Geez, being sick sucks. Curse you older immune system. xD Luckily, I had enough strength to launch another chapter to you guys. I hope you guys like what I did with this chapter, I really like it anyway. Thanks for reading and please review! I own nothing except the story.
_

Chapter 24

Misty's POV

With a new friend added to our already large group of Pokémon, we continued down the road to Hearthome City for Ash's next gym battle. I appreciated that he still considered me his best opponent in overall strength, but I couldn't shake this feeling that I wouldn't be quite as useful this time around as a coach since the gym was not based on water-types like Wake.

But as I thought about it a while longer, I realized that the young boy whose hand I was currently holding as we walked, no longer needed a coach per say, more like someone to support him and help him keep his cool when his temper was unleashed. When it came to training his Pokémon, Ash pretty much had it down to a science.

As for me, my Pokémon were getting really strong since I got back on the road about a month or two ago. The relationship we had together seemed so natural now that I had forgotten when I even came back. It felt as if I never left. But like the romantic I was, I simply could not get over the fact that Ash and I had grown into such a close couple. I sometimes wonder where he had learned to be so romantic.

He had totally freaked out when the two Nidoran evolved after their kiss, and now it seemed he like he knew exactly what to do right from the start. I guess I'd have to ask him later. Brock had suggested that we stop for lunch in the nearby clearing. Seeing the small lake I immediately agreed to it. It'd give my Pokémon a chance to rehydrate in their own element. Brock sent me and Ash on a hunt for firewood while he and Dawn set up the tables and such. I guessed that now would be as good a time as any to ask him.

Normal POV

"Hey Ash?" Misty asked. "Yeah Mist?" Ash replied, as he bent over to pick up a small, dry twig. "I was wondering…where'd you learn to…you know…I mean…how did you know what to do?" she stammered.

With an expression that conveyed pure confusion, Ash merely stared blankly at her. "Wha?" he replied simply.

Ash had apparently still not lost that denseness that clung to him so tightly. It simply refused to leave his personality no matter how much he matured, the proof of that showing in the fact that he hadn't picked up on what she was trying to say.

She began to grow irritated that Ash couldn't figure out her implication. "Like how did you know when to…hold hands…and stuff like that?" she asked again, her voice sinking back from irritation to timidity once more.

Ash reeled back a bit, like he had just been lightly jabbed in the gut. This was something he had never pondered before. When he went to go get Misty back, all he had in mind was his plan. How DID he know when to hug her? When to hold her hand? When to do anything for that matter?

"Ash!" she screamed. Ash woke up from his daydream and saw his red-headed girlfriend's face as red as her hair. This change of pigment however, he was able to pick up that it wasn't blush, it was fury. Something that he hadn't seen in a long time.

"What? What did I do?" he asked quickly. "You didn't answer my question." she said simply. "I dunno Mist…I guess I just went with instincts. It felt…you know…really good to hug you." he said, somewhat hesitantly. "I see. So you reacted on impulse, like you always do." Misty said with irritation. "Yeah, good thing too." Ash said.

"What do you mean 'good thing'?" Misty screamed. "If I didn't, you might not be here right now." Ash said proudly. Misty's furious frown slowly turned into a playful smirk. "Yeah, I guess I wouldn't be. Since you couldn't handle being romantic if my life depended on it." she said teasingly.

"YOUR life? What about MY life?" Ash asked playfully. "Who cares about your life?" she replied just as playfully. "You do, otherwise you wouldn't be here." he said. "Oh yeah? How do you know I'm not here because I want to be here?" Misty said. "Well I – err…I got nothing." Ash admitted with a chuckle. "Just the way it should be." Misty giggled.

After much chuckling and giggling from the two "lovers", they finally returned to the campsite with a plethora of firewood. "Took you guys long enough, I already have everything set up and Brock hasn't even been able to start cooking yet." Dawn whined.

"Sorry, but there's not a whole lot out there." Ash said defensively. "Not a lot of wood? In a forest? Really Ash?" Brock said suspiciously. Ash stammered a bit before Brock and Dawn just rolled their eyes. "Brock, what say we make sure Ash and Misty don't go together without someone to keep their eyes on the prize from now on?" Dawn suggested. "Good idea, from now on Pikachu or one of the other Pokémon need to be behind them to watch them." Brock said.

"Hey, we're not babies! We don't need chaperones!" Misty screamed angrily. "Who said anything about a chaperone? I couldn't care less what you two do in private; all I want is for someone to keep you two moving quickly so we don't starve to death." Dawn said simply.

Instead of retaliating, Misty shrank back and blushed at the notion of her and Ash doing something while they were alone in the woods. "Alright, alright. Relax all of you. I'll get the soup ready, why don't you get your bathing suits on and go play with the Pokémon." Brock suggested.

"Sounds good to me! I haven't had a good swim with my friends in a while!" Ash exclaimed. "And I have to remember to follow Wallace's advice and play with my Pokémon." Dawn added. "It's settled then." Misty said with satisfaction.

The three teens settled into their swimming attire and called out their Pokémon for some much-needed, watery fun.

And while the Pokémon splashed each other, the humans had a little down-time, relaxing in the cool water. Except for Misty who swam a few laps back and forth before settling down. "How do you do that Misty? The swimming without getting tired I mean." Dawn asked. "Like I've said before, I've swam all my life, and it's a great way to keep in shape. Who knows? I may even gain back that extra inch Ash has on me now." Misty joked. "Swimming can make you grow? I should try it sometime, I feel so short next to all of you." Dawn said with a laugh. "You're dreaming Misty, I like being taller than you." Ash quipped back.

"You're the one dreaming! Here, I'll prove it!" Misty exclaimed. Misty splashed Ash with a freezing spray of lake water in his face, laughing the whole time. "Hey!" Ash yelled. Not to be out done, Ash splashed back, and pretty soon a water war had begun.

"Hey! Watch where you're splashing!" Dawn screamed, as she dodged the wide reach of the makeshift waves. After getting splashed by waves from both sides simultaneously, Dawn growled, but then grinned mischievously as a plan popped into her brain.

"Piplup, come here a minute!" Dawn called. Looking back from its other Pokémon friends, Piplup swam over to its soggy master. Dawn whispered her request into its ear, and Piplup got the same grin that was resting on Dawn's face.

Glowing brightly, Piplup formed a 'Whirlpool' and placed it underneath the now screaming couple. "Lift them up!" Dawn ordered. Piplup obliged, and the whirlpool rose in the air with Ash and Misty still inside. "Dawn, let us down!" Ash yelled, shielding his face from the whirlpool's water. "You heard him Piplup, go ahead." Dawn said.

Piplup crossed its arms and the whirlpool vanished. Blinking nervously, Ash and Misty looked at each other for no more than two seconds before dropping down to the water with two yelps and large splashes. After surfacing, Ash and Misty glared at the girl who was laughing hysterically at them.

"You two should've seen your faces!" Dawn gasped between laughing breaths. Face red with fury, Misty waded over to Dawn and stared her down, which immediately made Dawn stop laughing and feel very small next to the water-Pokémon trainer.

"N-Now Misty, i-it was a j-joke, I didn't mean anything." Dawn stammered, fear showing in her dark-blue eyes. Misty did not reply, and she waded over to the water's edge and walked out. "Come on Misty, don't be mad." Dawn said, feeling a little relieved that she had been given some space.

Misty glared at Dawn again, but then grinned mischievously when she reached into her backpack and pulled out a Pokéball. "Misty…you're not gonna…" Brock didn't even bother finish his question; he knew what the answer would be.

Dawn once again felt very small as she realized what Misty was about to do. "C-Come on Misty, let's let bygones be bygones." Dawn squeaked. "Oh don't worry Dawn, I'm not mad, and this won't hurt a bit." Misty reassured, still wearing the familiar grin.

Dawn gulped audibly, which brought a snicker from Ash who was floating a safe distance away. Misty threw out the Pokéball and Gyarados emerged with a roar, which sent Dawn past the point of nervous, and she was now screaming as she tried to swim away as fast as she could.

"Gyarados, you know what to do!" Misty exclaimed. She gave her water-dragon a hand-signal, and Gyarados nodded in understanding. Dawn continued to swim as fast as her arms and legs would allow her, but she was obviously no match for Gyarados, who had now swum beneath her.

Noting Gyarados' absence, and her own fatigue, Dawn stopped and looked around nervously. "M-Misty, please?" Dawn begged. Misty merely gave Dawn a "bye-bye" wave, making Dawn's eyes grow wider than they had ever gotten before.

Dawn felt a disturbance in the water beneath her, and before she knew it, she was screaming at the top of her lungs, floundering like a Magikarp as Gyarados' 'Hydro Pump' held her suspended in mid-air.

"Let me down! Please!" Dawn screamed. Ash joined Misty at the water's edge, wiping away tears of laughter. "Y-You heard her Mist, g-go ahead." Ash said between laughing gasps. Misty gave a simple nod and Gyarados ceased its attack.

Blinking nervously, Dawn dropped like a brick into the water. When she surfaced, she spluttered and spit out the water that had gotten into her mouth from having her mouth open for screaming. "So…are we even?" Dawn asked. "Hmm…not yet." Misty said in a sing-song voice.

Gyarados loomed its mouth over Dawn, who reluctantly looked up and squeaked with fear. "Gyarados, 'Hydro Pump'." Misty said calmly. Gyarados fired right over Dawn's head, drenching the poor girl like she was standing under a waterfall.

After Gyarados finished, Dawn face-faulted and groaned. "Now we're even!" Misty exclaimed, laughing hysterically. Ash and Brock joined in on the laughing fest, as Gyarados gently deposited Dawn to the water's edge. "I think I've had enough water for one day." Dawn moaned.

"Good, because the soup's ready anyway; go dry off guys." Brock said. Ash and Misty helped the soaked coordinator to her feet and went their separate ways to change back into their regular clothes. "(Sigh) Am I the only mature one here?" Brock moaned. "I heard that!" Misty exclaimed from the distance.

Brock averted his gaze back to his cooking pot without another word. Afterwards, the group of teens got food for their Pokémon. "Ok gang, chow time!" Ash exclaimed. The Pokémon responded to Ash's call, and splashed out of the water to enjoy their meals.

"That's some of my special Pokémon food, and I made plenty so eat all you want." Brock said. "How about Charizard and Gyarados?" Ash asked. "Glad you brought them up." Brock replied. Brock reached into his backpack, and pulled out two large plastic containers full of Pokémon food.

"I mixed this special Pokémon food for the bigger Pokémon. It's got extra protein for strength and energy, and iron and calcium for bones. Plus, it'll keep them full without eating excessively." Brock explained. "That's our Brock, maybe you should be a Pokémon Nutritionist instead." Misty said.

"Understanding Pokémon nutrition is just something a breeder needs to know. Along with the many different anatomies of all kinds of Pokémon, their normal eating and sleeping habits, and other things like that." Brock explained. "Well then it seems to me that your job's a lot tougher than being a coordinator." Dawn said. "Not really, I'd probably say the same thing about your thing. We all have something we're inclined to. You're a coordinator, Ash and Misty are battlers, and I'm a breeder." Brock said.

While the discussion involving occupations continued, the eternally hungry Swinub had its eyes set on Piplup's bowl of food. Piplup pulled it away from the pig-Pokémon, and pushed Swinub back before it could get the chance to swallow everything but the bowl itself.

"Uh oh, Swinub's getting greedy again." Misty said. Sensing a fight coming on, Ash's Turtwig stepped in between the two Pokémon and broke up the potential fracas. "That's Turtwig for you." Dawn said. "All of Ash's grass-types seem to be the peacemaker somehow. Remember Bulbasaur?" Misty said. "Yeah, but my Sceptile was nowhere near what Bulbasaur and Turtwig are like." Ash said.

"Yeah, that Sceptile of yours could give Charizard a run for its money in the smugness department." Brock joked. A weak 'Flamethrower' flying over his head quickly caused Brock to rephrase. "N-No offense intended big guy." Brock said nervously. Charizard looked away dismissively, but his face did bear a small smirk.

"Hey wait a second, where'd Gligar go?" Ash asked, looking around. "I haven't seen him since we started playing in the water." Misty said. "I'll find him." Ash said, somewhat hesitantly. Ash got up from his chair and took a deep breath.

"Hey Gligar! C'mere!" Ash yelled. Immediately responding to Ash's call, Gligar seemingly fell out of the sky and followed its routine of landing on top of Ash. "I knew that would work." Ash groaned from underneath the flying/ground-type.

"Ash is like a Gligar magnet." Brock laughed. "So Gligar, where've you been?" Ash asked. Gligar responded by making mini 'X-Scissors' towards the ground. "Whoa, that's 'X-Scissor', does that mean you wanna do some battle training?" Ash asked.

The excited Gligar acknowledged and nodded its head. "That makes sense to me. Especially after Gligar had that frustrating battle with Paul's Gliscor." Brock said. Upon hearing that, Gligar began crying.

"Careful, you're going to get Gligar really depressed." Dawn said. "Uhh…sorry Gligar." Brock said. "So, training huh? So you wanna get stronger right?" Ash asked excitedly. Gligar came out of its state of depression and nodded.

"Awesome! We'll get down to it right after lunch!" Ash exclaimed. "In the meantime, go on and have something to eat." Brock said. Gligar nodded and went over to its bowl, but then began crying. "What's wrong? You don't like the food?" Brock asked.

Gligar held up its bowl and showed the group of teens that someone had eaten all of its food. "Who would do that?" Misty asked accusingly. Her answer was answered when all of the Pokémon's eyes fell on Swinub, who was now sweat-dropping nervously.

"Swinub! Why didn't you just ask for more?" Dawn screamed. Swinub moaned sadly, and then went to apologize to Gligar. After thinking about it for a moment, Gligar accepted the apology.

"That's better." Dawn said satisfactorily. "Here you go Gligar, eat up." Brock said, handing the emotional Pokémon a fresh batch of food. Gligar savagely devoured the small bowl of food.

After lunch, the group cleaned up and went to a nearby clearing for Gligar's special training. "Alright, so who wants to help Gligar train?" Ash asked. "Ash, can I use Buizel against Gligar?" Misty asked hopefully. "Heh, sure thing Mist, just don't think we'll take it easy on you." Ash said.

Gligar and Buizel faced off against each other with determination on their faces. "Ok Gligar, you're in the thick of it! Use your eyes and show that winning glare!" Ash exclaimed. Gligar stepped forward and stared down the water-weasel.

Unfortunately, Buizel's glare intimidated Gligar far too much, as it fell to its knees and cried, begging Buizel to spare it. "Well that's not gonna work. Gligar, you can't give up before you start." Ash said, rubbing the back of his head.

"You're only battling a friend Gligar; you don't have to be scared." Misty reassured. "Exactly, no need to worry!" Dawn added. Gligar ceased its crying and stood tall.

"Alright, use 'X-Scissor' and keep it going!" Ash ordered. Gligar charged ahead and started trying to slash the water-weasel with its claws, but Buizel moved too quickly and was able to dodge with little to no effort.

"Ready Buizel? Use 'Aqua Jet'!" Misty ordered. Following its first orders coming from the water-trainer, Buizel charged ahead at Gligar with incredible speed.

Gligar stopped in its tracks, and stared into the eyes of the oncoming Buizel. The sheer determination that coursed through Buizel's eyes intimidated Gligar and caused it to jump onto Ash's face for protection.

"Aah! Buizel stop!" Misty screamed. It was too late. Buizel's 'Aqua Jet' made contact with both Gligar and Ash, and they both wound up lying on the floor, soaking wet.

"Gligar, what's wrong with you?" Ash yelled angrily. Ash's scolding only made Gligar want to cry even more. "Ash, wait. Getting mad like that will only depress Gligar even more." Dawn said. "Well…yeah, but still…" Ash didn't get to finish defending himself; Dawn had knelt down in front of Gligar to console it.

"Cheer up Gligar, no need to worry, you'll just try a little harder next time and you'll be wonderful." Dawn said, rubbing its head friendlily. Gligar smiled and hugged the blue-haired coordinator in thanks.

"Man, I don't want Gligar to get spoiled." Ash said. "On the other hand, treating Gligar harshly isn't going to get you very far either." Brock said. "I guess you're right." Ash said submissively. "Remember what got you where you are now, stay calm and do what you do best." Misty said, placing a hand on the frustrated trainer's shoulder.

Ash took a deep breath and smiled at his red-headed girlfriend in thanks. "Maybe Buizel's too rough; try someone with a gentler reputation." Misty suggested. Ash nodded and pulled out a Pokéball.

"Turtwig, come on out and give me a hand!" Ash exclaimed. Turtwig emerged from its ball with a happy cry. "You don't mind handling a grass-type, do you Misty?" Ash asked. "A sweetie like Turtwig? No problem." Misty replied. "Tur twig." (Aww thanks.) Turtwig said bashfully.

"Ok, let's see that 'Energy Ball'!" Misty ordered. Turtwig readied its attack, but Gligar had already dropped down to its knees once more. Ash forced himself to stay calm, but frustration was beginning to well up inside of him. "Gligar, if you don't pay attention, you won't be able to dodge!" Ash said, suppressing anger.

Turtwig fired, and Gligar leaped into the air to dodge, but not because Ash wanted it to, only so it could avoid getting fried. Ash took advantage of the situation to bark out an order. "Now, use 'Steel Wing' right from where you are!"

Gligar hesitated, but eventually dive-bombed the small grass-type. But once again, Turtwig's determined face sent Gligar into a panic. It stopped its attack before making contact, swooped back up into the air and headed for Ash once again.

"Oh no…Ash look out!" Misty screamed. Ash sweat-dropped and took off in the opposite direction. "Come on Gligar, not over here!" Ash yelled nervously. "Of course, NOW Gligar can fly straight as an arrow." Dawn moaned. "And if I know Ash, he'll be pretty mad when he gets nailed." Misty said.

"Then we'll have to get you to him before he tears Gligar apart." Brock said. The remaining trio chased after Ash and Gligar. By now, Ash had run out of gas and couldn't run any longer. "Come on Gligar, your opponent's back over there!" he yelled.

It would do no good. Gligar landed onto Ash's face once again, and by now Ash had as much as he could take. "What're you thinking? You're gonna have to stop crying and start toughening up!" he yelled furiously.

Gligar flew off crying, it just couldn't handle its master's scolding. "Gligar, come back!" Ash yelled, suddenly feeling guilty for losing his temper. Misty, Dawn, and Brock came running up only to see Gligar flying off with tears streaming from its eyes.

"Ash, what did you do?" Misty screamed furiously. "I-I…I just acted like Paul." Ash said in disbelief. Misty was about to start another verbal onslaught, but Ash's sorrowful expression softened her. "I've just gotta find Gligar!" Ash exclaimed determinedly.

"Ash, wait up!" Misty shouted. Misty, Dawn, and Brock followed the trainer through the forest, where Ash proceeded to search for his emotional friend.

"Staravia, Charizard, come out and help us find Gligar!" Ash exclaimed. The two flying Pokémon emerged from their balls and immediately took to the skies, although Charizard's liftoff resulted in Ash landing on his butt from the wind Charizard created.

"This is just great…I can't believe I lost my cool like that, now Gligar's out there somewhere." Ash said regretfully. "Don't be so hard on yourself, you just made a mistake, that's all." Brock said consolingly. "That mistake made me lose one of my friends. I can't afford to make mistakes like that." Ash said.

Ash's self-incrimination seemed to justify itself because of the situation, but as usual, Misty would not hear it.

"Ash, you've trained a great bunch of Pokémon, you can't beat yourself up because of one slip-up." Misty said comfortingly. "What are you talking about Mist? You were ready to beat me up yourself a few minutes ago." Ash said. "Well I…I was wrong. And I shouldn't have gotten so angry myself." Misty said apologetically.

"Hey! Here comes Staravia!" Dawn exclaimed. "Staravia, did you find Gligar?" Ash asked hopefully. Staravia acknowledged and motioned for the group to follow. "Charizard, we found Gligar!" Ash yelled out. A roar in the distance assured Ash that he was heard.

"See? Everything's alright now." Misty said happily. "Thanks Mist, I owe you." Ash said gratefully. "I'll add it to your tab." Misty joked. After Charizard appeared and Ash recalled it, the group of teens followed the bird through the forest, and couldn't believe what they saw.

"It can't be." Misty said in awe. "It's the poetry guy's grandson!" Dawn exclaimed. Ash, Misty, and Brock face-faulted at Dawn's comment. "It'd be a lot easier if you used my name." the teen said with a chuckle.

"Hey Gary, what're you doing way out here?" Ash asked. "I was just on my way to Lake Valor to check out that legendary Pokémon you told my grandpa about." Gary replied.

"How can we forget about that?" Misty said. "And who's your foxy friend Ashy boy? Or better question, why's she hanging with you?" Gary asked. Ash quietly growled at Gary's comment. "It's nice to see you again Gary." Misty said calmly.

"Wait a second, do I know you from somewhere?" Gary asked. "Your hair." Dawn said simply. Misty nodded and held her hair in her hand so that it looked like her ponytail was back up. "Well well, if it isn't Ashy boy's girlfriend." Gary said teasingly.

Gary expected denials, but was taken aback when none came. "What? No denials this time?" he asked. "Actually Gary, you hit it right on the head, she IS my girlfriend." Ash said proudly. "So, you finally grew up then eh? It's about time." Gary said teasingly. "I thought the same thing when he came to get me from Cerulean." Misty admitted.

"HE went to get YOU? Wow, that's serious business." Gary snickered. "What's that supposed to mean?" Ash asked somewhat accusingly. "Chill dude, I didn't mean anything. Say, what's up with this Gligar?" Gary asked.

"It's mine. We were just doing some special training." Ash said. "Let me guess, in the middle of your training, Gligar took off." Gary said knowingly. "Gary…how'd you know that?" Ash asked in shock. "Just call it a lucky guess…your training technique leaves a little bit to be desired Ashy boy." Gary said teasingly.

"What was that?" Ash asked angrily. "I must beg to differ; Ash has impressed me with how well he's improved since I left so long ago." Misty said calmly. "You were ranked pretty high among Kanto gym leaders, I COULD take your word for it, but that wouldn't be as much fun." Gary snickered.

"Same old Gary." Misty sneered. "Hey, I'm just offering my help." Gary said surprisingly politely. "Really? That's oddly nice of you." Misty said. "Thanks, but no thanks, come on Gligar, let's try it once more." Ash said.

Instead of obeying, Gligar hid behind Gary's leg in fear. "Sounds like a 'no thank you' to me." Gary said. "Come on Gligar!" Ash yelled, tugging on Gligar's claws. "Maybe you should take Gary's offer to help." Dawn suggested.

"But why?" Ash asked. "Ash, Gary might be able to help you help Gligar, isn't it worth swallowing a little pride?" Misty said. "Just do it for Gligar, it might be best for everybody." Brock added. "Well, I dunno." Ash said hesitantly. "Come on Ash, what have you got to lose?" Gary asked. Ash growled a bit, but eventually gave in to Gary's offer.

The group walked to another clearing, where Gary called out his faithful Umbreon to the battlefield. "It's Gligar versus Umbreon; we'll be able to show you a thing or two." Gary said. "We won't go easy on ya! Now, Gligar, 'Steel Wing'!" Ash ordered.

After a bit of flapping, Gligar jumped into the air and dive-bombed the dark-type. "Umbreon, 'Shadow Ball'!" Gary countered. Umbreon fired, and the attack made a clean miss, nevertheless, Gligar freaked out and turned back to Ash for the fourth time that day.

"And that's the way it turns out every time." Misty groaned, as she helped Ash back to his feet. "I think I know why! Gligar freaks out easily when facing an opponent." Gary said. "Come on Gligar, don't you wanna get strong?" Ash asked. Gligar nodded, but its face showed sadness.

"Even though Gligar wants to get strong, as soon as any battling begins a huge wave of uncontrollable fear takes over." Brock said. "Kind of like when Misty sees a bug-Pokémon." Dawn added. "Yes…thank you…" Misty hissed. Dawn sweat-dropped and apologized.

"Alright, so the first thing we have to work on is getting over that fear." Gary said. "And how do you do that?" Dawn asked. "You focus in and concentrate!" Ash exclaimed, sure that his answer was correct.

"Ash, I guess you'll never change. The most important thing about working with 'Steel Wing' is to jump as high as you can, so if we can master that, no doubt Gligar will have LOTS more confidence in battle." Gary explained.

"That's great! Gary sure gives instructions a lot better than Ash." Dawn said, impressed by Gary's intuition and knowledge. "I heard that!" Ash yelled angrily. A wink from Misty calmed his nerves. "Guess you weren't kidding after all." Gary said. "We wouldn't lie about something so personal." Misty said cheerfully.

"Anyway, the way to get Gligar some extra height is for it to use its tail like a spring before it takes off." Gary explained. "Hey, we already kinda know how to do that with Pikachu's 'Iron Tail'!" Ash exclaimed. "Good, then there should be no problem." Gary said.

"Ok Gligar, use the end of your tail like a spring when you jump!" Ash exclaimed determinedly. With newfound confidence, Gligar nodded. "Ready when you are Ash." Gary said. "Gligar, 'Steel Wing', go!" Ash ordered.

Gligar followed through with its instructions and leaped really high into the air. "What a jump!" Ash said in awe. Gligar seemed ok for a moment, but then freaked out when it realized how high up it really was. Gligar fell back to earth and landed on the only spot physically possible: Ash's face.

"Oh come on." Misty groaned. "Now Gligar has to deal with the fear of heights." Brock said. "We've got a problem alright." Gary said. "Thanks for that, now tell us something we don't know." Misty said. "Still fiery as ever I see." Gary said teasingly. Misty merely crossed her arms and turned away.

"Anyway, how much battling has Gligar done?" Gary asked. "Not much…Gligar got beaten really badly battling a Gliscor…maybe that's why Gligar's so scared now." Dawn suggested. "Yeah…makes sense…getting beaten by an evolved form can be scary." Gary said.

"So what do we do now?" Ash asked. "Hey! I know! We'll evolve Gligar!" Gary exclaimed, pulling an object out of his pocket. "What's that?" Dawn asked. "It's a Razor Fang." Brock replied. "You mean you could turn Gligar into a Gliscor like it was a stone?" Misty asked. "Exactly! With this, all of Gligar's skills will improve and we can put the brakes on all of that fear." Gary said, placing the fang into Ash's palm.

"Gee, thanks Gary." Ash said sincerely. Gligar loved the idea of evolving and desperately reached for the small object. "Calm down Gligar, evolving is no substitute for some honest, hard work. You can evolve AFTER you conquer your fear." Ash said, holding the small item out of reach. Ash held out his arm in a 'stop' fashion, telling Gligar to stop jumping up and down. Gligar acknowledged, but sadly.

"That's yet another mistake on your part." A voice said. The group turned around and saw Paul standing there with his hands in his pockets. "So, this another friend of yours?" Gary asked. "Not exactly." Misty hissed. "What are you doing here Paul?" Ash asked.

"I was looking for a water-type worth catching. But then I wound up finding you here, failing as usual at training your Pokémon." Paul said. "What did you say?" Ash yelled furiously. "Wow, Ash never even got that mad with ME." Gary said in awe. "Paul's been breathing down Ash's neck for a while; you'd understand why he makes Ash so mad if you knew how Paul treats his Pokémon." Dawn explained.

"So, you must be Ashy boy's new rival then. The name's Gary, Ash's former rival." Gary said. "I can't consider anyone as weak as him to be my rival, and I don't want to have anything to do with someone who ever even considered him a rival." Paul said smugly.

"I see. Fine by me then." Gary said dismissively. "As for you, I can't imagine why you won't evolve your Gligar right now." Paul said. "Because evolving is a shortcut, I don't take shortcuts anymore." Ash said. "Spoken just like a fool, you still don't understand what it means to have strong Pokémon." Paul said.

"That did it! I've had just about enough of you and your attitude! You think you're so great? Then how about you and me have a battle right now?" Misty screamed furiously, clenching Gyarados' Pokéball in her hand. Gary gently pushed the fuming girl back and stared Paul down.

"You know, as Ash's former rival, I can't help but feel that I should battle you to see if you can efficiently give him some trouble like I did." Gary said. "Gee…thanks Gary." Ash mumbled. "So whaddya say Paul? How about you and me have a battle?" Gary offered.

"I don't have time to deal with the likes of you; I have other things to worry about." Paul said, as he turned to leave. Before Paul could get far, Ash whispered something into Gary's ear.

"Hey Paul!" Gary yelled. "What now?" Paul asked. "Before you reject my challenge, why don't you see what you'll be fighting against?" Gary replied. Gary threw out a Pokéball, and his Electivire emerged soon after.

"So…you still don't want to battle?" Gary asked. "I think I'll enjoy showing you how a trained Pokémon battles." Paul said smugly.

"Fine then, two-on-two sound good?" Gary asked. "Fine by me…Gliscor, stand by for battle!" Paul threw out a Pokéball, and his Gliscor emerged and glared at the frightened Gligar, who hid behind Ash's leg in fear. "Why…that creep! Paul chose Gliscor just to give Gligar another panic attack!" Misty hissed.

"Let's not jump to conclusions; after all, if Gary goes with Electivire, then Gliscor does have the type advantage." Brock said. "So, it wasn't just any Gliscor, Ash's Gligar fought YOUR Gliscor." Gary said. "What's your point?" Paul asked.

"Well it was a smart move to come after me with a ground-type, thing is…I'm not using Electivire right away so you might want to reconsider your choice." Gary said. "We'll see." Paul replied.

Gary recalled Electivire and pulled out another Pokéball. "Ok Blastoise, let's do it!" Gary's faithful starter Pokémon emerged with a loud battle cry. "Gliscor, return." Paul said.

"An unusually smart move by Paul, Blastoise would've had a serious advantage against Gliscor." Misty said. "Alright, Torterra, stand by for battle!" Paul threw out another Pokéball, and this time his starter Pokémon emerged and roared.

"So, a grass-type eh? You do realize that Torterra is also a ground-type, and water-type attacks will be able to damage it." Gary said. "Skip the lesson and battle." Paul replied smugly. "Have it your way." Gary said dismissively, "You go first."

"Torterra, use 'Frenzy Plant'!" Paul ordered. Torterra acknowledged and vines began shooting out of the ground and smacking Blastoise all around.

"That 'Frenzy Plant' had a lot of power! Gary can't lose already!" Dawn exclaimed worriedly. "Don't count Gary out just yet." Ash said. "That Blastoise of his is really something." Misty added.

Torterra ran out of energy and was forced to rest in order to catch its breath. "Nice job withstanding that, Blastoise." Gary praised. Blastoise turned and gave a thumbs-up to its master. "Now use 'Hydro Pump'!" Gary ordered.

Blastoise fired a powerful spray of water from its shell cannons, and the helpless Torterra took the hit dead-on. "Awesome! A direct hit!" Dawn cheered. Dawn's cheering would be unjustified however, as Torterra merely shook it off.

"How'd it pull that off?" Gary yelled in shock. "Use 'Leaf Storm'!" Paul ordered. The rested Torterra shook the huge tree on its back and launched a flurry of leaves at the giant turtle. "Use 'Withdraw'!" Gary countered.

Merely a few seconds before the leaves made contact, Blastoise withdrew into its shell to protect its body from maximum damage. "Now use 'Hyper Beam'!" Paul ordered. Torterra opened its mouth and fired a large beam at the withdrawn turtle.

"Blastoise, use 'Hydro Cannon'!" Gary countered. Blastoise quickly emerged from its shell and fired its most powerful attack to try and match the 'Hyper Beam'.

The attacks battled for superiority before an explosion took place in the middle of the field. Now the two Pokémon had to rest after launching such powerful attacks.

"Paul has the advantage over Blastoise because of the attacks Torterra can use, but on the other hand, almost all of Torterra's moves have a side effect that hinders the next move." Brock explained. "So it all depends on strategy then." Misty said. "But from personal experience, I know that Paul prefers to overpower his opponents, so Gary might have a little help from that." Ash added.

"Torterra, use 'Leaf Storm'!" Paul ordered. Torterra launched the leaves again, and they flew towards Blastoise at a noticeably slower speed than last time. "Use 'Withdraw'!" Gary countered. Blastoise hid in its shell once more, and the leaves bounced off with little to no damage being done.

"Every time Paul has Torterra use 'Leaf Storm', Torterra's special attack stat lowers dramatically, so soon even moves like 'Frenzy Plant' won't do much damage at all." Brock explained.

"Alright Blastoise, use 'Ice Beam'!" Gary ordered. Blastoise acknowledged and fired two freezing beams at the continent-Pokémon, who growled in pain when the attack made contact. "Awesome Gary! You taught Blastoise how to use 'Ice Beam'!" Ash exclaimed. "Of course! Just because I'm not training for leagues anymore doesn't mean I sit around doing nothing." Gary replied.

"You're just like him!" Paul yelled. "Him who?" Misty wondered. "Dunno, he wasn't looking at me." Ash replied. "Torterra, use…huh?" Paul stopped when he realized that Torterra had been frozen solid by Blastoise's 'Ice Beam'.

"T-Torterra…" Paul said, struggling to maintain his cool demeanor. The teens on the sidelines stared in awe. "I've never seen Paul hesitate like that." Ash said in awe. "Could that mean that Paul actually cares about Torterra?" Misty whispered.

"Torterra, return." Paul said. The red beam sent the frozen grass/ground-type back into its ball. Instead of scolding it however, Paul merely stared at it for a moment before placing it back onto his belt. "Electabuzz, stand by for battle!" Paul threw out another Pokéball and his electric-type emerged and growled.

"Your move." Gary said. "Electabuzz, use 'Thunder'!" Paul ordered. Electabuzz fired, and the sheer speed that the attack had caught Gary by surprise, as Blastoise took full damage from the lightning bolt. "Aah! Blastoise!" Gary yelled. Blastoise stood for a moment, but eventually fainted from the force of the attack.

"Blastoise is unable to battle, the winner is Electabuzz." Brock announced. Gary recalled his old friend and smiled. "Nice job pal, take a break." Gary said, "Well Paul, looks like you earned the chance to battle Electivire."

Gary reached for his Electivire's Pokéball, but before he could throw it out onto the field, a rumbling was heard and felt. "What the?" Gary exclaimed suddenly.

Jessie: "A clueless twerp is certainly nothing new."

James: "You're all pros at not having a clue!"

Jessie: "Face the facts."

James: "For a change."

Meowth: "Stinks to be you!"

Jessie: "We're bringing chaos at a breakneck pace."

James: "We'll dash all hope and put fear in its place."

Jessie: "A small reunion for the twerps I see."

James: "But without us you're short by three."

Jessie: "Jessie!"

James: "And James!"

Meowth: "Meowth makes it triple, you see?"

Jessie: "Putting you do-gooders in your place."

James: "We're Team Rocket."

Team Rocket: "In your face!"

"As if we didn't already have an unwelcome visitor!" Misty screamed. "Don't you guys EVER get tired of being lame?" Gary asked. "Shut up and check out our Gliscor-bot!" Meowth yelled.

Team Rocket indeed did have a new weapon. A robotic contraption that resembled a Gliscor in all aspects of the word. "Pathetic. Electabuzz, use 'Thunder'." Paul ordered calmly. Electabuzz fired, but Meowth had a backup plan.

He used his remote control to make the robot wedge its tail into the ground, so the electricity did nothing at all. "Ha ha ha! Now dat we've shown our new bot's battle power, we'll take dat Gligar of yours!" Meowth exclaimed.

The machine screeched out a scratchy "Gliscor" as it fired its specially designed tail to grab a hold of the small Gligar. Gligar screeched for help as it was dragged away like a fish caught on a hook. "Now that's a tail with some real torque." James said. "Stop it right now!" Ash yelled. "No chance dork!" Meowth exclaimed back.

"And since we need some power of our own, we'll take some of your Pokémon before we leave you alone!" Jessie exclaimed. Jessie threw out a Pokéball and Yanmega emerged and swooped down on the group of teens.

While everyone swatted at the dragonfly-Pokémon, Misty merely curled up into a ball, squealing at the bug/flying-type that was harassing her. Before they knew it, Yanmega had stolen Gyarados, Blastoise, and even Paul's Torterra.

"Hey, give them back!" Misty and Gary shouted. "If you don't give back Torterra right now, you won't live to see another day!" Paul threatened. Paul's threat fell on deaf ears as the member of Team Rocket merely laughed and began gaining altitude.

"What do you care cruel twerp?" James asked. "Just go and catch another one. That's what you always do." Jessie added. "Too da loo!" Team Rocket exclaimed. They gained even more altitude, but Ash just barely managed to grab onto the Gliscor bot's tail.

"No ya don't! Gligar, Gyarados, Blastoise, and Torterra are coming back with me!" Ash yelled. "We don't need the extra ballast." James said. "Drat, he's dragging us down." Jessie added. "I'll fix you! Staravia, Charizard, stop Team Rocket!" Ash yelled.

The two flying-types charged the robot with incredible speed, but Team Rocket was not about to give up their haul without a fight. "Seviper, use 'Haze'! And Yanmega, use 'Silver Wind'!" Jessie ordered. Seviper joined Yanmega in the battle, and launched the attacks at the two incoming Pokémon.

Staravia was completely overwhelmed by the combined attacks and crashed onto the ground in front of the other teens with a bang. When the smoke cleared, Staravia had fainted; however, Charizard had survived the attack and was determined to stay on course.

"Drat, that monstrous monster won't go down!" Jessie exclaimed. "Den we'll just hafta force it down!" Meowth exclaimed. Meowth pushed a button on his control pad, and one of the Gliscor bot's claws fired like a torpedo towards the fire/flying-type. Charizard fought to stay in the air, but the rocket firing from the other end of the claw was pushing hard, and Charizard had already been weakened by the other attack.

In the end, Charizard gave in and landed almost exactly in the same place Staravia did. It didn't faint, but it was well wedged into the ground. Another 'Haze' attack from Seviper finished the job, as Team Rocket seemingly disappeared.

"They're gone!" Brock exclaimed. "And they have Ash with them!" Misty exclaimed worriedly. "Don't worry, we'll find them!" Gary exclaimed determinedly. After having Happiny break Charizard free of its prison, Charizard growled into the sky, determined to find its master at all costs.

"Sorry big guy, but we'll need you since Team Rocket stole our strongest Pokémon." Brock said. Charizard grunted, but eventually gave in to the wishes of the eldest teen. "Paul, are you coming?" Brock asked. After a bit of hesitation, Paul opened his eyes and responded. "Fine, but only because I didn't get the chance to have Electabuzz fight that punk's Electivire."

"Fair enough, follow me you guys!" Gary exclaimed. The group barely ran for five seconds before Brock tripped on something. "It's Ash's Pokéballs." Misty said worriedly. "That means Ash doesn't have ANY help?" Dawn asked nervously. "Ash has Gligar, and that'll have to do." Gary said.

"Now you see why you should evolve Pokémon as soon as possible." Paul said. "Don't…start…or you'll wind up being carried instead of walking with us." Misty threatened menacingly. Paul was unfazed by Misty's face of stone, but said nothing more.

Ash's POV

Team Rocket had placed me and Gligar in a cage, a rather cramped one at that. It was times like these that made me wish I hadn't grown so tall, the cage would've been less claustrophobic. After the sun began to set, Team Rocket landed in a canyon, assured that the gang wouldn't find us. Gligar as usual was nervous and frightened, and I was getting irritated again, but then I remembered what got me in this situation in the first place. Acting harsh like Paul would get me nowhere; it was time to do what I did best.

"Calm down Gligar, the way they're eating, they'll fall asleep soon and we can escape! Take it from someone who knows: There's nothing like a nap after a meal."

It was true, Team Rocket was snarfing down cans of food almost three at a time, even I couldn't eat that fast. Gligar snickered at my joke and seemingly calmed down, I could only wonder however how Misty was holding up, I was really worried myself.

Normal POV

The sun was going down as the group followed the Pokémon Researcher through the forest. "We haven't found Ash and Gligar yet, and the sun's going down." Dawn said worriedly. "I know this terrain like the back of my hand, there just aren't that many places around here that Team Rocket's balloon could have touched down." Gary said.

"We've just gotta find them, I'm really worried about Ash." Misty said. "Why are you so concerned?" Gary asked. Misty dropped her jaw in disbelief. "What part of 'Ash and Misty are boyfriend and girlfriend' don't you understand?" Misty asked.

"Oh please, like I'm gonna believe that Ashy boy actually grew up and got an official girl." Gary snickered. "But earlier you said…" Misty stammered.

"Just a stunt to prove me wrong, that's something Ash would do after all." Gary said. "It's true!" Misty exclaimed. "This is a waste of time. Let's just find them so I can battle that Electivire." Paul said. "You arrogant creep! Don't you care about anything at all?" Misty screamed.

"I thought I made that clear already." Paul said. Misty had had enough. Misty yanked out her mallet and charged the purple-haired boy to give him a concussion he couldn't forget even if he caught amnesia.

Brock attempted to grab her and stop her, but he reacted too late. Unfazed by Misty's charging, Paul stood tall. "You wouldn't dare." Paul said smugly.

She'd dare. With a loud bang, Paul was knocked unconscious by the power of Misty's mallet. "I've been wanting to do that forever!" Misty exclaimed. "Great Misty, except he'll be really mad when he wakes up." Brock moaned. "I'll take that chance." Misty said simply.

Charizard picked Paul off of the ground and slung him over its shoulder until whenever he would wake up. "Now…what's it gonna take for you to believe it Gary?" Misty asked, mallet still in hand. "Put that mallet away first, you're making me nervous." Gary said. Misty swung her mallet just to give Gary a little jumpstart, and then she put it back to wherever she got it from.

"That's better…so, you wanna prove it eh Red?" Gary said. "That's what I said." Misty replied. "Alright then, here's what I want: When we find Ashy boy, I want you to run up to him and give him a kiss, ON THE LIPS, and if he kisses you back, I'll be convinced." Gary said, sure that Misty would refuse.

"Yeah, I wanna see that too!" Dawn exclaimed. "Need I state the obvious?" Brock added. "Guys!" Misty whined. "So Red, is it a deal?" Gary asked. "It's a deal." Misty said, much to Gary's surprise. "Boy, the things you do to make a joke." Gary said. "Well Gary, let's hurry it up so you can get your proof." Misty said determinedly.

"Fine then, let's go this way." Gary said. "We're right behind you Gary." Dawn said. And so the group of teens followed Gary into a canyon, and it wasn't long before the moon was shining in the sky.

Ash's POV

As I had predicted, Team Rocket fell asleep after the huge meal, although their grotesque sleeping habits made me a bit queasy. I thought to myself if I looked that way after a meal, I sure hoped not, Misty wouldn't appreciate it much. If there was ever a time to escape, the time was now. But I had dropped my Pokéballs before getting captured, so I didn't have any help, except for Gligar. If Gligar didn't step up now, I'd be in serious trouble.

"Great, now we can get out of here. Quick, face the bars and then use 'X-Scissor'." I said quietly, so as not to wake them up. Gligar acknowledged and slashed at the bars of the cage, but they didn't even budge. "One more time!" I said. Gligar tried again, but failed just as before.

I was about to order Gligar to try again, but the tears in its eyes stopped me. Gligar held up its claws for me to see, and showed me that they were turning red from slamming them against the bars. I smiled and reassured Gligar that I wasn't mad.

"Here, let me give it a try." I said. I slammed my shoulder into the bars of the cage as hard as I could, and boy did it hurt. When I looked at Gligar's face, it showed that it was awe-stricken. "One more time!" I slammed my shoulder into the cage again, and my hat actually fell off from the impact.

I didn't really think I could bust down the bars, but maybe I could encourage Gligar to fight the pain and try again. My training technique meant being one with Pokémon, that included trying what they try. But my shoulder was really hurting now.

I placed my hat back on my head and slammed into the cage one more time. This time I actually fell backwards from the pain of ramming into the bars. By now my shoulder felt numb, but I had to keep going. Just then, Gligar asked to try again, my plan had worked.

"Alright, 'X-Scissor' one more time!" I ordered. Gligar complied and slashed the bars of the cage, but it got no farther than I did. Gligar winced at the stinging pain, but showed no signs of giving up. With another slash, Gligar managed to loosen one of the bars, the first good sign of our attempt to escape.

"Just a little more, let's do it together! One, two, three!" On three we rammed at the bars together, and we finally regained our freedom as the bars collapsed. "Yeah Gligar, way to go!" I praised. Gligar happily accepted the praise, feeling more confident than it ever had before.

I sneaked around the camp, looking for the three Pokéballs that Team Rocket had stolen. Luckily, they had carelessly left them lying on the floor next to them, taking them back would be a cinch. I grabbed Gyarados and Blastoise, and then I reached for Torterra, but then I thought of something.

"Why should I have to take care of Paul's Pokémon? Leaving Torterra here with Team Rocket would give Paul his just-desserts."

But then I thought of something else. I remembered the look of concern that had snuck its way onto Paul's face for a second when Blastoise froze it solid.

"I can't do it. It just wouldn't be right. Even if he doesn't care about his other Pokémon, Paul must have a soft spot somewhere for Torterra."

I made up my mind and stuffed Torterra's Pokéball into my pocket, and then I tiptoed away to where Gligar was waiting for me. "I've got 'em! Let's move!" I exclaimed quietly.

Once we were out of ear-shot of Team Rocket, we ran as fast as we could. It wasn't long before we encountered…

"A hanging bridge. And a rickety one at that." I said. Gligar looked on with fear. The bridge looked like it could fall any second, there were holes where some of the wooden planks had fallen, and the ropes suspending the bridge looked old and weak. But it was the only way across, now I really wished I had Charizard with me.

"C'mon, let's go." I said. Gligar looked at me like I was crazy, but eventually gave in and clutched tightly to my leg. A sudden gust of wind almost knocked me and Gligar over, but I managed to hold on until the wind died down. If I fell now, my life would end, because there was nothing down below except the hard ground, and it was a LONG way down.

I carefully made my way across the bridge, but my heart stopped when the rope I was holding suddenly snapped. My entire life flashed before my eyes as the entire bridge collapsed while we fell. But I quickly grabbed onto a piece of rope that hadn't snapped yet and held on tight.

And just my luck, when I crashed into the canyon wall, I had slammed my already badly bruised shoulder, now it wasn't just numb, I thought my shoulder didn't exist anymore.

"Ok Gligar, you've gotta hang on tight!" I exclaimed. It was a good thing that all the training I did kept me in shape; not only did I have to hold my weight, but Gligar's as well. The only thing that got me to climb up the rope was the will to live and see another day.

After I reached the top, I dropped to my hands and knees, breathing heavily with both relief and fatigue. I clutched my badly hurt shoulder, which I thought couldn't possibly hurt anymore than it did at the moment.

Gligar made a nervous squeak, which I responded to gently. "I'm telling ya Gligar, you've got to stop worrying. Now the first thing we have to do is find another way to cross." I said.

I looked around and saw exactly what would do the trick. "I've got it…that'll work! Ok Gligar, use 'Steel Wing' to knock down that tree!" I ordered. Using Gary's spring trick, Gligar leaped into the air and hovered over the tree.

"That's it! Now give it all you got!" I cheered. I could tell that Gligar was nervous, but I couldn't have been prouder when Gligar sucked in its fear and slammed into the tree in an attempt to knock it down. Unfortunately, Gligar didn't get enough power into it and ended up being knocked back.

I saw that Gligar's claws were badly hurt now, but much to my surprise, Gligar got up and stared down the tree with a determination I had never seen it have before. "Use 'Steel Wing'!" I ordered. Gligar fearlessly leaped into the air once more.

"All you have to do is keep believing in yourself!" I cheered. Gligar apparently believed, because it knocked over the tree so fast that I couldn't believe it myself. "You did it Gligar! You did it!" I cheered.

Me and Gligar did a playful little dance to celebrate, and I pulled the Razor Fang out of my pocket. "I'm proud of you Gligar, you know what that means? You can use the Razor Fang and evolve if you want." I said. My emotional friend hugged me in sheer glee, its dreams were about to come true. Or so we thought.

"Alright jail-breakers, we'll take it from here." James said. "Back in the twerp box for you." Jessie added. "Can't you guys just give it a rest?" I yelled. "What? And miss out on playing with toys and messing with you?" Meowth replied.

"One Gligar please." James said. "Ta go!" Meowth exclaimed. The Gliscor-bot's tail fired again to grab Gligar, but I wouldn't let that happen again. I grabbed Gligar and took the hit for it, and ended up being suspended in mid-air.

There was only one thing to do. "Quick Gligar, you've gotta get moving!" I said. I dropped Gligar down the canyon, sure that it would know what to do.

"The twerp flipped!" Jessie screamed. "Bad twerp!" James yelled. "No you don't!" I yelled back. I tried to climb out of the clutches of their machine, but my shoulder just couldn't handle anymore. I slipped and fell down the canyon, and the first thing that came to my mind was that I'd never see Misty or any of my friends again.

But when I ended up passing Gligar in freefall, my hopes lifted. "Gligar, heads up! The Razor Fang, grab it!" I yelled. Gligar did, and when the white evolution light dissipated, Gligar was now a Gliscor.

I didn't have much time to be happy about it though, the ground was coming up fast. Luckily though, Gliscor swooped down and caught me in its claws, just in the nick of time. "Thanks Gliscor, what a catch!" I said. We weren't out of trouble yet though, Team Rocket had followed us down the canyon.

"Hey, Gligar's evolved into Gliscor." Meowth said. "Good, the spitting image of our Gliscor-bot." Jessie added. "That means OUR Gliscor will have someone to look up to." James added.

"Gliscor's MINE! Right Gliscor?" I exclaimed. Gliscor responded without even looking at me, it saw only its target: Team Rocket.

"Launching robo-tail!" Meowth exclaimed. Meowth pushed another button and the tail made a beeline for Gliscor. "X-Scissor', go!" I ordered. With new and incredible power, Gliscor easily deflected the tail with its attack. "Right on target!" I cheered.

I heard voices calling my name, and when I turned around I saw Misty and the others running towards me.

Normal POV

Upon seeing her beloved boyfriend, Misty ran ahead of the others to greet Ash with what she promised. She pressed her lips against his as she embraced the surprised trainer in a tight hug. And as surprised as Ash was, he had no trouble adjusting and kissed her back.

"I don't believe it!" Gary exclaimed in disbelief. "Well, you got your proof now." Dawn said as she gushed at the couple.

Misty broke the kiss and stared into Ash's chocolate-brown eyes. "I was so worried." she said. "I'm alright, hey, what happened to Paul?" Ash asked, noting that Charizard still had Paul hanging over his shoulder.

"Well…let's just say that he had a run in with something hard." Misty said, pulling out her mallet. Ash laughed and handed Misty and Gary back their Pokéballs. "Ash, is that who I think it is?" Brock asked. "You bet, my Gligar evolved into Gliscor." Ash replied.

"Awesome! And I can't get over how much stronger Gliscor's looking now." Dawn said. "Too bad Paul's not awake; he should see what real training can do." Misty said. "I still have to give him back Torterra too." Ash said.

"Not that this little reunion isn't interesting, but we do have a schedule to keep." Jessie said. "Get a load of an 'X-Scissor' with some REAL zizz!" Meowth exclaimed. The two claws of the Gliscor-bot fired.

"Gliscor, intercept with 'X-Scissor', now!" Ash ordered. Gliscor complied and launched its own attack to counter Team Rocket's, except this time it was knocked back slightly from the resulting explosion. "Gliscor, quick! Use your tail!" Ash yelled.

Gliscor grabbed onto a nearby branch with its tail, and started swinging on it to gain some momentum. "Alright, fly straight up!" Ash ordered. Gliscor acknowledged and met up with the Gliscor-bot in mid-air.

"Now, 'Steel Wing'!" Ash ordered. Gliscor charged the robot with breathtaking power, but Team Rocket seemed unfazed. "I think now would be a good time to show that our Gliscor-bot is more than just a pretty face." James said. "Heavy metal's never been so cool." Jessie added. "Our Gliscor-bot's steel wings rule!" Meowth yelled.

Team Rocket and their machine charged to face Gliscor in a duel of power. "Ok, get in there!" Ash yelled. The impact was made, and for a moment it seemed that Gliscor hadn't even scratched it. But a few seconds later, the robot split in half, leaving Team Rocket in an awkward position.

"Check it out!" Ash cheered. "No thank you!" Team Rocket exclaimed. "Wow, Gliscor sure looks strong." Gary said. "Yeah, and in total sync with Ash." Dawn added. Unnoticed by the gang, Paul was coming around.

The robot crashed onto the ground with a loud clatter, and Gliscor crashed into Ash affectionately. "Oh brother." Misty moaned. "Guess old habits die hard." Dawn said with a sweat-drop.

"Dat Gliscor's so big; one wrong move and da bosses' melon would be mush!" Meowth yelled. "Will you quit digressing?" James yelled. "Shut your mush-melon Meowth and help!" Jessie screamed.

"Ok Pikachu, use…huh?" Ash stopped when Paul charged ahead holding a Pokéball. "Electabuzz, stand by for battle!" he yelled.

Electabuzz emerged and launched a 'Thunder' attack at Team Rocket, who was sent blasting off when the robot exploded. "We're blasting off again!" *Ping*

As the group watched Team Rocket disappear from sight, the sun rose over the horizon in a grand display. "Hey, thanks Paul." Ash said. Paul walked by Ash without responding.

"Hey Paul, here's Torterra back!" Ash yelled. Ash tossed Torterra's Pokéball to Paul who caught it and stared at it for a few moments before turning to walk away. "Hey Paul, don't you wanna battle Electivire?" Gary asked. "I've wasted enough time here. I'm gone." Paul said without turning around.

The group watched the seemingly heartless trainer walk away, sure that they had seen a side of Paul that they most likely would never see again.

Afterwards, the group walked back to the forest to say goodbye to Gary. Ash's shoulder had been wrapped in a bandage to heal on the way. "Thanks Gary, you really helped us a lot." Ash said sincerely. "I didn't do anything." Gary said. "What do you mean?" Ash asked.

"Ash, truth is YOU were the one who got us through all the rough spots." Gary said. Ash put his good hand behind his head and chuckled sheepishly. "Well if you say so, thanks." he said. "It's too bad you're off the market Red, I always thought you were kinda cute. You're my type after all." Gary said.

"Maybe…but Ash is more MY type." Misty replied, playfully sticking her tongue out at Gary. "Ashy boy, you make sure you treat her right." Gary said. "I wouldn't do anything less." Ash said.

"I hope you get a chance to see that legendary Pokémon." Brock said. "Thanks. I usually catch a break when I'm at the lake." Gary said.

Suddenly, Dawn gasped in realization. "Dawn, what's wrong?" Ash asked. "Gary just said: 'I usually catch a break when I'm at the lake'. That's a poem if I ever heard one! But what do you expect from the grandson of a poet?" Dawn said cheerfully.

Ash, Misty, and Brock sweat-dropped at that. Gary just chuckled sheepishly. "Ok then, here's another one Dawn. Stay healthy and strong and you'll NEVER go wrong." Gary said.

"Good one Gary." Ash said. "Words to live by!" Dawn exclaimed with shining eyes of admiration. "Well guys, it was nice seeing you again, later." Gary said. "Take care Gary." Ash said.

Gary turned to leave, and as soon as he was out of sight, Ash snuck a peek at Misty. "So, he thought you were cute huh?" Ash said. "At least he obviously has good taste." Misty joked. "And Gliscor, when it comes to serious training, we're just warming up." Ash said. Gliscor responded with a determined grunt.

The group turned to leave themselves, as they continued down the road of Sinnoh.
_

A/N: Ha! I bet you weren't expecting Paul to show up! And due to popular demand, Misty finally gave Paul his much-needed lump. xD Hope you guys enjoyed this chapter, and please review.