching Chingling slap the man a few times was rather satisfying.
''What're you three going to do now?'' Brendan's eyes travelled from the kids to Chingling and back.
''Well, our old plan's ruined but we still get a new friend out of this.'' Rory's statement left Chingling looking at them in wonder. ''You want to stay with us?''
''We'd love to have you; I bet Grandma would be happy too. What do you say?'' Sam let out a startled giggle as Chingling hopped to her arms with a happy trill. That was all the answer they needed.
''That's a good attitude, you're going to be just fine.'' Tyson chuckled.
The little girl smiled back, looking over at them ''Hey, hey, how about you guys come over to our place for dinner? It's really close by!''
''That's nice of you to offer but we can't really impose on your grandma like that.'' May countered.
''Yeah, you said she had her hands full with work and stuff for a while, right?'' Ash added.
Her shoulders slumped ''Oh, yeah...''
Rory wasn't so easily daunted ''Then how about tomorrow? We'll let her know what's up so it won't be a problem, right?''
Both couldn't help laughing at this, Wally sharing their amusement as he answered ''I think that'd be just fine.''
''Great!'' The boy's expression shifted to uncertainty ''...I've really been wanting to ask, what's with Brock?''
''About that...well...'' They looked back as Brock continued to follow Jenny as she went about her work, continuing to fawn over.
Tyson had been curious about that too ''He's like a completely different person now...''
''Brock's one of the most reliable guys out there, but get him near a pretty girl and that's that,'' Ash sighed.
''That's just weird.'' Sam decided.
''You mean gross.'' Her brother corrected ''What's the big deal anyway? Girls have cooties.''
''Do not! Would you stop saying that already?!''
''Do too! And I won't because it's the truth!''
''Is not!''
''Is too!''
Chingling looked between her new friends, clearly baffled as to how this came about. Tyson was clearly trying not laugh as he interceded ''Okay, you two-that's enough of that. It's getting late, how about we get you home now?''
Equally sheepish, the two agreed, bidding the others farewell before leading Tyson away.
Ash turned to Spoink ''We're going to stay in the Pokémon center, what do you want to do?'' The Pokémon seemed to be thinking it over before hopping a bit away and gesturing to the forest. ''Oh, you want to be on your way already?''
''Guess Ash isn't the only rolling stone around here, huh?'' Max mused.
''So that means we'll be seeing around-'' Spoink nodded to Brendan, waving at everyone''-be careful not to lose the pearl.''
Pikachu, Torchic and Sableye waved back to Spoink while Manectric nodded, watching as the little psychic type headed off until he was out of sight.
''I wondered if any of you wanted to catch him.'' Max confessed.
''I would've considered that if he stayed.'' Like them, Brendan wouldn't consider keeping a Pokémon against their will. ''But this is fine too, we got to sort everything out.''
Ash nodded ''So hey, were you going to Fortree for a gym battle too?''
''Actually, no-I found another route to Lilycove so I was going that way first.'' Brendan shrugged ''But I got that gym's badge before Flannery's.''
''Wait, how?''
''You guys ever hear of a Sky Battle?''
Ash hadn't, but Wally remembered Ricardo mentioning something about it ''That's the battle where you only use flying Pokémon, right? It sounds like a big deal in Kalos.''
''Bingo,'' The boy nodded ''You know how Dad's been helping the Mega Evolution research? It's had him looking deeper into other stuff like Sky battles so he called Winona for a favour...turns out she keeps gym badges with her even if she doesn't battle in the gym. So Dad tells me to get my flying Pokémon and...''
Well, that's that!
I thought I'd give this idea a try, it honestly seems lame that they didn't even bother introducing Ash's rivals until just before the Hoenn league so I wanted to try something different. Since they don't really tell us much of anything about Tyson and Morrison, I came up with a little something of my own. I'm trying to think of how to introduce Morrison now; I want to see if I can give them bigger roles.
Wally's got a good guess of what happened to Feebas before they met by now. He's been figuring out bits by coming to know Feebas and all he's seen from her behaviour gives him more clues. If you remember when he wanted Professor Oak's advice on something back when the professor came to Hoenn, he was looking both for advice to help his Pokémon in general and Oak's opinion about Feebas' situation. He's just keeping quiet because a-he doesn't see any reason to bring it up now, b-he doesn't want to upset Feebas and c-there's always the chance he's wrong.
Anywho, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. Till next time!