Apparently, I forgot Brock's Zubat and only remembered when I was done. I've edited the previous chapter to justify her absence.

With a plan in mind, Ash and his friends made their way into the home offered to them by Zorua's Master.

Designed to handle all but the largest of Pokémon, the building was surprisingly roomy, despite it being only a single floor. Add the fact that Ash himself was only slightly bigger than Pikachu, and the entire place was almost too much space for him. Coupled with its antique styling, it reminded him of the one time his mom took him to visit historical sites.

"Master seems to still be in his study," Zorua offered. "Likely still tending to Zubat as we speak."

"It'll be great to see her again," Brock spoke.

"It's almost lunch, too," Misty supplied. "Maybe she'll be hungry?"

As soon as she said that, a mass of grumbles came out from everyone. It just occurred to Ash that he had skipped breakfast… and that he had no idea how long it had been since they last ate. It was back when they were on that blimp, just when the entire vessel started to fall around them, wasn't it?

Brock sighed, lifting up one of his paws. "This is going to be weird. I don't exactly have the ability to cook like I used to. I can probably boil water, but cutting is going to have to be handled by someone else unless I evolve into a Midnight Lycanroc."

"While you're doing that," Ash stated. "I want to talk to Charizard."

Everyone except Zorua gave him a look.

"Ash, he's going to use Flamethrower on you, you know that, right?" Pikachu gave him an agitated look.

"I know that he might!" Ash declared, his tone firm. "But I want to know what's been his problem."

"Boss, I know you remember him as that timid Charmander you met before me, but he ain't that way anymore," Squirtle replied back, arms crossed. "Evolution changed him and not for the better."

Ash frowned, thinking back to the day they met the small lizard, sitting on a rock, waiting for a boy who never intended to come back. Charizard was scarcely that Charmander these days, yet Ash still hung on that first impression. "I know he changed. I know that. But… I want to know what happened."

Bulbasaur brought his vines over to Pikachu and Squirtle. "Remember that up until today, Ash couldn't understand everything we said. He has little idea of what Charizard is like now, because he never saw the change coming until he got burned. He deserves to know for himself."

Ash took a deep breath. "Thanks Bulbasaur." He turned to his other Pokémon. "I know you mean well, but I don't think I can keep Charizard in his ball forever. He needs to eat, too."

Frowning, Squirtle took Charizard's Pokéball from Ash's backpack and handed it to the Riolu.

Pikachu let out a frustrated grunt. "Fine, but if he makes the wrong move, I'm Thunderbolting everyone."

Brock turned to Zorua. "Maybe it'd be best for Ash to release Charizard in the arena you keep Onix in. It'd be safer than over in the manor proper."

"Uh, right," Zorua nodded nervously. "While we're having lunch sorted out, he can talk with his friend… Master would get upset if the manor burned down… again."

"Again?" Ash mouthed.

"... Right this way please!" Zorua's tone changed abruptly as she darted deeper into the manor.

"Hey, wait up!" Ash shouted as she ran off. The Riolu chased after the fleeing ghost fox, Pikachu tailing him.

Zorua eventually led them towards what resembled the combat arena of a Gym, after snaking her way through the manor. "In here!" she said eagerly, stopping right in front of the entrance. She slid the wall panel open.

"What was it about the manor burning… again?" Ash asked once again.

"Nothing!" Zorua denied, her tone very sheepish.. She practically radiated a sense of lying and a bit of shame. "Now, go on inside, and uh… good luck!"

Ash decided that it was a bad idea to force the question too much on the… girl? The Riolu decided to step inside. Zorua let out a deep sigh as she walked away.

Pikachu bounded right behind his trainer. "She's very timid. Easily embarrassed, too. Wonder if she caused the fire she's trying to avoid talking about."

"If that's the case, why is she still here?" Ash shrugged. "Unless it's like with us and Misty and the Professor, uh, Scholar Aspen is forcing her to pay off her debt."

"Let's not go comparing expensive houses to bikes! I don't want to think about us paying for it." Pikachu said defensively before sighing. "Also, Ash, that's like the third time you've chased her today."

Ash cocked a glance at Pikachu as they stepped right inside the arena.

"You have this look in your eyes that reminds me of Growlithes wanting to run at fleeing Pokémon." Pikachu explained. "You even have your tongue droop out when you're excited and your tail wags quite a bit."

"Wait, really?" Ash asked, as he turned his back to his own tail. True to Pikachu's words, his tail was wagging until he focused on making it still. Satisfied, he stopped focusing and it suddenly wagged again at his own success. "That's frustrating... I didn't even notice it."

"It's the chase reaction some canines get whenever they want to run at something that catches their interest… You did it to me, too, back when we were racing on the beach." Pikachu shrugged. "You're a Pokémon now, Ash. I guess that means you have a bunch of Riolu habits, whatever that means."

Onix uncoiled from his position in the corner of the room and slithered over to the smaller Pokémon with the sound of grinding stone. "Greetings, Pikachu. And assuming Ash due to hat." Onix's voice bellowed.

Ash felt his cap almost fly off his head. "Hey, Onix!" he shouted back, his eyes widening as he inspected the rock snake. Onix was always big, but with Ash being so much smaller than before, it was like a whole new world of difference.

"Hello, Onix!" Pikachu looked up at the Rock-type and crossed his arms. "Hey, listen. We're going to let Charizard out. He might be a problem, do you mind staying back a bit?"

The rock snake contemplated for a moment and then nodded his gigantic head. "Very well," he answered before moving away.

Ash Ketchum the Riolu held the shrunken Pokéball tightly in his paws. With but a gesture, the ball expanded rapidly, almost breaking free of his hand. A pang of fear sank into the former-human's heart, filling his thoughts with how Charizard might perceive his new state. Would the large lizard laugh at him? Challenge him for supremacy? Or maybe he'd simply just fly off, thinking a weak Riolu who had no moves was unworthy of being his trainer?

Pikachu and Onix were the only Pokémon present, but the rock snake was instead in a distant corner of the room. He had little to fear from Charizard due to his type and sheer bulk, but all the same, he did not want to be involved if absolutely necessary.

"Pikachu, I'll trust you to know if things get too dangerous," Ash offered.

Pikachu grunted. "In my opinion, we already passed that point, but I know that isn't going to stop you."

Accepting that criticism, Ash threw the Pokéball into the air. The ball opened and a bright light manifested into a large winged lizard with orange scales. The pseudo-dragon stretched his body before twisting into a yawn.

Then, Charizard let out an uninterested yawn as he landed on his belly.

Ash stared up. Charizard was so much bigger than before and so much more intimidating. A part of him wanted to hit the return button, bringing the gigantic Pokémon back into safe keeping. Yet, Ash knew that he had to make an impression, here and now.

"Charizard," Ash's voice trembled. "It's me, Ash. Do you recognize me?"

The fire dragon looked down at the Riolu with a lazy eye. "So, you really are Ash?" he sounded more annoyed than anything.

Considering he hadn't used Flamethrower yet, Ash believed that was a good sign. "Yeah, I have. I'm a Pokémon now… just like you and the others."

Charizard huffed something. "What do you want me for?"

"I just want to talk…" Ash began. "Is that okay?"

"...Fine." The lizard huffed, still sounding annoyed.

Ash felt his blood freeze like someone had hit him with an Ice Beam. He had some time to think about some questions, but he feared that if he asked the wrong one, he'd lose a friend.

"Well?" the dragon began to ask, annoyed. "I'm waiting…"

"Hey!" Pikachu snapped. "Give him a minute!"

Charizard's eyes narrowed on to Pikachu, though all he did was breathe heavily.

Taking a deep breath, Ash mustered the courage to ask the one question. "... Are you happy with the way things were?"

Charizard lifted his head, his eyes focusing on his trainer. "... Why do you ask that?"

Ash felt fear in the air. He shuddered as if he stepped on an Electrode, but he knew had to press on. This was his only chance.. "Ever since you were a Charmeleon, you've blasted me with a Flamethrower every other time I let you out of your ball. And… you never listen to what I say."

Charizard continued to stare.

"I know I'm a thick headed idiot sometimes, but… Charizard, I want to know, did I make you unhappy?" Ash felt his heart tear as he asked that, as if now he was unsure of the answer.

The Fire-type looked down at him and growled,"That's a stupid question!"

Ash leapt back, his mind twisting into knots trying to figure out what Charizard meant by that. What did Charizard want? He clearly had a problem with his trainer. "Do you want to be elsewhere?" the Riolu asked.

The big Fire-type turned away, as if trying to ignore the question.

But Ash had wanted this talk for so long. As scared as he was of Charizard attacking him, he was more scared of not knowing. "Charizard-" he began.

"I don't have to listen to you!" The fire lizard turned, a Flamethrower jetting out of his mouth.

Ash, startled by the sudden attack, froze in place, the fire washing over him as it has so many times before.

Pikachu, in retaliation, threw a Thunderbolt at Charizard. "He's trying to talk to you, you big doofus!"

Charizard reeled, injured but not much. The big dragon stopped breathing fire and simply glared at the electric mouse.

Ash, struggling to get back to his feet, wiped off the soot and ash coating his blue fur. That attack hurt, though thankfully, Pokémon were more durable than people. He stood up and went between his two Pokémon. "Charizard… do you want me to set you free, like I did for Butterfree and Pidgeot? Is that what you want?"

Charizard stared at the Riolu intently.

Ash felt fear… He knew whatever words he picked would define how the once abused Charmander would act in the future. If only it was easier to know what the right words were. Gulping once again, he picked words. "... When you were small, your old trainer left you because he didn't want you… He thought you were weak. You aren't weak anymore." He dreaded the next words that came out of his mouth, but they had to be said, "Do you not want me, because I am weak?"

Charizard's mouth twisted into a grimace, smoke coming out of his nostrils. "Victory is all that really matters, Ash." the dragon's tone was less fiery, more annoyed than enraged. "Both you and Damien agreed on that. That's why you wanted us to fight, wasn't it?"

Ash just stared. Was he really like that? Did he come off as someone who only cared about winning, at least to Charizard?

"Charizard!" Pikachu snapped, his cheeks charging up with electricity.

"You know it, too Pikachu!" Charizard snapped, fire from his nostrils flaring. "You've been a wild Pokémon. You know very well that you cannot afford to lose a fight! Losing in the wilderness means death!"

"Stop it!" Ash brought both his hands up. "Don't fight each other!"

Charizard and Pikachu glared daggers at each other, but did not move to attack. Onix stirred from his corner, contemplating to intervene.

The Fire-type huffed a cloud of smoke. "I overheard your plans while I was in my Ball. You have to win to go home, don't you?"

The trainer nodded. "That's the plan. We're going to travel around and get badges or Emeras like we did back home. Then we have to compete in the League." He frowned. "You… don't have to do that if you want. You can stay behind or find a life for yourself if you really want to. I won't stop you."

Charizard's brow furrowed, contemplating. "And why give me a choice?"

"... Because you did not want to fight before?" The Riolu replied sheepishly. He didn't want to lose someone he considered a friend, but it was time to face the facts - Charizard had outgrown him. "I couldn't ask what you wanted before. Now I can."

Charizard's grimace only deepened. "I have heard that the others in this land hate Pokéballs. What does this mean exactly?"

Ash frowned, unsure of where this was going. "It means that everyone except for Onix will be walking alongside us while we travel. It's… going to be different, I know, but maybe it will be fun?"

"Fun?" the Charizard huffed, smoke billowing out of his nostrils. "I suppose I can… follow for now. It might be amusing."

The Riolu blinked, confused. This was… not what he expected the questions to be leading towards.

"I will follow along, Ash. You're too weak to get anywhere. And there is rarely a dull moment around you," Charizard answered the unasked question.

"Okay, uh, thank you, Charizard," Ash said as he rubbed the back of his head. Why did he have an odd feeling about what Charizard just said? It made him feel scared… worried.

The big Fire-type grunted. "Also, I heard about the Fame and Glory that I heard you talk about. That sounded interesting. I wouldn't mind some of my own."

"Hey, just so you know, Zorua told us there's no trainers here!" Pikachu snapped, arms crossed. "When you're fighting, you're on your own, so your losses will be your own fault!"

Charizard huffed. "Fine then!"

Ash breathed a sigh of relief. Charizard was staying. It was not what he hoped, but at least the big fire dragon was willing to stick around for now. It occurred to him that Charizard did not give him many straight answers, but one he did give, that only victory mattered to the trainer felt like a dagger.

Yes, he wanted to win the Pokémon League, to become a Pokémon Master, but his dream was more than about winning, wasn't it?

"Ash, you done yet?" Misty's voice echoed in the building.

The Pokémon inside all turned to see a Buizel step inside. She was sitting next to the wall.

"Misty? How long have you been there?" Ash questioned as he bounded towards her.

"Enough to hear some of it," Misty shrugged. "Scholar Aspen provided lunch. Brock's also cooking some soup."

Ash felt his stomach rumble before a cascade erupted from all of the Pokémon near him. It had been a long time since any of them had eaten. "So, any problems with cooking?"

"A few," Misty said cheerily. "But Geodude has actual hands."

"...Another reason to stay. I get Brocks' cooking," Charizard mused.

Misty squinted at the big fire dragon. "Are you going to have a problem?"

Charizard turned one look at Ash and then huffed before stomping off.

Ash shook his head. At the very least, he did know that Charizard didn't hate him. But the Riolu now knew; the reason Charizard had been so difficult was simple: he wasn't worthy of Charizard. At least, not yet.

Which begged the question, how did he handle this?

At the back patio, where the manor led towards the orchard, Zorua contemplated the bubbling liquid as its makers slowly added more ingredients to it.

Consisting primarily of leafy greens and shredded mushrooms, the odor sank heavily into the room. Ginger and cuttings from plants the Rockruff gathered in the yard were then thrown into the mix, modifying the scent in a subtle, but noticeable way.

She had seen soup before, but most Maiju never bothered to cook at all beyond the simplest of dishes. This was mostly the result of most Maiju lacking hands, but even among them, only a few bothered to learn. Most simply ate as their ancestors did, consuming raw protein and vegetation as their diets demanded. The ones that did cook tended to make careers out of it.

"It is unusual but not unheard of for many foreign Maiju to have learned the art of food making… Most of those that learned that skill are not Rockruff, however," her Master spoke aloud, eying the the individuals who were manning the kitchens.

"It's mostly them," the Rockruff replied back, pointing towards his companions.

Inside the kitchen, Vulpix blew fire underneath a large pot, forming an ember to keep the appliance lit up. Zubat, the one member of that group who was bearing bandages, blew a current of air over the fire, assisting Vulpix. Meanwhile, Geodude stirred the pot. The Rockruff in turn measured the additional ingredients, putting just enough to augment the flavor.

"Be it as it may, you're clearly used to coordinating others," Master Aspen mused. "You know the recipe and they follow it." Master provided both the cookware and the ingredients, it being his house. Granted, he only had people cook for him on occasion, rather than it being guaranteed.

"Yeah, I used to prepare food for my family. Soup is very easy to make on short notice," Brock made an audible sigh. "I have eight other siblings and all of them are much younger than me. Mom and Dad are taking care of them, but I miss them all the same."

The Decidueye nodded. "Of course. Your mother and father must have made quite a big litter or two when they had your siblings."

"That's not…" Brock hesitated before visibly shaking his head. "That's correct. They had two litters."

Of course, Zorua knew this to be a deception. Brock was not a Rockruff at all, even if he was right now indistinguishable from one. Instead, he was actually a human, a creature from the Old World that was supposedly barred from entering into Citrine.

Perhaps this was a test from the gods? Humans that became Maiju were no longer human after all, thus fitting the promise by which the lands were founded upon. It sounded something like a Mew would do.

The humans here were strange things, beings that had an unusual connection to their Maiju. They were not strictly a master with bound subordinates, but instead their relationship varied between individuals.

Zorua turned her gaze towards some of the other guests who gathered around a small table.

For Togepi, Misty was simply the adoptive mother; it did not matter if she was human or a Buizel, the young Maiju loved her mother just as much as Misty adored her.

For Squirtle, Ash was his Boss, but rather than merely someone who commanded him, Zorua understood it to be a debt that founded their partnership.

For Psyduck, apparently, he insisted on coming along with Misty, whether she wanted him or not. Zorua did not know for certain, mostly because Psyduck was constantly nursing that headache of his.

It might have been a breach of her contract to not inform her Master of the true nature of their guests, but Zorua wanted to learn more. Trainers were different from the tamers she was told about. Certainly, tamers did not help their Maiju make soup.

Zorua desperately hoped that this would not end badly.

"This one's done! Great work everyone!" Brock ordered. "We got plenty of hungry mouths to feed! So we're going to make more! Vulpix stop the fire to save on fuel!"

Vulpix's tails all bounced as she went into the fire and absorbed the flames into her own body, leaving only a faint pile of ash and leftover wood. It was obvious to Zorua that there was an excited glee to her carrying out the order, though why eluded her.

Geodude then grabbed the pot with both hands and poured the contents into a large bowl. He then went to clean the pot to reuse it.

"I'll take care of the excess heat!" Zubat flew into the air and began to flap her wings. Air currents rushed over to her and then washed over the steaming soup, drawing the heat away.

"Careful, don't strain yourself Zubat!" Brock cautioned.

"It's fine! I got hit by lightning, but I'm perfectly fine now!" the poisonous bat insisted.

"Now, let's do it again!" Brock shouted.

Zorua had to admire their skill and coordination as they went and repeated the steps to making the soup yet again. Perhaps this was one of the advantages of being a human raised Maiju?

"Wow, that smells great!" Newcomers arrived. Ash the Riolu was the speaker.

Pikachu and Misty the Buizel trailed after him. Onix also came as well, though slithering out from the battle arena instead of going through the manor proper, but the last member of that group instantly demanded attention.

"...Uh hello… " Zorua's attention drifted over to the Charizard in the group. She had known there was a Charizard, but there was something different about seeing him up close. Onix was bigger, sure, but Charizard had shiny teeth and fire.

The Charizard looked at her with a note of disinterest. He cocked his head slightly and shrugged. "Hm, you don't look like a Ghost-type."

"I am also part Normal-type," Zorua replied sheepishly.

Charizard shrugged, losing interest as the soup started cooking. "Oooh, what is it based on? Looks great!" He then moved over towards the table where the previous batch of soup lay.

He looked like he was about to grab the whole pot, but Bulbasaur was able to get him to wait a bit longer by handing him some large apples. The fire lizard in turn swallowed an apple whole.

Relieved at not having a tempermental Maiju burn the manor again, Zorua sighed and turned to her Master as he examined Ash.

"Curious. Riolu are a rare breed," Master Aspen mused as his body loomed over the smaller Pokémon. "I have met plenty throughout my life, some I knew quite well, but you would be the first one I have heard of to come from overseas."

Ash seemed conflicted. "... I did not see many where I lived, either."

"You're healthy… if a little on the scrawny side," Master Aspen added. His eyes focused, the Decidueye moving close. "Strange. Yet you have several Maiju sworn to you?"

"I… uh…" Ash stuttered.

Zorua focused in. The humans and their deception were in a rather precarious position. While there was no legal precedent on what would happen exactly, it might have led to all sorts of unfortunate complications. Especially since if one group of outsiders had humans in them, what did that mean to all the other groups before them? Best be avoided. So, the fox intervened, hopefully, this lie would be better than the ones she used on Ash. "Misty and Brock had informed me that they were in positions of authority due to their heritage. The same may apply to Ash."

Both Misty and Brock stepped forward at the same time.

"That's correct. Our families have hereditary responsibilities," Misty explained. "It… sort of puts us in a position above other Maiju."

"Indeed!" Staryu lit up. "Mistress's family had taken my mother in and it was expected that I would serve her directly when she became old enough."

"It's why I was able to afford feeding all of my siblings when my parents went elsewhere," Brock explained.

There was just enough truth to not be an outright lie. Afterall, Gym Leaders seemed to be something akin to Dojo Master or Sensei and some Dojos were inherited by blood.

"Hm, so the same situation as what the Hyacinth Highlands Dojo has?" Master Aspen questioned his student.

Zorua nodded, remembering that… unfortunate character. "Precisely."

"I suppose that id sensible, especially for a Riolu." Master Aspen responded. "That explains why you would want to go home and as well as why you in comparison to everyone else have given names. You have responsibilities… even if it is to humans. I understand the virtue of Loyalty, though I-" he shook his head, and closed his beak.

Ash turned to Zorua and flashed her a grin before turning back back to Master Aspen. "Uh, about that. My friends and I were wondering about competing in the Tournament of the Heavens. We were going to ask if your gods would allow us to go home."

Master's eyes focused intently on the Riolu, a clear displeasure on his face. "... You want to leave by asking for it?"

Zorua felt a shiver go down her spine.

Ash gulped and nodded. "I want to try." He shrugged. "Maybe some of us will change our minds once we've had time to settle in, but either way, most of us understand how tournaments work. It seemed like the best way to ask directly."

Master Aspen closed his eyes and let out an exhale. For Zorua, this was an expression she was somewhat familiar with, though thankfully never on the receiving end. Master then turned to her, "Zorua, you have spent more time with our guest than I have. Further you are their equal while I am far above them, what is your measure of their character?"

Zorua gulped, not liking the attention her master gave her. She wanted to disguise herself as a Beautifly and escape, but that was rude! Besides, if she turned down the humans, she wouldn't meet her aspirations. "Our guests… deserve a chance to try."

For some reason, Charizard looked away from her.

Master Aspen breathed out a heavy sigh; he clearly did not like the situation before him, but it was clear to his student that he was putting aside his personal feelings. "Very well, if you are to compete, Looplet Bearer must be at least the age of sixty."

"Sixty?" Ash balked. So did everyone else for that matter.

Zorua raised an eyebrow, wondering why that was such a problem. "What's wrong? I am one hundred and twelve myself…" she then recalled the Riolu's introduction to her. "Oh, right. You are only eleven." Which was strange. Ash did not… sound he was eleven; he was far too mature for that.

"That's right!" Ash looked like he was going to panic. "Just… you don't sound that old."

"Is it a Ghost-type thing?" Pikachu questioned.

"...I do not understand," Master Aspen interjected. "I am nearing somewhere around my mid-three hundreds myself."

"Wait! I think I got it!" the Buizel called out. "You count age by the lunar cycle don't you?"

Zorua nodded. That implied that the humans for some reason did not use the lunar cycle for their measurements. How peculiar?

"Then, when we refer to aging, we mean twelve lunar cycles to advance by one. By your standards, Ash is somewhere over one hundred and thirty and he's younger than Brock and myself," Misty explained.

"Huh, I think that puts me around eighty or seventy," Pikachu mused.

Charizard spoke up in a sheepish tone that was atypical of such a large Fire-type. "... I don't meet that criteria. I think I am under forty."

Everyone including Master gave the Fire-type a look. Zorua in particular had to wonder why the Fire-type was in such a rush to evolve. Maybe it was something to do with the world of humans often being said to lead to harsh upbringings?

"The age requirement is only for the Looplet Bearer." Master Aspen explained. "It is to ensure that the individual and thus the entire group has someone who is literate and emotionally capable of the task."

Everyone nodded.

"So, with at least a handful of candidates, which of you shall take on the task?" Master Aspen spoke, bringing everyone to attention.

"I will!" three paws shot up immediately.

The Biuzel, Riolu, and Rockruff all turned to each other.

"Hey, it's my idea!" Ash declared. "Plus I have experience doing this!"

"Yeah, bad experience. You're not exactly the most mature, Ash." Misty retorted, "Plus, we're on islands. I've got my Water-types backing me up!"

"Uh, guys, I'd like to point out that I'm the oldest!" Brock threw himself into the discussion.

Both Misty and Ash chortled.

"That doesn't mean much, Brock. Especially since you flirt with every lady you meet!" Misty said back.

"Yeah, you'd get side tracked!" Ash said.

"Like you're one to talk, Mister Can't-Read-Maps!" Brock said indignantly. "Besides, I've not done any flirting ever since we got here."

"Give it time," both others replied.

Zorua just stared as the three friends just descended into arguing over who held the Looplet.

Master Aspen instead of being annoyed just burst into a cackle. "Ah, nostalgia. I remember how it was when I was like them!"

The ghost fox however was not as amused. Zorua turned towards the other Maiju nearby. "Is this normal?"

"Yeah, pretty much!" Pikachu laughed. "You should have seen the mess they had when they were arguing over who got to care for Togepi."

Said Togepi laughed. "I remember that! Everyone was funny!"

Zorua pursed her lips in thought as the three former humans debated each other on the merits of leadership. None budged.

The fox went to turn towards the other Maiju, but they then began to discuss amongst themselves who would be the best fit.

"Boss has the most diverse team. He should be the one," piped up Squirtle.

"Brock has me!" the large Onix declared.

"No offense but most Pokémon here can defeat you due to your type disadvantages," said Bulbasaur.

Staryu chimed in. "Mistress should lead as she has the best track record of all of us."

"Indeed," added Goldeen. "Mistress is obviously the best choice!"

"Brock does all of the group budgeting already! And the cooking!" Geodude spoke. "He can easily manage the group better due to his experience!"

Pikachu shook his head. "Brock does not have the same level of ambitions that Ash has!"

Zorua was just taken aback how the group devolved into three separate camps, each trying to support one candidate over the other.

The Charizard, Psyduck, Vulpix were the only ones not to take part in. The first one seemed not to care as he stuffed his mouth with an apple, while Psyduck was too busy nursing his headache to make a choice. Vulpix likely would have sided with her trainer, but she seemed hesitant to get involved for some reason.

"Me!"

"No, me!"

"Ash!"

Zorua shuddered as the Maiju all spoke at the same time.

"Excuse me…" The fox spoke up, but the ensuing arguments drowned out her voice. "Uh…" Nervous tension bound up her throat. She couldn't speak well enough, not with so many voices drowning her out.

Master amusement wavered only slightly. Perhaps he was reminiscing about an event from time as an adventurer?

Eventually however, the Riolu spoke loudly. "Alright, alright! There's only one way to do this!" Ash pointed a finger at the other two. "Have you ever had the first rival battle at the lab?"

Both Misty and Brock gave him a confused look.

"Right. It's, you know, when you meet the Professor to start your journey and then your friends and rivals fight you once you're got… all the things you need?" Ash brought a paw to his chin. "... It might be a Pallet Town only thing."

For some reason, Misty and Brock seemed to get it when he explained it that way.

"Oh, it's that tradition!" Misty declared. "Yeah, that's something that only happens to people who start out like you and Gary did, Ash. The sort of people who have connections to a Professor."

"Yeah, we never took part in that." Brock replied.

"Well, I didn't either. I woke up late, but if I didn't, I wouldn't have met Pikachu!" Ash declared, thinking it over. "So, uh… I guess a three-way battle. That's normally how it goes when there's three people."

Zorua examined the situation and concluded it might have been something trainer or human specific. Given the context and with Ash deliberately avoiding saying what things one obtained and how it was through there he met Pikachu, it was likely this involved how trainers may get their first Maiju companion. She would need more information to verify that hypothesis, but that can be done when her Master was not in earshot.

Speaking of, Master Aspen coughed and spoke once more, "So, I take it you have a solution."

"Uh, yeah, we'll just fight for it, I think." Ash said.

"Well, I could use something fun to do!" Charizard laughed in affirmation.

Zorua suddenly felt very nervous and slowly pushed herself away. She did not want to be anywhere near that fire dragon when he decided to burn down a wall.

Other Maiju chimed in, each declaring support for their preferred candidates and a desire to fight on their behalf.

But then, Master Aspen shook his head. "Hm I take it that it is standard practice to have your warriors to fight on your behalf due to your station? Rather, would it not be better for each of you to fight this battle on your own? You will be expected to represent your band when tackling the Dojos. It might be best to settle this matter with your own power."

All three of them blinked, each of them growing nervous looks.

Zorua did not follow what was going on. She leaned close to Pikachu and asked him. "Why do they look so uncertain?"

"I don't know what moves they know, if any. Other than Ash apparently knowing Odor Sleuth," Pikachu answered in a low voice. "They might need practice."

Zorua stared. How can someone not know any moves? Even young Pokémon that had just hatched knew at least one or two moves even if they couldn't control their own power. Was this something to do with the fact they were actually humans disguised as Pokémon?

"Maybe… some other time?" Ash proposed. "I'm still kind of sore from our arrival and…" To emphasize a point, he took an apple and took a bite out of it.. "We're kind of hungry."

"Yeah… Ash is right, for once. Now isn't a good time," Misty agreed.

"And I think we're done," Brock pointed out the collection of soup he and his group had made while everyone was talking and arguing with each other.

Master Aspen shrugged. "Very well. I shall have the Looplet ready by the morning. You shall fight then. I suppose we should divide the soup." Master Aspen then instructed anyone with hands where the serving bowls were, metal bowls that were saved for important meals.

Geodude and Squirtle quickly passed out bowls before filling it up.

"I, for my part, shall enjoy this lovely meal." The Decidueye then turned towards Zorua. "My apprentice, I would like your thoughts as well."

Zorua cocked a nervous smile, hoping that she would not disappoint him. "Oh, but of course, Master!" She pulled the simmering bowl close to her and then briefly considered how one was supposed to eat it.

"FINALLY!" Charizard declared as he took his bowl and poured its contents into his gullet…

"... Uh, is that the right way to eat this?" Zorua stuttered, but as she turned to check on the others, she found there was little to no difference, as the other Maiju eagerly drank the liquid into their faces, the creator of the meal even went so far as to lap it up.

Shrugging and deciding that as she had no hands, Zorua had few complaints just doing as they did and drinking it all.

The soup was warm and creamlike. The vegetation needed only a minimal amount of chewing and turned into a fine mush. Whatever spices used clung to her mouth, leaving her with a faint residual flavor that… felt oddly familiar.

The warmth settled in her belly quite well. Even though Zorua was a Ghost-type, unlike many incorporeal shades or Maiju who merely had spectral power, her kind existed at the border of life and death.

Between Ash, Misty, and Brock there was an understanding that they would spend the rest of the day getting to learn about their new bodies. That meant that each of them needed to know how to actually fight as they were now, if for no other reason than to not embarrass themselves tomorrow.

Unfortunately for Brock, he was in a bit of a pickle. Unlike normal three way start of the adventure rival battles where there was a perfect balance of each Pokémon having an advantage with one specific one in the chain, Rockruffs were Rock-types as their name implied. Rock-types were weak to many other types, such as Water and Fighting-types, like Misty and Ash had become.

Worse, he was pretty sure that Rockruff's natural moveset tended to do poorly against Fighting-types. Brock thankfully knew not to give Ash any tips on how to defeat him.

So, that's why instead of trying to learn a Rock-type move, Brock dug holes in the ground, tearing away soil and rock with nothing but his claws and a peppy attitude.

Satisfied with his current hole, the rock dog pulled himself out of his hole and met with his Pokémon above ground. "How was it this time?"

Geodude hopped over, using his geokinesis to move his body nearby. "Not bad, Brock! You're getting faster at this! You might be able to use it as an attack."

Smirking, the Rockruff shook his whole body, displacing the dirt that coated his coarse fur. It was almost scary just how natural it felt to do stuff like that, as though he knew what to do to maintain his own health. He supposed since even young Pokémon knew how to do things like shaking their bodies to remove dirt and water, it was just that as a human, he was self aware about it.

"What about using it to flee? Or maybe use it with other moves?" Vulpix had been very enthusiastic about helping out.

"Our Brock still displaces too much dirt rather than pushing it away," Geodude countered, arms crossed.

"If I may," Zubat shrieked overhead. "Maybe we should try something else? The terrain isn't looking too good anymore. We can always revisit digging later."

Brock gave an embarrassed look as he saw the area around him. He counted maybe a dozen, two dozen holes in the ground, all of which were his various attempts to practice the move.

"Fix for you!" Onix proudly bellowed. The rock snake lumbered towards the broken terrain and with a single slam flattened the ground, destroying the holes.

"Thanks, Onix. I think we'll still change tasks, but it helps to have the ground falt anyways." Brock proudly declared, a big smile on the rock dog's mouth. It was good to have his Pokémon, his friends talk to him. Which made the next part easier. "So, no matter who wins our little spat, I think it's obvious most of us will be fighting a lot. Either in Dojo's and the League or in unofficial battles. I've trained you a bit while we were in Kanto, but it was never serious or extensive. I think we need to think about working at it."

His Pokémon all gave serious nods, all understanding the intent of his words.

"So, in addition to the exercise we normally do, we're going to need sparring practice, regular sparring practice," the Rockruff suggested. He then pointed to Zubat and Onix. "Onix, I want you to use your Screech on Zubat. Zubat, you're going to be throwing whatever you got at Onix. I know it's a bit extreme because of the size difference and because Zubat isn't fully recovered yet, but that's why for now, I'm asking Onix to stick to Screech."

Zubat shivered, but flapped her wings several times. "Oh, uh yeah. I can do that."

"Training Objective?" Onix questioned.

"For Zubat, it's evasion training primarily with some endurance training. I know sonic attacks hurt Zubat more than other Pokémon due to their dependency on echolocation, but it shouldn't be anything serious." Brock stated. "For you Onix, you're too big and slow to really evade much. I'm instead hoping to get your accuracy against fast moving opponents up since she's the most agile Pokémon in our team right now."

Both Pokémon understood the logic behind their assignment and backed away to begin practicing.

Brock then shifted to Vulpix and Geodude. "As for Vulpix…"

"Vulpix should spar against Brock," Geodude preempted.

Vulpix's jaw dropped open, her eyes wide. "WHAT!?"

Brock blinked, not used to one of his own Pokémon interrupting him like that.

"My man, you have a battle in the morning against Ash and Misty. Vulpix is the Pokémon in your party that's the closest fit to either of them." Geodude said clearly. "You should at least be able to Tackle, so all you have to do is know how to do it against a moving target fighting you back."

"I… don't want to hurt Brock!" Vulpix sounded skittish. Her head bent down. "You're… my trainer, or really my secondary trainer… But still!"

Brock sensed her concerns. He knew how to take care of a Pokémon that was scared. So, he went close to the scared fire fox and rubbed his body against her. As a quadrupedal dog, hugging was significantly harder, but the point was that you had to make your presence known. "It's okay, Vulpix. It's just training. I won't hate you if you hurt me."

"Oh… Okay… I can do that." Vulpix shivered.

Brock nodded, detaching himself from Vulpix and looking at her right in the eyes. "In fact, if anything, I'm more worried about harming you. I'm a Rock-type and you're not; Normal-type moves won't hurt me as much." He thought about it some more. "Maybe it'd make you feel better if you thought about it less like training and more like a game?

Vulpix pursed her lips and then broke away. "I…" she closed her eyes for a few seconds and then settled down. "I can do that," she repeated.

Brock could feel his tail wagging as he stepped away. "Good."

Vulpix settled down, stating on her feet as she visibly readied herself mentally.

Seeing as Vulpix was stationary and willing, Brock lunged immediately.

Vulpix leapt back, the blow missing her completely, a giggle escaping her mouth. "That was sloppy!"

"Hey, give me credit! I'm still not sure if I'm supposed to bounce on my rear legs or alternate my walking pattern when I want to do that!" Brock defended himself, making another attack that also missed.

Vulpix lunged forward and back, hitting Brock on the chin and forcing him to fly into a large rock.

"Uh….I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" the Fire-type profusely apologized.

Brock blinked a few times. Injured only lightly, he laughed. "Good work! I have to get better if I want to win with a type disadvantage!"

Vulpix still had a worried look on her face.

Seeing as the fox needed proof of how he was perfectly healthy, Brock saw that the land beneath him was quite soft.

Reversing his body til he faced away from Vulpix, he used Dig and tore through the earth, but not to go through it. Instead, this was a little bit of improvisation, as he kicked the dirt into Vulpix.

"That's a Sand Attack!" Vulpix laughed as she wiped away the dirt. "Or maybe a Rock Attack!"

Brock turned and moved close to the fox. "You okay?"

"I think," she stuck out her tongue. "You're pretty good… for a first timer"

Geodude laughed very loudly, audible even as Onix flooded the area with Screech in his spar with Zubat.

Brock did not understand what was funny. Though, it did become clear to him that he really had not given much thought to Vulpix's physicals. "So, we keep going?"

Vulpix hesitated for only a second before bringing up a vulpine grin. "Sure!"

And then the battle resumed again.

Brock had to admit it. Being a Pokémon was great; not only did he understand his Pokémon speak, but he understood them on a deeper level.

This was not Valencia Island's warm beach, yet for Misty, this was even better.

The newly transformed Buizel darted and twirled in the water, her body jetting through as though with superb ease. As it turned out, with some slight modifications, all of the swimming techniques she learned as a human were even better when you had built-in flippers, salt-water impervious eyes, and could hold your breath a dozen minutes at a time.

The water was chilly, yet against her thick, insulating fur, it felt refreshing rather than overwhelming.

It was around here Goldeen had decided to join her, swimming by her side. "Excellent showing, Mistress!" She declared.

Misty opened her mouth to answer, before realizing she was not one of those Water-types that could breathe water. A small compromise to be able to walk on land, she supposed. She instead flashed a small grin and raised her thumb up to her fishy friend.

Goldeen darted forward, beckoning Misty to follow with a wave of her fins.

Twisting her body, she thrusted herself forward, following the orange fish.

Goldeen then rocketed her body upwards and burst from the water in a fantastic leap.

Misty did the same, bursting free the water. She extended her hands and felt the rush of air as she rose… and then fell. Laughing with glee, they hit the water in a loud splash. That was never going to get old. She must have been at least a few feet in the air!

It was not Aqua Jet, but maybe it was related to that move.

Content with the light swim, the Gym Leader-turned-Pokémon paddled her way to the shore. There, her other Pokémon showered her with praise.

"Magnificent, Mistress!" Staryu glowed. "Not bad for a first swim!"

"Admirable, Mistress," Goldeen spoke.

"Yay, Mommy!" Togepi chirped, clapping as she did.

Only Psyduck did not clap, instead he looked at her with a pained expression.

Misty climbed out of the water and onto the sandy beach. Then on a reflex she did not know she had, she shook herself dry, water cascading off her sleek fur. That was weird, but the water would have probably been uncomfortable the longer she stayed on dry land.

The Buizel gave a smile to all of her charges. "This has been a very strange day, I'm glad you're there to help me." She flexed her body, turning to her two rudder tails. "This all feels so weird and so… natural that it's almost scary."

"You wear that form well. It suits you," Staryu stated. "Perhaps it was meant to be, the moment you became a Pokémon?"

Misty let out a laugh. "Is it just because I have orange hair and I like Water-types?"

"Mayhap?" Staryu conceded. "Though I suppose the alternative would have been to become a Goldeen or Magikarp. Either would have been very inconvenient."

"Very much so," Goldeen added. "I would not mind another aquatic Pokémon in our group, but I know how useless I am on land."

"We can eventually work on that," Misty reminded her. "But now that we're warmed up, let's get some practice in."

A wave of nods occurred.

Misty looked at her Pokémon and thought of how to best divide them. Togepi would be fine as long as they stayed near the water; she was not training. For Psyduck… she really did not know. Staryu and Goldeen were both combat capable and she needed her own training, too, especially since she had to face Ash and Brock tomorrow. Thinking on a plan, she gave out her orders. "Goldeen, I know you've been working on Horn Drill, so I'll ask you keep at it."

"As you will it, Mistress," Golden answered.

Satisfied, Misty then turned to Staryu. "I need you to teach me Water Gun. Ash and Brock are both close range Pokémon from what I remember, so I need something to give me the edge at range."

Stary spun and struck a pose. "Eager and willing!"

Misty smiled, turning to Togepi. "As for you, you can watch Mommy get into shape, okay, Togepi?"

"Yay!" cried the cheerful child.

"What about me?" Psyduck answered, head tilting. "Ow…"

Misty tried to hide her frown. Psyduck for some reason had a way of pushing her buttons. Usually, his inability to do anything enraged her, but hearing the duck's words translated, coupled with him… asking to do something bothered her now. "Uh… swimming practice?" she offered.

Psyduck looked miserable as he looked at the water. No, he was not willing to do that.

Misty almost ground her teeth. Just what kind of Water-type couldn't swim? She knew that Psyduck had a monstrous potential for psychic power, but he couldn't do anything. Was there a way to stop him from being so useless? Maybe she needed to buy a club or something. "Fine, uh… practice your Water Gun with me?"

The duck Pokémon lifted his head. There was something in his posture that indicated he was interested.

Content with that, Misty turned to Staryu. "Okay, shall we begin?"

Staryu tilted one of his legs. "Affirmative. Let us proceed. The first thing you have to do is think of what water is…"

Ash threw a fist at the old log.

And for his efforts, he felt his wrist light up with pain. "Yow!" he yelped as he rubbed at the injury. "This was a bad idea!"

Pikachu shrugged. "You wanted to know if your punching practice was working. That was pretty much the only way, at least not without using rocks."

"It still hurts," Ash complained. "Why did I have to listen to you about punching the first dried out log we found?"

"Because I'm your trainer!" Pikachu responded curtly.

Ash gave Pikachu a skeptical look.

"Look at me!" Pikachu spat out. "Look at my hat!"

Ash looked up at Pikachu's head and absently felt the lack of a hat on his own head.

"I am the trainer now!" Pikachu reiterated, flicking his tail towards the fallen log. "Now, try again!"

"Is this payback for anything?" Ash scratched his head with his non-aching wrist.

"Maybe a little!" Pikachu responded with a laugh. "But seriously, Ash. I just thought you'd have to get stronger to punch stuff!"

"I did, too!" Ash winced. Mankey, well, Primeape made it look so easy, didn't he? "Do you think it's because I don't have the right move?"

"Hm, maybe you're right!" Pikachu pointed at him. "Oh, I know, let's try Karate Chop!"

Ash unballed his fist and flattened it. He swung it downwards…

And received another stinging sensation on his wrist.

"Ow! That still hurts!" the Riolu complained.

"Focus Punch? Is that a move you can learn?" Pikachu suggested.

Ash stuttered. "I think that's a TM-only move." He took a moment to wait a little and then he punched the log yet again.

His hand stung slightly less.

"Okay, try Low Kick! You have good legs!" Pikachu commented.

Not giving up, the Riolu brought his leg and did a sweeping kick onto the log.

Wincing, Ash immediately grabbed onto his leg and started bouncing on his free leg. "Ow! Ow!"

"Hm, maybe if we hit a boulder you'd have type advantage…" Pikachu wondered.

"Pikachu!" Ash snapped. He put his injured foot on the ground, the pain no longer as strong.

"Okay, fine, fine!" Pikachu sat down. He brought a paw onto his mouth and made a thoughtful expression. "Maybe the issue is you're not using enough… fighty power?"

"What even is the difference between a Normal-type move and a Fighting-type move?" Ash asked. "I mean, I know Mega Punch is supposed to be Normal-type, but why do all of the other non-elemental punch moves get to be Fighting-type?"

Pikachu shrugged. "I don't make the rules! I just know that… you weren't doing something correctly."

The Riolu looked at his paws. It was fortunate that his new paws were flexible enough to be used like his old hands, even if they were kind of big. Yet for some reason, he couldn't so much as use them without hurting himself. "I really hope the others are having as much trouble as I am, because I don't know what I am doing," he shook his head. Maybe even if he knew what a Riolu even was, he'd be getting somewhere. It was not lost on him that his friends did not give him any advice on how Riolu were supposed to fight because they wanted to win tomorrow.

Pikachu shook his head. "Maybe if we had Primeape, he'd help us, but if this will be a problem, I'm left with no choice. His cheeks sparked. And then Pikachu promptly blasted him with a Thunder Shock. "Thunder Shock!"

Seeing his friend's cheeks light up, Ash dodged out of the way.

"Good!" Pikachu laughed. "You're getting good at dodging! Now, Thunder Shock!"

Ash evaded yet another jolt of electricity. And another, and another. Thunder Shock was a relatively weak electric attack, but it was very fast charging compared to Thunderbolt. This made it ideal for Pikachu's idea of dodge training, unfortunately for the Riolu.

Filled with an odd mix of terror and amusement, the Riolu dove in and tackled his Pokémon-Trainer to the ground.

"Good, you're learning fast!" Pikachu declared with a laugh. "But you forgot one thing! Thunderbolt!"

Ash felt electricity course through his body. More than he was anticipating.

Slightly crispy, the Riolu rolled off of his friend. "Ow…"

Pikachu gave him an amused look. "Hey, don't be glum. You're still able to fight back!"

"Is calling the attack name really necessary?" Ash idly mused.

"No, but it does actually help! It makes it easier to pull of certain moves." Pikachu defended before his eyes lit up. "Oh, maybe that's what you need!"

"One problem, Pikachu… I don't know what attacks I know."

Pikachu looked disappointed. "And I don't know how a Riolu is supposed to fight at all. You're supposed to be a fighting type, but I don't know what you are." He shook his head and his cheeks began to spark again. "Now, let's see how you handle Thunderbolt!"

This was an important step to being a Pokémon Master. Ash leapt out of the way as the electrical surge came at him. His new body was incredibly agile, even if a bit hard to control at times.

"Thunderbolt!" Pikachu shouted, throwing more and more electricity. "Thunderbolt!"

Seeing no other option other than running, Ash approached his rampaging friend.

Pikachu let loose another bolt of electricity, electricity running out of him.

That was the time Ash struck. Thunderbolt had a slower charge-up time compared to Thunder Shock, which translated into a slightly longer delay before Pikachu would have been painful to touch. He threw a punch at his friend.

Pikachu went back several feet, tumbling into the ground.

Ash's eyes widened. He immediately ran up to his friend. "Sorry! Sorry! I didn't mean-"

Pikachu started to laugh. He picked himself up and rubbed at his side. "Well, at least we know that your punches hurt. Ow!"

"Pikachu…" Ash winced, bending down to help the electric mouse up. "I…"

Pikachu shook his head. "Ash, I hit you with electricity at least four times a week and you were human then. I can take being punched by a Fighting-type."

Ash still looked very uncomfortable. He had punched his friend and Pikachu was… brushing it off?

"Ash, you aren't human anymore," Pikachu reminded him. "And we were training. I know this is weird for you, but you have to accept that you will have to do that again to me." He grabbed the hat on his head and then handed it back to its proper owner.

Taking back his hat, Ash swallowed the sickly feeling in his gut. You aren't human anymore. Something that he hadn't quite realized had sunk into his heart, something complicated that needed time to fully comprehend. "You sure?"

Pikachu nodded. "It's only fair if you punch me every now and again. Remember, I shock you now and again because I feel like it."

Ash did not know how an Officer Jenny might take that.

Ash turned his head to the sky. The sun was beginning to set. "Maybe we should check on the others. We've been out here later than I thought."

Pikachu smirked, still clutching his injury. "Well, let's hope your punches are Fighting-type enough to beat Brock."

"I hope so, too." Ash declared as dusted off the soot and dirt that coated him..

"He doesn't look tough, but he's obviously a Rock-type. Normal moves won't work on him as well," Pikachu shook his head. "Granted, Misty probably might be the bigger problem. Brock has type disadvantage against both of you, unless he has a secret coverage move or anything."

"I still don't get how I'm supposed to use electric attacks," Ash shrugged. Pikachu's explanations did not account for the fact he did not have electrical sacks on his face.

The Riolu took Pikachu by the paw and led him out of the shrubland they were using to practice.

With a short walk, the duo had reached the banks of a small stream. There, Bulbasaur and Squirtle were sparring against one another, practicing moves and testing their abilities in very limited situations. Charizard observed them from atop a large stone, looking rather bored.

Surprisingly, Zorua was there as well, observing the other three. She was the one to spot Ash and Pikachu arrive.

"... Greetings Ash and Pikachu," the Zorua spoke in an even tone. "I… hope you don't see me as an intruder."

"No, you're fine, Zorua!" Ash answered back. "I'm just a little surprised to see you here."

"I wanted to observe how foreign Maiju fight, among other things…" Zorua trailed off. "Do you mind me asking questions?"

"Not at all! Isn't that right guys?" Ash asked his Pokémon.

The other Pokémon gave him a nod, excluding Charizard, but Ash was just thankful he was there.

"Why do Maiju seek to serve humans?" Zorua questioned the assembled trainers. "Not asking you, Ash. You're not exactly the source I am looking for."

Nodding, Ash decided to use this opportunity to drink the nearby stream, since he wasn't going to be answering.

"To grow strong, to have power," Charizard bellowed from his position, surprisingly the first one to speak. "Trainers deal in strength!" That statement bothered Ash, but he accepted that it had a grain of truth to it… even if it made him uncomfortable.

"To form bonds of brotherhood. To have companions!" Squirtle eagerly declared.

"To do what you could not do alone. To travel." Bulbasaur interjected, giving a nod to Squirtle.

Ash chuckled, wiping the water from his lips as he left the stream. At the very least, Squirtle and Bulbasaur knew what to say to make him feel better.

"Free healthcare," Pikachu answered with a deadpan.

Everyone gave him a look, especially Ash who had not expected that at all. The Riolu choked out some of the water he drank.

"What? I'm serious!" Pikachu said defensively. "I would not have been so eager to get into all of those fights if I didn't know that Nurse Joy couldn't put me back together again."

"...I… I was expecting some other reason!" Ash managed to say, exasperated yet laughing at the same.

"Wild Pokémon do not value things the same way," Pikachu responded. "Besides, I'm talking about at the start, before you get all… sentimental."

Zorua used her ability to change form to shift between Squirtle, Pikachu, and then finally a Riolu. She used this form to take notes, writing into a small notebook she had produced somehow despite not having pockets or bags.

"Uh…" the actual Riolu stared.

"Go on…" she instructed. "I'm just using this form because it has paws that can hold a quill."

"But seriously. Medical care is something you don't get in the wild out there. And your trainer will generally feed you if they can afford it," Pikachu continued. "I guess in a way, it's like taking a bargain or a job... If you decide to want to be taken by humans, you're giving up a good deal of freedom for the sake of health and protection. I would liken it to how humans and Pokémon here need to work to feed themselves."

"That's… very interesting…" Zorua noted, sounding unsure. She changed back to normal.

Ash gave Pikachu's summary a nod. It sounded more reasonable when put that way.

"Not every Pokémon gets that choice though. Sometimes they get that decision made for them. And not all trainers are the same. Some are worse than others." Charizard spoke once again, his eyes focusing on Pikachu. "In short, they serve because they are made to."

Pikachu cheeks sparked. He looked about ready to blast Charizard with electricity.

Sensing that there was a tension thickening in the air, Ash stepped between them both. "Let's go back to Scholar Aspen's place. Maybe Brock has dinner ready."

Pikachu's cheeks stopped giving off sparks. "Yeah, I'm hungry anyways."

It had already become nightfall by the time everyone had returned back to the inn.

As it turned out, Ash and his group had been the last to come back, Misty and Brock having gone ahead and had dinner without him. Thankfully, Brock had made more of the same soup as earlier, this time having made more than enough extra for anyone who wasn't present initially.

Once the Riolu and his group had eaten, Zorua had sent them to where they'd be sleeping for the night. For Ash, Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle, this was simply in the same room as Misty and Brock's groups. While he was able to fit in the manor, Charizard was sent to sleep in the battleground where Onix went, because of his fiery tail.

For light, there was a lamp that illuminated the room.

Sliding the door open, Ash had found Misty and Brock in the middle of a conversation, most of their Pokémon laying in the own hay piles around them in various states of consciousness. The exceptions were who was sleeping with Misty and Goldeen in her tub.

"...it's almost too easy!" Misty spoke excitedly. "It's like I could fly through water."

"I know that feeling," Brock agreed. "Dirt and stone are like clay. Except, if I try hard enough, I can dig through it."

"Hey, guys!" Ash shouted, walking into the room. "I take it you had an interesting time today."

"Hello, Ash." Misty sighed. "You know, out of all of the weird things that ever happened to us, this has to be the first where the gimmick isn't completely awful." She gently patted the sleeping Togepi near her as if to make a point.

Togepi in response snored lightly.

Brock nodded. "This is also going to be the one time the crisis won't be solved in a day."

Ash took a seat in an empty pile of hay. His Pokémon sat with him. "I know. It'll be months before we can go back home and that's if we win or if the Legendaries help us."

"I would like to point out that there we might run into alternative means of escape," Bulbasaur spoke up. "Our track record had us going through some odd stuff."

Ash squinted at Bulbasaur. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"How many times have we gone through giant Pokémon alone?" Bulbasaur questioned.

Pikachu started counting on his fingers. "Off the top of my head, I can recall the giant Dragonite, the giant Pokémon island, the giant Tentacruel, and that time that incredibly young archeologist dug up three giant Pokéballs."

"I mean… that's an adventure right?" Ash sputtered. "Don't other trainers see something unusual?" At least, he thought other trainers had weird stories like what he had gone through.

"Like once or twice in their careers," Brock commented, adjusting his position and curling into a ball. "Not every week."

"I think Bulbasaur has a point," Misty commented with a sigh. "Things all started relatively normal. You blew up my Bike, we had some issues with wild Pokémon, helped abused Pokémon, and got involved in stopping criminal activity. Then suddenly, giant Pokémon, the S.S. Anne, Sabrina… Before I met you, Ash, I didn't even know these were problems."

"Why is it my fault?" Ash complained. "I didn't even see half this stuff either!"

"Maybe we're all cursed for some reason," Brock suggested.

"Maybe it's Team Rocket?" Pikachu questioned. "Most of the odd stuff happens because they get involved. But if it's them that's causing it, that doesn't explain why we're in Citrine, because we didn't see them follow us."

Misty shook her head. "Either way, I didn't think it was even possible to turn into a Pokémon. Now, I'm a Buizel. It's not horrible, but it's ridiculous."

"And you enjoy every minute of it!" Ash declared with a smile on his face. "I overheard you talking about it."

Misty smirked back, curling herself close to Togepi. "As I said, it's not horrible. Just very ridiculous."

"I'd like to point out that we don't know where we are," Brock added. "We got so lost, we ended up completely different species to what we started as."

Ash snorted, laying down in the pile of hay. It felt oddly comforting against his fur. Being a Riolu was rough, but there were highlights that made it enjoyable… even if punching Pikachu still bothered him. Still, he was going to be a Pokémon for months. Months where he was going to be unable to contact home or anyone he knew. He wanted an adventure, sure, but he did not want to leave home forever.

Pikachu grabbed hold of the Riolu's paw as he laid down nearby. "Ash, just remember that what happens I'll be with you, okay?" It was as if he knew the Riolu's worries.

"I know that, Pikachu…" The Riolu held his friend's paw tightly.

Pikachu grinned.

Today, Ash felt like he met his starter for real, and learned what he actually was like, heard what he actually said, behind the language barrier. It was like having a friend that you only knew through a long distance relationship suddenly showing up in the flesh.

True, the same was true for all of his Pokémon, but for Pikachu, who had practically never left his side, there was something… deeper there.

When Ash awoke, he was expecting to have gotten up in the morning, either on time for the duel or very late and being disqualified.

Instead, he rose to the sound of snoring Pokémon in the dead of night.

His Pokémon were gathered around him, almost but not quite covering him in their bodies. Misty and Brock similarly snored the night away.

Immediately, Ash tried to go back to bed, tossing and turning to find the perfect sleeping position to let his mind drift off. But within a few minutes, the Riolu immediately began to feel restless.

Honestly, he felt refreshed and just brimming with energy instead of sleepy. The injuries he had taken over the course of the day from training and Pikachu had even faded completely. He honestly felt better than he had ever been before, like he could run a race on his own two feet.

…Was this one of the quirks of being a Riolu? That he would just have more energy than he knew what to do with? He knew that sometimes, Misty or Brock would complain he had this problem as a human, but this was different.

Deciding not to wake up anyone else, the Riolu slowly crept out of bed and stepped past the sliding door.

Ash found an empty space within the manor's courtyard far away from anything he could destroy.

He needed to burn up his reserves and fast. He didn't want to stay up and risk falling asleep and missing the battle in the morning. Missing his first potential "start of the adventure" rival battle was disappointing, but missing it out a second time around would have been even worse.

Deciding that that was a good goal to work towards, the Riolu immediately began practicing punches against the open air.

One, two, three, four. Then repeat.

He did not get much in the way of formal combat training as a human, but Ash liked to think that he was getting good at this. Even if he had no idea how to compare himself versus anyone else, especially another Riolu.

Then, his ears picked up a faint rumbling, a sound that made them twitch with purpose.

Turning to the direction of the sound, he noticed that there was a faint glowing coming from one of the doors in the manor.

Naturally curious and wanting to confirm that this was not a Team Rocket scheme, the Riolu walked over to the room that was the source of the noise and light.

The sliding door was left slightly ajar, faint light spilling out.

Tempted, Ash leaned close to the open sliding door and leaned towards it.

There, he saw the orange-red Decidueye, Scholar Aspen, his back turned towards him as he… did something on a desk. His voice uttered something that was hard to make out.

Ash wanted to lean in close to learn more.

But then, Scholar Aspen stopped chanting and twisted his head to face the Riolu without moving his body one bit. "I could hear you, you know."

"WAH!" Ash staggered back and landed on his tail with a surprised thump.

The gigantic owl turned his body to match his head, his head shaking in disapproval. "Having trouble sleeping?"

The Riolu nodded his head.

"A common problem for your kind," Scholar Aspen shrugged. He waved a wing over and beckoned. "At the very least your curiosity is admirable. Come."

Ash, filled with both curiosity and terror, abided by Decidueye's words. He stepped in side.

The room appeared to be a workshop of sorts. A shelf full of evolution stones covered one wall, whilst breakers and cooking equipment covered a table. Arcane symbols were arrayed on posters, whilst strange glowing liquids were stored in transparent jars.

The owl brought out a small stool and gestured for the shorter Pokémon to stand on it.

Ash followed, being reminded of when he was much younger. "Uh, what are you doing?"

Scholar Aspen waved a wing towards the table. On it was a silver bracelet that looked far too large for him or any of his friends to wear, except for maybe Charizard. There were a number of empty spaces where it looked like something could be slotted in. "This, young one, is what you are fighting over."

"What's so special about it?" Ash asked. After all, the badges he fought for in Kanto were ordinary, but seeing the faint glow the bracelet emitted made him wonder if that was something different.

The Decidueye seemed pleased by the question. "A Looplet holds Emeras. Emeras are enchanted gemstones that contain within them power."

"Power?"

"Yes, the magic inside us all," the Decidueye explained, bringing a wingtop over his chest. "The power that's inside."

Ash blinked, looking over himself. "We have magic?"

Scholar Aspen frowned. "I… forget you are an outlander. But yes. All Maiju have magic, it is through this we have the ability to perform our incredible feats. After all, I assume you've seen say… Your friend Squirtle use his Water Gun before. How do you think such a small turtle can hold more water than he is big?"

"I… never gave it much thought," Ash admitted. He supposed it made sense. "Like how Razor Leaf can cut rocks?" Such as how one particular Bellsprout in the Indigo League gave him trouble.

"Indeed. Normal leaves would do nothing to stone, but the magic in them gives them that capability. Hence, Wood overcomes Stone." Decidueye looked like he wanted to go into a lecture, but he instead focused on the Looplet. "Regardless, here in Citrine, we have learned ways to harness the innate magic inside of us and around us in ways that are not merely techniques. A Looplet is a tool to augment one's natural magic; usually by augmenting the magical reserves one already possesses."

Ash flashed a grin, thinking it very cool that he had magic of a sort. Granted, that was probably just how Pokémon here thought of their types, but still, it sounded cool. He could even feel his tail tag. "So, what kind of magic do I have?"

Scholar Aspen laughed. "Well, obviously you're a Riolu. Don't you know what magic you have?"

Ash gave the giant leafy owl a frown, his ears falling flat on his head. "No, I don't."

The Decidueye looked down at the Riolu in surprise, wings extended. "... How? Wouldn't your mother have trained you at the very least?"

"My Mom…" Was not a Riolu or whatever they evolved into. But saying that may have been taken the wrong way. So, he made up an excuse. "Was uh… She was… er human." It was true enough, though it would make the Decidueye think he was adopted. Ash did not like lying so much, but the others more or less made him promise to keep their origins a secret. At least he could be honest on his mother.

Decidueye frowned. "Hm, I suppose that would be embarrassing in the context of Citrine. Still, that does explain your oddities, such as why you like to wear that hat. It marks you as a foreigner just from its material alone."

Ash tapped his hat and gave the Decidueye a nervous grin. "Yeah, I was raised by humans." Because he was human, but that went unsaid. "Mom was the sort of person who did not like me getting into trouble."

Scholar Aspen shook his head. "I can relate. Regardless, since you don't know, a Riolu is a Maiju with the Essence of the Warrior, or I suppose you would call it a Fighting-type. However, unlike most others, your kind augment their physical prowess with spiritual power, called Aura."

Ash nodded, eager to learn. He did not even know what he was beyond his species name and his type. This was the most he got about himself all day. "Aura?"

"A special power some Pokémon can tap into. Your kind do it instinctively, but as you are right now, you only have minimal access to your Aura powers," Scholar Aspen shook his head. "I am not an instructor of spiritual arts. Mostly, I am a chemist, so I can only offer minimal instruction. However…"

"However, what?" Ash questioned.

The Decidueye lifted a wing and placed it over his mouth. "If you are as… sheltered as you say, do you not know about Force Palm?"

Ash blinked. He never even heard of that move. "Is that something I can do?"

Scholar Aspen nodded. "Almost certainly. I have seen the move used quite a bit in my youth. As its name implies, it's a palm strike attack."

Ash looked at his paws. Technically they had palms, just, they were also very… dogged.

"For a Riolu, you are unlike other Fighting-types in that you do not soly rely on brute force and raw muscle power. You rely more on the power inside of yourself," Scholar Aspen explained. "Instead of merely trying to hit as hard as possible, you instead find the magic inside of you and push it into your opponent. At least, that's how I have heard it described to me by a companion."

"So, all I have to do is… do that?" Ash grew a grin. He wanted to see if he could pull that move off, now that someone had told him what he was doing wrong. It sounded easy… now how did he get the Fighting energy into his paws?

"Indeed, though I have not done it myself. It is a move only a handful of Maiju can learn." The giant owl chuckled. "Now if you excuse me, I have to finish this Looplet for you three to fight over."

"No problem." Ash nodded and stepped out the door. "Thank you so much! I don't know if I'd have figured it out.

Scholar Aspen gave a grunt and waved the Riolu away as he proceeded to continue his work.

Then Ash closed the door and went to the yard to practice his new move. How hard could it be?

People should pay close attention to Charizard's answers.

The "Free Healthcare" joke I have seen elsewhere though lack the original source.

In the dub of Jewel Life in Arceus refers to Pokémon as "magical beasts". I have decided to lean into this and use this for Citrine's world building. As a result, the Maiju believe their powers are the result of magic.