Neon lights shined like lens flares from the many billboards that filled the side of sky scrappers. Cars drove at the pace of a Slugma and were all honking their horns louder than the last one due to the crowded streets of cars and people. Even though it was night, there was almost no cool air as the smog above seemed to trap in all the heat.

"Ah Diagon City, home of the world's best casinos." Sabrina would have breathed in deep, but the last time she did that, she inhaled someone smoking out a puff of cigarette. Ash Ketchum, on the other hand, was coughing quite a bit. He would definitely not be used to a place more crowded than the previous two cities. "And one of the dirtiest cities in Kanto." The telepath finished before looking at her companion. "If you have trouble breathing, you can filter out the smog of this place."

"I-I can do that?" The raven haired boy asked.

Sabrina closed her eyes. "Yes, just make sure you don't lock out oxygen." As soon as she opened them, she noticed a now gasping Ash Ketchum. Her eyes narrowed and she touched the, invisible psychic bubble around Ash's skull. "There, remember this feeling."

Sabrina blinked and snapped her view behind her. She could have sworn she just felt something angry, malevolent, and spiteful: killing intent. But then again, considering they were in 'sin city' was it just her picking up the feelings of some horribly disgruntled loser? Or did she just sense an actual threat?

Everyone knew that Diagon was the 'black sheep' of Kanto's nice, peaceful region. It was a cesspool that made even Orre look like a haven. She knew this place had ties with the mafia, ironically making it the safest place from Giovanni and Team Rocket to have control over. However, this place had disadvantages for a psychic like her and Ash. For one, this city was swarming with people. Reading even one mind would be trouble with how fast the target would be moving over other fast people and loud noises in the area.

It would be even more arduous if a certain luck-cursed child were to join her. "You go to the Pokemon Center, I have something to do here."

The teen looked, only to see Sabrina vanish into the crowd before he could say a word in edgewise. "You, know I feel like Sabrina's been kinda bummed lately."

Riolu jumped on his trainer's shoulders and looked to his friend. 'What makes you say that?'

"I haven't seen her smile in a while." He has seen her smirk and give something like cocky smiles, but never ones of pure joy. He wondered if he could try and give her a thank you gift for all the cool power tricks she's been teaching him.

He could do that actually! Ash quickly explained his thought process to his partner.

'Ooh! What do we get her as a present?'

And then he hit his first snag.

Of course, things like that had never really stopped the young teen then, and they weren't going to stop him now. "Hmm, I don't actually know. I never really knew anything about her besides her powers and Pokemon Battles."

The raven haired teen was soon distracted with his thoughts because of a flashing neon sign. Yet at the same time, as he tilted his head a little more up, there was one neon sign that pointed towards a super mall.

That looked like a good place to start.

Ash was rather overwhelmed with all the people, and the many diverse shops within the mega mall. There were like twelve different clothe stores on one hallway as far as the eye could see, he could see slot machines on another path, and the second floor filled with electronics. There was a map showing him that he was in section C out of A-Z in the mall, meaning that this massive place had over 20 more sections.

Where could he even start to look for a gift for Sabrina?

Secondary question, what do girls like?

Third question, how on earth is he supposed to know what a girl likes when he has never once understood them or his mother?

Well what about what Gary would like?

… After nearly a hundred memories in the span of a few seconds, all saying 'Smell ya later' to varying mocking tones that might even make a hit remix, Ash was starting to wonder why none of the people he knew, except maybe his mom, were normal.

"Huh, mom always said that if you don't know what to do, you can ask for help."

'Must be nice having a mom; I was just born. Humans get all the fun stuff.' Riolu puffed his cheeks and crossed his arms as Ash went towards an information center.

"Well ain't you sweeter than a cake with strawberry ice cream." The man with a funny hat Riolu couldn't stop starting at spoke up. "Tell ya wat, son. I can tell you what a girl wants."

"Really?"

"Now the key here is to-" And then he was smacked in the head by another man.

"Don't listen to him kid, he's a degenerate." The man withdrew his cane. He was an imposing figure, tall too. He had the air around him that was so noticeable, if you were to put him in a room of celebrities, and they would all flock to him with how his presence exuded power. "But he's my degenerate friend. ...We don't want another complaint from the League about kids and teens getting traumatized more than they should be, Folzet."

"Hey, it's not my fault the place ain't kid-friendly! Ain't that your job, boss!?"

"I'm the one who approves, not the one who acts." The older man, who was accompanied by a Houndoom with wrinkles on his face, looked over towards the teen. "Forgive my friend here, young man. Now why are you looking for a gift for a girl?"

Ash explained that his friend was feeling down and after hearing that, the boss gave a small smile.

"How kind of you to care for your friend. Gifts depend on a personality. What type of person is your friend?"

"… She's a girl."

Both men froze for a second before processing that answer.

"Ahh." The older man seemed to realize something before pointing to the boy. "Are you by any chance from Pallet Town?"

Ash blinked. "How'd you know?"

There was a soft chuckle from the man. "I hang around the gym of this place and so far? Three Pallet Town teens challenged the gym around this month. I wasn't expecting a fourth."

Ash folded his arms. The others already got here? How was he always one step behind everyone?

"They all were adorable country bumpkins. And they were all oblivious to certain things. The brunette boy had an ego the size of the mountain, and somehow knew how to already drive cars. The red head didn't really know how to relax, but considering where she was…." He trailed off looking at the kid and coughed. "and the white-haired girl seemed to be nervous wreck when her friends dragged her in to the gym to challenge the leader."

After that last one, he glared at the man behind the info booth. "Hey don't look at me. It ain't my fault she took a wrong turn. You should be blaming the bouncers that weren't doing their job in that gentleman's club."

"What's a gentleman's cl—?"

"You don't need to learn that." The older man spoke as fast as the speed of no. He changed the subject while the boy was still in a confused state. "Come on, I have an idea to give a gift."

The man and the Houndoom started walking away, prompting Ash to follow after the old man.

"What's your name kid?" The old man asked as the clack of the cane moved in beat with his foot steps.

"Ash Ketchum."

"Well, I'm Leonardo Capone and this here is my friend, Tommy." He motioned to the old Houndoom walking next to him. "We'll be heading over there for your friend's gift."

Ash blinked as he saw the store they were going to. "Bath, Beyond, and Beds?"

The old man, Leonardo, was nice, Ash thought. He even knew a pathway out of the mall that was much less crowded than the main roads he came through.

They were currently walking through the park late at night, but the old man wearing a suit needed a break to rest his legs and the two made their way to an empty swing set.

"Being old is quite a hassle, I get tired much easier than before." The man sighed sadly. "Thank you for letting me take a break."

"No problem! In fact, thanks for the idea of Bath Salt. I think I bought another one for my mom and some of my other friends."

Ash and Riolu noticed that the old man was staring hard at him. The suited man also realized what he was doing and gave a soft chuckle.

"Forgive me, you remind me of my grandson when he was your age. He left some time ago to live elsewhere, so spending time with you has brought up some old memories." He sighed as he sat down on one of the swings.

Ash sat beside him in the other empty swing. "I remind you of your grandson?" The teen tilted his head to which his fighting type mirrored the move. However, the young teen then looked back at his gift and then said. "Ah, I should be thanking you for the advice on the gift. Are you sure she'll like it?"

"Bath Salt is a safe gift. I'm sure your older friend will appreciate it." As he was done saying this, a thought occurred to the man. "Just a question though, you want to challenge the gym tomorrow, right? I'm just asking since kid trainers come here only for the gym here."

"Right! I'm going to get my third badge there!" The raven haired boy pumped up as he said this.

"Oh? Any plans?" Ash and Riolu didn't seem to notice the old man's smile slowly growing as he asked this.

"The info from Team Instinct say that Daigon City Gym is a dark type gym! Luckily, Riolu is a fighting type and he'd definitely going to be in that battle!" The two young ones looked at each other and nodded with excitement.

Leonardo glanced over to Houndoom and winked, causing the old mutt to snort and roll his eyes. "Type advantage is always a safe bet. What else are you planning?"

"Well see," Ash was like a search engine on a browser, giving up too much information. "All they have online is that they're dark types, but thanks to Gary, he explained to me most Dark Types are usually powerful attack wise but their defenses aren't that great when compared to the other types. That leads me to think that they're like glass cannons of sorts. Which means I need to be quicker and have better defense!"

"Huh that makes sense on paper." Unfortunately for the raven haired teen, he had yet to realize the smile on both the old man and the old Houndoom were only growing as they heard this. "But your info, it's only saying the type. Gyms have themes as well, don't they?"

"Themes?"

"Yes themes. There are three gyms in Viridian City. I'm sure you know what the gyms stand for besides just their types, right?"

Ash thought back to all three of the gyms. Team Valor focused on the strength of Pokemon, Team Mystic relied on the mind and strategy of trainers and Pokemon, while Instinct was… was…

Uhhh… eggs?

Meanwhile, back in Viridian City, the leader of Team Instinct sneezed. The sneeze itself was normal, if not stronger than usual. It's what happened before, during, and after the sneeze where the problem begins.

"Oh crap! Someone catch that incubator I accidentally threw off the fifth floor!" Without waiting another second, the accomplished leader of Team Instinct listened to his gut and dived after it.

Back in Diagon City, Ash was still thinking about what theme of instinct really had before the old man continued with his point.

"When gyms are made, the league asks them to have a theme to teach challengers. Pewter's Gym shows how tough any Pokemon raised can be, the Cerulean Gym is designed to show that there is beauty in a fight, and one shouldn't be shy with their talents. Diagon has a different theme than most." The old stranger said this as he closed his eyes.

"What is it?"

Opening just one eye with a glint of mischief, the old man responded, "You're going to have to learn that when you battle the gym leader."

Ash noticed the wording of that. "Wait. Do you know the gym leader? I think I recall you talking about him earlier too."

"Yes, I know him. He's as old as me, much crankier, and quite a silver-haired Ninetails." Leonardo spoke, but if Ash was paying any attention, which he almost never does when it isn't a battle, he would have noticed the older man struggling to smother his laughter.

Tommy the Houndoom lifted his head up in an abrupt manner. Riolu also snapped his head around the same direction Leonardo's partner was looking.

Leonardo's expression turned to that of a Pyroar about to attack as he stood up from the swing and saw a group of people, all wearing suits and hats, walk from behind the trees.

A man swaggered in, a cigar lit at the end and leaning hanging on his mouth. "Ey, boss! Nice night out here, ain't it?" The easy tone was like a that of a conman towards his unsuspecting victim.

"Boris," Leonardo had no kind air around him unlike his conversation with the teen moments ago. "Care to tell me what this is all about?"

The man named Boris stepped forward, removing his cigar to tap some burnt ash off. "You're time is up old fart. This city is mine now."

"So what? Is this a cu? How droll," Leonardo looked down towards Ash. "And as always, your timing is Rapidash crap."

"Aww that's cute, even in the end, you still have a soft spot for kids." Boris gave a smirk akin to blood red, crescent moon. He snapped his fingers, and soon, the men around them took out tommy guns all around them.

Leonardo cursed under his breath as—

"Protect!"

A green forcefield surrounded the people under the swing. No sooner than this was done, a hail of lead struck from all sides of the protective bubble.

The first round of bullets were cut short when they saw their bullets doing little with the forcefield up.

Everyone looked to Ash, returning a Poke Ball and with three other Pokemon out already.

"Hey! What's the big idea!? Who are you guys!?" The young trainer was warned that he may cross some bad people on his journey. But he never expected it now of all times.

The one known as Boris lifted his gun over his shoulder. "That ain't worth mentioning, brat. You're going to be dug six feet under with our former boss here."

"Boris, I'm going to give you one last chance." Leonardo's voice was one that had the power of a Hyper Beam and all of it's elegance despite it's calm volume. "Stop what you're doing now, and go home."

"Oh and what are you going to do!? When that purple pipsqueak's forcefield fails, nothing's stopping us from turning you into swiss cheese!"

The older man simply leered. However, everyone looked surprised as Ash stepped forward and raised one hand out.

The look of surprise on everyone's face was that of varying degrees, from a normal surprise, to that of utter disbelief. Yet it was still there as all the guns from the suited men were lifted up into the air… then had all of their screws, bolts, and bullets explode out of the air and fall harmlessly into the ground.

Ash smiled as he put his hand back down and wiped the sweat off his forehead. "I really have to thank Sabrina for all that practice on smaller control."

Leonardo looked over towards the young teen as Nidorino lowered the forcefield. "You're… a psychic?"

"An in training one!" The boy proudly stated before his smile returned towards a glare to those surrounding them. "But what about them?"

"They," Leonardo stepped forward, bring out two Poke Balls as he did so. "Are in for punishment."

Boris had his eyes widened, the weight of everything that could have gone wrong in his plan, had just so spectacularly did. "Get out your Pokemon! They can't beat us all!"

However, a blur of darkness swept across all men, as they reached for their pockets, they found nothing.

A second later, a Weavile was seen carrying a bunch of Poke Balls and dropping it near Leonardo.

"Thank you, Meyer. Now, Bugsy, if you please?" Leonardo slammed his cane into the ground and his shadow extended out towards all remaining suits.

The men all screamed as they were absorbed by the shadows, and out came a Spiritomb laughing after reappearing towards the old man.

Leonardo sighed and looked up to the sky. "And like that, my night is ruined."

"W-Who," Ash began as he looked at Leonardo. "Who were they, what happened to them? And why did they call you a boss?"

The old man gave an exhale that was weary as an old soldier. "They, are—were the mafia or mobsters of this city. They're all in a pocket dimension of Bugsy's design and are going to be there until I can figure out what to do with them. And lastly, the reason why they were calling me boss, is because I am their leader and head of all operations."

"Mafia?" Ash realized that word and all it's implications then pointed at the man. "Wait! you're a crime boss!? But you're so nice!"

In response to such an innocent proclamation, Leonardo could only laugh again. "Television always does have it's way with blowing things out of proportions. And to be honest, I have done some…" he looked towards all his Pokemon who Ash noticed were all dark types. "rather dark things. But at the same time, I never really wanted to be the leader in the first place."

Ash took a step back. "You… never did?"

There was a sad smile on the man's face as he looked up to the moon. "Well, they call this place the City of Sin. Growing up here, doesn't leave much chance to chase after your dreams. So when I was given this power, I tried to loosen it a bit." Ash didn't understand, but Leonardo, with that same, hollow smile, gave a wave and started walking away with his Pokemon following him. "Thank you for the walk young man, I hope you do well in your gym battle tomorrow."

Out of everything he knew, he wasn't expecting a leader of organized crime to be so nice. He was warned by the uncle of Emily that there are those people of dangerous intentions, much like the terrorist groups back at Viridian City.

"Hey, Riolu, you can read emotions right? What did you see in Mr. Leonardo's Aura?"

The fighting type closed his eyes and did his impression of a famous statue with a hand beneath his chin. 'It's purple.'

Prince Nidorino turned towards the fighting type.

'Not what I meant. A lot of nice people have blue Aura, people who do more violent and mean things often than not, have red aura. His is pure purple, which means it's like… neither and both.'

'Iiiiii don't geettt itttt.' Jigglypuff dragged his voice along.

Ash looked at the present he was given before the direction of where the man left. "It's getting late, we should head back to the Pokemon Center."

And so the group walked under the sky, where the clouds were returning once more to obscure the moon in the sky-less city.

Sabrina knew someone was watching her the moment she stepped out of the subway. She could almost feel killing intent. Was it a mobster? They might not know she's partnered up with Team Rocket and Giovanni always treated this place with caution since the 'unofficial' king of the city, Leonardo Capone, was as shrewd as he was old.

But no matter how many minds she scanned, everyone was in their own world, some planning to win big, some who lost just as much as they planned to win, others with thoughts similar to that of a gutter, and over all unpleasant thoughts.

Strangely though, Sabrina felt more at ease here than the other cities. There was something honest about how people were in their more unleashed desires here than just being happy-go-lucky elsewhere.

Or maybe, she was just glad that she wasn't the only one messed up in the world.

Still, she couldn't find any trace of her potential stalker, which spoke volumes considering she was the best psychic on the planet—if there were any naysayers, she would gladly like to 'convince' them otherwise.

But the point was if that someone could hide from her, that person must also have highly trained meta human abilities.

Furthermore, with what she learned from the walking, misfortune-incarnate boy, this wasn't a good sign among the bucket list of things that just kept growing.

She would have to keep an eye out the longer she stayed in this casino-riddled, cigarette-stinking city. Sabrina went back towards the Pokemon Center and as she closed in, she felt a familiar presence.

Ash Ketchum was finishing talking with Nurse Joy. He turned around and a smile appeared as he waved over towards the purple haired woman.

"Hey Sabrina! I got you something!"

That caught the psychic's attention as the boy with hair like coal brought out a small gift bag for her. As she reached in for the item, her brow raised further up. "Bath Salt?"

"I um… didn't really know what to give you. … Someone said that it was a good gift if you didn't know someone that well." The psychic didn't need her powers to notice the look on the boy's face at the mention of someone, but she was still confused as to…

"Why did you give me this?" She held out the small container that was fancily designed to make people want to buy it more.

"I wanted to give it as a thank you. You've been traveling with me so far, and I wanted to repay you for teaching me how to use psychic powers."

Sabrina looked at the container. For the life of her, she couldn't understand why someone so naive and nice, would willingly give her a gift of his own free will, and express thanks towards her?!

She never! … She never had someone thank her and appreciate her before… did she? Only… a life time ago.

It's been ages since someone showed her appreciation. She had almost no idea how to respond to it.

"Do you, not like it?" Ash started to frown as he saw the look on the taller woman's face.

"No, I do. Thank you." Those last two words came out so foreign to her. She had never said that without haughtiness and/or sarcasm, yet she found herself returning the gratitude as best as she could.

She sighed. Shock was fading and now the only emotion left was annoyance. She didn't like owing anybody, even an oblivious teen. "Now then, who is this person you met? I can tell you're bothered by it."

Ash frowned before he looked around and led the psychic user to a more secluded area.

Sabrina was confused before Ash told his story. She was impressed his control over his powers were getting better (Well he was under her, of course) but it seems like Ash's misfortunate had struck once more, meeting and saving the very man who gives even Giovanni pause.

However, something didn't make sense to her. "Why do you seem so down? I thought you would be glad to help someone in need?"

"Well, it's just… he isn't as bad as I thought people like him would be. And I always though that mobsters would be like those powerful and ruthless people with beards and stuff."

Sabrina's face fell to a frown. She, didn't even try to hide how cold and scary she was and yet this. Damn. Boy. -still has no realization that she's potentially worse than a mobster leader! And he was realizing how two faced the world was through him!?

"Ash. Has no one ever thought you—"

"I was warned! My friend's uncle was always hard on us everyday and warning me and my friends that bad people can seem nice and such. But… he just… looked so sad." The teen expressed as his head fell towards the floor.

Sad huh?

"I've heard of him actually," The teen looked back to her as she folded her arms. "Many things about he was not a man to cross under almost any circumstances. But it's interesting to hear he's not as imposing as the rumors describe."

Ash recalled watching those grittier movies once. It was always so depressing and dreary and he was never interested in them. Maybe they had more influence on life than he thought...

"It's not easy is it?" Sabrina spoke in a tone that was different from her usual strict tone. It almost sounded, soft. "Finding out the world is more than what others tell you?"

"It's just… everyone tells me that bad people are bad, but Mr. Leonardo is a really nice guy... and a bad guy? I don't really get it."

"I'm more surprised your upset over this than everything else in your exciting life." Sabrina felt her lips curl to a small smile. "But it's alright not getting things, Ash. Life is much more complex than it is and that's saying something."

Sabrina stood up from her seat. "Take this as a learning experience, each one has their own interpretation of the world, find your own."

The older psychic left to pick up her room. She wanted to try this bath salt out as soon as possible. However, a few seconds in then she realized something. That boy she was traveling with… since when was she starting to care for anyone but herself?

"What is wrong with me?"

Day time of Diagon City was intense. If it was cold, it was freezing, if it was hot, it was scorching. There was never an in between. That morning, along with the wind, made everyone feel as if they were slowly be oven roasted.

So when air-condition wind hit his face as he entered into the gym, Ash sighed in relief.

Sabrina was a little more subtle, but she too appreciated the controlled weather in doors.

The gym was unlike the others so far. This one was more rundown, and seemed to have been built from an old boxing ring with those faded, technicolor posters of overdramatic stories plastered all around the brick walls.

It was rather empty, but further down from the old exercise equipment, there was an open field with rings. The place seemed somewhat clean, but the place was dimly lit when outside was like ten time brighter.

"This gym is old." Ash spoke with little filter.

"The building is old. The 'gym' is not. It was recognized as an official gym in the years after the legal trainer age was bumped up to 13." Sabrina mentioned as she looked around.

"Sooo where's the gym leader?"

A voice came from behind the two. "Right here."

The two psychics looked back and saw a very familiar face.

"Ah! Mr. Capone!?" Ash pointed towards the old man who was still wearing a suit, hat and holding a cane. "You're also the gym leader!?"

Sabrina looked over to Ash. "You never knew he was the gym leader!?"

"Why, is it obvious?" All battles in her life, whether through words, or Pokemon Battles, all paled in comparison to the battle Sabrina was having with herself at that moment about slapping her forehead after hearing how unbelievably naïve her student really was.

Leonardo's laugh filled the air as he walked towards the two with cane first. "You still haven't figured it out? You even said that the gym leader had nothing but dark types, and didn't you notice that all of my Pokemon were dark types?"

Ash froze as he seemed to absorb that information. "You did have all dark types!"

Sabrina lost miserably, and slapped her forehead in pity for the boy she unwittingly took under her wing.

Leonardo's smile was as bright as a sun in the darkly lit building. "And psychics are usually supposed to be considered observant people." He looked over towards Sabrina. "And how are you, Ms. Bellelba?"

The psychic blinked as she looked at the older man. "Have we met before?"

"Not necessarily. I did see you earlier this year at the Gym Leader's Summit."

At the mention of that, Ash's mind metaphorically activated a light bulb. "Wait a second!" Ash pointed to Sabrina. "You're a gym leader too!?"

"You could connect those two facts together, but not when he was the gym leader!?" Sabrina blew up as she pointed towards the old man while glaring at the selective information processing her student was showing.

The mobster boss gave an observant hum which caught the attention of the two psychics. "Well this is a side of you I never would have imagined seeing of you, Ms. Bellelba."

The psychic user glared dangerously towards the man who had this city under his thumb. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"I never would have expected such a standoffish woman to have a strict, but caring older sister side to her."

Sabrina's mind froze. In actuality, she never had anyone, including herself, ever consider of being an older sister figure.

The clack of Leonardo's cane hitting cement brought attention back to him. "Well then young man," he looked towards the boy whose hair was as dark as the night, "Would you like to challenge the gym?"

Ash thought about it for a second before nodding once. "Yes, I challenge the Diagon City Gym!"

"Very well," Leonardo walked towards the battle arena. "How many badges do you have so far?"

"Two." The raven haired boy responded as he walked after him.

The old man absorbed that information silently. "I see. Now then, take your side and I'll take mine."

The two did while Sabrina found herself leaning on the wall on the side.

The mobster gym leader cleared his throat. "Alright here is the rule for this challenge: all of your current party against one of my Pokemon."

"Wait, what?" The boy had his brown eyes widen. "Um... did you just say?"

"I know what I said. All of your Pokemon against mine in a versus 1 singles match." The gym leader explained.

"One?" The boy from Pallet Town could not be more confused. Why did he receive such a huge advantage?

"Diagon City is a rather remote place. Not many Pokemon live here, even the rock, ground, and steel types are sparse. As such, I don't have much chance to go out and capture new Pokemon to train. Which is why you will be facing one Pokemon from my eighth badge challenge. A much higher leveled, and more experienced Pokemon I've been training for years. And it's your job to battle him well."

Ash felt intimidated after hearing that. He had to fight a Pokemon meant for an eight badge challenge? He only had two badges!

Yet, despite the obvious fear, he could feel his hands shaking. They weren't just shaking in fear, just like before, he was getting excited! The chance to fight strong Pokemon, the chance to become better than they were before!

The raven haired boy reached for his belt, and threw his first combatant. "I choose you, Jigglypuff!"

'Yoom tah!' The pink puffball cried out as he appeared onto the field.

Leonardo removed his right hand form his cane. As he did, something fell out of his sleeve and fell into his palm, revealing it to be a Poke Ball as it grew into the size of his hand.

"Go, Joe!"

What came from the light was a Sableye wearing a fedora. The ghost and dark type pointed finger guns at his trainer.

'Sup, boss? I seez it's my turn to pass on the wisdom to the young uns." He then fixed his hat after saying this.

"Yes it is. Now remember what we talked about. You're going to have to think on your own for this one." Unlike Ash, it seemed like Leonardo understood his Pokemon without the use of powers. That made the boy curious. Although, it was more than likely Leonardo simply knew everything about his friend living with him so long.

'Aight. Aight!' With two fingers holding on to the edge of his hat, Joe the Sableye, turned towards Jigglypuff and smirked. 'Aww come on, kiddo, I ain't gunna bite like Ol' Tommy over there.'

The Houndoom not too far behind Leonardo growled at the comment.

'I kid, I kid.'

Ash looked at the Sableye once more. Not only was he a dark type, but he was a ghost type as well. His team composed of two normal types and one fighting type, which meant three fourths of his team didn't do well against…

Leonardo smiled as he saw the look on the boy's face. "It seems your observation skills are pointed towards battles than anything else. You basically told me your strategy last night and showed me all your Pokemon."

"Hey wait! That means you planned specifically against my plan!" The boy cried out as he recalled telling Leonardo a majority of his battle plan. "That's not fair!"

"That's my gym's theme, Ash! I build my fights to be unfairly stacked against my challengers as possible!" His eyes sharpened, and the two psychics could feel the pressure behind the old man as he stood much taller than a second ago.

"It's up to you if you can overcome it or not!" Leonardo threw his arm out, the look in his eyes betraying the age of his body as Ash saw the eyes of someone at the peak of his prime. "Joe, begin!"

With speed beyond that which Ash and Sabrina anticipated, Joe the Sableye closed the distance between Jigglypuff with his arms cackling with unstable dark energy.

'FOUL PLAY!' Joe screamed as the attack was unleashed—

{Author Notes}

Wow that's a total dick move to end on a cliff hanger.

… it's perfect.

Anyway. Hey guys, thanks for all your support and such! I'm glad you're all liking the story so far.

I'm honestly afraid of this chapter, because it introduced one of two OC gym leaders for the Kanto Arc. And I know and understand how much people don't like Ocs. But I hope you all like him. He's just a gymleader.

What do you guys think of him and the new city overall?

Anyway, the next chapter dives into Team Luckless against Joe, the Sableye! Can Ash and co find a way to overcome the gap between them and a high leveled Pokemon?!

Who knows?

Anyway, please support this fic with Favorites, Follows and Reviews! See ya soon!